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    Tourist Attractions in Seoul

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Seoul. Photos and a brief description.

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    About Seoul

    Seoul is a high–tech and modern Asian metropolis where life flies by at a furious pace. However, the city boasts not only futuristic landscapes, it has preserved many monuments of traditional Korean architecture. The village of Bukchon is located right in the center, where residents do not notice the hustle and bustle of the city. In the midst of magnificent parks, the majestic palaces of the Joseon dynasty have frozen in time.

    Seoul has many atmospheric neighborhoods and streets, such as Insadon, Myeongdong or Taehanno. The modern look of the city harmoniously combines with the Asian flavor. In addition, there are many green parks in the Korean capital, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and relax after a walk through interesting places.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Seoul

    Gyeongbokkun

    The Royal Palace of impressive size, built in 1394 during the reign of the Joseon dynasty. After the Japanese invasion in the XVI century, some parts of the complex were destroyed. Reconstruction took place only in the middle of the XIX century. In total, there are more than 300 buildings and about 6 thousand rooms in Gyeongbokgung. During the Japanese occupation of the Korean Peninsula, the residence of the Governor-General was located here.

    Gyeongbokkun
    Changdeokkun

    Changdeokkun

    Another palace complex of the Joseon dynasty, built at the beginning of the XV century. Unlike Gyeongbokkun, it suffered more significant destruction during the wars with Japan in 1592-98. In 1609, Changdeokkun was practically rebuilt from the ruins. Until the second half of the XIX century, the royal court and the government were located here (until Gyeongbokgung was reconstructed).

    Changgyeonggung

    Translated from Korean, the name "Changyonggun" means "unrestrained fun". This palace was built at the beginning of the XII century and was intended for recreation and entertainment of the royal court. The complex is surrounded by a picturesque park, where gazebos, pagodas and pavilions are scattered. Nowadays, performances and historical costumed processions are held on the territory of Changyongun, where people in colorful costumes depict scenes from court life.

    Toksugun

    Toksugun Palace has symbolic significance for South Koreans. The fact is that since the end of the XIX century, the emperor lived here, under whom the centuries-old history of the independent state ended and it became an occupied territory. The structure is quite modest in size compared to other palace complexes of the Joseon dynasty.

    Myeongdong Shopping District

    Myeongdong is located on a small area of 1 km2. About 3 thousand people live compactly here. This area is one of the most visited places in Seoul due to the large number of shops, retail shops and restaurants of Korean cuisine. On the territory of the quarter there is also a Catholic cathedral of the XIX century in the Neo-Gothic style and a theater.

    Myeongdong Shopping District
    Kwangzhang Market

    Kwangzhang Market

    The largest fabric and clothing market in the South Korean capital, where you can buy national costumes and magnificent wedding dresses made of magnificent silk and worth a fortune. The average cost of one such dress exceeds the amount of $ 1,000. Souvenirs and products are also sold on Kwangzhang. Tourists visit the market for the sake of interest and color, locals regularly come here for shopping.

    Insadong District

    The district is located in the center of Seoul. It consists of a main pedestrian street and several side alleys adjacent to it. Previously, rich citizens settled on the territory of Insadong, today it has turned into a popular shopping district. There are antique shops, cafes, small spontaneous markets where unique hand made products are sold, as well as tea houses.

    Insadong District

    Bukchon Village

    A traditional Korean settlement located in the central part of the capital. Despite the fact that Bukchon is more like an open-air museum, it is a full-fledged residential quarter. People live in one-story old houses with a tiled roof. Their lifestyle is strikingly different from the habits of a typical inhabitant of a big city. The buildings made of clay, stone and wood look quite exotic against the background of modern skyscrapers of the capital.

    Cheongecheon

    An extended landscape park with a length of 8 km in the central district of Seoul, named after the Cheongecheon Stream flowing through its territory. The square was laid out as part of a large-scale reconstruction of the city infrastructure in 2005. Previously, there was a busy highway located here. Immediately after the opening, the park became a favorite place for walking among the townspeople.

    Cheongecheon
    Choges Temple

    Choges Temple

    The modern church building was erected in 1910. Earlier, in the XIV century, an older sanctuary stood in its place, but it was destroyed during the Japanese-Korean wars. Due to the prolonged persecution of representatives of Buddhism that took place during the reign of the Joseon dynasty, the temple has an important symbolic significance for Koreans.

    Jeonme Shrine

    Confucian temple, built in 1394 under the ruler of Taejo. For a long time, it played the role of the royal shrine of the Joseon dynasty. Funeral ceremonies, rituals of commemoration of the ancestors of Chonme Chere were held here, as well as food and drinks were sacrificed to spirits and gods. Jeonme is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as it represents an important historical and cultural value.

    Jeonme Shrine
    Bongeuns Temple

    Bongeuns Temple

    The structure was erected in the VIII century. It is one of the oldest temples in the country. Unfortunately, the original buildings have not reached our days, but during the reconstructions, the architects tried to recreate the historical appearance as much as possible. The building is a classic example of Korean architecture, which is characterized by a curved roof and a facade supported by columns.

    Myeongdong Cathedral

    Cathedral Catholic Cathedral of Seoul, located on the street of the same name. It was erected at the end of the XIX century at the end of the Joseon dynasty, when representatives of various religious denominations felt more at ease. The building is built in a picturesque Neo-Gothic style. Its exterior facade looks quite modest, as it is made without frills and decorations, but this does not spoil the elegant appearance of the temple at all.

    Myeongdong Cathedral
    War Memorial of the Republic of Korea

    War Memorial of the Republic of Korea

    An impressive museum complex located in the former army headquarters on the territory of the historical center of Seoul. The exposition consists of weapons, military equipment, combat vehicles, as well as items related to the history of the state. The memorial was opened in 1994. An impressive part of the collection is devoted to aspects of the conflict between North and South Korea.

    National Museum of Korea

    The largest art and cultural center of the Republic of Korea, which is included in the list of the most visited museums in the world. Several million people come here every year. The rich collection covers the time period from the Stone Age to the present day. Here you can see ancient artifacts, luxurious royal jewelry, unique folk art products and other interesting things.

    National Museum of Korea
    National Folklore Museum of Korea

    National Folklore Museum of Korea

    The museum is located in one of the buildings of Gyeongbokgung Palace. His collection consists of exhibits telling about the life and lifestyle of Koreans before the Joseon dynasty came to power. Some part of the exposition is located in the open air. The museum was established with the assistance of the American government in 1945. The exposition is divided into three large sections, which are devoted to various aspects of the life of the Korean people.

    Seoul Art Center

    A modern exhibition complex, on the territory of which interesting cultural events are constantly held. It was opened in 1988. Theater troupes constantly perform here, exhibitions of artists, informative lectures are held, and festivals are also organized. The arts center consists of a concert hall, a musical theater, three museums and a street stage.

    Seoul Art Center
    NANTA Theater

    NANTA Theater

    A small theater designed for several hundred seats, where very unusual performances are given. Actors play on all kinds of household and kitchen accessories, as if on musical instruments. Buckets, frying pans, mops, pots, chopsticks, trash cans are used. At the same time, they get a fairly harmonious melody. Captions in English and Japanese are used to explain what is happening on stage. The artistic genre called "nanta" was invented by Son Tsen Wang.

    Leeum — Samsung Art Museum

    The museum was created at the expense of the famous Korean company Samsung in 2004. It consists of three separate buildings built in various architectural styles, and is included in the list of the most original museums in the world according to some tourist guides. It should be borne in mind that the exposition is not related to Samsung products. Lovers of modern art will especially like it in the museum.

    Leeum — Samsung Art Museum
    Sodemun Prison

    Sodemun Prison

    The prison was built during the Japanese occupation of the Korean Peninsula. It existed from 1907 to 1987, after which it was turned into a museum. Until the middle of the XX century, mainly political prisoners (fighters for Korean independence) were kept in Sodemun. Today, visitors can see cameras and historical documents, as well as watch documentaries.

    Ihva Women's University

    The educational institution is considered one of the most prestigious in Seoul. Students here receive an excellent and in-demand education, with which the doors to the most attractive positions are open to them. The university was founded at the end of the XIX century by the American missionary M. Scranton. More than half of the female politicians of the Republic of Korea are graduates of their University.

    Ihva Women's University
    Dongdaemun Design Plaza

    Dongdaemun Design Plaza

    The building is located in the Dongdaemun district. It was built according to the project of architect Zahi Hahid, known for her futuristic designs. The structure is made in the form of rounded shapes flowing into each other. Inside there are designer shops and exhibition galleries. In the "Dongdaemun Design Plaza" there is an impressive garden of glass roses that delight tourists.

    Olympic Park

    The park was built for the opening of the XXIV Summer Olympic Games, which were held in Seoul in 1988. After the end of the competition, many facilities were turned into public health centers and permanent gyms. There are also museums and memorials dedicated to the Games. It is most convenient to move around the park by bicycle.

    Olympic Park
    Rainbow Fountain Bridge

    Rainbow Fountain Bridge

    A road bridge, on the edges of which there is a fountain in the form of a waterfall, which throws its jets into the Hangan River. It got its sonorous name due to the beautiful illumination of water streams, consisting of seven colors of the rainbow. An unforgettable view of the bridge opens from the park located on the shore. Many tourists and locals come here to admire the colorful jets of the fountain.

    Seoul TV Tower

    The tower is 271 meters high, built in the 1970s. It became the first tower that provided the city with stable radio and television signals. The structure stands on the top of Namsan hill, so the height of the tower above sea level is about 480 meters. Inside the TV tower there is a museum, an observation deck with panoramic views of Seoul, a souvenir shop and a cafe.

    Seoul TV Tower
    COEX Aquarium

    COEX Aquarium

    The attraction is located in the shopping and entertainment center of the same name, which is located within the prestigious Gangnam district. In addition to marine life, exotic birds and animals can be seen here. In total, the aquarium contains about 650 species (40 thousand individuals). For the convenience of visitors, the territory is divided into thematic zones.

    Lotte World Amusement Park

    According to the Guinness Book of Records, Lotte World is considered the largest indoor amusement park in the world. In addition to a variety of attractions, there are cinemas, a hotel, a shopping center, an ice rink and a theater of magicians. The place is popular with young Korean couples who come here for the whole day. The park is divided into two zones: one is located under the roof, the other is under the open sky.

    Lotte World Amusement Park
    Hangan Park

    Hangan Park

    A large green area that stretches along both banks of the Hangan River. It is perfectly adapted for walks, family picnics, sports, cycling and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city. Moreover, in many of its places there are piers near the water, from where you can go for a pleasant river walk. The park was created in the 80s of the XX century.

    Namsan Park

    The park is located on the picturesque slopes of the hill of the same name. Despite the fact that the green zone is located almost in the center of the city, several hundred species of animals and plants live on its territory. The architectural dominant of the park is the Seoul TV Tower, which is accessed by a cable car. There is also a museum, a public library and a botanical garden.

    Namsan Park
    Pukhansan National Park

    Pukhansan National Park

    Pukhansan is located in the city limits in the northwestern part of Seoul. It occupies the slopes of a low ridge with mountain peaks reaching a height of 800 meters. The park is often called the "lungs of Seoul", as this huge green area helps to provide fresh air to a multimillion-dollar metropolis. Unfortunately, the local ecosystem is under threat due to the large number of visitors.