HOME > SOUTH-KOREA > Seoul

Seoul

Settled since Paleolithic times, Seoul only rose to prominence in 1394, when an upstart general overthrew the previous dynasty and named the city his new capital. Since that time, Seoul has remained a vital political and economic center; indeed, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Seoul slowly grew into a modern metropolis, even amidst the turmoil of colonialization and the devastation of the Korean War.

Today, Seoul is a vibrant, futuristic megacity that is a curious fusion of the ancient and the modern. Past meets present as ornate temples and sprawling palaces contrast with the shining glass and steel office towers of Itaewon and starchitect-designed museums. With 20.5 million residents, Seoul is the world's second-largest metropolitan area, and in 2010, was designated a World Design Capital. Enter this energetic, fascinating city, and experience its diverse character for yourself.

EXPERIENCES

Art Galleries on Samcheongdong-gil

Stroll along Samcheongdong-gil (Samcheong-dong Walkway) and stop in the galleries that line the path, such as Gallery Hyundai, Geumho Gallery, Growrich Gallery, Artsonje Center, Gallery Hak Go Jae, Geum San Gallery, and Kukje Gallery. The last is a must, particularly if you are interested in contemporary art; Kukje opened in 1982 and introduced world-renowned artists such as Helen Frankenthaler, Anthony Caro and Joseph Beuys to local audiences, as well as significant Korean artists.

Bukhansan National Park

At nearly 2750 feet, Baekundae is the highest of Bukhansan National park's three peaks, and offers stunning views of fortress gates, fortified walls, granite cliffs, and the city below. Ascending the summit requires some light rock climbing maneuvers as you hoist yourself up on metal cables.

Gyeongbok Palace

Visit Gyeongbokgung (also called Gyeongbok Palace), the largest of the five palaces constructed by the Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung translates in English as “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” and it is an intense source of pride for Koreans, who have seen it decimated and rebuilt throughout the centuries. Tour the grounds of the palace with a senior member of the restoration project.

History Museum

Visit the History Museum with a curator, which usually takes half a day to see. The most unique exhibits here are to-scale reproductions of traditional Korean homes, which show the myriad ways in which joints were constructed without nails, as well as replicas of typical furniture and common dress through the ages. The celadon collection here is also top-notch, and for those who want a hands-on approach to history, there is a “touch museum” where you can actually handle real or meticulously recreated ancient tools found on the Korean peninsula.

Hongdae

Spend the afternoon in Hongdae, the area around Hongik University. Here you will witness Korean youth culture at its most creative and vibrant; there are scores of unique cafes, boutiques, performance spaces, bars and other small businesses geared towards young Koreans and the handfuls of foreigners studying at or visiting Hongik.

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

The Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is a cultural complex of three buildings dedicated to traditional Korean art, dating from prehistoric times to the end of the Joseon Dynasty in 1910, as well as modern art by local and international artists.

Lunch at Sanchon

For lunch, try Sanchon, a unique restaurant owned by Mr. Kim Yon-shik, who lived as a Buddhist monk for 18 years, and is set in a temple-like atmosphere. The entire meal, consisting of several courses (20 at dinner time!) is served to you on a low table as all patrons take their meals while seated on the floor. The monks prepare primarily vegetarian cuisine, replete with various hardy roots and mountain vegetables rarely seen outside Korea.

south-korea Regions

SOUTH-KOREA Regions

MAJOR AREAS

PREFERRED HOTEL

Banyan Tree Club & Spa

The Banyan Tree Club & Spa is centrally located at Mount Namsan, just 10 minutes from downtown Seoul. The hotel was renovated from the Tower Hotel which was created by the first generation of Korean architects. Each of the rooms and suites offer contemporary accommodations that includes a walk-in closet, a private pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and high levels of privacy as each floor contains a maximum of four rooms per floor. Guests may dine at any of the 12 establishments which serve Italian, Spanish, Mediterranean, and Moroccan cuisines. Additional facilities at the hotel includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Korean sauna, soccer field, basketball and tennis court, ice-skating rink, golf range and a fully-equipped fitness center. The Banyan Tree hotel is approximately 55 minutes from Incheon International Airport.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Conrad Seoul

The five-star Conrad Seoul is located in the Yeouido financial district with fantastic views overlooking the Han River and city. The hotel offers a huge year-round indoor swimming pool, spa, well-equipped gym, a rooftop garden and even a golf driving range. The spacious executive lounge outshines other five-star lounges with comfortable seating and a generous happy hour promotion. There are 434 spacious rooms with air-conditioning, a deep bathtub, rainfall showerhead, double sink, luxury aromatherapy toiletries, Apple entertainment systems, a Nespresso coffee machine and complimentary newspapers. The hotel is within 5 minutes walking distance from Yeouido Subway Station (Line 5) and reasonably close to Seoul's airports. There is a choice of restaurants including Zest offering international dishes, Atrio that plates up Italian cuisine, a bar and grill on the 37th floor with a 360-degree view of the city and Flames a lobby bar offering wines, cocktails, local and international beers. The hotel also has direct access to the large international-style IFC shopping mall.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Reflecting the unique city it sits in the center of, the Four Seasons in Seoul is a combination of traditional Korea and modern cool. Located in the central business district and yet within walking distance of the city’s historic sites, it’s the ideal choice for those traveling for work or pleasure. Fully equipped with a range of beautiful new facilities, guests may opt to stay in the hotel, making use of the pools, sauna and spa, not to mention state-of-the-art 3D golfing range. The rooms, studios and suites are decorated with chic design features and all the modern conveniences, providing a welcome retreat after a long day of leisure, meetings or sightseeing. Fine dining is available in the selection of on-site restaurants, serving delectable cuisine from Asia and beyond. Thanks to the expert chefs and the hotel’s stylish bars, the hotel is a nightlife destination in itself and a go-to hotspot in Seoul.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Ritz-Carlton Seoul

Located in the heart of the Seoul business district, the Ritz Carlton Seoul offer luxury accommodations near all of Seoul's attractions. Each of the 375 recently renovated rooms and suites come with Italian bed linens, marble bathroom, high-speed Internet access, and a 32 or 42-inch LCD television. The Ritz Carlton offers six dining options, such as Chee Hong that serves fine Cantonese cuisine and Hanazono for the freshest Japanese sushis. Other facilities include boutique shops, business and conference halls, a state-of-the-art fitness center with a Japanese sauna and an indoor swimming pool. The Ritz Carlton is approximately 70-90 minutes from Incheon International Airport.

Park Hyatt Seoul

The Park Hyatt in downtown Seoul is a soothing retreat from the sprawling Korean capital. Its quiet hallways are lined with pinewood panels with traditional Korean arts displayed in inset glass cases, giving the property a museum-like feel. The theme extends to the rooms and suites, which are tastefully fitted with wooden and granite panels. The hotel is in a 24-floor "glass box" designed by Japanese architects Super Potato, and has 185 rooms, including one Presidential Suite, two Diplomatic Suites and 35 Park Suites; the lobby is on the top floor. All in-room amenities are tucked away in dedicated drawers, giving all accommodations a clean, refreshing look and every day, guests can look forward to a new seasonal fruit being placed in their room. Each guest room has a custom-designed feather bed, flat-screen television, DVD player, multi-line telephones and high-speed Internet access. Amenities at the hotel include one restaurant, Cornerstone, three bars and lounges and a 6,100 square foot fitness center spread over the 23rd and 24th floors. The hotel is 44 miles from Incheon International Airport and 25 miles from Gimpo Domestic Airport.

START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY

south-korea Goes Well With

EXPLORE OTHER ITINERARIES

FILTER TO SELECT YOUR ITINERARY

TRAVELOGUES

Still Time to Book an Asia Winter Getaway with these 10 Hot and Cold Destinations

Author : Travelogues

If you missed our Hot and Cold Winter Issue, here is a round up of the best places to go in Asia in the winter; there's still time to book a vacation for the holiday season.

Remote Lands Cold Winter Pick: Seoul for the City and the Skiing

Author : Travelogues

If you're the type of traveler who likes a world-class city getaway with your skiing holiday, you might consider Seoul for your next winter Asia destination.

Twitchers at the DMZ: Birdwatching near the World’s Most Dangerous Border

Author : John McMahon

The lack of human intervention in the DMZ means that wildlife has had a chance to bounce back. For the birdwatcher, this makes for some decent sightings at the 38th parallel.

Let’s Talk K-Pop: Travel Advice for Lovers of Korean Pop Culture

Author : Travelogues

Yeah, there's the bulgogi, the history, and the hiking, but there's also the K-pop. Travelers to Korea often want to catch a little bit of that Korean pop culture magic on their journey to Seoul.

Seoul for Art Lovers: From the Gallery to the Street

Author : Travelogues

Seoul is the heart of contemporary art in South Korea, so whether you're looking for high art at SeMA or graffiti in Ihwa Mural Village, Seoul has an answer for the art lover.