Welcome to Seoul the capital of the Republic of South Korea. For decades the city known as the miracle of the Hun kept its head down barely raising a ripple as the country rebuilt in the decades following the Korean walls. Today Seoul has reemerged as an economic powerhouse and the epicenter of how you. A Korean wave of culture that is sweeping the world's smartphone food halls and dance floors. But, Seoul wasn’t always so outgoing.
In the 14th century, a 12-mile fortress wall encircled Korea’s ancient capital. Its gates closed each night to keep marauding Siberian tigers and invaders at bay. Since then, the city has spilled out far beyond and above its great city gates and Guardian Mountains. 21st century Seoul is a city where glass and steel towers and the ancient curves of palace roofs coexist. It's a city where the brushstrokes of the past and contemporary public art tell stories of tradition and inspiration.
Coming to grips with Seoul's incredible size and sweeping narrative can be a little daunting. So, start your adventure at the K style hub a state-of-the-art visitor center where South Korea's past present and future converge. From the latest in K-Pop to its timeless national parks from the cutting edge of k design to culinary traditions that have taken centuries to perfect. And, while you're here why not slip into the traditional dress dressing up hanbok style doesn't just put you in touch with Korea's proud past.
It also gives you free admission into many of Seoul’s most revered historic places. At the head of Gwanghwamun square sits the gleaming statue of Sejong the great. The15th century joseon dynasty king, whose reign oversaw a golden age of literature of science and technology. The great leader sits before the grandest of Seoul’s five royal palaces. Young book goal the palace of shining happiness a residence of joseon dynasty rulers from the late 1300s until 1910.
The palace has endured fires invasion and Wars. Monda through the palaces ornate gates pavilions halls and throne room which in accordance with Confucian principles are perfectly balanced by the simplicity of the pine-covered mountain backdrop. Take a short bus or subway ride to the east to explore the adjoining houses of Changu and chung-yong go which are separated by a simple stone wall.
In the tranquil confines of Cheung Fong's secret garden sit for a while by the pond where Kings once paused from royal duties and dramas to write poetry beneath the ginkgo walnut and plum trees. To the south at dock Xu gong palace seethe changing of the guard which takes place three times each day. Then, explore the eclectic mix of palace buildings such as the pavilion where coffee-loving king gojong enjoyed his daily cup paving the way for his country's future caffeine obsession.
Just to the west is the last of souls great palaces yoke eagle. A royal refuge in times of unrest. After exploring Seoul's vast temple complexes, see how government officials and ordinary Koreans once lived. At the nam sangil hanok village ancient buildings and traditions have been preserved in one of the most scenic and tranquil areas of Seoul. To see how Seoul's citizens furnished their homes. Visit the Korea furniture Museum in Songbook goo. Here over 2,000 exquisite pieces of practical craftsmanship are displayed within ten traditional houses.
The story of Korean craftsmanship continues at the National Museum of Korea, which houses national treasures such as the tenth story pagoda and priceless white porcelain from the Joseon Era. But, it's in Seoul's busy streets with past and present really rub shoulders. And, whether to Korean loves of shopping and food go hand in hand. Close to Seoul's Great South Gate step into Korea's largest marketplace Nam Daemoon market. Where locals have been bargaining hard for over 600 years.
If you're looking for beauty products join the 1 million shoppers, who stream into neighboring Myung dong each day to hit the 1,000 cosmetic stores. And when your head starts to spin take a snack break from lobster tails to foot-long ice-creams the options here are limitless. A few blocks north is in sa-dong where you can disappear for days amid the labyrinth of antique curio and craft stalls. While just a short bus rides away at the Dom de wood market you could spend months browsing the fashions on offer in the areas 26 malls and 30,000 specialty shops.
Blow the dust off old wares and vintage bargains at the quanzhen traditional market. Then, treat yourself to some of the best Korean pancakes in the city. If you're a seafood lover cross the river to the futuristic Noryangjin fish market. Where the skillful vendors at 700 stores sells slice and cook every kind of seafood imaginable.
Looking for some Gangnam style head just upriver to the samseong-dong whose exclusive boutiques and wide boulevards have made it the Beverly Hills of Seoul. But, it's not all bling in Gangnam you’ll find plenty of bliss here to. Pass-through the gate of truth and spend a few hours in the wooded surrounds of the ball and sob Buddhist temple a peaceful antidote to the fierce pace of souls shopping.
Seoul is filled with quiet spaces also in Gangnam stroll past the stadiums and museums of the 24th Summer Olympics at Olympic Park. A cross the river relax with locals amid the leafy glades of Seoul forest, while just downriver enjoy the pods and playful sculptures at Yongsan Park. Namsun is one of Seoul’s Guardian mountains marking the southern limit of the ancient capital the city has long since grown around it and today the mountain has become one of the city’s favorite green getaways.
At Namsan botanical garden follow the winding paths through fields of wildflowers and pine forests. Then, hike or take the cable car to the peak and take in the sweeping views from the old city walls or from Seoul's iconic tower. Running right through the busy heart of downtown Seoul another landmark has also been given a new lease on life. After centuries of neglect Chong Chon stream has been transformed into a seven-mile corridor of serenity and creativity.
Take time out just a few feet from some of the city's busiest streets in a space so quiet. You can sometimes hear the sweet sounds of birdsong and whispering lovers. Leave the bright lights and noise of the city even further behind amid granite studded peaks of bukhansan national park. Take the 45-minute subway ride from central Seoul and spend the day hiking through the crisp mountain air past ancient temples and rushing streams.
Just 55 miles from Seoul is another day trip which will give you pause for deep reflection. The truce village of Panmunjeom after three years of brutal warfare. It was here in 1953 where the armistice was signed between North and South Korea. From the observation post look out upon the eerie silence of the DMZ, the 2.5mile wide buffer zone that separates the two Koreas. Yet despite the tense atmosphere here there is also a prevailing sense of hope.
On returning to Seoul spend a little time at the War Memorial of Korea to truly appreciate the scale and trauma of the Korean War. A conflict that tore a country in two involved 22 nations and cost millions of lives. Besides, displaying all the usual machinery of war above all this is a place of remembrance longing and determination. When the sun gets low and the city lights up locals gather on the banks of the hunt to see the Bunco Bridge erupt in waves of water and light.
It's in moments like these that South Koreans reflect on life's possibilities and are reminded that they are capable of anything they put their minds imaginations and hearts to and so the Miracle on the Han is certainly proof of that.
In the 14th century, a 12-mile fortress wall encircled Korea’s ancient capital. Its gates closed each night to keep marauding Siberian tigers and invaders at bay. Since then, the city has spilled out far beyond and above its great city gates and Guardian Mountains. 21st century Seoul is a city where glass and steel towers and the ancient curves of palace roofs coexist. It's a city where the brushstrokes of the past and contemporary public art tell stories of tradition and inspiration.
Coming to grips with Seoul's incredible size and sweeping narrative can be a little daunting. So, start your adventure at the K style hub a state-of-the-art visitor center where South Korea's past present and future converge. From the latest in K-Pop to its timeless national parks from the cutting edge of k design to culinary traditions that have taken centuries to perfect. And, while you're here why not slip into the traditional dress dressing up hanbok style doesn't just put you in touch with Korea's proud past.
It also gives you free admission into many of Seoul’s most revered historic places. At the head of Gwanghwamun square sits the gleaming statue of Sejong the great. The15th century joseon dynasty king, whose reign oversaw a golden age of literature of science and technology. The great leader sits before the grandest of Seoul’s five royal palaces. Young book goal the palace of shining happiness a residence of joseon dynasty rulers from the late 1300s until 1910.
The palace has endured fires invasion and Wars. Monda through the palaces ornate gates pavilions halls and throne room which in accordance with Confucian principles are perfectly balanced by the simplicity of the pine-covered mountain backdrop. Take a short bus or subway ride to the east to explore the adjoining houses of Changu and chung-yong go which are separated by a simple stone wall.
In the tranquil confines of Cheung Fong's secret garden sit for a while by the pond where Kings once paused from royal duties and dramas to write poetry beneath the ginkgo walnut and plum trees. To the south at dock Xu gong palace seethe changing of the guard which takes place three times each day. Then, explore the eclectic mix of palace buildings such as the pavilion where coffee-loving king gojong enjoyed his daily cup paving the way for his country's future caffeine obsession.
Just to the west is the last of souls great palaces yoke eagle. A royal refuge in times of unrest. After exploring Seoul's vast temple complexes, see how government officials and ordinary Koreans once lived. At the nam sangil hanok village ancient buildings and traditions have been preserved in one of the most scenic and tranquil areas of Seoul. To see how Seoul's citizens furnished their homes. Visit the Korea furniture Museum in Songbook goo. Here over 2,000 exquisite pieces of practical craftsmanship are displayed within ten traditional houses.
The story of Korean craftsmanship continues at the National Museum of Korea, which houses national treasures such as the tenth story pagoda and priceless white porcelain from the Joseon Era. But, it's in Seoul's busy streets with past and present really rub shoulders. And, whether to Korean loves of shopping and food go hand in hand. Close to Seoul's Great South Gate step into Korea's largest marketplace Nam Daemoon market. Where locals have been bargaining hard for over 600 years.
If you're looking for beauty products join the 1 million shoppers, who stream into neighboring Myung dong each day to hit the 1,000 cosmetic stores. And when your head starts to spin take a snack break from lobster tails to foot-long ice-creams the options here are limitless. A few blocks north is in sa-dong where you can disappear for days amid the labyrinth of antique curio and craft stalls. While just a short bus rides away at the Dom de wood market you could spend months browsing the fashions on offer in the areas 26 malls and 30,000 specialty shops.
Blow the dust off old wares and vintage bargains at the quanzhen traditional market. Then, treat yourself to some of the best Korean pancakes in the city. If you're a seafood lover cross the river to the futuristic Noryangjin fish market. Where the skillful vendors at 700 stores sells slice and cook every kind of seafood imaginable.
Looking for some Gangnam style head just upriver to the samseong-dong whose exclusive boutiques and wide boulevards have made it the Beverly Hills of Seoul. But, it's not all bling in Gangnam you’ll find plenty of bliss here to. Pass-through the gate of truth and spend a few hours in the wooded surrounds of the ball and sob Buddhist temple a peaceful antidote to the fierce pace of souls shopping.
Seoul is filled with quiet spaces also in Gangnam stroll past the stadiums and museums of the 24th Summer Olympics at Olympic Park. A cross the river relax with locals amid the leafy glades of Seoul forest, while just downriver enjoy the pods and playful sculptures at Yongsan Park. Namsun is one of Seoul’s Guardian mountains marking the southern limit of the ancient capital the city has long since grown around it and today the mountain has become one of the city’s favorite green getaways.
At Namsan botanical garden follow the winding paths through fields of wildflowers and pine forests. Then, hike or take the cable car to the peak and take in the sweeping views from the old city walls or from Seoul's iconic tower. Running right through the busy heart of downtown Seoul another landmark has also been given a new lease on life. After centuries of neglect Chong Chon stream has been transformed into a seven-mile corridor of serenity and creativity.
Take time out just a few feet from some of the city's busiest streets in a space so quiet. You can sometimes hear the sweet sounds of birdsong and whispering lovers. Leave the bright lights and noise of the city even further behind amid granite studded peaks of bukhansan national park. Take the 45-minute subway ride from central Seoul and spend the day hiking through the crisp mountain air past ancient temples and rushing streams.
Just 55 miles from Seoul is another day trip which will give you pause for deep reflection. The truce village of Panmunjeom after three years of brutal warfare. It was here in 1953 where the armistice was signed between North and South Korea. From the observation post look out upon the eerie silence of the DMZ, the 2.5mile wide buffer zone that separates the two Koreas. Yet despite the tense atmosphere here there is also a prevailing sense of hope.
On returning to Seoul spend a little time at the War Memorial of Korea to truly appreciate the scale and trauma of the Korean War. A conflict that tore a country in two involved 22 nations and cost millions of lives. Besides, displaying all the usual machinery of war above all this is a place of remembrance longing and determination. When the sun gets low and the city lights up locals gather on the banks of the hunt to see the Bunco Bridge erupt in waves of water and light.
It's in moments like these that South Koreans reflect on life's possibilities and are reminded that they are capable of anything they put their minds imaginations and hearts to and so the Miracle on the Han is certainly proof of that.
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