What to see
Gyeonghuigung
Gyeonghuigung is one of the finest examples of traditional Korean palace architecture you’ll find in the city, and it was commissioned by King Taejo. It was the king’s secondary palace throughout the second half of the Joseon Dynasty’s rule, and was usually used in times of crisis. In fact, it was used by ten Joseon Dynasty kings altogether, from King In-Jo to King Cheol-Jong. The palace is in the west of Seoul, and is known as the “palace of the west”, or Seogwol, by the locals. A large portion of the palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasion, but this was later restored. If you want to see some of the best traditional Korean architecture in the city, then be sure to pay a visit to this wonderful palace.
Changgyeonggung
Changgyeonggung was built in 1405, after Gyoungbokgung, and the palace has reached the modern day in exceptionally good condition. It’s regarded as a Korean national treasure, and in 1997, it was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Changgyeonggung is spread over a large area and boasts some really spectacular architecture. The palace is at least as impressive Injeongjeon, Daejojeon, Seonjeongjeon and Nakseonjae royal houses, and the palace also has a very attractive rear garden too. In its day, the garden would be the quiet retreat of the royal family, and today, a summer house still stands there, along with a 300-year-old tree.
N Seoul Tower
Construction of N Seoul Tower (En Seoul Tawo) began in 1971, but wasn’t opened to the public until 1980. Since then however, it’s become one of the most popular attractions in Seoul. The tower stands at 237 meters tall on the peak of Namsan Mountain, itself 243 meters tall. If you want to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the city, this is the place to go. You can take a cable car to the top of the mountain, but from there you’ll have to climb the tower’s stairs to reach the top. After renovation works which took place in 1995, the letter N was added to the tower’s name, which stands for “New”. There’s a revolving restaurant in the tower, along with four other restaurants, and a bar. The tower is open at night, and enjoying dinner alongside breathtaking views of the city is something truly special.
Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple is one of the most beautiful temples you’ll come across in the city of Seoul, and it’s the center of Zen Buddhism in South Korea. The temple, built in 1938, is in the heart of the city, so is easy to get to. The first thing you’ll notice as you approach the grounds of the temple are the trees which have stood for centuries, and then the colors and decorations of the main temple building, Daeungjeon, are sure to catch your eye. Inside the temple you’ll see a sculpture of Seokgamoni, one of the Buddha’s forms. Outside in the garden, you’ll be able to walk among the towering 500-year-old acacia trees and Korean pine. Since the temple and its garden are in the heart of the city, it’s a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet before you get back out onto the busy streets of Seoul.
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in South Korea, and it documents Korea’s past, from ancient times right up to the present day, through its collection of documents and works of art, while also playing host to a range of cultural events. The museum also organizes preservation work, research, training and academic programs, inter-cultural events and concerts. The museum is spread across a large area, and the building itself was constructed using steel, concrete and granite – it stands like a proud monument to Korean culture. The National Museum of Korea is probably the most important museum in Seoul, and it’s also close by the Yongsan Family Park and War Memorial of Korea.
Bugaksan Mountain
Seoul is surrounded by mountains, and Bugaksan, Namsan, Naksan and Inwangsan are the most spectacular of them all. Bugaksan, to the north of the city, is the tallest of the four and is also the most visited. The Fortress Wall of Seoul runs along the foot of the mountain, making it a popular tourist destination. The Bugak Skyway gives visitors the perfect to explore the mountain and enjoy views of the city, and its route takes you past pieces of heritage like Changuimun Gate and Palgakjeong Pavilion. On the mountain’s southern slope, you’ll find the beautiful Samcheong Park. Bugaksan is a great place to go and enjoy the natural surroundings of Seoul, the peace and quiet it provides, and some spectacular views of the city.
COEX Aquarium
COEX Aquarium is home to over 40,000 animals from 650 different species, and is South Korea’s largest aquarium. Part of the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center, it opened to visitors in 2000, and it contains 90 tanks, split among 14 different discovery zones. Apart from sea creatures, COEX houses birds, otters and other land animals, as well as a huge range of indigenous plant life too. The aquarium’s tanks hold over 2,000 tons of water, and as you walk around them, you’ll feel as you’re in an underwater world yourself!
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is surrounded by Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Jongmyo Shrine, and its Hanok houses reflect the traditional architecture prevalent during the Joseon Dynasty. The area really carries the traces of ancient Korean culture in the hundreds of these traditional houses you’ll find there. The village is to the north of the city, and the name Bukchon literally means “north village”. You’ll get to see the ancient customs of the country, including traditional Korean tea houses, when you visit the village, and there are also dozens of restaurants serving local cuisine in the village too.
Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo Shrine was a major place of worship for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. The Jongmyo Jeryeak rite held here each year in remembrance of the kings and queens of the past is quite a spectacle, and it’s said that the ceremony which takes place here is the closest to the ancient version. The ceremony involves music and dancing, and the instruments used 500 years ago are still used in the ceremony to this day. Jongmyo Jeryeak was designated as the first of South Korea’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. The ceremonies were stopped during the Japanese colonial period, but today it takes place on the first Sunday in May every year.
What to eat
Bibimbap
Bibimbap has its roots in the 13th century, though in those times it was known as goldongban. Goldongban literally means “vegetables mixed with rice” in Korean, but the dish took on the name bibimbap sometime during the 19th century. The dish is known as the king’s lunch, and today it holds a special place in Korean cuisine. While preparing bibimbap, the rice and vegetables are placed on a hot stone called gopdol and then cooked. Spices, fish or meat are then added, though the recipe calls for special attention to be paid to the colors of the dish, making sure they don’t clash. An egg is then cracked over the mixture and it’s seasoned with soy sauce. It’s a really tasty dish and a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, so be sure to try it.
Bulgogi
Bulgogi literally means “fire meat” in Korean, and though it originated in North Korea, it’s also particularly popular in South Korea. The dish is essentially beef marinated in sesame oil, soy sauce, chili, sugar and onion, which is then cooked over an open flame. It’s served with minimal garnish, but the slices of meat can be wrapped in lettuce leaves before being eaten. It’s a simple yet delicious dish, suitable for those who are a little apprehensive about trying the more exotic dishes Korean cuisine has to offer.
