Gang-nam

Hi,

I am going to be in Seoul in the Gang-nam area. What is around there? What is that area like?

How easy is the subway system to figure out as a westerner?

And this might be a little strange to ask but I am going to be there for an extended period of time, and I am a freakish cat lover... is there any cat shelter to go spend time volunteering to be around cats?

Thanks for any info!!

Gang-nam

Currykit, you will see many office buildings, high-end stores, department stores, restaurants, cafes and bars in Gang-nam area. This area doesn%26#39;t have many historical sites or traditional markets as in Gang-buk (North of River) area. but, don%26#39;t worry, there are many metro line connects two areas. Seoul%26#39;s metro is very extensive, clean and efficient. There are English signs and announcement for each station stop is also done in English. I was little depressed when I returned to NY to ride dirty disgusting subways again.

About your cat shelter question, sorry I can%26#39;t help there. But I am sure you can inquire through many animal hospitals there.

Gang-nam

Cats do exist in Korea, but by no means as many as pets in the West. My Korean friends tell me cats are regarded as sort of sneaky.

I think you may not find a cat shelter, but that%26#39;s only my impression.

In Gangnam (=south of the river) there is Bogeunsa (Bongeun Temple) at the north rnd of COEX mall on the hillside. The temple has many cats, and some of the monks have very good English. They may be able to help you.

As to the area- it%26#39;s varied between office blocks (Teheran Road is a better version of Wall St), alleys and tower blocks of apartments. It all depends whether you%26#39;re in Gangnam (in general) or the actual location ';Gangnam';- ie by the Gangnam station. Overall it%26#39;s a high class and desirable, even occasionally ';hip'; area.

I just came back from Korea and totally agree with Blee426. I%26#39;m impressed; Seoul%26#39;s metro is very clean and efficient. My teenagers could confidently ride the subway on their own.

And Korean people are a helpful lot. Every time we meet with communication problem, there would always be someone to help.