Planning a trip to Seoul, Korea?

We see, hear, and taste. We also smell and feel.
These stimuli can bring about changes in mood, thoughts, and actions. Sometimes they trigger creativity and problem-solving ability, and at other times, they refresh the mind and spirit. That’s why we actively seek to escape from the routine of daily life, akin to embarking on a journey.

Come visit Seoul. It is a place filled with countless Eastern and modern cultural stimuli.

In January 2024, the prestigious British daily, The Times, introduced Seoul and Busan in Korea as the ‘Tourist Destinations of the Year.’ The article highlighted that “Seoul and Busan are safe, with affordable and delicious food, coexisting past and present. Seoul’s subway fares are cheap and clean, and the orderly lines formed by passengers before the train arrives are impressive. There is no street crime or harassment, making it very safe for women to travel alone.” You can read the full article here.

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© KTO – Camelpress, Kim Jiho

Features of Seoul as a Tourist Attraction

  • Despite being a bustling metropolis adorned with towering skyscrapers, Seoul is full of natural and ecological travel destinations such as forests, rivers, and mountains.
  • Seoul’s cultural heritage, including that of the Chosun Dynasty, is well-preserved throughout the city, offering a glimpse into Korea’s rich history. The unique beauty of Korea, with its cultural charm, promises to inspire.
  • Modern Seoul boasts first-class shopping facilities, a variety of artistic spaces, and a plethora of cultural events. It’s no wonder K-POP originated here.
  • The public transportation system operates with cleanliness, organization, and friendliness, making it remarkably impressive.
  • It is one of the safest places in the world. Even if you were to leave your credit card in a McDonald’s, no one would take advantage of it. You can also feel secure returning home in the dark. That’s Seoul, Korea.

Seoul’s Past and Present

In 1394, during the period of the Hundred Years’ War between France and England, Seoul became the capital of this country. About a century after that, Columbus discovered the New World. Korea, with a history spanning over 5,000 years, has developed a unique Eastern culture through the fusion of continental and maritime influences. For over 600 years, Seoul has served as the capital of this land, preserving the essence of Korean culture while safeguarding its unparalleled cultural heritage. This heritage continues to inspire the creation of future cultures.

The map on the right depicts present-day Seoul. The elongated red circle represents the old city wall, “Hanyang-Doseong,” which once encircled ancient Seoul. The Doseong had four main gates, shown as red dots: Heunginjimun (East Gate, Dongdaemun), Donuimun (West Gate, Seodaemun), Sungnyemun (South Gate, Namdaemun), and Sukjeongmun (North Gate, Bukdaemun). The transparent green circle marks Namsan (“mountain in the south”), which caused Namdaemun to be positioned slightly west. The central blue dot indicates Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the king conducted official duties.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Sungnyemun, Namsan, and Heunginjimun are among the most visited landmarks. The W-shaped river intersecting present-day Seoul on the map is the Han River. The Han River and the Gangnam area south of it also have many spots where you can experience the capital of a developed country, Seoul. Popular locations among young international travelers, as evidenced by the top five search terms on Google for Korea, include Starfield COEX, Gangnam Station, and others.

Following in the footsteps of tourists traveling in Seoul, we have selected about 40 places.
Many of these places are located inside the Hanyang-Doseong, marked by the red line on the map above. This is true even if they are modern buildings or institutions. Therefore, We will list them by separating those located inside the Hanyang-Doseong and those outside. (Hanyang is the old name of Seoul.)

Within the Hanyang-Doseong

Map source: Seoul Metropolitan Government

We have marked the selected attractions on a map of the Hanyang-Doseong area. Most of these places are accessible by subway, and you can visit several of them in one trip.

1.Gyeongbokgung Palace 
2.Seochon Hanok Village
3.Sejong Village Food Street
4.Suseong-dong Valley
5.Inwangsan Mountain
6.Gyeonghuigung Palace 
7.Seoul Museum of History
8.Deoksugung Palace 
9.Seoul Museum of Art 
10.National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art 
11.Jogyesa Temple 
12.Cheonggyecheon Stream
13.Samcheong-dong Cafe Street
14.Bukchon Hanok Village
15.Insadong
16.Unhyeongung Palace
17.Changdeokgung Palace
18.Changgyeonggung Palace
19.Jongmyo Shrine
20.Ikseon-dong
21.Gwangjang Market
22.Daehak-ro & Ihwa Mural Village
23.Naksan Park
24.Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
25.Myeong-dong Street
26.Namsangol Hanok Village
27.Namsan N Seoul Tower
28.Hanyang-Doseong Trail

Outside the Hanyang-Doseong

Places outside the Hanyang-Doseong are as follows.

1.Baeksasil Valley
2.Buam-dong Food Street
3.Hongdae Street
4.Mangwon Market
5.Mapo Sky Park
6.Mapo Sunset Park
7.War Memorial of Korea
8.Itaewon
9.Sebitseom (Floating Islands)
10.Banpo Hangang Park
11.Seorae Village Cafe Street
12.Gangnam Station Area
13.Seongsu-dong Cafe Street
14.Bongeunsa Temple
15.Starfield COEX Mall
16.Lotte World Adventure
17.Lotte World Tower

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