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Seoul Tourist Attractions
The capital city of South Korea is the political and economic nerve
center of Korea. This is a wonderful city where modern architecture is
harmoniously blended with ancient architecture. Modern skyscrapers of steel
and glass stand side by side painstakingly restored monument and palaces of
intricately designed stones making Seoul a sight to behold. The Summer
Palace is undoubtedly a remarkable piece of art and architecture.
Insa-dong
To experience the traditional culture of Korea while remaining in the
heart of the city, try Insa-dong. With art galleries, traditional craft
stores,
 antique
art dealers, traditional tea houses, and traditional restaurants, it is
simply the place in Seoul for tourists wanting to experience traditional
Korea. The area is especially good for finding antiques in- old paintings,
ceramics, wooden vessels, and antique furniture can all be found in
abundance at Insa-dong. The 70 or so art galleries in the area also make
Insa-dong ideal as a cultural space. In 1999, England's Queen Elizabeth
visited the area and heaped praise upon the old artworks that she saw there.
Insa-dong is designated as car-free on weekends (Saturdays from 14:00-22:00,
Sundays from 10:00-22:00), and a flea market sets up in the streets with
people peddling their antiques, accessories, and artworks. Travelers from
abroad also gather here with wares from the world over, so the flea market
items are not just limited to items Korean in nature. But because the
streets of Insa-dong are narrow and complex, make sure to pick up a map at
the Tourist Information Center before starting out.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
 Gyeongbokgung
Palace was the main residence and palace of the royal family during the
Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and boasts an impressive 600 years of history.
Built by Taejo Seonggye Lee (ruled 1392-1398), founder of the Joseon
Dynasty, the palace was completed in 1395 after the capital of the nation
was changed from Gaeseong to Hanyang (current Seoul). The 495,000? area of
Gyeongbokgung Palace includes the 'Geunjeongjeon', the main hall where
official ceremonies took place and government officials could see the King,
the 'Gyeonghoeru', where banquets were given for diplomatic reasons, and 'Hyangwonjeong',
an artificial island created inside a pond. Also located within the palace
is the National Folk Museum, to help further the understanding of the lives
of Korea's ancestors. Take a walk along the stone walls of Gyeongbokgung
Palace, and tourists will come across the Cheongwadae (also known as the
Blue House, the presidential mansion of Korea). A portion of the palace is
currently being reconstructed, and it is estimated to be finished by October
of this year.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is a truly massive, all-inclusive marketplace for
clothing, children's wear, accessories, shoes, kitchen items, regional
specialty items, imported items, and more. The market offers a wide range of
merchandise at affordable (and often downright cheap) prices, and most
stores act as both retailers and wholesalers. The market has managed retain
the feel of a traditional marketplace, which lends it a very earthy appeal-
the stores and stalls offer much to see, making the market ideal not only
for shoppers but for sightseers as well. Most stores at Namdaemun Market
only open for certain hours according to their own needs, so it's a good
idea to plan a trip ahead of time according to the desired items. Mt. Namsan
is nearby, making the two locations a great pair for a combined excursion.
Dongdaemun Market
Dongdaemun Market is dubbed a fashion mecca due to the large number of
shopping malls and smaller retailers that concentrate on sell clothing and
accessories. It is more clothing-oriented than Namdaemun Market. Doosan
Tower, Migliore, Freya Town, and Hello apM are just a few of the 20 or so
major shopping malls in the area- prices are cheap and shopping is easy. The
malls deal mostly in accessories, women's wear, menswear, and shoes-
everything for your head to your toes. Most of the merchandise is on top of
current trends and styles. Dongdaemun Market is more crowded at night than
during the daytime, because small boutique and shop owners from Korea's
regional areas and even overseas flock to the market at night to buy for
their stores. The market makes for a unique nighttime excursion.
Mt. Namsan
265m above sea level, Mt. Namsan is a symbolic mountain located in the
center of Seoul. While is has a relatively low elevation, the surrounding
areas make the view a fantastic one, which explains the popularity of the
mountain as a resting place for Seoul's citizens. At the top of Mt. Namsan
are the Palgakjeong Pavilion, Seoul Tower, and a marine aquarium, and on the
way up are the Namsan Library, fountain, and botanical garden. The summit
can be reached by taking the hiking trail or by riding a cable car. A
breathtaking view of Seoul can be had at the Palgakjeong Pavilion, and
tourists who climb the Seoul Tower (479.7m above sea level) are rewarded
further with a view that reaches as far as the sea at Incheon's harbor. When
night falls, a view of Seoul's twinkling lights and neon signs unlike any
other can be enjoyed at Mt. Namsan. Located nearby is the Namsangol
Traditional Korean Village and Namdaemun Market.
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