{"id":41304,"date":"2023-11-20T09:21:49","date_gmt":"2023-11-20T06:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/one-city-three-days-seoul\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T12:43:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:43:16","slug":"one-city-three-days-seoul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/one-city-three-days-seoul\/","title":{"rendered":"One city, three days: Seoul"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Getting Started: About Seoul <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Gyeongbokgung
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The first historical records for Seoul date from the 1st century BCE; the area where the city now stands served as an administrative center for the Baekje Kingdom and then as the capital of the Great Joseon Dynasty starting from the 14th century CE. In more recent history, Seoul became the official name of the capital of South Korea after that nation\u2019s establishment in 1948. Although it sustained great damage during the Korean War in the mid-1950s, Seoul recovered and grew rapidly and is now considered one of the world\u2019s major capitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Places to visit in Seoul<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Seoul\"
Seoul, the capital of South Korea.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Seoul, one of the most visited cities in Asia, is waiting for you with its places to visit and unique culture. If you don’t have limited time for Seoul, or if you are curious about the must-see places in the city, stay with us! s a total area of 605.25 km\u00b2. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gyeongbokgung Palace<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Erected in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the top historical places to visit in Seoul. Known as the Northern Palace \u2013 and the first palace built by the Joseon Dynasty \u2013 it was the largest of five palaces built around the same time. Destroyed in a fire, the palace buildings were later restored under the reign of King Gojong, who ruled from 1852 to 1919. The structures are considered stellar representation of Joseon architecture. In addition to landscaped gardens and sculptures, the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum are housed within the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bongeunsa Temple<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bongeunsa
Bongeunsa Temple, Seoul.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next on our list of places to visit in Seoul is the landmark Bongeunsa Temple. With a history of nearly 1,200 years, the temple is considered the city\u2019s oldest religious structure and houses 3,479 Buddhist scriptures. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Namdaemun Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a truly extraordinary shopping experience, you can add Namdaemun Market to your list of places to visit in Seoul. The traditional market features more than ten thousand sellers and wholesalers offering a wide range of products \u2013 from food and groceries to plants and from accessories to souvenirs. It is considered acceptable to bargain. After visiting Namdaemun Market, you can proceed to the nearby Myeongdong Night Market to sample some of the delicious street fare!\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changdeokgung Palace<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace is the Changdeokgung Palace Complex. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it served as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung until the late 16th century. A notable feature of the complex, which houses extensive gardens as well as official and residential buildings, is that it was designed in harmony with its natural surroundings. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lotte World and Lotte World Tower<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lotte World promises an unforgettable experience. One of the top-ranked places to visit in Seoul, this sprawling entertainment complex includes the world’s largest theme park, Magic Island, as well as a museum and countless other entertainment options for children and adults.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also popular among tourists is the 555-meter-tall Lotte World Tower, currently South Korea\u2019s tallest building and ranked among the world\u2019s top five tallest buildings. In addition to its striking architectural design, the Lotte World Tower features a luxury hotel, upscale shops and restaurants, and a museum, as well as an aquarium, a concert hall and a state-of-the-art cinema. The top floors of the Lotte World Tower house observation decks, as well as cafes and a lounge. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gangnam District<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Gangnam
Gangnam District, Seoul.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On the south side of the Hangang River lies the Gangnam district, made famous by the eponymous song by K-Pop sensation Psy. Seoul\u2019s third-largest district, affluent Gangnam is home to modern skyscrapers and sleek villas and trendy nightclubs, restaurants and shops. In addition, the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center – World Trade Center Seoul complex is in the Gangnam district. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bukchon Hanok Village<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Set between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palace complexes, Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential area featuring stellar examples of traditional Korean houses. The Bukchon Traditional Cultural Center provides information on the traditional architecture, as well as Bukchon\u2019s history and values. There\u2019s also a gallery that features workshops and exhibitions by local artists. Keep in mind that the area is closed to visitors after 5 pm and before ten o\u2019clock in the morning. For more information, you can click here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Museum of Korea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The splendid National Museum of Korea is certainly worth a visit. One of the most visited museums in the world, the National Museum has a collection of more than 300,000 works and exhibits covering archaeology, art and history. In addition, the National Museum of Korea hosts various events and performances. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

War Memorial of Korea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A 20-minute bus ride from the National Museum of Korea is the War Memorial of Korea. Established to remember the Korean War of 1950-1953, the museum\u2019s collection includes more than 10,000 artifacts. The complex encompasses six exhibition halls, a combat experience room, a screening room and an outdoor exhibition area with memorial statues, as well as you can also visit gardens, a lake and a waterfall around the memorial. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where to stay in Seoul?<\/h4>

For easy access to historical points, Jongno neighborhood is ideal. Itaewon is known for its entertainment scene, while the Sinchon-Hongdae area offers more affordable accommodation options.<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What to eat in Seoul?<\/h4>

Famous Kimbap (sushi rolls), Kimchi, Galbi (grilled ribs), Bibimbap (mixed rice), Bulgogi, Jeon (fritters), sweet Hotteok, Mandu (dumplings), spicy Tteokbokki, and the renowned Korean barbeque.<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What to see in Seoul?<\/h4>

Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, Bongeunsa Temple, Namdaemun Market, Lotte World and Lotte World Tower, trendy Gangnam District, Bukchon Hanok Village, National Museum of Korea, and the War Memorial of Korea.<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dining in Seoul<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Kimbap\"
Kimbap, one of Seoul’s famous dishes.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Highlighting various fermented and preserved foods, the flavorful Korean cuisine is based primarily on rice, vegetables, meat and seafood. Some of the most well-known dishes include the following. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n