Jongo & Insa-dong
Always bustling Jongno-gu is a great place for history lovers. Here, you can find the famous Gyeongbokgung palace (spot the guard-changing ceremony), the precious Jogyesa Buddhist temple, traditional Korean markets (Dongmyo Flea Market, Gwangjang etc.). Jongno-gu is the heart of the city no tourist should skip.
While Insa-dong is a pedestrianized street where traditional and handmade goods are sold. The offbeat Ssamziegil complex houses a number of cute cafes, interesting galleries and traditional restaurants. The galleries are the heart of Insa-dong. With over 100 galleries in the area, you can see various Korean fine art forms ranging from paintings to sculptures and so much more.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Built in 1395 it stood as the first palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung palace stands as one of the grandest palaces in Seoul and Korea itself. With palace walls containing offices, living quarters and Huwon Garden it greatly portrays the essence of the Korean royal culture back in the day. While you are there, don’t forget to visit the National Palace Museum, which has a great display of Joseon Dynasty relics as well as National Folk Museum.
Changdeokgung Palace
Best-preserved palace from the Joseon Dynasty, it was a place where various Kings resided for the longest period of time. The palace also contains a special Huwon Garden, with the beautiful mixture of flowers and trees. Due to its importance and aesthetics, the palace is also recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO. It is also where the Moonlight Tour is held twice a year, giving one an opportunity to tour the palace at night.
Bukcheon Hanok Village
Home to hundreds of hanoks, it was once a place where the royals and high-ranking officials of Joseon Dynasty lived. The valleys and the buildings have been very well preserved, making one forget that its over 600 years old. Today, the area has a lot to offer- cute cafes, traditional guest houses, restaurants, cultural activity centers- it’s a treasure awaiting to be explored! Do keep in mind that this is a residential area and refrain from making loud noises.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Built in 1483 by King Sejong for his retired father, the palace served as living quarters for queens and concubines. However, it was greatly affected during the war, as it was once converted into a park with a zoo and a botanical garden. In 1983, the palace was restored, recreating the a great harmony between history and nature.
Insa-dong
Well adored by tourists, the place has a lot to offer. Insandong was once the main place for trading the antiques and the artwork. Now, the area has charmed the hearts by producing some of the most traditional and hand-made Korean souvenirs to adore. There is also a great choice of cute café shops and great art galleries. For something different, why not try the Poop Café located right in the heart of Insa-dong!
Jongmyo Shrine
World’s largest wooden structure from the 14th century, the Jongmyo Shrine has kept the memorial tables for over 518 years. For over 600 years, the famous Jongmyi Jerye ritual was held at this shrine, and even today, one can admire the unique ceremonies linking song, music and dance together. Due to its outstanding beauty even today, the shrine is now recognized as UNESCO Cultural Heritage site holding a great historical importance to the city of Seoul.
Ikseon-dong
There is no prettier neighborhood than Ikseon-dong, a place where time seems to be standing still. In the 1920-1930, a number of hanok houses were built to support the housing development for people. However, even though they do not have any relevance to any of the greatest Korean figures, they still play a huge part in the city’s history and development. Now, it has become a ‘Hot Spot’ for younger generation, as the area is full of artistic inspiration and cute cafes in the alleyways between the hanoks.
Bukhansan National Park
Called the lungs of Seoul, Bukhansan is the tallest mountain in Seoul. With around 5 million visitors every year, Bukhansan is well loved by the locals and tourists alike. So much so that it has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “Most Visited National Park per Unit Area”. There is a beginners Dulle-gil Trail if you want to take it easy. Make sure you arrive early in the morning to skip the midday heat!
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
A place where history comes back to life. Once used for incarcerating Korean independence activists who fought for the freedom of Korea, it now acts as a museum. Visitors can see the historic exhibition hall with the pictures of people who once occupied the cells, official documents, execution room, the patriot memorial, a tunnel through which corpses were carried and actually step into a cell itself. This is also a place where Yu Gwan Sun was held.
Jogyesa Temple
Serving as the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, it is an important part of the city. There is also a Central Buddhist Museum on the temple grounds, where you can learn more about the religion. For more curious ones, check out their temple stay programs for a hands-on experience of Korean Buddhism! Every May, when the country is celebrating Buddha’s birthday, the entire temple is lit up by the most colourful lotus lanterns.
