< Previous70 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | August 2024 WHILE SEOUL IS PEPPERED WITH HIGH RISES, MODERN ARCHITECTURE JUST AS EASILY GIVES WAY TO TRADITION As a city dominated by skyscrapers, and in a country known for its technological advances, South Korea’s capital, Seoul, may seem like a preview for the metropolises of the future. And while the landscape is certainly peppered with high rises, modern architecture just as easily gives way to entire neighbourhoods dedicated to traditional-style housing, as well as the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and Buddhist temples from long before that. In a place where old meets new, travellers can fi nd Seoul’s beating heart – or soul – through its architecture, uncovering its cultural traditions at the same time as its vision for the future. Past glory Among the top tourist attractions in Seoul are the Five Grand Palaces, namely Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung and Gyeonghuigung. Of these, Gyeongbokgung Palace is perhaps the most visited, having originally served as the main royal palace for the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Time your visit for either just before 10am or 2pm for the changing of the guard ceremony outside the main gate every day except for Tuesdays, and be sure to head on a tour of the grounds where you’ll learn about architectural details such as the Japsang fi gures on the roofs, and the infl uence of the concept of yin and yang in the design of the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. Each of the palaces faced extensive damage during the Japanese occupation of Korea, and while restoration eff orts continue, only Changdeokgung has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the most authentic of the palaces, you’ll fi nd structures dating back hundreds of years, as well as the Secret Garden. Only accessible on a guided tour, and with just a few taking place in English each day, the tranquil space serves a respite from the fast-paced nature of the city. Jongmyo Shrine also off ers a glimpse into the royal past as the home of the spirit tablets of the former kings and queens. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, guided tours are available throughout the week. Should your visit coincide with the fi rst Sunday in May, or the fi rst Saturday of November, you’ll be able to see the Jongmyo Jerye, an ancestral Confucian ritual worshipping the deceased monarchs, performed. Alongside Confucianism, Buddhism has played an important role in shaping Korea. Introduced in the 3rd Century CE, there are around 900 Buddhist temples dotted across the country. Epitomising the old-meets-new dynamic, Bongeunsa Temple, founded in 794, is surrounded by skyscrapers in the district of Gangnam. Visitors can immerse themselves in Korean Buddhism with a stay on the fi rst Saturday of the month, where you’ll eat vegan temple food, experience a tea ceremony and copy sutras in golden ink. Jogyesa, found close to Gyeongbokgung Palace, is the most important temple in Korean Buddhism. Like Bongeunsa, you can stay here overnight and try traditional temple food on site, or at the nearby Sanchon restaurant, set up by Monk Jeongsan. In the lead up to Buddha’s birthday – celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar – temples across the country are decorated with paper lanterns, but in Seoul, the most impressive display is found at Jogyesa. Previous spread: Gyeongbokgung Palace Clockwise from above: Bongeunsa Temple; Changdeokgung Palace EtA_10Aug2024_EN_68-75_Feature-Seoul_13325253.indd 7018/07/2024 10:43seoul August 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 71 IMA GE S: SHUTTERST OCK EtA_10Aug2024_EN_68-75_Feature-Seoul_13325253.indd 7118/07/2024 10:4472 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | August 2024 Building resistance Wandering around Bukchon Hanok Village, another of the city’s most popular attractions, may feel like stepping back in time to the Joseon period, but that’s only half the story. While all of the houses in the area have been built in a traditional ‘hanok’ style, and some date back to the mid-1800s, many were in fact constructed decades later by developer Jeong Se-kwon during the Japanese occupation. A form of colonial resistance, Se-kwon bought up larger traditional hanoks occupied by the aristocracy in the area and converted them into smaller units in the 1920s and 1930s to promote Korean culture, with his full story told inside the Bukchon Hanok History Center. Hundreds of people still live in this residential area, so visitors are asked to be respectful and keep noise to a minimum. Should you wish to explore the inside of a hanok for yourself, pay a visit to Baek In-je House, which now serves as a museum, or book a stay at one of the hanoks which have been converted into guest houses. Many of the traditional-style buildings along the main streets are home to coffee shops and restaurants, too. As an alternative, Namsangol Hanok Village and Eunpyeong Hanok Village are equally charming, and have fewer tourists than Bukchon. The deeply moving War Memorial of Korea also delves into the country’s history under colonial occupation, with exhibition halls covering wars fought from prehistoric times until the modern day, with a particular focus on the Korean War (1950-53). Part museum and part memorial, there are a number of monuments on the grounds. The Peace Plaza directly in front of the buildings features fl ags representing the 21 nations that participated in the war, with tributes paid to those who were injured or lost their lives. Clockwise from left: Traditional Korean houses at Bukchon Hanok Village EtA_10Aug2024_EN_68-75_Feature-Seoul_13325253.indd 7218/07/2024 10:44seoul August 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 73 IMA GE S: SHUTTERST OCK EtA_10Aug2024_EN_68-75_Feature-Seoul_13325253.indd 7318/07/2024 10:4474 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | August 2024 Clockwise from right: Seoul’s skyline at Han River; Dongdaemun Design Plaza; Sebitseom Into the future Rapid economic growth in the second half of the 20th century has taken Seoul to dizzying heights – quite literally in the form of Lotte World Tower in Songpa. At 555 metres (1,821 ft), it is the fi fth tallest building in the world, ahead of One World Trade Center in New York City and Taipei 101 in Taiwan. The observation deck, Seoul Sky, on fl oor 123 off ers panoramic views, while thrillseekers can cross the outdoor bridge at a dizzying 541 metres (1,775 ft), should the weather allow for it. To enjoy the views for longer, book in for a stay at the Signiel Seoul Hotel, which occupies the 76th to the 101st fl oors. In the same district you’ll also fi nd another symbol of South Korea’s transformation: The Olympic Park. Built to host the 1988 Summer Olympics, the games catapulted the country onto the international stage and showcased the SEOUL SKY ALLOWS THRILLSEEKERS TO CROSS THE OUTDOOR BRIDGE WHICH IS AT 541 METRES, (1,775 FT) EtA_10Aug2024_EN_68-75_Feature-Seoul_13325253.indd 7418/07/2024 10:44seoul August 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 75 ETIHAD AIRWAYS OFFERS 11 FLIGHTS PER WEEK TO SEOUL ETIHAD.COM huge leaps the nation had made just 35 years after the war. Here, you can take a photo with the World Peace Gate, and go ice-skating in the winter months. Perhaps the most recognisable contemporary building in Seoul, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza fi rst opened to the public in 2014. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, every angle of the structure is photo-worthy, and you can also head inside to visit the gallery and exhibition spaces. The best way to discover the building itself is through one of the free architecture tours, taking place in English at 1.30pm from Tuesday to Sunday. After days of exploring sights both old and new, our top choice for a fi nal night activity would be heading to the banks of the Han River. The futuristic Sebitseom, a cultural complex formed of three artifi cial islands, is lit up with LED lights in the evenings, and the nearby Banpo Bridge has a rainbow fountain show every 30 minutes from 7.30pm until 9.30pm in the warmer months. Visit one of Sebitseom’s many restaurants and bars, or bring a picnic to watch the show and admire the views across the river of the skyscrapers, mountainscape and the iconic Namsan Tower as you say goodbye to Seoul (until next time). IMA GE S: SHUTTERST OCK EtA_10Aug2024_EN_68-75_Feature-Seoul_13325253.indd 7518/07/2024 10:44EnjoySpend. Earn. Wherever you go. Life’s Better as a Guest. Follow these steps and don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity: Miles on the GoAugust 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 77 index If you’re travelling on a long-haul flight with us in Economy Class today, you might have noticed something new welcoming you to your seat. Our refreshed amenity kits include all of your in-flight essentials such as eyeshades, ear plugs, a cosy blanket and luxurious Beekman hand cream, all presented in a stylish and sustainable tote bag that you can use time and again. Enjoy them on board, then take them home and seamlessly incorporate them into your everyday life. Love them, use them and reuse them. Crafted from recycled plastic and thoughtfully designed without the need for individual packaging, the tote bags are available in three collectible designs refl ecting Etihad Airways’ iconic aircraft liveries, including the Greenliner and Manchester City liveries. Aviation geeks will also be delighted to fi nd the aircraft registration number of these special liveries on the tote bags. Our new collection of revolutionary and re-usable amenity kits goes beyond elegance and functionality – it refl ects our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint without compromising on the exceptional quality you expect from Etihad Airways. Practicality meets sustainability EtA_10Aug2024_EN_77_IDX Opener_13325263.indd 7718/07/2024 10:44news 78 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | August 2024 In the news The latest happenings at Etihad Airways Etihad Airways marked a signifi cant milestone with the 10 millionth member joining its loyalty programme, Etihad Guest. This achievement coincides with the programme’s exciting relaunch, off ering even more personalised rewards. The lucky 10 millionth member was surprised with an immediate upgrade to Platinum status, Join the Etihad team Etihad Guest celebrates 10 million members Etihad Airways has launched a global recruitment drive for both pilots and cabin crew. If you’re a pilot seeking a rewarding career with an international airline, we want to hear from you, as we welcome pilots of all ranks and experience levels. Whether you fl y an Airbus A320 or a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, there’s a potential spot for you. Pilots who do not yet fulfi l the Etihad criteria but may wish to join Etihad in the future are also encouraged to attend the roadshow or register their interest online. Etihad is also searching for passionate individuals to join its award-winning cabin crew team. Prior experience is not essential as successful candidates will benefi t from extensive training. As part of the Etihad family, cabin crew enjoy a comprehensive benefi ts package that includes fully furnished accommodation, medical insurance, allowances and discounts on everything from dining to car rentals. Joining Etihad is not just about career development and progression, but also means enjoying the incredible lifestyle Abu Dhabi off ers. Imagine living in a safe, vibrant city with beautiful beaches, desert adventures and a thriving restaurant scene. Visit careers.etihad.com to learn more about attending an Open Day, registering your interest or applying online. the highest tier reserved for frequent fl yers. All Etihad Guest members enjoy Core Benefi ts upon joining, including free onboard Wi-Fi chat for staying connected. Higher tiers unlock additional benefi ts like priority check-in, extra baggage and bonus miles. The programme recently introduced a revolutionary concept – Custom Benefi ts where members can now personalise their rewards based on their preferences, allowing them to travel on their own terms. These include familiar perks like extra baggage and new options like same-day fl ight fl exibility. Beyond Benefi ts further rewards the most loyal members. Gold and Platinum tiers off er exclusive choices as a token of appreciation. These special rewards, like priority boarding or lounge access, can be shared with loved ones. Finally, a prestigious new tier, Diamond, was introduced for Etihad’s most dedicated fl yers. Members must be Platinum and spend a signifi cant amount on Etihad fl ights within a year to qualify. They’ll enjoy a range of exclusive, bespoke benefi ts designed specifi cally for them. Discover a world of rewards and personalised benefi ts at etihadguest.com. EtA_10Aug2024_EN_78_IDX News_13325250.indd 7818/07/2024 10:45cargo August 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 79 Reaching new heights Abu Dhabi has reached another milestone in its mission to create a global healthcare ecosystem. Etihad Cargo, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Investment Offi ce (ADIO) and the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group (KEZAD) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global pharmaceutical and life sciences distribution hub. This agreement leverages the city’s strategic location, lucrative investment opportunities and its advanced logistics capabilities. It also aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and promote sustainable growth in healthcare and life sciences. A better future for all The pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in this vision, attracting leading global companies to establish operations in Abu Dhabi, ensuring timely and safe access to new medicines and healthcare products. Etihad Cargo, with its specialised PharmaLife product, is at the forefront of supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision. PharmaLife off ers a range of services tailored for the transportation of pharmaceuticals, ensuring compliance with stringent global standards. The carrier has established over 1,332 certifi ed trade lanes to facilitate the safe and effi cient movement of pharmaceutical products. With its world-class expertise, Etihad Cargo is instrumental in creating a seamless supply chain that supports the broader goal of making Abu Dhabi a global pharmaceutical hub. Abu Dhabi is poised to become a global pharmaceutical hub Under the new MoU, Etihad Cargo and its partners will emphasise knowledge exchange and capability building, providing local professionals with opportunities to enhance their skills in pharmaceutical logistics. This initiative supports job creation and Emiratisation, boosting local skills in the healthcare sector. Additionally, the agreement explores local manufacturing and packaging of pharmaceuticals, potentially positioning Abu Dhabi as a producer of innovative healthcare products. Incentives and favourable legal and tax conditions will further attract international fi rms, solidifying the emirate’s status as a strategic global hub. This ambitious project aims to improve health security and patient outcomes, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role in the global healthcare landscape. EtA_10Aug2024_EN_79_IDX Cargo_13330839.indd 7918/07/2024 10:45Next >