D E S T I N A T I O NThe Wonder Seoul City
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R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
Seoul City Hot Spots
Gyeongbok Palace
Gyeongbok-gung, the biggest palace out of five grand palaces in South Korea, built since the beginning of Joseon Dinasty by the first Joseon King, Lee Seong-Gye in 1395. Gyeongbok has a meaning of "Palace that is blessed by Heaven". It is one of the best Seoul city's landmark that makes a proud of Korean nation.
Inside this palace there is Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, lies beautifully surrounded by a natural pond. This pavilion was where the Kings of Joseon held parties, dining feasts to welcome foreign ambassadors who came to visit Joseon. |
N Seoul Tower
The icon of Seoul city was built since 1969 as a transmission tower. Was opened to public on 1980.
From the tower observatory we can have 360deg. view of Seoul city and Han river. Another city landmark, it best known as Namsan tower, as it located in Namsan area. This tower also has important function to alert its city people of a yellow dust level of danger, this yellow dust often hit the Seoul city and when it shows 'red light' means the people must vacate from the city. Though it likely to happened. |
Bukchon Hanok Village
This Bukchon traditional village comprises old traditional Korean house (Hanok) is the oldest village within the Seoul city, built since Joseon dinasty. Hanok houses have original architecture that well preserved until today.
Bukchon Hanok village was a residence of high class, government and important society back in the days, since Joseon dinasty until the Japanese invantion in 1945. Nowadays beside residences, people there built art galleries, cafe, some turned into a hotel that serves tourist who likes to experience a traditional living way of Korean. |
Insadong Antique Craft
Insa-dong is an area downtown Seoul where many antique store, souvenirs and crafts shops also traditional tea houses lies to serve tourists.
Find old ceramics, hanji paper, hanbok, keychains here with variety of design and prices. Get a Korean unique stamp customized with your signature name or learn to make a couple rings there. Or just stroll along the alleys and streets, enjoy the sweets and dine at local traditional restaurant there. |
Namsan Love Lock Deck
The #1 romantic place to visit for most tourist that swarm into Seoul city. A range of Love Keylock chains lie under the N Seoul Tower.
Every year tourist as well as locals came to this place, wrote romantic messages on the padlocks and locked it on the fences there. This place is similar with Pont des Arts in Paris but with more cuteness added, based on the cute shapes and vary bright colors of the locks there. This place is not only great for couple but also for family who is from times to times wrote inspiring messages to show love and affections among the family's member. |
Han River Cruise
Enjoy the beauty of Han River or Hangang as well the greatness of Seoul city by doing a cruise on Han River.
There is a cruise ran by E-Land that serves many tourist to enjoy Hangang both day and night time. Live music, food buffet and fireworks are some of the options of activities you can have on board. While on a cruise you will pass some of city landmarks like the 63 Building, N Seoul Tower and Sports Complex. The cruise lasted around an hour or so. Some even book the cruise to do events like family gathering, birthday and wedding. |
Seokchon Lake
When you come during the night to this lake, you can enjoy a night 'light reflection' view on the surface of this lake. This beautiful colorful reflections came from the Lotte World Tower, one of the most tallest building in the world.
During Spring and Autumn, people like to gather around this rounded path surrounding the lake, either to admire the Spring Cherry Blossoms in early April or the beautiful Autumn Foliage in mid of October. |
Changdeok Palace
Changdeok-gung claimed to be the most preserved palace since Joseon dynasty era. It has listed as one of World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO.
This palace comprises of public areas, palace family's residences and a beautiful garden in the back of the palace called the Secret Garden. There is a 300 years old big tree, a pond and a pavilion inside this Secret Garden. Ever since it built, the plants inside the garden was grown naturally untouchable by human's hands. The best view for this garden is during the Autumn foliage season. |
Banpo Bridge Hangang Park
This bridge is located in Banpo, the south of Han river, there we can witness a beautiful night view of the Rainbow Fountain as part of city attraction.
This Banpo bridge rainbow fountain has recorded as the longest bridge fountain on The Guinness Book of Records with 1.140 meters length on 2008. At night, over 200 lights create a fantastic view of a beautiful rainbow. Nearby the Banpo Bridge Hangang Park, there is many sport facilities provided, such as; skating board, bubble playground, basketball field, soccer field. Beside sport you can do things like canoeing, biking even picnic viewing the Hangang river. |
Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa temple is the Buddhist center in Seoul and is the main temple for Jogyesa ord. One of the temple's room becomes a place for Buddhist ritual, ceremonies and many other activities held yearly.
Never missed the Lantern Festival held every year here celebrates the Buddha's Birthday. By that day many colorful lantern hanging there makes this temple looking beautiful. |
Namdaemun Gate
Before you hit the Namdaemun Market, stop by at this Namdaemun Gate. This one big palace gate built with stone structure is one of the forth gate built during Joseon dynasty to protect Hanyang (Seoul city's old name) city.
Located in the midst of the Seoul city, now become one of the Instagram-able spot. |
Gwanghwamun Square
Gwanghwamun Square is the public area located in downtown Seoul city.
This are divided into 6 areas with King Sejong statue as it's centre. The Great King Sejong is the most honorable King during Joseon dynasty, he invented Korean alphabet, Hangeul to replace Chinese Hanja writing. Beside King Sejong statue, Admiral Lee SungShin statue also located in this Gwanghwamun square. All year around, many cultural activities held in this place and visited by both locals and tourists. |
Deoksu Palace
Deoksugung is a Kingdom palace during Joseon dynasty that has combination of traditional and modern architecture. This palace also well-known with the elegant stone pave roads and the only palace that allow visitor to visit during the evening time, to see the beautiful illumination of the buildings.
The great views and the unique architecture of this Deoksu palace makes it as photographers' favorite for wedding photo-shoots. Visit this palace on 11:00am, 14:00pm or 15:30pm to witness the ceremony of the Palace Changing Guards. |
Myeongdong Shopping District
The most famous shopping district in Seoul city, Myeongdong, always pack with thousands of tourists every day and even more for the weekend.
What brought people here mostly are because this place is the center of so many cosmetics shops with famous original Korean brands like Missha, The Faceshop, Etude, Sulwhasoo, Innisfree, OHui etc. This place also famous for Korean street foods, like tornado potatoes, tteokbokki, odeng fish cake, Korean egg bread, etc. it's also a place for many Korean restaurants. However the price is tend to be very high as it is one of main tourist destination. |
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
DDP is the biggest atypical architecture in the world, was in the TOP 52 places must visit by New York Times on 2015.
This place also knows for its Instagram-able photo place and earns the biggest hashtag in it. DDP beside stands out for Dongdaemun Design Plaza also has more meaning; Dream (D), Design (D) and Play (P) which are reflected on what it has to offer, from Art Hall, Museum, Design Lab, Design Market, and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park where the LED Light Rose kept on display for years. Biggest fashion show in Korea also takes place inside this DDP. |
Namdaemun Market
Located just right next door of the Namdaemun Gate, this traditional market named after the gate which is Namdaemun Market.
Opened on 1964, Namdaemun become the biggest traditional market in South Korea, Seoul offerings variety of goods with fair affordable prices for the locals. There is a joke saying among the Korean people that "You can find almost anything here, except the bomb or tank". This is also the place where you can enjoy traditional snacks of Korean and traditional meals with cheap prices. |
Leeum Museum of Art
Leeum is an art museum with building architecture that is the same unique as with the art goods display inside it.
It displays all traditional arts and modern arts from Korean artists to international artist such as, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and many others. Art lovers can find all kind of calligraphy, paintings, sculptures, craft from ceramic and metal. Beside the art exhibition, this museum provide children section for the children to learn about the art and culture on Samsung Child Education & Cultural Center. |
Cheongwadae The Blue House
This South Korean President's Executive Office and official Residence filled with blue roof tiles that makes it called the Blue House or Cheongwadae.
Estimates of 150,000 tiles that formed the roofs of this Blue House. This area divided into some sections, such as, Main Office, Yeongbingwan (guest house), Chunchugwan (the spring and autumn pavilion), Nokjiwon (green grass), the Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Valley, and 7 palaces. Every building has different styles and built with traditional style of Korean. To get a tour in this Blue House you need to do a reservation under Cheongwadae tour. |
Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky
Officially the 5th tallest building in the world, Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky opened in April 3, 2017, now become the main destination for tourist from around the world. The 554.5 meters building comprises of 123 floors, including the 6-stars luxury hotel The Signiel Hotel.
SEOUL SKY is located in the Observation deck, give visitors challenge to stand on top of the clear glass floors, that shown the city view 500ft right under. |
Myeongdong Cathedral
This Cathedral Church belongs to the Romans Catholic, built in the 19th Century and was the first brick-building built in South Korea.
Every Sunday morning 09:00 AM there is a mass that conducted in English. This brought many tourists from around the world to attend the Sunday service or just admiring the gothic style building architecture. Located just right next to Myeongdong busy shopping streets. Image IG bigg_jun |
Jongmyo Shrine
This place is where the memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty held. The shrine was originated in China, however Jongmyo adds a unique Korean style to both its architecture and ceremony. Jongmyo is among the largest single wooden structures worldwide and its architecture has a rare design that emphasizes flatness with its horizontal canopied path situated at the front.
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Lotte World Theme Park
Lotte World Theme Park is a massive recreation complex in Seoul, South Korea. It consists of the world's largest indoor theme park, an outdoor amusement park called "Magic Island", an artificial island inside Sokcheon lake linked by monorail and Lotte World 5-stars luxury hotel. Right next to the Lotte World shopping mall in Songpa-gu district.
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Namsangol Hanok Village
A replica of Korean traditional village's houses "Hanok". Also comprises five restored Hanok houses once belonged to aristocrats and government officials of the Joseon dynasty. Many interesting cultural programs offered including; hanbok experience, folding Hanji (traditional Korean paper), writing Hangeul, traditional tea ceremony, traditional etiquette school and herbal medicine experience.
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Ikseon-dong
This 100 years old Hanok village built in 1920. The maze-like streets of Ikseon-dong hold treasures in the form of cafés, restaurants, and handicraft shops with unique concepts and designs operated by young artists and entrepreneurs. Make a stop in 2storey_house and Cheongsudang for the best view experiences.
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Hongdae
Hongik University surrounding areas become a hot place for Korean youth activities; lines of cafes, shops, dance clubs, art street performances by Hongdae students become the main attractions in this trendy areas.
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Itaewon
Itaewon best known as the International district of Seoul city. It also the entertainment hub complete with night clubs, trendy bars, cosmopolitan dinings; packed with Korean BBQ restaurants, upscale bistros, and street food vendors offering homie international cuisines.
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COEX Mall & Aquarium
COEX Starfield is a shopping complex conjunction with hotel, convention venue and tourist attraction such as Aquarium and Starfield Library. The COEX Aquarium is the home of 600 different species of water animals. It is so convenience because the Mall of course has food courts to dine & eat.
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Yeouido Park
Yeouido Park is a park in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea. The park, which runs northeast–southwest through the centre of the island, has a large open area which is popular with bicyclists and skateboarders, and breaks into footpaths lined with trees and seasonal flowers.
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LINE Friends Flagship Store
Who doesn't recognize the famous Brown bear and Conny bunny under the LINE Friends. Started from a messenger, these stickers characters now stand tall as the legend characters such as Hello Kitty and Snoopy. Heads to Garosugil street, Gangnam where you can purchase a LINE souvenirs or enjoy your time inside the cafe.
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Dongdaemun Market Complex
Dongdaemun area is a popular shopping and tourist destination that has been designated a “Special Tourism Zone” since 2002. Dongdaemun Market is the largest wholesaler shopping complex in Korea, featuring 26 shopping malls, 30,000 speciality shops and 50,000 manufacturers. You can bargain fashion goods here and find original local Korean designs.
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Sindangdong Tteokbokki Town
Sindang-dongTteokbokki Town started in the late 70s, although the alley did not become famous until the 80s. At that time, each restaurant had its own DJ booth, with the image of the 'cool DJ' who played the music becoming a symbol of Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town. In addition, this period also marked the prime time of high school baseball where students would crowd the streets on days when Duksoo Commercial High School and Sunrin Commercial High School (now Sunrin Internet High School) played against one another. Although these high school students have aged, they continue to visit the area, reliving their youth and continuing to indulge in the specialty tteokbokki.
However, others claim the history of this alley began in the 1950s. The owner of Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki restaurant says tteokbokki was being sold as early as 1953 as the area used to be home to Donga Theater and she sold tteokbokki, corn and potatoes to those visiting the theater. |
Banpo Hangang Park
Banpo Hangang Park is located on the southern side of the river centering on Banpo Bridge (Jamsu Bridge) between Hamnam Bridge (upstream) and Dongjak Bridge (downstream).
The park is equipped with sports facilities including bubble playground, in-line skating track, soccer field, and basketball court. You may also enjoy the gorgeous view of Hangang River and skyscrapers on the riverside from Gureum and Noeul cafes, lookout places located on the southernmost part of Dongjak Bridge. |
Banpo Seoraeseom
Banpo Seoraeseom Island is an artificial island built in the mid-1980s. Located in Banpo-jigu District by the Hangang riverside, the island is connected to Hangang Banpo Park by three bridges. The island features weeping willows along the edges, as well as a migratory bird habitat, flower garden, water ski site, and more. The long scenic path is the best to enjoy bicycle activities, for sports or just a fun relax ride.
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Special Destination
Korea DMZ
The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was created by the Korean Armistice Agreements on July 27, 1953, located between South and North Korea. The Armistice created a 155-mile long military demarcation line(MDL) with a 2-kilometer wide demilitarized zone on each side of it (for a total width of 4kilometers). Visit and learn about the brothers' war and the painful history of Korea divided into two nations and how the war resulted in this symbolic location. From the Dora Observatory many South Korean (North Korean defector) visit this spot expecting to view a glimpse of North Korea in remembrance of their old hometown and their long lost relatives reside.
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CONTENT ARTICLE WRITING BY MOON HG
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WE ARE SUPPORTING KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TRAVEL TO SOUTH KOREA.
KINDLY ASK US IF YOU WANT US TO TAKE DOWN SOME IMAGES.
CONTENT ARTICLE WRITING BY MOON HG
KOREA BEYOND DESTINATIONS ©2016-2024