Foreign tourists pick Seoul`s top 30 sites

"Watching the Korean young men and women selling their used things to earn pocket-money was very wonderful. It was much more impressive than going to some tourist attraction."

An American, Albert Norman, 55, of Washington, D.C., remarked as he wrapped up his five-night, six-day travel in Korea on Nov. 11. During his travel through Korea, he considered his visit to the N-Generation Flea Market near an open field beside the National Medical Center in Chung-ku area of Seoul and his meeting with the young men and women who lead such frugal lives as the most memorable. He added he would return in a few years and scour such flea markets around the nation.

New jewel in tourist attraction crown:

With next year designated as the Year of Tourism and World Cup Soccer Games slated for 2002, the city of Seoul conducted a survey of about 700 foreign tourists and announced a list of the top 30 tourist sites. Of the 30 sites, interest has been raised at the many inclusions of novelty cafes, the open-air markets offering a view into the lives of Koreans and local resident events.

Novelty Cafes:

Near the Hongik University in the Mapo area of Seoul, cafes such as the magic Caf?and Costume Caf?provide a unique atmosphere and customer participation programs that have led to a stream of foreign tourists.

A magic caf? which opened its doors in 1998, Alexander, has young magicians in their 20s showcasing their various magical performances nightly within the 20-pyong area of the caf? The caf?offers customers the joy of magic with reasonable prices of about 15,000 won (drink included).

A costume caf? Hae-yeul-jae, has on staff a professional makeup artist and various masks and wigs to transform the looks of any who request specific desires. With the caf?being introduced in Japan through a tourist guidebook and TV program, the caf?has enjoyed an endless stream of young Japanese tourists.

A caf?nearby, Ssamji Space, offers live rock band performances, as well as photo-art gallery and has become an art-complex cultural caf?

Open-air markets:

Chungbu Market, which has specialized in dried fish products for the past 50 years since its founding, has become a must-stop attraction for foreign tourists due to its transportation ease. It is a market with 2,300 or so small stores where tourists can get a real taste of Korea.

The Hwang-hak-dong Variety Market behind Chong-kae-chon Eighth Street is another must-see. More commonly know as the "Ant Market" or "Goblin Market," tourists can browse through all types of electronic goods and accessories at prices 20 percent to 30 percent below retail prices, and many have marveled at the great number of strange and odd antiques available at the market.

Local resident events:

Lately, many tourists have made stops at the "Green Store" or "N-Generation Flea Market," where they can get a taste of the frugality of the Korean. The resident based market, "Green Store," which is run by the city of Seoul as well as various wards in Seoul, buys or trades various toys, clothes or home appliances that local residents bring. At the "N-General Flea Market," tourists with their camcorders could be easily found.

Other than the above, Nam Mountain, which offers a spectacular view of Seoul, the caf?street with 20-year history in Pangbae area, as well as ceremonial enactment such as the memorial service for royal ancestors have made the list of favored tourist attractions.