Seoul: Essentials

Throughout Seoul, you will find a harmonious mix of the old and the new. Temples and palaces from centuries ago exist side by tall modern buildings. If you want to see a little bit more of Korea's past, here are two palaces you can visit:

Gyeongbokgung PALACE

A little bit of info from the KTO site:

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919). 

While you're here, check out the Gwanghwamun Square, right across the Gyeongbokgung Palace. There is a huge statue of King Sejong and my favorite Korean historical figure, Yi Sun Shin. Have you seen the movie The Admiral: Roaring Currents? Awesome movie if you have time. Anyway, I digress. If you want to know more about the achievements of Korea in the Joseon dynasty, there is a King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall under the Gwanghwamun Square that you can visit for free. 

 

DEOKSUGUNG PALACE

Another palace you might want to consider is the Deoksugung Palace. You can catch the changing of the guards ceremony which happens three times a day. When we went here we saw lots of kids on their field trip. There's an entrance fee of 1,000 Korean Won, which is like a $1. Totally worth it.

 

DongDaemun design Plaza
281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
www.ddp.or.kr/main

The structure itself is reason enough to go. This urban landmark was designed by Zaha Hadid and is probably one of the most instagrammable places in Seoul. There are exhibits, interactive installations, restaurants, and shops. Seoul Fashion Week is held here too, so if you're in Seoul around that time you'll probably enjoy people and fashion watching. 

The LED Rose Garden is a permanent exhibition in the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This may seem familiar for K-Drama lovers because it's been featured in a number of well-loved dramas. One of my personal favorites - She Was Pretty - had a memorable scene here. 

While you're in the Dongdaemun area, do some major shopping at Doota, right across the DDP. The stuff they have here are very trendy and unique, and they have something for everyone. The prices can be a little higher than the other fashion malls in the area like Migliore, but the quality of the goods are definitely better. The best part is that it's open from 10:30 AM to 5:00 AM the next day (except Mondays). I wish I had photos to show what it looks inside but I couldn't find any! 

Doota's Holiday decor is too cute. They also had a spot where you can send postcards featuring these characters to anyone, anywhere in the world.

 

N Seoul Tower
105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
www.nseoultower.co.kr

N Seoul Tower: the place that launched our Korean fascination. This is the place I so wanted to visit after watching Boys Over Flowers. To get to the tower, you can either take the cable car or you can hike up the mountain. It goes without saying that we took the cable car. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and the popular love locks. The view of Seoul from up here is breathtaking.

During one of our visits to the N Seoul Tower, they were even lending out Hanboks for free. 

 

SSAMZIGIL
44 INSADONG-GIL, GWANHUN-DONG, JONGNO-GU, SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
www.ssamzigil.co.KR

Insa-dong is the place to go if you are interested in traditional Korean culture. The area is filled with art galleries and shops that showcase Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures to pottery and the like. There are also traditional tea houses, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

If you're in the area, make sure to visit Ssamziegil, a shopping complex that is the centerpiece of Insa-dong. Ssamziegil was designed in such a way that each level is connected in the form of continuous walkway, it's pretty amazing. Each of the shops here sell unique wares ranging from paper products to plants to clothes and accessories. There are several snack bars and cafes and when you reach the top level, you will find a Sky Garden.

Try the poop bread - it comes with different kinds of fillings. We tried the nutella and red bean ones and they were tasty!

 

CHEONGGYECHEON STREAM
Taepyeong-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

Cheonggyecheon Stream used to be A neglected waterway but after a massive restoration project in 2005, it has transformed into a haven of natural beauty amidst the bustle of city life. The stream starts from Cheonggye Plaza, a popular cultural arts venue, and passes under 22 bridges before flowing into the Han River.

We were lucky to catch the Seoul Lantern Festival which is held from the first Friday of November to the third Sunday of November during one of our trips. There was a lantern parade, the stream was filled with lights of various themes, and there were various activities along the stretch of the stream.

During the winter holidays, the stream is also lit up with Christmas decorations and there are temporary shops and food stalls in the Cheonggye Plaza. 

They have an activity area where you can write down your wishes for the coming new year, light up a candle, place it on a floating contraption and send it out into the stream for good luck.