Must see in Seoul - capital of South Korea
I must write I have walked in streets of the city for months and haven't got bored yet. I loved to explore the city this way. But for not small number of those who stops in Seoul just for a day or two, or three, or four... I have put together short list of facts, tips and must sees in Seoul. I gathered these during time I was 'priviliged' to live in capital of South Korea.
Quick tips
- In Seoul you will get far with English. Many Koreans learned the language after war and every street and (almost) every station in the city use English transcription. By the way public transport in Seoul is one of the best and with subway station on every corner you won't even get chance to get lost.
- Get yourself T-money card at any convenience store. It costs only 2500 KRW.
- Seoul is safe - I have feeling that even lonely woman doesn't need to be worry to walk after sunset in streets.
- Enjoy local food - you won't get such opportunity anywhere else in the world. It's cheap, healthy and great. Even better with your friends. Why it is strange to eat alone in Korea?
- Go there now - there wasn't better time to visit Seoul. Government in campaign 'Visit Korea 2010-2012' supports tourism and subsidize many projects, museums and guided tours are often free, you will get free maps etc. Touring Korea is simply very cheap at the moment - from hotels to entrance fees.
- Toilets are clean, free and on every corner. Hooray - finally civilized country. On the other hand - trash bins are not…
Must sees
I am not numbering this list as it is very subjective. Though the order of the points is how I recalled the events. So basically how strong impression it made on me.
North part of The Great Wall of Seoul - Mount Bukak and Hill of Poet Yun Dong-Ju
I wrote a short article with few useful tips earlier.
Good alternative to this trip which can be hard and not that easy during night could be dominant N-tower basically in middle of Seoul.
War Memorial of Korea
It is an impressive building, inside memorial can be very touching and you can learn a lot about Korean army through centuries… particularly many details of Korean war. I think it's essential to visit this place for better understanding Koreans. Also outside collection of military technology from Korean war is well worth seeing.
National Museum of Korea
No comment. It is not as big as it looks from outside. Very well composed exhibitions will give you small insight into Korean culture and history. Particularly valuable visit as one can compare development of west with development here in Korea. Worth seeing with very helpful guide..again for free (twice a day).
Gyeongbok Palace
There is totally 5 grand palaces in Seoul. Unfortunately most of the buildings are only recent reconstructions thanks to many fires and other events during past century (for example Japanese turned one of them into an entertainment park). You can easily smell new wood. Though you can see all of them with one single ticket for 10000 KRW I will spoil the plot. For a foreigner and for most locals not interested in the history they are all the same. Even guides will tell you same jokes and tales. Gyeongbok Palace is the most beautiful and only UNESCO heritage.
But it is not only about that, isn't it. I saw all the palaces and the shrine and it was well worth it as it is one of the option to run away from bustle of Seoul. These places are so peaceful and relaxing. And also very beautiful.
Important to mention guided tours are in English and again... for free.
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
There are many reasons to come to this place. At first there is probably best view to Seoul from Han river. Secondly you can see Banpo bridge of very unique construction (double deck bridge). And lastly if you cam at right time in the evening you can see bridge in many colors. Beautiful fountain show with music can make you dream. Grab some food and beer/soju with you and make picnic there. It is amazing.
Times of shows - April to June
* Weekdays: 12:00, 20:00, 21:00 (15min)
* Weekends: 12:00, 17:00, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00, 21:30 (15min)
Samsung Jongno Tower
One of the dominant skyscrapers in downtown of Seoul hosts headquarters of Samsung. Top floor is occupied by restaurant but you can climb up to height of 131 meters for free.
Cheonggyecheon and Statue of Sejong the Great
Water, lights - great fun for kids, pleasure for romantic souls. Great atmosphere during hot summer evenings with beautiful colorful fountains. Once in a while you can see a fashion show or similar event.
There is very interesting museum with interesting entrance. You can feel like Indiana Jones when entering under the statue of Sejong.
Hongdae district by night
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Park in front of Jongmyo shrine
If you are around on hot weekend day try to stop at this place. You will see youngs and olds (but mostly olders) fight their soul and pride in game GO. Vast number "tables".. and I guess if you knew the rules noone will stop you to join :-). Great atmosphere, fun to see.
