Seoul Fun ~ Day 1 @ KTO Tourist Information Counter

        As mentioned in the last post, we were back to the modern city, Cheongyecheon Plaza. Cheongyecheon Plaza is located at the starting point of Cheongyecheon Stream. At this point, we need to complete our mission, i.e. to locate the most important travel resources for visitors to Korea - KTO TIC(Korea Tourism Organization Tourist Information Counter). The mission wasn't tough. KTO TIC can be easily spotted with its prominent KTO logo when we strolled along the stream :D The large and informative tourist information counter is located at the basement of KTO headquarters in Seoul. 

We were welcomed by the Yeosu Expo 2012 Mascot - cute Yeony and Suny.

"Wow!" That's what i said after I entered the main entrance. It is not exaggerated to deem the TIC the best I have ever seen. This TIC is equipped with EVERYTHING that a tourist would need! Let's find out!

There is a tourist information counter where you can ask about anything of your trip (accommodation, tourist attraction, route, transportation, food etc.)! Professional TIC staff is capable of serving you with tailored information and consultation services in three different language (English, Mandarin and Japanese).  

You can obtain the leaflets, maps, tourist information, festive and promotional materials in different languages for FREE! :) Just grab what you need from the rack. I highly recommend you to pay a visit to TIC on the first day of your stay in Korea. Believe me! You will overloaded with all the useful information for your travel plan. 

There is also a souvenir shop in KTO-TIC that sells variety of souvenirs. All the products here were selected from the Korea Tourist Souvenir Contest. 

Other than souvenir shop, there was a K-star shop where you can find k-pop celebrilities product. Yee pei bought a Big Bang poster for her cousin :D

Impressively, TIC is also equipped with a medical tourist information counter. They provide information about medical services in Korea. You can get free medical consultation and check your health using the body composition analyzer, stress monitor, blood pressure monitor, or skin analyzer in the centre.

The highlight of TIC is the K Star gallery in Hallyu hall.  For K-pop fans, make sure you don't miss the chance to take a photo with your favourite K-star life-size cutout. 

Wheetttt!!! See who are they??!!  Jessica, Tae Yoon and Yuri from girl generation!

There are some hand prints of the K-pop star in the gallery too. They reminded me of The Star Avenue in Hong Kong. 

TIC really makes travel convenient as they are well equipped with the facilities needed by tourists such as free internet access zone and free international phone services. Travellers can google up travel related information with the computers available in ICT corner. There were two computers for use, so you may need to queue for that. 

You can also proceed to the tourism technology library. There are numerous travel guides for not only Korea, but also for the rest of the world. However, take note that the library is only open during weekday (9.00am-5.30pm).

Using free phone in KTO TIC. 

Thirsty? refill water here :) 

KTO TIC offers a broad range of cultural experience too. Again, It's FREE! That includes hands-on program such as Hanbok experience, traditional craft and more. Do visit KTO website for more information. 

We spent more than an hour in TIC :D It's really worth a visit :) KTO was thoughtful enough to choose a strategic location for TIC as it is so close to the popular tourist destinations such as Myeongdong, Insadong and Gyeongbukgung Palace. This is convenient for the travellers to stop by anytime. So, if you happen to visit this area, don't forget to pay a visit to KTO TIC. It is open all year round. You will be inspired by this wonderful TIC. 

After having obtained all the travel information needed, we came to a recreation area in the midst of the city, Cheongyecheon stream. The 8.4km stretch of Cheongyecheon river is lined with many tourist attractions such as Seoul Plaza, Sejong Centre, Insadong and many more. If you have plenty of time, you can plan a walking tour for few hours along the stream as recommended in KTO website to spot the MUST SEE in Cheongyecheon. 

8.4km long Cheongyecheon stream.

Too bad we didn' t have enough time for a lesiure tour on foot, but we did a very refreshing and rejuvenating foot spa in the stream under the bridge. The stream water was cold and quick. It's a very awesome open air FREE foot spa experience indeed :D There were also many locals enjoying this oasis in the middle of  concrete jungle. Families, friends, couples, and students can be seen enjoying here. A great place for gathering, chatting and relaxing.

The summer heat was killing me and I felt so relaxed when we strolled along the underground stream with breezy air. I like this stream! A brilliant restoration project :)

 If you have time, do visit Cheongyecheon stream at night too. It would be beautiful with the lights on. I heard it is a popular spot for dating *^.^*

Next post: Cutest Bear Museum!! Stay tuned!

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Travel info: 

KTO TIC

Admission fee: Free

Operating hours: 9:00 -20:00 (Open all year round)                   

Telephone no: + 82-2-7299-497-499

Floor plan for KTO TIC

Transportation: 

•                 1. Jonggak Station (Subway Line 1), Exit #5 
                     Go straight for 3 minutes and cross the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
                     Turn right and walk down the street that runs parallel to the Cheonggycheon.
                     The KTO building is the second building on your left.
  
  
•                 2. Euljiro 1-ga Station (Subway Line 2), Exit #2 
                      Go straight for approximately 5 minutes.
                      Turn into the last street on the left just before the Cheonggycheon Stream. 
                      The KTO building is the second building on the left. 

  
  
•                 3. Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5), Exit #5 
                      Go straight until you cross the Cheonggyecheon Stream. 
                      Turn left and walk down the road running parallel to the stream Cheonggyecheo. 
                      Go straight for approximately 6 minutes, until you see the KTO building on the right.
                      ** If you reach Gwanggyo 4-way Intersection, you've gone too far.

                    P/s:   * You will see the blue and red KTO logo in front of it.

Our walking route from Sejong Cultural Center to KTO TIC. 

       Travel tips: 

       1. Visit KTO TIC on the first day of your visit to Seoul. Collect all the travel maps, leaflets,   
            promotional materials according to your itinerary. 

       2. If you have any inquiry, go to the information counter. KTO staff with guide you patiently.

       3. Try Hanbok experience for free! You need to pay for that in other tourist spots. 
       4. Take photo with your favourite K-pop stars in K-star gallery. 
       5. Foot spa in Cheongyecheon stream is a MUST!

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       For more info about KTO TIC, do visit KTO website.

       For more info about Cheongyecheon Plaza , do click on this KTO link.