Must Visit Places In Seoul

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and one of the largest cities in the world. It’s renowned for its thriving culture, food, and nightlife as well as its centuries-old palaces and grand fortress walls. From the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the bustling shopping centers of Myeongdong, there’s something to explore around every corner. Here’s a look at some of the must-visit places in Seoul.

History of Seoul

Seoul has been inhabited since 18 B.C. and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its history is rich with stories of kings and dynasties and its present-day culture has been deeply influenced by its past. The city was once home to the Joseon Dynasty, which reigned in Korea from 1392 to 1897. During this time, the city was known as Hanyang and was the political, economic, and cultural center of the region. The city was home to some of the country’s most important buildings, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korea, and the Royal Tomb of King Sejong.

When the Japanese invaded Korea in 1910, they renamed the city as Keijo and made it their administrative center. During this time, much of the city was destroyed or transformed into a Japanese-style city. After World War II, Seoul was liberated and became the capital of South Korea, with a population of two million people. During this period, the city experienced a great deal of economic growth due to its strategic location on the Korean peninsula and its proximity to China and Japan. In the years since, Seoul has continued to grow and develop into a modern metropolis with world-class infrastructure, an innovative culture, and a booming economy.

The Culture of Seoul

Like many cities around the world, Seoul has a vibrant culture that is unique to the region. Visitors can experience traditional Korean culture, modern art and music, and even a taste of Japan or China in certain areas. The city is home to numerous museums and galleries, so visitors can explore its art and culture through these venues. The city is also home to numerous festivals throughout the year that celebrate Korean holidays, art, music, and food.

Seoul is a busy city but its locals take time to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Nature lovers will find plenty of green spaces in which to relax and take in breathtaking views. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, and more. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, including trendy bars and clubs that stay open until the early hours of the morning. The city also boasts an increasingly diverse culinary scene, with restaurants that offer everything from traditional Korean fare to international cuisine.

Popular Sights In Seoul

There are plenty of popular sights and attractions to explore in Seoul. One of the most iconic sights is Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was built in 1395 and served as the main royal palace for centuries. Other popular sights include Changdeokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Insadong Street, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Itaewon Street.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most iconic attractions in Seoul. It was built during the Joseon Dynasty and served as the main royal palace for centuries. The palace complex features numerous buildings and gardens spread over 63 acres. Visitors can explore ornate halls, visit royal tombs, or wander through lush gardens. The palace also hosts traditional performances throughout the year.

Changdeokgung Palace is another popular attraction in Seoul. Built during the Joseon Dynasty, it served as a secondary palace for centuries until it was abandoned during wartime. The palace complex features numerous buildings and gardens that visitors can explore. It also hosts regular performances throughout the year.

N Seoul Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Seoul. Located atop Namsan Mountain, it offers spectacular views of the city from its observation deck or from its revolving restaurant at the top. Visitors can also take a cable car or hike up to Namsan Mountain for stunning views of the city below.

Insadong Street is renowned for its vibrant street markets where visitors can shop for souvenirs or sample delicious street foods. The street is also home to numerous art galleries and crafts stores selling traditional handicrafts and artwork.

Bukchon Hanok Village is located in central Seoul and is home to hundreds of traditional Korean homes called “hanoks” that date back centuries. Visitors can explore this historic traditional village or visit nearby Bukchon Hanok Museum where they can learn more about Korean culture.

Itaewon Street is renowned for its vibrant nightlife scene and international restaurants. Located near US military bases, it has become a popular destination for expats and locals alike who come here to enjoy delicious food, drinks, music, and more.

Popular Activities In Seoul

There are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy in Seoul. For those looking to relax and unwind, there are plenty of parks such as Olympic Park or Yeouido Hangang Park where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views or take part in activities such as cycling or inline skating. There are also plenty of museums such as National Museum of Korea or War Memorial of Korea where visitors can explore Korean history or culture. Visitors can also explore some of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace or N Seoul Tower or take part in activities such as skiing or snowboarding at one of Seoul’s ski resorts during winter months.

Popular Tours In Seoul

Seoul is a popular destination for tourists and there are plenty of tours available that allow visitors to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer. Here are two popular tours that visitors can book:

Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour

The Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour takes visitors on a journey through time as they explore one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks – Gyeongbokgung Palace. This tour takes visitors inside this grand palace complex where they can explore ornate halls, visit royal tombs, wander through lush gardens, and learn about Korean history from an English-speaking guide. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional performance inside the palace grounds before heading back to their hotel or continue exploring Seoul on their own. You can book this tour here.

Night Tour Of Namsan Mountain

The Night Tour Of Namsan Mountain takes visitors on a journey up Namsan Mountain where they can enjoy breathtaking views from N Seoul Tower before heading down the mountain via cable car for a night tour around some of Seoul’s most popular sights including Insadong Street and Bukchon Hanok Village. Visitors will get to explore these sights with an English-speaking guide before heading back to their hotel or continuing exploring on their own. You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Seoul is a vibrant city with plenty to offer visitors from all over the world – from its centuries-old palaces and grand fortress walls to its buzzing street markets and vibrant nightlife scenes – there’s something here for everyone to enjoy! Whether you’re looking to explore some of Seoul’s iconic landmarks or experience traditional Korean culture through its festivals or traditional performances – there’s no shortage of things to do in this dynamic city! And with so many tours available it’s easy to explore all that this lively city has to offer!