What to see and do in Seoul City?
Seoul, the capital and largest city of South Korea, is known for its historic center, specifically the Jongno-gu neighborhood, which hosts numerous tourists.
Because they are in one of the country’s most important towns, these places are must-sees for people who are just visiting.
There are many different attractions in this area, like as parks, museums, palaces, traditional markets, and highways that pass through Seoul’s city walls. Are you going to miss this chance?
This neighborhood has a multitude of essential locations due to the fact that it encompasses the majority of the city’s most frequented tourism destinations.
After that, I’ll take you on a tour of the most famous spots so you don’t miss anything while you’re on vacation.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The most visited tourist attraction in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung Palace; in fact, I’d venture to say that it’s the most visited tourist destination in the country.
This massive castle has been the main palace ever since the Joseon dynasty transferred their capital to Seoul.
You must visit it, and if you wish to see everything, you might need to set up a few hours to stop at each and every corner.
When to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace?
You can visit the Palace any day of the week except Tuesdays, when it is closed. This means you need to carefully plan your trip.
I think you should go there first thing in the morning to get the most out of your time there, since it opens at 9 a.m. every day of the year and its ending times change with the seasons.
What is the price of Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Adults must pay an entrance fee of 3,000 one, while youngsters must pay 1,500 one. However, individuals 65 years of age and under are admitted free of charge.
National Folk Museum of Korea
It is on the same side of the Gyeongbokgung Palace as one of its openings. The National Folk Museum of Korea is one of the most famous museums in the country.
They always have a show about Korean daily life where people can see how Koreans used to handle their daily tasks.
The building itself is also interesting to look at, and I’m sure it will catch your eye right away.
Gwanghwamun Square
Gwanghwamun Square is the city’s most significant square. The location houses sculptures honoring King Sejong “the great” and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, two of the nation’s most notable historical figures.
From this location, travelers can embark on routes that lead to a multitude of the city’s most favored tourist attractions, such as the Cheonggyecheon Stream and the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
The Cheonggyecheon Stream, which is also spelled as Cheonggyecheon Stream, is a peaceful spot in the middle of a busy city.
The path that goes along the stream and is surrounded by buildings on all sides makes for a peaceful place to rest and unwind.
Before the young 21st century, this small river was blocked by a road. However, it was dug up and put back together to make the wild area that is there now.
Bosingak Pavilion and Bell
In the walled city of Seoul, the Bosigak bell was used to mark the time in the past.
The bells not only told time, but they also let people know when the city walls were opening and closing around them.
The Bosigak Bell is usually used to ring in the New Year. On New Year’s Day at midnight, it strikes 33 times.
Samcheongdong and Bukchon Hanok Village
There are traditional Korean homes known as hanoks that may be found in the neighborhoods of Samcheongdong and Bukchon, both of which are located in Seoul, South Korea. Both of these neighborhoods are written using the hangul character.
When you’re in Seoul, you should definitely take some time to walk around the city after you’re done seeing Gyeongbokgung Palace. In the city, this is one of the most important things you should do.
But while you’re there, remember that other people live in these places. Because of this, it’s especially important not to make too much noise so as not to bother the people who live there.
Additionally, people who live on certain streets are wearing yellow jackets to protect the peace and quiet of the area.
Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden
Part of the complex designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is Changdeokgung Palace, popularly referred to as the Huwon or Secret Garden. The palace and its garden are both parts of the complex.
A considerable portion of the garden contains trees that are over three centuries old. According to folklore, many of the nation’s former monarchs chose to live in this area.
Jongmyo Shrine
UNESCO has designated the Jongmyo Shrine (alternatively spelled Jongmyo-shrine) as one of its World Heritage Sites.
Historically, this sanctuary was visited to pay homage to the monarchs of the Joseon dynasty in recognition of the numerous acts of benevolence that had been carried out in the vicinity of their resting places.
Tuesdays are off-limits to visitors, and an adult admission ticket costs 1,000 won (approximately 0.70 euros). On the contrary, individuals adorned in the traditional garment known as the hanbok are granted unrestricted access to all the adjacent palaces and sanctuaries.
Insadong Street
Because it is close to Jogyesa Temple, Insadong Street is the best place to buy Korean souvenirs and crafts.
Walking down the streets that run across from this one will also lead you to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and classic tearooms.
Because of these reasons, I strongly advise that you visit this street even if you don’t plan to buy anything to see the amazing things that Korean artists have made.
Ikseondong Neighborhood
People love the beautiful traditional Korean homes called hanoks that can be found in the area of Ikseondong, which is close to Insadong Street.
Furthermore, many of the hanoks and other homes in the area have been turned into restaurants and bars that are definitely worth a visit.