2009 Business Travel Awards: Top 10 best international airports

Conde Nash Traveler has recently released their twelfth annual business travel survey which included a section ranking the best international airports around the world. Frequent travelers to or around Asia will not be surprised to learn that Singapore’s Changi came out on top in all survey categories followed by Hong Kong International (Chek Lap Kok). Other Asian airports making it into the top 10 included Seoul’s Incheon and Tokyo’s Narita.

Top 10 Best International Airports

Useful maps of the Seoul subway system

Navigating a subway systems is fairly straight forward in most cities as few cities have complex systems. However, complex subway systems in countries where the Romanized alphabet is not used can be tricky for westerners. Hence, if you are planning a trip to Seoul in the near future, you may want to consider purchasing a Seoul rail transit map from Zero Per Zero, a South Korean based graphic design company.

On offer are three nifty subway maps in both English and Korean. These maps include a portable map that is 518 x 370 mm or 15 x 20.4 inches, a handy map that is 75 x 125 or 3 x 5 inches and a mini map that is 48 x 85 mm or 1.9 x 3.3 inches. In addition, Zero Per Zero offers rail transit maps for Osaka, Hokkaido and Tokyo (however, they tend to be in Korean and English).

All of Zero Per Zero’s map products can be purchased online from their website and prices range from 1,500 to 9,000 won or US$1.20 to US$7.20 – well worth the price of not getting lost once you get to Seoul.

Seoul’s Jung-Gu district: Literally the “central district”

Located in the heart of Seoul on the north side of the Han River, Jung-gu literally means “central district” in Korean. In fact, it is the historical center of the city and contains a number of historical and cultural sites such as the Myeongdong Cathedral, the National Theater of Korea, the Seoul Museum of Art and the Bank of Korea Museum along with well known Seoul landmarks such as the N Seoul Tower and a number of department stores, shopping centers and entertainment venues. In addition, several member companies of the Hanjin conglomerate have their offices in the area along with international airlines such as Air China, Hainan Airlines and Air France.

For business travelers and expatriates looking for either short (minimum of one night) or long-term accommodations, the Han Suites Serviced Residences is located at the foot of Mt. Nam San with spectacular views of the city and offers 120 fully furnished and equipped studio, one and two bedroom suites. In addition, for business travelers and expatriates who will be needing office space, the Executive Centre Seoul Finance centre offers 60 offices and 215 workstations along with fully equipped conference facilities that can cater to meetings and seminars for up to 60 people. Moreover, the location offers easy access to all parts of the city via the City Hall Station just a two-minute walk away.

Hence, for business travelers and expatriates coming to Seoul who literally want to live and work in a “central district,” look no further than Jung-Gu.

Korean & western cuisine at the Seoul Incheon International Airport

Should you find yourself waiting to depart at the Seoul Incheon International Airport (IIA) and you need a suitable venue for a business meal, Matina offers an elegant dining experience over hearty Western and Korean food. In fact, the restaurant, with it various artistic masterpieces on the walls, was awarded the “Best Restaurant at IIAC” in 2003. On offer from the restaurant’s extensive menu include a variety of sandwiches, steak, spaghetti and beef bone soup – in other words, something for everyone.

Matina (phone: 82-32-743-3012) is located in the duty-free and departures area of the 4th floor (Transit Hotel) near Gates 11 & 43 and hours of operation are 7:00 to 21:00.

So if you need a venue offering a fine dining experience before departing for home, look no further than Matina’s at the Soeul Incheon International Airport.