The Land of the Morning- Seoul: An exploration of one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities in the world.
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, has been ranked one of the top 5 cities in the world to live in. The city that never sleeps -that’s what you’ll often hear about Seoul and the vibrant energy of the city will make you feel that way too! There are so many things to do and see in Seoul, it’s impossible to run out of interesting things to do here. So go on, jump into the city which will give you another perspective on life!
KOREA TO THE SOUTH OF THE BORDER
It is tradition to take off your shoes when you enter a home in Korea. This is done as a sign of respect. You will also see many people bowing to each other as a form of greeting. Korea has a rich culture and history that is very different from its neighbors. Seoul is one of the most popular destinations for tourists because of its beauty, architecture, and calm atmosphere. Korea was not occupied by Japan or any other country during World War II which allowed it to retain some of its traditions.
One example is Koreans who bow instead of shaking hands. There are various parks that allow visitors to enjoy Seoul’s beauty and architecture while maintaining their tradition with traditional games like Haesoolgyeongji (Korean Archery). The Korean cuisine incorporates Korean spices, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger garlic paste, green onions and chili peppers. All are used in cooking rice or noodles and are what make Korean food unique! Visitors can explore these destinations throughout the city by bike. They have three major bike paths that lead travelers all over town including Bukhansan National Park, Hwaseong Fort, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Unhyeon Palace and Namsangol Hanok Village. These villages give a glimpse into old Korean life with traditional hanboks still worn today on special occasions such as weddings or holidays.
The Essential Things to do while you are there
1) Visit the palaces and temples – Seoul is home to five Grand Palaces and over 200 temples! l
2) Stroll through the gardens – Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some tranquility in one of Seoul’s many gardens.
3) Shop ’til you drop – From high-end designer stores to street markets, there is something for everyone in Seoul.
4) Sample the local cuisine – From kimchi to bibimbap, there are endless delicious options to choose from.
5) Soak up some history – Seoul has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years.
6) Party hard – If you’re visiting for a night out, make sure to check out one of Seoul’s many nightclubs or go bar hopping.
Landmarks to see while you are there
1) The Seodaemun Prison History Hall – This is a fascinating museum covering Korean history from 1910 until 1950, including how Korean independence fighters were treated during Japanese rule.
Landmarks to see while you are there
2) Gyeongbokgung Palace – The largest palace in Seoul, with beautiful buildings and gardens that stretch back over 500 years.
Landmarks to see while you are there
3) Jongmyo Shrine – Check out some ancient Confucian rituals as well as impressive displays of ritual music and dance at Jongmyo Shrine.
Where to shop while you are there
If you are looking for a place to find calm and serenity, look no further than the city of Seoul. With its rich history and beautiful landscape, Seoul is the perfect place to shop for unique items that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. From traditional Korean art to modern fashion, there is something for everyone in Seoul. Here are some of our favorite places to shop while you are in the city
Nandaemun Market – One of Korea’s largest traditional markets, Nandaemun offers everything from clothing and kitchenware to housewares at affordable prices.
The market opens every day except Sundays and holidays at around 3pm or 4pm. It closes around 11pm or midnight so make sure not to miss it! Ihwa Mural Village – This village offers everything from food stalls to cafes, galleries and shops where local artists sell their original paintings. Located on Sogyeokdong street nearby Hongik University Station (Line 2) Exit 7; it is only about a 5-minute walk from Exit 8. Make sure you visit Blue Pumpkin Ice Cream too if you like delicious ice cream! We have many other favorite spots as well so let us know what your favorites are by commenting below! You can also follow our blog via email to get updates and posts sent straight to your inbox by subscribing here. Or you can follow us on Instagram @LetsExplore2 to see photos from all over the world!
Places to visit While You Are There
- Gyeongbokgung Palace- The main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty, this is one of the most beautiful places in Seoul.
- Namsan Park- A great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Namsan Park offers stunning views of downtown Seoul.
- The War Memorial of Korea- A moving tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for their country, the War Memorial is a must-see for anyone interested in Korean history.
- Myeongdong- One of the busiest shopping districts in Seoul, Myeongdong is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
- Bukchon Hanok Village- Just across the street from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village offers a glimpse into traditional Korean culture through its centuries old hanoks.
- Dongdaemun Market- With everything from clothes to food and everything in between, Dongdaemun Market is one of the largest markets in all of Asia!
- Seoul Olympic Stadium- Often called the Miracle on Dirt or the Eighth Wonder of the World, there are few stadiums that can match up to this iconic landmark’s beauty.
- National Museum of Korea- Filled with thousands of artifacts spanning nearly 5,000 years, there is no better place than here to learn about Korean culture and heritage.
- Unhyeongung Royal Residence- Located just a short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Royal Residence was once home to Queen Sunyoung (wife of King Gojong).
- Jogyesa Temple- Dedicated to the Great Seon Master Jigwan and founded by his disciple Gwaneum, Jogyesa Temple is an impressive temple complex filled with countless statues of Buddha.
History, Culture, Religion And Other Bits And Pieces
Seoul is a city with a rich history dating back over two thousand years, and it has been at the center of Korean culture and politics for just as long. The city is home to a number of important historical sites, as well as a thriving contemporary arts scene. Seoul is also a very diverse city, with a large population of both Christians and Buddhists. One of the great things about Seoul is that there are so many temples located within its limits. Some popular sites for temple visits include Buddhist temples and Daoist temples and and Confucian shrines – all with something different to offer!
If you’re not so religious but still want to learn more about Korea’s past then there are some museums that are worth visiting such as the National Museum of Korea or Seokjojeon Hall at Ewha Womans University which houses a collection of objects donated by Koreans living abroad over 100 years ago. Both are free to enter and have rotating exhibitions on topics ranging from pottery to paper art, calligraphy and much more.
It’s always nice to go somewhere where you can immerse yourself in the country’s history and heritage. That’s why I recommend going to the Palace Museum of Gyeongbokgung Palace (one of five Royal Palaces) and Seodaemun Prison History Hall.
Gyeongbokgung was originally built in 1394 when it served as an administrative office for Joseon Dynasty royalty while at the same time being their residence, but now it operates mostly as a museum. You’ll find relics and paintings related to various dynasties, exhibits on Buddhism and other religions, galleries of traditional costumes and furnishings, rooms showing how people lived during various periods in Korean history, among many others interesting aspects.
