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Seoul is the capital of Korea with over 600 years of history. It is the heart of Korea’s culture and education as well as politics and economics. Seoul is home to many old historic sites like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, and places of traditional culture like Bukchon Hanok Village, Insa-dong, and Namdaemun Market. The shopping and entertainment districts of Myeongdong and Apgujeong, and Asia's largest underground shopping center COEX Mall also draw a large number of tourists every year. The Hangang River, which runs through the center of the city, is also a distinctive landscape of Seoul that offers a myriad of resting areas for citizens.



Recommended Destinations
Insa-dong
Bukchon Hanok
Village
Gyeongbokgung
Palace
The National
Museum of Korea
Lotte World
Insa-dong

Address   130-4, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul-si
서울 종로구 인사동 130-4일대
Inquiries
  • 1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
  • For more info: +82-2-734-0222
Homepage www.visitseoul.net (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
Closed N/A
Available Facilities Outdoor stages, souvenir shops, restaurants, etc.
Directions Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6.
Go 100m straight, then turn left.
Introduction Insa-dong (인사동), located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, traditional teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. At first they might be hard to find, but if you take the time to stroll around the twisting alleyways, the window shopping in itself can be very entertaining. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 – 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 – 22:00, some streets are blocked off from traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and others set up shops (Korean candy merchants and fortune tellers.) There are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular with foreign tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture firsthand, and also purchase pieces of fine art. On the street you can eat Korean taffy and traditional pajeon (Korean pancake), and see many foreigners lost in all the joyous festivities of the street.
Bukchon Hanok Village

Address   37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37 (계동)
Inquiries
  • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
  • For more info: +82-2-3707-8388
Homepage bukchon.seoul.go.kr (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
Available Facilities Traditional knot tying
Directions Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2.
Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village.
Introduction Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name, 'Bukchon,' which literally translates to 'northern village,' came about as the neighborhoods that the village covers lie to the north of the two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture.
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Address   161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Sejongno)
서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)
Inquiries
  • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
  • For more info: +82-2-3700-3904~5, +82-2-738-9171
Homepage royalpalace.go.kr (Korean, English)
Closed Tuesdays
Admission Fees Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Group (over 10): 2,400 won
Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Group (over 10): 1,200 won

*Admission to Jongmyo Shrine and the Four Palaces in Seoul is operated under the Integrated Ticket of Palaces (KRW 10,000).
Directions Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5.
Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2.
Introduction Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces.

The premises were destroyed by fire during the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919) .

Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond are still relatively in tact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculpture of contemporary art.

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong.

* Tickets for Gyeongbokgung Palace are also valid at the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum.
The National Museum of Korea

Address   137, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가)
Inquiries
  • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
  • For more info: +82-2-2077-9000 (Korean), +82-2-2077-9047(English)
Homepage museum.go.kr (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, German, French, Russian, Vietnamese, Spanish, Thai)
Closed New Year's Day, Every Monday
Programs Available for Foreigners English Guided Tours- 10:30am / 2:30pm (Tue-sun) Japanese Guided Tours- 9:30am (Tue-Fri), 10:30am / 2:30pm (Sat, Sun)
Chinese Guided Tours- 10:30am (Tue-Fri), 10:30am / 2:30pm (Sat, Sun)
Directions Ichon Station (Seoul Subway Line 4 & Jungang Line), Exit 2.
The subway is connected to the museum via an underpass called 박물관 나들길 or Moving Museum.
Introduction The National Museum of Korea is located only 1.5km away from Yongsan Station. It is the largest museum in Korea and houses precious Korean cultural assets that silently tell the story of Korea’s fascinating history, from ancient days to the modern era. The museum, in turn, is close to Yongsan Family Park, a wooded grassland with a pond that serves as a natural habitat for various species of birds, as well as over 80 different kinds of trees. The War Memorial of Korea is located next to Samgakji Station, and 1km from Yongsan Station. It displays a daunting array of collections and wartime relics.

In addition to galleries with a wide array of national and international pieces, the National Museum of Korea is the stage for a number of cultural activities related to relics collection and preservation, research and analysis, social training, academic publications, international cultural exchange programs, concerts, and more. Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to participate in a number of educational events and quality cultural programs. For those who prefer to tour at a leisurely pace, the museum grounds have a number of environmentally friendly spaces and rest areas.

* Mobile Services
The National Museum of Korea offers a state-of-the-art digital guide service to provide a more enjoyable tour of the museum. The digital guide service has a bookmark function and a search function that can be used to obtain more detailed information on specific pieces.
1. Digital Guides are available to visitors aged 14 and over who are able to present a valid ID.
2. Rental Fees: PDA - 3,000 won / MP3 - 1,000 won
3. Rental reservations must be made online 1 day prior to visit (maximum 5 rentals allowed per person).
※ Rentals are provided on the day of visit, only after applying for membership.

* Size of Facilities
6 ground floors / 1 underground floor

* Galleries
Approximately 15,000 Pieces Exhibited
- 3rd Floor: Sculpture and Crafts Gallery
(Buddhist Sculpture, Metal Arts, Celadon, Buncheong Ware, White Porcelain)
Asia Gallery
(Indonesian Art, Central Asian Art, Chinese Art, Nangnang Remains, Relics from Sinan Seabed, Japanese Art)
- 2nd Floor : Calligraphy and Painting Gallery
(Calligraphy, Paintings, Buddhist Paintings, Woodworking),
Donations Gallery (Iuchi Isao Collection, Hachiuma Tadasu Collection, Yoo Chang-jong Collection, Kaneko Kazushige Collection, Choi Young-do & Park Byong-rae Collection, Yu Kang-yul & Park Young-sook Collection, Kim Chong-hak Collection, Lee Hong-kun Collection, Other Collections)
- 1st Floor : Prehistoric and Ancient History Gallery (Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age & Early Iron Age, Proto Three Kingdoms, Goguryeo, Baekje, Gaya, Silla, Unified Silla, Balhae)
Medieval and Early Modern History Gallery (Hangeul, Prints, Inscriptions, Maps, Documents, Kings and their reign, Socio-Economic Life, Traditional Thought, Foreign Relations)

This is one of the places that was visited by the "first ladies" of the G20 Summit in Seoul in November of 2010. This attraction represents the beauty of Korea.
Lotte World

Address   240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 240 (잠실동)
Inquiries 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Homepage www.lotteworld.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Russian, Vietamese, Indonesian, Mongolian)
Closed N/A
Available Facilities 09:30-22:00 (Nighttime admission: 16:00-)
* Closing time may vary each day.
Directions Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 & 8), Exit 4.
Lotte World is directly connected to the station.
Introduction Located in the heart of the city, Lotte World is the perfect spot for entertainment and sightseeing. It is a theme park filled with thrilling rides, an ice rink, different kinds of parades as well as a folk museum, a lake, and much more. About 6,000,000 visitors are welcomed every year, and about 10% of the visitors are foreigners. The structure inside makes use of the natural sunlight, and it is open for visitors all year round, regardless of the weather.

Lotte World is divided into a '’Adventure’ theme once you are inside the building, and outside is a ‘Magic Island’ theme next to Seokchonhosu Lake. Lotte World Adventure has certain districts representing different countries with various kinds of facilities and souvenir shops. You can enjoy watching parades, numerous films, laser shows, and a variety of international cuisines even during the holidays. Magic Island is situated outdoors, where the dazzling Magic Castle is located as well as thrilling high-altitude rides that you can't experience elsewhere. Be sure to also check out the peaceful walking trail around the lake.

One of the major reasons tourists are attracted to Lotte World is the amusement rides. The Gyro Drop and Gyro Swing are the top pleasers– a steep drop with an altitude of 70 meters, or taste the thrilling sensation of being inside a tornado. You may need to take your shoes off before you get on since mostly likely they will come off during the ride. The Flume Ride is a long boat with a high-altitude wave, and the Spanish Pirate Ship swings at an electrifying 75 degrees. Besides the excitement of these rides, Lotte World also contains a variety of parades and laser shows. The 200 performers sing and dance to music in the World Carnival Parade, which adds excitement to the theme park.

After enjoying the rides, don't miss skating on the ice rink as well as visiting the museum. The ice rink is situated indoors on the B3 floor, and is opened throughout the year. Its pleasant atmosphere is perfect for family and couples to enjoy. The hours are from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm, and runs even during the holidays. Its facilities include a restaurant, a ticket booth, a snack bar, a sports shop, a skate rental service, and a changing room.

On the other hand, The Folk Museum is the most popular museum for foreign tourists. Folk cultural items are displayed and the items go back 5,000 years in Korean history as well as miniature villages, and a playground. The museum layout was arranged to attract the visitors' attention and the displays are easily understandable. In addition, audio-visual devices and miniature models will make it more enjoyable.
Online
registration
Online
submission
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