Take a step back in time by visiting Bukchon Hanok Village, a 600-year-old traditional neighborhood. Less than a 30-minute walk away is Gyeongbokgung, the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It is free for anyone wearing a hanbok, the traditional dress. In Gwanghwamun Square, just across the street, you can see the statue of Admiral ►
Take a step back in time by visiting Bukchon Hanok Village, a 600-year-old traditional neighborhood. Less than a 30-minute walk away is Gyeongbokgung, the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It is free for anyone wearing a hanbok, the traditional dress. In Gwanghwamun Square, just across the street, you can see the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, a war hero, and King Sejong the Great, known for inventing the hangeul, the Korean alphabet. Visit the National Museum of Korea to learn more about the country\'s rich history from ancient to modern times.
For shopping lovers, Coex Mall is the place to be. It is the largest underground shopping mall in Asia. In addition to stores, cafes, and restaurants, you will find an aquarium and a museum, not to mention the Starfield Library and the Megabox Cineplex, the largest movie theater in the country. As far as souvenir stores are concerned, Insadong Street is the place to be! Take the opportunity to visit Jogyesa, a Buddhist temple surrounded by trees that are over 500 years old!
Are you looking for nature? Go for a hike at Mount Bukhansan and let yourself be guided by the song of the birds and visit the Mangwolsa temple. After such an effort, nothing is better than relaxing in a jjimjilbang, a Korean sauna.
Visible from many places in Seoul, the N Seoul Tower is located at the top of Mount Namsan. There are different ways to get there: by bus, cable car, or shuttle. However, nothing beats a walk in Namsan Park to enjoy the landscape and reach your goal! At the top of the tower, a panoramic view of the city is offered to you.
If you want to contemplate Seoul from even higher, nothing beats the Seoul sky, an observatory that offers a 360° view of the city. It is located atop the Lotte Tower, a 555 meters high skyscraper. The second floor is dedicated to stores and restaurants. Take the opportunity to walk around Seokchon Lake, which is just next door. You will pass by lotte world, one of the biggest indoor amusement parks with an outdoor part.
Take a stroll through the colorful streets of Hongdae. Restaurants, cafes, stores, bars, and nightclubs are everything you need to have a good time and meet people. It\'s a great place to try dishes like kimbap, naengmyeon, and bulgogi. Remember to accompany it with a good bottle of soju or makkoli! You can also watch busking, street performances of dancing, singing, and magic tricks. Only leave with visiting noraebang, also called karaoke, a widespread activity in Korea!
Namdaemun Market is Korea\'s largest and oldest market. Founded in 1414, about 10,000 stores and vendors are waiting for you! You will find whatever you want: clothes, jewelry, food, and even pottery.
No less than 12 parks are located on the banks of the Han River, including Yeouido Hangang Park, with its native trees and gardens. It is possible to explore them by bicycle. Many activities are available to enjoy the river, like boat rides, pedal boats, kayaking, and waterskiing. And with its hot and humid summers, nothing is better than going to cool off while listening to music at the Waterbomb festival, which usually takes place in June or July. ◄