This was published 6 years ago
Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and seven more reasons to visit South Korea in 2018
By Ben Groundwater
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The Winter Olympics brings us many things – head-scratching introductions to sports we've never heard of; folk heroes like Eddie the Eagle; and even the occasional Australian gold medal – but perhaps the most important is the excuse to travel somewhere snowy and amazing to watch the Games in person.
There's nothing quite like hearing all those cow bells, seeing all of those athletes, and maybe getting in the odd ski run for yourself in the place that it's all happening. And in 2018, that place will be Pyeongchang, South Korea. As preparations heat up for the February Games, it's time to take a closer look at the Olympic experience, as well as some of the other reasons to pack your bags and jump on a flight to Seoul Incheon next year.
The 2018 Winter Olympics
Gangnam style
The song made famous by the K-pop star Psy – yes, the song you'll now have stuck in your head for the rest of the day – makes reference to "Gangnam style", which is the fashion and attitude of those who hang out in the Gangnam district of Seoul. This is the city's area to see and be seen, the hub for nightlife and the venue for plenty of Seoul's best restaurants. It's also a place that has its own sense of fashion, something you'll be able to get involved with if you spend a few hours wandering the streets of Gangnam and calling in to a few boutiques. Koreans are mildly obsessed with fashion, and if you want to party in Gangnam, you're going to need to adopt the style.
Ancient cities
The craft beer scene
Most Korean beer, we would have to say in the nicest possible way, is pretty bland. It's usually a light lager designed to be consumed with the local food, which is heavy on flavours and carbs, so it does make sense. It just doesn't taste great on its own. Enter a new breed of Korean craft brewers, who are doing some truly great things with the humble ale. In Seoul, check out Magpie Brewing Co for a delicious pale ale, or Hopscotch in Gangnam for a sensational IPA. In the southern city of Busan, meanwhile, the guys at Galmegi Brewery are making top-class amber ales.
Buddhist boot camp
South Korean quirkiness
There's a charming sense of the bizarre to a lot of Korean fashions that you can't help but be both entertained by and swept up in. For example: in the ancient town of Jeonju, it's become de rigeur for middle-aged domestic tourists to hire school uniforms and spend the day wandering the streets having their photos taken. Also, keep an eye out for "couple clothing" – couples of all ages who dress exactly alike to demonstrate their love. This even goes for leisurewear when couples go out for a morning jog. Koreans also love a quirky food fad, which explains one of the hot culinary items in the Seoul suburb of Hongdae right now: "Hand Steak". It's steak and chips in a small bowl, which is served perched atop a large cup of beer. Sip the beer through a straw, and eat the steak with a fork. Delicious.
Makgeolli culture
South Korea's best-known alcoholic beverage is probably soju, the ubiquitous rice spirit that the locals love. However, there's another drink that holds an equally special place in their hearts: makgeolli . This is a milky rice beer, and it's traditionally drunk in bars dedicated to the stuff, particularly in Korea's gastronomic hub, Jeonju. There you can settle in at a table and spend the whole night sampling makgeolli, chatting to locals, and working your way through the menus of amazing food designed to match the drink.
Glorious food
This article brought to you by Korea Tourism Organisation
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