The South Korean capital was founded more than 600 years ago, and all this time it has kept its historical values. Travelers from all over the world come to Seoul to enjoy the beauty of the well-preserved palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. People are attracted by ancient fortifications, Buddhist and Christian temples. The city is rightfully considered an entertainment and tourist center.
Gastronomic tourism is popular among visitors to Seoul due to the combination of the best traditions of Asian cuisine. Restaurants in the capital offer Korean barbecue, spicy flatbread, young calf ribs with soy sauce, fresh seafood and rice wine.
Seoul – a city of contrasts where everyone will find entertainment. Travelers like to visit museum complexes, relax in the aquarium and walk around the zoo. Shopping is a real pleasure. The city is famous for shopping centers, markets and shops. During the festival dedicated to shopping lovers, foreign tourists are offered solid discounts and coupons right at the airport.
➤ Palace Gyeongbokgung
The most beautiful palace in Seoul can be called Gyeongbokgung, which was built in the 14th century, when the Joseon Emperor ruled. Due to repeated attacks by the Japanese, the palace building was destroyed and rebuilt again. Today, the historical monument pleases travelers with its original architecture.
The size of the object, consisting of three hundred buildings, is striking. When visiting an open-air museum, you should definitely visit the throne room. You should also take a walk in the green park, decorated with a lake where lotuses bloom.
- Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 18:00, except Tuesday;
- Price: 42€;
- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
➤ Cheongwadae Presidential Residence< /h2>
Cheongwadae, called Seoul's “blue house”, is the main symbol of the capital of South Korea. This original name comes from the blue roof. Separate parts of the tiles were cast by hand. The smooth curves of the building have become a symbol of harmony with nature.
The palace complex is located on a huge square in an old garden planted during the centuries when the Joseon dynasty ruled. Spreading green trees intertwine with countless flowers, creating a unique atmosphere. Tourists are invited to visit the spring and autumn residences.
- Working hours: daily from 09:00 to 18:00, except Monday;
- Cost:free;
- Address: 45, Hyoja-ro 13-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
➤ Bukhansan National Park
In the north of the South Korean capital, there is a section of the Bukhansan mountain system, which has become the pride of Seoul. In 1983 it was declared a national park. During the reign of Emperor Joseon, it was the boundary line of the city.
Today, the attraction has been chosen by travelers from all over the world. Despite the small height of the ridge, less than a kilometer, from its top you can enjoy the most beautiful city landscapes. Numerous historical monuments and artifacts are hidden in the park. There are 14 walking routes available to travelers.
- Working hours: Monday to Sunday from 4:00 to 17:00;
- Cost : free;
- Address: 262 Bogukmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
➤ Changdeokgung Palace
The architecture of the Changdeokgung palace complex has remained authentic since the 15th century, despite regular Japanese attacks. This became possible thanks to the titanic work of the restorers, who preserved the original appearance. The last Korean Emperor lived in this residence until the day of his death in the 20th century.
The area of the complex was 58 hectares and is located at the foot of the mountain. The area is planted with delightful perennial trees, and in the central part there is an artificial pond, where there are places for recreation and hiking.
- Opening hours: time depends on the season;
- Price: 6.5€;
- Address: 2 -71 Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
➤ Insadong
Another must-visit place for tourists in the South Korean capital is Insadong – area with many shops. The central street of Insadong-kil, which is adjoined by separate lanes, was inhabited during the Joseon Dynasty by wealthy residents.
However, Japanese colonization left its mark and ruined the Korean nobles, after which the quarter was filled with shops selling the jewelry of the impoverished nobility. This was the time of popularization of trade. Today, there are many cafeterias, antique shops, impromptu markets selling handmade souvenirs.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Cost: free;
- Address: Insadong, Seoul
➤ Yuksam Building
The unique 249-meter-high multi-storey building 63 Building was built on the Yeouido island land on the Hangang River in mid-1985. The irregular box of the skyscraper is the 3rd most important in the Republic of Korea.
Yuksam Building includes three underground tiers and 60 levels above ground with many offices, shops and entertainment centers. Tourists love to visit the wax museum. It is also worth noting the observation deck, from where magnificent city landscapes open up and to which a high-speed elevator lifts.
- Working hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00;
- Price: varies by location;
- Address: 50 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
➤ Republic of Korea War Memorial
To commemorate the fallen Korean heroes in Seoul, a memorial was built. The opening of the monument took place in the nineties in a historically significant part of the South Korean capital. The complex, located on an area of 20,000 square meters, includes a museum where pavilions and a memorial wall engraved with the names of fallen soldiers are provided right on the street.
Tourists with undisguised pleasure study military equipment of different times. Themed rooms are divided into different eras of South Korean history.
- Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 21:00, Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00;
- Price: free;
- Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
➤ Gwanghwamun Gate
The central attraction in Seoul can be safely called the main palace gate of Gwanghwamun. When North and South Korea fought, the wooden part of the structure was destroyed, and the stone part was seriously damaged.
The restoration of the architectural monument was completed in mid-2010. The square in front of Gwanghwamun Gate is decorated with a large fountain, a statue of Admiral Yi Sunsin, and a sculpture of King Sejong. Tourists love to watch the daily changing of the guard of soldiers dressed in medieval era costumes.
- Working hours: around the clock;
- Price: free;
- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
➤ Lium – Samsung Art Museum
The most famous museum in Seoul was built thanks to the sponsorship of the largest electronics manufacturer Samsung. The exposition, opened at the end of 2004, presents an impressive collection of national cultural treasures.
The complex consists of three buildings with individual architectural elements designed by different architects. Externally, the pavilions are decorated in accordance with the theme of the exposition. A gallery of ancient artifacts was housed in a medieval fortress, and an exhibition dedicated to modern art was housed in a building with a futuristic façade.
- Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 except Monday;
- Price: free;
- Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
➤ Rainbow Fountain Bridge
In Seoul, in the central historical part, in 2009 a bridge with the original name “Rainbow Fountain” was built. The uniqueness of the object is the built-in fountains. The crossing was entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the longest of its kind.
The attraction with water cannons is open around the clock. During the day – this is a huge bridge with two tiers, pouring out powerful water flows in different directions, on which there is continuous traffic. With the onset of the evening, thanks to the multi-colored illumination, a unique show with a real water rainbow begins.
- Working hours: around the clock;
- Price: free;
- Address: Seoul
➤ Museum of Optical Illusions
Getting acquainted with the sights of Seoul, you need to devote time to a unique museum of illusions. In the expositions, tourists will not find ancient artifacts, but they will be able to have fun and have fun. Thanks to museum exhibits, visitors are transported to a new dimension without the usual physical laws.
When creating the paintings, a 3D effect was used, thanks to which a person becomes part of a drawn plot with elements of an unreal world coming to life. The illusion in the paintings is achieved by the competent use of perspectives. This is a unique experience capable of impressing both adult travelers and young people.
- Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 21:00;
- Price: adult – 8.9€, under 18 – 6.7€;
- Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
➤ Olympic Park< /h2>
On the eve of the Summer Olympics in 1988, the Olympic Park was built in the South Korean capital. The huge park area contains cultural and other interesting objects popular among tourists. Here there was a place for a museum complex, a memorial and a health center.
Visiting the sights has become a whole complex of sports and educational activities. Tourists can go for a cross-country run, work out with modern sports equipment or visit the park's many facilities.
- Working hours: Saturday from 4:00 to 23:30, Friday from 5:00 to 00:30, other days from 5:00 to 23:30;
- Price: free;
- Address:< /strong> 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
➤ Namsan Park
The Seoul TV Tower itself is a landmark of the South Korean capital. At the same time, there is a magnificent Namsan park area around it. You can get to the place of rest on foot or by funicular. A cozy park with paths, fountains and pavilions – a great place to relax in silence.
Tourists come here for the whole day to actively spend time surrounded by nature and look at Seoul from the observation deck of more than 470-meter tower. There is also a Korean village with traditional houses.
- Hours: daily;
- Price: free;< /li>
- Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
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➤ Lotte World Tower
The most famous 555-meter skyscraper in Seoul is the Lotte World tower. The building is located next to the shopping center of the same name. This architectural object has 123 floors. It is not only the highest in South Korea, but also the 5th in the world. The construction of the skyscraper was completed in mid-2017, and it has become the central landmark of the city.
The most modern technologies were used in the design and construction of the building, taking into account the needs of urban life. Favorite tourist spot – an observation deck with incredible views of Seoul.
- Opening hours: daily from 9:30 to 22:00;
- Cost: adult – 40€, teen – 35.5€, children– 33.3€, for the smallest 10.4€;
- Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 6(yuk)-dong, Songpa-gu.
➤ Lotte World
The largest indoor amusement park in the world is Lotte World, located in the capital of South Korea. The doors to the first guests of the huge complex were opened in mid-1989. Since that time, it has become a popular place among tourists and locals.
People enjoy boat trips among Jurassic attractions, get adrenaline-charged by venturing down roller coasters, ice skating on an ice rink, watching new movies at the cinema, and relaxing in a comfortable hotel.
- Opening hours : Friday and Saturday from 9:30 to 23:00, Monday to Thursday from 9:30 to 22:00, Sunday – day off;
- Price: from 20.5€;
- Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul .
➤ Gyeongheegung Palace
Gyeonghuigung is considered to be the most beautiful palace complex in Seoul. It is located near a picturesque mountain range, emphasizing the architectural splendor. The object was built in the 17th century as an additional residence. Gyeonghigun is connected to the neighboring Toksugung Palace by a bridge.
The Japanese-Korean War left its mark on the history of the palace. The buildings of the complex were repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Only a third of the original ensemble has survived today. On the territory of the palace complex there is a luxurious park and a museum of South Korean history.
- Working hours: from 9:00 to 18:00, except Monday;
- Price: free;
- Address:< /strong> 45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
➤ Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang is another significant trading place in Seoul. The market is attractive both for shopping and for its atmosphere. Colorful shops and stalls, of which there are several thousand, are filled with clothes, fabrics, souvenirs and vintage items.
Popular are traditional items of national clothing, puffy dresses for weddings and bed sets made of high quality materials. There is also a grocery part of the market with cafeterias where national dishes are prepared and served. Tourists can enjoy rice pancakes with various fillings, Korean dumplings and sweet liquor.
- Working hours: main shopping malls from 09:00 to 18:00;
- Cost: free;
- Address:88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
➤ Seoul TV Tower
The TV tower is about half a kilometer is considered the modern pearl of the capital of South Korea. From the observation deck at the very top you can see the amazing landscapes of the metropolis. The facility is located on the 237-meter Namsan hill.
Thanks to this, the total height above Seoul is colossal. There are cafeterias and souvenir shops. The tower includes 5 separate levels. However, the latter with its rotating observation deck and restaurant is popular.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 23:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 24:00 ;
- Price: from 6.2€;
- Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
➤ Myeongdong Cathedral
The Catholic Korean Church Union originated in the Myeongdong Cathedral – popular attractions in Seoul. This shrine became the last refuge of the martyrs who were not afraid to die for their faith.
This is one of the first objects in the Republic of Korea with Gothic architecture, awarded a place in the list of historical landmarks. The construction of the cathedral began in 1894, and the doors to the first parishioners opened in 1897. It is a gothic brick church building that became a symbol of the struggle for democracy during the war.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 21:00;< /li>
- Price: free;
- Address: 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
➤ Myeongdong Shopping Area
The most important shopping street in Seoul is Myeongdong. A small area of just one square kilometer has become the center of city life. It is surprising that on a small plot of land there was a place for a huge number of shops, shops, hotels and cafeterias.
The street can hardly be called a tourist street, which allows you to get acquainted with the real everyday bustle in which ordinary people live. Both wealthy tourists and locals can shop in shops and shopping centers in Myeongdong. High-end restaurants and inexpensive eateries are available to travelers.
- Opening hours: daily;
- Price: free;
- Address:Myeongdong 8-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
➤ Deoksugung Palace
More modest compared to the previous attractions, but no less significant is the Deoksugung Palace complex, associated with the infamous events in the 19th century. This is the reign of the emperor, when the enemy occupied the South Korean Republic.
The monarch had to hide from spies from Japan, who killed his wife. Today, the palace walls have turned into a museum, the gallery of which exhibits exhibits from the Joseon era. There is also an exhibition of contemporary art.
- Opening hours: from 9:00 to 21:00, except Mondays;
- Price: from 0.7€;
- Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul.
➤ Seodaemun Prison
Usually, a prison can hardly be called a place where tourists tend to go. Although many had a desire to discover the secret hidden behind the walls, where the prisoners are serving their sentences. The Seodaemun Prison Museum Complex will become a non-standard alternative to the numerous palaces and temples of the South Korean capital.
The history of this place is largely connected with the suffering and heroic deeds of local residents of the 20th century. For a long time, patriots and dissidents of Korea were kept here along with ordinary criminals. The exposition includes historical and everyday collections.
- Opening hours: daily from 9:30 to 18:00, except Monday;
- Cost: adult – 2.2€, 13-18 years – 1.1€, children under 12 – 0.7€;
- Address: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
➤ Seoul Historic Center
Seoul Historic Center has versatile attractions. The museum complex is located on the city square, where concert programs and festivals are commonplace. In winter, an ice skating rink operates here.
The chapel of the old city hall closes the facade of the new city government building. Tourists and locals love to stroll near the Cheonggyecheon stream, along which the boulevard runs. The Sejong Cultural Arts Center is a popular destination, home to one of Korea's largest organs.
- Hours of Operation:around the clock;
- Price: free;
- Address: downtown Seoul.
➤ Itaewon District
Wealthy shops, cafeterias, restaurants and walking streets are located in Seoul's popular Itaewon district. This is the place where travelers can fully experience the local culture with many retail outlets.
Street musicians perform here, food carts are sold here, and prestigious restaurants are located on the neighboring streets. This quarter is ideal for those who want to soak up the city's energy. Culinary delights from around the world can be enjoyed at restaurants on Gyeongnidang Street.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Price: free;
- Address: Itaewon District, Seoul.
➤ Changgyeonggung Palace
Another attraction of the South Korean capital is the Changgyeonggung palace complex, built in the 15th century. It has been used by members of the royal families for entertainment for centuries. The layout of the buildings was created in the Confucian tradition.
The complex is surrounded by a picturesque park area, where there are gazebos for relaxation. Festivals, carnivals and performances are constantly held here. The park impresses with its magnificent natural scenery and historic architecture.
- Opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:30, except Monday;
- < strong>Price: 7-18 years – 0.4€, adult 0.8€;
- Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
➤ Bukchon Village
In the central part of Seoul, there was a place for a traditional settlement with beautiful, authentic buildings, more like museum pieces. However, in this residential area with one-story houses, ordinary people live, far from the bustle of megacities.
This quarter looks especially unusual against the backdrop of multi-story buildings with modern infrastructure, rising to the sky. Tourists enjoy the unique local atmosphere for hours, walking along the narrow streets or enjoying traditional dishes in cafeterias.
- Opening hours: around the clock;
- Cost: free;
- Address:Seoul, Jongno-gu.
➤ Cheonggyecheon Stream
Leisurely walks next to the artificial stream flowing through the capital of South Korea have become a favorite pastime for many tourists. In the peaceful atmosphere around Cheonggyecheon, people feel detached from the city noise, being in the central part of the metropolis.
Trees and other plants grow along the stream and walking paths are laid. As the evening approaches, local actors appear to entertain the guests of the capital with an enchanting performance with special lighting effects that light up the water surface in different colors.
- Working hours: around the clock;
- Address: 1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
< li>Price: Free;
➤ Bongeunsa Temple
The ancient Buddhist temple seems to be hidden behind the Sudo mountain slope from the busy streets of the noisy city. In a couple of minutes from the center of the South Korean capital, tourists find themselves in the Middle Ages. Such proximity to civilization does not particularly interfere with solitude with nature.
The temple itself was erected in the 8th century and is a classic example of the architecture of ancient Korea. Naturally, today not all temple buildings have survived, and many had to be restored. However, the restorers managed to achieve maximum authenticity.
- Working hours: daily from 15:00 to 22:00;
- Cost:< /strong> to check with temple;
- Address: 531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
➤ Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo – this is the highest state shrine, where the royal ancestral tablets of the deceased emperors are kept, for whom sacrifices are made. The construction of the temple began in 1394, immediately after King Daejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, transferred his seat from Kaesong to Hanyang, modern Seoul.
Construction was completed in 1395. There are two royal memorial halls, Jeongjeong and Yeongnyeongjeong, which came into existence due to the constant expansion of the building to house the spiritual chambers of successive kings and queens.
- Opening hours: depends depending on the season;
- Price: adult – 0.6€, children– 0.4€, up to 7 years free;
- Address: 189, Cheongsa-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35208, Seoul.
< h2>➤ COEX Aquarium
At the lower level of the COEX shopping and entertainment center, tourists can enjoy the underwater world, collected in an aquarium of more than a thousand square meters. The uniqueness of the structure is that visitors are, as it were, inside the events, when underwater representatives swim from the sides and from above.
In addition to the giant water tank, there are separate small aquariums here. The observation area was divided into thematic sectors for marine inhabitants, marine predators and other representatives of the fauna.
- Working hours: daily from 10:00 to 21:00;
- Price: from 13.2€;
- Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul