Spectacular views of the city below can be enjoyed from the peak of this small mountain. Over 20,000 visitors are attracted daily to this park ― Seoul's largest ― for the enjoyment of nature and the abundance of wildlife.
But not only that. Look more closely and you can find historical interests. The Patriot An Chung-gun Memorial Hall was built to celebrate Korean independence in 1945 from Japanese occupation. The Memorial Hall was built on top of a shrine built by the Japanese to worship their goddess of the sun and universe and in dedication to Emperor Meiji.
The park was once a walled fortress designed to keep invaders out with evidence of the wall remaining in some parts and the Mongmyeoksan Beacon that would be lit to alert others.
If you enjoy your food, then you will enjoy working your way through this authentic Korean food market. There is nowhere else to experience such a wide choice of traditional street food wrapped up with so much culture all under one roof. Just stop for a moment and look around to the amazement of so many people eating and enjoying themselves.
This market is South Korea's oldest at being well over a century and little you can imagine has changed over the years. All the food produced is local and fresh and often prepared that same morning. Over 5000 stalls and eateries you will get lost in this massive market and yet not worry about it one bit either.
Changgyeonggung Palace is connected to Changdeokgung Palace (where you can stroll through the Huwon secret garden) on the same visit. Of the 5 palaces built in Seoul they all were built to strict North/South design principles for that time however the Changgyeonggung Palace broke with tradition and was designed to East/West design principles more akin to nature and feng shui.
The palace was destroyed in the late 1500's by the Japanese and only the original structures of Myeongjeongjeon Hall, Myeongjeongmun Gate, and Honghwamun Gate remain to be seen today. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Changgyeonggung is one of the best-preserved palaces of the 5 in Seoul having all been destroyed and restored several times throughout history.
You will be amazed. Various aquariums at the complex you will see everything from small crabs and wriggly squid and all kinds of marine life to the giant whales and sharks all swimming in a natural habitat as you stand in wonder through a huge glass screen. With over 650 species and a total of 40,000 individual marine creatures this is South Korea's topmost famous must see attraction.
Spread over a dozen or so themed zones with 90 tanks there are tunnels to walk through underwater allowing you to see everything in amazing detail. A great day out for children and the complex is part of an underground shopping mall ― the world's largest in fact ― where you can shop and eat altogether.
Myeongdong is where all the action takes place in central Seoul. If shopping is your passion there is not a better or more pleasurable shopping experience in Seoul than this one. You will find boutique shops crammed alongside a festive atmosphere of street food and music. This, the central district, is where you must go to enjoy real authentic Korean food and tradition. Lots of side streets and alleys with hidden gems to explore.
One of Seoul's more popular parks and it has enough attractions and things to see for you to easily while away a few enjoyable hours. Depending on the season you are visiting Seoul there are various activities available from renting a cycle to renting a boat to going on a cruise on the Han River.
Throughout the summer there's a lot of water-based activities and the park is definitely family friendly with a cafe open during the high tourist season. There is a carnival atmosphere at the park in the months of July and August with the annual park festival.
Regardless of which district your hotel is located in you will undoubtedly be within easy reach of this historic river which stretches over 8km through Seoul. Come and sit down on the paved seating areas on the banks to relax and just enjoy listening to city life continue on nonetheless. Dip your feet in the water during the afternoon to cool down and wait until nightfall to return to see the many neon reflections dance off the water.
There is an equal measure of modern city structure blended in well with natural trees and rock pools and even waterfalls if you are lucky to happen across one. Attractions to look out for are two famous bridges ― Narae and Gwanggyo ― definitely a photo opportunity there.
A secret garden, once a place of leisure by members of the royal family and within the grounds of the Changdeokgung Palace. As you stroll your way around this relatively large garden ― roughly 80 acres ― you'll come across a prominent two-story building on a pond surrounded by lilies. This would have been the King's library and place of study.
Much of the buildings were destroyed in the late 1500's when Korea was invaded by the Japanese. Restoration began not so long afterwards and has continued since, preserving traditional architecture of those times. Much of the garden and its landscape and woodlands haven't changed and many of the trees are centuries old.
If the city becomes too stuffy for you, then look further afield for something a little more to your liking. This is one of Seoul's most popular destinations for hiking (Dobongsan being the other favorite) and camping and if the great outdoors is for you then this'll be an adventure. Even if you are not all that interested in hiking and trekking, there's a trail for everyone from the novice to enthusiasts and extreme backpacking junkies.
You will come across numerous historic relics and Buddhist temples mingling with many species of plants and birds in a natural environment pleasing on the eyes and mind. Rest and catch yourself in the streams before continuing upwards. Public transport is quick and frequent from many points in Seoul making a day out of the city accessible to you.
Beauty truly does not age and that is evident with this 600-year-old village right bang in one of Asia's most populous cities. Built for the wealthy nobility of the time, the village has retained all its rich architectural splendor of bold earthy color in local clay and sandstone.
Walking around the village there are monuments and points of interest. Such as the Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok, and Jongmyo Shinto Shrine. Further to those cultural experiences, many of the houses have been converted into small arts and crafts workshops, shops and cafes. But don't be offended if you are asked to remove your shoes before entering.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.