Properly integrated between urban modernity and historic heritage, the 600 years old Korean capital, Seoul, can give a perfect idea of the country culture. The city has the typical appearance of a modern concrete jungle, but a new trend is rising, with the noble idea of softening steel and cement with a green system of parks. Culture and history have always been taken in high esteem; after having prioritized economic growth, this new eco path is definitely leading Seoul to be a perfect destination for a sustainable traveler. Eco tour, green accommodation and organic food will be treated in the following Seoul guide.
Moving around in Seoul
Getting around in Seoul could be easy, as long as you known Korean! Train and bus services are reliable and punctual, clean and safe, but for the majority there is a lack of English by the drivers. So, the subway is fine because there are maps in English for the main stops and routes, and also announcements are bilingual; buses could be a problem in case you need information about a stop.
All in all, moving in Seoul is easy unless you want to explore some off the beaten track places in town, otherwise everything should be smooth.
Official websites are in Korean, www.ti21.co.kr and www.easyticket.co.kr, so this source on Dong Seoul Bus Terminal could be useful.
Speaking of sustainability, Seoul boasts a couple of very interesting innovations. The first one, still a test, is a magnetic eco-bus, named Olev (On line electric vehicle), which is able to move using magnetic induction and no batteries. At the moment is serving visitors in an amusement park in Seoul but, if this experiment is successful, authorities could apply it to the public transport.
The other important news deals with an eco-friendly bus, serving the Mt. Namsan circular routes. Carbon composite materials have been used for the body, reducing the weight of the vehicle. It is full electric and designed for wheelchair access.
Bicycle is a popular mean of transportation, and they estimated that around 10 millions of Koreans have at least one. Moreover, there are almost 800 Kms of paved bike paths, connecting different spots in Seoul.
The choice is for everybody: from the quiet and scenic south bank of the Han River to the more demanding Seoul’s mountain highways.
Eco tours
Walking around a city is usually the best way to discover it; it allows to find the secluded corners, to look at the real life happening and to taste delicious and authentic food. Seoul Welcome offers organized walking and food tours, along with a guide who translates and explains the different facets of this ancient and fascinating culture.
For the ones who are running short of time, there is also the option of a hop-on hop-off tour bus to visit Seoul attractions.
A new, green, great concept to develop ecotourism in Seoul is the Bike Guide: an electric bus, powered by solar panels, that combines the need of public transportation and the pleasure of using a bike. For this reason, the Bike Guide is equipped with a docking system and removable bikes. Once it gets to an attraction, the bikes are undocked and can be used to visit the area.
Green accommodation in Seoul
Green stay in Seoul is not well promoted yet, but you’ll always find a sustainable accommodation for your eco-journey. Studio41 is an affordable, eco-friendly hostel that uses local food for breakfast, recycles and composts waste. It also features a rooftop garden available for guests to harvest green products.
Organic food and vegetarian restaurants
Organic and vegan food is spread out around South Korea and Seoul is the core centre.
Raw salad and mushrooms, vegan and gluten free food make the Loving Hut one of the best options for conscious and healthy travelers. Look at their website to find the different locations throughout Seoul.
Photo credit: Ornellas