Seoul Bus and Subway Fares to Rise

Starting February 25th, downtown Seoul bus and subway fares will increase by 150 won.

Consequently, public transportation card holders will be charged 1050 won on downtown (blue and green) buses as well as on subway systems; 1,850 won on red bus; and 750 won for maeul (town) buses. Accordingly, prices of Subway Commuter’s Pass (for multiple journeys) and Single Journey Tickets will go up to 46,200 won from 39,600 won, and 1,150 won from 1,000 won, respectively.

The fare increase applies to adults only. Fares for children and senior citizens will remain the same.

Incheon, South Korea !

A historic city surrounded by islands

Incheon is the second largest port city in Korea. The Incheon Port is where Korea’s modernization began at the end of the 19th century, when it opened to foreign nations for the first time. Incheon is also home to the world’s top-ranked Incheon International Airport. As such, it is a gateway to the capital city of Seoul, and a major transportation gateway in Northeast Asia for destinations worldwide.

Around the historic Incheon Port are China Town, Jayu Park, Wolmido Street of Culture, and the coastal wharf. There are many islands near Incheon, including Ganghwado Island, where there are many ancient historical sites such as Bronze Age dolmens; Yeongjongdo Island, the location of Incheon International Airport; and various other islands where famous Korean movies and dramas were filmed. Recently, Songdo International City is emerging as a new hotspot with skyscrapers filling this Free Economic Zone.

17th Asian Games

In 2014, Incheon will hold the 17th Asian Games. Member athletes of the 45 Olympic Councils of Asia (OCA) will participate. This will be the third Asian Games held in Korea, following the ones in Seoul (1986) and in Busan (2002). A number of stadiums will be built specially for this event, including the main stadium, whose shape will evoke sea waves and wind; the Dream Park stadium, which will be built as an environment-friendly park; and the Ganghwa Stadium, where taekwondo competitions will take place.

• ☞ Period: September 19 - October 4, 2014 (for 16 days)
• ☞ Venue: Throughout Incheon
• ☞ Size: 45 member countries (13,000 athletes and officials, 7,000 media representatives)
• ☞ Events: 28 Olympic events, 8 non-Olympic events
• ☞ Website of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games: www.incheon2014ag.org

Korea Grand Sale Free Shuttle Bus Service

During the 2012 Korea Grand Sale period, the Visit Korea Committee is operating a free shuttle bus service connecting major shopping and cultural destinations in Seoul three times a day, three days a week. The shuttle bus departs from Lotte Hotel (Sogong-dong), and goes through Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, before crossing over Hangang River to the Gangnam area to make stops at Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil road, Hyundai Department Store (Apgujeong Main Store), Cheongdam-dong Fashion Street, Bongeunsa Temple and COEX .

Honeymoon in Jeju Island, South Korea !

Seoul Bike Show to Begin on February 24

The 2012 Seoul Bike Show, an exhibition of the latest bicycles from around the world, is set to run from February 24 through 26 at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Ilsan, Gyeonggi-do.

The Show will feature various types of bicycles like mountain bikes, electric bikes, toddler and children bikes, as well as bicycle gear and accessories including parts, clothing, etc. Moreover, visitors may try riding any of the bicycles representing 40 different brands after registering onsite.