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Seoul
Interesting places in Seoul:Seoul's ancient Sungnyemun Korean name Revised Romanization Seoul Teukbyeolsi McCune-Reischauer Soul T'ukpyolsi Hangul Hanja Short name Seoul (Soul; ) Statistics Population 10,297,004 (2005) ^
Palaces
Detail of the king's bedchamber, Changdeokgung
Roof with protective figurines, Changdeokgung
As the ancient seat of Korea's royalty, there are no fewer than 5 major palaces in Seoul, and some are definitely worth a visit.
- Gyeongbok-gung, Yulgukno . Seoul's grandest palace and the seat of power for centuries before it was razed in 1592 by a Japanese invasion (and they did a repeat after 1910). Large parts have now been restored and the vast grounds also house the Joseon Palace Museum and the Korean Folk Museum. Entry W3000, open 9 AM to 5 PM daily except Tuesday (when the palace is used for shooting TV dramas).
- Changdeok-gung, Yulgukno . Second only to Gyeongbokgung in historical importance, this was first built in 1405 and was the seat of power between 1618 and 1896. The buildings have all been recently restored and freshly repainted, creating a dazzling but still elegant effect that got the palace listed as an . Buildings of particular note include the blue-roofed Seonjeongjeon, which was the king's office, and the Daejojeon ("Great Making Hall"), his bedchamber, but most famous of all is the Biwon ("Secret Garden") in the back. Access to the complex is by guided tour only (W3000) except on Thursdays when only self-guided tours are available. Korean-language tours run every half hour but English tours are offered at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM (as of September 2005). Closed Mondays.
- Deoksu-gung. Located in downtown Seoul across the street from City Hall, Deoksu Palace vividly contrasts to the other nearby palaces like Changdeok Palace. Built during the mid-fifteenth century, the architecture of the buildings inside are heavily influenced with Western designs. Hence, you will see a fusion of both Korean and Western architecture. Closed on Mondays.
Admission: Adults (19 to 64 years old): 1,000 won (groups: 800 won), Children (7 to 18 years old) and soldiers: 500 won (groups: 400 won), Children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: Free
- ChangGyeong-gung. Originally built in 1104 as a summer palace for the kings of the Koryo Dynasty, it became one of the main palace during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace was used as a temporary home for the king during the time Gyeongbuk Palace was being built. Unlike other palaces that has a North-South orientation, ChangGyeong Palace faces East-West. Also, what is famous about this palace is the fact it connects to Jongmyo Shrine, a holy place for the Joseon Dynasty, where sacrificial rites are practiced for previous kings and queens.
Closed every Tuesdays Admission: Adults (19 to 64 years old): 1,000 won (groups: 800) Children (7 to 18 years old): 500 won (groups: 400)
- Children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: Free
Parks
- 4.19 Memorial Cemetery. 224 people were killed during the April 19 Movement, and were buried in this cemetery. It became a national cemetery in 1995. This place has a museum, several statues, and a mausoleum. It is a popular place, for it is rather a park where you can come and take a rest.
- Boramae Park, was formerly the site of the Korean Air Force Academy, which in 1986 turned into a park - Boramae, or hawk in English, symbolizes the Air Force. The size of the park is about 360,000 square meters and its sports facilities, a small zoo, a pond, and walking paths are well designed. The huge pond, which is 9,000 square meters, is surrounded by willow trees and benches, and people love to come. The pond is full of cool shades during the summer, and is spectacular when snow falls in the winter.
- Mt. Namsan Park, is located in the center of Seoul and considered a symbol of Seoul. Namsan Park is an ecology-island surrounded by urban districts. In spite of being an urban ecology-island, wild animals live in the park. Located in the middle of Seoul, the mountain filled with pine trees can be seen from almost every corner of the big city and the residents of the areas surrounding the hills enjoy the fresh mountain air.
- Olympic Park, was built for the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics. A lake, a large field covered with the grass, and a square with sculptures are very popular among visitors. It is frequently visited by brides and grooms to take their wedding pictures. There are a couple of courses that are ideal for jogging or walking. In addition, the outdoor stage and the six stadiums are often used for concerts and other special events.
- Tapgol ("Pagoda") Park. A small park frequented by the elderly and the footsore traveller. Contains the namesake pagoda under protective glass, and a nice large gazebo to get out of the sun. Acts a navigation landmark when moving between Myeongdong, Jongno and Insadong neighborhoods.
- Yangjae Citizen's Forest. You will find a forest on your right if you drive through Gangnam Street. It's a park with streams and a clear view of the sky. There are over 106,600 trees planted in it, and it's a very popular picnic spot for young students.
- Yeouido Park . More than 30,000 visit it on the weekdays and over 60,000 people visit it on weekends, respectively. The size of the park is 230,000 square meters. There is a traditional Korean forest, and in many other places you can enjoy concerts, cycling, or taking walks. Hundreds of trees and flowers offer you shade and an opportunity to relax. It is recommended to visit the three ponds. There are also basketball courts, so feel free to stop by and play. For a nominal fee, one can also rent bicycles or rollerblades for use at the park.
- Yongsan Park reminds you of famous parks in other countries that you might have seen in some movies. Large grass fields and thick forests will make you feel much relieved from bustling city life ; you will see many kinds of birds and trees. The park once used as U.S military base camps. In 1992, Seoul City bought the land and built the park.
Temples and shrines
- Mount Inwang (인왕산 ), near subway Dongnimmun. This 336-meter hill is home not only to the eponymous Inwang Temple , but also Seoul's most famous shamanist shrine Guksadang (국사당). To get there, take Exit 2 and start climbing uphill following the "Inwang Temple" signs, through the huge construction site (as of 2006) and up through the temple gate. You'll see a map board and several paths, take the left staircase upward, past the bronze bell of Bongwonsa and you'll reach Guksadang. Behind it are several creeks with shamanist offerings and the bizarre rock formation known as the Zen Rocks; there are plenty of trails if you want to poke around, and the Seoul fortress wall can be seen running near the top of the hill. Be careful not to photograph or disturb any rituals you see being performed.
Other
- Namdaemun . The Great South Gate is a symbol of Seoul and has been designated as National Treasure Number 1. Particularly beautiful when floodlit at night, and best combined with a visit to the adjacent Namdaemun Market.
- Dongdaemun . The old eastern gate of the city still stands though not as impressive architecturally as Namdaemun, the Dongdaemun market is infinitely more interesting than the its couterpart.
- Seodaemun Prison, 101 Hyeonjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu . Tue-Sun 9:30 AM-6 PM (5 PM in Nov-Feb). Originally built in 1908, the prison became infamous during the Japanese occupation, when it was used to torture, starve and execute Korean political prisoners. Actual prison cells, wax figures and videos are used to demonstrate the shocking brutality; most signage is only in Korean, but volunteer guides can describe the sights in English. W1500.
- COEX This very large mall is located in Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu, and is conveniently attached to the Samseong-dong station of the Subway Green Line 2. This state-of-the-art complex was designed for international conferences, and holds 150 specialized exhibitions and 15,000 conventions/events a year. The center also plays a role in promoting international trade by connecting international buyers with local businesses. A variety of stores and attractions can be found in the COEX including: the COEX Aquarium (call-ahead reservations required) ; a large Western-style "luxury" cinema; the Kimchi museum ; a Sony Playstation Store; an Xbox Store; a traditional video game arcade; a large bookstore with many Korea publications and imported Japanese books, manga and magazines; a chain electronics store to provide the traveller-in-need with batteries, camcorder tape and discs; and a Studio Ghibli store with lots of character goods (for anime fans). There are also shopping options in the COEX, including national brands mVIO, WhoAU California and Caspi Conus. As far as food options, there is a large food court serving several types of contemporary and traditional food cafeteria-style, and western chains such as TGI Friday's, as well as restaurants, hofs and cafes located all throughout the interior and exterior of the COEX. The COEX is also directly connected to the COEX Intercontinental Hotel. In 2003, a popular entertainment sports bar called GimmeFive opened in the back of the mall, featuring live kickboxing, fashion shows, and a drag queen cabaret show to close the evening; it occupied the space formerly occupied by but then vacated by the Dave & Busters chain. Yearly conventions at the COEX include online gaming conventions (such as the popular Korean-originated MMORPG Lineage), anime conventions, and auto shows. It is possible to spend the entire day in this covered mall without setting foot outside, which can be a blessing if very bad weather hits outside.
- Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) Once the tallest tower in Asia, it has the best panoramic view in all of Seoul. Centrally located, it can be seen from nearly anywhere in Seoul and is a helpful reference for travellers on foot. Can be reached on foot, by taxi or, on the south side, by cable car.
- The National Museum of Korea Houses the best of the best collection of artifacts and relics from across Korea throughout different periods and dynasty. Closed every Monday. Get off at Ichon Station.
- Cheonggye Stream This stream has recently been converted into a tourist attraction from its prevoius state as a tepid misquito breading ground. Located near Cheonggye Plaza near Insadong.
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Nearest places of interest:
| Namsan-2-Ho Tunnel Gate Indigo Restaurant Namsan Botanical Gardens Detour | Namsan Namsan-1-Ho Tunnel Gate Namsan Tower 리라초등학교 |
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Anyang South Korea Gwangju Busan |
Daejeon Incheon Jeju Cheong Wa Dae |
