South Korea’s main city, Seoul, is also a bustling and animated metropolis in its own right. Since the Joseon dynasty was established in 1392, while this city has been in existence, it has held the position of capital city. During that era, the name “Han Yang” was often used to refer to the city. Nonetheless, in 1945, when it achieved independence from Japan, the city officially changed its name to Seoul.
Because of the significant development that has taken place in Seoul over the last sixty years, the city now serves as the principal focus for the political, economic, social, and cultural affairs of South Korea. It is a city that genuinely attracts people from all over the world and has played host to a number of major international competitions, including the Asian Games, the Olympic Games, and the Korea/Japan FIFA World Cup. The majority of the cityscape is comprised of contemporary elements, such as several high-rise skyscrapers and 12-lane motorways.
Main Tourist Attractions of Seoul, South Korea
Changdeokkung Palace
In the early 15th century, the kings of the Joseon dynasty constructed this palace, which is now included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This magnificent castle is constructed out of gravel, and its name translates to “the place where virtue flourishes.” The interior is filled with several wooden constructions and contains stone courtyards with stone paving. The roofs, which are exquisitely painted, are decorated with the most sophisticated kind of hand painting. It is often sometimes referred to as the East Palace because of its location on the eastern side of the Gyeongbok Palace.
Secret Garden
The Changdeokgung Palace has no other areas of greenery other than the Secret Garden, which is the only one of its gardens to be located within the palace. The members of the royal family were able to rest in this garden since it was provided for their use. It is home to an exquisite lotus pond, well manicured grass, and a large number of trees, some of which are over three centuries old.
Chongmyo Shrine
This shrine was built by the monarchs of the Chosun dynasty, and it is the location of the ancestral spirit tablets that symbolise the kings of the Chosun dynasty. It is thought that the enshrined tablets would offer the leaders or rulers of the nation stability and luck if they look after them. At this shrine, which is recognised as a World Heritage Site, an annual ceremony is held throughout the month of May to pay honour to the kings and queens of Chosun in the past.
Kyongbokkung Palace (Gyeongbokgung Palace)
It was during the reign of the Yi dynasty that the Kyongbokkung Palace was constructed. Today, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful and expansive palaces in the area. It is estimated that over 500 structures formerly stood there, the most of which were destroyed as a result of Japanese invasions. The land that is enclosed by the walls of this enormous palace still has a number of stunning examples of architectural design, and it is bordered by expansive gardens that are filled with many stone statues.
National Folk Museum
The National Folk Museum is made up of three different buildings that are all connected to one another, and it is located inside the grounds of the Kyongbokkung Palace. The highest of the three structures is the one that has a typical Korean roof; it is also the one that can be seen from every vantage point inside the palace. The museum is home to a number of items and paintings that tell stories of Korean life, culture, and custom. These artefacts and paintings date back to a number of different time periods in Korean history.
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea was once situated in the Gyeongbok Palace; however, it has since been relocated to a more contemporary building in the Yongsan Family Park. The structure that houses the museum was built using the most cutting-edge construction methods, which should make it easier to maintain the integrity of historical treasures such as paintings and other works of art. The museum is organised into a number of distinct parts or galleries, such as those devoted to archaeology, history, fine arts, Asian arts, and so on; these sections and galleries each display artefacts from a different period in the nation’s cultural and historical development.
Great South Gate
The South Gate is a landmark that commemorates the history and culture of Korea. It is also well recognised as the emblem of the city of Seoul. It is a highly regarded building in terms of architecture, and it can be found right in the midst of the metropolis that Seoul has become today. It was the primary gateway to the previous capital city and was also known by its former name, Namdeomun. It was constructed in the year 1398, and now it is a landmark that is held in very high regard in South Korea.
Namsan Park
Namsan Park may be found on the peak of Namsan Mountain, which can be found in the middle of Seoul. It is a well-known place to stop and relax, and it is home to a lot of interesting attractions, such as the Seoul Tower and the Maritime Aquarium. In this location, you can also discover an octagonal hall as well as a library. The beacon mound that was constructed to safeguard the city is now a popular tourist destination. A trip to the adjacent Namsangol Traditional Korean Village is likewise likely to turn out to be an unforgettable adventure.
Seoul Tower
The Seoul Tower, which can be found at Namsan Park, can be seen from almost every point inside the city. The tower reaches an altitude of about 480 m above mean sea level after being constructed to a height of around 262 m. On a day with clear skies, individuals are able to have a glimpse of the whole city from the observation chamber that is located in the tower. Other rooms, such as the Fairyland and the Global Village, as well as others, keep the guests busy and provide them with entertainment.
The War Memorial Museum
The War Memorial Museum is a veritable treasury that has been open to the general public since the year 1994. It has a wide variety of historical artefacts as well as documents that are relevant to the history of Korea. It has a number of chambers that provide the visitor with an instructive and educational tour about the history of the Korean War, beginning with very early eras and running all the way down to more recent times. Tanks, aeroplanes, and other pieces of military hardware from a variety of time periods and theatres of conflict are scattered over the park that the museum is located in.
Jogyesa Temple
The Jogyesa Temple is considered by Zen Buddhists to be the most important temple in the nation. The temple is home to a number of locust trees, some of which are estimated to be close to four hundred and fifty years old. The main temple edifice, known as Daeungjeon, was completed in the year 1938. Inside of this magnificent structure, which is decked out in a variety of hues, there is a statue of Seokgamoni. In front of the structure is also a stone pagoda that has a Jinsinsari carved onto it. A multitude of stores may be found in the neighbourhood that surrounds the temple. These businesses have a wide variety of fascinating objects connected to Buddhist tradition that are available for purchase.
Lotte World
Lotte World is primarily a theme park and serves as an excellent location for a variety of entertaining activities. The amusement park has a variety of thrilling rides as well as an ice skating rink for its guests to enjoy. A lake and a folk museum are two more points of interest in the neighbourhood. The park may be broken down into two distinct parts: “Adventure” and “Magic Island.” You may watch parades, films, and other presentations in the adventure area. The Magic Castle may be found on Magic Island, in addition to a variety of other thrilling rides such as the Gyro Drop and the Flume Ride.
Bukhansan (Pukansan) National Park
The Bukhansan National Park, which has been designated as a national park since 1983, can be found to the north of Seoul and is comprised of a natural forest that runs down cliffs. The park is located in an area of breathtaking natural scenery and has exciting trails for hikers to explore. Hiking enthusiasts will find Mt. Bukhansan and the Bukhansanseong castle to be wonderful destinations. Within the park itself are located a variety of different leisure amenities.
Everland Leisure Complex
The Everland Leisure Complex, which can be found on the outskirts of the city, is home to a wide variety of activities that are certain to put a smile on your face. Visitors may enjoy a variety of different types of amusements in the complex’s three distinct theme parks, which are known respectively as Festival World, Caribbean Bay, and Speedway. Festival Park has a variety of flower shows, while the Caribbean region is home to a wide variety of water-based activities, including an artificially created sea and a variety of other indoor and outdoor water sports. The Speedway is a racing track that is built to international standards, and visitors may see vehicles race at speeds that will give them goosebumps.
