Many cities around the world have their own metro systems, but the one in Seoul is exceptional. The subway system in Seoul is the most tourist-friendly means of transportation. The Seoul Metropolitan Subway system, which helps tourists save time and energy, will be explored in the company of SUHO, the leader of boy band favorite, EXO.
SUHO, known for his meticulous planning, has curated a special travel course called the SUHO Line for those exploring Seoul. The SUHO Line encompasses various popular destinations in Seoul that SUHO frequents or aspires to visit, all easily accessible via the subway system. Before revealing the SUHO Line, let’s learn more about his typical day in Seoul and what he loves to do in this city.
Q. Where have you traveled to lately?
A. I went to the States for work a few days last year. I was there for about five days after shooting a TV show. I also went to Australia to shoot Besties in Wonderland.
* SUHO gave a presentation at the Korean Studies conference at Stanford University.
Q. Before we get started, what’s your MBTI personality type?
A. I'm ENFJ. I'm extroverted, and I like meeting people. And I love planning (laughter). I like talking to strangers, too. I’m a typical ENFJ.
Q. What are your latest hobbies or interests?
A. I really got into wines about two years ago. I don’t drink wine to get drunk. I guess I'm more of an avid learner. I try to write tasting notes whenever I drink wine, and I like to find new wines that I have never tried before. I'm still learning a lot about wines and enjoy drinking at places with a great atmosphere.
Q. It seems you like to experience new things.
A. I love discovering and learning new things. That’s why I got into wine. Oh, the weather has warmed up now. So, I promised Kai I’d go on a bike ride at Hangang Park soon.
Q. Do you like being active?
A. Yes, I like to stay active. But I'm not really into vigorous sports. I like roaming around to experience things myself.
Q. If you’re into wine, do you sometimes drink alone?
A. I rarely drink by myself. Instead, I watch YouTube videos on wine. Sometimes, I find some wines that look interesting in some of the videos. Then, I try to find places where I can taste those wines. I don’t tend to drink alone, so I call my friends to come and drink with me.
Q. You’re particularly known for the "J" of your MBTI type. To what extent do you plan ahead?
A. I mostly use Instagram to communicate with my fans and post images to become my photo diary later. I pick a few places I’d like to visit whenever I travel. Then, I search hashtags related to those places and see so many pictures uploaded by others. I capture some images that I think have good composition, and I pick the outfit I will wear when I go there. That’s how much I plan ahead (laughter).
Q. Is there a favorite shop of yours?
A. I usually shop online, or I go to select shops in Cheongdam-dong. I want to try out some of the vintage shops as well. I want to visit the vintage shop, Opal, that Chan-hyuk visited on the show, I Live Alone. I’ll pay a visit one day.
Q. Which one do you prefer more, dining or street bar?
A. It depends on my mood, but I prefer street bars when I’m in Korea.
Q. Would you visit street bars when you’re traveling?
A. Definitely. But it isn’t easy to be in public when I’m in Korea.
Q. You will be in public with us though (laughter).
A. It’s certainly easier if I’m shooting.
Q. When was the last time you took the subway?
A. I ride buses sometimes, but the last time I took the subway was three or four years ago in Japan. In Korea, the winter of 2012 was the last time I took the subway.
Q. Is there a part of Seoul you visit often or particularly like?
A. I often go to Cheongdam-dong or Sinsa-dong. I’ve been going to Seongsu-dong a lot lately. Samcheong-dong is a place I’d go for exhibitions and cafes.
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Burgers. Specially handcrafted burgers. A burger can actually be a healthy food. There are carbs, protein, and veggies. You can ask them to custom make your burger to be less salty and whatnot. I really like this place called Zesty Saloon in Seongsu-dong.
Q. Do you enjoy taking pictures?
A. I can guarantee I’ll take the best picture of someone in less than a minute. Some people take good pictures of you without you actually posing or noticing. And I'm certainly that person. I wish my friends would take good pictures of me when I'm sitting at a bus stop or something, but they don’t (laughter). I have to ask them to take pictures for me, and I pretend I don’t notice them. When I share the pictures I took with my friends, most of them get surprised because they like how they look.
Q. How about you taking pictures of other tourists this time?
A. That’s actually a good idea. I really do take good pictures. I took pictures of Jiyeon Lim when we were in Australia shooting Besties in Wonderland, and she loved them. She posted a lot of them on her social media. Everyone likes pictures where they look good in them (laughter). I can quickly fill anyone’s Instagram feed with my pictures.
Q. Are there any parts of Seoul you’d like to discover?
A. Oh! I was always curious about those people who ride skateboards at Hangang Park. It looks really interesting. I'm quite good at inline skating, but I’ve never tried skateboarding. I want to try those outdoor rock-climbing walls, too.
Q. So, the keywords of SUHO Line will be “pictures, Hangang, shopping, and must-eat places.”
A. I guess so. I can’t wait to find out (laughter).
Everyone has different tastes when traveling, but we all like encountering something new. Starting from June 22 until July 13, the Seoul Tourism Organization's official YouTube channel, VisitSeoul TV. will release a new episode every Thursday of the SUHO Line series that features a special travel course curated by SUHO, with the theme focused on unveiling hidden gems. Spot the undiscovered charms of Seoul through the SUHO Line series.
Related Articles
|
|
R U Ready? Let’s Go on MINO LINE! | Always Something New & Exciting in Seongsu-dong |