LANDMARKS
Hongdae Shopping Street
Street
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Hongdae is a popular hang-out for local youths and a must-visit for many foreign tourists to Seoul. Hongdae is the short form of Hongik University. Hongik University is a renowned art college and naturally, the streets around Hongdae evolved with unique free-spirit culture of amateur busking performances, art markets, street art murals, cosy galleries, exhibits of young artists and of course, clubs.
The main road (i.e. Eoulmadang-ro) was painted red (also known as 'Red Road'), the colour of passion and youth.
💡 For the convenience of pedestrians, Eoulmadang-ro goes car-free on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 - 23:00.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
A never ending street full of shops and restaurants. Amazing atmosphere especially during the night when it comes alive due to all the lights. Great to enjoy a walk a grab something to eat.
💡 Very nice shopping street and prices are way cheaper as compared to Myeongdong.
It is the most entertaining street in Seoul, with many lights, many shops, a lot of atmosphere, super cool, people, boys and girls dancing K-pop.
LOCATION
Mecenatpolis Mall
Shopping Mall
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Mecenatpolis Mall houses popular fashion brands, beauty shops, and a large grocery store, as well as various restaurants and coffee shops. It contains cultural areas like Lotte Card Center performance area and Lotte Cinema. There are also often performances held at Mecen Garden and the central square.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
Not worth a trip to for its own sake, but certainly a nice stopover if you're in the area doing other things and need some shade, a bathroom, or just a place to sit for a little.
💡 The variety of the eateries is probably the best thing about this mall; you can choose from western, Korean and Japanese cuisine here. They're scattered all over the mall, however, all the cheap Korean restaurants seem to be concentrated in an alley on floor B1.
LOCATION
Ak Plaza Hongdae
Shopping Mall
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
AK& Mall is a shopping center established by the South Korean large-scale department store group, AK Plaza, aimed primarily at younger shoppers. The mall comprises 16 floors, with floors 1-5 featuring fashion, cosmetics, daily necessities, and restaurants. The overall design of AK& Mall is relatively spacious, with large open spaces in the center.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
There are a lot of pop-ups and exhibitions, so it's great to look around.
LOCATION
Coconutbox Cafe & Gallery
Iconic Business
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Coconut box is a play lounge where you can enjoy exhibitions and performances in the concept of a vacation spot in the city. Travel to a small Southeast Asia 'coconut box' in Hongdae!
ACCESS
Cafe: Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
There are also exhibitions available for a fee. There is a fee to use the bungalow. It is a space where you can relax and have a relaxing atmosphere. It would be nice to take a break and do something on your laptop or visit with friends or loved ones.
LOCATION
Gyeongui Book Street
Street
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
This extension of the Gyeongui Line Forest Park is a book-themed pathway of bookshops housed in train-carriage-like containers. The street commemorates the high concentration of publishing companies in the area – over 1000! Most use it as a leafy space to stroll between Sinchon and Hongik University station or as a peaceful refuge, where young lovers whisper sweet nothings in the evenings on the steps. Along the way there are creepily realistic statues, and signs telling the history of the train line.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
LOCATION
Line Friends H. F. Store
Iconic Business
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Line Friends flagship store is a large shop that offers all kinds of Line cartoon character merchandise. The store is divided into three floors. The first floor sells a variety of Line Friends merchandise, while the second floor specializes in the BT21 series of merchandise featuring cartoon characters inspired by the popular boy band, BTS. The basement floor is home to a Line Friends themed cafe, where customers can enjoy delicious and exquisite desserts.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
Not only coffee, desserts or sweet stuff, we can enjoy the food after shopping.
LOCATION
Kakao Friends H. F. Store
Iconic Business
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Even if you don’t use the KakaoTalk messaging app, chances are that you’ve seen the adorable Kakao Friends characters before. The most popular Kakao Friends characters are undeniably Ryan (the lion, not a bear!!) and Apeach, the absolutely cute & feisty peach.
Kakao Friends stores are all over Korea, and many locals and tourists who want to get their hands on Kakao Friends merchandise will flood these stores.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
They tend to stray on the overpriced side, but it’s still fun to look around the store when you are in Hongdae. On the second floor, there is a nice cafe for you to enjoy. They also have a place for a photo booth which was priced reasonably and came out very nice.
LOCATION
Hongdae Street
Street
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Hongdae is a popular hang-out for local youths and a must-visit for many foreign tourists to Seoul, South Korea. Hongdae is the short form of Hongik University, pronounced as ‘Hongik Dae Hak Kyo’ in Korean. The locals used the term, Hongdae as an easier way to reference the area around Hongik University.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
This is the beginning of the Hongdae shopping street. I actually like this part better as it is quainter than its continuation. You have lots of varied stores, cafes and restaurants all catering to young people.
The place is great for shopping and has many restaurants open after midnight. The menu is available in many languages. Each store employee can communicate in English.
LOCATION
Hanbok Experience
Activity
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
To truly heighten your experience, you must consider renting a hanbok - a beautiful traditional Korean outfit. Numerous shops cluster near the palace, offering a wide range of styles and sizes.
ACCESS
Hanbok Rent (Full Day): 15 EUR
REVIEW
QUOTA
Another thing to take note is that the hanbok is a little thin to wear in the winter weather. I actually wore my sweater and jeans underneath, but it’s still pretty cold without my thicker winter jacket on. I think it’s too hot to wear it in summer though, so the best time to come and try this on would probably be in spring or autumn.
LOCATION
Gwanghwamun Gate
Historical Building
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
This main gate holds a rich history of its own; during the 1592 Japanese invasion, it was destroyed by fire and left in ruins for over 250 years. After being rebuilt in 1867, its wooden structure was ruined again in the Korean War, and the stone base lay in neglect. It definitely has seen a lot of history, and many tumultuous events.
💡 Do come to buy your tickets before 10 a.m. to catch the "Changing of the Guards" ceremony (the reenactment happens every day, except Tuesdays, twice a day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and takes about 20 minutes) It is happening at the courtyard, where the ticket booth is, before you show your ticket to enter the palace, however tons of people come for this ceremony, so to avoid queues and find your spot, be a little earlier. Keep in mind that you can watch the ceremony without buying the palace ticket. So you can come here another day as well.
💡 "Gate guard duty performance" → 11:00 and 13:00 directly outside the Gwanghwamun Gate. "Changing of the guard ceremony" → 10:00 and 14:00 in the square inside Gwanghwamun Gate.
Gwanghwamun Gate consists of three arched gates, the center gate is meant for the king, while the other two were used by the crown prince and royal officials. In front of the gate, there's a woldae (elevated ceremonial stage), which historically was used in major royal events for communication between the king and the people. In front of the woldae, there's 2 adorable Haetae sculptures guarding the gates.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
Beautiful building and traditional guard exchange ceremony.
Ticket office for Gyeongbokgung Palace is after the gate.
LOCATION
National Palace M. of Korea
History / Archeology Museum
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
The National Palace Museum of Korea showcases 500 years of history with roughly 45.000 artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty. Artifacts on display include texts and poems that were handwritten by kings of the past, robes worn by royalty, jewelry, and other items from the royal courts of Korea.
Three floors of exhibits: 2F - Kings of Joseon Dynasty, Joseon Palaces & Royal Court Life. 1F - Korean Empire & Joseon Science. B1F - Royal Court Paintings, Jongmyo (the royal ancestral shrine), Royal Procession, Royal Court Music & Joseon Science.
💡 Highlights from the museum collection are many, one highlight is the royal vehicle of Emperor Sunjong, the last king of the Joseon Dynasty. Another highlight of the colelction is the rain gauge pedestal. The rain gauge pedestal was an invention that dated back to the Joseon era.
💡 Borugak Jagyeongnu: Only a few pieces remain of a grand 16th-century water clock that once announced the changing hours with the sound of bells, gongs, and drums.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
You can see life in the palace during the Joseon Dynasty. There are many different exhibits, and the items used by the Joseon royal family during the modernization period are especially interesting.
LOCATION
Geunjeongjeon
Historical Building
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
This is the center of Gyeongbokgung. It is known as the Throne Hall, or Geunjeongjeon. It used to be a place that was exclusively for the king and his officials, But now over 38 million tourists visit every year.
The Geunjeongjeon Hall is surrounded by 36 mythical figures that are there to protect the building. These figures demonstrate the architect’s desire to protect the king from evil influences. They include the twelve zodiac animals – mouse, ox, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, and chicken, among others – not to mention the spirits who guard the north, south, east and west. Their faces all wear silly expressions. Joseon architects often included statues with silly and humorous facial expressions in buildings intended for very serious purposes.
ACCESS
Free
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QUOTA
Panoramic view of Geunjeongjeon at Gyeongbuk Palace. In the past, the king of the Joseon Dynasty held office.
LOCATION
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Historical Building
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Gyeongbokgung means the palace “greatly blessed by heaven.”
The architectural layout of Gyeongbokgung Palace reflects the principles of Confucianism, which was the state ideology during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace complex is organized into various sections, each with its specific purpose, from administrative to residential.
The palace was first built in 1395 and was the main palace throughout the Joseon Dynasty until the grounds were destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) from years 1592–1598. The premises were abandoned for two centuries until 1867 when Regent Heungseon Daewongun led efforts to restore the palace. According to the official website and documentation from the Royal Palace of Korea, the grand-scale restoration was completed with 500 buildings on a site of over 40 hectares. Unfortunately, the palace was again destroyed by the Japanese in the 20th century, during their colonization of Korea. Specifically, more than 90% of the palace buildings were torn down in 1915 by the Japanese. Korea was liberated from Japan after WWII, and the restoration of Gyeongbokgung started in 1990 and is still ongoing today.
Visitors can enter Gyeongbokgung Palace through all four sides of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Gwanghwamun Gate (main gate) on the south, Yongchumun Gate on the west, Sinmumun Gate on the north and National Folk Museum of Korea entrance on the east.
ACCESS
2 EUR
PASS → Combination Ticket for Palaces: Free
💡 If you wear a Hanbok: Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
The palace is closed on Tuesdays, and hours of admission depend on the season.
It is beautiful to visit at any time of the year, but springtime is particularly gorgeous because of the blooming flowers and cherry blossom trees.
Free tours in foreign languages are available.
LOCATION
The National Folk M. of Korea
History / Archeology Museum
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ABOUT
Exhibits at this museum show the visitor how everyday citizens lived both past and present including the lifestyles and traditions of everyday Korean people during a time when the country was mainly agricultural.
The museum dates back to April 25, 1946. In 1975, the museum moved to the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The museum moved to its current location on February 17, 1993. Today, it features over 4,000 artifacts on display which immerse visitors in the rich history.
The museum features three permanent exhibits along with two special exhibits, an open air exhibition and a children’s museum: Exhibition Hall I → History of Korean People, Exhibition Hall II → The Korean Way of Life, Exhibition Hall III → Life Cycle of Koreans.
💡 Traditional Village (A Street to the Past) : This part of the museum takes the visitor back in time to the late 19th century when a new modern culture was arriving in Korea. This replica of a street in a traditional village recreates what life was like at a time when electricity was first made available. Present here is a streetcar and hanok style buildings and stores for dry goods, herbs and medicine, bamboo goods, and a hat shop.
💡 7080 Street of Memories : With the popularity of K-dramas such as the "Reply" series, Korea's 1970s and 1980s are familiar to the younger generation and foreigners. If you are curious about the actual scenery in the drama, let's go to 7080 Memories Street, an outdoor exhibition hall of the National Folk Museum of Korea. The 7080 memory street is more than just a photo zone. It is full of things you can experience firsthand as if you went back on a time machine. In the Promise Cafe, where you can sit and rest, the actual DJ receives song requests and plays songs every Friday.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
Among the many interesting exhibits is an amazingly colourful funeral bier (it looks like a fantasy Noah’s ark) – these were used to give the deceased a great send-off.
💡 Don’t miss the souvenirs here. The prices are affordable and the designs are very beautiful. In the end, you will spend as long looking at the souvenirs as in the exhibition.
LOCATION
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion
Historical Building
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion stands on an islet at the center of a square pond named Hyangwonji, which is located in the rear garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace. According to Sejo sillok (Annals of King Sejo), a pavilion named Chwirojeong was constructed in the area now occupied by Hyangwonji Pond in 1456 (the 2nd year of the reign of King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty) with lotus flowers planted around it.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
The name "Hyangwonjeong" translates to "Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance," reflecting the serene and tranquil setting.
LOCATION
National M. of Korean C. H.
History / Archeology Museum
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History opened on December 26, 2012, and showcases Korea's modern history, from the opening of Incheon Port to current times. The museum provides an in-depth look at the changes in the nation through exhibitions and educational programs, as well as researching, developing, and collecting materials.
The museum is comprised of four exhibition halls; Prelude to the Republic of Korea, Foundation of the Republic of Korea, Development of the Republic of Korea, and Modernization of South Korea, toward the World.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
Overall, the museum focused more on social and life history than political history, and was a museum where you could learn about the formation of the national identity of the Republic of Korea.
💡 The view from the rooftop is amazing! Gwanghwamun is also lit up in the evening. Recommended at dusk!
💡 Bring ID if you'd like to use a free audio-tour guide in English.
The highlight for me was the gigantic LED screen - it’s truly stunning and adds so much to the experience with its immersive content.
LOCATION
Gwanghwamun Square
Square / Fountain
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ABOUT
Gwanghwamun Square is a large public space that stretches 555 m. long and 34 m. wide. From the square, you can enjoy fantastic view of the largest palace in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace and the iconic Bugaksan Mountain behind it.
At the center of Gwanghwamun Square stands the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sunshin. King Sejong the Great is the fourth and most respected king of the Joseon Dynasty and creator of Hangeul (Korea's alphabet). Admiral Yi Sun-shin is a naval commander noted for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and a hero among Koreans.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
It is the central plaza of Seoul and a representative place in Seoul with government agencies and many cultural facilities. There are statues of Admiral Yi Sun-shin and King Sejong, which are most respected by Koreans.
LOCATION
Statue of King Sejong the G.
Artwork
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Sejong was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. His reign of power was from September 18th, 1418 until he died of diabetes on May 18th, 1450.
What Sejong is most well-known for is Hangul, the Korean writing system.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
The statue has one hand raised and the other holding a book, represents his contribution to the literature, culture and literacy to Korea. The sides of the statue display all of the Hangul alphabet characters. In front, there are small models of a celestial globe, a rain gauge, and a sundial, these inventions are also attributed to him.
LOCATION
Jogyesa Temple
Religious Building
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Jogyesa Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and a symbol of Korean Buddhism.
The temple was first established in 1395, at the start of the Joseon Dynasty. The modern temple was established in 1910 and was originally located at a different location. After liberation, in 1954, the Buddhist Purification Movement was established. The goal of the movement was to eliminate any residual Japanese influence from their occupation. That same year, the temple was renamed to Jogyesa. This was a way for Korea to move on and forget the past horrors of the Japanese occupation.
💡 Some of the nature that is not to be missed include a rare 500 year old Baeksong lacebark pine tree and a 450 year old Chinese scholar tree.
💡 The best times to visit Jogyesa Temple are Buddha’s birthday or during the Lotus Lantern Festival when the courtyard of the temple is decorated with paper lanterns.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
Every time I go, there's a new event going on, so it's always new.
You may sit inside the temple and enjoy a peaceful time in there.
LOCATION
Insa-dong Culture Street
Street
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ABOUT
💡 Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. are the ideal times to visit Insadong Street. Parts of the street are closed during these hours. As a result, there is no traffic and it truly becomes an artsy cultural space!
Its most recognizable feature is the use of Hangeul (Korean script) in storefronts, which allows the visitors to really see just what makes this place so special.
Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.
The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
This street somehow sells different kinds of stuff, such as clothes, shoes, souvenirs, food, etc. I can walk here almost like 2 hours.
It was fun as there was a lot to see.
LOCATION
Ssamzigil Shopping Mall
Shopping Mall
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Ssamzigil is a unique shopping experience located in the corner of Insadong. It is constructed as an open-space, spiral shopping mall complex with green plants and vines surrounding the building and small, romantic cafes and designer boutiques inside the mall. It is a small oasis of tranquility in the centre of Seoul.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
This is a very nice shopping mall. They have a wonderful food court with everything from burgers to sit down sushi restaurant. Bakeries and a nice grocery store!
LOCATION
Cheonggyecheon
Region / Quarter
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ABOUT
The 10.84 km Cheonggyecheon Stream flows through the heart of Seoul, from Gwanghwamun to Dongdaemun. It is a transformed ecological park of natural beauty after 3 years of restoration project to complete in 2005.
💡 Cheonggyecheon Stream at Night → At night, visitors can enjoy the fantastic display of light and water at the start point of the stream at Cheonggye Plaza. A favourite of many is the Candle Fountain which features the magnificent synchronisation of three different lighting fixtures and a 4m high, two-tiered waterfall. Along the two sides of the waterfall are the Palseokdam wishing wells, made of 8 different stones from each of the nation's 8 provinces.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
An artificial river in the middle of Seoul. Very nice to walk along and relax. You can also see fish in the water and various species of herons outside the river.
LOCATION
Bongeunsa Temple
Religious Building
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple founded in 794 during the Silla (one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea) period. The temple has more than 1,000 years of history and has many interesting historic and cultural features, including woodblock carvings of the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra).
💡 The highlight of the temple though is a 28 meter (91 foot) stone statue of Maitreya, the Future Buddha. This statue is one of the tallest stone statues in the country.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
Such a peaceful location. Super cool place to visit.
You can buy candles and rice to offer prayers inside the temple, and you can buy prayer beads, bracelets, lucky ropes and other blessing items at the door.
LOCATION
Gangnam Style Sculpture
Artwork
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
The horse dance in Psy's music video for 'Gangnam Style' has been iconified as a giant pair of bronze hands on a stage on the east side outside COEX Mall.
💡 The song plays as you approach it, and it's lit up at night.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
They are always playing the Gagnam Style song, a trendy spot for pictures with the statue that commemorates a very iconic song!
LOCATION
Changgyeonggung Palace
Historical Building
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Changgyeonggung Palace was built by King Seongjong in 1483 on the site of Suganggug Place where King Sejong built in 1418 (ascension of king) for his father, King Taejong, who abdicated the throne for him. King Seongjong expanded Suganggung Palace for his grandmother, mother and aunt and changed the name to Changgyeonggung Palace.
Changgyeonggung Palace was first built by the 4th ruler of Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong for this retiring father, King Taejong. It often served as residential quarters for queens and concubines. During the reign of King Seongjong, 9th ruler of Joseon Dynasty, the palace was renovated and renamed to Changgyeonggung Palace.
Compared to other palaces, Changgyeonggung Palace is simple and compact. The palace is surrounded by a forest with about 50.000 trees including Japanese apricot, zelkova, maples, cherry and peach trees.
Changgyeonggung Palace, along with Changdeokgung Palace, were together known as Donggwol, or the East Palace. Both shared the rear garden.
💡 Changing of Guard Times: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
ACCESS
2 EUR
PASS → Combination Ticket for Palaces: Free
💡 If you wear a Hanbok: Free
REVIEW
QUOTA
It's a lot wider than you think, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
LOCATION
Changdeokgung Secret G.
Natural Beauty
Bukchon Hanok Village
Region / Quarter
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
The most popular Hanok village in Seoul is the Bukchon Hanok Village. This area, with its over 900 traditional homes dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, is a popular destination in the heart of Seoul. It's located in a residential area, so when you walk around, you will notice signs reminding you to speak with your voices lowered to respect the people who reside there.
The number one most notable and traditional feature that makes up this beautiful village are it’s hanoks, or traditional Korean houses. Hanoks are created only using earthy materials: Korean red pine wood, earth, and stone.
💡 You can visit Bukchon Hanok Village for free from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and on Saturdays and Sundays, it operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💡 When visiting Bukchon Hanok Village, please be mindful to keep your voices down in consideration of the residents living there.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTE
💡 "Bukchon-ro 11ga-gil" is the most famous street in Bukchon Hanok Village. It’s the peak of the village. From the top you can see all the hanok rooftops below.
LOCATION
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Region / Quarter
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
The Ikseon-dong Hanok Village spans a length of around 801 m., connecting Ibis Ambassador, Insadong, and Nakwon Sanga, or Nakwon Music Market, and is home to all kinds of fusion-concept cafes, restaurants, and shops that contrast with the more traditional vibe of the neighboring Insadong area.
ACCESS
REVIEW
QUOTA
LOCATION
Gwangjang Market
Food Hall / Court
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
If you love Korean food, you don’t want to miss eating your way through Gwangjang Market in Seoul.
It’s one of the ultimate places to experience traditional Korean street food and culture all under one delicious roof.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTE
💡 Some restaurants are open until 23:00 at night, but I think it's best to open until 20:00.
LOCATION
Dongdaemun Design P. (DDP)
Worth To See
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is one of the most important recent public buildings in South Korea. It offers a range of exhibition spaces, seminar rooms, event halls, library, education center, serving as a hub for design-related shows and conferences, exhibitions, and other events and gatherings.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTE
Super cool modern museum like place to visit during your stay in Seoul. There are some shops in the plaza as well as some limited time exhibitions. The architecture is very cool as well.
LOCATION
Deoksugung Palace
Historical Building
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Deoksugung Palace is the smallest of the five palaces in Seoul. It is the final residence of King Gojong, the last King of the Joseon Dynasty and the first Emperor of Korea.
Started as Jeongneungdong Temporary Palace, the place was first used by King Seonjo, the 14th King of the Joseon Dynasty. It was renamed as Gyeongungung Palace when Prince Gwanghae moved in.
ACCESS
0.5 EUR
REVIEW
QUOTE
It's convenient and nice to get your admission ticket through a machine.
LOCATION
Seokjojeon (K. E. History M.)
Concept Museum
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Seokjojeon, the Korean Empire History Museum, is a stunning historical landmark located in the heart of Seoul. This remarkable museum is housed within an architecture that reflects the grandeur of the Korean Empire, offering visitors a glimpse into the nation’s imperial past. As you approach the building, the intricately designed facade and well-maintained gardens set the stage for a captivating experience. Inside, the museum showcases a plethora of exhibits that detail the history, culture, and art of the Korean Empire. These displays include artifacts, paintings, and historical documents that narrate the story of a nation rich in tradition.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTE
A historical space where modern architecture and old palaces come together. The Korea-US agreement was signed here and King Gojong's birthplace is located there.
💡 You can only enter the Seokjojeon Hall by making a reservation in advance on the website. Please note that there is a program that visits during the day and another program that visits at night. It takes about 90 minutes. Personally, I think it’s cooler at night. Reservation tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. It was very good.
LOCATION
National M. of M. & C. Art - Deo.
Modern / Art Museum
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
MMCA Deoksugung is housed in Seokjojeon, the first modern stone building in Korea. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1998 with the purpose of building a systematic approach towards Korean modern art, and of realizing the country’s cultural and historical identity. While MMCA Gwacheon mainly focuses on contemporary art, MMCA Deoksugung emphasizes Korean modern art from around 1900 to 1960, as well as Asian and international modern art. Along with organizing exhibitions, the museum invests in research and development, education programs, academic activities and publications, and the international exchange of information on modern art.
ACCESS
2.5 EUR
REVIEW
QUOTE
It has a lot of interesting art and gorgeous embroidery pieces in the museum and I definitely think it is worth visiting. You also learn a lot about the history of traditional art in South Korea. I think this museum is definitely worth visiting, since you can visit the palace at the same time.
LOCATION
Jangdokdae
Artwork
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
The sculpture was created by Yi Hwan-kwon in 2009, inspired by the jangdokdae, a traditional open-air storage space for jars to ferment food in, such as kimchi and doenjang. The artwork is also titled Jangdokdae and each of the family members seems to be shaped after the jangdok jar, rather squat and Tweedledum and Tweedledee-esque.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
LOCATION
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Street
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Myeongdong is Korea's famous shopping and fashion district. Shoppers can enjoy total shopping and dining experiences at the pedestrian-friendly (car-free) zone in Myeongdong.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTE
Myeongdong Market is super crowded, with lots of streets to explore, so make sure to set aside at least 2 hours to walk around. The street food here is a bit pricey, and while there are many food stalls, most of them sell similar types of food.
LOCATION
Seesaw Statue
Artwork
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
The artwork captures the playful and amusing expressions of a mother and her children, depicting them cheering and celebrating while sitting on a seesaw.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTE
Nice statue that marks the start of the famous MyeongDong shopping street.
LOCATION
Namdaemun Market
Bazaar / Gift / Flea Market
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Opened in 1964, Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea with shops selling various goods. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also function as wholesale markets.
Most of the goods are made directly by the storeowners. Namdaemun Market is even open overnight, from 23:00 to 04:00, and is crowded with retailers from all over the country. When day breaks, the site of busy shoppers bustling around the market creates a unique scene that attracts tourists worldwide. Namdaemun Market sells a variety of clothes, glasses, kitchenware, toys, mountain gear, fishing equipment, stationery, fine arts, accessories, hats, carpets, flowers, ginseng, and imported goods.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTE
Great place for local eats and wares. Expect a long queue for your Hotteok.
This market is chaotic busy but really interesting. Really fun vibe and food is excellent.
LOCATION
War Memorial of Korea
Concept Museum
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
The War Memorial of Korea, located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, exhibits and preserves materials related to the Korean War and serves as a national moral educational venue. It was established on June 10, 1994 by the War Memorial Service Korea Society to commemorate the noble sacrifice of patriotic martyrs. The museum houses approximately 33.000 artifacts with about 10.000 on display at indoor and outdoor exhibitions. There are six separate indoor halls, including Expeditionary Forces Room, Patriotic Memorial Room, War History Room, 6·25 Korean War Room, Development Hall and Large Machinery Room. The outdoor exhibition showcases large-sized weapons.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTE
It is beneficial to learn about modern and contemporary history of Korea from the Later Three Kingdoms period.
LOCATION
National Museum of Korea
History / Archeology Museum
This ancient Corinthian helmet is South Korea’s only national treasure of Western origin: Son Kee Chung’s Greek Helmet - Atlas Obscura
LOCATION
Itaewon Market
Bazaar / Gift / Flea Market
YET TO SEE
ABOUT
Itaewon Shopping Street is a 1.4-kilometer-long road located near Itaewon Station. There is an enormous variety of shops, entertainment venues, and restaurants lined along both sides of the street.
It is one of the most visited places by international visitors. It has become a gateway for many international visitors to receive services and information on basic tourist needs such as accommodations, shopping, tourist attractions, and more.
ACCESS
Free
REVIEW
QUOTE
The district is a must for those who like fashion and a fun day outside in Seoul. Many restaurants and expats, bars and clubs with an international touch. Next to very traditional Taylor shops and 90s style malls. Also, excellent vegan restaurants and pastry shops.
LOCATION
Banpo Bridge M. R. F. Show
Event
C. F., National M. of M. & C. A.
Modern / Art Museum
Hwangudan (Wongudan) Altar
Historical Building
National M. of M. & C. Art - S.
Modern / Art Museum
Photobooth Experience
Activity
Sky Pizza
Iconic Business
DESCRIPTION
Walking through narrow, winding alleys of the Noryangjin district of Seoul, you may be reminded of grimy scenes from the Bong Joon-Ho film Parasite, a milestone in Korean cinema that took the 2020 Oscars by storm.
LOCATION