Home > Culture > Features

Outdoor frolics and indoor romance

Published: 11 Feb. 2009, 23:13

Sheraton Grande Walkerhill’s ice rink. [JoongAng Ilbo]

Hit the road, Jack

Remember, girls like the outdoors for proposals. It’s still chilly at nights, but who cares about subzero temperature when you want to get your woman to say yes?

Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm, Hoenggye, Gangwon

When it snows here, you can shoot your own frolics just like in the film “Love Story.” If Daegwallyeong on the east coast of the peninsula gets blanketed under snow, give it two or three days before traveling. Check road conditions beforehand.

Seonyu Bridge in Seoul.

Go play in the snow for a bit, let your special one drop her guard and surprise her with your proposal. If you’re successful, climb to the top of the hilly farm and take in the scenery.

In this beautiful setting, she probably won’t say sorry, because love means never having to say so. Call 033-335-1966 for more information.

Eunice’s Garden, Ansan, Gyeonggi

It’s a small village comprised of gardens, a cafe and a restaurant on the outskirts of Seoul. The wooden swings along the walkway are quiet, private spots where you can pop the question. Call 031-437-2045 for more.

Seonyudo Park, Seoul

Avoid gridlock, and take the Seoul subway to this scenic park beside the Han River. It’s a 15-minute walk from Hapjeong Station on lines No. 2 and 6. Take a stroll through the park’s willow trees at dusk. When it gets darker, hop over to the Seonyu Bridge near the park’s main entrance. Lit in rainbow colors, the bridge will provide a romantic setting. Call (02) 3780-0590 for further info.

Seoul hotels

Our survey showed proposing events are no time for men to be stingy. These hotels may be a tad costly but then again, you only propose once, unless of course you’re on your second time around. Call a hotel now and tell them about your proposal plans. They can help you set up the special moment.

Sheraton Grande Walkerhill

You can rent the vaunted ice rink for an hour at 600,000 won ($432). Skate into the ice castle in the middle of the rink and read from your love letter. At the Starlight restaurant, you can order the It’s Your Day menu, which comes with a cake, a bouquet and a bottle of wine. It’s 370,000 won for two, plus tax. Call (02) 456-4516.

Grand InterContinental

Located on the 52nd floor, the Mediterranean restaurant Marco Polo offers spectacular city views. Couples occupy window seats, but book table 28 for more privacy. The Couple Set menu comes with champagne and flowers, for 350,000 won for two, plus tax. Call (02) 559-7620.

JW Marriott Seoul

Book for a proposal at JW’s Grill, and they will reserve their “official” proposal table by the window. The six-course menu with wine or champagne is 300,000 won for two, plus tax. Book at least one day ahead, and rose petals will be sprinkled over the table. (02) 6282-6759 is the number to call.