Seoul, the bustling heart of South Korea, is a city where ancient traditions harmoniously coexist with futuristic innovations. From its majestic palaces and serene temples to its lively markets and vibrant street food scene, Seoul offers a rich tapestry of experiences for every traveler. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Seoul, exploring its historical landmarks, cultural treasures, culinary delights, and tips for an unforgettable visit.
Visit the main Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” stands as a symbol of Korea’s rich royal heritage. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, it served as the main royal palace for over 500 years. King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, commissioned its construction as a symbol of his new dynasty’s authority and power.
The palace complex was meticulously designed following the principles of Korean traditional architecture, with its layout harmonizing with the surrounding mountains and nature. It was the center of political, administrative, and royal life during the Joseon Dynasty, witnessing the rise and fall of many kings and queens.
However, Gyeongbokgung Palace suffered significant damage during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century. It was later restored and expanded in the 19th century, only to be tragically destroyed during the Japanese colonial period in the early 20th century. The palace we see today is the result of extensive restoration efforts that began in the 1990s, aiming to recreate its original grandeur.
Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is like stepping back in time to Korea’s royal era. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit:
Getting There:
Gyeongbokgung Palace is conveniently located in the heart of Seoul, making it easily accessible by public transportation. Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and leave through Exit 5. From there, it’s a short walk to the palace’s main entrance.
Costs of visiting
There is an admission fee to enter the palace, which includes access to various parts of the complex. The fee is reasonable and helps with the maintenance and preservation of this historic site.
Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the palace’s history and significance. Knowledgeable guides can provide fascinating stories and details about the lives of Korea’s royals.
What to see at the Gyeongbokgung Palace
As you explore the palace grounds, don’t miss these key attractions:
- Geunjeongjeon (Throne Hall): This majestic hall was the main throne hall where kings conducted state affairs and important ceremonies.
- Gyeonghoeru Pavilion: A stunning pavilion overlooking a serene pond, used for royal banquets and celebrations.
- National Folk Museum of Korea: Located within the palace grounds, this museum showcases Korea’s traditional way of life, culture, and history.
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Experience the grandeur of the Joseon Dynasty by witnessing the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. This reenactment takes place in front of Gwanghwamun Gate and offers a glimpse into the past.
Wear traditional Hanbok
For a truly immersive experience, consider renting a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) and exploring the palace grounds dressed as a royal. Many visitors enjoy this cultural experience and it makes for fantastic photos against the backdrop of the palace’s historic buildings.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village, nestled between the grand palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, is a living museum of Korean traditional architecture and culture. “Bukchon” means “North Village,” as it is located to the north of the two palaces. This historic village dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, making it over 600 years old.
During the Joseon era, Bukchon was home to nobility, high-ranking officials, and scholars. Its location near the royal palaces made it an ideal residential area for those serving the royal court. The village was designed with meticulous planning, featuring winding alleyways, stone walls, and traditional hanok houses. A hanok is a traditional Korean house characterized by its wooden beams, tiled roofs, and heated floors (ondol). These houses were designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings and adapt to Korea’s climate, with a central courtyard providing light, ventilation, and privacy.
Nowadays, people still live in Bukchon and go about their every day lives but it has also become a huge tourist attraction. People flood the streets every day wearing traditional Hanbok clothing hoping to snap that picturesque photo. I would come here early in the morning to avoid the huge crowds otherwise you won’t be able to snap up the typical photos that you might like.
Visit the cafe area of Insadong
Seoul is world famous for its beautiful cafes throughout the city. There are seemingly endless amounts of cafes (some that double as bakeries) where you can get your coffee and Instagram on. These cafes are designed in a different style than say the Bali cafes which I adore because they are more focused on their baked goods than the space and ambiance.
Cheongsudang cafe
If you can’t decide on the plethora of cafe options in the Insadong neighborhood, start off at the world famous Cheongsudang cafe. This cafe blends in traditional Joseon era decor with modern Scandinavian vibes. Like most cafes in Seoul, their claim to fame is there pastries and baked goods. We had a matcha cheese cake that was as delicious as it looked.
Cafe Onion
No visit to Seoul is complete without a visit to the famous Cafe Onion. This hanok themed themed cafe is near to the famous Bukchon Hanok village making it the perfect place to stop in for a bite before or after your visit.
This place always attracts a huge queue of tourists and locals alike that want to sit and dine the traditional way on the floor. I had no patience to wait so I ended up getting the food to go. Cafes in Seoul double as bakeries and this place had a very diverse slate of sweet and savory baked goods. I didn’t know what most of the stuff was but enjoyed everything I had.
Visit the parks for Cherry Blossom Season
If you’re visiting Seoul in the late early to mid April time frame, you might be lucky enough to catch the cherry blossoms like we did. Seoul, like Japan is famous for its massive amount of cherry trees that blossom in the early spring.
The whole city is adorned with beautiful cherry trees although some parts of the city are more picturesque than others. One of the best parks to watch the cherry blossoms is Yeouido Hangang Park just south of the river from the trendy Hongdae district. This park must be at least 2km long and completely packed with cherry blossoms.
Which areas to stay in Seoul?
Seoul is a huge and spread out city. In fact, half of the country’s population live in the Seoul Metropolitan area (roughly 25m). The city center areas are what you’ll want to base yourself in for ease of access to the tourist sites with plenty of restaurants. These are some of the best areas in Seoul.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a shopping paradise and one of Seoul’s main shopping districts. Here, you’ll find countless stores ranging from global brands to local boutiques. It’s also famous for its street food vendors offering a variety of Korean snacks. Myeongdong is somewhat like a Times Square midtown New York type of neighborhood in Seoul.
The central location makes it easy to access major attractions like N Seoul Tower and Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s also walkable to many of the other areas on this list like Insadong and Itaewon.
Gangnam
Gangnam is an upscale and trendy area known for its upscale shops, trendy boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place for shopping, with the famous Gangnam Underground Shopping Arcade and COEX Mall. The dining scene is diverse, offering countless restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.
I liked the Gangnam area as it was home to plenty of cool restaurants and some of the best cocktail bars in Seoul.
Hongdae
Hongdae is a youthful and artsy neighborhood, home to Hongik University. It’s a hub for artists, musicians, and students. The nightlife here is lively, with numerous clubs, bars, and live music venues. Shopping in Hongdae includes indie boutiques, vintage shops, and unique fashion stores.
Insadong
Insadong is a cultural hub, known for its traditional Korean culture. You can explore art galleries, antique shops, and tea houses here. The area is rich in artisan crafts, offering handmade crafts, calligraphy supplies, and traditional Korean souvenirs. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch traditional performances like folk dances and music.
Itaewon
Itaewon is diverse and international, with a vibrant culture and international community. The area is filled with international restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s also known for its nightlife, with bars, clubs, and pubs catering to both locals and expats.
Jongno
Jongno is the historic center of Seoul, home to many historic sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. The area is famous for its traditional markets, including Namdaemun and Gwangjang markets, offering traditional Korean goods and street food. You can also explore temples, museums, and historic architecture here.
Seoul Station
Seoul Station is a convenient area for travelers as it’s a major transportation hub with easy access to trains and buses. Some hotels in this area offer great views of the city skyline. Nearby, Seoullo 7017 is a pedestrian-friendly sky garden with shops and cafes.
Euljiro
Euljiro is a business district, ideal for those visiting Seoul for work. It’s close to many business centers and emerging as a hub for design studios, art galleries, and creative spaces. The area also offers a trendy food scene with cafes and restaurants
Getting around Seoul
Seoul is a very big city. Half of the the 52m population of South Korea lives in the capital city after all which makes it one of the most…
