Some mistakes had disastrous consequences
Go on, hands up! Who danced to Psy's 2012 global K-pop hit 'Gangnam Style'? Who knows what "Gangnam Style" means? Well, it's a Korean neologism or new word that refers to a lifestyle associated with the Gangnam District of Seoul, a flashy and wealthy neighborhood known for its luxury high-rise apartments and even higher prices.
In the northern reaches of the city stands a collection of centuries-old stone sentinels guarding Seoul's fascinating Stone Art Museum. Take in the interior before heading out to the gardens via the roof.
Standout exhibits in the museum include the 5th-century Silla gold crown, the gilt-bronze Bodhisattva from the early 7th century, and the Goryeo-period (918-1392) iron statue of Buddha (pictured).
Every city has its dark side, and Seodaemun Prison is Seoul's. Opened in 1907, the penitentiary was only ever designed to hold up to 500 inmates, but nearly 2,000 were at one point locked up here, mostly Korean liberation activists. After it closed in 1987, the building was rededicated as as the Seodaemun Prison History Hall.
One of the city's unlikeliest museums, Kimchikan is dedicated to kimchi: salted and fermented vegetables and one of the staples of Korean cuisine. After perusing the display, why not take part in a kimchi tasting session?
A veritable yin and yang cultural facility, the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art comprises two parts that house traditional Korean art and contemporary art. Fans of Damien Hirst, Mark Rothko, and Andy Warhol will be in for a treat. Furthermore, 36 pieces displayed in the heritage wing have been declared national treasures.
Neofuturistic DDP, designed by late British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, stands near the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, itself enclosing the ruins of an ancient fortress.
Named for the regiments of metasequoia (dawn redwood) trees lining a track that snakes through Haneul Park, this shaded area is a great picnic spot. Come here during the fall and a snack under a canopy of red and orange.
Another Seoul skyscraper to contemplate, 63 Building was built as a landmark for the 1988 Summer Olympics. Now the headquarters of several major financial companies, the building remains open to the public: the 60th floor houses the world's highest art gallery and a terrific observation deck. Restaurants on the 59th and 58th floors appease hungry sightseers.
Feeling peckish? Grab a bite to eat at Gwangjang Market. Famed for its delicious street food, Gwangjang is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea. You can find just about anything here!
Built to exhibit and memorialize the military history of Korea, the memorial is in fact a museum complex located in the city's Yongsan District. Displaying war memorabilia and military equipment from China, South Korea, and the United States, the museum also features monuments inscribed with the names of those who died during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and clashes with North Korea.
Lying within shouting distance of the city is Bukhansan National Park, a rugged landscape of granite peaks, forested slopes, and hidden temples. A popular hiking destination, the park is crisscrossed by several trails, some of them including steep climbs.
Sources: (UNESCO) (Seodaemun Prison History Hall) (U Discover Music)
See also: Busan, South Korea is your next dynamic destination
Locals love Itaewon. This is Seoul's most diverse district and a hot spot for international tourists. Known for its culture, cuisine, and music clubs, spend a few evenings here and embrace the homegrown ambiance.
The largest and most impressive gate of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, decorative Gwanghwamun Gate stands over a sprawling plaza. This is where the royal changing of the guard ceremony takes place twice a day (except on Tuesdays), a ritual performed since 1469.
Seoul's verdant lung, Haneul Park provides a pleasant refuge from the heat and clamor of the city.
If glitzy Gangnam is not your scene, head over to Samcheongdong. This quiet and elegant neighborhood is known for its attractive art galleries, quaint cafés, and traditional hanoks.
Without doubt you'll end up at Cheonggyecheon, the city's 10-km (6.5 mi) long trendy recreational hub in downtown Seoul. A unique feature is the natural creek flowing through this section of the city, around which special creekside hiking, walking, and biking trails have been developed.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP, is Seoul's uber-cool shopping and design center. This is where to browse supremely chic fashion boutiques, state of the art showrooms, and cutting-edge design studios.
The three glowing artificial islands that brighten the vista of the Han River make up Sebitseom, a landmark cultural complex that's essentially a floating multimedia art gallery.
Set behind the Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Museum of Art, or SeMa, will please anybody with an interest in Korean modern art and national artists. Public art classes held in English take place here, and the whole place exudes a youthful and progressive vibe.
Don't miss browsing the National Museum of Korea. This is the country's flagship museum of Korean history and art, and one of the largest museums in Asia. The collections focus on prehistory and ancient history, calligraphy and painting, and sculpture and crafts.
A dramatic symbol of Seoul's soaring success as one of Asia's most vibrant and dynamic cities, the Lotte World Tower rears 555 m (1,823 ft) into the sky as the tallest skyscraper in South Korea, and currently the fifth tallest in the world. Floors 117 to 123 house observation decks, and the giddy views are simply jaw-dropping.
Seoul's outstanding cultural draw is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Dating back to 1395, Gyeongbokgung was the first and the largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon dynasty, a Korean dynastic kingdom that lasted for approximately five centuries.
Allow several hours to explore the palace and its extensive grounds. If you want to visit the Blue House, South Korea's version of the White House, you'll need to schedule a guided tour in advance online. Also set within the palace perimeter is the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum.
Head over to the delightful Bukchon Hanok Village and discover what life was like in Seoul 600 years ago. The neighborhood, a maze of narrow alleys lined with hanoks (traditional Korean houses), is utterly charming and it's not just for show. The houses are all occupied! Some of the hanoks now serve as guesthouses, and this is definitely a place to stay if you're after an authentic Seoul-searching experience.
At 236 m (774 ft), N Seoul Tower, located on Namsan Mountain, is one of the tallest structures in the country. The tower can be reached by aerial tramway and features four observation decks. The loftiest, level 5, includes a revolving restaurant. The mountain is a favorite outdoor recreation destination, offering hiking and picnic areas.
There's a Buddhist temple round every corner it seems, but Bongeunsa is especially enchanting. It dates back to 794 CE, and has been welcoming visitors ever since. In fact, the temple even operates a program whereby tourists can experience the daily life of a monk for a few hours.
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, combines a centuries-old culture with a modern, futuristic vibe—and the contrast is bewildering! The city humbles visitors with its collection of ancient palaces and then dazzles with futuristic fashion and technology. Deeply traditional but cutting edge too, Seoul seduces and surprises... and never disappoints!
Click through and find out where to go Seoul searching.
Seoul's venerable Jongmyo Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines to have been preserved, Jongmyo has existed in its present form since the 16th century.
Jongmyo Shrine is worth visiting at any time of year. But if you're in Seoul on the first Sunday of May you're in for a treat. On this day, the annual Jongmyo jerye religious festival takes place, when musicians, dancers, and scholars wearing traditional costumes perform a ritual for the deceased kings of the Joseon dynasty.
For authentic Korean souvenirs, check out the artisan stores in Insadong, a lively district in the Jongno-gu area of Seoul. It's not much more than a series of pedestrianized streets and alleys, but packed with handicraft galleries selling anything from ritual masks, hanji (traditional, handmade paper), hanbok (traditional clothing), teas, ceramics, and other unique handmade artwork.
What to do in Seoul: the new touristic hot spot
Exploring the capital of South Korea
TRAVEL World
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, combines a centuries-old culture with a modern, futuristic vibe—and the contrast is bewildering! The city humbles visitors with its collection of ancient palaces and then dazzles with futuristic fashion and technology. Deeply traditional but cutting edge too, Seoul seduces and surprises... and never disappoints!
Click through and find out where to go Seoul searching.