Seoul

The capital and largest city in South Korea with over 10 million inhabitants, Seoul is one of the most popular tourist locations in the world currently, thanks to its unique culture, unbelievable sights and status as a truly global city.

Although archaeological evidence suggests activity as far back as the Paleolithic Age, the first recorded mention of the site is as Wiryeseong, the capital of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. Indeed, the city of Seoul (translated rather aptly as ‘capital city’) only developed during the Goryeo Dynasty between the 10th and 14th centuries. The city remained important under the subsequent Joseon Dynasty, becoming capital in 1394, but stood isolated by virtue of its tall city walls. This only changed in the 19th century with modernisation, helped by trade with the United States. Economic development was curbed by the Japanese takeover in 1910, when Seoul became capital of the colony as Gyeongseong until 1945. The taxing times continued with the Korean War of the 1950s, when the city was swelled by millions of refugees.

However, the city has since recovered as part of the economic Miracle on the Han River and, despite the financial disaster of 1997 in East Asia, is a hugely prosperous city today. Moreover, as host of the 1988 Summer Olympics and joint-host of the 2002 World Cup, Seoul’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse is firmly established, making it a hugely alluring destination for visitors.

Attractions

Any guide cannot really do justice to the wealth of sights and culture in Seoul, stretching way beyond the iconic South Gate. Perhaps the most well known monuments outside of the Gate are the Five Grand Palaces, built by the kings of the aforementioned Joseon Dynasty during the Middle Ages (but since renovated and reconstructed innumerable times). The most popular of these are Changdeokgung, former home of Korea’s last king, Sunjong, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Gyeongbokgung, the largest palace of the Dynasty. However, the other palaces of Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung are all remarkable in their own right and well worth a visit.

Seoul is also home to a number of important shrines, the most famous of which being the Jongmyo Shrine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1394 in dedication to the Joseon Dynasty, the Shrine contains memorial tablets to the dynasty’s kings and queens and also hosts the annual Jongmyo jeryeak court music ritual. Other shrines in Seoul include those of Dongmyo, Munmyo and Jogyesa.

The city is blessed with two remarkable temples. The first of these is the Bulgusaka Temple, a Buddhist temple constructed in the 6th century and listed by UNESCO as an outstanding example of Buddhist art. Perhaps more famous is the Haeinsa Temple, constructed in the 9th century and home of the Tripitaka Koreana scriptures. Also listed as a World Heritage Site, Haeinsa is additionally one of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, the other two being scattered across the country.

If you’re willing to travel slightly outside central Seoul, the Namhansanseong public park is certainly one of the most remarkable places to take a stroll. Roughly translated as ‘South Han Mountain Fortress’, the site was an active fortress from the 17th century onwards and only established as a park in 1954.

The attraction with the most spectacular history is the Samjeondo Monument, which marked Korea’s submission to the Chinese Qing Dynasty in 1636 after the siege of Namhansanseong. Originally set up in 1639, it was destroyed after the Sino-Japanese War, only to be re-erected in 1895. Again buried in 1956 as a sign of national humiliation, the Monument was saved by a series of floods, which placed it in public view. Retained as a cultural point of interest since 1963, it attracts plenty of visitors today.

Loosely connected to the Monument is the War Memorial. Set up in 1994 as a pseudo-museum, the Memorial surveys Korea’s involvement in wars over the centuries and provides an illuminating insight into the country’s military past.

If you’re looking for museums though, Seoul has plenty to offer. The [http://www.museum.go.kr/eng National Museum of Korea] was established in 1945 in the city and is now the largest museum in Asia, containing archaeological, historical and fine arts sections packed with genuine national treasures. Rather more specific but nevertheless intriguing is the [http://www.nfm.go.kr:8080/english/main.htm National Folk Museum of Korea], bringing to life the history of the Korean people.

Shopping

As a fully modernised and westernised city, you’re sure to find somewhere to shop wherever you go in Seoul. However, for high-street fashion and other luxury goods, the districts of Myeongdong, Apgujeong and Hongdae are the places to visit.

That said, Seoul is reputed for its fabulous markets, the most popular being the Namdaemun market in the centre of Seoul, considered the largest street market in the country. If that’s not enough, try the Dongdaemun market, also found in the heart of Seoul.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Reflecting the inclusiveness of Seoul, the local cuisine is necessarily diverse and you’ll never be short of somewhere to eat. For more traditional Asian food though, try the 63 Roof Garden Building restaurant in Youido-Dong, Top Cloud in the Jungno Tower Building and Sanchon in Gwanhun-dong. There you’ll find such fantastic dishes as Ginseng chicken soup, kimchi and sam gyeob sal (three striped rib meat).

You can find plenty of international alternatives like Mexican at Choi’s Tacos near Yonsei University and a taste of Americana at the Twin Palace in the Twins Building.

Considering the number of universities and, indeed, citizens, Seoul unsurprisingly has a fantastic nightlife. Generally foreigners tend to stick to Haewon town, filled with bars and clubs. However, feel free to travel around the city for other areas and look out for the Apgujeong and Gangnam districts, both reputed for their fantastic clubs. Probably the most popular spot for a dance is Hongdae in Hong’ik University.

Tourist Information

  • Korea Tourism Organisation Centre, 40, Cheongyecheonno, Jung-gu, Seoul, 100-180
  • Telephone: +82 2 7299 497 499
  • Website: [http://english.tour2korea.com/ www.tour2korea.com]

Airport

Seoul is served by [http://www.airport.or.kr/eng/airport/ Incheon International Airport], a short distance from the city centre and accessible via train and buses.

As the largest airport in South Korea and the sixth busiest airport in Asia, you can expect international and domestic connecting flights to be regularly available to multiple destinations worldwide.

Asiana Airlines (London-Heathrow) and Korean Air (London-Heathrow) both use Incheon to and from British locations.