Why Seoul Is So Hot Right Now| MojoTravels
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Michael Wynands
In South Korea's capital city, new and old co-exist to create a culturally rich experience for travelers of all ages. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top Attractions of Seoul. For this list, we're at the most impressive and historically important sights, as well as more modern attractions in and around this unique city.
The Top Attractions in Seoul
In South Korea’s capital city, new and old co-exist to create a culturally rich experience for travelers of all ages. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top Attractions of Seoul. For this list, we’re at the most impressive and historically important sights, as well as more modern attractions in and around this unique city.
Gyeongbokgung
Constructed in 1395, this impressive complex served as the primary royal palace under the Joseon dynasty until its destruction during the Imjin War, which ended in 1598. In the mid-19th century however, reconstruction was undertaken by order then-Regent of Korea, Heungseon Daewongun, and Gyeongbokgung once again become a major symbol of the nation. Unfortunately, many of the structures were again destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Thankfully, the South Korean government is committed to an ongoing restoration effort which began in 1989. The largest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung is now one of the city’s most popular attractions. The complex is not only visually breathtaking , but is a symbol of the city’s perseverance and proud cultural heritage.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
When you think of popular attractions in major cities, streams are rarely what comes to mind. Canals? Sure! Large parks with artificial lakes? Absolutely! But Seoul definitely stands apart from the pack with the must-visit Cheonggyecheon Stream. Running through downtown Seoul, this historic stream was covered with a freeway in the post-war era. But in 2003, a major restoration effort kicked off, and in 2005, Cheonggyecheon Stream was returned to the city of Seoul. It’s an impressive and enviable feat of urban planning, one that honors the past while embracing modern design principles. Providing a place of serenity in the heart of the city, it features waterfalls, stepping stones, a number of bridges and a fantastic walking path that runs its length.
N Seoul Tower
Located on Namsan Mountain, this communication and observation tower, opened to the public in 1980 provides visitors with a truly one-of-a-kind view of the city. A cable car ride (which is an experience unto itself) takes visitors up the mountain, after which there’s a short walk to the base of the tower, which stands 777 feet tall. The Digital Observatory boasts a 360 degree view of the city, but that’s not all it offers in terms of attractions. There’s also a number of restaurants, a sky restroom and an immersive media art exhibit!
National Museum of Korea
Since relocating to Seoul’s Yongsan District in 2005, this art and history museum welcomes millions of visitors each year, making it among the world’s most popular museums, and the single most popular institution of its kind in South Korea. Through the wide variety of artefacts on display, museum visitors can get a better understanding and appreciation for Korean history, dating back to ancient times. If you’re somebody who likes to get the most out of a museum visit, be sure to download the museum’s dedicated app, which provides added context via an audioguide. The museum is located within Yongsan Family Park, a beautiful natural space for which you should also allocate some time to explore.
Bukhansan National Park
Speaking of parks, nature lovers visiting Seoul will definitely want to set aside a day to go explore the fantastic Bukhansan National Park, which is located just outside the city. In fact, it’s close enough that should you choose to hike the mountain, you’ll be treated to a truly breathtaking view of the metropolis in the distance. The park is also home to a number of temples, and beautiful scenery, including crystal clear streams and waterfalls that dot the landscape. There are numerous hikes for people at different fitness levels, but Bogukmun Course makes for a nice, relatively easy hike. Bukhansanseong Course is a bit more challenging, but nonetheless easy enough for most travelers.
Banpo Bridge
Seoul made the Han River-spanning Banpo Bridge into an absolute must-see with the addition of the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain in 2009. Water is pumped directly from the river and shot back into it from above out of a series of high powered jets that run along the length of the bridge. Coordinated to move in time with music, and made even more visually interesting after nightfall with addition of LED lights, these jets come together to make for a captivating display. The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is the longest bridge fountain in the world, and the shows, which last 15 to 20 minutes, occur daily from April through October.
Jogyesa Temple
Located in downtown Seoul, this temple is a testament to the enduring importance of Buddhism in Korean culture. Since 1936, it has served as the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, though the earliest version of the temple dates all the way back to 1395. Among some of the most popular sights here include three Buddha statues inside the Daeungjeon Hall, as well as the ancient white pine tree. For those with a serious interest in Buddhism, it’s actually possible to partake in a temple stay, which entails participating in meditation, a tea ceremony and learning about Buddhism practice and history. If possible, try to visit during the lantern festival which is held in honor of Buddha’s birthday.
Korean Demilitarized Zone
Perhaps never in history have two neighboring nations been more politically different than North Korea and South Korea. Due to the history of conflict between the two, the DMZ (demilitarized zone) that separates the two makes for a fascinating visit. Because while it’s nice to go and marvel at South Korea’s many historic buildings and indulge in their fantastic cuisine, engaging with the nation’s more recent history is equally important to understanding modern-day Seoul. The area is generally considered to be very safe because of a ceasefire agreement reached in 1953, but that can always (sadly) change. Located about 30 miles north of Seoul, the main attractions in and around the area include the Freedom Bridge and the DMZ museum.
Changdeokgung
Remember earlier when we said that Gyeongbokgung was just one of five Grand Palaces in Seoul? Well, this is the second largest one in the city. Also known as the East Palace, Changdeokgung is often described as being the most beautiful of the Five Grand Palaces, in no small part thanks to Huwon, the “Secret Garden”. The complex was built in such a way as to make the buildings blend in with the beautiful landscape to create a serene atmosphere. Today, that ambience is preserved by limiting the number of guests, so be sure to book ahead of time or get there early to join one of the tours.
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
A prison isn’t everyone’s idea of a must-see destination. But considering Korea’s history of occupation, we think it’s a worthy attraction to fully appreciate the country’s last century of history. Seodaemun Prison, previously known as Keijo Prison, was used by the Colonial Japanese rulers to imprison Korean activists fighting for independence. It served this purpose from the annexation of Korea in 1910 until 1945, after which it became a more conventional prison run by the Korean government. Today it’s part of the Seodaemun Independence Park, and a number of the prison’s buildings have been converted into a museum about the occupation.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
We’ve focused a lot on Seoul’s historic attractions on today’s list, but it’s important to recognize that the City is also on the cutting edge of many frontiers, including design and architecture. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP for short, was completed in 2011 at a cost of nearly half a billion dollars. The building itself, designed by Zaha Hadid, is an architectural marvel and work of art in its own right. Constructed around the principles of “transparency, porousness, and durability”, it boasts many ecologically-minded design elements. Inside,the various halls host conventions, exhibitions, design labs, concerts and more. Seoul is often described as a trendy 24-hour city on the cutting edge. And in this regard, Dongdaemun Design Plaza feels like the modern heart of the city.
In South Korea’s capital city, new and old co-exist to create a culturally rich experience for travelers of all ages. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top Attractions of Seoul. For this list, we’re at the most impressive and historically important sights, as well as more modern attractions in and around this unique city.
Gyeongbokgung
Constructed in 1395, this impressive complex served as the primary royal palace under the Joseon dynasty until its destruction during the Imjin War, which ended in 1598. In the mid-19th century however, reconstruction was undertaken by order then-Regent of Korea, Heungseon Daewongun, and Gyeongbokgung once again become a major symbol of the nation. Unfortunately, many of the structures were again destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Thankfully, the South Korean government is committed to an ongoing restoration effort which began in 1989. The largest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung is now one of the city’s most popular attractions. The complex is not only visually breathtaking , but is a symbol of the city’s perseverance and proud cultural heritage.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
When you think of popular attractions in major cities, streams are rarely what comes to mind. Canals? Sure! Large parks with artificial lakes? Absolutely! But Seoul definitely stands apart from the pack with the must-visit Cheonggyecheon Stream. Running through downtown Seoul, this historic stream was covered with a freeway in the post-war era. But in 2003, a major restoration effort kicked off, and in 2005, Cheonggyecheon Stream was returned to the city of Seoul. It’s an impressive and enviable feat of urban planning, one that honors the past while embracing modern design principles. Providing a place of serenity in the heart of the city, it features waterfalls, stepping stones, a number of bridges and a fantastic walking path that runs its length.
N Seoul Tower
Located on Namsan Mountain, this communication and observation tower, opened to the public in 1980 provides visitors with a truly one-of-a-kind view of the city. A cable car ride (which is an experience unto itself) takes visitors up the mountain, after which there’s a short walk to the base of the tower, which stands 777 feet tall. The Digital Observatory boasts a 360 degree view of the city, but that’s not all it offers in terms of attractions. There’s also a number of restaurants, a sky restroom and an immersive media art exhibit!
National Museum of Korea
Since relocating to Seoul’s Yongsan District in 2005, this art and history museum welcomes millions of visitors each year, making it among the world’s most popular museums, and the single most popular institution of its kind in South Korea. Through the wide variety of artefacts on display, museum visitors can get a better understanding and appreciation for Korean history, dating back to ancient times. If you’re somebody who likes to get the most out of a museum visit, be sure to download the museum’s dedicated app, which provides added context via an audioguide. The museum is located within Yongsan Family Park, a beautiful natural space for which you should also allocate some time to explore.
Bukhansan National Park
Speaking of parks, nature lovers visiting Seoul will definitely want to set aside a day to go explore the fantastic Bukhansan National Park, which is located just outside the city. In fact, it’s close enough that should you choose to hike the mountain, you’ll be treated to a truly breathtaking view of the metropolis in the distance. The park is also home to a number of temples, and beautiful scenery, including crystal clear streams and waterfalls that dot the landscape. There are numerous hikes for people at different fitness levels, but Bogukmun Course makes for a nice, relatively easy hike. Bukhansanseong Course is a bit more challenging, but nonetheless easy enough for most travelers.
Banpo Bridge
Seoul made the Han River-spanning Banpo Bridge into an absolute must-see with the addition of the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain in 2009. Water is pumped directly from the river and shot back into it from above out of a series of high powered jets that run along the length of the bridge. Coordinated to move in time with music, and made even more visually interesting after nightfall with addition of LED lights, these jets come together to make for a captivating display. The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is the longest bridge fountain in the world, and the shows, which last 15 to 20 minutes, occur daily from April through October.
Jogyesa Temple
Located in downtown Seoul, this temple is a testament to the enduring importance of Buddhism in Korean culture. Since 1936, it has served as the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, though the earliest version of the temple dates all the way back to 1395. Among some of the most popular sights here include three Buddha statues inside the Daeungjeon Hall, as well as the ancient white pine tree. For those with a serious interest in Buddhism, it’s actually possible to partake in a temple stay, which entails participating in meditation, a tea ceremony and learning about Buddhism practice and history. If possible, try to visit during the lantern festival which is held in honor of Buddha’s birthday.
Korean Demilitarized Zone
Perhaps never in history have two neighboring nations been more politically different than North Korea and South Korea. Due to the history of conflict between the two, the DMZ (demilitarized zone) that separates the two makes for a fascinating visit. Because while it’s nice to go and marvel at South Korea’s many historic buildings and indulge in their fantastic cuisine, engaging with the nation’s more recent history is equally important to understanding modern-day Seoul. The area is generally considered to be very safe because of a ceasefire agreement reached in 1953, but that can always (sadly) change. Located about 30 miles north of Seoul, the main attractions in and around the area include the Freedom Bridge and the DMZ museum.
Changdeokgung
Remember earlier when we said that Gyeongbokgung was just one of five Grand Palaces in Seoul? Well, this is the second largest one in the city. Also known as the East Palace, Changdeokgung is often described as being the most beautiful of the Five Grand Palaces, in no small part thanks to Huwon, the “Secret Garden”. The complex was built in such a way as to make the buildings blend in with the beautiful landscape to create a serene atmosphere. Today, that ambience is preserved by limiting the number of guests, so be sure to book ahead of time or get there early to join one of the tours.
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
A prison isn’t everyone’s idea of a must-see destination. But considering Korea’s history of occupation, we think it’s a worthy attraction to fully appreciate the country’s last century of history. Seodaemun Prison, previously known as Keijo Prison, was used by the Colonial Japanese rulers to imprison Korean activists fighting for independence. It served this purpose from the annexation of Korea in 1910 until 1945, after which it became a more conventional prison run by the Korean government. Today it’s part of the Seodaemun Independence Park, and a number of the prison’s buildings have been converted into a museum about the occupation.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
We’ve focused a lot on Seoul’s historic attractions on today’s list, but it’s important to recognize that the City is also on the cutting edge of many frontiers, including design and architecture. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP for short, was completed in 2011 at a cost of nearly half a billion dollars. The building itself, designed by Zaha Hadid, is an architectural marvel and work of art in its own right. Constructed around the principles of “transparency, porousness, and durability”, it boasts many ecologically-minded design elements. Inside,the various halls host conventions, exhibitions, design labs, concerts and more. Seoul is often described as a trendy 24-hour city on the cutting edge. And in this regard, Dongdaemun Design Plaza feels like the modern heart of the city.
