Favorite entertainment spots for young people in Seoul (Korea). What you can see in Seoul - the city of spicy cuisine, skyscrapers and ancient markets City park near the Han River

Asia

Like any other capital, Seoul has plenty of entertainment for tourists of all ages. Young travelers looking to see the cultural and entertainment heart of Seoul should head to Daehanno street. Once upon a time it was an ordinary street on which the capital's University was located. Now it is a youth entertainment district, a place where you can plunge into the theatrical life of Seoul. Marronniere Park, located in the center of Taehanno, plays a key role in the life of the street. It is on its territory that numerous theater companies of the capital hold their live performances and dance performances. It is especially interesting to watch the performance of the artists of the small Pharansae (Blue Bird) theater. After watching the play, you can always sit in a cozy cafe or bar, of which there are many on the street. The atmosphere in this part of the city is dizzying and calming.

For those who come to Seoul with the whole family, there are several amusement parks to choose from. If your stay in Seoul is not limited to two or three days, then you can gradually visit all the entertainment centers. Those travelers who have limited free time will face a difficult choice, but showing children the fun and exciting side of Seoul is essential.

Lotte World Park

South Korea's largest indoor entertainment complex is located in the popular youth area of Songpa-gu in southeastern Seoul. The size of the complex is so large that you can fly inside it in an improvised hot air balloon. This pleasure costs 3000 won.

In addition to thematic areas with many different attractions, the park contains an Ethnographic Museum, an ice skating rink and a picturesque lake. The entertainment center itself is divided into two parts: internal - under a glass roof and external - in the open air. The indoor part of the park is dedicated to adventure and consists of several sectors. Four floors with all kinds of carousels, slides and amusements await brave visitors. You can change the scenery and cool down a little at the ice skating rink, located on the underground floor of the complex. A visit to the ice skating rink can be done independently, then you will not need to buy a ticket to the complex, but will only need to pay for skate rental. You can only skate on the skating rink wearing gloves. For uninformed tourists, there is a rental point near the skating rink. Knee pads and a helmet are provided free of charge, but for skates and gloves you will have to pay 6,000 won.

The second half of the open-air park is called Magic Island. The attractions located in this part of the complex are more serious. Only those who pass a height control can perform a bandage jump or experience the sensations of a free fall. For the rest, the island has prepared rides on a swing tree, toy cars and a boat ride on the lake.

The Ethnographic Museum located in the park also attracts tourists. While adults get acquainted with exhibits dedicated to the culture and history of Korea, children can spend time on the playground located here. A smaller copy of a traditional Korean village is also presented in the museum. Entrance to the museum is free for visitors.

Every day, the Carnival of the Nations of the World takes place in the inner part of the park. This fiery, colorful performance fascinates children. Little travelers are not at all embarrassed by the fact that all the action is in Korean. They understand everything that is happening even without translation. The carnival starts at 14:00. As darkness falls just before closing, visitors will be treated to another surprise - a laser show that starts at 21:30.

There are many restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops on the territory of the complex. Hungry kids can always be fed in a food court, pizzeria or cozy cafe.

Lotte World is open daily all year round from 9:30 to 22:00. Admission to all attractions for the whole day (excluding the balloon ride, ice skating rink, rock climbing and mirror maze) costs 31,000 won for an adult and 25,000 won for a child. Children under three years old walk in the park for free. You can save money by purchasing a part-day ticket (from 16:00 or 19:00 until closing). For an adult, such a ticket costs 26,000 and 17,000 won respectively. Child ticket prices drop to 20,000 and 13,000 won.

The entertainment center is located at Jamsil-dong 40-1. You can get to the park using the metro (lines 2 and 8), get off at Jamsil station.

Everland Park

In the suburbs of Seoul there is another large amusement park. Its design is very reminiscent of Disneyland. The park is divided into thematic zones, plus there is a zoo and a water park on its territory.

At Zootopia visitors have the opportunity to meet not only animals from all over the world, but also visit the Dog Village. In this unusual place, children are invited to play with funny puppies of various breeds. It is quite difficult to take a child away from cute dogs.

In aquapark Tourists will find a wave pool, an adventure pool and a diving pool, slides (among which the longest is 1092 meters long) and an artificial river. On a hot day, not only children, but also adults have fun in the water. As for me, it is impossible to squeeze a visit to park and water attractions into one day.

The park has an area called the Global Fair. This is where you can have a snack and buy souvenirs. But it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to leave this part of the park without a bag of sweets. Numerous bright shops with sweets and cookies attract little travelers like a magnet.

The park is located at Everland-Ro, 199 in Yongin. You can get to it from Seoul by bus No. 5002. The park is open daily from 10:000 to 22:00. An adult ticket to the park costs 46,000 won, and a child ticket costs 36,000 won.

Aquariums in Seoul

In addition to amusement parks, you can have a good time with the whole family in one of the aquariums in Seoul. More interesting, in my opinion, is the oceanarium located in the COEX shopping and entertainment center. You can get to the shopping center by metro. The aquarium is home to about 40,000 living organisms. Some of them can be observed while in a glass underwater tunnel or near one of the pools.

In total, the aquarium has 14 exhibition halls. Children's rooms are especially interesting for young visitors. In the Click or Touch Room, kids can touch the safe sea creatures swimming in the shallow pool. More daring kids are invited to stick their hand into a hole in the wall and by touch determine who is hiding there. It is mainly boys who decide to take this action.

Inspecting all the halls of the oceanarium takes about two hours. The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. A visit to the aquarium for an adult will cost 22,000 won, and a child ticket costs 16,000 won.

Seoul from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Seoul.

Last minute tours to South Korea
Tours for the New Year Worldwide

In order to fully experience what Seoul is like, you need to climb higher - to a mountain or one of the famous high-rise buildings. From there, from a bird's eye view, you can't take in the city at a glance. Bizarrely shaped high-rise buildings grow upward and wider, helicopters soar from the roofs, and when it gets dark, the neon on every sign turns on and goes wild, making it seem as if a time machine has worked and a distant, fantastic future has arrived. And go lower - and ancient palaces, tiny, graceful temples and blooming gardens appear before your eyes.

It is this triumph of industrialization, combined with deep respect for antiquity, that makes Seoul beautiful - most recently one of the most oppressed and ruined cities in the world.

The name “Seoul” translates as “capital”; the city received this name quite recently - in the mid-20th century, when the country gained independence.

How to get to Seoul

There are few ways to get to Seoul - only a plane or a train-ferry connection. Direct flights can be found in the schedule of Moscow Sheremetyevo, mainly with transfers to fly from St. Petersburg. Those who do not like to travel by air will first have to travel by train to Vladivostok (which is almost a week on the road), then take a ferry to Donghae and only from there head for Seoul.

Search for flights to Incheon (the closest airport to Seoul)

Districts of Seoul

Seoul is divided into two parts by the Hangam River. Historical attractions and business districts are located mainly in the center and on the northern bank; areas south of the river are considered residential. There are 25 districts in the city, the most expensive of which are Gangnam-gu, Jung-gu and Jongno-gu. The last two are part of the old city; the most ancient Seoul attractions are concentrated here. Gangnam, south of the river, is considered one of the most prosperous areas, replete with signs of luxury hotels. It is also the business center of the city.

Another expensive district of sparkling offices is Yeongdeungpo-gu. Above it rises the “golden tower” Yuksam Building. Tourists rush to the Yongsan-gu area, across the river, to look at the most international street in Seoul - Itaewon.

The western and eastern neighbors of Yongsan-gu are still central, but much more budget-friendly areas in terms of living: Mapo-gu, Seodaemun-gu, Sondong-gu, Dongdaemun-gu. The latter is known as the “Russian quarter”; there are many eye-catching signs here, and even some Koreans speak Russian at the very least. People come to Seongdong for the opportunity to relax from the hustle and bustle in the Seoul Forest.

Dongjakku and Sochogu (or rather, their northern quarters) are interesting for their proximity to the center of the district; there are many attractions here: the tombs of six vassals or Servite - an artificial island designed in the shape of a flower.

In search of inexpensive housing, you can consider the periphery. It's a long way to get to the center, but Seoul is a metropolis. But in terms of security in the city, everything is consistently good.

Transport

As part of the fight against traffic jams, the Seoul administration has made every effort to make public transport convenient and punctual. The varied traffic patterns may confuse an inexperienced tourist, but there is nothing to worry about - in fact, this system is very convenient, once you take a ride.

Metro

Each line of the Seoul metro has its own color and number, and the lobbies are filled with signs, including those in English, so you won’t be able to get lost in the local subway.

Tickets can be purchased from machines located near the turnstiles. A single trip costs 1250 KRW. In addition to the cost of the card, the bill acceptor will “ask” for a deposit of 500 KRW. To return it at the exit, you need to insert the ticket into the device labeled “deposit return device.” Prices on the page are as of August 2018.

Buses

Multi-colored buses are the most popular transport in Seoul. They avoid traffic jams thanks to dedicated lines and deliver passengers to any corner of the city. Yellow buses run in the business part of the city and surrounding areas. Green and red buses are delivered to residential areas and metro stations, the latter go even further out of the city. Blue routes connect the suburbs with the business center. Ticket prices range from 800 to 1800 KRW.

Taxis and bicycles

Almost all taxi drivers in Seoul accept transport and bank cards for payment, many speak English

Seoul taxis stand out in the traffic with a bright orange color. For landing and the first kilometers the fee is 1800-2200 KRW, then about 600 KRW per km. At night, rates increase by 20%. Passengers are offered increased comfort in Deluxe taxis (black with a yellow stripe), where prices are twice as high, but are stable at any time of the day.

Seoul's parks are great for cycling. An hour of rental costs 4000-6000 KRW, the whole one costs 10,000-12,000 KRW.

Transport cards

It’s convenient and profitable to move around Seoul with a refillable t-money card worth 2500 KRW. It is sold in the metro, airport, shops and allows you to travel on the subway, bus and even by taxi cheaper than in cash. Unspent balance can be returned.

Another transport card is the Seoul City Pass, which gives you the right to make up to 20 trips per day on any type of transport, including taxis. The card has a limited validity period of 1, 2 or 3 days and is non-refundable. The cost of the pass is from 15,000 to 30,000 KRW.

A variation of the Seoul City Pass is the refillable Seoul City Pass Plus card. In public transport it works like t-money and makes travel 100 KRW cheaper. In addition, the holder of a card marked Plus will receive good discounts on restaurants and attractions. The remaining balance on the card can be returned.

Maps of Seoul

Rent a Car

The decision to move around Seoul in a rented car will provide the tourist with freedom in choosing a route, but will also add headaches. Despite the large-scale fight against traffic jams that the city authorities are actively pursuing, traffic congestion is not uncommon.

As part of the same struggle, several years ago the number of parking lots in the central areas of the city was significantly reduced, the cost of parking increased to 2000 KRW, and movement restrictions were introduced on some roads.

But the motivation to get behind the wheel in Seoul is also serious - after all, just an hour’s drive from the city is the Yellow Sea, and in the east there are the most picturesque mountains and waterfalls.

The international company Avis has a representative office in Seoul; among the locals, AJ rentacar and Lotte rent-a-car received decent reviews. Daily car rental will cost 50,000-70,000 KRW. A liter of gasoline costs 1400 KRW.

Communications and Wi-Fi

In South Korea, communication standards are different from the GSM we are used to. Most smartphones will switch to the new operating mode without problems, but unpleasant surprises are possible. City guests left without communication are helped out by a gadget rental service. In Seoul you can rent a phone, a SIM card and even a pocket Wi-Fi - Seoul WiFi Egg. The most famous mobile operators in the city are Olleh and SK Telecom.

The cost of renting gadgets and SIM cards may seem excessive - from 5,000 KRW per day just for a router and from 20,000 KRW for a week’s use of a phone. If your smartphone has become friends with Korean standards, you can try using Wi-Fi.

Moreover, very soon the issue of free Internet in Seoul will lose relevance - the mayor of the city promised universal Wi-Fi by 2017. Now there is a signal in the subway, most restaurants and hotels, tourist places and shopping centers. Login may be required to login. On the streets, free Internet is shared by ipTIME and Seoul Free Wi-Fi.

In July 2016, Seoul authorities installed compact hydroelectric power stations for charging tablets and smartphones on the banks of the city's Cheonggyecheon stream, which runs right through the center of the capital. They are free to use.

Beaches of Seoul

For the joys of a beach holiday, Seoulites travel to the west of the city - to the Yellow Sea. The journey is short - just over an hour by car. You can also get there by public transport, it will take about two hours. You need to go towards Incheon Airport, and then transfer to buses. Routes No. 302, 306, 301, 111 go to the most popular beach, “Eirwangni”. A sightseeing bus will also take you to the beach; it awaits passengers on the Incheon platform No. 13.

“Yrvanni” is famous for its beautiful views; tourists are especially impressed by the low tides, when the sea exposes hundreds of meters of sand strewn with crabs and shellfish.

The entrance to the water is gentle and shallow near the shore, so it’s good to relax on the beach with children.

Or you can get off a stop later and relax on the small and less crowded Uansan Beach. Both recreation areas are well-equipped, umbrellas, sun loungers and numerous cafes are available to vacationers.

There is no charge for relaxing on the beach; you will have to pay about 25,000 KRW for a sunbed or umbrella.

On the route of the tourist bus there is a stop “Sammok Pier”. From there, ferries depart to the cluster of islands of Shindo, Sido and Modo. In Shindo, a very pleasant place for a secluded holiday is the sandy Sugi Beach. The islands are connected to each other by bridges; on each of them there are picturesque corners where you can sunbathe in silence and enjoy excellent views of the sea.

Treatment in Seoul

South Korea's healthcare system is considered one of the most efficient in the world. According to the Russian Medical Tourism Association, the most popular services among foreigners in 2015 were the treatment of gastrointestinal problems and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, Korea is famous for its achievements in the field of dermatology, surgery (including plastic surgery), and oncology.

Samsung Medical Center has an impeccable reputation in Seoul. It provides assistance in oncology and demonstrates high performance in the field of cardiovascular diseases, surgery and transplantation. The cardiac surgery center of the ASAN Medical Center has proven itself to be excellent. The Severance clinic has an impressive history, where robotic surgery is successfully used to treat cancer.

Treatment prices correspond to the quality of services provided. A basic examination will cost 500,000-600,000 KRW, oncological diagnostics will cost from 1,700,000 KRW.

And a little exotic. According to studies, half of the population of South Korea resorts to herbal medicine and acupuncture - traditional Korean methods of treatment. It makes sense to schedule a visit to one of the specialized clinics. This will at least relieve fatigue, and maybe even convince you of the miraculousness of alternative medicine.

Life in Seoul

Seoul Hotels

Seoul offers travelers a wide choice of different accommodation options - to suit every taste and budget. An economical and at the same time a good option are small hotels in Yeogwan. The range of services is minimal.

The cost of living in 3* hotels in the central regions starts from 60,000 KRW. A standard room in a five-star hotel in the luxurious areas of Junggu, Jongno-gu and Gangnam will cost 100,000-150,000 KRW, for a suite they will ask for 500,000-600,000 KRW.

Some tourists choose a very exotic accommodation option, or rather, overnight stays in Korean saunas - jjimjilbang. Everyone is provided with sleeping places. In the morning you can take a shower, leave your things in the storage room until the evening, or take them with you to spend the next night in another bathhouse. Prices start from 7000 KRW per night.

When booking, we recommend paying attention to the availability of a bed at the hotel. Traditionally, Koreans sleep on the floor, so a hard bed in a hotel is not uncommon. If you prefer mattresses and pillows, you should discuss this issue with the administration.

Shopping

Wherever a tourist goes in Seoul, there will definitely be a market or two on his way, or even a whole shopping district cooler than the Moroccan medina.

First of all, shopaholics flock to the Myeongdong area, where every square meter is occupied by shops. Here you can buy everything: from clothes to interior items. Myeongdong is famous for its abundance of affordable brands; high-quality Korean cosmetics are widely represented in stores.

Another multi-brand and inexpensive place in Seoul is Itaewon Street. Foreigners live and work here, so the stalls are perhaps the most exotic. Itaewon is worth a look for leather and fur goods, as well as men's suits.

Well, luxury shopping awaits guests in Gangnam-gu district. Luxury boutiques proudly line Apgujeong's Rodeo Road, Galleria Shopping Centre. Another area of expensive shopping in the area is Cheongdam. A must visit is the COEX shopping and entertainment center.

Traditional Korean souvenirs can be found on Insadong Street. This is a pleasant place for walking, like Moscow's Arbat. Here tourists will be offered porcelain, textiles, jewelry, handmade trinkets, and art objects.

A visit to the Seoul market can be regarded as an excursion. These are not just trading platforms; some, for example, Namdaemun and Dongdaemun, are quite ancient and introduce tourists to Korean life and traditions. People go to Yongsan Market for famous Korean electronics.

Sales in Seoul occur in December-January and in the summer. A shopping festival is held in August, during which discounts on goods reach 60%. At stores with the "Global Blue TAX FREE" or "Global TAX FREE" logo, be sure to ask for a tax refund receipt. The standard VAT rate is 10%. The seller may ask for a copy of your passport.

Cuisine and restaurants of Seoul

Seoul is a very tasty city. There are entire “specialized quarters” in it, in each of which they have learned to masterfully prepare a specific dish. For example, the Changchungdong area is famous for its jekjeokpal pork feet, and Sindandong for its tteokbokki rice cakes in hot pepper sauce.

Note to all foodies: excellent restaurants are located on the streets: Samcheongdong, Itaewon, Apgujeong, Chongro, Sinchon, Myeongdong and Idae (Ewha Women's University area). Young people should take a look at Gangnam Street, and those aesthetes who pay attention not only to the taste and quality of dishes, but also to the style, design and interior of the establishment - a direct route to Insadong Street.

Prices for food in restaurants vary depending on the type of establishment. Thus, the average bill in budget fast food stores, street kiosks or fast food restaurants will be from 2000 to 9000 KRW, in mid-price restaurants - from 8000 to 15000 KRW.

The best photos of Seoul

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

All 57 photos of Seoul

Guides in Seoul

Entertainment and attractions in Seoul

Seoul is a city of contrasts. Business centers are close to ancient temples, historical sights are surrounded by a scattering of high-rise buildings, and ultra-modern interchanges around the corner give way to tranquil park landscapes.

Palaces

According to legend, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, Lee Seong-gye, could not choose a place to build his residence for a long time. For some reason, he listened to a simple plowman and went to the north of Seoul, where he built a grandiose palace. In earlier times, it was built as a country villa and therefore it looks modest.

The architecture of Seoul palaces may seem arbitrary, the objects are so softly integrated into the overall picture. But if you study the issue and take a closer look, it becomes clear that during construction they not only observed a strict hierarchy, but also took into account the principles of Confucianism and even the location of the stars.

Skyscrapers

Seoul buildings are impressive not only in history, but also in scale. You can evaluate them by clicking a camera, but it is much more interesting to test yourself for a phobia and climb to the sky - to the observation deck of one of the skyscrapers. The most famous high-rise building in Seoul is the Yuksam Building, whose elevator rises at a speed of 54 m/s. The “upper cloud” restaurant in Jongno Tower takes your breath away. A popular spot is the Seoul Tower, which offers stunning views of the city.

Temples

Seoul's Buddhist temples are a must-see. At least one - Chogyesa. The monks offer Temple Life - residential programs for tourists. The most ancient of all Confucian cathedrals in Korea, Jongmyo Temple is amazingly beautiful. It was erected in honor of the rulers of the Joseon dynasty, and its decoration is appropriate, worthy of royalty.

There are also many museums in Seoul. A visit to the War Memorial of the Republic of Korea will be unforgettable. And the most complete picture of the country is provided by the National Museum of Korea (website with an English version), which has a collection of 220,000 exhibits.

Folk village

The folk village, located 50 minutes from Seoul, consists of houses typical of different Korean provinces. Street performances, “wedding ceremonies”, “funeral processions”, circus acts, kite flying competitions, folk dances and competitions in traditional sports are regularly held there.

8 things to do in Seoul

Buy red ginseng at the market to live forever.
Become a monk for a couple of days, settling in a temple, and discover Buddhism as a comfortable philosophy.
Stop by a Korean bathhouse for a peeling procedure and look 10 years younger.
Spend the night on the floor of a traditional Korean hanok house in Bukchon Hanok Village.
Throw a coin into the “moon rainbow” on the Banpo Fountain Bridge.
Become an apprentice to a tea master.
Drink local sweet potato soju vodka, forget the snack (only 20°!) and be carried away into another reality.
Buy something incredibly cheap, fly away, and then think that you should have bought more.

Seoul for children

Seoul is home to one of the world's largest theme parks, providing a better reason to go on holiday with children. Moreover, the city is always happy to welcome little guests and is ready to receive them. Transport is adapted to move strollers, and even the metro has its own kind of children's rooms.

So, Lotte World is a grandiose structure (visible from space!), where there is fun for every taste and age. Little ones are greeted here by fairy-tale characters, countless trains and carousels. Older children will appreciate the year-round skating rink, as well as the opportunity to soar up to the very dome of the building in a hot air balloon. Exciting attractions will be found on the Magic Island. Of these, the most “crazy” are “Gyro-Drop” and “Gyro-Swing” - a fall from a 70-meter height and an adventure inside a tornado.

Kids and adults will love Coex Aquarium - the largest aquarium in Korea. Tens of thousands of fish and marine animals became inhabitants of 90 observation aquariums. The most exciting experience awaits visitors to the tunnel with sharks and sea turtles.

A smaller, but still impressive aquarium is located in the basement of the Yuksam Building skyscraper. There are shows with seals, penguins and sea lions.

In good weather, we recommend taking a ride to the Grand Park, which is located south of Seoul - in the city of Gwacheon. Children will be delighted by the huge zoo and Korean museum, while adults can enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Weather in Seoul

Average monthly temperature,

In winter, Seoul is mostly snowless, but cold - due to the proximity of the sea. A dry, piercing wind is blowing, so you will need a jacket, preferably a winter one.

Built at the end of the 14th century, the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace is located in the northern part of Seoul and is one of the most important attractions of the capital of South Korea. Being the largest of the Five Majestic Palaces, it was the main residence of the rulers of the Joseon Dynasty for many years.

Gyeongbokgung continued to serve as the main palace until all five palaces were seriously damaged following the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592 - 1598). In 1868, the palace was reconstructed and its territory expanded to 410,000 square meters, after which it housed more than 500 small buildings. Gyeongbokgung prospered for many years until the Japanese once again destroyed the palaces during their occupation of Korea from 1910-1945.

Through the efforts of the government of the Republic of Korea, an extensive restoration campaign began in 1990, as a result of which almost half of the damaged buildings, including Gyeongbokgung itself, were restored. Among the restored buildings, you can now visit the Imperial Throne Hall, which was the central location for various ceremonies, the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which is located on an artificial island in the middle of a small lake with three stone bridges that lead to the pavilion itself, as well as the hexagonal Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, located north of the palace grounds .

Northern Gate

The Northern Gate, also known as Sukjeongmun, was built during the Joseon Dynasty at the same time as the Wall that surrounded Seoul. There were eight gates in total that opened access to the city, but six have survived to this day.

This gate, built in 1396, was located not far from the Royal Palace, and therefore was used not so much for receiving guests as for holding ceremonies. Initially, the gates were made entirely of wood - an environmentally friendly material, but, alas, short-lived - during the war with Japan they were damaged by fire, and acquired their current appearance in 1976.

The Northern Gate is open to tourists, but to do this you must first obtain a special pass, since the residence of the country's president is located nearby. The surrounding area is guarded by Korean army soldiers, who are not recommended to photograph, as well as the residence itself - otherwise you risk being suspected of espionage, and then having to make long excuses to the security service, calling on all your modest knowledge of the Korean language for help. However, the wall itself and the Northern Gate are allowed to be removed. In literary translation, the second name Sukjeongmun means Gate of Solemn Government.

What sights of Seoul did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Myeongdong Cathedral

Myeongdong Cathedral is one of the main attractions of the street of the same name in Seoul. This active Catholic church is also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a national monument of the country.

For a long time, Christianity in Korea suffered persecution and prohibitions, but towards the end of the nineteenth century, the rulers became more liberal in their views, which allowed Bishop Jean Blanc to purchase land in Seoul and begin construction of a Christian cathedral, which was completed in 1898.

The architecture of this temple, built of red and gray bricks, belongs to the neo-Gothic style. Its height together with the spire is 45 meters. The temple, which is quite young by the standards of Christianity, does not have a large collection of rare artifacts, but the very fact of its construction on Korean soil was a kind of breakthrough at the end of the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the relics of Korean martyrs who died as a result of the persecution of Christianity in Korea and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984 were buried here.

Changdeokgung Palace, whose name is translated from Korean as “Castle of Prosperous Virtue,” is located in one of the largest parks in Seoul - Jongno-gu, and is a most valuable architectural monument.

It is one of the Five Great Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Construction of Changdeokgung Palace began in 1405 and took just under seven years. Like many historical buildings in Korea, Changdeokgung suffered at the hands of Japanese invaders who repeatedly tried to conquer the country. It was first almost completely burned by the Japanese in 1592, and was restored only in 1609. Many years later, during the Japanese occupation of 1910-1945, the invaders again destroyed Changdeokgung.

Currently, approximately a third of the buildings on the castle grounds have been restored. On an area of 45 hectares, 13 buildings and 28 small garden buildings have been preserved. Huwon Garden, located within the park, was used by the royal family to relax from the hustle and bustle of the world, and is notable for its picturesque landscapes. Tourists can visit this place accompanied by a guide by prior arrangement.

National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea, located in Seoul, is the country's main museum, depicting the entire history of its development. According to a survey conducted by the Seoul city government among 2,000 foreign tourists in November 2011, the National Museum is considered one of the most favorite places to visit for visitors to the city.

The museum opened in 1945, but with the outbreak of war between North and South Korea, the National Museum and 20,000 exhibits safely moved to Busan. After the war, the museum, along with its exhibitions, changed several locations, until in 2005 it was given a new building located in Yongsan Family Park.

On the ground floor there is a large exhibition of archaeological finds, covering the period from Paleolithic times to the present day. This includes many rare artifacts, ranging from stone axes to luxurious antique royal jewelry. The second and third floors of the museum are dedicated to fine art galleries. The best examples of fine art and folk crafts from different periods are presented here.

Since the National Museum of Korea has a modern audio-video guide system, this greatly simplifies the process of getting acquainted with the exhibits and allows you to get around all the exhibitions much faster.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is located in central Seoul and is the most popular market in the country. This market is known far beyond Seoul not only for its affordable prices, but also for the ability to visit it at any time of the day - Namdaemun is open even at night.

Namdaemun Market was founded in the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the city. It owes much of its popularity to fairly low prices with an impressive selection of goods: shoes, clothing, household appliances and cosmetics. The cheapness of goods is explained by the fact that most of the stores operating here have their own factories and can afford to sell goods without extra markups.

Foreign tourists willingly buy ginseng, which has life-giving powers, which is presented here in a wide range: from fresh roots to honey tinctures and face creams. Food peddlers scurrying between the rows are ready to offer a large selection of food - from a traditional hot dog to exotic Korean dishes that not every European dares to try. The shelves also offer a large selection of rice vodka and dried squid. For wholesale buyers, the most convenient time will be evening and night time.

Deoksugung Palace

The residence of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, Deoksugung Palace, surrounded by a powerful wall, is one of the main architectural attractions of Seoul. In 1608, Wang Gwanghegong was crowned here, and the palace was named Kengungun. But when the Bfla royal residence was moved in 1618, Deoksugung lost its importance and for almost three centuries was called Sogun, which means “Western Palace”. The original name of the palace was returned to the new emperor of Korea in the 20th century.

The Palace of Virtuous Longevity - this is how the name "Deoksugung" is translated - has an area of 61,500 square meters. This is an entire architectural complex with a beautiful garden and perfectly paved paths. The exposition of the Royal Museum on the territory of the palace houses a collection of objects from the era of the Joseon kings, and a separate exposition is devoted to the works of contemporary artists.

Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Seoul? .

Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace is located in Seoul, and is an ancient architectural monument whose history dates back to the reign of the Koryo dynasty (918–1392). Initially, the palace was called Sugangung, and received its current name already in the 15th century.

The emperors of the Koryo dynasty, like all ordinary people, loved summer holidays very much, and Changgyeonggung Palace was ideal for this purpose - for many centuries it was the summer residence of the rulers of Korea. With the rise of the Joseon Dynasty, it became one of the Five Great Palaces. As you know, historically Korea has had rather difficult relations with Japan, which every now and then tried to subjugate its overseas neighbors. During periods of their colonialist activity, the Japanese continually destroyed valuable architectural monuments of Korea. It is difficult to say what was the main driving motive of the invaders: perhaps they simply did not like the specifics of Korean architecture, or perhaps they enjoyed the process itself.

The point is that Changgyeonggung suffered greatly during this period, and a botanical garden and a zoo were established on its territory. In 1983, the palace was completely restored, and the zoo was closed. Now residents of Seoul and its guests can admire the restored Changgyeonggung Palace, as well as numerous buildings and pagodas on its territory.

The most popular attractions in Seoul with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Seoul on our website.

Lotte World Amusement Park is the largest indoor park in the world, but the Lotte company, which built the complex, did not stop only at the indoor park; in addition to this zone, which is called “Adventure”, the entertainment complex also has the so-called “Magic Island” – an island with outdoor attractions.

The total area of Lotte World is 128,000 square meters. The park opened in 1989, from the day it opened to this day the complex has been extremely popular, with about 6 million people visiting it every year. Every time I come to Seoul, this amusement park is a must visit place. And every time I experience new emotions and sensations from being in it. Lotte World is constantly changing, new attractions, shows, cafes, souvenir shops appear here, so the park always seems like a new and unknown place even for those who have been there dozens of times. The park is open to the public from 9:30 to 22:00.

Indoor area – “Adventure”

The indoor area of Lotte World consists of four floors and one underground floor, which houses an indoor ice skating rink. On the ground floor, the indoor area houses food courts, cafes, restaurants, a performance stage, and several attractions. There are attractions on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors.

Open area – “Magic Island”

Magic Island consists of one floor; this space contains both attractions and food courts. Also on the island is the Aurora Castle, there are no attractions there, you can just walk around and take pictures.

How to get there

If you are not staying at the LOTTE Hotel, there are several ways to get to the park:

One day at Lotte World

Based on personal experience, I advise everyone to come to Lotte World before the opening and, preferably, on a weekday in order to have time to ride all the most interesting attractions. The entrance fee to the park is:

A) Free access to attractions:

For an adult over 18 years old – 46000KRW ($40), after 16:00 – 37000KRW ($32)
For a child from 13 to 18 years old – 40,000KRW ($34), after 16:00 – 32,000KRW ($27)
For a child from 36 months to 12 years – 36000KRW ($31), after 16:00 – 28000KRW ($24)
For a child up to 36 months – 12000KRW ($10)

B) Limited access to attractions

For adults over 18 years old 31000KRW ($27), after 16:00 –
For children from 13 to 18 years old 28000KRW ($24), after 16:00 - 23000KRW ($20), after 19:00 - 15000KRW ($13)
For a child from 36 months to 12 years 25000KRW ($21), after 16:00 - 20000KRW ($17), after 19:00 - 13000KRW ($11)

Don't be afraid to come to Lotte World with small children; the park has a children's area for the youngest visitors.

If you want to eat at Lotte World, you will find a lot of different cafes there, although most of them are fast food, but there are also a few Korean and Italian restaurants. It is best to leave the park in the evening an hour or an hour and a half before closing, so that you can properly relax and have fun in this wonderful place throughout the day.

Top 5 most exciting attractions at Lotte World:

Free fall(Gyro Drop, located on Magic Island). Free fall is one of the most exciting rides in this park. The whole point of this attraction is to see the beauty from a significant height and feel fear at the very moment when you start falling and don’t feel any gravity for two seconds.

Atlantis(Atlantis, located on Magic Island). Roller Bonfire Atlantis is a wonderful combination of high speed, steep descents and extraordinary scenery. While riding this attraction, you are sure to experience fear and joy at the same time and get an adrenaline rush for the rest of the day. The average descent speed reaches 72 kilometers per hour. When I first saw this attraction, it amazed me with its decorations, they really look very realistic, and some of them are simply amazing in their size.

Jurassic Park(Flume Ride, located in the indoor Adventure area). The water attraction of Jurassic Park allows us to plunge into a wonderful world with huge moving dinosaurs and giant plants. In addition to the excellent surroundings, this is a great chance to get splashed after skiing. Jurassic Park is sure to become a favorite attraction for those who do not like or are afraid to ride roller coasters.
Pharaonic Fury(Pharaoh`s Fury, located in the indoor Adventure area). The Pharaonic Fury attraction combines EVERYTHING: a roller coaster, jeep rides, stunning special effects, a rush of adrenaline and joy. To tell the truth, this is my favorite attraction in this park. Pharaoh`s Fury is located on the 4th floor in the Adventure zone and is not very easy to find, so there is almost never a queue on the attraction and you can ride it as much as you want!

Cafes and restaurants

Now let's talk more about food. At first glance, there are not many good restaurants in the park where you can eat tasty and inexpensive food. The first few times I visited Lotte World, we only ate fast food, since we didn’t have much time to look for a normal cafe, and we chose the first one we came across, ate quickly and quickly ran to the attractions. But then, when there was no longer such a craving for attractions, we became concerned about this issue and here are a few places that I liked (including fast food cafes - fast food and places where they sell various sweets):

Lotteria (Located in the indoor Adventure area). Lotteria is the most famous burger joint in Seoul. This cafe chain has a lot of fast food outlets scattered throughout Seoul, so you can eat there not only in Lotte World. The food there is really inexpensive and very tasty. When we come to , we sometimes pop in there for a bite to eat! The average bill for a family of three is 20,100KRW ($17)

Lake Pizza (located on Magic island, near the lake). Lake Pizza is a classic New York pizza with thick crust. The pizza is very filling, the last time I was there I only ate two pieces and lunch for a family of three cost only 34,350KRW ($30), compared to other pizzerias it’s inexpensive and tasty!

Iron Bull`s Restaurant (located in the indoor Adventure area). Iron Bull`s Restaurant is a grill restaurant with excellent steaks and large portions. This restaurant is for lovers of excellent meat! Lunch for three people cost 45,000KRW ($40)

Bowl (located in the indoor Adventure area). Bowl is a classic Korean restaurant where you can even see your food being prepared! What I liked most about this restaurant was the grilled meat, it was simply amazing! The dishes are not expensive compared to other Korean restaurants in the park, which is a big plus. Average bill – 40000KRW ($34)

YogerPresso (located in the indoor Adventure area). Yogerpresso is a cafe that makes very tasty frozen yogurts with various additives in the form of fruits, chocolates and other sweets, they also fry waffles and pancakes, and brew coffee. 3 frozen yoghurts at Yogerpresso cost only 15000KRW ($13)

What to do in the park besides ride the rides

If you're bored of going on rides or just don't like doing it, Lotte World has plenty of fun for you. The park almost always hosts some kind of parades, shows and concerts. Almost all of them are very interesting and colorful. They last approximately 10 - 15 minutes. Also, the park itself is very picturesque, so you can simply walk through the beautiful places of the park and take photos. One of these places is Princess Aurora's Castle, which is located on Magic Island. The park also has a huge indoor skating rink, which is open at any time of the year, but visiting the skating rink is not included in the price of the entrance ticket to the park, so you can only enter for an additional fee:

Adults –11000KRW ($9)
Children – 10000KRW ($8)

On a note

Bring plenty of money to the park because in addition to food and tickets, Lotte World also has many souvenir shops where you will definitely want to buy something!

Seoul is a high-tech and modern Asian metropolis, where life flies by at a frantic pace. However, the city boasts not only futuristic landscapes; it has preserved many monuments of traditional Korean architecture. Right in the center is the village of Bukchon, where residents do not notice the bustle of the city. Among the magnificent parks, the majestic palaces of the Joseon Dynasty are frozen in time.

Seoul has many atmospheric neighborhoods and streets, such as Insadong, Myeongdong or Daehangno. The modern appearance of the city harmoniously combines with Asian flavor. In addition, the Korean capital has many green parks where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and relax after a walk in interesting places.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Seoul?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

An impressive royal palace built in 1394 during the Joseon Dynasty. After the Japanese invasion in the 16th century, some parts of the complex were destroyed. Reconstruction took place only in the middle of the 19th century. In total, Gyeongbokgung has more than 300 buildings and about 6 thousand rooms. During the Japanese occupation of the Korean Peninsula, the residence of the Governor General was located here.

Another palace complex of the Joseon Dynasty, built at the beginning of the 15th century. Unlike Gyeongbokgung, it suffered more significant destruction during the wars with Japan in 1592-98. In 1609, Changdeokgung was practically restored from ruins. Until the second half of the 19th century, the royal court and government were located here (until Gyeongbokgung was reconstructed).

Translated from Korean, the name "Changyeonggun" means "unbridled fun." This palace was built at the beginning of the 12th century and was intended for recreation and entertainment of the royal court. The complex is surrounded by a picturesque park where gazebos, pagodas and pavilions are scattered. Today, Changgyeonggong hosts performances and historical costume processions, where people in colorful costumes depict scenes from court life.

Deoksugung Palace has symbolic meaning for the people of South Korea. The fact is that from the end of the 19th century the emperor lived here, under whom the centuries-old history of the independent state ended and it became an occupied territory. The structure is quite modest in size compared to other palace complexes of the Joseon Dynasty.

Myeongdong is located on a small area of 1 km². About 3 thousand people live here compactly. This area is one of the most visited places in Seoul due to its large number of shops, stalls and Korean restaurants. On the territory of the quarter there is also a 19th-century Catholic cathedral in a neo-Gothic style and a theater.

The largest fabric and clothing market in the South Korean capital, where you can buy national costumes and lush wedding dresses, made of magnificent silk and costing a fortune. The average cost of one such dress exceeds $1,000. Gwangjang also sells souvenirs and food. Tourists visit the market for its interest and color; locals regularly come here to shop.

The area is located in the center of Seoul. It consists of a main pedestrian street and several side alleys adjacent to it. Previously, wealthy citizens settled on the territory of Insadong; today it has turned into a popular shopping district. There are antique shops, cafes, small spontaneous markets where they sell unique handmade products, as well as tea houses.

A traditional Korean settlement located in the central part of the capital. Despite the fact that Bukchon is more like an open-air museum, it is a full-fledged residential area. People live in one-story old houses with tiled roofs. Their lifestyle is strikingly different from the habits of a typical inhabitant of a big city. Buildings made of clay, stone and wood look quite exotic against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers in the capital.

An 8 km long landscape park in central Seoul, named after the Cheonggyecheon stream flowing through its territory. The square was laid out as part of a large-scale reconstruction of the city's infrastructure in 2005. Previously, there was a busy highway here. Immediately after its opening, the park became a favorite place for walks among the townspeople.

The current church building was erected in 1910. Earlier, in the 14th century, an older sanctuary stood in its place, but it was destroyed during the Japanese-Korean wars. Due to the long persecution of representatives of Buddhism that took place during the reign of the Joseon Dynasty, the temple has important symbolic significance for Koreans.

Confucian temple built in 1394 under King Taejo. For a long time, it played the role of a royal shrine of the Joseon Dynasty. Funeral ceremonies and rituals to commemorate the ancestors of Jongmyo Chere were held here, and food and drinks were also sacrificed to spirits and gods. Jongmyo is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as it represents important historical and cultural value.

The building was erected in the 8th century. It is one of the oldest temples in the country. Unfortunately, the original buildings have not survived to this day, but during the reconstruction the architects tried to recreate the historical appearance as much as possible. The building is a classic example of Korean architecture, characterized by a curved roof and a column-supported façade.

Seoul Catholic Cathedral, located on the street of the same name. It was built at the end of the 19th century at the end of the Joseon Dynasty, when representatives of various religious faiths felt more free. The building was built in a picturesque neo-Gothic style. Its external façade looks quite modest, as it is made without frills or decorations, but this does not in any way spoil the elegant appearance of the temple.

An impressive museum complex housed in a former army headquarters in the historical center of Seoul. The exhibition consists of weapons, military equipment, combat vehicles, as well as items related to the history of the state. The memorial was opened in 1994. An impressive part of the collection is devoted to aspects of the conflict between North and South Korea.

The largest artistic and cultural center of the Republic of Korea, which is included in the list of the most visited museums in the world. Several million people visit here every year. The rich collection covers the time period from the Stone Age to the present day. Here you can see ancient artifacts, luxurious royal jewelry, unique folk art items and other interesting things.

The museum is located in one of the buildings of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Its collection consists of exhibits telling about the life and way of life of Koreans before the Joseon Dynasty came to power. Some part of the exhibition is located in the open air. The museum was created with the assistance of the American government in 1945. The exhibition is divided into three large sections, which are devoted to various aspects of the life of the Korean people.

A modern exhibition complex, on the territory of which interesting cultural events are constantly taking place. It was opened in 1988. Theater troupes regularly perform here, artist exhibitions, educational lectures, and festivals are held. The arts center consists of a concert hall, musical theater, three museums and an outdoor stage.

A small theater with seating for several hundred seats, where very unusual performances are given. The actors play all kinds of household and kitchen utensils, as if they were musical instruments. Buckets, frying pans, mops, pots, chopsticks, and trash cans are used. At the same time, they produce a fairly harmonious melody. Subtitles in English and Japanese are used to explain what is happening on stage. The artistic genre called "nanta" was invented by Song Tsen Wang.

19. Leeum - Samsung Art Museum

The museum was created with funds from the famous Korean company Samsung in 2004. It consists of three separate buildings, built in different architectural styles, and is included in the list of the most original museums in the world according to some tourist guides. Please note that the exhibition is not related to Samsung products. Contemporary art lovers will especially enjoy the museum.

The prison was built during the Japanese occupation of the Korean Peninsula. It existed from 1907 to 1987, after which it was turned into a museum. Until the middle of the 20th century, mainly political prisoners (fighters for Korean independence) were kept in Seodaemun. Today, visitors can see cameras and historical documents, as well as watch documentaries.

The educational institution is considered one of the most prestigious in Seoul. Students here receive an excellent and in-demand education, with which the doors to the most attractive positions are open to them. The university was founded at the end of the 19th century by the American missionary M. Scranton. More than half of the female politicians in the Republic of Korea are Ewha graduates.

The building is located in the Dongdaemun area. It was built according to the design of the architect Zaha Hahid, known for her futuristic designs. The structure is made in the form of rounded shapes flowing into each other. Inside there are designer shops and exhibition galleries. Dongdaemun Design Plaza has an impressive glass rose garden that delights tourists.

The park was built for the opening of the XXIV Summer Olympic Games, which took place in Seoul in 1988. After the end of the competition, many of the facilities were turned into public health centers and permanent gyms. There are also museums and memorials dedicated to the Games. The most convenient way to move around the park is by bicycle.

A road bridge, along the edges of which there is a fountain in the form of a waterfall, pouring its jets into the Hangan River. It received its sonorous name due to the beautiful illumination of water flows, consisting of seven colors of the rainbow. The park located on the shore offers an unforgettable view of the bridge. Many tourists and local residents come here to admire the colorful jets of the fountain.

The tower is 271 meters high, built in the 1970s. It became the first tower that provided the city with stable radio and television signals. The structure stands on top of Namsan Hill, so the height of the tower above sea level is about 480 meters. Inside the TV tower there is a museum, an observation deck with panoramic views of Seoul, a souvenir shop and a cafe.

The attraction is located in the shopping and entertainment center of the same name, which is located within the prestigious Gangnam district. In addition to marine life, you can see exotic birds and animals here. In total, the aquarium contains about 650 species (40 thousand individuals). For the convenience of visitors, the territory is divided into thematic zones.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, Lotte World is considered the largest indoor amusement park in the world. In addition to a variety of attractions, there are cinemas, a hotel, a shopping center, an ice skating rink and a magic theater. The place is popular with young Korean couples who come here for the whole day. The park is divided into two zones: one is located under the roof, the other is in the open air.

A large green area stretching along both banks of the Han River. It is perfectly suited for walks, family picnics, sports, cycling and relaxation from the bustle of the city. Moreover, in many of its places there are piers near the water, from where you can go on a pleasant river walk. The park was created in the 80s of the 20th century.

The park is located on the picturesque slopes of the hill of the same name. Despite the fact that the green zone is located almost in the center of the city, its territory is home to several hundred species of animals and plants. The architectural dominant of the park is the Seoul Tower, to which the cable car leads. There is also a museum, a public library and a botanical garden.

Bukhansan is located within the city limits in the northwestern part of Seoul. It occupies the slopes of a low ridge with mountain peaks reaching a height of 800 meters. The park is often called the “lungs of Seoul”, as this huge green area helps provide fresh air to the multi-million metropolis. Unfortunately, the local ecosystem is under threat due to the large number of visitors.