Nanta and the Plaza Hotel

It is no exaggeration to say that Gwanghwamun is the heart of Seoul and the center of culture, history, and tourism in the city. It was on the very streets of Gwanghwamun that the Red Devils, Korea’s football afficionados dressed in red, gathered to cheer the national team during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The lawn at Seoul Plaza, in front of Seoul City Hall, is also an exciting destination. The air is filled with the vibrant sights and sounds of various concerts and performances. People gather on the lawn to picnic under the sun, adding to the festive atmosphere. When chilly winter winds start to blow, Gwanghwamun is the first locale to dress itself up in vivid colors. The first big Christmas tree is erected on the green grass of Seoul Plaza, and small bulbs illuminate the streets like innumerable fireflies. This year, the festive mood culminates with the Luminarie, an event that will enliven the streets even more, from the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts down to Jeongdong Church. The place to dine while enjoying a perfect bird's-eye-view of Gwanghwamun is the Plaza Hotel, right across from Seoul City Hall. The hotel features a number of restaurants; and of these, the French restaurant Topaz on the 22nd floor is a popular spot for couples and families who want to celebrate a special occasion. As the month of December came to a close, our reporter spent a great evening with KNTO e-Marketing Team web designer Koo Min-hee (23) at the Plaza Hotel Topaz, after attending a performance of the long-running hit show, Nanta.

16:00 Enjoy a Nanta Performance Ms. Koo Min-hee was especially excited about seeing the Nanta performance, remarking that she had waited since its opening in July 2000. Her wish finally came true in December 2004. Before the show, she purchased a chef’s hat like the one worn by Nanta performers. And from the moment the cast came onstage, they transported the audience to a new realm of excitement. Ms. Koo burst into waves of laughter, clapping throughout the show, and chiding herself again for waiting so long to see it. About 70 to 80% of the viewers were foreign visitors who also clapped and laughed with great enthusiasm. Because Nanta is based on rhythmic actions and facial expressions, it has universal appeal for any audience.

->Click here for more details on Nanta

Nanta Performance　　　　 Entrance to the Performance Hall Inside the Performance Hall

18:00 Plaza Hotel Topaz Located across from Seoul City Hall, the Plaza Hotel was the media’s favorite spot to take photographs during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The hotel features nine restaurants. Topaz, on the 22nd floor, offers a splendid view of the streets of Seoul. No wonder it is a popular spot for romantic marriage proposals or just for family get-togethers. If you want a table by the window, be sure to make an advance reservation by phone or on the internet. Even on weekdays, the reservation rate for window-side tables is 100%.

Front view of the Plaza Hotel　 　　 You have to eat to believe Salad served in a variety of dressings

Inside view of Topaz　　　 Seafood Dish Topaz’s signature steak

Menu and Price: Course A - 85,000 won, Course B - 100,000 won (10% tax and service charge not included) Operation Hours: Lunch 11:30-14:30 / Dinner 18:00-22:00 / BAR 12:00-23:00 (Closed on Sundays and Holidays) Inquiry: +82-2-310-7374 Homepage:http://www.seoulplaza.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese)

20:00 A Walk in Gwanghwamun The wide stretch of highway between the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and Seoul City Hall is a 16-lane wonder. Here, headlights of speeding motorcars, streetlights of the city, and bright, colorful neon signs combine to create an exuberant night scene. In winter, a tall Christmas tree is erected on the lawn-covered Seoul plaza in front of Seoul City Hall, adding even more beauty to the streets.

Numerous streetlamps light the streets Luminarie in front of Seoul City Hall Luminarie in front of Jeongdong Church