Seoul: The Soul of South Korea
GMT +09:00
Time zone
KRW
currency
20+
Places to go in Seoul?
KOREAN
LANGUAGE
FEB - JULY
Best time to visit
Overview
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a vibrant metropolis that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and bustling street life. From ancient palaces to modern skyscrapers, Seoul has something to offer for everyone.
Seoul has a rich and fascinating history that dates back over 2,000 years. The city was first established as the capital of the Baekje kingdom in 18 BC and has since been the capital of several other kingdoms and empires. Today, Seoul is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from China, Japan, and the West.
The city is home to many historic sites, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and the Jongmyo Shrine. These sites offer a glimpse into Korea’s past and the royal dynasties that ruled the country for centuries.
Seoul is also a modern city that is constantly evolving. The city is a hub of technology and innovation, with some of the world’s largest technology companies headquartered in Seoul. The city is also known for its cutting-edge fashion and beauty industries, which have gained global recognition in recent years.
Visitors to Seoul can experience the city’s modern life by visiting neighborhoods like Gangnam, which is famous for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops. The city is also known for its nightlife, with countless bars and clubs open until the early hours of the morning.
Popular attractions of seoul:
Gyeongbokgung Palace ​
Namsan Tower​
Myeong-dong​
Bukchon Hanok Village​
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the largest and most beautiful palaces in Seoul. It was built in the 14th century and served as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can tour the palace grounds and see the various halls and pavilions, including the throne room, the royal banquet hall, and the king’s quarters. The palace also offers daily cultural performances, including traditional music and dance.
Namsan Tower: Namsan Tower, also known as Seoul Tower, is a symbol of Seoul and offers breathtaking views of the city. Visitors can take a cable car or hike up the mountain to reach the tower. There are also several restaurants and cafes located at the top of the tower, offering visitors a chance to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the view.
Myeong-dong: Myeong-dong is a popular shopping district in Seoul, known for its trendy fashion boutiques, beauty shops, and street food stalls. The area is always bustling with tourists and locals alike, making it a great place for people-watching and trying out new foods.
COEX Mall: COEX Mall is one of the largest underground shopping malls in the world, with over 200 stores, a movie theater, an aquarium, and a casino. It is a popular destination for both shopping and entertainment.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located in the heart of Seoul. The village features over 900 traditional Korean houses, or hanok, many of which are still inhabited by locals. Visitors can tour the village and learn about Korean culture and history.
Changdeokgung Palace: Changdeokgung Palace is another historic palace in Seoul, known for its beautiful gardens and architecture. It was built in the 15th century and served as the secondary royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can explore the palace grounds, including the Secret Garden, a beautiful garden that was once only accessible to the royal family.
Hongdae: Hongdae is a trendy neighborhood in Seoul, known for its street art, live music, and nightlife. The area is popular with young people, and is a great place to explore local art and music scenes.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza: Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a futuristic-looking building in the heart of Seoul, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The building is a hub for fashion and design, and features exhibitions, workshops, and events showcasing the latest in Korean fashion and design.
HISTORY & CULTURE
History: Seoul was founded in 18 BC, when the Baekje kingdom built a fortress on the site. Over the centuries, Seoul became the capital of several dynasties, including the Goguryeo, Baekje, and Joseon dynasties. During the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted from 1392 to 1910, Seoul grew into a major cultural and political center. The city was occupied by Japan from 1910 to 1945, and suffered significant damage during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. In the decades since, Seoul has undergone rapid development and has become a global city with a vibrant culture and economy.
Culture: Seoul’s culture is a unique blend of traditional Korean culture and modern influences. Traditional Korean culture can be seen in the city’s numerous palaces, temples, and historic sites, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine. Seoul is also home to several traditional markets, such as Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market, where visitors can experience Korean street food and shopping.
In recent years, Seoul has become a hub for contemporary art, music, and fashion. The city is known for its K-pop music industry, which has gained worldwide popularity. Seoul also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Seoul Lantern Festival, Seoul Food and Hospitality Expo, and Seoul Fashion Week.
Seoul’s cuisine is also an important part of its culture. The city is known for its Korean barbecue, street food, and traditional dishes like kimchi and bibimbap. Visitors can experience Seoul’s food culture in its numerous restaurants, cafes, and markets.
Overall, Seoul’s rich history and culture make it a fascinating destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Korea.
MODERN MARVELS
Seoul is also known for its modern architecture and sleek skyscrapers. One of the trendiest districts in Seoul is Gangnam, which gained global fame thanks to the viral hit song “Gangnam Style” by Psy. The district is home to high-end boutiques, chic cafes, and luxury hotels. Visitors can take a stroll down Gangnam’s main boulevard, Garosu-gil, and enjoy the stylish atmosphere.
COEX Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in Asia and a shopper’s paradise. The mall features over 250 shops and restaurants, as well as a movie theater and an aquarium. Visitors can also check out the massive underground convention center, which hosts events and exhibitions year-round.
Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea, towering over 555 meters high. The tower features a luxury hotel, office space, and observation decks with breathtaking views of the city. Visitors can also explore the Lotte World Mall, which is located at the base of the tower and features over 1,000 shops and restaurants.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Seoul offers a range of unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. A Han River Cruise is a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective. Visitors can choose from a variety of cruises, including sightseeing tours and dinner cruises.
For a more historical experience, a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) Tour takes visitors to the border between North and South Korea. The tour includes a visit to the Joint Security Area and the Third Tunnel, which was dug by North Korea in an attempt to infiltrate South Korea.
Korean spas, or jjimjilbangs, are also a popular attraction in Seoul. Visitors can relax in the hot tubs and saunas, as well as enjoy massages and other spa treatments.
Seoul is a dynamic and fascinating city that offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in history and culture, modern architecture, cuisine and nightlife, or unique experiences, Seoul has it all. So why not book your trip today and experience the wonders of Seoul for yourself?
What You Need to Know Before Visiting seoul
The best time to visit Seoul is during the spring (March-June) and fall (September-November), when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful.
Yes, Seoul is a safe city for tourists. The crime rate is low, and the city is well-policed. However, visitors should still take basic precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of their surroundings.
The local currency in Seoul is the South Korean won (KRW).
South Korea has a rich history and culture, so there are many attractions to see. Popular ones include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).
Seoul has a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be very cold with occasional snowfall.
Seoul has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, subways, and taxis. The subway system is particularly efficient and easy to navigate.
Seoul is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes Korean BBQ, bibimbap, and kimchi. There are also many street food stalls and traditional markets throughout the city.
