Annyeong, yeoreobun! ^^ Seoul is the capital of South Korea, and is the first destination when tourists visit this country. But what are the top attractions that you should not miss when paying a visit to this land of the sun? Let us bring you to a quick visual tour of the city, and also the place of the month! π
(Please take note that the below recommendations are just from author’s personal view and experience.)
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (경볡κΆ)
When construction was completed, Gyeongbokgung Palace became the heart of the capital of Korea along with the head of state of the Joseon Dynasty. The name Gyeongbok actually means βGreatly Blessed by Heaven.β There are many historic sites, but one of author’s personal favourite is the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, where it is actually surrounded by a beautiful lake. If you have a chance of being there, make sure you try out the Hanbok (introduced in one of the earlier articles), and you can enter the attraction for free!
Additional information: Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at the top of every hour from 11:00 to 15:00
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul μμΈνΉλ³μ μ’ λ‘ꡬ μ¬μ§λ‘ 161 (μΈμ’ λ‘)
- Directions
- [Subway]
- Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) and Exit 5.
- Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) and Exit 1.
- [Bus]
- Take Bus No. 1020, 7025,109, 171, 172, 601 or 606 and get off at Gyeongbokgung Palace Bus Stop.
- Take Jongno Bus No. 11 and get off at National Folk Musuem of Korea Bus Stop.
2. Namsan Seoul Tower
Namsan Seoul Tower was the first tower-type tourism spot in Korea. The top of the tower is at almost 480 meters above sea level, including Namsan Mountain (243m) and the towerβs own height (236.7m), making it one of the tallest towers in Asia. It is comprised of Seoul Tower Plaza, recently opened to public access after 40 years, and N Seoul Tower, operated by CJ Foodville since 2005. The tower was first established as a broadcasting tower to send out TV and radio signals in 1969. As of now, it has become one of the representative landmarks and multi-cultural venues in Seoul. There, you can also visit the infamous love-locks hanging with promises from couples! Love is in the air for couples who are traveling there together~ β€
Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul μμΈνΉλ³μ μ©μ°κ΅¬ λ¨μ°κ³΅μκΈΈ 105 (μ©μ°λ2κ°)
- Directions
- [Bus] Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus
- Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus No. 02
– Take the bus from the closest subway station: Chungmuro Station (Seoul Subway Line 3, 4), Exit 2 (in front of Daehan Cinema) or Dongguk University Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6. - Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus No. 03
– Take the bus from the closest subway station: Seoul Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 4), Exit 9, Itaewon Station (Seoul Subway Line 6), Exit 4 or Hangangjin Station (Seoul Subway Line 6), Exit 2. - Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus No. 05
– Take the bus from the closest subway station: Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 3 or Chungmuro Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2 (in front of Daehan Cinema).
- Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus No. 02
- [Cable Car]
Get off at Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) and Exit 3.
Walk for about 15 minutes following the street on the right side of the Pacific Hotel. The cable car boarding place will be seen ahead.
3. Myeongdong Night Market
A trip is not complete without food, and thus, you should head to Myeongdong Night Market to get all the South Korea street food all in one-go! Some of author’s personal favourites include Hotteok (yums!), Tteokbokki, Korean Fried Chicken, and Odeng! All this talk about food is getting author hungry (beh-go-pah), so here’s some photos to feats your eyes on!
So what do you think are the top 3 attractions in Seoul? Do you agree with the author, or do you think there are others that we should have mentioned? Drop your comments below so we can hear your thoughts! We really hope to be able to visit South Korea again when this pandemic is over and everyone is free to travel across borders again π
Till the next time, take care and stay safe!
MyDaehan π 