IFEZ 인천경제자유구역 로고

IFEZ: Passing With Fall-ying Colours

Sheelpa Kothari Sorti

Think Seoul and you think modern advancement, yet rooted in culture, history, and tradition. And you are bound to witness that in every trip you make to the Korean capital despite its wide range of sightseeing places spread in the sprawling city.

I was excited when I saw the day-long itinerary which included Changdeokgung palace, The National Museum of Korea, N Seoul Tower(Namsan Tower) and Cheonggyecheon stream.

Our wonderful tour, organised by IFEZ (Incheon Free Economic Zone) for its Korean language class students, kicked off with the first destination National Museum of Korea which is an encyclopaedia on Korea's past and present identity. It is sprawling over 4 storeys displaying Korean strength and will-power through its exquisite art, creativity, imagination and skills.

We breezed through the museum, and headed for a bibimbap lunch accompanied by a flavourful bowl of soybean paste soup.

Next, we headed to N Seoul Tower(Namsan Tower) for a panoramic view of Seoul city in a cable car. The ride enhanced the experience with its breath-taking view of part natural and part concrete jungle covering the landscape.

Our enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly tour guide showed us around the Changdeokgung palace, which is replete with the stories about life and lifestyles and culture of the Joseon dynasty rulers. She also got all of us to know each other with a fun ice-breaker introduction to add a family-like feel to the tour.

Enriched by Korean history and culture, we returned in the comfort of an air-conditioned bus after a beautiful fall day perfect for sightseeing. The fall colours added vibrant hues of orange, red and yellow to the city and of course to our day as well.

Thanks IFEZ! Waiting for more such opportunities to get absorbed in the country which is my current residence.