Seoul is a fantastic city that that makes for a grat stopover, or for a destination in itself. For travellers from Southeast Asia though, it’s location in Northeast Asia makes it seem like it is out of the way. South Korea is easier to get to than people think. Incheon is one of the busiest (and best) airports in the world, so there are a plethora of options for getting to Seoul.
Travel visas to South Korea is also straightforward for many countries. For example, the ETA Korea for Singaporean citizens can be applied for easily online.
With those excuses out of the way, it’s time to turn your thoughts to the wonderful city of Seoul. There are so many things to see and do in Seoul that you’ll need more than just a few days to get the most out of your visit.
Here are some ideas for things to see and do in Seoul.
Historical Tours in Seoul
The capital of South Korea is also an important cultural center, with many historical sites and museums to visit. One of most famous historical tours is the Myeongdong area, which includes landmarks such as Gyeonghoeruwon (Confucian Temple) and Seoul City Hall.
The Myeongdong area was once home to merchants who traded goods with China via the Han River. Nowadays, it’s an upscale shopping district with shops selling luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Other notable historical sites include Changdeokgung Palace, which used to be the royal palace of Joseon Dynasty kings; Cheonggyecheon Stream (Seoul’s first stream) and Namdaemun Market, where you can find traditional Korean food stalls; and Jogyesa Temple (Jogyesa means “Great Eastern Temple”), which houses Buddha statues from India.
Day Trips in Seoul
It has a lot to offer, but if you have a little time and want to visit some of the most popular tourist attractions, here are some of the best days trips from Seoul.
* DONGDAEMUN MARKET: This market is one of the largest in South Korea, and it’s full of shops selling everything from clothes to food. You can find lots of souvenirs here as well.
* GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE: The palace was built during King Sejong’s reign in 1418 and is now one of Seoul’s top tourist attractions. It has been used as a royal residence since then and is also home to many cultural events throughout the year.
* NAMSANGOL HANOK VILLAGE: This village is located in Namsan Park and has been designated an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are over 300 traditional houses here that were built between 1612-1624 by Joseon Dynasty leaders Yi Je-u (1501-1570), Yi Bang-won (1510-1553), and Yi Seok-Ju (1530-1560).
Bus Tours in Seoul
Korean buses are inexpensive and can take you anywhere in the city — even to places outside of the subway system. Plus, most routes run for about eight hours and include English-speaking guides who will tell you about their hometowns and share some interesting facts about Korea along the way. The tours also serve complimentary drinks or snacks at regular stops along the route, so you can enjoy something while learning about local culture. You can book tickets online here.
Shopping Malls in Seoul
It has several shopping malls that can be easily reached on foot. The largest of these is the Myeongdong shopping district, located near Gangnam station and known for its high-end fashion stores. The area also attracts many visitors from Japan and China.
Other shopping malls include Dongdaemun Market and Namdaemun Market, located near northern Seoul’s ancient city wall. Both markets have great food options and are popular with locals and tourists visiting Korea’s capital.
Several other shopping malls are worth visiting if you’re looking for something more local than high-end shops. These include Myeongdong Market, Galleria Department Store, and Dongdaemun Market.
Wrapping Up
One of the best ways to go about this is by exploring the significant sights of the country and the various cities; Seoul also has a lot to see and do within the city limits. The city is full of museums, galleries, parks, gardens, temples, traditional markets, modern shopping centers, and nightlife attractions.
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