Places to visit in Seoul. Ancient sights of modern Seoul. Minsokcheon - a traditional Korean village museum

Today we will go on a trip to Seoul and its surroundings. This is not the most popular route for traveling with children, and for good reason. At least that’s what our insider and author of this text, Sveta Son, thinks. Sveta is a mother of many children, a popular blogger and the owner of an online store of Korean clothing. She has been living in Korea for a long time and is as much in love with this country as she is with her husband, thanks to whom she ended up here. Her blog @svetsong with stories about their family life, traditions, travels around the country and weddings (yes, Sveta had several of them with the same husband) is a direct confirmation of this.

Everland

Everyone has probably heard that Korea has its own Disneyland and this is it. Everland is a great place for both children and adults, and it is good to visit at almost any time of the year. There is always a magical and fairy-tale atmosphere there. This place has only one drawback - you may encounter long queues for popular attractions. Although who am I kidding, and not popular ones either. So try to get here on a weekday and early in the morning, then there will be significantly fewer people. In addition to a huge amount of all kinds of entertainment, shows, cafes and restaurants and other delights, there are also small bonuses, for example, in the form of baby strollers for rent. In general, in Korea you can rent strollers almost everywhere, even in shopping centers. You can get to Everland by special buses that go from almost all major stations in Seoul, about an hour's drive and you're there.

Ticket price:

Child - 16,000-34,000 won

Adult - 20,000-44,000 won

Lotte World!

Another amusement park that differs from Everland in that it is partially located indoors. Well, it is, of course, much smaller in size, although it is also very interesting, especially if you are visiting it for the first time. In addition, Lotte World is located in Seoul itself, so you don’t have to travel far with your children. Another plus is the ice skating rink. Of course, people don’t come to Korea to skate, but still. The queues here are also quite long, so also plan on weekdays. In Korea, in general, there are always queues in popular places, but, thank God, everything is very organized and calm, you won’t see any jostling or swearing for a seat.

Ticket price:

Child - 13,000-38,000 won

Adult - 17,000-48,000 won

Kidzania!

This is a whole city for children, where there is everything! Starting from the gas station and ending with the Airport. If you have been to a similar place in Moscow, then simply multiply all your feelings by 2 and get the Korean version. Children here can try themselves in more than 60 professions: a doctor, a dentist, a flight attendant at Korean Air (and the plane there is a real one), as well as a policeman, an ice cream maker, a lawyer, a tax officer, an actor, a furniture maker, a worker in the production of various products, and so on. further and so on! Eva tried herself in 6 professions - donut baker, model, dancer, manager in a supermarket, master in a beauty salon and, finally, a fireman! Moreover, they went to put out the fire in a real fire truck. Upon completion of work, children are paid money, which can be immediately spent in the Lotte Deparament Store. The prices, as in life, are not at all childish, so we only had enough for plasticine. Eva deposited the rest of the money in the bank and was given a plastic card from which she can withdraw money from a regular ATM (at any branch of her bank).

There’s no way around it in just one day, the wait in line is at least 20-40 minutes, but it’s worth it. I must say that going to Kidzania is a big test for parents, but for children... HAPPINESS! There are two types of visits from 10 to 15 hours and from 15:30 to 8:30 hours and all day. We came to the second session and there were plenty of people. I think it's a lot less on weekday mornings.

Ticket price: approximately $30 per child and $12 per adult.

Deokpyeong Dinosaur Arboretum!

This is the best place in the world for dinosaur fans. Mothers of boys will understand, and many girls too. The park occupies a huge territory, which is completely covered with life-size dinosaurs. There are a lot of areas for picnics and recreation, I think it’s just wonderful there in summer or spring.

There are also two closed pavilions, where dinosaurs move and make terrifying sounds; it all looks more than realistic. So at first the children were afraid to even enter one of the pavilions, and then ran out screaming. Then, however, we still came in and even in the end didn’t want to leave, we had to make as many as 4 laps. In addition to dinosaurs, there are various gigantic insects and other mammals and predators - inhabitants of the Mesozoic era.

The second pavilion is more fun - with real palms and tangerine trees and screaming dinosaurs hatching eggs. The park is filled with different figures and interesting things and, of course, everything here is huge, moving and talking. One dinosaur even turned in the same direction as me. He looked straight at me with his pupil and repeated everything after me.

It’s a bit far to get here: it’s about 2 hours from Seoul, but if you’re going to do it, you won’t regret it.

If not, then closer to Seoul there is another more modest dinosaur park, located in Kintex.

Ticket price:

Child - 8,000 won

Adult - 11,000 won

Bubble Science!

Here children have a lot of fun exploring what bubbles can do. It was very interesting even for my husband and I. Kids take part directly in all shows, which last about an hour. Bubble Science is located near the Grand Children Park. So if you have time and you're nearby, it's worth stopping by.

Show every hour, last entry at 16-00.

Ticket price:10,000 won

Aquarium!

In fact, this is not an aquarium at all, but a real oceanarium. There are several of them in Seoul: in Coexe, in 63 Building and in the new Lotte World Tower. We liked it most in Lotte, there were such cute beluga whales that swam up to the children and blew bubbles... And the divers put on a whole show under water, which really impressed us. The rest of the aquariums are a bit boring. And, if you can still go to Coexe, then it’s better not to waste either time or money on 63 Building.

Ticket price:

Child - 25,000 won

Adult - 29,000 won

water parks

In addition to many open-air, summer water parks, Seoul also has those that can be visited at any time of the year. Usually there are several slides for adults and children and a large swimming pool with artificial current. Every half hour people are kicked out of the pool and it is cleaned. Therefore, the chances of catching something are much less than in a regular pool. You can spend the whole day in the water park, and then go to the Korean sauna or relax in the jacuzzi. They are also part of the water park complex. We were in SI LA LA, we recommend it.

Ticket price:

Child - 17,000-22,000 won

Adult - 22,000-27,000 won

Seoul Grand Zoo!

Wonderful zoo! And what alleys there are! Pink flamingos, huge hippos and rhinoceroses, elephants, lions and giraffes - the zoo is over 100 years old and almost all the animals are collected there. A train will take you away from the main entrance, where you buy your ticket, and you will return by cable elevator. It’s a bit of a walk from the ticket office, so I recommend buying a ticket that includes a ride by train and elevator. The zoo is very large, so it’s better to take a sun lounger with you so that you can sit down or lie down to rest along the way, as most Koreans do. You can also have a small picnic there. Of course, there are cafes there too, but mostly it’s fast food.

Ticket price:

Child - 1000-4000 won

Adult - 3000-9500 won

Seoul Land!

Seoul's first amusement park is located in the same place as the zoo. This is one complex and there is only one entrance. After visiting the zoo, if you have any energy left, you can go for a ride and stroll through the beautiful gardens, ponds and feed the domestic animals. The attractions there, of course, are a bit old compared to Everland or Lotte World, but that’s okay.

Grand Children Park!

This is another of the many children's parks with a small zoo, attractions, playgrounds, fountains, a botanical garden and picnic areas.

What’s remarkable is that entry here is absolutely free! There are also excellent children's performances here.

I wish you a wonderful holiday with children in Korea, because this country was created just for them!

Built at the end of the 14th century, the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace is located in the northern part of Seoul and is one of the most important attractions of the capital of South Korea. Being the largest of the Five Majestic Palaces, it was the main residence of the rulers of the Joseon Dynasty for many years.

Gyeongbokgung continued to serve as the main palace until all five palaces were seriously damaged following the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592 - 1598). In 1868, the palace was reconstructed and its territory expanded to 410,000 square meters, after which it housed more than 500 small buildings. Gyeongbokgung prospered for many years until the Japanese once again destroyed the palaces during their occupation of Korea from 1910-1945.

Through the efforts of the government of the Republic of Korea, an extensive restoration campaign began in 1990, as a result of which almost half of the damaged buildings, including Gyeongbokgung itself, were restored. Among the restored buildings, you can now visit the Imperial Throne Hall, which was the central location for various ceremonies, the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which is located on an artificial island in the middle of a small lake with three stone bridges that lead to the pavilion itself, as well as the hexagonal Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, located north of the palace grounds .

Northern Gate

The North Gate, also known as Sukjeongmun, was built during the Joseon Dynasty at the same time as the Wall that surrounded Seoul. There were eight gates in total that opened access to the city, but six have survived to this day.

This gate, built in 1396, was located not far from the Royal Palace, and therefore was used not so much for receiving guests as for holding ceremonies. Initially, the gates were made entirely of wood - an environmentally friendly material, but, alas, short-lived - during the war with Japan they were damaged by fire, and acquired their current appearance in 1976.

The Northern Gate is open to tourists, but to do this you must first obtain a special pass, since the residence of the country's president is located nearby. The surrounding area is guarded by Korean army soldiers, who are not recommended to photograph, as well as the residence itself - otherwise you risk being suspected of espionage, and then having to make long excuses to the security service, calling on all your modest knowledge of the Korean language for help. However, the wall itself and the Northern Gate are allowed to be removed. In literary translation, the second name Sukjeongmun means Gate of Solemn Government.

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Myeongdong Cathedral

Myeongdong Cathedral is one of the main attractions of the street of the same name in Seoul. This active Catholic church is also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a national monument of the country.

For a long time, Christianity in Korea suffered persecution and prohibitions, but towards the end of the nineteenth century, the rulers became more liberal in their views, which allowed Bishop Jean Blanc to purchase land in Seoul and begin construction of a Christian cathedral, which was completed in 1898.

The architecture of this temple, built of red and gray bricks, belongs to the neo-Gothic style. Its height together with the spire is 45 meters. Quite young by Christian standards, the temple does not have a large collection of rare artifacts, but the very fact of its construction on Korean soil was a kind of breakthrough at the end of the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the relics of Korean martyrs who died as a result of the persecution of Christianity in Korea and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984 were buried here.

Changdeokgung Palace, whose name is translated from Korean as “Castle of Prosperous Virtue,” is located in one of the largest parks in Seoul - Jongno-gu, and is a most valuable architectural monument.

It is one of the Five Great Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Construction of Changdeokgung Palace began in 1405 and took just under seven years. Like many historical buildings in Korea, Changdeokgung suffered at the hands of Japanese invaders who repeatedly tried to conquer the country. It was first almost completely burned by the Japanese in 1592, and was restored only in 1609. Many years later, during the Japanese occupation of 1910-1945, the invaders again destroyed Changdeokgung.

Currently, approximately a third of the buildings on the castle grounds have been restored. On an area of ​​45 hectares, 13 buildings and 28 small garden buildings have been preserved. Huwon Garden, located within the park, was used by the royal family to relax from the hustle and bustle of the world, and is notable for its picturesque landscapes. Tourists can visit this place accompanied by a guide by prior arrangement.

National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea, located in Seoul, is the country's main museum, depicting the entire history of its development. According to a survey conducted by the Seoul city government among 2,000 foreign tourists in November 2011, the National Museum is considered one of the most favorite places to visit for visitors to the city.

The museum opened in 1945, but with the outbreak of war between North and South Korea, the National Museum and 20,000 exhibits safely moved to Busan. After the war, the museum, along with its exhibitions, changed several locations, until in 2005 it was given a new building located in Yongsan Family Park.

On the ground floor there is a large exhibition of archaeological finds, covering the period from Paleolithic times to the present day. This includes many rare artifacts, ranging from stone axes to luxurious antique royal jewelry. The second and third floors of the museum are dedicated to fine art galleries. The best examples of fine art and folk crafts from different periods are presented here.

Since the National Museum of Korea has a modern audio-video guide system, this greatly simplifies the process of getting acquainted with the exhibits and allows you to get around all the exhibitions much faster.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is located in central Seoul and is the most popular market in the country. This market is known far beyond Seoul not only for its affordable prices, but also for the ability to visit it at any time of the day - Namdaemun is open even at night.

Namdaemun Market was founded in the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the city. It owes much of its popularity to fairly low prices with an impressive selection of goods: shoes, clothing, household appliances and cosmetics. The cheapness of goods is explained by the fact that most of the stores operating here have their own factories and can afford to sell goods without extra markups.

Foreign tourists willingly buy ginseng, which has life-giving powers, which is presented here in a wide range: from fresh roots to honey tinctures and face creams. Food peddlers scurrying between the rows are ready to offer a large selection of food - from a traditional hot dog to exotic Korean dishes that not every European dares to try. The shelves also offer a large selection of rice vodka and dried squid. For wholesale buyers, the most convenient time will be evening and night time.

Deoksugung Palace

The residence of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, Deoksugung Palace, surrounded by a powerful wall, is one of the main architectural attractions of Seoul. In 1608, Wang Gwanghegong was crowned here, and the palace was named Kengungun. But when the Bfla royal residence was moved in 1618, Deoksugung lost its importance and for almost three centuries was called Sogun, which means “Western Palace”. The original name of the palace was returned to the new emperor of Korea in the 20th century.

The Palace of Virtuous Longevity - this is how the name "Deoksugung" is translated - has an area of ​​61,500 square meters. This is an entire architectural complex with a beautiful garden and perfectly paved paths. The exposition of the Royal Museum on the territory of the palace houses a collection of objects from the era of the Joseon kings, and a separate exposition is devoted to the works of contemporary artists.

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Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace is located in Seoul, and is an ancient architectural monument whose history dates back to the reign of the Koryo dynasty (918–1392). Initially, the palace was called Sugangung, and received its current name already in the 15th century.

The emperors of the Koryo dynasty, like all ordinary people, loved summer holidays very much, and Changgyeonggung Palace was ideal for this purpose - for many centuries it was the summer residence of the rulers of Korea. With the rise of the Joseon Dynasty, it became one of the Five Great Palaces. As you know, historically Korea has had rather difficult relations with Japan, which every now and then tried to subjugate its overseas neighbors. During periods of their colonialist activity, the Japanese continually destroyed valuable architectural monuments of Korea. It is difficult to say what was the main driving motive of the invaders: perhaps they simply did not like the specifics of Korean architecture, or perhaps they enjoyed the process itself.

The point is that Changgyeonggung suffered greatly during this period, and a botanical garden and a zoo were established on its territory. In 1983, the palace was completely restored, and the zoo was closed. Now residents of Seoul and its guests can admire the restored Changgyeonggung Palace, as well as numerous buildings and pagodas on its territory.

The most popular attractions in Seoul with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Seoul on our website.

Like any other capital, Seoul has plenty of entertainment for tourists of all ages. Young travelers looking to see the cultural and entertainment heart of Seoul should head to Daehanno street. Once upon a time it was an ordinary street on which the capital's University was located. Now it is a youth entertainment district, a place where you can plunge into the theatrical life of Seoul. Marronniere Park, located in the center of Taehanno, plays a key role in the life of the street. It is on its territory that numerous theater companies of the capital hold their live performances and dance performances. It is especially interesting to watch the performance of the artists of the small Pharansae (Blue Bird) theater. After watching the play, you can always sit in a cozy cafe or bar, of which there are many on the street. The atmosphere in this part of the city is dizzying and calming.

For those who come to Seoul with the whole family, there are several amusement parks to choose from. If your stay in Seoul is not limited to two or three days, then you can gradually visit all the entertainment centers. Those travelers who have limited free time will face a difficult choice, but showing children the fun and exciting side of Seoul is essential.

Lotte World Park

South Korea's largest indoor entertainment complex is located in the popular youth area of ​​Songpa-gu in southeastern Seoul. The size of the complex is so large that you can fly inside it in an improvised hot air balloon. This pleasure costs 3000 won.

In addition to thematic areas with many different attractions, the park contains an Ethnographic Museum, an ice skating rink and a picturesque lake. The entertainment center itself is divided into two parts: internal - under a glass roof and external - in the open air. The indoor part of the park is dedicated to adventure and consists of several sectors. Four floors with all kinds of carousels, slides and amusements await brave visitors. You can change the scenery and cool down a little at the ice skating rink, located on the underground floor of the complex. A visit to the ice skating rink can be done independently, then you will not need to buy a ticket to the complex, but will only need to pay for skate rental. You can only skate on the skating rink wearing gloves. For uninformed tourists, there is a rental point near the skating rink. Knee pads and a helmet are provided free of charge, but for skates and gloves you will have to pay 6,000 won.

The second half of the open-air park is called Magic Island. The attractions located in this part of the complex are more serious. Only those who pass a height control can perform a bandage jump or experience the sensations of a free fall. For the rest, the island has prepared rides on a swing tree, toy cars and a boat ride on the lake.

The Ethnographic Museum located in the park also attracts tourists. While adults get acquainted with exhibits dedicated to the culture and history of Korea, children can spend time on the playground located here. A smaller copy of a traditional Korean village is also presented in the museum. Entrance to the museum is free for visitors.

Every day, the Carnival of the Nations of the World takes place in the inner part of the park. This fiery, colorful performance fascinates children. Little travelers are not at all embarrassed by the fact that all the action is in Korean. They understand everything that is happening even without translation. The carnival starts at 14:00. As darkness falls just before closing, visitors will be treated to another surprise - a laser show that starts at 21:30.

The complex has many restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. Hungry kids can always be fed in a food court, pizzeria or cozy cafe.

Lotte World is open daily all year round from 9:30 to 22:00. Admission to all attractions for the whole day (excluding the balloon ride, ice skating rink, rock climbing and mirror maze) costs 31,000 won for an adult and 25,000 won for a child. Children under three years old walk in the park for free. You can save money by purchasing a part-day ticket (from 16:00 or 19:00 until closing). For an adult, such a ticket costs 26,000 and 17,000 won respectively. Child ticket prices drop to 20,000 and 13,000 won.

The entertainment center is located at Jamsil-dong 40-1. You can get to the park using the metro (lines 2 and 8), get off at Jamsil station.

Everland Park

In the suburbs of Seoul there is another large amusement park. Its design is very reminiscent of Disneyland. The park is divided into thematic zones, plus there is a zoo and a water park on its territory.

At Zootopia visitors have the opportunity to meet not only animals from all over the world, but also visit the Dog Village. In this unusual place, children are invited to play with funny puppies of various breeds. It is quite difficult to take a child away from cute dogs.

In aquapark Tourists will find a wave pool, an adventure pool and a diving pool, slides (among which the longest is 1092 meters long) and an artificial river. On a hot day, not only children, but also adults have fun in the water. As for me, it is impossible to squeeze a visit to park and water attractions into one day.

The park has an area called the Global Fair. This is where you can have a snack and buy souvenirs. But it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to leave this part of the park without a bag of sweets. Numerous bright shops with sweets and cookies attract little travelers like a magnet.

The park is located at Everland-Ro, 199 in Yongin. You can get to it from Seoul by bus No. 5002. The park is open daily from 10:000 to 22:00. An adult ticket to the park costs 46,000 won, and a child ticket costs 36,000 won.

Aquariums in Seoul

In addition to amusement parks, you can have a good time with the whole family in one of the aquariums in Seoul. More interesting, in my opinion, is the aquarium located in the COEX shopping and entertainment center. You can get to the shopping center by metro. The aquarium is home to about 40,000 living organisms. Some of them can be observed while in a glass underwater tunnel or near one of the pools.

In total, the aquarium has 14 exhibition halls. Children's rooms are especially interesting for young visitors. In the Click or Touch room, children can touch the safe sea creatures swimming in the shallow pool. More daring kids are invited to stick their hand into a hole in the wall and by touch determine who is hiding there. It is mainly boys who decide to take this action.

Inspecting all the halls of the oceanarium takes about two hours. The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. A visit to the aquarium for an adult will cost 22,000 won, and a child ticket costs 16,000 won.

South Korea is a country with a unique culture and traditions. The capital is especially popular and has something to offer every tourist. The most interesting Seoul attractions and consider it in this article.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace

We'll start exploring the sights of Seoul from Gyeongbokgung Palace. The name of the building, erected more than 500 years ago in 1395, translates as the palace of radiant happiness. For several hundred years, this structure was the main royal residence located in northern Seoul. That is why it is often referred to as the “Northern Palace”. Gyeongbokgung is a complex of several buildings and a beautiful park, which has become an open-air museum. There is a painted throne room and a beautiful pavilion with columns in an artificial lake. During the lotus blooming season, the water surface is completely covered with opening buds, presenting a unique and exquisite spectacle. In addition, Gyeongbokgung Palace houses the National Folklore and Palace Museums. The colorful changing of the guard, completely identical to what took place in the distant times of the reign of monarchs, deserves special attention from tourists.

2. Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace is another architectural complex that is a popular attraction in Seoul. It is distinguished by the fact that on its territory there are buildings in the European style. The creation of Deoksugung was carried out for the elder brother of the king in the second half of the 15th century, so the palace does not stand out for its grandiose size and luxury compared to other residences of the royal dynasty. The structure looks peaceful and moderate, being built with clear thought. Unfortunately, for the residents of the country it is a symbol of the sad events of the late 19th century, when the king was hiding here from spies from Japan who killed his wife. Despite this, the “Palace of Virtuous Longevity” has been very popular among tourists from all over the world for many years. Of the 180 different structures, only 12 have survived to this day, but they will delight travelers. The colorful pavilion, the wide bridge, the coronation hall and the residential complex for the ruler himself appear in all their glory.

3. Changdeokgung Palace

Every tourist should definitely visit Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul. This 15th-century architectural ensemble is distinguished by its original appearance. Of course, the palace underwent restoration, but it completely preserved exactly the style that the Korean masters originally gave it. Changdeokgung was the resting place of the country's last emperor until his death in 1926, and is now an architectural monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. 58 hectares of picturesque territory are located at the foot of the mountain, amazes its guests with the delightful Huwon Garden - “the garden of natural beauty”. Trees that reach 300 years of age grow here, and in the center there is a beautiful pond with pavilions for relaxation. At night, this Seoul landmark turns into an object for romantic excursions and walks.

4. Changgyeonggung Palace

Next on our list of the best places to visit in Seoul is Changgyeonggung Palace. The castle complex, dating back to around 1104, served as a place for recreation and entertainment for the royal family. The reigning monarchs used Changgyeonggung as their summer residence to escape the city heat. The structure was originally called Sugangung, but in the 15th century it was renamed and rebuilt according to the new technologies that existed at that time, subsequently becoming a royal refuge. Today, tourists can attend festivals, carnivals and performances held here, while enjoying the magnificent scenery and amazing architecture of the castle.

5. Gyeonghee Gung Palace Complex

Gyeongheegung is one of the most beautiful palaces in Seoul and all of South Korea. During the reign of monarchs, Gyeongheigung was of secondary importance in case of unforeseen events. The structure was designed with attention to the mountainous terrain, which is the reason for its unique natural beauty and abundance of panoramas. Over the course of six years from 1617, about a hundred buildings were created, separating women and men and intended for conducting government affairs and housing. After destruction at the beginning of the 20th century, restorers managed to save about a third of the entire palace ensemble, which later became an architectural monument. The vast area of ​​this tourist site consists of a park area with numerous gazebos, Donggu University and the Seoul History Museum.

6. Republic of Korea War Memorial

The PRC War Memorial Ball was created in 1994 not only in honor of fallen soldiers, but also to demonstrate the rich military history and power of the state. The huge complex, located on the site of a former army headquarters, includes extensive collections of weapons and military equipment, making it the largest war memorial in the world. Tourists will see tanks, planes, vehicles, an information exhibition and much more. The first hall glorifies the valiant soldiers who gave their lives for their Motherland. The second presents tools dating back to Paleolithic times, and the third will tell museum guests about the confrontation between North and South Korea. The fourth room simulates military operations. Therefore, visitors will literally find themselves in the center of the action, where you can even smell gunpowder. The fifth room talks about the peacekeeping activities of the Koreans, and the sixth talks about modern weapons and the country's defense industry. Visiting this place in Seoul will be very interesting for everyone.

7. Banpo Fountain Bridge

Even young tourists cannot be surprised by fountains, but Seoul's Banpo Bridge, 1.14 kilometers long, wins the hearts of guests of the capital. Streams of water on both sides of the structure flow directly into the Han River, through which it is laid. The monthly consumption of water masses is 190 tons, which is a crazy figure. The fountain does not function continuously, as there is a seasonal schedule for its activation. On average, Banpo launches once every 20 minutes. The “Rainbow Fountain” evokes the strongest impressions after sunset, when the multi-colored lighting begins to function. The creation of this Seoul landmark was necessary not only to build another decoration, but also to demonstrate concern for the environmental situation, since the bridge's water system filters the waters of the river, being a complex purification system. The bridge became the official Guinness record holder for the position of the longest fountain in the world. Guests of Banpo should pay special attention to the direction of water flows, because it is extremely rare to find fountains where the jets are directed not up, but down.

8. Lotte World Amusement Park

Lotte World is another attraction of the capital of South Korea, included in the Guinness Book of Records. The largest amusement park is ideal for relaxing with the youngest guests of Seoul, for whom a whole world of fun has been created here. Lotte World is loved by young couples, so young lovers often spend time here, enjoying the romance and beauty of the complex. There is also a hotel, shopping center and cinema on its territory. Most of the entertainment center is an indoor park, but there is also an area under the sky located directly on the pond.

9. National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea is one of the most visited in the world because this is where all visitors to Seoul go first. The foundation of the museum was laid at the beginning of the 20th century, supplemented with Japanese exhibits. This led to the opening of an independent complex immediately after the country's independence in 1945, which has now become a modern high-tech building capable of withstanding both firepower and an earthquake of up to 6 points. More than 310 thousand exhibits will tell about the history of the country, its formation and way of life.

10. Gwanghwamun Gate

Gwanghwamun Gate, which is the main gate for Gyeongbokgung Palace, dates back to 1935. The literal translation means the beautiful phrase “let the illuminating light cover the world.” In the center of the granite gate was the Hongemun entrance, and a tower was installed exactly above it. Unfortunately, this attraction is not the original, but only a twin made of cement, displaced by ten meters. Gwanghwamun Gate is associated with the tragic events when a Japanese general completely destroyed the structure to kill two Koreans. The Seoul authorities are working on restoring the original building, but its copy has never become a national treasure.

11. Seoul Forest Park

Since 2005, everyone can visit this beautiful natural attraction of Seoul throughout the year absolutely free. A huge oasis in the depths of the metropolis has become a favorite vacation spot for both locals and travelers. The metropolitan authorities were engaged in landscaping the suffocating city with special trepidation, because it was also supposed to attract tourists. The Forest Park of Culture and Art is equipped with an open-air theater stage, children's playgrounds and a huge number of statues and sculptures. The forest park is constantly inhabited by deer, ducks, rabbits and other animals. It’s nice to spend time here, stroll or get distracted by the hustle and bustle, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and clean air.

12. Bukchon

The traditional Korean village of Bukchon Hanok is located in the heart of the South Korean capital. The real countryside showcases the architecture of the homes of ordinary people in the country. Flows of tourists and curious travelers regularly flock to Bukchon, making the village one of the most popular attractions in Seoul. An open air museum shows how the ordinary life of Koreans proceeded. Small and cozy one-story houses look very colorful against the backdrop of their modern glass counterparts, rising tens of meters into the air. The fabulous atmosphere, the opportunity to walk along cute streets and the large territory of the complex allow you to get to know the locals better. Curious visitors wander among the houses for hours, stopping at cafes to taste home-cooked dishes.

There are a lot of interesting places and attractions in Seoul. And it is unlikely that you will be able to examine even a tenth of them in a few days or a week. So we have prepared an article about the sights that are worth seeing in Seoul first.

The Han River divides Seoul into two parts. The southern part is the business district. North is the historical and cultural center of the capital of South Korea. Here you will find amazing palaces, ancient squares and markets, interesting architecture, museums, parks, theaters, shopping and entertainment centers. Seoul has something to surprise you!

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The Gyeongbokgung Imperial Palace Complex (Palace of Shining Happiness) is one of the main attractions of Seoul. It is the largest of the capital's five famous palaces and was also the country's main palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Construction of the complex was completed in 1395 under the founder of the dynasty. It was at this time that the capital was moved to Seoul from the city of Kaejeng.

During the Japanese invasion in 1592, the complex was practically destroyed; restoration began only in 1990. Now Gyeongbokgung is open to tourists as a museum complex.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace complex is very large and beautiful, so you probably won’t have enough time to explore it. It is recommended to come here, in fact, like most attractions in Seoul, right before they open, as the queue at the ticket office is shorter and the area is less crowded.

Also, don't miss the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, which is an accurate re-enactment of the event as it was during the Joseon Dynasty.

Photo: José Carlos Cortizo Pérez creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Address: approx. Jongno-gu, Sajik-no 161 (Saejongno) - (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로).
Official site: www.royalpalace.go.kr
Prices:

• adults (over 19 years old) - 3,000 won; group of 10 people - 2,400 won;
• Children and teenagers (under 18 years old) - 1,500 won / group of 10 people - 1,200 won.

Working hours:

• November - February: 09:00-17:00;
• March-May, September-October: 09:00-18:00;
• June-August: 09:00-18:30.

Tue - closed

Photo: tsaiproject creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Photo: Jonathan Corbet creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Photo: Kimmo Räisänen creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Building 63 - Yuksam Building

Yuksam Building in Seoul is a 63-story high-rise building located in the Han River area. The building itself is very interesting; it has glass walls with golden tints that illuminate the entire surrounding area with glare. The highest observation deck in the country is located here, offering stunning views of the river. Hangan, and on especially clear days - at sea. It is especially beautiful here in the evenings.

The Yuksam Building has an entertainment complex with a huge IMAX cinema (the screen reaches the size of a 6-story building, a simultaneous translation system into 4 foreign languages), an aquarium (more than 400 species of aquatic and land inhabitants live here), a gallery, a wax museum, and a shopping mall. center, bowling alley, restaurants, bars, sauna and gym.

This is one of the most visited attractions in Seoul!

Source: hncts.cn

Address: approx. Yongdeungpo-gu, st. 63-ro 50 (Youido-dong district) - 서울특별시 영등포구 63로 50 (여의도동)
How to get there:

• Daebang Station (대방역) Subway Line 1, Subway Exit No. 6, take the free shuttle bus or Bus No. 11
• Yoinaru Station (여의나루역) Subway Line 5, Subway Exit No. 4, take the shuttle bus / Subway Exit 1 - Bus No. 5534, 5633, 261
• Yeouido Station (여의도역) Subway Line 5, Subway Exit No. 5, take the free shuttle bus or Bus No. 11
• Setkang Station (샛강역) Subway Line 9, Subway Exit No. 1, take the free shuttle bus / Subway Exit 3 - Bus No. 5633, 5534

Photo: Ms.Undral creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Photo: Craig Rohn creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Seoul N-Tower

Another one of Seoul's attractions, which offers magnificent views of the city. Be sure to visit it in the evening between 19:00 and 24:00, there are impressive illuminations here.

At the top of the Seoul Tower there is a revolving Western-style restaurant called N-Grill, which makes a full rotation in 48 minutes. The observation deck, also called an observatory, is equipped with telescopes. It's hard to believe, but the tower also houses a cinema, exhibition center, Teddy Bear Museum and many souvenir shops. It will not be boring!

Seoul N-Tower is located on Namsan Mountain. The road to the tower can be considered as part of the attraction, since many tourists prefer to climb here by cable car. The round-trip fare is 6,300 won, and the one-way fare is 4,800 won. But you can also get to the TV tower by bus No. 2 for 550 won.

Nearby on the mountain there is also a park and Namsan village.

Photo: Andrew 鐘 creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu
Official site: www.nseoultower.com

Photo: Andrew Smith creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Minsokcheon - a traditional Korean village museum

The traditional Korean village of Minsokcheon is an open-air ethnographic museum that shows the daily life of the people in the late Joseon Dynasty. On the territory you can explore about 260 traditional houses for various purposes. Thematic theatrical performances and festivals are also often held here.

Minsokcheon is located not in Seoul itself, but in its satellite city of Yongin. The village is easy to find as it is located near the Everland amusement park.

Official site: www.koreanfolk.co.kr
Working hours: from 09:30 to 17:30-18:30 depending on the season and weather. On weekends the museum is open half an hour longer.
Prices:

• adults - from 15,000 won;
• teenagers - from 12,000 won;
• children - from 10,000 won.

It is beneficial to visit the museum in groups of 20 people or more; in this case, a personal ticket will be 2 thousand won cheaper.
The audio guide is available in 4 languages: Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese.

City park near the Han River

Hangan City Park is located along the river of the same name. Its length is over 30 km. You can imagine how much there is here! But the park is especially loved because there are almost no cars here, only pedestrian and bicycle paths. Picnics along the Han River embankment are one of the most favorite pastimes of both Seoul residents and tourists. There are well-groomed lawns, pleasant landscaping and lots and lots of space. The view of the city at night from the embankment is mesmerizing.

There are many sports and playgrounds, an outdoor summer swimming pool for 1200 people. Boat excursions along the Han River are also very popular.