The area around the South Korean capital is enjoying rapid growth as it attracts expats, reports Julian Tan
Ever heard of Gyeonggi-do? If not, you soon will – the area encompassing Seoul and Incheon, known as the greater Seoul metropolitan area, is busy pushing itself as a destination for business, culture and lifestyle.
Occupying 10 per cent of the country – an area 17 times larger than Seoul – Gyeonggi-do is South Korea’s most populous province (“do” is Korean for province), home to about 11 million people. Combined with Seoul and Incheon, which are located within the province but administered as separate cities, it amounts to almost half of South Korea’s population.
According to Sim Heung-Sik, public relations planning director of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government (GPG), Gyeonggi-do, Incheon and Seoul can form a “mega-city” by sharing their strengths. “Within five years, Gyeonggi could be a very attractive centre in terms of its economy, culture and tourism,” he says.
In this quest, Gyeonggi-do has a long history to draw on. Dating back to the second century BC, the province was named with a royal purpose in mind. “Gyeong” means “capital city designated by the king” and “Gi” is “150km of land in the four directions from the residence of the king”, according to the GPG’s website (english.gg.go.kr).
Today, many industries are based here, with some of the country’s most famous exports represented, such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Hyundai Kia Automotive Group. The province contributes 21 per cent of the national GDP, nearly half of the combined national GDP of Gyeonggi, Seoul and Incheon. The likes of ThyssenKrupp and Bosch have also set up factories in Gyeonggi-do, whose mission, according to Sim, remains to attract foreign investment in the automotive, information technology, research and development, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
To help it do this, Gyeonggi has worked hard to create a good business and healthcare environment for foreigners. Last year, it was among several provinces that introduced programmes to help migrant workers and their families integrate into the Korean culture. To celebrate these aims, the provincial government designated May 20 as “Together Day”.
In a further bid to woo overseas talent, immigrant welfare centres have been set up to provide counselling, legal aid and other administrative services. The Gyeonggi government has encouraged hospitals to install information desks for foreign residents, while provincial medical centres are available in six cities. Last year, there were nearly 278,000 foreigners living here, more than the 260,000 or so in Seoul.
Although a number of locally run hotels operate in the area, there is an under-supply of quality internationally branded hotels. One of the best choices is the Wyndham-managed Ramada Plaza Suwon. The five-star, 232-room property has three Executive floors, free wired and wireless internet access and a 24-hour business centre.
Suwon, the provincial capital, and Icheon to the east (not to be confused with Incheon to the north-west) boast a number of business hotels. These include the 209-room Miranda hotel, and the Hotel Luxury Suwon, which has 121 rooms and suites decorated in Mediterranean and European styles (for other hotel options, see panel overleaf).
The province is also taking steps to improve its transport links. It is located near Incheon International airport, the main gateway into Seoul, and is connected by the airport expressway to downtown Seoul, but it will become even more accessible once the underground Great Train Express begins operations in 2016. Travelling from the province to the city centre will take half an hour with the new train service, instead of the hour it takes by car. The state-of-the-art, carbon dioxide-reducing rail system is expected to carry 76,000 commuters daily on three lines, running at 100km per hour.
Tourism plays a big role in the economic development of the Gyeonggi area, and its attractions range from historical sites, art and handicrafts to food and sports. One of the most-visited sites – as proven by the bus loads of camera-toting visitors who make their way there daily – is the Demilitarised Zone, still a potent reminder of the vast divide that separates a land that was once one. Meanwhile, the Korea International Boat Show (koreaboatshow.org) and the World Match Racing Tour – Korea Match Cup 2009 (worldmatchracingtour.com) put Gyeonggi-do in the sporting spotlight in June. Visit the Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation’s website (english.ethankyou.co.kr) for more information on things to do in the area.
South Korea’s sustainable agriculture movement has further raised the profile of Gyeonggi-do, where 198,000 hectares of land are devoted to the raising of cattle and cultivation of flowers, vegetables and rice. In 2011, Gyeonggi-do will host the 17th International Federation of the Organic Agriculture Movement World Congress, the first to be held in Asia, which will also help to cement its place on the world map
Leading by design
If Rome wasn’t built in a day, then the same can certainly be said about Seoul.
The enterprising hub has been designated World Design Capital 2010 (worlddesigncapital.com) by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design, and a number of recent projects have been aimed at making the South Korean capital an epitome of style and efficiency.
Gwanghwamun Square, which dates back to the reign of King Taejo in the 14th century, reopened in the summer after a multimillion-dollar facelift. Previously occupying six lanes of traffic, the downtown square can now hold up to 70,000 people and features an exhibition hall, an events venue with a state-of-the-art screen, two waterways and LED-illuminated fountains.
Meanwhile, the new Gwangjin Bridge takes pedestrians and cyclists in designated paths across the Han River. Views of the water below are possible from an observation deck with a glass floor.
Under construction is the 85,000 sqm Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park, which has been designed by Zaha Hadid and is set to open by 2011. It will feature areas for leisure activities and performances, convention and exhibition halls, a sky lounge and an underground mall. Visit ddp.seoul.go.kr.
The Mount Namsan Renaissance, which is expected to be completed in 2015, will make the mountain more accessible to the public by way of an upgraded transport system. Restoration of hanok (traditional Korean houses) and the creation of more art and recreation precincts are also part of the redevelopment. Visit seoulwelcome.com
Seoul tips
Seoul is a business-friendly city, despite English not being widely spoken. Non-Korean speakers will find catching a cab easy with the recent introduction of International Taxis. The drivers of these mustard-yellow five-seaters speak English, Japanese and Chinese. The service operates by reservation only, and fares are about 20 per cent higher than in regular taxis. Visit internationaltaxi.co.kr
If you fancy splashing out, book a stretch limousine and tour Seoul at night. The limos will pick you up anywhere you like for a three-hour tour led by the chauffeur. Prices vary depending on duration. Visit limoservice.co.kr
Forget about counting the numerous zeros of the Korean won – go cashless. The T-money card can be used on buses and subways in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi-do area, as well at most convenience stores and vending machines, and some attractions. Visit t-money.co.kr
Dial 1330 any time for English-speaking operators who can help with information on tourist sites, transport and restaurants. International mobile-phone holders must key in the area code (02 for Seoul) followed by 1330. Charges are based on local call rates.
Where to stay
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Situated on top of Mount Namsan in the Jung-gu district of south central Seoul, the Grand Hyatt has recently undergone a four-year refurbishment. All of its 601 bedrooms have been refreshed and sport contemporary, functional design. Options for dining and socialising include the Terrace, the Paris Grill and JJ Mahoney’s.
- 747-7 Hannam 2-Dong, Yongsan-Ku; tel +82 2797 1234; seoul.grand.hyatt.com
Intercontinental Grand Seoul
The 511-room Grand recently completed a two-year renovation and is part of the World Trade Centre complex in upscale Gangnam, which is also home to the Coex convention centre and the City Air Terminal (where Korean Air passengers can check in). Both the hotel and its sister property, the Intercontinental Coex Seoul, are accessible via the Samseong subway directly beneath.
- 521 Teheranno Gangnam-Gu; tel +82 2555 5656; seoul.intercontinental.com
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Lotte owns several properties in Korea, including Lotte Hotel Seoul, in downtown. (Its first property outside the country is due to open in Moscow next April.) All of the hotel’s 1,124 rooms were refurbished a few years ago, while other enhancements include a women-only floor and Korea’s first Pierre Gagnaire restaurant.
- 1 Sogong-dong, Jung-gu; tel +82 2771 1000; lottehotel.com
The Shilla seoul
Taking its name from the ancient Shilla Dynasty, this hotel celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The hotel sits on a vast manicured garden in Jangchung-dong, only a stroll away from Seoul’s dining and shopping districts. Designed by Peter M Remedios, the 465-room hotel is decorated in contemporary Korean style using granite, leather and wood.
- 202 Jangchung-dong, 2-Ga, Jung-gu; tel +82 222 333 131; shilla.net
W Seoul-Walkerhill
This 252-room house of style was created five years ago by cutting-edge architects and designers, and is known for hosting glitzy events. Situated in Walkerhill on the slopes of Mount Acha (the Sheraton Grande is also in this area), the W boasts views of the Han River.
- 21 Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin Gu; tel +82 2465 2222; whotels.com/seoul
Benikea Premier Songdo Metro Hotel
Open since August, this hotel is located at the centre of the international business complex in the Songdo free-trade zone. It has a restaurant, gym, business centre, four conference rooms and 241 bedrooms.
- 10-2, Songdo-dong Yeonsu-gu, Incheon; tel +82 322 103 000; songdometrohotel.com
Sheraton Incheon
The Sheraton opened in August in the New Songdo City development. The 319 rooms feature Sweet Sleeper beds and a separate bath and rainshower. Other facilities include a gym, business centre, an indoor pool and spa, two bars and 1,300 sqm of meeting space.
- 6-9 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon; tel +82 328 351 000; sheraton.com/incheon
Coming soon: Banyan Tree Club and Spa Seoul
Due to open in the second quarter of 2010, this property will be located in the heart of Seoul at the foot of Mount Nam. It will be contemporary in style and will have 20 standard rooms, 16 suites and a presidential suite. Visit banyantree.com
