Seoul is a high-tech and modern Asian metropolis where life flies by at a frantic pace. However, the city boasts not only futuristic landscapes, it has preserved many monuments of traditional Korean architecture. Bukchon village is located right in the center, where residents do not notice the bustle of the city. In the midst of magnificent parks, the majestic palaces of the Joseon Dynasty are frozen in time.
Seoul has many atmospheric neighborhoods and streets such as Insadong, Myeongdong or Taehangno. The modern look of the city is in harmony with the Asian flavor. In addition, the Korean capital has many green parks where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and relax after walking around interesting places.
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What to see and where to go in Seoul?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Gyeongbokgung
An imposing royal palace built in 1394 during the Joseon Dynasty. After the Japanese invasion in the 16th century, some parts of the complex were destroyed. Reconstruction took place only in the middle of the 19th century. In total, Gyeongbokgung has over 300 buildings and about 6,000 rooms. During the Japanese occupation of the Korean Peninsula, the residence of the Governor General was located here.
Changdeokgung
Another palace complex of the Joseon Dynasty, built at the beginning of the 15th century. Unlike Gyeongbokgung, it suffered more damage during the wars with Japan in 1592-98. In 1609, Changdeokgung was practically rebuilt from the ruins. Until the second half of the 19th century, the royal court and government were located here (until Gyeongbokgung was reconstructed).
Changdeokgung
Translated from the Korean language, the name "Changdeokgun" means "unbridled fun." This palace was built at the beginning of the 12th century and was intended for the rest and entertainment of the royal court. The complex is surrounded by a picturesque park with gazebos, pagodas and pavilions. Today, performances and historical costumed processions are held on the territory of Changgyeonggun, where people in colorful costumes depict scenes from court life.
Deoksugun
Deoksugung Palace has a symbolic meaning for the people of South Korea. The fact is that since the end of the 19th century, the emperor lived here, under whom the centuries-old history of an independent state ended and it became an occupied territory. The building is quite modest in size compared to other palace complexes of the Joseon dynasty.
Myeongdong Shopping District
Myeongdong is located in a small area of 1 km². About 3 thousand people live here compactly. This area is one of the most visited places in Seoul due to the large number of shops, stalls and Korean restaurants. The quarter also houses a 19th-century neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral and a theater.
Gwangjang Market
The largest textile and clothing market in the South Korean capital, where you can buy national costumes and lush wedding dresses made of magnificent silk and worth a fortune. The average cost of one such dress exceeds $ 1,000. Souvenirs and groceries are also sold in Gwangjang. Tourists visit the market for the sake of interest and flavor; locals regularly come here for shopping.
Insadong District
The area is located in the center of Seoul. It consists of a main pedestrian street and several side alleys adjacent to it. Earlier, the rich townspeople settled on the territory of Insadong, today it has turned into a popular shopping district. There are antique shops, cafes, small spontaneous markets where unique hand-made products are sold, as well as tea houses.
Bukchon village
Traditional Korean settlement located in the central part of the capital. Although Bukchon looks more like an open-air museum, it is a full-fledged residential area. People live in one-story old houses with a tiled roof. Their lifestyle is strikingly different from the habits of a typical inhabitant of a large city. The buildings made of clay, stone and wood look quite exotic against the backdrop of the modern skyscrapers of the capital.
Cheonggyecheon
An extensive landscape park 8 km long in the central region of Seoul, named after the Cheonggyecheon Stream that runs through its territory. The square was laid out as part of a large-scale reconstruction of the city infrastructure in 2005. Previously, there was a busy highway here. Immediately after opening, the park became a favorite place for walking among the townspeople.
Jogyesa Temple
The modern building of the temple was erected in 1910. Earlier, in the XIV century, an older sanctuary stood in its place, but it was destroyed during the Japanese-Korean wars. Due to the prolonged persecution of Buddhists during the Joseon Dynasty, the temple has an important symbolic meaning for Koreans.
Jongmyo shrine
Confucian temple, built in 1394 under the ruler of Taejo. For a long time, it played the role of the royal sanctuary of the Joseon Dynasty. Burial ceremonies, rituals of commemoration of the ancestors of Jongmyo Chere were held here, as well as food and drinks were offered as sacrifices to spirits and gods. Jongmyo is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as it has important historical and cultural value.
Bongeunsa temple
The building was built in the 8th century. It is one of the oldest temples in the country. Unfortunately, the original buildings have not survived to this day, but during the reconstruction the architects tried to recreate the historical appearance as much as possible. The building is a classic example of Korean architecture, characterized by a curved roof and pillared facade.
Myeongdong Cathedral
Seoul Catholic Cathedral, located on the street of the same name. It was erected at the end of the 19th century at the end of the Joseon dynasty, when representatives of various religious denominations felt more at ease. The building was built in a picturesque neo-gothic style. Its external facade looks quite modest, as it is made without frills and decorations, but this does not in the least spoil the graceful appearance of the temple.
War Memorial of the Republic of Korea
An imposing museum complex housed in a former army headquarters in the historic center of Seoul. The exposition consists of weapons, military equipment, military vehicles, as well as items related to the history of the state. The memorial was opened in 1994. An impressive part of the collection is devoted to aspects of the conflict between North and South Korea.
National Museum of Korea
The largest art and cultural center of the Republic of Korea, which is included in the list of the most visited museums in the world. Several million people come here every year. The rich collection covers the time period from the Stone Age to the present day. Here you can see ancient artifacts, luxurious royal jewelry, unique folk art and other interesting things.
National Folk Museum of Korea
The museum is located in one of the buildings of the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Its collection consists of exhibits that tell about the way of life and way of life of Koreans before the Joseon dynasty came to power. Some part of the exposition is located in the open air. The museum was created with the assistance of the American government in 1945.The exposition is divided into three large sections, which are devoted to various aspects of the life of the Korean people.
Seoul Arts Center
A modern exhibition complex, on the territory of which interesting cultural events are constantly held. It was opened in 1988. Theater troupes constantly perform here, exhibitions of artists, informative lectures are held, and festivals are also organized. The Arts Center consists of a concert hall, musical theater, three museums and a street stage.
Theater "NANTA"
A small theater, designed for several hundred seats, where very unusual performances are given. Actors play all kinds of household and kitchen utensils, like musical instruments. Buckets, pans, mops, pots, chopsticks, trash cans are used. At the same time, they get a fairly harmonious melody. Captions in English and Japanese are used to explain what is happening on stage. An artistic genre called nanta was invented by Son Tseng Wang.
Leeum - Samsung Museum of Art
The museum was established with funds from the famous Korean company Samsung in 2004. It consists of three separate buildings, built in different architectural styles, and is listed as one of the most original museums in the world according to some travel guides. Please note that the exposure is not related to Samsung products. Lovers of contemporary art will especially like the museum.
Seodaemun prison
The prison was built during the Japanese occupation of the Korean Peninsula. It existed from 1907 to 1987, after which it was turned into a museum. Until the middle of the 20th century, Seodaemun housed mainly political prisoners (fighters for Korean independence). Today, visitors can see cameras and historical documents, as well as watch documentaries.
Ewha Women's University
The educational institution is considered one of the most prestigious in Seoul. Students here receive an excellent and demanded education, with which the doors to the most attractive positions are open for them. The university was founded at the end of the 19th century by the American missionary M. Scranton. More than half of the female politicians in the Republic of Korea are Ewha graduates.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
The building is located in the Dongdaemun district. It was designed by architect Zaha Hahid, famous for her futuristic designs. The structure is made in the form of rounded shapes flowing into each other. Inside are designer shops and exhibition galleries. Dongdaemun Design Plaza has an impressive glass rose garden that delights tourists.
Olympic park
The park was built for the opening of the 24th Summer Olympic Games, which were held in Seoul in 1988. After the end of the competition, many of the facilities were converted into public health centers and permanent gyms. There are also museums and memorials dedicated to the Games. The most convenient way to get around the park is by bicycle.
Bridge "Fountain of the Rainbow"
A road bridge, at the edges of which there is a fountain in the form of a waterfall, pouring its jets into the Hangang River. It got its sonorous name due to the beautiful illumination of water streams, consisting of seven colors of the rainbow. The park located on the bank offers an unforgettable view of the bridge. Many tourists and locals come here to admire the colorful jets of the fountain.
Seoul TV Tower
The tower is 271 meters high, built in the 1970s. It became the first tower to provide the city with stable radio and television signals. The structure is located on the top of Namsan Hill, so the height of the tower above sea level is about 480 meters. Inside the TV tower there is a museum, an observation deck with panoramic views of Seoul, a gift shop and a cafe.
COEX Aquarium
The attraction is located in the eponymous shopping and entertainment center, which is located within the prestigious Gangnam district. In addition to marine life, you can see exotic birds and animals here. In total, the aquarium contains about 650 species (40 thousand individuals). For the convenience of visitors, the territory is divided into thematic zones.
Amusement Park "Lotte World"
According to the Guinness Book of Records, Lotte World is considered the largest indoor amusement park in the world. In addition to a variety of attractions, there are cinemas, a hotel, a shopping center, an ice rink and a magician's theater. The place is popular with young Korean couples who come here for the whole day. The park is divided into two zones: one is under the roof, the other is under the open sky.
Hangang Park
A large green area stretching along both banks of the Hangang River. It is perfectly suited for walks, family picnics, sports, cycling and relaxation from the bustle of the city. Moreover, in many of its places near the water there are docks, from where you can go on a pleasant river walk. The park was created in the 80s of the XX century.
Namsan Park
The park is located on the picturesque slopes of the hill of the same name. Despite the fact that the green zone is located almost in the center of the city, several hundred species of animals and plants live on its territory. The architectural dominant of the park is the Seoul TV Tower, to which the cable car leads. There is also a museum, a public library and a botanical garden.
Bukhansan National Park
Bukhansan is located within the city limits in the northwestern part of Seoul. It occupies the slopes of a low ridge with mountain peaks reaching a height of 800 meters. The park is often referred to as the “lungs of Seoul,” as this vast green area helps provide fresh air to the multi-million dollar metropolis. Unfortunately, the local ecosystem is under threat due to the large number of visitors.
