Gyeongbokgung Palace
Geunjeongmun Gate
Gyeongbokgung Palace, constructed in 1395, served as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Situated in northern Seoul, it is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by this dynasty and was home to the royal family. Notable landmarks within Gyeongbokgung include Geunjeongmun Gate, Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion.
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion
Hyangwonjeong is a charming two-story pavilion built by King Gojong around 1873. It served as a serene retreat for the kings and their families during the Joseon Dynasty, offering a peaceful space for leisure and relaxation.
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion was originally constructed in 1412 during the reign of King Taejong. Its name reflects the idea that a great leader thrives when surrounded by the right people. The pavilion was destroyed by the Japanese during the Imjin War in 1592 but was later rebuilt in 1867 by King Gojong.
Gwanghwamun Square
Gwanghwamun is a vibrant park that celebrates history, culture, and relaxation, situated in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The park’s main attractions include statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Visitors can also enjoy artificial ponds and fountains, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
King Sejong the Great of Joseon
King Sejong the Great was the fourth monarch of the Joseon dynasty and is celebrated as one of the greatest rulers in Korean history. He is particularly renowned for inventing the Hangul alphabet, which revolutionized the Korean language.
Admiral Yi Sun-sin
Yi Sun-sin, a renowned Korean naval admiral, is celebrated as the Hero of Korea for his remarkable victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin War. His most famous triumph came at the Battle of Myeongnyang, where he courageously faced a Japanese fleet of approximately 133 ships with just 13 vessels from his own fleet.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is one of the largest traditional markets in Korea. Originally opened in 1964, it offers a wide range of products at affordable prices. Shoppers can find everything from clothing and accessories to kitchenware, toys, stationery, ginseng, and imported goods. It’s an excellent destination for picking up souvenirs to take home.
Namdaemun Gate
Namdaemun Gate, also known as Sungnyemun Gate, is one of the four main gates constructed to protect the capital of the Joseon dynasty. Construction began in 1396 and was completed four years later, making it the oldest wooden building in Seoul.
Street Market
Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring this market and still not see everything it has to offer. Each section is filled with hundreds of stalls, featuring a diverse range of products from clothing to accessories.
Seongsu
Seongsu is a trendy shopping district in Seoul, often referred to as the "Brooklyn of Seoul." This vibrant neighborhood is home to edgy shops that cater to the city’s young, artistic, and fashionable crowd. Seongsu is also filled with charming cafés and innovative retail spaces, making it a must-visit destination.
Cafe Far Ben
Café Far Ben, located in Seongsu and opened by RM’s younger sister, is a cozy studio-style café where you can take a break from shopping. The café features a rustic, wooden design that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Seoul Forest
Seoul Forest is a sprawling park located near Seongsu in Seoul. It’s particularly popular during spring for its beautiful cherry blossoms and in autumn for its stunning ginkgo trees. One of the park's unique features is its benches, each dedicated to notable Koreans, including 18 benches that honor the members of BTS.
Jamsil
Jamsil is one of the largest cultural and artistic neighborhoods in Seoul, offering a wide variety of attractions. Visitors can explore shopping malls, parks, outstanding restaurants, and much more. At the heart of Jamsil are Lotte World Tower, Lotte World Mall, and Lotte World, making it a vibrant hub for entertainment and leisure.
Lotte World Tower and Mall
Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in Korea and the fifth tallest in the world. At the top, visitors can enjoy a skywalk and an observation deck that offers stunning views. At the base of the tower is Lotte World Mall, which provides a diverse range of entertainment options, including a movie theater, an aquarium, and a concert hall, as well as shopping featuring both luxury domestic and international brands.
Lotte World
Lotte World is the largest indoor theme park in South Korea, also featuring an outdoor area called Magic Island. Opened in July 1989, Lotte World boasts state-of-the-art rides, spectacular parades, and performances, along with a diverse selection of food from around the world. Additionally, the Folk Museum showcases miniature models that represent Korea's rich 5,000-year history.