Seoul is one of the megacities that does not sleep 24/7, as well as one of the most expensive capitals in the world. Visiting famous viewpoints, expensive Korean beef and partying until dawn can seriously damage any credit card. However, in Seoul there are a good hundred free entertainment and interesting places that everyone can visit.
Stroll through picturesque streets, attend poetry readings and free-to-enter viewpoints with our list of 30 free things to do in Seoul.
Literary Museum named after Yoon Dongju (Korean poet)
This three-room museum was converted from a technical room in 2012 into an open space. The works and old photographs of the poet are stored there. Behind the museum is Poet's Hill, which offers beautiful views of Seoul Tower.
Address: 119, Changguimun-ro Jongno-gu
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Cheoldusan Martyrs' Temple
Built in memory of the events of 1866, the temple is a reminder of the tragic and massive death of Catholics at this site. The temple houses a gallery and a museum where instruments of torture are displayed. There tourists can learn about the history of the tragedy and the construction of the temple. The best time to visit is at dusk, when the flickering candles create an incredible atmosphere.
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Oil tank in the cultural park
Five oil tanks from the 1970s can be seen in the cultural center. They hold concerts, exhibitions and lectures, free of charge. Even if there's not much going on inside, visitors can spend a few hours exploring the nooks and crannies, or watch musicians practice in the outdoor Greek amphitheater. The uniqueness of this place attracts photographers here.
"The Soul of Jeong Kyung-ja" (South Korean artist) at the Seoul Museum of Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of several free ones in Seoul, and it is located in a historic building. High-demand exhibitions are often crowded and sometimes charge admission, but the permanent exhibition is free and less well attended. It is called “The Soul of Jeong Kyung-ja” and is dedicated to the life of the Korean artist in chronological order, special attention is paid to the African influence on her work.
Jeongun Library
Located at the foot of Mount Inwan, the library is also one of the most beautiful museums in the country. The lower floor houses a collection of books, while the reading rooms, inspired by Korean houses, are located on the second floor. They are spacious and well-lit - a book lover's dream.
Gyongyu Park in the forest area
The park is built on 100-year-old railway tracks that previously led to North Korea. The park is a unique symbol of the northwestern region of Seoul. In summer, this place is filled with picnic lovers; mass meetings and music festivals are held here. In good weather, pianos are placed outside and musical performances are held outdoors.
Tour of Bukchon Hanok Village
Walking through the village of Bukchon between hanoks (traditional Korean houses), tourists seem to find themselves in the Joseon dynasty. Although the preservation of cultural architectural heritage is a hotly debated topic, the alleys continue to fascinate tourists from all over the world.
Free gifts at the Blue House (presidential residence)
By booking your entrance ticket several months in advance, you can receive a free meal at the office of the Korean President. Although the tours are conducted in Korean, foreigners are offered audio guides in English, as well as a walk through the most famous places of the residence. Nokjiwon, the forest garden at the Blue House, is the highlight of the tour as it is where free gifts are given out at the end of the trip. In the past, silk wallets and watches were given as gifts.
If you suddenly decide to book a tour, you can do it.
Spend a full day at the National Korean Museum
The National Museum of Korea is the largest in the country and boasts a collection of 15,000 artifacts from different eras, from ancient times to modern times. There is an entrance fee to seasonal exhibitions, but tourists can freely view the permanent collections. The 10-level pagoda of Gyeongcheon Temple in the center of the museum is definitely worth seeing and photographing.
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Watch a movie at Hanan Park
One of the most popular free places in Seoul is a park along the Han River, which zigzags through the city. You can happily take a walk anywhere in the park and look at the beautiful scenery, but the best vantage point is Manwon-dong. If your trip is during the summer, you can attend many free events in the park, including the Hanana Summer Festival. Also be sure to attend outdoor film screenings.
Time travel at the Seoul History Museum
At this museum, located next to Gyeonghee Gung Palace, even temporary exhibitions are almost always free. It houses relics of the Joseon Dynasty and houses an exhibition hall of donated gifts (ground floor). There you can see everything from old computers, film cassettes, T-shirts from the 60s. to household items used by ordinary citizens. Free events are designed to introduce tourists and residents of the capital to Korean culture, so they most often take place on local holidays.
Selfie in Ewha Village
We talked about this “lunar” village with wall paintings in.
Walking the Bukhansan Mountain Range
The ridge has 37 peaks. If a tourist in Seoul asks an avid hiker in the local mountains where the best place to hike is, he will almost certainly be directed to Bukhansan. Its highest height is 836 meters, and it offers incredibly beautiful views. You might even get a mug from a friendly hiker, of which there are many along the ridge. And local adventurers are known for their good-natured desire to give drink to tourists who have climbed so high above the city.
Hiking for the amateur: Inwangsan
Inwangsan is lower than Bukhansan, its maximum height only 338 meters, but it also attracts travelers with its views, as well as historical lessons. There are several ancient fortresses here, and you can also look at Gyeongbokgung Palace from afar. There are many benches along the way up and down where you can rest.
Free walking tours of the capital
Such a trip should be booked at least three days in advance on the website of the corresponding tourist program. Such tours are conducted by volunteer guides, so the quality of such travel is inconsistent and not standardized. However, the tour is free and covers a variety of topics, from local markets to historical sites, such as a street designed in the unique style of the Korean alphabet, Hangul. Tours are organized in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. On food tours you can still taste local food and drinks until you are completely exhausted.
Product tasting at Lotte Mart Station Seoul
Large South Korean grocery stores are located here, offering the public a wide selection of local products. Most often, representatives of brands/stores/factories/farms speak English, Chinese and Japanese and are always ready to give customers a couple of seconds of their time. If you walk down the noodle aisle at 6:00 pm on a weekend, you won't want to eat until the next evening.
The most beautiful temple in northern Seoul
Although Jogyosa is considered the heart and most famous temple of Seoul, the title of the most beautiful temple should probably go to Gilsansa, located in Seongbuk-dong. Gilsansa is a restaurant converted into a temple in 1997. It attracts tourists not only with the richness of the surrounding nature, but also with numerous English-language programs, including on Buddhism.
The most beautiful temple in the south of Seoul
Those who have already looked at the Han River and completed their shopping at COEX Mall must visit Bongeunsa, a temple dating back to the 10th year of the Silla Kingdom. Most of the original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1939, however Fresh air complex, carved wooden buildings of Avatamsaka Sutras and 3479 Buddhist sculptures will delight the eyes of tourists.
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Walk (without shopping) through the Dongmyo flea market
There are many shops and markets in Seoul that you can browse for free and enjoy, but the Dongmyo Flea Market is a place where strolling will be more fun than shopping. Here you can find electronic pagers, ancient Korean coins, and dollar T-shirts.
Address: 84, Nangye-ro 27-gil, Jongno-gu.
Walk along the "sky bridge"
Seoullo Suspension Bridge Park 7017 is written about in.
Dancing the night away at Venue/
Itaewon's popular club, Venue/, has no entry fee, so you can get in (by waiting in line) and dance all night for free. Plenty of smaller clubs in Hongdae also don't charge entry fees, and some clubs in Gangnam don't charge at certain night times. However, it is “Venue/” that provides the best combination of dance music, crowd pleasers and free entertainment.
Beautiful and Underrated Churches of Seoul
Although the churches of Myeongdong Cathedral are the most famous and historically significant in Seoul, it is worth visiting the Anglican Cathedral, which rivals its “brother” in beauty. Its designer was the English architect Arthur Dixon. The building is designed in the Renaissance style, its interior and exterior decoration demonstrates European charm. The church is open to the public and services are regularly held at 09:30 in the local chapel.
Become a child and play water fights
If you visit Seoul during the summer heat, be sure to head to the Sinchon Water Fighting Festival. It has been held for more than six years in a row. There are areas for water battles, for children, and celebrity performances and concerts are held on the territory. Admission is free, but you have to pay to rent water weapons.
Wonderful Cheongyecheon Stream
Jeongyeocheon is one of the city's ecological wonders; it is an artificial stream located in the capital. Green spaces have been laid out along it and pedestrian paths and bridges have been created. It is there that the Chinese Lantern Festival is held in early November. The museum, which is located near the stream, is also free.
Dewan Tonkatsu: Eat Fast and Free
The Korean restaurant, which specializes in fried pork cutlets, is known for its speed-eating competition called tonkatsu (named after the dish). Although the initial fund is 15,000 won per person, it will be refunded to the participants who make it to the top 30 on the honor board where all competition winners are collected. Goal of the test: to master a dish 15 centimeters high in less than 10 minutes. You will be served a giant cutlet tower, a mini salad, soup and a bowl of rice, all of which must be devoured quickly and with gusto. Indigestion comes as a gift to winners and losers.
Address: 57 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu
Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park
We wrote about this unusual building in.
Health Day in Sonyudo Park
This is the first ecological water park in Korea. Green Island is located in the city center and is the perfect escape for those who simply need a break from the chaos of life in Seoul. There are several botanical gardens on the territory, as well as green space for picnics and sunbathing.
Romantic walk along the Seoul City Wall
The wall was built in 1396 and is the country's national treasure. However, locals are accustomed to using it as a place for romantic walks. You can walk along it in Naksan Park, be enchanted by the warm glow of the Ancient Fortress and look at the panoramic views of the city.
The largest fountain bridge in the world
We wrote about the Rainbow Fountain on the Han River Bridge, built in 2009. However, do not expect a very colorful show, since the photos on the Internet are the result of professional processing. In the original, the fountain looks less fabulous.
Culture Day
On the last Wednesday of every month, exhibition centers, museums, and cultural centers throughout the city open their doors for free admission. The Seoul City Hall works with a variety of businesses to provide tourists and residents with easy access to attractions such as the National Museum of Modern Art or the Seoul Performing Arts Company. On this day, most cinemas in the city offer generous discounts on tickets.
Built at the end of the 14th century, the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace is located in the northern part of Seoul and is one of the most important attractions of the capital of South Korea. Being the largest of the Five Majestic Palaces, it was the main residence of the rulers of the Joseon Dynasty for many years.
Gyeongbokgung continued to serve as the main palace until all five palaces were seriously damaged following the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592 - 1598). In 1868, the palace was reconstructed and its territory expanded to 410,000 square meters, after which it housed more than 500 small buildings. Gyeongbokgung has flourished throughout for long years, until the Japanese once again destroyed the palaces during the occupation of Korea in 1910-1945.
Through the efforts of the government of the Republic of Korea, an extensive restoration campaign began in 1990, as a result of which almost half of the damaged buildings, including Gyeongbokgung itself, were restored. Among the restored buildings, you can now visit the Imperial Throne Hall, which was the central location for various ceremonies; the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which is located on artificial island in the middle of a small lake with three stone bridges that lead to the pavilion itself, as well as the hexagonal Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, located north of the palace grounds.
Northern Gate
The North Gate, also known as Sukjeongmun, was built during the Joseon Dynasty at the same time as the Wall that surrounded Seoul. There were eight gates in total that opened access to the city, but six have survived to this day.
This gate, built in 1396, was located not far from the Royal Palace, and therefore was used not so much for receiving guests as for holding ceremonies. Initially, the gates were made entirely of wood - an environmentally friendly material, but, alas, short-lived - during the war with Japan they were damaged by fire, and acquired their current appearance in 1976.
The Northern Gate is open to tourists, but to do this you must first obtain a special pass, since the residence of the country's president is located nearby. The surrounding area is guarded by Korean army soldiers, who are not recommended to photograph, as well as the residence itself - otherwise you risk being suspected of espionage, and then having to make long excuses to the security service, calling on all your modest knowledge of the Korean language for help. However, the wall itself and the Northern Gate are allowed to be removed. In literary translation, the second name Sukjeongmun means Gate of Solemn Government.
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Myeongdong Cathedral
Myeongdong Cathedral is one of the main attractions of the street of the same name in Seoul. This acting catholic church also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is national monument countries.
For a long time, Christianity in Korea suffered persecution and prohibitions, but towards the end of the nineteenth century, the rulers became more liberal in their views, which allowed Bishop Jean Blanc to acquire land plot in Seoul, and began construction of a Christian cathedral, which was completed in 1898.
The architecture of this temple, built of red and gray bricks, belongs to the neo-Gothic style. Its height together with the spire is 45 meters. Quite young by Christian standards, the temple does not have a large collection of rare artifacts, but the very fact of its construction on Korean soil was a kind of breakthrough at the end of the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the relics of Korean martyrs who died as a result of the persecution of Christianity in Korea and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984 were buried here.
Changdeokgung Palace, whose name is translated from Korean as “Castle of Prosperous Virtue,” is located in one of the largest parks in Seoul - Jongno-gu, and is a most valuable architectural monument.
It is one of the Five Great Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Construction of Changdeokgung Palace began in 1405 and took just under seven years. Like many historical buildings in Korea, Changdeokgung suffered at the hands of Japanese invaders who repeatedly tried to conquer the country. It was first almost completely burned by the Japanese in 1592, and was restored only in 1609. Many years later, during the Japanese occupation of 1910-1945, the invaders again destroyed Changdeokgung.
Currently, approximately a third of the buildings on the castle grounds have been restored. On an area of 45 hectares, 13 buildings and 28 small garden buildings have been preserved. Huwon Garden, located within the park, was used by the royal family to relax from the hustle and bustle of the world, and is notable for its picturesque landscapes. Tourists can visit this place accompanied by a guide by prior arrangement.
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea, located in Seoul, is the country's main museum, depicting the entire history of its development. According to a survey conducted by the Seoul city government among 2,000 foreign tourists in November 2011, the National Museum is considered one of the most favorite places to visit for visitors to the city.
The museum opened in 1945, but with the outbreak of war between North and South Korea, the National Museum and 20,000 exhibits safely moved to Busan. After the war, the museum, along with its exhibitions, changed several locations, until in 2005 it was given a new building located in Yongsan Family Park.
On the ground floor there is a large exhibition of archaeological finds, covering the period from Paleolithic times to the present day. This includes many rare artifacts, ranging from stone axes to luxurious antique royal jewelry. The second and third floors of the museum are reserved for galleries visual arts. The best examples of fine art and folk crafts from different periods are presented here.
Since the National Museum of Korea operates modern system audio-video guides, this significantly simplifies the process of getting acquainted with the exhibits and allows you to get around all the exhibitions much faster.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is located in central Seoul and is the most popular market in the country. This market is known far beyond Seoul not only for its affordable prices, but also the opportunity to visit it at any time of the day - Namdaemun is open even at night.
Namdaemun Market was founded in the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the city. He owes much of his popularity to quite low prices with an impressive selection of goods: shoes, clothes, Appliances and cosmetics. The cheapness of goods is explained by the fact that most of the stores operating here have their own factories and can afford to sell goods without extra markups.
Foreign tourists willingly buy ginseng, which has life-giving powers, which is presented here in a wide range: from fresh roots to honey tinctures and face creams. Food peddlers scurrying between the rows are ready to offer a large selection of food - from a traditional hot dog to exotic Korean dishes that not every European dares to try. The shelves also offer a large selection of rice vodka and dried squid. For wholesale buyers, the most convenient time will be evening and night time.
Deoksugung Palace
The residence of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, Deoksugung Palace, surrounded by a powerful wall, is one of the main architectural attractions of Seoul. In 1608, Wang Gwanghegong was crowned here, and the palace was named Kengungun. But when the Bfla royal residence was moved in 1618, Deoksugung lost its importance and for almost three centuries was called Sogun, which means “Western Palace”. The original name of the palace was returned to the new emperor of Korea in the 20th century.
The Palace of Virtuous Longevity - this is how the name "Deoksugung" is translated - has an area of 61,500 square meters. This is an entire architectural complex with a beautiful garden and perfectly paved paths. The exposition of the Royal Museum on the territory of the palace houses a collection of objects from the era of the Joseon kings, and a separate exposition is devoted to the works of contemporary artists.
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Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace is located in Seoul, and is an ancient architectural monument whose history dates back to the reign of the Koryo dynasty (918–1392). Initially, the palace was called Sugangung, and received its current name already in the 15th century.
The emperors of the Koryo dynasty, like all ordinary people, loved summer rest, and Changgyeonggung Palace was ideal for this purpose - for many centuries it was the summer residence of the rulers of Korea. With the rise of the Joseon Dynasty, it became one of the Five Great Palaces. As you know, historically Korea has had rather difficult relations with Japan, which every now and then tried to subjugate its overseas neighbors. During periods of their colonialist activity, the Japanese continually destroyed valuable architectural monuments Korea. It is difficult to say what was the main driving motive of the invaders: perhaps they simply did not like the specifics of Korean architecture, or perhaps they enjoyed the process itself.
The point is that Changgyeonggung suffered greatly during this period, and a botanical garden and a zoo were established on its territory. In 1983, the palace was completely restored, and the zoo was closed. Now residents of Seoul and its guests can admire the restored Changgyeonggung Palace, as well as numerous buildings and pagodas on its territory.
The most popular attractions in Seoul with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places in Seoul on our website.
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Mark Twain said: “Only two things will we regret on our deathbed - that we loved little and traveled little” and I agree with him.
There probably won’t be a person who wouldn’t want to at least travel a little. And whoever claims otherwise, in my opinion, is very cunning. The goals for each person are different - to see, communicate, take a break from everyday work, bask in the sun, eat delicious non-traditional dishes, escape from everyday worries, capture moments...
At the age of 11 I traveled around Europe by bus, at the age of 18 I went to the USA for 4 months to work and relax (New York, Washington, D.C.), flew to the island of Saipan. Until now, I enjoy every happy moment I brought back with me. I have already spent 2 years in Seoul and I would like to recommend that you see this “Asian New York” for yourself.
Reason No. 0 A visa is not needed.
Since 2014 there has been visa regime canceled to South Korea. Provided that the period of stay does not exceed 60 days and the purpose of the visit is tourism, visiting friends or relatives, a short business visit or transit.
Reason No. 1 It’s easy and quick to get there – 3 hours and you’re already in Seoul (from the Far East of Russia).
Let's start with the fact that Incheon is largest airport in Asia with a huge duty free zone and plenty of places to relax during the flight. And the most understandable - you can quickly find your way around where you are, where to go, where to eat, where to rest, unlike the Bangkok (Thai) airport, for example.
Getting to Seoul itself (about 45 km) is very easy: you can take the subway, bus, taxi (this is much more expensive, especially in black). You can ask at the INFORMATION desk at
upon arrival, showing on the map where you need to get. The bus will take you almost to the place; from the metro you will have to walk a little more. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the center by bus or metro.
Interesting:
Remember, in Korea no house numbers. Or rather, they exist, but no one uses them to navigate; each building has its own name. For example "NC Tower II". It is better if you are not staying at a hotel, get an address in Korean from your friends (or landlord) with the number and name of the house.
Right at the airport, we rent a Korean phone; calling it in Korea is cheaper, or you can communicate for free using the Kakao talk application - this is a chat + phone program (download and install). They give you an iPhone. All that remains is the deposit; you return it there when you fly back home. Russian SIM cards will not work in Korea; they cannot be inserted into a Korean phone! Therefore, either expensive roaming on your phone or rented Korean one.
In the subway you buy a card (T-money), put money on it in the machine (the card itself costs 3,000 won, you can put 5,000 won for the first time for travel). How to do this: you need to put the card itself in the card compartment (it’s shown there), switch the interface to English, select the denomination of the amount to put (for example, 10,000 won), send the bill to the bill acceptor and wait while looking at the screen. The whole thing takes up to 2 minutes. One trip costs from about 1050 won (that’s about 30 rubles). The card can be used in the subway, bus, small shops, like 7eleven. It is mandatory to swipe your card when entering and exiting the metro and bus.
This is what the card and 5,000 won bill look like.
Interesting:
Line 5 ( light purple) is the world's longest entirely underground metro line (with a long branch - 52.3 km), surpassing the longest Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line of the Moscow metro by more than 7 kilometers.
All stations are numbered. This will make it easier to find the one you need, because... some may have the same English name.
Wikipedia http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incheon_(airport)
Seoul airport website http://www.airport.kr/eng/
Reason #2 Attractions – Seoul is a city of 24 bridges, Gangnam Style and a 600-year-old royal palace.
What to see and where to go is not a question in Seoul, 2 years is definitely not enough, but you have to try :)
So I advise you to start with a simple one http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoul
Historical center of Seoul.
Start your walk from the Cheonggyecheon Stream (not from the very beginning - it is very, very long), go to the symbol of Seoul - Haechi and its house (purple shell),
then in front of you is the Central Square with a fountain,
Sejong Velikovo Museum (free but interesting, right under the square)
and finally Gyeongbokgung Palace
Watch the changing of the guard at the central gate to the royal palace.
I guarantee you will be tired, but there will be a lot of beautiful photos.
If you have any energy left, you can turn right from the gate and walk along the traditional souvenir street of Insandong.
River walk.
You can start your tour from Building 63 (Yuksam Building), the tallest building with an observation deck inside. It is often called the "Golden Tower". Inside there is an IMAX cinema (for those who haven’t been, I recommend a new look at sound and screen), restaurants, a shopping center and a small aquarium. From the observation deck you can just see many bridges over the Han River.
Then you can go down to the pier (nearby) and take a walk (preferably in the evening) along the Han River on a steamboat (you can do it without dinner, it’s cheaper) and see the Banpo Bridge + fountain “ Moon Rainbow"- included in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest fountain on the bridge. Very beautiful.
Interesting:
If you still decide to go to the cinema in Seoul on your own, don’t worry. They show all films worldwide (except their native Korean ones) in the original language with Korean subtitles. The most famous and large network CGV cinemas (usually occupies from 4 to 10 floors). There are 2D, 3D, 4D...
Namsan Mountain Park and Seoul Tower (Seoul N Tower).
The most famous mountain and the highest point from the Seoul Tower is Namsan. Inside the tower, which is typical for all Seoul attractions, there is a lot of entertainment, a bear museum, restaurants, shops. And... toilets at an altitude of 265m with a view of the city. And downstairs there are benches for lovers - very cool. And you can hang a lock as a keepsake with the inscription “I was here!”
How to get to the TV Tower: Regular bus yellow color every 5-10 minutes goes to Mount Namsan (Regular buses 02 and 05: boarding is at the 2nd exit of the Chungmuro metro station, 3.4 metro lines, at the 6th exit of the station
"Dondeipku" 3rd line), and you can get to the top of the mountain without any problems. In addition, as many as three metro lines lead here - the second, third and fifth. Accordingly, you can get off at one of three stations - Itaewon, Myeongdong or Chungmuro. You can also use the cable car. You can also climb on foot - this pleasure will take about 1.5 hours.
I advise you to go to the NANTA cooking show, it’s very cool and healthy. A team of chef-showmen masterfully wield huge knives, chop vegetables and throw themselves at the audience. The only thing you can't do is take photos during the show. But they like to call Russian and foreign tourists on stage, which is what my daughter-in-law had to experience :) Nanta is famous for the fact that it does not use any language - they just mumble sounds. Gestures, dancing and music only.
And also, a lot of streets with markets, museums and Korean food - Itaewon Street, Insadong, Namdaemun Market. You can eat national food cheaply, buy a bunch of souvenirs, meet Russians)))
It is very spectacular, beautiful and there is a bit of extreme sports (roller coasters and attractions). You only pay for entry, all entertainment is free. It’s better to go early in the morning – there will be fewer queues and fewer people. There are entire areas just for children, even small roller coasters for them. Cost from 40,000 won (you can try to find a discount on the Internet for foreign tourists). It is better to choose a weekday - there will be almost 2 times less people and no queues for the attractions.
And also, if you want, go to huge aquarium in Mall COEX.
There are aquariums in the form of telephone booths, traffic lights or Jacuzzis. Lots of different animals, not just fish, jellyfish and turtles. A huge aquarium with sharks and stingrays, as well as a seal feeding show. There is a Kimchi museum here, it turns out it's not just spicy cabbage. And many restaurants and shops. The location is also interesting - it is the business district of Gangnam-gu, where there are many skyscrapers and unique buildings.
You can go to suburb, there are many national towns and villages. There are ready-made excursions. Google is here to help you.
There is also a trip to DMZ(demilitarized zone) - the saddest area for Koreans, the place of separation of South and North Korea. But the trip is not cheap, think for yourself.
Reason No. 3 Food – I recommend it to all meat lovers or why it is better for vegetarians to vacation in India.
Food - yes, this is a separate and huge topic. I'll try to be compact.
Most popular dishes:
Kimchi. Try real kimchi, believe me, what we have is not the same :) It's not just cabbage, it's pickling vegetables - radishes, pumpkin, garlic pods, etc. There is mild and very spicy.
Bulgogi – Wrapped in lettuce, marinated meat or just meat. Usually you can make any filling: rice, kimchi, sauce, vegetables and, of course, meat. The most delicious bulgogi is in street cafes, where you grill the meat yourself over coals. Pay 6000-8000 won and the number of approaches to meat (beef, pork, chicken, maybe even seafood) and snacks is unlimited. Drinks include water for free.
Kimbap is a large, long roll inside filled with either kimchi (specific), tuna (very tasty) or vegetables (simple).
Bibimbap (bibimbap) boiled rice with meat, vegetables, pepper and fried egg above. Or purely vegetable. You can easily eat, because... served in a large bowl with appetizers (kimchi and pickled vegetables) and broth. Available in any cafe.
But my favorite dish sold in the subway is small hot nuts (or duck-shaped) Manjoo with mango inside. You can go by the smell, because... It smells sweet from afar. This is what they look like :)
Interesting:
Whatever you order, they will definitely bring you kimchi with your order (with the exception of something sweet). In many cafes they don’t charge money for kimchi (a pot of kimchi is simply always on the table, like salt or pepper), you can go up and get some.
All Korean restaurants do not have regular tea. It’s normal for them to wash it down with sweet drinks like Fanta or Cola, or you just get water for free. The right thing to do is to eat at a restaurant/cafe and then go to a real coffee shop (of which there are a huge number in every home) and have a drink aromatic coffee with chocolate muffin.
Giving “tip” is not customary in South Korea. Sometimes tips are included as a service fee in the bill (up to approximately 10% of the order value).
And further. They don't eat dogs in Seoul. Or rather, this can happen according to the old tradition in a private farm or in an expensive closed restaurant (you still have to look - the “pleasure” is not cheap - the average price is from 40 thousand won). Moreover, they only eat a specific breed of dog. Modern Korean residents and young people do not support this inhumane tradition.
But there are such cute little cafes with animals there. You buy yourself a drink and chat with dogs, cats and even sheep.
Reason #4 Answer the sensitive question “Are Koreans “Asian Jews” or “Americanized Asians”?
Both are completely true :)
They almost always cheat and pretend that they don’t understand anything. Especially keep an eye out for taxi drivers.
On the other hand, young people simply adore American culture, but transform it to suit themselves. For example, a favorite place to spend time is not always clubs (they are quite expensive except in student areas) - but karaoke. Korean karaoke shops are well equipped and can be found in large numbers in any area, so it won’t be difficult to find such “norae-ban”, as karaoke is called in Korean. Not a single “Korean get-together” is complete without singing. After Koreans have a bite to eat (after a cafe or restaurant - they mostly have dinner there, not at home), they often go to norae-ban.
Further, many cinemas have night shows, which are cheaper than daytime and evening shows, and usually start at midnight. For example, the time might be specified as 24:20, which means the session will be after midnight today.
They have a very developed film industry and pop music (“k-pop” is what they call it). It's very specific, but cool. Especially Korean boy's bands.
Black tinted minibuses often drive around the city; these are mobile centers of stars. A lot of filming is carried out on the streets of Seoul, you can see for yourself how the filming of the programs takes place. And also, if you see a Korean with big black glasses, a hat (cap) over his eyes, a scarf and hiding his face - this is definitely some kind of “star”... well, or a commoner has had plastic surgery.
They also have the concept of “Drama”. Drama (from the English drama) - television series. Despite the name, dramas are produced in various genres - romance, comedy, detective stories, horror, etc.
Interesting:
Although the American way of life was supposed to “corrupt” Korean youth, the traditions of family and relationships turned out to be stronger. In Korea, it is not customary for a guy to meet a girl in public places. Dating mostly occurs at work, or during a “blind date” organized by mutual friends. Koreans communicate very easily on-line (by text, chats, etc.), but when it comes to a real date or meeting, they are very modest).
Naturally, in Korea, the man is more important than the woman; the girl is usually given in marriage and she goes to her husband’s family where she is “under the yoke” of her mother-in-law. Only after the birth of a child (ideally a boy) does she have at least some independence. But after 40 years, women here live without working, only for joy: shopping, communicating with friends, “building” a husband. But Korean men, out of grief, love to drink Soju.
Soju is a traditional Korean alcoholic drink. The volume fraction of alcohol can range from 20% to 45% (the most popular option is 20%). Made primarily from sweet potatoes or grains. In Korea, it is the main alcoholic drink and has been elevated to the rank of one of the local attractions. There is a soju museum in South Korea.
To be continued …
P.S. I thank my daughter-in-law for the help she provided.
This city has a population of more than 10 million people and more than a million registered Vehicle. Today, Seoul is a bustling metropolis filled with charm, where old and new coexist harmoniously. It is full of surprises, skyscrapers and perfect highways, ancient palaces, temples and beautiful gardens. Although Seoul is one of the most high-tech cities in the world, its traditional culture remains remarkably intact. We have prepared the top 10 most interesting places.
The most comfortable seasons to visit the city are spring and autumn. However, in winter, Seoul is covered with white snow, which is quite beautiful, but the streets are very cold at this time of year. Some people love Seoul in summer despite high temperature and humidity. Seoul is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Gyebokgung Palace, built in 1395, the National Museum of Korea and Namsangol Hanok Village are equally interesting. The Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple, founded in 794, attracts visitors with special programs that allow foreigners to understand the lifestyle and faith of the resident monks.
In Seoul, tourists can take the cable car to Namsan Park to see the botanical gardens, or visit Lotte World, the largest indoor theme park in the world and one of Seoul's most attractive attractions. The streets of Insadong are a must-see, full of antique shops, art galleries and restaurants where you can try galbi, a Korean barbecue.
Nightlife in the city is varied - from noisy bars and brothels in the Itaewon area to cozy restaurants. Dining in Seoul is a feast for the senses with a huge selection of international dishes, juicy steaks, Italian pizza, delicious tandoori and classic Korean cuisine.
One of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, Changdeokgung stands in a large park in Jongno-gu. The entire complex of palaces was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Changdeokgung is also called the Eastern Palace. It was the favorite palace of many kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Its building blends harmoniously with the natural landscape. The palace is more than 600 years old. This historical site is one of Seoul's tourist gems. The building has colorful and complex architecture and is located in a quiet and green area, pleasant for walking.
Jongmyo Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea's most outstanding cultural treasures. Built in 1394, it is the oldest royal Confucian temple in the world. Ceremonies, rituals and traditional dance performances are often held there.
Jongmye is an official shrine of the Korean Joseon Dynasty. Jongme consists of a number of halls, as well as a small monastery, a temple room, and roofs and ceilings that are exquisitely decorated. "Jongmye" is the term used for the place where funeral services for deceased kings were performed. It is therefore not surprising that the shrine is home to more than forty memorial plaques of Korea's past kings and queens. The shrine is a short walk from the Changdeokgung Palace complex. Inspection of two attractions can be conveniently combined.
One of the five historical palaces of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 by the founder of the Joseon Dynasty and the founder of the capital of Korea. The magnificent pentagonal building now houses the National Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Ethnography of Korea. The royal apartments, gardens and elegant lotus ponds have been preserved here. The palace is in the process of constant restoration. This historic palace complex is consistently one of Seoul's most beloved tourist attractions.
Jogyesa is the main temple of the Korean Jogye Order of Buddhism. It was founded in 1395. Jogyesa is located in the center of Seoul. In 1998, the temple made international news when several monks occupied it for 40 days as part of a power struggle between factions of the Jogye order. This temple has been teaching the basics of Buddhism for over a century. It also welcomes those who want to live with the monks and learn more about the faith.
Mount Namsan is located in the center of Seoul. It is a popular holiday destination. You can take a cable car or stairs to the top, where several attractions are located. These include botanical gardens, fountains and the 480-meter-high Seoul Tower. The observation deck located at the top of the tower offers a fantastic view of the city. Dinners at the revolving restaurant are popular and offer breathtaking views of Seoul at night.
An interesting place in the park is the Korean village of Namsangol Hanok, consisting of five restored Korean houses. different eras, starting from the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can not only tour the houses, but also enjoy tea, buy souvenirs, learn about crafts and try their hand at ancient games such as neolttwigi (board jumping). In summer, wedding ceremonies take place on the mountain.
No visit to Seoul would be complete without exploring the artistic soul of the capital - the alleys of Insadong. There are more than a hundred antique shops and countless art galleries here, delighting collectors and casual passers-by. Among the quaint shops you can find ancient Chinese pottery, yellowed books, fragile jewelry, a treasured souvenir or a special gift. There are also many restaurants, taverns and tea cafes here.
Lotte World
Fun and thrills are guaranteed at Seoul's premier theme park, which attracts around six million visitors a year. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Lotte World is the largest indoor theme park in the world. The park is divided into indoor and outdoor sections. The area under the roof is called “Adventure”. It consists of streets representing different countries and filled with hundreds of events, entertainment, shops, restaurants.
The open-air area is called “Magic Island”. It features a fairytale castle, thrilling rides, laser shows and pleasant walking trails around the lake. The park also features an indoor ice skating rink and a fascinating Ethnographic Museum complete with a miniature Korean village. Lotte World is of interest to people of all ages.
Trick Eye 3D Museum
In Seoul there is another very interesting place We recommend visiting the Trick Eye interactive 3D museum. Thanks to reviews from visitors to Trip Advisor, it was named "Number 1" among the city's museums.
All exhibits of the interactive museum are unusual paintings and installations that create amazing optical illusions. A sea of positive emotions is guaranteed here for both adults and children. In addition, you can and even need to use a camera in this museum. Here everyone can play the role of an actor, a director, and a photographer. No restrictions, complete freedom of action.
There is also an Ice Museum here - exotic world ice with life-size sculptures. Inside there is also a 10-meter ice slide. Skating is allowed!
Tourists will also enjoy the opportunity to take photos in the traditional clothing of Korean nobility and nobles, including professional makeup and hairstyle. You can also give yourself a memorable gift - a portrait that will be drawn for you by a professional caricature artist. Do you dream of having your portrait painted in oil? Just 30 seconds and your portrait is ready!
Trick Eye 3D Museum address: Mapo-gu, Hongik-ro-3-gil, 20. Hongik University Station, Subway Line 2 (Green Line), Exit 9.
Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 21:00. Last entry at 20:00.
Without a doubt Seoul's most popular area among foreign tourists, Itaewon is one of the city's most cospolitan enclaves. It is located near the US Army base. Itaewon is full of bars, restaurants, clubs and shops. On any given day you can hear languages from all over the world. Shopping in Itaewon is a unique experience. In shops on the streets of the quarter you can buy carnival costumes, cheap jewelry, knitwear, and vintage items. The area is also famous for its variety of restaurants.
Besides the abundance of fast food outlets and galbi restaurants, you can feast on authentic French cuisine, delicious Indian curries and even thick steaks and hot BBQ ribs. However, as wonderful as Itaewon is during the day, it comes alive at night, offering an inexhaustible selection of clubs, bars, discos, karaoke, and live music. Some of these establishments are very prestigious, hosting world famous DJs, while others are quite seedy. The exciting area of Itaewon is ideal place for young travelers looking for unforgettable vacation in the big city.
The quintessence of Korean pastime and a good option For everyday travelers on a budget, Galbi restaurants are extremely popular destinations. The concept of these restaurants is simple: diners are provided with a barbecue grill and a portion of raw, juicy pork, which each person grills for himself. But of course, the waiter will also bring a seemingly endless selection of complimentary side dishes to the table, including the ubiquitous national dish kimchi, spicy Chinese cabbage, a variety of soups, pancakes, bean sprout salad, spicy soybeans and more.
In addition to the culinary experience in Galbi restaurants, tourists enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the unique opportunity to cook with friends within the restaurant's walls. Lonely tourists will quickly find new friends in Galbi restaurants. The alcohol served in these establishments is usually beer.
Where to stay in Seoul
A small selection of popular hotels located in Seoul. We offer a choice of luxury hotels and accommodation that will satisfy the most budget-conscious tourists at a price.
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Sights of Seoul. The most important and interesting sights of Seoul - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.
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Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
The interestingly named Gyeongbokgung Palace (which translates from Korean as “palace of radiant happiness”) is considered the largest of the “Five Great Palaces.” This group includes five palace complexes in Seoul, built more than 500 years ago. All of them were built by rulers from the royal Joseon dynasty.
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Gyeonghee Gung Palace in Seoul
Gyeonghee Gung Palace is located in the western part of Seoul, so it is often called Seogwol - Western Palace. This is one of the most beautiful palaces in the Korean capital and Korea in general. It is one of Seoul's Five Great Palaces, a group of palace complexes built more than 500 years ago.
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Deoksugung Palace in Seoul
Deoksugung Palace in Seoul is the only one of all the palaces in the city, on the territory of which buildings were built in the European style, and not in the traditional Korean one. This palace is part of a group of complexes called the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul. All of them were built about 500 years ago by the Joseon Dynasty.
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Yuksam Building in Seoul
The Yuksam Building is the landmark of Yeouido Island in Seoul. It personifies all the power and modernity of the city's business center. Construction of the building began in 1980 and lasted only five years - this is relatively short for buildings of such height (249 m).
UNESCO
Tombs of Joseon Dynasty rulers
For more than 500 years, from 1392 to 1910, the territory of both Koreas was known to the world as Joseon. And the powerful Li dynasty ruled the country. Royalty cared about their greatness not only during their lifetime, therefore, after leaving for another world, each representative of the royal family was entitled to a tomb.
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Historical center of Seoul
It’s best to start getting acquainted with Seoul from the historical center, where many ancient temples and palaces are concentrated, among which Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung stand out, they have not only incredibly rich interior decoration, but also stunningly beautiful surrounding areas, where ancient parks in oriental style are laid out. . Special attention also deserves one of the oldest palace complexes in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung, built in the 15th century, for a long time formerly the main royal residence.
Near Gyeongbokgung there are fragments of a fortification; in particular, the front gate with sculptures of magical animals, designed to protect Seoul from evil spirits, is perfectly preserved.
Also in the historical center of the city is the “Korean House”, where costume performances are regularly held in accordance with ancient national traditions. Another interesting attraction in this area is the Bosingak bell tower, the ringing of which was heard during the grand opening or closing of the main city gates, but today the bell rings only in the first minutes of the New Year. In addition, it will be interesting to visit the Ponunsa Temple, which was founded back in the 8th century.
Itaewon street
Next, you can go to one of the most cosmopolitan areas of the city - Itaewon Street, located near the historical center. Since the middle of the last century, US Army soldiers have been constantly stationed here, which could not but influence the nature of life here. Once you find yourself in Itaewon, you catch yourself thinking that you are anywhere but in Korea, because you are surrounded mainly by Europeans or Americans.
You can go to one of the most cosmopolitan areas of the city - Itaewon Street, located near the historical center.
There are a huge number of restaurants serving European cuisine, cozy cafes and pastry shops, shops selling clothes from famous world brands, and almost all signs are in English.
Business center
The business district of the city with the island of Yeouido attracts with its respectable office buildings and the “63” skyscraper.
The business center attracts the business district of the city with the island of Yeouido with its respectable office buildings and the “63” skyscraper.
Where there is also the largest temple in all of Korea and a very picturesque park. In general, the parks of Seoul deserve a separate discussion; the time spent here will be remembered for a long time, because they all amaze with their beauty and opportunities for entertainment.
Parks of Seoul
Actually, one of the most grandiose parks is located in Chamsil - the modern center of the capital. The park is called “Lotte World” and includes not only all kinds of attractions, but also a cinema, ice skating rink, hotel, restaurant and shopping complexes. And all this against the backdrop of picturesque nature with a real lake.
Everland Park will delight fans of extreme entertainment; here you can not only ride breathtaking rides, but also enjoy winter sports and even go on a small safari. This park ranks fifth on the list of the most visited parks in the world.
But, probably, even this cannot be compared to the Caribbean Bay Water Park, where there is a huge number of exciting water attractions, pools with artificial waves and opportunities for surfing. And Grand Park will surprise you with its zoo, one of the top ten largest and most interesting zoos on the planet.
The logical end of an eventful day in Seoul will be an unforgettable dinner in one of the fashionable restaurants in the tallest building of the Korean capital, “63”. The observation deck of this “golden tower” offers stunning views of the metropolis and even its surroundings.
The ultra-modern and at the same time surprisingly ancient capital of the country. Or to the bustling and fashionable Incheon, where casinos, restaurants and vibrant entertainment are subtly intertwined with an authentic oriental flavor.
