Top 5 Seoul Attractions
City: Seoul
State: Seoul Capital Area / Sudogwon
Country: South Korea / Republic Of Korea
The largest metropolis of South Korea and the capital, Seoul is a global city, whose history stretches back more than 2,000 years. A leading technological hub and the most wired city in the world, Seoul is also among the most livable cities, offering a high quality of life. Besides being the business and financial heart of South Korea, the city is also home to many parks, and over 100 museums.
Here are the Top 5 Tourist Attractions to visit in Seoul, all of which hold important cultural or historical significance. All these are permanent locations which can be visited and viewed at any time throughout the year.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
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The Gyeongbokgung Palace in downtown Seoul, also known as Gyeongbok Palace, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, and the largest grand palace in South Korea. Housing the National Palace Museum Of South Korea, and the National Folk Museum within its premises, it is also notable for Gwanghwamun, the main palace gate where re-enactments of the changing of the royal guard is showcased, and the larger-than-life bronze statue of King Sejong The Great. Other notable structures here include the Gangnyeongjeon (King's Quarters), Geunjeongjeon Hall (Throne Hall), Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (Royal Banquet Pavilion), Gyotaejeon (Queen's Quarters), and Sajeongjeon (Executive Hall).
2. Namsan Tower
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The Namsan Tower, named for its location in Mount Namsan Park in South Korea, is also known as the N Seoul Tower. Officially named the YTN Seoul Tower, it is a communication and observation tower, and with its height of 236 metres, is the highest point in the city. It is particularly beautiful at night when lit, and part of the experience is to ride the Namsan Cable Car up to the tower. The 4 observation decks offer fantastic views of the city, while the surrounding park also has a 'Locks Of Love' area, where lovers hang padlocks on specially built structures. There is also a Teddy Bear Museum located here, along with several gift shops and restaurants.
3. National Museum Of South Korea
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As the flagship museum of Korean culture and art, the National Museum Of South Korea is naturally the largest museum in Seoul, housing over 310,000 artifacts in 3 floors, with the left side of the museum representing the past, and the right side of the museum representing the future. The grounds have a variety of ponds, gardens, waterfalls, pagodas, stupas, and lanterns. The 1st floor is the Prehistory and Ancient History Gallery, the 2nd floor houses the Donation Gallery, the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery, while the 3rd floor contains the Sculpture and Crafts Gallery, the Asian Arts Gallery. Highlights include the 5th century Silla gold crown and waist belt, the Gyeongcheonsa Ten-Story Pagoda, exhibits on maedeup / Korean handicraft knots, and royal porcelain jars. The National Hangeul Museum is also located on the grounds.
4. Yeouido Park
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The Yeouido Park, also known as the Yeouido Hangang Park, located in central Seoul, is a large, recreational park lined with trees and seasonal flowers. The park is a popular place for filming South Korea television programmes, especially drama or soap opera series, due to its beautiful waterfront and city views. It's also a popular place for sporting and recreational activities, such as cycling, skateboarding, painting, or picnics. The highlight are the various festivals held here, in particular, the Cherry Blossom Festival held in April every year, when the cherry blossom flowers are in full bloom, making the park incredibly pretty! The International Fireworks Festival is also held here every October, and is worth seeing at night!
5. Seoul Shopping Districts
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A highlight of visiting South Korea are the Seoul Shopping Districts. There are many such places throughout the city, rows upon rows of small shops lining pedestrian walking streets, retailing all manner of products and services, in contrast to the shopping malls of other countries. The most famous of these include Myeong-Dong Shopping Street, for its large range of beauty, cosmetics, skin care, hair care, and general wellness items; Dongdaemun Shopping Town, for its wholesale fashion, clothing, and accessories; Namdaemun Market, the oldest continually running market; Yongsan Electronics Market, with 20 buildings housing 5,000 stores, retailing all manner of electrical and technological items; and Cheongdam Fashion Street, an upmarket, luxury shopping area in the Gangnam district.
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