Seoul is the capital of South Korea and a cosmopolitan city full of modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and pop culture. Highlights include the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza with its curving architecture and rooftop park, the 7,000-room Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Jogyesa Temple, which is home to ancient pine and locust trees.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
If you are looking for some cultural activities to take part in while you are in Seoul, you must not miss visiting a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seoul. These ancient temples and sites are perfect places for you to spend time with your family and friends. The Seokguram Grotto, constructed in the 8th century, contains a statue of Buddha as well as depictions of other gods, Bodhisattvas, and disciples. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East. Also located nearby is a Neo-Confucian academy, the Seowon, which was built near water and mountains. This is a great example of how Neo-Confucianism was adapted to Korean culture.
Jongmyo Shrine is one of the most important historical sites in Seoul, as it contains the royal spirit tablets of the Joseon dynasty. Designed in the Confucian architectural style, the temple maintains a solemn atmosphere for memorial services. The temple features curved eaves and a raised platform. Haeinsa Temple is another important Buddhist site. It is the oldest stone pagoda in Korea and has an impressive courtyard in the middle.
Upo Wetland is the largest inland wetland in Korea. This site is also listed as a Ramsar site and is an important stopover for many migratory birds. Some of the species that call Upo Wetland home include the falcated duck, Baikal teal, and Eurasian spoonbill. In addition, human populations have lived in the area for millennia. In fact, recent archaeological excavations have revealed that a wooden boat from 7500 years ago was found in the site.
K-pop
The new trend of female K-pop artists is creating self-aware videos. Former Wonder Girls member Sunmi, for example, has recently released a music video that strips away her carefully constructed public image. In the video, Sunmi transforms her body and confronts a billboard with a picture of herself.
Most K-pop stars enter the entertainment industry in their teens and train hard for years. They may be discovered through auditions, or they may be selected by the studio itself. These idols then release one or two catchy songs periodically. K-pop groups pay attention to the styling and choreography of their group members, as well as their music videos.
K-pop’s popularity has spread around the world, but it isn’t just for the sake of entertainment. Many of these songs have political messages. The group BTS recently voiced its opposition to rising anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S. Unlike mainstream pop, K-pop is heavily structured. Many idols are trained from a very young age by entertainment agencies.
A trip to Seoul would not be complete without visiting the offices of your favorite K-pop group. BTS is signed by Big Hit Entertainment and has a central office in Seoul. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the boys as they enter the building. Additionally, you can visit the Cube Entertainment building, which houses a cafe with merchandise from artists in their agency.
Gwangjang Market
A must-visit place for foodies in Seoul, Gwangjang Market is filled with traditional Korean street food. The narrow, food-packed lanes of this bustling market are filled with energy and action. It is also one of the most popular shopping destinations in Seoul. There are a variety of places to buy clothing, jewelry, and even kitchenware.
A visit to the market is not a complete experience if you don’t speak any Korean or are unsure of how to navigate. You should take a taxi or use the Uber service to get around. A driver will arrive within 10 minutes after you put in the address. A tour of the area is also a great idea.
Though the market is most popular for its food stalls, it is also an excellent place to find other items that can help you save money. For example, you can buy beautiful hanboks, fabric, and accessories at a reasonable price. You can even find affordable bedding. Creatrip sells a variety of good-quality blankets that will keep you warm at night.
In addition to shopping, Gwangjang Market also offers delicious street foods. Try Korean street food such as tteokbokki, a savory snack with a spicy pepper sauce. The locals may not have the same preferences as tourists, so you might need to ask the locals for recommendations on the best food stalls.
Namdaemun market
The Namdaemun market is a traditional, large market in Seoul. It is located near the “Great South Gate” or Namdaemun, which was once the main southern gate in the old city. The market is one of the oldest and biggest in Korea.
It has everything from clothes to food to souvenirs. There are over a thousand shops, and prices are reasonable. There are two types of markets here: wholesale and retail. If you’re looking for a bargain, try going early in the morning or after noon when the market is still setting up.
The Namdaemun market is the largest and oldest market in Korea. It covers more than 66 square kilometers and contains over 10,000 stores. The market is crowded with both local and foreign retailers. It is home to more than 1,700 types of goods, including household and everyday items, clothes, jewelry, fine arts, and even ginseng!
Namdaemun Market is one of the most popular shopping districts in Seoul. It is the oldest continuously running market in South Korea and one of the largest retail markets in Seoul. While most stores in the market are open all day, individual vendors may have their own hours. For example, some shops may be closed on Sundays. However, if you’re visiting Seoul, make sure you visit the market before noon. About 55% of shoppers visit the market between 11 AM and 1 PM.
Insa-Dong, a neighborhood near Namdaemun Market, is another must-see neighborhood for art and antique shoppers. This neighborhood is filled with traditional shops and handpressed items and is a charming place to wander around during nice weather. The artistic atmosphere and the various teahouses and restaurants make Insa-Dong a popular destination.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is one of the city’s most striking structures, resembling a spacecraft, and was designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid. The building’s unconventional form, with no straight walls, has drawn many tourists. Inside, visitors can wander through five halls of varying sizes and shapes.
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a modern, architectural masterpiece that opened in 2014, and was designed by the influential late architect Zaha Hadid. The center’s exhibitions explore the cultural influence of South Korea, and there is even a museum honoring the former stadium, which is currently under construction.
The DDP building, which is 280 meters long, is home to several public spaces, including a design museum, conference room, and exhibition hall. It is located in the Dongdaemun culture and history park and contains underground spaces for parking and other facilities. There is also a cafe and a feeding room where visitors can enjoy a meal.
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is located near the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. Exit 1 is located on the right side of the road. From here, you can access other nearby shopping malls, including the Hello apM and Migliore.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a shopping paradise for visitors. You’ll find plenty of designer boutiques, street markets, and retail shops. This is an area of Seoul where shopping, eating, and sightseeing go hand-in-hand. You’ll also have the opportunity to bargain for better prices, making this a convenient place to visit.
Seoul City Hall
Originally built in 1926, the Seoul City Hall has recently been completely renovated and is one of Seoul’s architectural highlights. The new building is a modern take on traditional Korean design. Its distinctive shape is inspired by Seoul Square, the symbolic heart of the city. The building features a series of “hanging terraces” linked by vertical circulation pathways and green walls.
The previous Seoul City Hall building was built during the Japanese occupation of Korea, and was used as the city government office until 2008. In 2008, the building was demolished and construction began on a modern building. Its new design is a contrast to the old one and promotes eco-friendly themes. The new building will be located adjacent to the former Seoul City Hall.
The Seoul City Hall was designed to be the architectural icon of the city. This building, which will be home to the city’s government offices and public functions, embodies the future of architecture. It was designed by Kerl Yoo, the architect who oversaw the construction of the former Seoul city hall. The architect’s goal was to create a building that embodied traditional Korean culture while also embracing modernity. This is a striking contrast, and one that visitors should take note of.
Seoul City Hall comprises four sections: the City Hall, Citizen’s Hall, the Seoul Metropolitan Library, and the Seoul Plaza. The entire structure was completed in 2012, replacing the old city hall that was built during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The construction of the new building required four years. The basement level of the city hall was refurbished to serve as Citizen’s Hall.
