Seoul is the capital of South Korea and probably one of the most impressive cities you could dream of visiting. In this article we want to give you 15 things to see in Seoul and thus dispel your doubts about whether you should study in seoul and start the experience of your life!!
Seoul has preserved its history, even in the face of invasions from Japan. Although Seoul is one of the most modern cities in Asia, with its imposing skyline and busy highways, it is also a city rich in history.
In fact, one of the best things about Seoul is that its 21st-century architecture blends with its historic temples, palaces, and chateaux to create a strong cultural identity steeped in history. 15 Things to See and Do in Seoul
VISIT TO GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE
First of all, out of the 15 must-see places in Seoul, a must-see and number 1 on the ranking would be Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of the five preserved palaces of the Joseon Dynasty.
The palace was the former seat of power during Korea's past dynasties and is the most famous palace in the country.
Located at the northern end of Sejongro, Seoul's main boulevard, it is close to the Blue House (the official residence of the South Korean president) and the American embassy.
It was built in the late 13th century and has been repaired several times as it has been an important building throughout South Korea's history.
There are two museums you can visit while exploring the palace: the National Palace Museum of Korea is near Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is near Hyangwonjeong Pavilion.
Price: ₩3000 / 2,20€ approx
www.royalpalace.go.kr15 things to see and do in Seoul
CLIMB NAMSAN SEOUL TOWER
Secondly, the Seoul Tower, which is 236 m high and, being located on Namsan Mountain, is 480 m above sea level.
In fact, it is one of the tallest towers in Asia and a distinctive landmark of Seoul. Definitely one of the 15 things to see and do in Seoul.
The Namsan Seoul Tower was the first multi-purpose tower to be established in Korea, effectively incorporating a tourist observatory into a broadcasting tower.
For the past 40 years, Seoul's Namsan Tower has been an iconic Korean landmark and representative tourist attraction.
The tower's observatory offers an unobstructed view of the entire city, making it a favorite attraction for Seoul residents and domestic and international tourists alike.
Likewise, orAnother highlight of the tower is the Namsan Cable Car. The cable car began operating in 1962, transporting passengers from the foot of the mountain to the base of the tower.
What's more, pFor the convenience of visitors, there are shuttle buses to the Namsan Cable Car from central Seoul.
Visit Changdeokgung Palace
East of Gyeongbokgung is Changdeokgung Palace, built in the early 15th century. Exploring Changdeokgung Palace is one of the top things to do in Seoul, as it influenced the development of South Korea's architecture and landscape.
The 15th-century Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in history and a tranquil escape in the center of this modern city.
Also, this palace is the best preserved of those surviving in Seoul, it was founded by King Taejong, the fifth son of the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Taejo. In the Strife of Princes in the late 1390s, Taejong (then known as Yi Bangwon) killed all of his half-brothers and pretenders to the throne and changed the location of the royal palace for political reasons.
Likewise, toSome of the highlights to see on a tour include the Throne Hall (Injeongjeon), a National Treasure dating back to 1405 and rebuilt in 1610, Geumcheongyo, the oldest surviving bridge in Seoul, dating back to 1411, and Donhwamun, a gate built in 1412 and also rebuilt in the 16th century.
Price: ₩3000 / 2,20€ approx
VISIT TO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SOUTH KOREA
Next, in 4th place of the 15 must-see places in Seoul, is a visit to the National Museum of South Korea, the largest museum in the country, and one of the largest in Asia.
The National Museum of Korea has three floors with hundreds of thousands of objects dating back to prehistoric times.
There is priceless calligraphy, celadon and buncheong pottery, sculpture and painting, in such quantity that one could not see it all in one day.
The main piece is the gilt bronze Maitreya in meditation (No. 83), a treasure from the early 7th century, with one leg over the other and one hand on his chin as if in deep contemplation.
Price: FREE
https://www.museum.go.kr/site/eng/home
VISIT LOTTE WORLD
Continuing with the 15 must-see places in Seoul, we find this enormous complex in Sincheon-dong, which is the largest indoor amusement park in the world, linked by a monorail to an outdoor amusement park on an artificial island.
In addition, all this is accompanied by a luxury hotel, shopping malls, cinemas, an ice rink and a folklore museum that covers 5,000 years of Korean history.
The epic indoor park also has four floors under a glass dome, with spaces dedicated to a different part of the world (e.g. European-style village, Arabian courtyard, jungle).
There are 22 attractions in total, complemented by constant parades, shows and seasonal festivals.
Price: ₩59.000 / 43€ approx
https://adventure.lotteworld.com/
GO SHOPPING IN MYEONGDONG
Another interesting place to get lost in is Myeongdong (or bright place), not only do its neon signs live up to the Chinese translation of its name, but on weekends its streets are filled with an ocean of people shopping, eating, partying or simply strolling to soak up the lively atmosphere.
It is a huge shopping area with rows and rows of shopping malls, department stores and specialty boutiques stretching endlessly from Myeongdong Station to Lotte Department Store.
Department stores like Lotte and Shinsegae are great places to do all your shopping in one place. Lotte even has an entire floor dedicated to duty-free shopping.
On the side streets of Myeongdong, the vast rows of cheaper clothing boutiques, no-frills shops and specialty stores are rarely empty.
Korean restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets are often packed with shoppers from nearby Namdaemun Market slurping bowls of noodles or digging into juicy American burgers.
Although shopping doesn't have to be seasonal, the most exciting time of year to visit Myeongdong is during the Myeongdong Festival held twice a year in spring and autumn.
Parades, popular games and fashion shows add even more excitement to the energetic atmosphere.
Visit the Korean War Memorial
With indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces, the War Memorial of Korea commemorates the Korean War (1950–1953) from a South Korean perspective and documents Korea's broader military history. Therefore, it is a must within our 15 things to see and do in Seoul, because in our opinion you should learn the history of a country to fully enjoy it.
About 10,000 items are on display both indoors and outdoors from a collection of more than 30,000. The six halls inside are the Expeditionary Forces Hall, the War History Hall, the Development Hall, the Patriotic Memorial Hall, the 6-25 Korean War Hall and the Large Machinery Hall.
You'll see weapons and equipment dating back to prehistoric times, airplanes, battlefield paintings, and memorials to figures such as Korean independence activist An Jung-geun, who in 1909 assassinated Prince Itō Hirobumi, then president of Japan's Privy Council.
Price: FREE
ENJOY A NIGHT OF PARTYING IN GANGNAM DISTRICT
Gangnam district had to be on our list of the 15 must-see places in Seoul. It is a trendy area that rose to fame because South Korean rock star PSY became world famous with his song “Gangnam-style.”
The song is about the hip lifestyle of Gangnam residents, so be sure to stop by the neighborhood and soak up the atmosphere.
In addition, this modern skyscraper district is a great place to spend a fun night dancing to techno music from famous DJs, drinking soju rice wine or cocktails.
Price: FREE
ENJOY BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE
Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.
In fact, Bukchon, which literally translates to “northern village,” is named after the neighborhood, which lies north of two major Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno Stream.
Today, many of these hanoks function as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses, offering visitors the opportunity to experience, learn, and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture.
Additionally, as Bukchon Hanok Village is an actual neighborhood with people's homes, visitors are advised to be respectful at all times while looking around.
Price: FREE
http://bukchon.seoul.go.kr/
WALKING AROUND ITAEWON
Itaewon is a picturesque neighborhood with a lively nightlife, full of bars, clubs and restaurants serving traditional Korean food at reasonable prices.
There are also shops selling just about everything from tailored suits to jewelry, Korean ceramics and furniture.
Price: FREE
Visit Dongdaemun Market
It is probably difficult to understand the magnitude of this shopping district around Heunginjimun, the eastern gate of Seoul's outer wall.
Dongdaemun Market is home to 26 shopping malls, more than 30,000 specialty stores and 50,000 manufacturers.
You can visit for an hour or two and leave before it's too long, but serious shoppers and fashionistas could easily spend a whole day bargain hunting, as many of the stores are geared toward the youth market.
Meokja Golmok, Dongdaemun Market's food alley, is the real deal for food lovers and a crash course in Korean cooking.
In front of small benches are stalls selling mandu (dumplings), gimbap (Korean sushi rolls), bibimbap (mixed rice dishes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), dak hanmari (whole chicken soup), dakgangjeong (sticky, crispy fried chicken), kalmandu (noodle broth) and naengmyeon (North Korean noodles served cold, often with kimchi).
Price: FREE
http://www.ddm-mall.co.kr/
Stroll along the Cheonggyecheon River
Cheonggyecheon Stream begins at Cheonggye Plaza, just off Sejong-ro Avenue. Cheonggye Plaza is located at the starting point of Cheonggyecheon Stream and was created based on the design of traditional Korean bojagi (a colorful wrapping cloth), featuring the elegant beauty of traditional stonework.
The riverside areas of Cheonggyecheon Stream and the surrounding streets have become popular spots for those seeking refreshment and cultural experiences.
A favorite of many is the Candle Fountain, which features the magnificent synchronization of three different lamps and a four-meter-high, two-tiered waterfall. Along the two sides of the waterfall are the Palseokdam wishing wells, made from eight different stones from each of the country's eight provinces.
Price: FREE
WALKING THROUGH THE STARFIELD LIBRARY
The Starfield Library Coex is a must-visit for all reading enthusiasts.
It's actually a crazy experience to visit a library that's inside a shopping mall, and a very big mall at that! This mall even has an aquarium and a movie theater.
The Starfield Library at Coex Mall is very close to the entrance, so you won't have to go around much.
Price: FREE
Discover Hongik University Street
Hongdae is a neighborhood known for its youthful and romantic atmosphere, its underground culture and its freedom of expression.
Likewise, its unique cafes and cozy galleries, accessories shops, fashion stores, live clubs, art markets and gourmet restaurants make this neighborhood a popular spot for local youth and a fascinating place to stroll around.
Because of the genius of itThese venues, along with the cultural events, street performances and festivals held here, make Hongdae an area that is always full of people and excitement and worthy of being among the 15 things to see and do in Seoul.
Special streets such as Ateliers Street (private institutions for art students preparing for university entrance exams), Picasso Street and Club Street are also must-see places if you want to fully experience the Hongdae area.
Price: FREE
WALK ALONG K-STAR ROAD
Finally, concluding our ranking of the 15 must-see places in Seoul: If you are a die-hard K-pop fan, you should include K-Star Road on your list and meet the K stars on the Hallyu K-Star Road in Gangnam.
GangnamDoll is a combination of “Gangnam,” “idol,” and “doll.” It is a symbolic art of K-Star Road, with life-size bear figures depicting famous K-pop groups.
Gangnam Doll House In front of Exit 7, there is a souvenir shop that sells miniature GangnamDolls. If you want to buy some cute and original GangnamDoll souvenirs, you can do so here.
Price: FREE
