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Ok so I have decided to raid the piggy bank and attend the upcoming ABC Mart MSL on June 11th in South Korea, but I'm gonna need some help in terms of directions etc. to physically get there :D
I've read this excellent Guide to 'Watching Live Starcraft in Seoul' and from reading similar threads in the forums it seems like that info is all up to date still. Problem for me is that the venue won't be any of those locations and those instructions seem to mainly be for typical Proleague type matches as opposed to a big final.
(spoiler for MSL semi-final below):
+ Show Spoiler +Since  Flash made the MSL final I figure this is the ideal time to take the plunge and go to South Korea and watch a big final. I had been hoping it would be an FvJ but nevertheless this final has its own appeal that makes it worth attending imo and I'd rather go now than regret not going if pro BW somehow became less epic in the future.
My questions:
1) In the translated post-semi-final interview with one of the players (in the spoiler below) they mention that the venue will be Kwang-Un University. This fomos post lists it as "광운대학교 대강당" and google translate gives me a spelling of "Kwangwoon University Auditorium".
+ Show Spoiler +The final venue is Kwang-Un University
▲ It's the school that our old teammate Special went to, so it's somewhat of a special place to me. I've visited their ice skating rink a few times, so as soon as I saw the venue, I wanted to make it to the final.
Being as I don't know anything about the Korean language or romanization which spelling should I be using for finding stuff? Which is most likely to be on a sign at the actual venue?
2) Where is that venue located? Can someone give me the address in Korean and/or in English and possibly a basic idea of how far it is from some famous reference point? I tried using google maps and translate but the closest I've gotten was this:
광운초등학교 which it tells me is "Kwangwoon Elementary School"
Address: 128 Jangwi-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Is that accurate? I'm confused since the interview says "University" but then again they say a player went there.
3) From reading the guide and other threads it seems like I don't need to worry about buying a ticket etc. if I show up in time. For a final do I need to be there ridiculously early like 3 hours in advance? Obviously I don't wanna risk not getting in if I fly all the way there ^^
4) I've only been to South Korea once and it was for an event, e-Stars Seoul 2010, which is held at the COEX mall, where the Incruit 2008 final between Stork and fantasy was, and had all the hotel stuff etc. sorted out by the organisers so getting to Gangnam-gu was fairly easy. Is it a good plan to get a hotel in that kind of area and just make the journey out to the final on the day or is the distance/travel going to mean it's less risky if I try to get a hotel closer? Any suggestions?
5) Is there any page/forum on sites like fomos which might have info which will help me out in my quest to attend this MSL final?
6) Doesn't this round of Proleague end v. soon? Will there be any games within a day or two of the final making it worth staying longer/arriving earlier?
I've never done anything like this before, don't wanna end up going all the way there to get lost and it seems very difficult to find info for this if you don't already know what you're looking for. Ideally I wanna be able to get stuff booked and have my basic plan formed by Monday.
So help me find my way to the ABC Mart MSL final please TeamLiquid, so I can get a taste of some live BW Bo5 epicness 
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get that iphone app that translate words in real time.
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the address is wolgeh-dong, nowon-gu, seoul 447-1
it will be held at the university. i really doubt an elementary school will have the equipment required for a progaming event
ive also heard that you dont require tickets so you could probs just rock up and take a seat. 3 hours seems too cautious. id say an hour or so should be fine. last msl there were quite a number of seats available even during the match (mind you there was no appearance of any of the tbls...so not the most exciting msl)
depending on how long youre staying id suggest different accommodations...if youre there for just the match then id say DONT get a hotel around kangnam. it will take you around an hour and a half to get to the venue via public transport
if youre gonna be in korea for perhaps a couple weeks to holiday and such then kangnam/jamsil or shinchon/hongdae would be suitable places to stay. more tourist attractions and entertainment venues are around there. (assuming youre in your 20s)
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On June 03 2011 05:59 evilfatsh1t wrote:
depending on how long youre staying id suggest different accommodations...if youre there for just the match then id say DONT get a hotel around kangnam. it will take you around an hour and a half to get to the venue via public transport
if youre gonna be in korea for perhaps a couple weeks to holiday and such then kangnam/jamsil or shinchon/hongdae would be suitable places to stay. more tourist attractions and entertainment venues are around there. (assuming youre in your 20s)
Thanks, my rough plan is to arrive like 1-2 days beforehand if I am only attending the final and then leave 1-2 days afterwards. I am probably gonna find my hotel via expedia. Any suggestions on the names of areas/regions which would be more suitable for the hotel?
On June 03 2011 05:59 evilfatsh1t wrote:
the address is wolgeh-dong, nowon-gu, seoul 447-1
Yep, google recognises it as "wolgye-dong nowon-gu" to give me directions. Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^
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i'm in nowon-gu. i'll PM you my cell, call me if you need help. Are you coming alone?
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On June 03 2011 06:46 d_so wrote:
i'm in nowon-gu. i'll PM you my cell, call me if you need help. Are you coming alone?
Thanks, yeah I am.
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>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
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On June 03 2011 07:08 Gescom wrote:
>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
You know how it is man. Tourists often get jipped with taxi fees in slightly less developed countries so.. keep your eyes open, stay sharp.
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Great stuff so far guys, thanks. Making notes :D
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How do you get to the MSL final?
Practice, practice!
OK, sorry.
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On June 03 2011 07:10 xarthaz wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:08 Gescom wrote:
>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
You know how it is man. Tourists often get jipped with taxi fees in slightly less developed countries so.. keep your eyes open, stay sharp.
Less developed countries? We are talking about SK right now, right? lmao
I've never had a problem with Taxis at all in Korea. Not to mention 99% of them take credit cards, and have navigation systems in the cab, which is much more than the taxis in US can say. Also, many Korean mobile minutes are free (prepaid, whatever) so they don't get upset if you show them a phone number and ask them to call. Most of the drivers even speak a little English.
Usually, I just have the address and name (very nicely written out by a lady at the hotel reception desk) of my destination written on a piece of paper and show it to the taxi driver, they'll punch it into their navigation system, and off you go.
Or, I would say take the subway, then when you get in the area you need, take a taxi. Taking the buses can be complicated (it was for me if I didn't have someone helping). Sounds like you already got some help from a local though, so everything should be a cake walk!
Have fun in Korea bro! Eat some kalbi BBQ for me plzzzz ^^
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On June 03 2011 07:40 slappy wrote:
Also, many Korean mobile minutes are free (prepaid, whatever) so they don't get upset if you show them a phone number and ask them to call.
Speaking of which I think last time I was there my mobile didn't work but someone told me you can get a number to use just in Korea for cheap. Is that worth it for 3-4 days time? I think they even had a desk in Incheon airport where they could do it for you.
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On June 03 2011 08:09 Thorin wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:40 slappy wrote:
Also, many Korean mobile minutes are free (prepaid, whatever) so they don't get upset if you show them a phone number and ask them to call.
Speaking of which I think last time I was there my mobile didn't work but someone told me you can get a number to use just in Korea for cheap. Is that worth it for 3-4 days time? I think they even had a desk in Incheon airport where they could do it for you.
Sorry, I never did this so I can't comment much on it. I have the international plan on my iPhone so it works over there (at a very expensive rate). I usually just connect to the internet and use Skype to mobile calls (very inexpensive!).
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On June 03 2011 07:10 xarthaz wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:08 Gescom wrote:
>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
You know how it is man. Tourists often get jipped with taxi fees in slightly less developed countries so.. keep your eyes open, stay sharp.
Not really actually. The most I've ever had to pay was 20 dollars USD and it was a pretty long trip within the city. If you're absolutely clueless, you could always try to get a taxi that has clearance to get into a US Military Base (as it's a requirement for them to know English to be able to drive on and off their base).
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1019 Posts
On June 03 2011 08:09 Thorin wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:40 slappy wrote:
Also, many Korean mobile minutes are free (prepaid, whatever) so they don't get upset if you show them a phone number and ask them to call.
Speaking of which I think last time I was there my mobile didn't work but someone told me you can get a number to use just in Korea for cheap. Is that worth it for 3-4 days time? I think they even had a desk in Incheon airport where they could do it for you.
yes theres a booth at incheon airport where you can rent a cell phone. seoul is a pretty international city and its possible to get around without speaking an ounce of korean. Are you an american citizen? keep note that if theres suddenly an unexpected emergency, the american embassy is literally in the middle of seoul and they can help you out nicely.
heres the wikipedia link for korean currency: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korean_won
You should definitely educate yourself on this if your planning on shopping.
if you want to buy a souvenir or whatever, try not to buy stuff from street markets or random hole in the wall shops unless you have a korean friend who knows how to speak fluent korean. theres a good chance that the shop owners will try to rip you off the moment they figure out your a tourist. i'd suggest malls or department stores, even if they are more expensive. let us know if you have any more questions.
On June 03 2011 07:10 xarthaz wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:08 Gescom wrote:
>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
You know how it is man. Tourists often get jipped with taxi fees in slightly less developed countries so.. keep your eyes open, stay sharp.
since when was south korea a less developed country?
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On June 03 2011 05:48 mmdmmd wrote:
get that iphone app that translate words in real time.
I doubt that translates Korean just yet.
e. yeap, only Spanish.
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On June 03 2011 09:20 white_horse wrote:
Are you an american citizen?
British
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i also suggest you dont take buses
ive been here a while and i NEVER take buses. just too many stops and numbers...you can pretty much get anywhere via train and foot anyway
and i dont see the point of getting a phone if you dont have anyone to call lol
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Hey, I'm studying at Sogang so I'll be hoping to go as well. Are you guys meeting up somewhere? It'd be nice to have someone to follow xD
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On June 04 2011 02:24 DarthThienAn wrote:
Are you guys meeting up somewhere? It'd be nice to have someone to follow xD
Anyone going can PM me and we'll arrange something.
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EPT
