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Seoul Grand Park expands the number of visitors to 48,000 per day [With Corona udpate]

Seoul Grand Park(서울대공원) expands the number of visitors to 48,000 per day in accordance with the government's implementation of the first phase of the government's 'step-by-step recovery of daily life'.

Seoul Grand Park homepage


From November 3, the number of visitors will be adjusted, the indoor hall will be opened, and the operation of the educational program will resume. However, instead of lifting the limit on the number of spectators, the number of visitors per day will be adjusted from 30% to 50% or less of the current capacity, and the maximum number of visitors per day will be increased to 48,000. For the safety of citizens and visitors, the indoor pavilion is also operated with restrictions on opening hours.


From the 8th, the indoor exhibition hall will be partially open with restrictions on visiting hours. Since last July, the indoor pavilion, except for the outdoor zoological garden, has been restricted from viewing because it allows visitors to gather close together. As a result, chamans, golden parrots, and reticulated king snakes can also be viewed. Visiting hours are from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays only. After the pilot operation this month, Seoul Grand Park plans to review the step-by-step expansion operation plan in December.


Total 9 indoor exhibition halls

  • Africa Pavilion 1 
  • Big Zoo 
  • Oriental Hall 
  • Tropical Birds Hall 
  • Insect Hall 
  • Apes Hall 
  • Nighttime Hall 
  • Dolphin Story Center 
  • Botanical Garden


When visiting the indoor hall, visitors must follow the quarantine rules such as wearing a mask, keeping a distance of 2m between users, and creating a list of visitors, and eating and drinking is prohibited while viewing. Seoul Grand Park plans to periodically ventilate the indoor hall at least 3 times a day and disinfect it at least once a day.


When entering the zoo, you must follow the current 2-meter distance and check your temperature before entering.


The botanical garden can be visited 3 times a day from the 8th, divided by time zone. On weekdays only, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, 12 to 14:00 and 14:00 to 16:00, up to 140 people per time zone can enter on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also visit the herbarium exhibition hall, and the library located on the second floor is not open to the public.


Ticket price

  • Zoo Adult 19-64:5,000KRW,  Young adult 13-18: 3,000KRW  Children 6-12: 2,000KRW
  • Theme Garden Adult 19-64:2,000KRW, Young adult 13-18: 1,500KRW, Children  6-12:1,000KRW
  • Seoul Grand Park Camping Site Adult 19-64:2,000KRW

(Over 65 years old 1,000KWR), Young adult 13-18:1,500KRW,  Children  6-12: 1,000KRW


Park map (Downloadable PDF file)



Great place to see autumn leaves How about visiting Seoul Grand Park this weekend?



Seoul City allows nighttime drinking at Hangang Park as of today (Nov 8th)

Night drinking ban is lifted (Han River park)



The Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to allow nighttime drinking at Hangang Park from today (8th) in accordance with the government's 'step-by-step recovery' policy.


Seoul's Metropolitan Government has announced that it will lift an administrative order that bans 'outdoor drinking after 10pm' in the entire Hangang Park area from 00:00 today(8th).


An official from the Han River Project Headquarters in Seoul explained that the government's step-by-step recovery policy (with Corona) and the fact that the number of nighttime visitors decreased due to seasonal factors were taken into consideration.


Even after the night drinking ban is lifted, he said, he will continue to crack down and guide activities on whether he or she follows basic quarantine rules, such as limiting the number of people at private gatherings of 10 and wearing masks.


An official from the Han River Business Headquarters said, "This does not mean that we will completely return to the pre-COVID-19 state. Earlier, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Seoul Metropolitan Government issued an executive order on July 6 to ban outdoor drinking from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. throughout the downtown Han River Park.


Google map: Han river park entrance (Mangwon district)


Hangang Park is one of best dating course in Seoul, and there are several Hangang Parks. 

Banpo Hangang Park, Yeouido Hangang Park, Ichon Hangang Park, Jamsil Hangang Park, Ttukseom Amusement Park (Ttukseom Hangang Park), Nanji Hangang Park



1. Banpo Hangang Park 반포 한강공원 map here

2. Yeouido Hangang Park 여의도 한강공원 map here

3. Ichon Hangang Park이촌 한강공원 map here

4. Jamsil Hangang Park 잠실 한강공원 map here

5. Ttukseom Hangang Park 뚝섬 한강공원 map here

6. Nanji Hangang Park 난지 한강공원 map here


City of Seoul provides legal service: Seoul Village Lawyer service

What is a Seoul Village Lawyer?(서울시 마을 변호사 서비스)

The city of Seoul provides a lawyer service that can help you seek advice on things that happen at home or in your life.

Citizens can easily and conveniently consult on legal issues they encounter at home or in their lives and receive legal advice. The catch? The consultation is free of charge. 

 

from seoul city homepage


Seoul City connects a village lawyer 

We connect lawyers and villagers who are interested in public interest activities 1:1.

*As of May 2020, 848 lawyers are connected to all dongs (424) in Seoul

 

How to use

Nearest Dong Community Center ◈ Regular Consultation Schedule ◈ Check and Reservation Inquiries, List of schedule, here (In Korean)

Visit the relevant dong community center(동사무소), fill out and submit a legal consultation card. Phone: 02-2133-6714

Village lawyers visit the Dong Community Center on certain days and provide legal advice (In case of emergency, the village lawyer can make calls to the residents)

※Counseling is free of charge, and we do not offer simple complaints or complaints other than legal advice.

Downloadable 2022 South korea calrendar


Downloadable 2022 black tiger year South Korea Calendar
Download here

PDF File (total 14 pages)


 






Download here


How to contact South Korea Ministry of Justice for foreigners (Call center phone number)


Homefrom Ministry of Justice


Call center by the ministry of Justice for Foreigners

What do they provide? Do you have questions regarding immigration in South korea? 

The service provides consultation services for immigration and living convenience for foreigners residing in Korea. This includes third-party interpretation services required for foreign-related tasks by central administrative agencies, local governments, public institutions, and non-profit private institutions.The village lawyer system for foreigners supports a third-party interpretation service.

Phone number: 02-1345 ( from oversea +82-1345)

In accordance with the 「Basic Act on the Treatment of Foreigners residing in Korea」, this is a multilingual complaint information window that provides consultation on civil complaints and administrative information necessary for foreigners residing in Korea to adapt to life in Korea.

  • Offered languages: 20 languages (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Russian, Mongolian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Nepali, Cambodian, Burmese, French, German, Spanish, Filipino, Arabic, Sri Lankan. etc)
  • Operation Time: Mon-Fri 09:00-22:00

*After 18:00 only Korean, English and chinese operate


Phone number 02-1345 

Information on Automatic Response Services (ARS)

Press,

No. 1: Information on the location of the Immigration Office, the jurisdiction of each office and working hours

No. 2: Inquiry of application results for visa issuance recognition

No. 3: Retirement report for foreigners and fax report to the workplace of visiting Koreans

0: Connect with an agent



Namsan tower love locks ( Seoul date course)


Namsan tower(N Tower) love lock(남산타워 사랑의 자물쇠)


The Love lock (pictured) appeared on top of Namsan in the winter of 2005, right after CJ Group leased Namsan Tower from YTN and renovated the entire tower. It was immediately after Namsan Tower was renamed ‘Seoul N Tower’ and young dating groups continued to visit. Suddenly, young lovers and couples visited this place, and the locked locks increased in an instant. It is an item with a history of about 15 years. 

These love locks were famous before, but there was an incident that made them even more famous. It also became a topic of discussion while appearing on several TV shows. For example, it was introduced in a virtual marriage program called “We Got Married.” It became even more famous after Alex & Shin-ae and Nichkhun & Victoria went on the show.

Perhaps because the program was popular abroad at the time, you can see locks written in various languages.




Namsan tower and love locks appeared in Micky Mouse cartoons. You can see the cute Mickey mouse couple in the video. 

 



Namsan Cable car:the first cable car in korea( ticket price, operation time)

Fun fact: Namsan Cable car:the first cable car in korea


Namsn cable car (google map)
Address: 83 Sopa-ro, Hoehyeondong 1(il)-ga

Unless you are going to Namsan Tower by car, it is most convenient to take the subway or bus from Myeongdong Station and then take the Namsan Tower cable car up.




By subway( Myeongdong Station ) 

From exit 3 of Myeongdong Station, walk through the alley and stay to your right, passing the 7-Eleven (convenience store), and continue about 7-8 minutes between the Pacific Hotel and the GS25 (convenience store). Namsan Cable Car is at the top of the hill near the Chinese Consulate.



By Shuttle bus from Myeong don station and Seoul square (updated: operation is temporarily closed)

Namsan cable provides shuttlebus from Myeongdong station and Seoul station.
  •  Myeongdong Station, exit 1 
  • the Seoul Square bus stop at Seoul Station
The shuttle bus operates about every 30 minutes. 


Of course, you can go hiking, but I think that would be too difficult. It is recommended to take the Namsan Tower cable car to go up, and to walk down to go down.



Namsan cable car ticket price

If you take the Namsan Cable Car, you do not need to make a reservation online in advance, just purchase it at the ticket office. I think it's quite expensive for a cable car that only takes about 5 minutes, but the view is great and it is convenient. 

Round-trip cable car fare

Adult: 13,000 won

Child: 9,500 won


One-way cable car fare

Adult: 10,000 won

Child: 7,000 won


Namsan cable car operation time

Namsan Cable Car is available from Mon-Fri: 10 am to 11 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays it runs until 10pm.

Ticket office closing time: Round trip operates until 10:30pm, one way until 10:45pm.

Where to go in fall (Places you can visit Seoul autumn)

 


Where to see autumn leaves in Seoul?


Autumn has arrived in Seoul. Autumn in Seoul is short, so why not go to a place where you can enjoy this moment?

Introducing places where you can walk with fall foliage and autumn atmosphere in Seoul .


1. A nice walking path in the city center

Take a look at the beautiful autumn leaves and beautiful workshops and galleries.

It is a perfect place for a family outing as you can enjoy unique restaurants.



Samcheongdong-gil/삼청동길 1.2km (google map link

Deoksugung-gil/덕수궁길 0.3km

Itaewon-ro/이태원로 1.0km

Cheongpa-ro/청파로 0.9km


2. Fall foliage walking along the water

A maple road where you can walk with a feeling of coolness.

It is good to enjoy a leisurely stroll without running into vehicles.


Jungnangcheon Eungbong District/중랑천 응봉지구 1.5km

Ui Stream Road/우이천변길 1.9km

Bulgwangcheon-gil/불광천길 1.22km

Sung Joong-gil/성중길 0.6km


3. Maple road that meets the park

If you want to see the abundant autumn leaves, visit the large park in the city

Parks in Seoul, such as Namsan Mountain, Ttukseom Seoul Forest, and Songpanaru Park, offer abundant autumn leaves.


Children's Grand Park/어린이대공원 0.5km

Seoul Grand Park/서울 대공원

Songpanaru Park/송파나루 공원 2.6km

Olympic Park/올림픽공원 2.7km

World Cup Park/월드컵공원

Ttukseom Seoul Forest/뚝섬 서울 숲 0.5km


4. Autumn leaves on the trails

How to enjoy the autumn leaves while breathing in the fresh air.

Feel the atmosphere of autumn in the mountains of Seoul that are close and easy to find


Heolleung-ro/헌릉로 12km

Ansan trail/안산 산책로 1.5km

Trail in Woojang Neighborhood Park/우장근린공원내 산책로 2.2km

n Banghwa Neighborhood Park/방화근린공원내 산책로 1.0km

Gwanaksan Trail/관악산 산책로

Bukhansan trail/북한산길 3.5km

Korea Samsung card English call center phone number foreigner( Homepage)


 Samsung Card customer service

Operation time Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00

Korean 1588-8700

English 1688-8751


Samsung card homepage

     Log in on Samsung card account 👉 link

                  



Shinhan Card Korea English Call center phone number ( English CS)



Shihan Card Korea Call center 

Operation time Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00
 Korean 

English 

N tower tells you if Seoul air is good or bad (air pollution information 미세먼지)

Namsan Seoul Tower brightens the city center with colorful lights! In order to quickly and easily inform citizens of air pollution information, the Seoul Metropolitan Government displays the pollution level with this light from Namsan Seoul Tower.

Since May 2011, Seoul city has been implementing a service that displays the level of pollution with the light of Namsan Seoul Tower in order to quickly inform citizens of the level of air pollution.

Seoul receives different light depending on the air condition 

  1. Blue light when fine dust concentration is 0~15㎍/㎥ in the 'good' level 
  2. Green light when the fine dust concentration is in the 'normal' level of 16~35㎍/㎥ 
  3. Yellow light at the 'bad' stage of 36~75㎍ /m3 
  4. Red light appears at the 'bad' stage of 75㎍/m3 or more

The air pollution warning light of Namsan Seoul Tower is not turned on during the day, and the service is operated from after sunset to 10 pm and from April to September until 11 pm. On a red light day, an ultrafine dust advisory is issued, so you should refrain from going out and be more careful about your health.


From Seoul N tower webpage 


Blue: good

Green: normal 

Yellow: bad

Red: very bad 

Blue lights are on on clear days, and red lights on days when air pollution is severe or an ultrafine dust advisory is issued. On days when Namsan Seoul Tower is lit with red lights, avoid going out as much as possible and wear a mask if necessary. Please protect your precious health with the light of Namsan Seoul Tower.

[What to do Seoul] light hiking to Namsan tower. N Seoul tower




N Seoul Tower, a romantic island in the city center where lovers from all over the world swear their love, is the first place in Korea that was built in 1969 to broadcast TV and radio broadcasts in the metropolitan area. It is a general radio tower. Now, 48% of the nation's audible population are watching TV through the radio tower of N Seoul Tower.

After being opened to the public in 1980, N Seoul Tower has established itself as a resting space and tourist attraction for Seoul citizens. It lights up beautifully. In cherry blossom time and autum season couples, family visit N Seoul tower and Namsan park to enjoy peaceful and beautiful scenary in heart of Seoul city. 

You can use the cable car or walk to the top of the namsan mountain, N seoul tower. 




  • Location: Seoul Tower, 105 Namsan Gongong-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul( naver map link)
  • Hours of use: Open all year round
  • Observation Deck: 10 am to 23 pm (Sat, 24:00)
  • Teddy Bear Museum: 10:00 am - 22:00 pm (Sat, 23:00)
  • N tower homepage link


After looking around the N Seoul Tower and the Palgakjeong Pavilion(팔각정), go down the hill you came up and walk along the trail on the north side of Namsan Mountain to the right. Originally, the Circular Walk 1 course is a course that goes back to Seoul Station on Namsan-do, but it is a pity if you miss the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall and Baekbeom Square located right behind the Namsan Library, so today we climb the stairs leading to the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall. After passing in front of the West Building, continue along Sowol-ro.



Another story of N-Tower: Secret of N-tower's light colors, link





[What to do Seoul]This fall Namsan Dulle-gil is the place where you can walk and enjoy Seoul's autumn



Feel autum in Seoul, Namsan Circulation Walk(남산순환길)



Namsan Circulation Walk, which was included in the 30 best ecological and cultural trails selected by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, walks along a beautiful forest path where cherry blossoms bloom in spring and leaves change color in autumn. It is a typical walking trail. 

If you want to spend a time of healing in nature to escape from your exhausted and stuffy daily life during the beautiful autumn, when the colorful autumn leaves are at their peak, we recommend Namsan Mountain, which is full of things to enjoy along with the colorful autumn leaves. 

  •  Namsan, one of Seoul's most famous autumn leaves, is loved by many citizens throughout the year as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. 
  •  The autumn leaves of Namsan begin to change color from mid-October and reach their peak around November 10, providing a very beautiful and splendid scenery. 
  •  In particular, Namsan Dulle-gil, a famous autumn foliage attraction in Seoul, is a barrier-free road that can be used by strollers or wheelchairs, so it is easy for the disabled and families with infants to take a walk.

Namsan Circulation Walk map and info, here  ( Korean & English) PDF




Namsan  Park map and info, here  ( Korean & English) PDF 


Namsan Circulation Walk- course  (9.8㎞)

서울역 – 남산공원 입구 – 북측 순환산책로 - 목멱산방 – 와룡묘 – 석호정 - 남측 순환산책 로 – N서울타워 – 남산도서관 앞 – 안중근의사기념관 - 백범광장 – 남산복원성곽 - 서울역 (9.8㎞)

Seoul Station – Namsan Park Entrance – North Circular Trail – Mokmyeok Sanbang – Waryongmyo – Seokhojeong – South Circular Trail – N Seoul Tower – In front of Namsan Library – Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall – Baekbeom Square – Namsan Restoration Wall – Seoul Station (9.8km)


Namsan Park Main facilities:
  • -Infrastructure: Square 45,950㎡, road 108,530㎡, walking trail 58.5km, Dullegil 7.5km (North: 3.4km / South: 4.1km)
  • -Landscaping facilities: Silgaecheon 2.71km (North promenade 2.20km, Jangchung Trail 0.28km, Hannam Rock 0.23km)
  • Pond (1,078㎡), pine tree trail 860m
  • Recreation facilities: Seoul Tower, 9 observation decks, octagonal pavilion (64㎡), pergola, benches, etc.
  • Sports facilities: 27 sports facilities such as Jangchung Children's Baseball Stadium, Gukgung Stadium (Seokhojeong), 13 badminton courts, and Jangchung Tennis Court
  • Liberal Arts Facilities: Namsan Library, Outdoor Botanical Garden, Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall, 11 statues, 9 monuments
  • Convenience facilities: Traditional rest area, Jangchungja rest area, Hannam rest area, octagonal rest area, 105 parking lots, 15 drinking fountains, 12 toilets, 2 mineral springs
  • Management facilities: Management office 5 buildings, ticket office 1 building, south side checkpoint, 3 checkpoints, park lights (953 buildings, 998 lights), castle landscape lighting (488 lights)

Do you have questions? Call Dasan120 call center for answers

 



The 120 Dasan Call Center Foreign Language Consultation Service provides professional advice on the administration of Seoul Metropolitan City and 25 autonomous districts, such as traffic information, water rates, local taxes, complaint reports, and policy inquiries.

Dasan120 call center 


Operation time Mon-Fri 
9:00-18:00

Call from your mobile or landline 
02-120

(From oversea)
82-2-731-2120

Dial 02-1200 and press 9 and press following numbers

1: English 
2: Chinese
3: Japanese
4:Vietnamese
5: Mongolian 





They provide a three-way interpreter if needed for consultation. 

Offererring 5 languages

 English 
 Chinese
 Japanese
Vietnamese
Mongolian 



Calling to citities within South korea (Area code list)




Please find the list of major cities of area codes 





 

Hyundai credit card foreigner Phone number Korea

 Hyundai Card Call Center for foreigner 

Operation time Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00

Korean: 1577-6000 (oversea:82-2-3015-9000)

English: 02-3015-9411

English: 02-8911-6111



👉 Hyundai Card homepage

👉Hyundai Card(android, apple)


Download from goolge play store 

Download from App store 




Huyundai card korean CS numbers




lotte credit card for foreigners phone number (Korean call center included)

 



Lotte credit card foreigners

Operation time Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00

Korean: 1588-8100

English  1899-8100

Press for 1: personal card holder

                                           Press for 2: corporate card holder 


Lotte card home page 

It is hard to find an English phone number for foreigners to talk to a customer service agent. 
                                  English  1899-8100 (foreigners service)

👉 Lotte card homepage

 👉 Lotte card app

Lotte card korean ARS phone number 


Protect your personal information. Use [personal security number] insetad your phone number





 When visiting a resuarant, cafe, market,  did you use a log book to record your personal info?

Please use ‘personal security number(개인안심번호)’ instead of mobile phone number and protect your valuable personal information.

The personal security number is a unique number consisting of 4 digits and 2 Korean characters, and can be issued after consenting to the collection of personal information on the QR check-in screen of Naver/Kakao/Pass.





When filling out the handwritten list, use your personal security number instead of your mobile phone number.

If you use a personal security number, you can fundamentally block cell phone number leakage and misuse.


Easy to use and it is permanant 

· Once issued, it can be used until the end of COVID-19.

· You can use the application by memorizing it without checking it every time.

Where to download?

・Can be used without distinction between Naver/Kakao/Pass

[With Corona] Meetings of 12 people in non-metropolitan areas are possible from November... Vaccine pass is delivered in 1-2 weeks

 

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels


The gradual recovery of daily life (with Corona) will start from the Nov 1st. 
 Private gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed in the metropolitan area, regardless of whether or not they are vaccinated, and up to 12 people in non-metropolitan areas. However, in restaurants and cafes, up to 4 people who have not been vaccinated can be included in the meeting. The so-called 'vaccine (prevention) pass', such as the vaccination certificate and negative confirmation system, decided to provide a training period for 1 to 2 weeks at some facilities.


On the 29th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (Critical Headquarters) announced the final draft of the implementation plan for daily recovery in stages. 

Deok-cheol Kwon, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare) said, “Thanks to the active participation of the public, the vaccination completion rate for the entire nation has reached 70%, and a critical foundation has been laid for daily recovery.” If we focused on universal regulation to curb the outbreak, we will now shift our focus to suppressing the occurrence of severe and death, and focus on improving the vaccination rate and blocking the spread to those who are not vaccinated and the vulnerable.” The government plans to gradually ease the quarantine measures by carrying out three phases of daily recovery with an interval of “four-week operation period and two-week risk assessment period.”

Photo by Jakob Jin from Pexels


Currently, the number of private gatherings allowed up to 8 people in the metropolitan area and 10 people in the non-metropolitan area, centering on those who have completed inoculation, is also being considered. Among these, the number of unvaccinated persons at private gatherings at restaurants and cafes, where there is a relatively high risk of infection, will also be finalized at the major headquarters meeting on the same day, and the number of possible private gatherings in the metropolitan area and non-metropolitan areas is also expected to be determined.


If the government's plan is finalized, it will be possible to eat and drink at movie theaters or sports venues if only those who have been vaccinated can use it.

 

Some issues were not reached at the 3rd committee meeting, such as facilities applying the 'inoculation certificate/negative confirmation system' to protect unvaccinated persons from the risk of infection. The government suggested that it is necessary to complete the inoculation or to check whether PCR is negative within 48 hours when entering and entering multi-use facilities such as entertainment facilities, singing practice areas, indoor sports facilities, bathhouses, horse racing, bicycle racing, and casinos that are at risk of group infection.





















 

Vaccination for COVID-19 for 12-15 years old starts today (Nov. 1st)

'

                                                               Photo by Katerina Holmes from Pexels




Vaccination for COVID-19 for 12-15 years old (born 2006-2009), who is in the 6th grade of elementary school to the 3rd grade of middle school, will start from today (November 1st).

The 16-17 year olds have been receiving vaccinations sequentially from the 18th of last month.High school students have been vaccinated against COVID-19 since last July, and the vaccine was expanded to children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 last month.

The reservation rate for the 12-15 year old vaccine, which has been booked since the 18th of last month, is 27%, and the application closes on the 12th of this month.

Children aged 12 to 15 who have made a reservation can receive Pfizer vaccine at a consigned medical institution from today( Nov. 1st_ to the 27th.

The day of vaccination and 1-2 days after vaccination are treated as absences without a medical certificate.


Wth Corona, November 1st stage 'Release time limit'