Active leisure ideas for Seoul, recreation and nightlife. Where to go for a cultural relaxation. Favorite places of entertainment for young people in Seoul (Korea) Guides in Seoul
There are a lot of interesting places and attractions in Seoul. And it is unlikely that you will be able to examine even a tenth of them in a few days or a week. So we have prepared an article about the sights that are worth seeing in Seoul first.
The Han River divides Seoul into two parts. The southern part is the business district. North is the historical and cultural center of the capital of South Korea. Here you will find amazing palaces, ancient squares and markets, interesting architecture, museums, parks, theaters, shopping and entertainment centers. Seoul has something to surprise you!
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The Gyeongbokgung Imperial Palace Complex (Palace of Shining Happiness) is one of the main attractions of Seoul. It is the largest of the capital's five famous palaces and was also the country's main palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Construction of the complex was completed in 1395 under the founder of the dynasty. It was at this time that the capital was moved to Seoul from the city of Kaejeng.
During the Japanese invasion in 1592, the complex was practically destroyed; restoration began only in 1990. Now Gyeongbokgung is open to tourists as a museum complex.
The Gyeongbokgung Palace complex is very large and beautiful, so you probably won’t have enough time to explore it. It is recommended to come here, in fact, like most attractions in Seoul, right before they open, as the queue at the ticket office is shorter and the area is less crowded.
Also, don't miss the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, which is an accurate re-enactment of the event as it was during the Joseon Dynasty.
Photo: José Carlos Cortizo Pérez creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Address: approx. Jongno-gu, Sajik-no 161 (Saejongno) - (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로).
Official site: www.royalpalace.go.kr
Prices:
- adults (over 19 years old) - 3,000 won; group of 10 people - 2,400 won;
- Children and teenagers (under 18 years old) - 1,500 won / group of 10 people - 1,200 won.
Working hours:
- November - February: 09:00-17:00;
- March-May, September-October: 09:00-18:00;
- June-August: 09:00-18:30.
Tue - closed
Photo: tsaiproject creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Photo: Jonathan Corbet creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
Photo: Kimmo Räisänen creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Building 63 - Yuksam Building
Yuksam Building in Seoul is a 63-story high-rise building located in the Han River area. The building itself is very interesting; it has glass walls with golden tints that illuminate the entire surrounding area with glare. The highest observation deck in the country is located here, offering stunning views of the river. Hangan, and on especially clear days - at sea. It is especially beautiful here in the evenings.
The Yuksam Building has an entertainment complex with a huge IMAX cinema (the screen reaches the size of a 6-story building, a simultaneous translation system into 4 foreign languages), an aquarium (more than 400 species of aquatic and land inhabitants live here), a gallery, a wax museum, and a shopping mall. center, bowling alley, restaurants, bars, sauna and gym.
This is one of the most visited attractions in Seoul!
Source: hncts.cn
| Working hours | Prices | |
|---|---|---|
| 63 Sea World - aquarium |
10:00-22:00 Visitor entry until 21:30 |
adults – 19,000 won; teenagers - 17,000 won; children - 16,000 won. |
| 63 Sky Art - gallery |
10:00-22:00 Visitor entry until 21:30 |
adults - 13,000 won; teenagers – 12,000 won; children - 11,000 won. |
| 63 Wax Museum - the Wax Museum |
10:00-22:00 Visitor entry until 21:30 |
adults – 15,000 won; teenagers – 14,000 won; children - 13,000 won. |
| 63 IMAX - cinema |
10:00-17:30 | adults – 15,000 won; teenagers – 14,000 won; children - 13,000 won. |
| 63 Art Hall - concert hall |
20:00-21:10 There are no performances on Mon and Tue |
adults – 40,000 won; teenagers – 38,000 won; children – 36,000 won. |
Address: approx. Yongdeungpo-gu, st. 63-ro 50 (Youido-dong district) - 서울특별시 영등포구 63로 50 (여의도동)
How to get there:
- Daebang Station (대방역) Subway Line 1, Subway Exit No. 6, take the free shuttle bus or Bus No. 11
- Yoinaru Station (여의나루역) Subway Line 5, Subway Exit No. 4, take the shuttle bus / Subway Exit 1 - Bus No. 5534, 5633, 261
- Yeouido Station (여의도역) Subway Line 5, Subway Exit No. 5, take the free shuttle bus or Bus No. 11
- Setkang Station (샛강역) Subway Line 9, Subway Exit No. 1, take the free shuttle bus / Subway Exit 3 - Bus No. 5633, 5534
Photo: Ms.Undral creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Photo: Craig Rohn creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
Seoul N-Tower
Another one of Seoul's attractions, which offers magnificent views of the city. Be sure to visit it in the evening between 19:00 and 24:00, there are impressive illuminations here.
At the top of the Seoul Tower there is a revolving Western-style restaurant called N-Grill, which makes a full rotation in 48 minutes. The observation deck, also called an observatory, is equipped with telescopes. It's hard to believe, but the tower also houses a cinema, exhibition center, Teddy Bear Museum and many souvenir shops. It will not be boring!
Seoul N-Tower is located on Namsan Mountain. The road to the tower can be considered as part of the attraction, since many tourists prefer to climb here by cable car. The round-trip fare is 6,300 won, and the one-way fare is 4,800 won. But you can also get to the TV tower by bus No. 2 for 550 won.
Nearby on the mountain there is also a park and Namsan village.
Photo: Andrew 鐘 creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu
Official site: www.nseoultower.com
Photo: Andrew Smith creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
Minsokcheon - a traditional Korean village museum
The traditional Korean village of Minsokcheon is an open-air ethnographic museum that shows the daily life of the people in the late Joseon Dynasty. On the territory you can explore about 260 traditional houses for various purposes. Thematic theatrical performances and festivals are also often held here.
Minsokcheon is located not in Seoul itself, but in its satellite city of Yongin. The village is easy to find as it is located near the Everland amusement park.
Official site: www.koreanfolk.co.kr
Working hours: from 09:30 to 17:30-18:30 depending on the season and weather. On weekends the museum is open half an hour longer.
Prices:
- adults - from 15,000 won;
- teenagers - from 12,000 won;
- children - from 10,000 won.
It is beneficial to visit the museum in groups of 20 people or more; in this case, a personal ticket will be 2 thousand won cheaper.
The audio guide is available in 4 languages: Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese.
City park near the Han River
Hangan City Park is located along the river of the same name. Its length is over 30 km. You can imagine how much there is here! But the park is especially loved because there are almost no cars here, only pedestrian and bicycle paths. Picnics along the Han River embankment are one of the most favorite pastimes of both Seoul residents and tourists. There are well-groomed lawns, pleasant landscaping and lots and lots of space. The view of the city at night from the embankment is mesmerizing.
There are many sports and playgrounds, an outdoor summer swimming pool for 1200 people. Boat excursions along the Han River are also very popular.
VLADIVOSTOK, June 17, PrimaMedia. If you want to visit the most vibrant places in Seoul, where young people relax and life is in full swing, we will recommend University Streets without any doubt. Ide, Sinchon, Hongdae, Daehanno... As soon as many young people hear these names, their hearts begin to beat faster. The Ide area is a true shopping paradise, in no way inferior to Dongdaemun. Sinchon is the best place to hang out at a bar with friends. Hongdae is a club district with vibrant nightlife. And on Tehanno Street various cultural events are regularly held and you can always meet a lot of young people. University streets offer you a sea of entertainment for every taste.
This is the best women's university in Korea with more than 120 years of history, which carefully preserves its traditions. On the territory of the university you can see ancient stone buildings, alleys with tall trees, and neat lawns. Every corner of the campus seems to tell about the ancient traditions and rich history of the university. In spring, when the pear flowers, which are the symbol of the university, bloom, it becomes even more beautiful here. On the underground floors of the ECC student complex, designed by French architect Dominique Perrault, there is a bookstore, cafes, restaurants, a cinema and much more. etc., which makes the life of students more interesting. In addition, the Natural History Museum is located on campus, where you can see various exhibits and ancient fossils of great interest to visitors.
| ※ Korean language courses at Ewha Womans University In Korean language courses at Ewha University, the academic year is divided into 4 semesters. In addition to the main course, which teaches the Korean language in several aspects with a special emphasis on speaking and listening, preparation courses for the state exam in the Korean language are open, as well as individual lessons according to a specially designed program and other training courses. ☞ Korean language courses at Ewha University: http://elc.ewha.ac.kr/ (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) |
Go shopping!
| On the street that runs from Exit 2 of Ihwayodae Subway Station to the main gate of Ewha University, as well as in the numerous streets and alleys that branch off from the main street, you can find a wide selection of clothing, shoes, accessories and other goods. Along with small private shops, there are also large shopping centers here, for example, "Yes apm" and "Milliore". Despite the fact that the goods presented in numerous shops are not branded items, but models created by as yet unknown young designers, they meet all the latest fashion trends and the requirements of modern style. If you search carefully, you can find inexpensive, but very high-quality things here. So, here you can, for example, find fashionable shoes for only 40,000-50,000 won, and at street stalls you can buy inexpensive but stylish accessories. | |||
| Go to a beauty salon! What else the Ide region can be proud of is its numerous hairdressers and beauty salons! Thanks to reasonable prices and high quality services, these salons are widely popular not only among Ewha University students, but also women and girls who specially come here from other parts of the city. Services such as haircuts, hair coloring and perms are in particular demand. In addition, you can get makeup and decorative manicure done here. |
|||
|
The university, one of the top three in the Republic of Korea, can also, like Ewha University, be proud of more than 120 years of history and strong traditions. In the spring, many cherry trees and azalea flowers bloom here, in the summer the campus is surrounded by greenery, in the fall the trees dress in colorful dresses, and in the winter they are wrapped in a white blanket of snow - every season here is beautiful in its own way and has a special mood. The campus has benches and neat lawns everywhere, making it a nice place to relax in the shade on a hot day, and with the ancient buildings in the background making for great photos. Even on weekends, when there are no classes, there are a lot of people here: many come here just to take a walk, relax, read a book, or spend time in the company of friends or a loved one.
|
|||
| How to have fun in the Yongdae (Yonsei University) area? |
|||
| Go to the filming location of a famous movie! The road from the Yonghigwan building to the Ondoudigwan building on the campus of Yonsei University is known as the filming location for the films “Horrible Girl”, “Classic”, etc. Many tourists specifically come here to take a photo as a souvenir, similar to a still from their favorite movie. |
|||
| Take a walk along Dongmun-gil (the street near the east gate of campus)! If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Sinchon and take a leisurely stroll, we recommend the street that runs from the back gate of Ewha University to the east gate of Yonsei University. There are numerous small cafes and restaurants here. A particularly remarkable place, without which it is impossible to imagine Dongmungil Street, is the Princeton Square cafe, where you can have a pleasant time with a cup of coffee or tea, read a book or work on your laptop. |
|||
 If you exit the main gate of the university and cross the road, you will find yourself at the beginning of the Sinchon area, where you can find many bars with a wide selection of alcoholic drinks and entertainment. Despite the fact that this is practically the city center, prices here are low, since this area is aimed at students. In the alley near the Toksuri pharmacy there is the Kkoptegi Chip bar - one of the oldest drinking establishments in the area, which has a special atmosphere. |
|||
 |
|||
If you're hungry after a long day of shopping, you need to have a snack! Among the places that are most popular among Ewha University students are such eatery restaurants as Kami Bunsik, Pap, Yulcheon Naengmyeon and others. Kami Bunsik is one of the oldest eatery restaurants located in the Ewha University area. Pap Restaurant serves "baekbang" (a traditional meal consisting of rice, soup and various snacks). And at Yulcheon naengmyeon you can try “bibim naengmyeon” (spicy cold noodles with vegetables) and “mulnaengmyeon” (cold noodles with broth) - dishes that are especially suitable for hot summers. Try a delicious dessert!Honik University is famous for its faculty of arts, design, architecture and sports. The area near the university is a street of culture and arts. On campus you can see all kinds of sculptural compositions everywhere. The library building houses a hall of contemporary art, where exhibitions of works by art students, independent artists, private exhibitions of teachers and international expositions are held throughout the year. The campus area is relatively small, but there are always a lot of young people here, full of vital energy and creative ideas.
| ※ Korean language courses at Hongik University The academic year for Korean language courses at Hongik University consists of 4 semesters (spring, summer, autumn and winter). Each semester lasts 10 weeks. Korean language teacher training courses are also open here, lasting 15 weeks (128 teaching hours). ☞ Korean language courses at Hongik University(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) |
The Hongdae area is home to a large number of theaters that regularly host various performances. Particularly worth noting is the dance musical “The Ballerina Who Loved a B-Boy,” which impresses viewers with its energy and original concept. We also advise you to visit the Sansan Madan cultural center. This building consists of 7 above ground and 4 underground floors. Various performances, film screenings, and art exhibitions are regularly held here. By visiting the Sansan Madal cultural center, you will have a great time and get acquainted with new trends in contemporary art.
Every weekend from 13.00 to 18.00, an art fair takes place at the Noritho site opposite Honik University, where young artists and designers present their work to the general public. Amateur craftsmen offer here for sale T-shirts with their designs, unusual bags and other accessories of their own production, so lovers of original style often come to the fair. ‘ How to get to the Noritho site: From exit 5 of the Hongdae metro station, go towards the main gate of the university, go to the alley opposite the Hana Bank. The Noritho site will be on the right side.
Chuchhajang-kiel Street, which has become very popular among lovers of style and fashion, is located far from the Noritho site. The central part of this street is used as a parking lot. There are a large number of fashion stores, shoes and accessories located here. Here you can find many original items made by the store owners themselves, as well as goods from little-known Korean brands.
After a lot of shopping, it's time to eat! In the Hongdae area, you can see rows of Pojangmachha food trucks selling tteokbokki (rice cakes in spicy sauce) and other Korean snacks. Here you can have a delicious meal for just a few thousand won. In addition, in this area there is a restaurant called Pyochip Samgyeopsal, where you can eat inexpensive fried pork and drink traditional Korean wine.
Every Friday evening, the streets of Hongdae are filled with crowds of young people who come here to listen to music and dance. Each club has its own special atmosphere and a certain musical style: jazz, hip-hop, techno, house, etc. Most clubs open at 7-8 pm and stay open until the morning; Monday is usually a day off. Music and dance lovers and everyone who likes to relax and have fun, the clubs of the Hongdae area are waiting for you! TIP) Club day. Every last Friday of the month, the Hongdae area hosts a "Club Day". All you have to do is pay 22,000 won for entry to one of the clubs and the doors of 22 clubs will be open for you all night long for free. This price also includes one alcoholic drink.
Lots of fun in Hongdae - a paradise for fashionable young people
Club life in Seoul
Unlike other university streets, where there are many modern restaurants, cafes and shops, the Myeongnyung-dong area, where Sungkyunkwan University is located, has an old-world atmosphere. This is especially felt in small alleys. Sungkyunkwan University continues to follow the traditions of the first public educational institution of the same name in the history of the Joseon era, founded about 600 years ago. 600-year-old ginkgo trees and traditional-style tiled roof buildings, centered on the Myeongnyundan Pavilion located to the right of the main gate, tell the story of the history and ancient traditions of Korea's oldest educational institution.
| ※ Korean language courses at Sungkyunkwan University The academic year consists of four semesters, each of which lasts 10 weeks. Short-term, three-week courses also open in spring and summer. In addition, it offers one-day introductory Korean language classes, teacher training programs and a variety of other courses. ☞ Website(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) |
Sungkyunkwan University is located on Daehanno Street, where there are always a lot of young people and various cultural events regularly take place. There are many intimate theaters here where you can watch very interesting performances in different genres: musicals, drama plays, traditional performances, etc. At the Seoul Theater Center, located to the right of Exit 4 of Hyehwa Station, you can find out detailed information about the performances, as well as purchase tickets (purchasing tickets on the day of the performance often offers a discount). Most theaters are closed on Mondays. 
Maronie Park is a kind of symbol of Taehanno Street. Here you can watch b-boys and other performances, or just relax in the picturesque park with a cup of coffee. 
After watching the performance, you can take a stroll through the nearby Naksan Park. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city: the Tobongsan, Inwangsan, Namsan mountains, etc., as well as high-rise buildings that form a single harmonious panorama. There are several paths from Daehanno Street to Naksan Park: if you walk along one of the many alleys up the street without turning anywhere, you will very soon find yourself in the park.
The alley near Exit 1 and 2 of Hehwa Subway Station is lined with restaurants and eateries. There is a wide choice of dishes here, from Korean cuisine to Swiss fondue, Neopolitan pizza, Vietnamese ssalguksu and Iranian curry. At the Di Matteo restaurant you can taste authentic Neopolitan pizza, and at the Little Switzerland restaurant you will be served excellent fondue.
Built at the end of the 14th century, the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace is located in the northern part of Seoul and is one of the most important attractions of the capital of South Korea. Being the largest of the Five Majestic Palaces, it was the main residence of the rulers of the Joseon Dynasty for many years.
Gyeongbokgung continued to serve as the main palace until all five palaces were seriously damaged following the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592 - 1598). In 1868, the palace was reconstructed and its territory expanded to 410,000 square meters, after which it housed more than 500 small buildings. Gyeongbokgung prospered for many years until the Japanese once again destroyed the palaces during their occupation of Korea from 1910-1945.
Through the efforts of the government of the Republic of Korea, an extensive restoration campaign began in 1990, as a result of which almost half of the damaged buildings, including Gyeongbokgung itself, were restored. Among the restored buildings, you can now visit the Imperial Throne Hall, which was the central location for various ceremonies, the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which is located on an artificial island in the middle of a small lake with three stone bridges that lead to the pavilion itself, as well as the hexagonal Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, located north of the palace grounds .
Northern Gate
The North Gate, also known as Sukjeongmun, was built during the Joseon Dynasty at the same time as the Wall that surrounded Seoul. There were eight gates in total that opened access to the city, but six have survived to this day.
This gate, built in 1396, was located not far from the Royal Palace, and therefore was used not so much for receiving guests as for holding ceremonies. Initially, the gates were made entirely of wood - an environmentally friendly material, but, alas, short-lived - during the war with Japan they were damaged by fire, and acquired their current appearance in 1976.
The Northern Gate is open to tourists, but to do this you must first obtain a special pass, since the residence of the country's president is located nearby. The surrounding area is guarded by Korean army soldiers, who are not recommended to photograph, as well as the residence itself - otherwise you risk being suspected of espionage, and then having to make long excuses to the security service, calling on all your modest knowledge of the Korean language for help. However, the wall itself and the Northern Gate are allowed to be removed. In literary translation, the second name Sukjeongmun means Gate of Solemn Government.
What sights of Seoul did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Myeongdong Cathedral
Myeongdong Cathedral is one of the main attractions of the street of the same name in Seoul. This active Catholic church is also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a national monument of the country.
For a long time, Christianity in Korea suffered persecution and prohibitions, but towards the end of the nineteenth century, the rulers became more liberal in their views, which allowed Bishop Jean Blanc to purchase land in Seoul and begin construction of a Christian cathedral, which was completed in 1898.
The architecture of this temple, built of red and gray bricks, belongs to the neo-Gothic style. Its height together with the spire is 45 meters. Quite young by Christian standards, the temple does not have a large collection of rare artifacts, but the very fact of its construction on Korean soil was a kind of breakthrough at the end of the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the relics of Korean martyrs who died as a result of the persecution of Christianity in Korea and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984 were buried here.
Changdeokgung Palace, whose name is translated from Korean as “Castle of Prosperous Virtue,” is located in one of the largest parks in Seoul - Jongno-gu, and is a most valuable architectural monument.
It is one of the Five Great Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Construction of Changdeokgung Palace began in 1405 and took just under seven years. Like many historical buildings in Korea, Changdeokgung suffered at the hands of Japanese invaders who repeatedly tried to conquer the country. It was first almost completely burned by the Japanese in 1592, and was restored only in 1609. Many years later, during the Japanese occupation of 1910-1945, the invaders again destroyed Changdeokgung.
Currently, approximately a third of the buildings on the castle grounds have been restored. On an area of 45 hectares, 13 buildings and 28 small garden buildings have been preserved. Huwon Garden, located within the park, was used by the royal family to relax from the hustle and bustle of the world, and is notable for its picturesque landscapes. Tourists can visit this place accompanied by a guide by prior arrangement.
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea, located in Seoul, is the country's main museum, depicting the entire history of its development. According to a survey conducted by the Seoul city government among 2,000 foreign tourists in November 2011, the National Museum is considered one of the most favorite places to visit for visitors to the city.
The museum opened in 1945, but with the outbreak of war between North and South Korea, the National Museum and 20,000 exhibits safely moved to Busan. After the war, the museum, along with its exhibitions, changed several locations, until in 2005 it was given a new building located in Yongsan Family Park.
On the ground floor there is a large exhibition of archaeological finds, covering the period from Paleolithic times to the present day. This includes many rare artifacts, ranging from stone axes to luxurious antique royal jewelry. The second and third floors of the museum are dedicated to fine art galleries. The best examples of fine art and folk crafts from different periods are presented here.
Since the National Museum of Korea has a modern audio-video guide system, this greatly simplifies the process of getting acquainted with the exhibits and allows you to get around all the exhibitions much faster.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is located in central Seoul and is the most popular market in the country. This market is known far beyond Seoul not only for its affordable prices, but also for the ability to visit it at any time of the day - Namdaemun is open even at night.
Namdaemun Market was founded in the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the city. It owes much of its popularity to fairly low prices with an impressive selection of goods: shoes, clothing, household appliances and cosmetics. The cheapness of goods is explained by the fact that most of the stores operating here have their own factories and can afford to sell goods without extra markups.
Foreign tourists willingly buy ginseng, which has life-giving powers, which is presented here in a wide range: from fresh roots to honey tinctures and face creams. Food peddlers scurrying between the rows are ready to offer a large selection of food - from a traditional hot dog to exotic Korean dishes that not every European dares to try. The shelves also offer a large selection of rice vodka and dried squid. For wholesale buyers, the most convenient time will be evening and night time.
Deoksugung Palace
The residence of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, Deoksugung Palace, surrounded by a powerful wall, is one of the main architectural attractions of Seoul. In 1608, Wang Gwanghegong was crowned here, and the palace was named Kengungun. But when the Bfla royal residence was moved in 1618, Deoksugung lost its importance and for almost three centuries was called Sogun, which means “Western Palace”. The original name of the palace was returned to the new emperor of Korea in the 20th century.
The Palace of Virtuous Longevity - this is how the name "Deoksugung" is translated - has an area of 61,500 square meters. This is an entire architectural complex with a beautiful garden and perfectly paved paths. The exposition of the Royal Museum on the territory of the palace houses a collection of objects from the era of the Joseon kings, and a separate exposition is devoted to the works of contemporary artists.
Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Seoul? .
Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace is located in Seoul, and is an ancient architectural monument whose history dates back to the reign of the Koryo dynasty (918–1392). Initially, the palace was called Sugangung, and received its current name already in the 15th century.
The emperors of the Koryo dynasty, like all ordinary people, loved summer holidays very much, and Changgyeonggung Palace was ideal for this purpose - for many centuries it was the summer residence of the rulers of Korea. With the rise of the Joseon Dynasty, it became one of the Five Great Palaces. As you know, historically Korea has had rather difficult relations with Japan, which every now and then tried to subjugate its overseas neighbors. During periods of their colonialist activity, the Japanese continually destroyed valuable architectural monuments of Korea. It is difficult to say what was the main driving motive of the invaders: perhaps they simply did not like the specifics of Korean architecture, or perhaps they enjoyed the process itself.
The point is that Changgyeonggung suffered greatly during this period, and a botanical garden and a zoo were established on its territory. In 1983, the palace was completely restored, and the zoo was closed. Now residents of Seoul and its guests can admire the restored Changgyeonggung Palace, as well as numerous buildings and pagodas on its territory.
The most popular attractions in Seoul with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Seoul on our website.
What to see in Seoul?
I always do some “research” online before planning my trip and articles like this really help with understanding where you are going and what the city has to offer.
Of course, everyone is different, so this is my personal opinion on what is worth seeing and doing in Seoul on your first trip. I hope this information is useful.
Seoul. Top 1. Gyeongbokgung. Gyeongbok-gung.
Let's say you only have a few hours or a day in Seoul and want to get an idea of the city. In this case, Nastya’s article will be very suitable for you, she just had a few hours to explore the city and she, like a real travel pro, was able to make the most of this time.
Of course, you need to visit one of several palaces in Seoul:
— Gyeongbokgung Palace (Gyeongbok-gung) is the most popular place to visit. The main residence of the Joseon Dynasty was destroyed during the Japanese occupation, as were many of the city's architectural monuments, and today most of it has been restored.
Ticket price: 3000 ₩.
Open:
January, February: from 9 to 17.
March, April, May: from 9 to 18.
June, July, August: from 9 to 18:30.
September, October: from 9 to 18:00.
November, December: from 9 to 17:00.
Day off: Tuesday.
NB! The latest entry time is one hour before closing.
The free English tour is available at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30.
Be sure to watch the colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony and take photos with the formidable palace guards.
The palace and park are amazingly beautiful. Its area is so large that people are dispersed and the presence of a large number of people is not felt at all. Very peaceful landscapes, beautiful architecture and nature. I think 1.5-2 hours is the average time for this palace.
Directly opposite the palace is Gwanghwamun Square and the Cheonggyecheon stream begins from it. So, three attractions at once in the very heart of the city.
There are other palaces in Seoul, I’ll tell you about one of them another time.
Seoul. Top 2. Insadon. Insa-dong. 인사동.
The Insadong area is a very picturesque area of Seoul, with many shops selling traditional Korean art, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants.
On Sundays, the Insadong area is visited by about 100,000 people and all political figures visiting Seoul make sure to visit this area.
There is a very wide selection of works made of porcelain and lacquered wood, and there are also many small souvenirs.
Also in the Insadong area is the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple (조계사) and the Ssamzigil shopping mall.
Seoul. Top 3. Samcheongdong. Samcheon-dong. 삼청동.
A very cozy, hilly area of Seoul, where there are numerous shops, cafes, and galleries. It is very cozy and beautiful here. In October, the persimmons had already ripened on the trees and it was so pleasant to take a walk in the evening, slowly moving from a jewelry store to a clothing store, and from there to a gallery, and then to a cafe. Just take a walk here - feel the city, immerse yourself in it.
There are so many unusual things in the shops, everything is incredibly cute and quite affordable.
Be prepared to queue for delicious food, but your expectations will always be met!
Seoul has fantastic food, both street food and restaurant/coffee shops.
NB: I want to give a little advice: when you arrive in a new city, be sure to go shopping and buy yourself some clothes or accessories, this will help you adapt to the city faster. In any case, it is better to go to Seoul with an empty suitcase.
Seoul. Top 4. Buamdon. Buam-dong. 부암동.
This is not the most tourist area of Seoul, and you can only get here by bus or taxi (i.e. there is no subway nearby), but this is its beauty and charm. Again, small buildings, wires, cafes, hills.
Believe it or not, we came here solely for the cupcakes, yes, yes))) and I do not hesitate to advise you to come to this area, get to it and also come to this fantastic cafe - you will not regret it.
And on the way back, if you’re in Seoul in the fall, buy local fruits, for example, absolutely fantastic persimmons.
Seoul. Top 5. Mountains.
Asians love to go to the mountains, they deify them and, if they have a choice: mountains or sea, they, without a moment’s hesitation, will choose the mountains. I completely agree with them and advise you to join hundreds of Koreans and climb the mountain.
I offer you two options to choose from:
Option 1: Mount Dobongsan. Dobongsan. 도봉산.
From the center it takes about an hour by metro to Dobongsan station and you can start climbing. You can buy food for every taste in advance; we took fruits and chestnuts, and, of course, water.
The climb is simple, so you don’t need any special preparation, but comfortable shoes are required.
At the foot of the mountain, everything is equipped for tourists: cafes, souvenir shops, toilets - everything is thought out, so that the rise of the wave is comfortable.
But I suggest you climb the mountain not for the sake of the mountain itself, although it is beautiful and the nature is amazing; at the top (but not at the very top) there is a Buddhist temple. To say that this is a divine, magical place is an understatement. You need to come here, get up and stay - pure dynamic meditation.
Option 2. Bugaksan. 서울성곽.
If you are not very interested in temples, but it was the temple that impressed us so much on Mount Dobongsan, but you prefer history and views from above, then go to Mount Bugaksan. It’s easier to get to it; we went by bus and the peak is located just behind the Blue House.
From a historical point of view, Mount Bugaksan is interesting because in the 14th century a fortress wall was built on it, protecting the city from invaders and at the same time indicating its borders. The 18-kilometer-long wall has currently only been partially restored.
NB: to climb this mountain you definitely need a passport, because... Each tourist is registered for the climb. We came to the mountain twice because we forgot to take our passports the first time!
- Please note that there is a toilet only at the platform for filling out documents and obtaining a pass.
- The climb is quite steep and difficult in places, more difficult than Mount Dobongsan, so I advise you to either stop to rest more often or be resilient and prepared for hundreds of steps.
- Of course, take a light snack and water on such a hike.
- For all your climbing efforts, you will be generously rewarded with fresh air and beautiful views.
Days off: Monday (and Tuesday if a holiday falls on Monday).
Seoul. Top 6. Shopping.
It seems to me that this point deserves a separate post and perhaps someday I will write it. But now I’ll just say that shopping in Seoul is a paradise for girls.
Of course, most of the money set aside for the trip can be safely spent on cosmetics. Everyone, I think, has already heard about it and there is no point in writing about it in detail here. Remember that when you buy cosmetics in a Korean store, they give you a lot of samples ^_^
In addition to cosmetics, you can buy very interesting clothes and jewelry here.
In addition, there are a lot of all sorts of functional things for the home, as well as just an incredible amount of office supplies, which in appearance are off the charts in terms of cuteness.
Top shopping spots in Seoul:
- markets: Dongdaemun, Namdaemun, Gwangjang;
- Myeong-dong;
- Insadon, which we already talked about above;
- Apgujeong - expensive stores and brands.
- Hongdae - small private shops, a lot of vintage items, reasonable prices;
- Itaewon - we haven’t been, but many people praise it;
- Gangnam - either for shopping or just to know what that song is about;
- Shopping center COEX mall.
PS: when you buy cosmetics in Seoul, you will receive samples with each purchase =) I have accumulated quite a bit.
Seoul. Top 7. Food.
Like the previous point, Korean food is a separate topic.
I will definitely make a list of dishes that I would recommend trying in Seoul, but the general advice is to eat! (Already written -) Everything is very tasty in Seoul!
If you don't speak Korean, you'll probably have to avoid restaurants without English menus and pictures, but there are some. There is an option - ask the hotel to write the names of the dishes in Korean for you and come to the cafe with these notes.
If you stay in a guest house, ask the owners to order food for you to take home))) this is very popular in Seoul and a very interesting experience.
Everyone knows that Korean food is very spicy, it is actually very spicy. So, if you don’t like spicy food, ………..perhaps you will still love it? But if you have ulcers, gastritis and other stomach problems, take care of yourself and stock up on medications, just in case, since it will be very difficult to avoid the severity.
NB: if you are a vegetarian, then you may. It will be a bit difficult in Seoul, because... many dishes either directly contain meat or fish, or are made on their basis (broths, etc.). I can recommend the Loving Hut restaurant for vegetarians and vegans. Address: Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Gaepo-dong 1218-16. They are open from 11 am to 11 pm and only accept cash.
PS:
Very often, the Seoul Tower observation tower and the traditional village of Bukchon are indicated on the lists of Seoul attractions.
As for Seoul Tower, I did not include it in my list, because... We were there and we didn’t like it for several reasons:
- it is quite difficult to get to;
- there were sooo many people and terrible queues, both on the way up and down;
- this is the only place in Seoul where we met our compatriots ^_^;
- At the top of the tower there is a closed observation deck, so the beauty of the view is zero.
Traditional houses in Bukchon are a must-see, but since we lived in the Rakkojae hanok, which is located in this area, we not only looked at these buildings from the outside, but had the opportunity to live in one of them. So, if you are not planning to live in a hanok, then be sure to come and take a walk around Bukchon.
Also, I did not write out the Cheonggyecheon stream and Gwanhwamun Square separately, since these two attractions are very close to the Gyeongbokgung Palace and it is impossible not to notice them, it is logical to visit along with the palace.
Have a good trip to Seoul!
All photographs were taken by me (using a Canon EOS M camera) and are my property
Lotte World Amusement Park is the largest indoor park in the world, but the Lotte company, which built the complex, did not stop only at the indoor park; in addition to this zone, which is called “Adventure”, the entertainment complex also has the so-called “Magic Island” – an island with outdoor attractions.
The total area of Lotte World is 128,000 square meters. The park opened in 1989, from the day it opened to this day the complex has been extremely popular, with about 6 million people visiting it every year. Every time I come to Seoul, this amusement park is a must visit place. And every time I experience new emotions and sensations from being in it. Lotte World is constantly changing, new attractions, shows, cafes, souvenir shops appear here, so the park always seems like a new and unknown place even for those who have been there dozens of times. The park is open to the public from 9:30 to 22:00.
Indoor area – “Adventure”
The indoor area of Lotte World consists of four floors and one underground floor, which houses an indoor ice skating rink. On the ground floor, the indoor area houses food courts, cafes, restaurants, a performance stage, and several attractions. There are attractions on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors.
Open area – “Magic Island”
Magic Island consists of one floor; this space contains both attractions and food courts. Also on the island is the Aurora Castle, there are no attractions there, you can just walk around and take pictures.
How to get there
If you are not staying at the LOTTE Hotel, there are several ways to get to the park:
One day at Lotte World
Based on personal experience, I advise everyone to come to Lotte World before the opening and, preferably, on a weekday in order to have time to ride all the most interesting attractions. The entrance fee to the park is:
A) Free access to attractions:
- For an adult over 18 years old – 46000KRW ($40), after 16:00 – 37000KRW ($32)
- For a child from 13 to 18 years old – 40,000KRW ($34), after 16:00 – 32,000KRW ($27)
- For a child from 36 months to 12 years – 36000KRW ($31), after 16:00 – 28000KRW ($24)
- For a child up to 36 months – 12000KRW ($10)
B) Limited access to attractions
- For adults over 18 years old 31000KRW ($27), after 16:00 –
- For children from 13 to 18 years old 28000KRW ($24), after 16:00 - 23000KRW ($20), after 19:00 - 15000KRW ($13)
- For a child from 36 months to 12 years 25000KRW ($21), after 16:00 - 20000KRW ($17), after 19:00 - 13000KRW ($11)
Don't be afraid to come to Lotte World with small children; the park has a children's area for the youngest visitors.
If you want to eat at Lotte World, you will find a lot of different cafes there, although most of them are fast food, but there are also a few Korean and Italian restaurants. It is best to leave the park in the evening an hour or an hour and a half before closing, so that you can properly relax and have fun in this wonderful place throughout the day.
Top 5 most exciting attractions at Lotte World:
- Free fall(Gyro Drop, located on Magic Island). Free fall is one of the most exciting rides in this park. The whole point of this attraction is to see the beauty from a significant height and feel fear at the very moment when you start falling and don’t feel any gravity for two seconds.
- Atlantis(Atlantis, located on Magic Island). Roller Bonfire Atlantis is a wonderful combination of high speed, steep descents and extraordinary scenery. While riding this attraction, you are sure to experience fear and joy at the same time and get an adrenaline rush for the rest of the day. The average descent speed reaches 72 kilometers per hour. When I first saw this attraction, it amazed me with its decorations, they really look very realistic, and some of them are simply amazing in their size.
- Jurassic Park(Flume Ride, located in the indoor Adventure area). The water attraction of Jurassic Park allows us to plunge into a wonderful world with huge moving dinosaurs and giant plants. In addition to the excellent surroundings, this is a great chance to get splashed after skiing. Jurassic Park is sure to become a favorite attraction for those who do not like or are afraid to ride roller coasters.
- Pharaonic Fury(Pharaoh`s Fury, located in the indoor Adventure area). The Pharaonic Fury attraction combines EVERYTHING: a roller coaster, jeep rides, stunning special effects, a rush of adrenaline and joy. To tell the truth, this is my favorite attraction in this park. Pharaoh`s Fury is located on the 4th floor in the Adventure zone and is not very easy to find, so there is almost never a line on the attraction and you can ride it as much as you want!
Cafes and restaurants
Now let's talk more about food. At first glance, there are not many good restaurants in the park where you can eat tasty and inexpensive food. The first few times I visited Lotte World, we only ate fast food, since we didn’t have much time to look for a normal cafe, and we chose the first one we came across, ate quickly and quickly ran to the attractions. But then, when there was no longer such a craving for attractions, we became concerned about this issue and here are a few places that I liked (including fast food cafes - fast food and places where they sell various sweets):
- Lotteria (Located in the indoor Adventure area). Lotteria is the most famous burger joint in Seoul. This cafe chain has a lot of fast food outlets scattered throughout Seoul, so you can eat there not only in Lotte World. The food there is really inexpensive and very tasty. When we come to , we sometimes pop in there for a bite to eat! The average bill for a family of three is 20,100KRW ($17)
- Lake Pizza (located on Magic island, near the lake). Lake Pizza is a classic New York pizza with thick crust. The pizza is very filling, the last time I was there I only ate two pieces and lunch for a family of three cost only 34,350KRW ($30), compared to other pizzerias it’s inexpensive and tasty!
- Iron Bull`s Restaurant (located in the indoor Adventure area). Iron Bull`s Restaurant is a grill restaurant with excellent steaks and large portions. This restaurant is for lovers of excellent meat! Lunch for three people cost 45,000KRW ($40)
- Bowl (located in the indoor Adventure area). Bowl is a classic Korean restaurant where you can even see your food being prepared! What I liked most about this restaurant was the grilled meat, it was simply amazing! The dishes are not expensive compared to other Korean restaurants in the park, which is a big plus. Average bill – 40000KRW ($34)
- YogerPresso (located in the indoor Adventure area). Yogerpresso is a cafe that makes very tasty frozen yogurts with various additives in the form of fruits, chocolates and other sweets, they also fry waffles and pancakes, and brew coffee. 3 frozen yoghurts at Yogerpresso cost only 15000KRW ($13)
What to do in the park besides ride the rides
If you're bored of going on rides or just don't like doing it, Lotte World has plenty of fun for you. The park almost always hosts some kind of parades, shows and concerts. Almost all of them are very interesting and colorful. They last approximately 10 - 15 minutes. Also, the park itself is very picturesque, so you can just walk through the beautiful places of the park and take photos. One of these places is Princess Aurora's Castle, which is located on Magic Island. The park also has a huge indoor skating rink, which is open at any time of the year, but visiting the skating rink is not included in the price of the entrance ticket to the park, so you can only enter for an additional fee:
- Adults –11000KRW ($9)
- Children – 10000KRW ($8)
On a note
Bring plenty of money to the park because in addition to food and tickets, Lotte World also has many souvenir shops where you will definitely want to buy something!