Most retail stores and auctioning activities are found on the 1st floor, and the salted fish stores and raw fish restaurants are located on the 2nd floor. You will only get quality products and service when buying fish there, and you can be sure of this because the merchants will ask how long it will take for the fish to reach the fridge so they know how to pack the fish to avoid spoiling. If you do not want to buy an actual fish which is clearly understandable as you are probably going to stay in a hotel , there are some nice restaurants upstairs where you can either choose something from their menu the fish is from the market , or bring them the fish you bought and ask them to prepare it for you.
How can a Korean spa differ from any other spa worldwide? Only one word — jjimjilbang! A jjimjilbang consists of gender-segregated public baths or saunas mostly frequented by locals, but you can definitely go there if you want to unwind after a full day of walking and shopping. In most of these spas you can find traditional kiln saunas, massage tables, and hot tubs, as well as heated salt rooms, ice rooms, and sleeping quarters.
Okay, but how can you choose a good Jjimjilbang out of all the choices? Leeum is an art museum created and run by the Samsung Foundation of Culture. Museum 1, designed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta, houses the traditional Korean art exhibits ranging from classic ceramics and porcelain to Buddhist art and sculptures. Meanwhile Museum 2, made by French architect Jean Nouvel and Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, has modern and contemporary art elements from Korean and international artists.
You can purchase a ticket at the Museum entrance or free entry is included by using the Seoul Pass see more in the additional information section. Alive Museum is a 4-D art museum in Korea that combines 3-D paintings and objects that create optical illusions. You can find the tricks behind the painted illusions and even be a part of them. Get your camera ready for this display! Dynamic Maze is an indoor maze where visitors have to beat challenges and obstacles to reach the finish line!
Are you ready to solve the puzzles? I recommend stopping by C. You will get masterpieces served on your coffee foam and yummy desserts that complete the afternoon snack! If you want to mix your meals a bit, this is your perfect destination because it has restaurant cuisines from all over the world: Spanish, Italian, Brazilian, Indian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Canadian, Mexican, Turkish.
What about the nightlife? Most of the clubs have hip-hop music, and Owl Lounge is probably the top recommended option for locals and foreigners. The War Memorial of Korea is an interesting stop on your city tour; you will see all the military equipment and the actual war memorial monument that serves as an educational venue. The museum has about 33, artifacts and one-third of these are on display in the indoor and outdoor exhibition halls.
Both indoor and outdoor halls have different exhibits. Banpodaegyo or Banpo Bridge is a two-tier bridge over the Han River that connects the districts of Seocho and Yongsan. Most people head to the bridge for the Rainbow Fountain show. The best location to watch it is from Banpo Hangang Park! The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, that can be viewed from the bridge, has over water jets and multicolored lights in a show that can be seen from April to October. Check the updated schedules here.
Jongmyo is the oldest supreme shrine where the locals would worship the Joseon Dynasty kings. It has been used since the 16th century and has tablets with the teachings of all the royal family members.
To visit the Shrine, you can join a free guided 1-hour tour on weekdays, every 2 hours, starting at 10am available in English as well. Check the updated price here. The street is right around Ewha Womans University , so most of the things are aimed at students.
Most of the stalls in the area sell fashion items like clothing, shoes, and accessories for young women. You can go there for some cheap shopping and a fun Korean manicure if you have the time! Hongdae neighborhood is mostly known for its underground culture, the freedom of self-expression, and the youthful vibe. There are many cafes, cozy art galleries, fashion shops, gourmet eateries for all foodies, and live clubs making it a common and frequented meeting spot for local and foreign young people.
There are also many street performances and local festivals that awake the spirit in the district and keep it going through people and energy throughout the streets. Common Ground is an out-of-the-ordinary shopping mall, built with shipping containers making it the first and biggest container mall complex in the world.
It was created with the stacked containers to make better use of the area and also to draw triple the attention of people walking by. You can see a different side of Seoul while discovering the city in the evening with this nice 4. You can even enjoy a live guitar performance while taking in the spectacular sunset and the main sights of the city!
After the cruise you will all head towards a bus that will take you to Mount Namsan at the N Seoul Tower , perfect to enjoy the panoramic view. Gwangjang Market used to be the Dongdaemun Market and it is one of the most traditional street markets in the district of Jongno-gu! Because it is one of the oldest in town, it is probably also the largest with 5, stores. Over 65, people visit the market each day! The market is mostly known for its variety of stores that have really good quality silk goods, linen bedding, hand-made products, and vintage shops.
The vintage arcade has a unique design and it attracts many young people, including famous local celebrities. National Museum of Korea has been a center of studies and research of Korean history through archaeology, history, and art. Throughout the year, there are different educational events and cultural programs that visitors can be part of; you can see the updated program here.
Lotte World Tower is a local floor skyscraper, an architectural gem in Korea and a symbol of how the city is a mix of traditional and modern! The lovely Seoul Sky an observation deck soaring above you at m is also located there and it offers a panoramic view of the whole capital; you can enjoy it by day or by night!
To get to the observation deck you need to take the Sky Shuttle on the inside of the Lotte World Tower, which can reach a speed of m per minute. The shuttle ride is included in your Seoul Sky ticket. Namsangol Hanok Village is found on the north side of Namsan Mountain. The traditional houses surrounded by the beautiful garden and pavilion will help you forget about the busy city noises. Five hanok houses in the village were redone to represent common houses from the different social classes during the Joseon Dynasty.
But to protect these artifacts, only one of these houses is open for public visiting, the Yoon-ssi of Okin-dong , which is decorated as a tearoom so you can have a cup of traditional tea while gazing at the interiors. If you want to visit the village as part of an organized tour, I recommend going for this tour that includes Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, and Namsangol Hanok Village. The National Folk Museum of Korea is found inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace and houses a diversity of pieces that used to be part of Korean daily life.
There are also some educational and cultural demonstrations to help you understand and somehow feel part of the traditional Korean lifestyle! For a tour around the museum you can go for the Audio guide rental that costs 1, KRW or make a phone-reservation for a free guided tour.
You can find the tour contact here. If you are tired of walking around the city, why not take a cooking tour and learn how to make traditional Korean food? For example this 3-hour cooking tour will start with a walk through the best local markets to purchase some fresh Korean ingredients for the classic recipes you will make. Then you will head to a traditional Korean house where you will be taught step by step how to make some of the best Korean dishes! Seoullo is also known as Seoul Skygarden or Skypark and is an elevated park above a highway overpass.
It was created due to so much traffic congestion, so this was to be a public park where pedestrians could move along. I recommend going there to take a break, unwind, take a look at all the books they have tons of foreign books as well! There are also some events taking place there from time to time, you can check them out on their website. If you are wondering what foods you should try in Korea, know that there is a great range of options and it will be so hard to choose! I have previously mentioned a couple of unique places where you can go have a cup of coffee and a BBQ, but I wanted to share more local dishes that you should try on your walk around the different markets.
Is food in Korea expensive? Gimbap are Korean rolls, really tasty and cheap! If you go for a Mul Naengmyeon you will get a South Korean sweet version of the dish; if the restaurant mentions the recipe is North Korean style, it will not be sweet.
Bibimbap — one of the most traditional dishes, meaning a literal mixture of types of rice. Once ordered you will get a bowl of warm white rice with some seasonal vegetables namul and chili pepper paste gochujang on top, as well as a fried egg or sliced meat. Patbingsu — a classic Korean dessert, most popular during the summer. It is a bowl of shaved ice decorated with fruits, sweet red beans, rice cake pieces and topped with sweet creamy condensed milk.
Samgye-tang Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup — a rich soup that uses a whole chicken and is filled with rice, garlic, jujube, and ginseng. Mostly recommended for a healthy body.
Jjimdak is the Korean style braised chicken, a popular dish that combines savoury, a bit of salt and sweet, while having an extra subtle spicy touch. Tteokbokki — spicy rice cakes that you will find most frequently at the food stalls. They are soaked in a hot pepper sauce and stir-fried. Bindaetteok — mung bean pancakes that combines soaked mung beans with vegetables and meat, all pan-fried in a circular shape. Haemul Pajeon — a Korean seafood pancake, a great combination of seafood, green onions and a savory pancake batter.
It is usually served with some makgeolli or soju. Kimchi jjigae — a spicy stew that you will always find in any typical Korean household. It is made with scallions, onions, tuna, and seafood. There are soooo many options for good restaurants in Seoul, but here are some of the best recommendations:.
In case you have more time on hand, here are the places I recommend you check out, located close to Seoul:. If you want to understand the current situation between North and South Korea better, this is one of the top things to do during your Seoul holidays!
DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone and it is the biggest one in the world! Part of the DMZ territory is the JSA Joint Security Area , the place where the two sides of Korea have met and interacted since and where most of the country conferences take place.
This tour will take you to see the sites around the Korean Demilitarized Zone, give you a glimpse of North Korea and then take you back to your hotel in Seoul! I booked it once I had already arrived in the country and only managed to get a spot for the DMZ on my last day in Korea. Bukhansan National Park has some of the most beautiful trekking trails among creeks and mountain scenery! I recommend going for this 7-hour trek tour around the Bukhansan Mountain; you will see many gorges and granite peaks!
You will then arrive at Doseonsa Buddhist Temple and then the highest peak of Baegundae. This trek can take you between 4 and 6 hours; it mostly depends on your individual pace. Busan is a city on the southern coast of Korea that is filled with lovely historical sights and breathtaking beaches! During this full-day tour, you will arrive in Busan and get to visit the Yonggungsa Buddhist Temple located on a cliff, have a customized photo-shoot at Songjeong Beach with its peaceful surroundings, and even head over to the biggest market place with tons of delicious street food, most of it local seafood dishes!
PRO TIP: This is a customized tour, meaning you can request specific eating restrictions or preferences for tourist attractions, such as stopping for a visit at the most luxurious Busan Spa, or going to the mall for some shopping.
I know that many of you are not traveling by yourselves, but with your families, so I created this list of amazing things to do in the city with kids! Here are some great, fun things to do in Seoul:. Visit Lotte World — a complex that has an indoor theme park, an outdoor amusement park, an artificial island, a Korean folk museum, and even a movie theatre! Lotte World Adventure is a place where you can learn about different countries, taste a variety of international cuisines, and enjoy the biggest indoor amusement park in the world.
It has approximately 40 rides that include roller coasters and movie theatres, all fit for all ages! If you are not such a fan of adrenaline rushes, you can step away from the rides and walk around the World Square where you will find traditional buildings from all over the world.
Everland Amusement Park is one of the largest theme parks in South Korea! The theme park is divided into five sections and it has many fantastic rides! If you are not into many rides you can always enjoy the seasonal themed festivals like Tulip Festival, Rose Festival, Summer Splash, Halloween Festival, and more.
Book your ticket here. PRICE : Free entrance to the park, you only pay for each facility you visit stadium, tennis court etc. Check the updated fees here. After sharing with you some unique things to do in Seoul and what you should see during your trip, I will also give you some practical tips about the city that I learned while I was there!
You will most probably arrive at the first one, just like I did. You can also take a taxi from the taxi stands across from the Arrivals Hall 1F. You can take the All Stop train to Seoul Station. NOTE : You will be charged a KRW deposit on this ticket which you can get refunded once you arrive at your station destination using the refund deposit machine.
You can also take the orange taxis to the city center in 25 minutes. For Seoul, Google Maps is not my first recommendation to get around the city because it does not give you an updated walking time around the attractions. Unfortunately I never figured out how to use it during my stay because the interface was in English but the names only in Korean.
If this does not work, you can just stick to Google Maps. For local transportation I suggest buying the T-Money card and picking it up at the airport on arrival or purchasing it at most convenience stores or subway ticket booths. This rechargeable smart card will make your rides much cheaper on public transportation because for every single ride you save about KRW if paid with the T-Money card. You will get a refund in cash for the amount of money left on the card minus KRW service fee.
I recommend downloading Citymapper so you can see the number of stops you need to pass to reach your destination. The orientation in the metro is quite hard because the direction of the metro shows the next station, not the final destination or big station, so it is better for you to have a map and be able to identify the stops you are interested in.
You can use a T-money card at any taxi with a yellow triangular sign on the roof. For a 5 km ride that can take about 20 minutes, the price is around 7, KRW.
Discover Seoul Pass card is perfect for travelers that are in town for only a couple of days. Plus, the card also works as a T-money card, so you can add money if needed, or even request a refund for any remaining balance during the time of use.
The biggest question of them all — is Seoul expensive? I hear you, and I will try to answer in the most honest way. An obvious fact is that some things are cheap while others are not, it all depends on where you purchase it. Here is a general idea of what the conversion rates are click on the link to see up-to-date rate :. Let me give you an example of some expenses so you can get a better idea of how to spend your money:. PRO TIP: If you decide to go to a beauty salon for a manicure or any other service, be sure to ask about the full price beforehand.
So overall, the prices are not expensive, but you will most probably go shopping. On my trip to Seoul, I stayed in 2 different accommodations that is what happens when you book last minute, everything is taken!
But it was a good excuse to test out different hotels around the many districts, so that was fine. I recommend staying in Seoul city center because every main attraction is pretty much within a minute walk away. During my trip, I stayed at an Airbnb the first 3 days, but to be honest, I did not enjoy it as much as a hotel.
The city is filled with a wide range of tourist attractions of all types, from outdoor adventures like exploring Mount Namsan and its surrounding park to indoor fun like visiting one of Seoul's many museums. Seoul is also a city of palaces, with five huge palace complexes located throughout the city and now restored to their former glory. Of course it's also known for its food, with a mouthwatering array of street food, Korean specialties like barbecue, and fine-dining options.
Discover the best things to do in this exciting city with our list of the top tourist attractions in Seoul. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. Cherry blossoms in front of Seoul Tower. Rising almost meters above the city, this communications and observation tower provides dramatic views of the city from its perch on the side of Mount Namsan. A cable car whisks you up the side of the mountain to the base of the tower. From here, you can go up in the tower and visit any one of four observation decks, one of which is a rotating restaurant.
There are two restaurants at the tower and, of course, several gift shops. There's even a digital observatory, where people with height issues can experience a live, degree view through the use of 32 LED screens and cameras mounted at the tower's top. The views from the tower are great, but so are the views of the tower from most parts of the city.
Computer-controlled LED lighting on the exterior of the tower provides a digital, visual cultural experience of Seoul with themed lighting presentations. Traditionally dressed Korean girls at Bukchon Hanok Village. For a taste of Korean traditional culture and architecture, head over to the Bukchon Hanok Village. This preserved area of several ancient neighborhoods gives you a feel for what it was like to live in Korea years ago.
It's right in central Seoul, in the area between the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace. The neighborhoods feature hanoks or traditional Korean houses. It's a unique place, as it's a historic area, very popular with tourists, but it's also a real neighborhood because the houses are all occupied.
Some of the hanoks are now guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts, and a few are museums and can be toured. Others are cultural centers showcasing traditional crafts and other historic aspects of Korean life. This is a fun place to spend an afternoon and really gives visitors the feeling of being in ancient Korea due to the historic architecture and narrow streets. National Museum of Korea. This must-see attraction in Seoul showcases the incredible history and artwork of Korea and the Korean people.
The museum, one of the largest in Asia, is in the city's Yongsan District close to Itaewon. It focuses on archeology, history, and art and includes a vast collection of works and objects going back more than a million years. There are ancient and prehistoric artifacts, sculpture, paintings, and other artwork along with a large collection of objects and antiques.
Before or after your museum visit, head down the street to Yongsan Family Park , a nice outdoor space to relax. Another important museum, The War Memorial of Korea, is also close by. Lotte World Tower. One of the newest attractions in Seoul is the Lotte World Tower skyscraper. It's meters above the ground and one of the world's tallest currently fifth buildings. There are several indoor and outdoor observation areas called Seoul Sky at the top on the rd floor. Views are spectacular both during the day and at night, and you can see degrees around the city.
On the th floor, there's the Sky Deck with the world's highest glass floor. Like magic, the floor changes from opaque to clear, terrifying unsuspecting visitors. Even getting to the top is fun, and the journey is done via super fast, double-decker elevators, with windows on one side and LED screens on the other three and the ceiling. Inside the tower are offices, luxury residences, and a hotel. There's also an aquarium and a large shopping mall. The tower is home to a concert hall and a state-of-the-art, screen MoviePlex.
Gyeongbokgung Palace. First built in , Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of Seoul's five grand palaces built during the powerful Joseon dynasty. Destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it was restored to its original glory after the Second World War and totally restored in the s. Within the palace grounds, you can also find the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum , and both are worth a visit.
The palace museum is especially fascinating as it presents items from the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. This includes priceless antiques and artwork, as well as everyday items for cooking, cleaning, and daily life. The National Folk Museum focuses on items from daily life, as well as clothing and dioramas, to tell the story of the Korean people since prehistoric times. Sunset over the Seoul Museum of Art. Located behind the Deoksugung Palace, SeMa as it's known to locals, has a large collection of artwork, mainly from the modern era.
The art museum focuses on Korean art and Korean artists but has a decent selection of international works and creators. Changing temporary and visiting exhibitions also showcase unique collections and artwork. The collection is displayed over three floors in a large building that was formerly the home of the Korean Supreme Court.
The museum has two additional satellite locations in other parts of Seoul, and these feature rotating exhibits from the museum's main collection, as well as special exhibitions.
The Blue House. It is worth a day trip! Thrill-seekers can catch their adrenaline spikes on world-spinning rides or stay grounded for performances. Since Everland Park and Caribbean Bay are adjacent to each other, why not make it a full-day excursion for a two-in-one? Recognizable by its pointy peak and wrap-around observatory tower, N Seoul Tower has gained further acclaim as a place for romantics.
Aptly named Locks of Love, this dedicated area witnesses couples and friendship groups with hopes of lasting relationships. Visitors can then cozy up at Palgakjeong Pavilion for more stunning views. Marking one of the highest points in Seoul, it is the perfect spot for sunset views. Running from nuttier Mediterranean tastes to the lime and avocado heavy Mexican, the delightful diversity also shares in meatier South African fare and fusion restaurants.
Mixed into the restaurant-dominated slopes are also vintage spoils and crafty trinkets ready to be bought home. See more things to do in Itaewon. Rodeo Street and Garosugil Street are familiar names for the fashion-forward, populated by creative concept brands and edgy designers. Based in Ssamzigil complex alongside boutique shops and homeware are local jewelry artists, and a small rooftop garden.
Out on the streets are restaurants serving traditional foods like stone pot bibimbap and pig trotters. The central business district of Seoul, Gangnam is populated by grand chrome office blocks and residences of the upper class. Modern and upscale, you can expect skyscrapers and designer brands teaming up for sleek aesthetics.
It is also home to Starfield COEX Mall, conjoined with a gigantic convention and exhibition center which hosts international expos and conferences. Daytime entertainment also leads underground to Gangnam Underground Shopping Street, a budget parallel to the luxury shops up top.
See more things to do in Gangnam. A divisive buffer between North Korea and South Korea that remains a constant reminder of post-war sentiments, it bisects the Korean Peninsula in a fairly even split.
Military presence is guaranteed to guard against border squabbles; it is safe for visitors as long as you keep to sanctioned zones and pay attention to your guide. There are several tours to choose from, the most popular being the Panmunjeom area.
Recently opened hiking trails now reveal previously forbidden areas. Visiting the DMZ requires guided tours and fixed itineraries, and there are strict nationality restrictions.
Do some research beforehand to ensure your access. Comprised of around popping blue containers stacked to form a recreational complex, Common Ground quickly gained popularity with nearby Konkuk University students. Food trucks are parked in the central square market, but there are restaurants on the third floor terrace for proper meals. Exhibitions and performances are frequent fixtures, although the main draw lies with the quirky and young brands inhabiting the interior. An unmissable tourist district, Myeongdong is the place to go if you get homesick in a matter of days.
Communication has never been easier, shopkeepers chat you up in any combination of Chinese, English and Japanese. Skincare and clothing brands range between super local to international names, and you can pick up dorky hats and accessories at street stalls.
As evening hits and the bright signage come to life, so do the street food vendors along the main shopping avenue. Indulge in spicy rice cakes and greasy cheese-baked goods to fuel a second wind of shopping, or hydrate with fresh pomegranate juice.
See more things to do in Myeongdong. Shops however are juxtaposed, older-styled exteriors in direct contrast to cute designs and modern concepts within. The streets surrounding Hongik University Station are flooded with trendy youths seeking fast fashion and cheap bargains.
A hub for the hip and cool, edgier fashion pieces spill out onto the streets on metal racks and mannequins. But it is the young talent that people flock here for. Dancers and musicians alike battle it out for the biggest crowds every night, transforming the area into a pseudo performance arena.
Cheer them on by singing along and loud applause, and leave a tip or two to show your appreciation. See more things to do in Hongdae. Sungnyemun Gate, in , was destroyed by a vicious fire but is now stands proudly, having reconstructed to its earlier glory. Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional Korean market in Seoul, successfully established since There are around 10, vendors and retailers, who sell all kinds of products and items, available in good quality and quite affordable.
Namdaemun market is quite expansive and a pleasant labyrinth of shops, stalls and small restaurants. The market has almost every type of fashion product, jewelry, clothing, carpets as well as luggage, stationery, electronics and whatnot.
In addition to this, it also provides some delicious street foods which you can try at a cheaper rate. The mall is considered to be the shopping mecca for the people, what with all the fashion stores COEX has to offer. The Kimchi Museum is one of the must-visit places, as it gives wholesome, educational information on one of the popular Korean dishes, along with conducting fun activities.
Korea boasts a long list of museums, thanks to its rich and expansive history. The museum is a beautiful preserver of not only the native cultural beliefs but also showcases the Korean domestic and agricultural lifestyles.
The count of the artifacts in the museum is over 4,, all of them giving a detailed overview of Korean history. Regular exhibits are conducted in this place, with three permanent exhibitions and two exhibitions displaying special items around the year. Along with it, the museum is also equipped with a little library, a souvenir shop and other important facilities.
Seonyudo Park is a peaceful park on Seonyudo island, one of the beautiful islands on Hangang river. There are four parks, filled with a lot of pleasant walking trails. The park also provides other facilities, including a wholesome botanical garden and a Seoul Design Gallery, to name a few. One of the hidden gems of Seoul, Seonyudo Park is where you can genuinely relax amidst the calming natural atmosphere. The War Memorial of Korea stands tall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul and as the name suggests, exhibits artifacts and materials that were actually used in the Korean War.
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