Seoul, the bustling coronary heart of South Korea, is a metropolis the place historical traditions harmoniously coexist with futuristic improvements. From its majestic palaces and serene temples to its energetic markets and vibrant road meals scene, Seoul affords a wealthy tapestry of experiences for each traveler. On this complete information, we’ll take you on a digital tour of Seoul, exploring its historic landmarks, cultural treasures, culinary delights, and suggestions for an unforgettable go to.
Go to the primary Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the “Palace Enormously Blessed by Heaven,” stands as a logo of Korea’s wealthy royal heritage. In-built 1395 in the course of the Joseon Dynasty, it served as the primary royal palace for over 500 years. King Taejo, the founding father of the Joseon Dynasty, commissioned its building as a logo of his new dynasty’s authority and energy.
The palace complicated was meticulously designed following the rules of Korean conventional structure, with its format harmonizing with the encircling mountains and nature. It was the middle of political, administrative, and royal life in the course of the Joseon Dynasty, witnessing the rise and fall of many kings and queens.
Nevertheless, Gyeongbokgung Palace suffered important injury in the course of the Japanese invasions of the late sixteenth century. It was later restored and expanded within the nineteenth century, solely to be tragically destroyed in the course of the Japanese colonial interval within the early twentieth century. The palace we see as we speak is the results of intensive restoration efforts that started within the Nineties, aiming to recreate its authentic grandeur.
Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is like stepping again in time to Korea’s royal period. Right here’s how one can benefit from your go to:
Getting There:
Gyeongbokgung Palace is conveniently positioned within the coronary heart of Seoul, making it simply accessible by public transportation. Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and go away by means of Exit 5. From there, it’s a brief stroll to the palace’s essential entrance.
Prices of visiting
There’s an admission price to enter the palace, which incorporates entry to varied elements of the complicated. The price is cheap and helps with the upkeep and preservation of this historic website.
Take into account becoming a member of a guided tour to achieve deeper insights into the palace’s historical past and significance. Educated guides can present fascinating tales and particulars in regards to the lives of Korea’s royals.
What to see on the Gyeongbokgung Palace
As you discover the palace grounds, don’t miss these key points of interest:
Geunjeongjeon (Throne Corridor): This majestic corridor was the primary throne corridor the place kings performed state affairs and vital ceremonies.Gyeonghoeru Pavilion: A surprising pavilion overlooking a serene pond, used for royal banquets and celebrations.Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea: Positioned inside the palace grounds, this museum showcases Korea’s conventional lifestyle, tradition, and historical past.
Altering of the Guard Ceremony
Expertise the grandeur of the Joseon Dynasty by witnessing the Altering of the Guard Ceremony. This reenactment takes place in entrance of Gwanghwamun Gate and affords a glimpse into the previous.
Put on conventional Hanbok
For a really immersive expertise, take into account renting a hanbok (conventional Korean apparel) and exploring the palace grounds dressed as a royal. Many guests get pleasure from this cultural expertise and it makes for unbelievable photographs in opposition to 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 residing museum of Korean conventional structure and tradition. “Bukchon” means “North Village,” as it’s positioned to the north of the 2 palaces. This historic village dates again to the Joseon Dynasty, making it over 600 years previous.
In the course of the Joseon period, Bukchon was dwelling to the Aristocracy, high-ranking officers, and students. Its location close to the royal palaces made it a super residential space for these serving the royal court docket. The village was designed with meticulous planning, that includes winding alleyways, stone partitions, and conventional hanok homes. A hanok is a standard Korean home characterised by its picket beams, tiled roofs, and heated flooring (ondol). These homes had been designed to harmonize with the pure environment and adapt to Korea’s local weather, with a central courtyard offering mild, air flow, and privateness.
These days, folks nonetheless stay in Bukchon and go about their daily lives however it has additionally develop into an enormous vacationer attraction. Individuals flood the streets daily sporting conventional Hanbok clothes hoping to snap that picturesque picture. I’d come right here early within the morning to keep away from the massive crowds in any other case you received’t have the ability to snap up the everyday photographs that you simply would possibly like.
Go to the cafe space of Insadong
Seoul is world well-known for its stunning cafes all through the town. There are seemingly countless quantities of cafes (some that double as bakeries) the place you may get your espresso and Instagram on. These cafes are designed in a unique model than say the Bali cafes which I like as a result of they’re extra centered on their baked items than the house and ambiance.
Cheongsudang cafe
For those who can’t determine on the plethora of cafe choices within the Insadong neighborhood, begin off on the world well-known Cheongsudang cafe. This cafe blends in conventional Joseon period decor with trendy Scandinavian vibes. Like most cafes in Seoul, their declare to fame is there pastries and baked items. We had a matcha cheese cake that was as scrumptious because it appeared.
Cafe Onion
No go to to Seoul is full with out a go to to the well-known Cafe Onion. This hanok themed themed cafe is close to to the well-known Bukchon Hanok village making it the right place to cease in for a chew earlier than or after your go to.
This place at all times attracts an enormous queue of vacationers and locals alike that need to sit and dine the normal manner on the ground. I had no endurance to attend so I ended up getting the meals to go. Cafes in Seoul double as bakeries and this place had a really various slate of candy and savory baked items. I didn’t know what many of the stuff was however loved every part I had.
Go to the parks for Cherry Blossom Season
For those who’re visiting Seoul within the late early to mid April timeframe, you is perhaps fortunate sufficient to catch the cherry blossoms like we did. Seoul, like Japan is legendary for its large quantity of cherry bushes that blossom within the early spring.
The entire metropolis is adorned with stunning cherry bushes though some elements of the town are extra picturesque than others. Among the best parks to observe the cherry blossoms is Yeouido Hangang Park simply south of the river from the stylish Hongdae district. This park have to be at the least 2km lengthy and fully filled with cherry blossoms.
Which areas to remain in Seoul?
Seoul is a big and unfold out metropolis. In actual fact, half of the nation’s inhabitants stay within the Seoul Metropolitan space (roughly 25m). The town heart areas are what you’ll need to base your self in for ease of entry to the vacationer websites with loads of eating places. These are a few of the finest areas in Seoul.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a buying paradise and considered one of Seoul’s essential buying districts. Right here, you’ll discover numerous shops starting from world manufacturers to native boutiques. It’s additionally well-known for its road meals distributors providing quite a lot of Korean snacks. Myeongdong is considerably like a Occasions Sq. midtown New York kind of neighborhood in Seoul.
The central location makes it straightforward to entry main points of interest like N Seoul Tower and Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s additionally walkable to lots of the different areas on this checklist like Insadong and Itaewon.
Gangnam
Gangnam is an upscale and stylish space identified for its upscale retailers, fashionable boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. It’s an amazing place for buying, with the well-known Gangnam Underground Purchasing Arcade and COEX Mall. The eating scene is various, providing numerous eating places serving quite a lot of cuisines.
I favored the Gangnam space because it was dwelling to loads of cool eating places and a few of the finest cocktail bars in Seoul.
Hongdae
Hongdae is a youthful and artsy neighborhood, dwelling to Hongik College. It’s a hub for artists, musicians, and college students. The nightlife right here is energetic, with quite a few golf equipment, bars, and stay music venues. Purchasing in Hongdae consists of indie boutiques, classic retailers, and distinctive style shops.
Insadong
Insadong is a cultural hub, identified for its conventional Korean tradition. You possibly can discover artwork galleries, vintage retailers, and tea homes right here. The world is wealthy in artisan crafts, providing handmade crafts, calligraphy provides, and conventional Korean souvenirs. Don’t miss the chance to observe conventional performances like folks dances and music.
Itaewon
Itaewon is various and worldwide, with a vibrant tradition and worldwide neighborhood. The world is crammed with worldwide eating places, cafes, and retailers. It’s additionally identified for its nightlife, with bars, golf equipment, and pubs catering to each locals and expats.
Jongno
Jongno is the historic heart of Seoul, dwelling to many historic websites akin to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. The world is legendary for its conventional markets, together with Namdaemun and Gwangjang markets, providing conventional Korean items and road meals. It’s also possible to discover temples, museums, and historic structure right here.
Seoul Station
Seoul Station is a handy space for vacationers because it’s a serious transportation hub with quick access to trains and buses. Some inns on this space provide nice views of the town skyline. Close by, Seoullo 7017 is a pedestrian-friendly sky backyard with retailers and cafes.
Euljiro
Euljiro is a enterprise district, splendid for these visiting Seoul for work. It’s near many enterprise facilities and rising as a hub for design studios, artwork galleries, and inventive areas. The world additionally affords a stylish meals scene with cafes and eating places
Getting round Seoul
Seoul is a really huge metropolis. Half of the the 52m inhabitants of South Korea lives within the capital metropolis in any case which makes it one of the vital concentrated nations on the earth. Seoul has an intensive metro and bus system that connects many of the metropolis to one another.
One of many first stuff you’ve most likely examine is that Google Maps just isn’t the app of alternative in South Korea. I can attest that Google Maps is sort of restricted in its performance inside Korea.
Why does Google Maps not work effectively in South Korea you ask?
The reply is North Korea.
South Korea requested Google Maps to dam out their navy bases so the world wouldn’t have the ability to see their operations however Google refused which led to the state we’re in now.
Nonetheless, Google Maps nonetheless works in Seoul, however it’s simply restricted in its performance. For example, it can not give you strolling or driving instructions however it does provide public transportation instructions. It will probably seek for eating places, cafes, bars, and vacationer points of interest. Google opinions can be found albeit considerably restricted to solely foreigners.
Naver Maps is the native app of alternative which affords every part that Google Maps doesn’t. I discovered Naver Maps to be a bit troublesome to make use of primarily due to many issues being in Korean. When trying to find eating places and cafes, every part was in Korean which is smart given its audience however made it troublesome for me to make use of. Naver Maps is nice for strolling and driving instructions nevertheless which is the primary cause I used it.
Value of the general public transport in Seoul
The price of a single journey on the metro or a bus is 1,500 KRW. This was sufficient for all over the place I went within the metropolis. To simplify your expertise, make certain to purchase a T-Card which you’ll load up cash and use as a lot as you need. I couldn’t determine the place to purchase considered one of these playing cards so I needed to painfully purchase a one journey cross each time.
I discovered that due to the sheer measurement of Seoul, I ended up spending a great deal of time on the metro. Each journey would simply be half-hour even when it was going quick distances. That is why it can be crucial that your lodging is close to to one of many strains.
Uber in Seoul
Experience hailing in Seoul was one of many essential methods I bought round. I couldn’t be bothered with taking the metro typically so I ended up utilizing Uber. Taxis are fairly reasonably priced within the capital metropolis with my rides not often exceeding 15,000 KRW. Brief distances may even be had for 8,000 KRW. Generally, you may need hassle discovering Ubers late at night time after an evening of ingesting.
Uber can also be a great way to get from the airport to the town. From Incheon which is greater than 1h away, you may get to the town heart for 60k-70k KRW. The quick practice compared is 12k KRW so in case you are 3 or extra, it nearly is smart to only take an Uber.
I additionally tried utilizing the native Kakao Experience however the setup was tedious and it didn’t provide rather more than what Uber already had.
What to eat in Seoul?
Seoul is the epicenter of Korean meals and within the capital, you’ll have each alternative to pattern what Korean meals has to supply. I’ve had ample quantities of Korean meals previous to visiting Korea so I knew the issues I wished to strive like Bimbimbap, kimchi jjiggae, fried rooster, BBQ, and extra.
Korean BBQ
No go to to Seoul or Korea is full with out consuming their well-known BBQ (or a number of instances like myself). South Koreans delight themselves on their beef and their BBQ. It’s probably you’ve had Korean BBQ in some unspecified time in the future in your house nation however it’s almost certainly going to be a lot better on the supply.
Whereas in Seoul, make certain to strive one of many numerous BBQ spots the place you’ll be handled to grilled beef proper in entrance of your desk. Whilst you’re in Korea, you have to to strive their extremely well-known Hanwoo beef which is a breed of cattle native to the Korean peninsula. This cow is thought for its intense marbling just like that of Japanese wagyu. I ate Hanwoo Galbi (quick ribs) numerous instances whereas I used to be in Seoul as a result of it truthfully is tough to beat.
There are quite a few worth factors for Korean BBQ and for the upper finish cuts of beef, count on to pay accordingly. A portion of Galbi (160-180g) at a excessive finish BBQ restaurant will simply price you 50k to 70k KRW.
DMZ day journey
South Korea and North Korea are technically nonetheless in a struggle as there was no ceasefire signed. An armistice was signed in 1953 on the location the place the DMZ is these days and it has stayed that manner ever since.
One of the common excursions in Seoul is to take a go to to this DMZ space. As I had 4 days in Seoul, this was greater than sufficient time to dedicate a day to visiting the border.
The DMZ is definitely not a border. For the reason that nations are in struggle, they will’t have a typical border that you simply may need between regular nations. The DMZ is in reality an space that acts as a buffer zone between North and South Korea.
This space spans all the size of the Korean peninsula from the east to west coast and is 2km huge. Inside this 2km area, it’s technically thought to be a impartial zone. There is no such thing as a official border between the 2 nations as this DMZ serves as a buffer zone and never a border crossing. The one option to really enter North Korea is by way of flights from China.
In actual fact, North Koreans that defect to South Korea accomplish that by escaping northwards to China earlier than traversing all the size of the nation, and returning again to South Korea.
Reserving the DMZ tour
The DMZ tour is available to be booked with quite a few corporations in Seoul. It’s most likely the largest and hottest day journey from the town. I booked my journey with VIP Journey and regardless that we traveled with a constitution bus full of individuals, I believed it was total fairly good. I would take into account reserving a smaller group tour if you would like one thing extra intimate however I believed it was ok for what it was.
Along with the DMZ, you’ll be able to have an elective addon for the gondola that travels over the Imjingang Railway Bridge and the river adjoining to it.
All in all, I paid roughly 90k KRW for all the day which didn’t embody any meals or snacks. This worth gave the impression to be fairly customary once I in contrast it to the opposite distributors. The day begins at 7am and you come to the town at 4pm. It’s a bit on the pricier aspect however it’s not a nasty worth for being as near North Korea as you’ll get!
