Seoul is one of Asia’s leading capitals, dynamically developing and expanding while maintaining a rich culture and history.
This is a place where you can visit majestic palaces in the morning, stroll through luxurious botanical gardens in the afternoon, and hit the busy neon-lit streets filled with loud bars and local street food in the evening. What to choose from the variety of exciting points of Seoul? Read in the article.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The Gyeongbokgung Palace Complex is located in the northern part of the city. It was built at the end of the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty. The complex includes the Kinjeongjeon Throne Hall, Gyeonghwer Pavilion, the National Museum of Ethnography of Korea and the National Palace Museum. Every day, at the central gate of the complex, a changing of the guard ceremony takes place, which many tourists come to admire.
Changdeokhun Palace
At first it seems that all the palaces in Seoul are similar to each other, both in architectural style and in name, but in fact each one has something special. According to most experts, Changdeokhun is the most beautiful palace in Seoul, if only because it is located against the backdrop of a huge picturesque mountain, and the territory is framed by a small stream that meets the principles of Feng Shui.
Particular attention here is worth paying to the ancient giant Tonghwaum Gate, the luxurious throne room, the picturesque garden and the lotus pond.
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea in Seoul is a kind of record holder among all Korean museums. This cultural center, a repository of historical artifacts, paintings and other artefacts, is the largest center in South Korea, as well as one of the largest museum complexes in Asia and the world. The area of the National Museum is more than 137,000 square meters. m, it is located in a building specially built for it in 2005, reminiscent of Korean fortresses in a modern design. The museum’s collections number approximately 220,000 items, but only a small portion of these treasures—about 13,000 items—are on display in permanent exhibitions.
Seoul Tower N
The television and observation tower on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul reaches a height of 236 meters. Built in 1971, Seoul Tower is Korea’s first tower to provide television and radio broadcasting in the city.
For tourists, the TV tower is attractive in other ways – its observation deck offers a panoramic view. It looks especially attractive in the evening, when the rays of the sun flood the city.
Dongdaemun Cultural Center Design Plaza
If you want to fully experience South Korea’s world-famous state-of-the-art technology, head to the Dongdaemun Cultural Center, built in 2014 as a futuristic structure whose appearance makes you feel like you’re walking through a portal into the distant future.
There are five large halls inside. There you will find the Design Museum, which showcases Korea’s innovative and creative design art in a new way. It’s also home to a design market where you can try out new inventions and put cutting-edge technology to the test.
Bongeuns Temple
This beautiful Buddhist temple was founded in 794 on the slopes of Mount Sudo. Despite the skyscrapers surrounding this place, peace and quiet always reign here. Bongeuns is the most luxurious and largest temple in the capital.
Its decoration is also impressive: carvings, Buddha images, colorful colors and well-kept gardens.
Noryangjin Fish Market
Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market, with its narrow walkways, bustling streams of carts bringing goods in and out, and sashimi artists fulfilling orders on boards, is a worthy destination for adventurous foodies.
Founded in 1927, it is the city’s largest indoor seafood market and a place where you can not only view and shop the ocean’s riches, but also simply experience the flavor of vibrant Seoul.
Bukchon – a folk village of traditional Korean hanok houses
This is a picturesque place where you can stroll along the narrow winding alleys and take advantage of the excellent opportunity to take many photographs. The houses in this village were built in the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty. Currently, the village of Bukchon is a territory under state protection.
South Korea’s rich cultural heritage is preserved here. You can enter some of the hanok houses and try your hand at being a craftsman or artist, or learn to play Korean musical instruments.
Lotte World Park
Lotte World is the largest indoor amusement park in the world, with a ton of attractions awaiting you. Even a week is not enough to ride everyone. If that’s not enough, you’ll also find a giant shopping mall and department store here. Lotte World is an attraction that is especially popular with locals.
It’s also a great alternative to Disneyland. Children can barely contain themselves when they see the giant rides stretching all the way to the horizon. Whether it’s the splashy water slide or the adrenaline-pumping French Revolution roller coaster, Lotte World is one of the best places to go in Seoul for a thrill ride.
Bukhansan National Park
Nature lovers should definitely visit Bukhansan, a national park rich in amazing forests and beautiful temples. It is also famous for three mountain peaks: Mangende, Insubong and Begunde. All are ideal for hiking. The panorama of Seoul opening from there makes a stunning impression.
Small charming traditional temples here are scattered in different places among the virgin nature. Despite the fact that the park is very popular, you can still find secluded places where you can relax and admire the fabulous scenery. Among the sites available to visit is the historic Buhansanseong Fortress and its wall, which gracefully meanders along the hills and mountain slopes of the national park.
Residence Blue House
The Blue House is the Korean version of the American White House. It is the official residence of the President of Korea, as well as the seat of government officials corresponding to this status. In fact, the Blue House is not one building, but a whole complex of buildings in traditional Korean style.
The roof of all buildings is covered with blue tiles, the color of which gave the complex its name. Multi-hour excursions have been developed for tourists. But in order to become their participants, you must declare your desire in advance by signing up online for a specific excursion.
Guides will take you through different parts of the palace complex, including meeting rooms, reception rooms, and the Korean version of the Rose Garden, where the President of Korea holds press conferences.
Muendong shopping street
Obviously, the name “Bright Tunnel” – Muendong – suits this shopping street, where you feel hemmed in on all sides by bright, colorful signs. This is one of the most popular shopping streets in the city, attracting travelers.
Here you will find crowds of shopaholics who come here to buy something from the endless row of shops lining the street. It is also the ideal place to sample incredibly delicious food, which is available in many restaurants and retail outlets.
Everland theme park
Everland is a giant amusement park in South Korea. It is located in the suburbs of Seoul, namely in the town of Yongin. The park covers an area of 250 km2, is owned by Samsung Everland and includes a water park and a zoo. It has the longest roller coaster, which is about 1.7 km long. And the amusement park itself is divided into 5 zones: American Adventure, European Adventure, Global Fair, Zoo-Topia and Magic Land, each of which is like a separate magical universe, full of entertainment and impressions.
Seodaemun Prison
As if in contrast to the many entertainment centers and bustling streets of Seoul, Seodaemun Prison is located here, which operated from 1907 to 1987. The long red buildings and their interior create a heavy atmosphere. Currently there is a museum here, which displays exhibitions about the history of the region and this prison.
Tourists can see the basements, watchtower, torture chamber, and rooms for prisoners. The museum also has exhibits on the history of the independence movement.
Republic of Korea War Memorial
This gigantic museum contains documentary materials about the history of the Korean War of 1950-1953. The memorial features multimedia exhibits, black-and-white documentaries, as well as artifacts such as weapons, military uniforms and maps. Outside the building, you see a gloomy memorial gallery, on the walls of which there are lists with the names of all the soldiers from different countries who died during the war.
There are also a large number of tanks, helicopters and airplanes on display here. As a reminder that the war remains unfinished, there is a replica of the patrol boat sunk by North Korean troops in 2002. You can climb aboard if you wish.
Ewha – Wall Painting Village
High on the slopes of Naksan is one of the ancient settlements where refugees lived in huts after the Korean War. Sixty years later, this village has become a popular tourist destination. This happened thanks to a collection of unusual sculptures and wall paintings that make a great impression. All this is located along steep village stairs and alleys.
“Moon Village” is a more appropriate name for the place, with the implication being that the locals, who lived in their huts on the hillside, had a wonderful view of the moon. To get to the top, you will have to go through a rather difficult path. But for this you will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama of the city and stunning views of the sunset from the panoramic cafes located on the hill.
Olympic Park
This large, cozy park was the center of the 1988 Olympics. Walking along its paths, you will pass stadiums surrounded by fragrant plants, ponds and plants.
There is a gallery of modern art and two museums on the history of the Pekche dynasty.
Garden
The Rose Garden began as a temporary exhibition but has gained popularity, especially among couples. As evening falls, 25,550 LED roses light up, creating a stunning stream of white.
The first exhibition took place in 2015 on National Liberation Day, which marked the 70th anniversary of independence. The number of roses on display corresponds to the number of days from the day of liberation: multiply 365 days by 70 years, and you get 25.55 thousand roses.
Dora Observatory
The war between North and South Korea has not yet ended. You can experience this first-hand at the world’s most dangerous border. Find out how the demilitarized strip of land came into being. Get a glimpse of North Korea from Dora Observatory.
Honda District
Hongdae is the exciting center of Seoul – a vibrant new shopping and nightlife district. This place is home to many specific nightclubs that attract young people. Next door is Honik, a prestigious university. Therefore, this area attracts both crowds of students and lovers of shopping, restaurants and club life.