Top 10 places to visit in Seoul | Travel attraction recommendations
Top 10 places to visit in Seoul
hello? In this post, we will introduce the top 10 must-visit places in Seoul.
This list was carefully selected based on the Korea Tourism Organization's popularity rankings and includes attractions filled with beautiful natural scenery, unique culture, and a variety of things to do.
If you are planning a trip, please refer to this list and plan a special trip. I believe you will be able to make great memories. Hope you have a happy trip!
Jungmyeongjeon
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Introduction to Jungmyeongjeon
Jungmyeongjeon is an important site of the Korean Empire.
It was used as a private residence for Emperor Gojong, who moved to Jungmyeongjeon after the great fire at Gyeongungung Palace (now Deoksugung Palace) in 1904.
The Japan-Korea Treaty was illegally concluded here in November 1905, and it was to Jungmyeongjeon that Lee Jun and others were dispatched as special envoys to The Hague on April 20, 1907 to inform the international community of the unfairness of the Japan-Japan Treaty.
Meanwhile, Jungmyeongjeon was destroyed in a fire in 1925, leaving only the exterior walls, and was rebuilt and mainly used as a social club for foreigners. When the Liberal Party government came into power, it was incorporated as national property.
However, in 1963, President Park Chung-hee returned Jungmyeongjeon to King Yeongchin and Lady Lee Bang-ja, who returned permanently to Korea.
In 1977, Jungmyeongjeon was sold to the private sector again, and after being purchased by Jeongdong Theater in 2003, it was transferred to the management of the Cultural Heritage Administration in 2006, and was incorporated into Deoksugung Palace as a private property on February 7, 2007.
After restoration in December 2009, it has been open to the public as an exhibition hall [The place where the fate of the Korean Empire was decided, Deoksugung Jungmyeongjeon] since August 2010.
If you go around the stone wall road of Deoksugung Palace to the back, you will find Jeongdong Theater, and if you go into the alley, you will find Jungmyeongjeon.
Jungmyeongjeon originally belonged to the residence of Western missionaries in the Jeongdong region, but was incorporated into the palace in 1897 when Gyeongungung Palace (now Deoksugung Palace) was expanded.
At this time, the name of the building was changed to [Suokheon], and it was mainly used as an imperial library. However, after it burned down in a fire in 1901, it was rebuilt and took on the appearance of the two-story brick building that it has today.
The building was designed by Russian architect Sabatin, who also designed Dongnimmun Gate and Jeonggwanheon.
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Basic information about Jungmyeongjeon
Website https://www.deoksugung.go.kr
Operating hours 09:30~17:30
Parking facilities available
Day off every Monday
Namsan Park (Seoul)
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Introduction to Namsan Park (Seoul)
Namsan Park is located in downtown Seoul and is a natural resting place that provides clean air to citizens.
It is also a center of leisure life where you can use facilities such as N Seoul Tower and Namsan Cable Car and engage in various activities such as walking, exercising, and resting.
The official name of Namsan Park is Namsan Urban Natural Park.
Namsan is a symbol of Seoul located in the center of Seoul. Its original name was Ingyeongsan, but after King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty moved the capital from Gaeseong to Seoul, it was referred to as [Namsan] because it is a mountain in the south.
It is also an important mountain in feng shui.
For eight years since 1991, the [Namsanje Appearance Improvement] project has been carried out to provide rest and clean air to citizens by extensively restoring and reorganizing the area around Yejang-dong and Hoehyeon-dong in Jung-gu and Hannam-dong in Yongsan-gu, including relocating 89 negative facilities in the park and creating an outdoor botanical garden. This park has been reborn as a center of leisure life.
On the way up to the Namsan Tower observatory, there is Namsan Park’s famous [Love Lock].
There are already many locks attached to protect the love between lovers.
It's a little fun to read the phrases written on the numerous locks.
Since May 1, 2005, passenger cars and taxis have been banned from Namsan Park.
You can also get to Namsan Seoul Tower by taking a circular bus or Namsan Cable Car from Myeong-dong, Chungmuro, or Dongguk University Station, or by taking a walk.
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Namsan Park (Seoul) Basic Information
Website https://parks.seoul.go.kr/parks/detailView.do?pIdx=1
Operating hours: Always open
Parking facilities available
Open all year round on days off
Jangchungdan Park
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Introduction to Jangchungdan Park
Jangchungdan Park is an ethnic park filled with patriotic loyalty related to the anti-Japanese movement.
This park, located at the northeastern foot of Namsan Mountain, is the site of Namsoyeong, which guarded the southern part of the capital during the reign of King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty.
On August 20, 1895, an incident occurred in which Empress Myeongseong was assassinated at Gyeongbokgung Palace by Japanese assassins.
At the time, many soldiers, including Minister of Palace Affairs Lee Gyeong-jik and Demonstration Leader Hong Gye-hoon, died while defeating the Japanese.
Accordingly, Emperor Gojong built a shrine called Jangchungdan in November 1900 to comfort their spirits and held a memorial service every spring and autumn until 1908.
Originally, Jangchungdan was located where the guesthouse of the Shilla Hotel is now.
However, the shrine was destroyed during the Korean War, and the only remains that were built at Jangchungdan were moved to their current location in 1969.
In 1919, the Japanese built a temple called Bakmunsa Temple and created a park on the site of Jangchungdan in order to destroy national spirit, but it was all demolished after liberation.
On September 22, 1984, Jangchungdan Park, which became a neighborhood park, was absorbed and merged as part of Namsan Park, a natural park.
The remaining area is still called by its old name, Jangchungdan Park.
The area of Jangchungdan Park contains cultural assets such as the Jangchungdan Monument, Supyogyo Bridge, Seungjeongjeon Hall, Gwanseongmyo, and Waryongmyo, as well as the March 1st Movement Monument, the Korean Confucian Independence Movement Paris Jangseo Monument, the Manhae Han Yong-un Monument, and the statues of Yu Gwan-sun, Lee Jun, and Kim Yong-hwan.
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Jangchungdan Park basic information
Operating hours: Always
Parking facilities available
Open all year round on days off
Deoksugung Palace
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Introduction to Deoksugung Palace
The historic Deoksugung Palace was not originally a royal palace.
It was originally the home of Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong, but the palace burned down during the Japanese invasions of 1592, so it began to be used as a temporary palace in 1593.
King Seonjo fled to Uiju, returned to Hanyang, and stayed at Deoksugung Palace.
Gwanghaegun, who succeeded King Seonjo, ascended to the throne at this temporary palace in 1608, renamed it Gyeongungung in 1611, and used it as a royal palace for seven years. He then moved it to Changdeokgung Palace in 1615, imprisoning Queen Inmok, the second wife of his predecessor, King Seonjo.
In 1618, the title of Lady Inmok was abolished, and Gyeongungung Palace was lowered to Seogung.
It was used as a separate palace for 270 years after Gwanghaegun was dethroned due to the Injo Rebellion in 1623 and King Injo ascended the throne here at Jeukjodang and moved to Changdeokgung Palace.
In 1897, when Emperor Gojong returned from his residence in Russia, this place was used again as the royal palace. From then on, it was called Gyeongungung Palace again and its size was expanded again.
And after Emperor Gojong abdicated to King Sunjong in 1907 and moved the royal palace to Changdeokgung Palace, he stayed here. From then on, it was called Deoksugung Palace to pray for Emperor Gojong's long life.
For this reason, some are arguing that the original name, Gyeongungung Palace, should be used these days.
There were many buildings in Deoksugung Palace in the past, but currently, only Daehanmun, Junghwajeon, Gwangmyeongmun, Seogeodang, Junmyeongdang, Jeukjodang, Hamnyeongjeon, Deokhongjeon, and Seokjojeon remain within the 18,635 pyeong precincts.
Deoksugung Palace is particularly famous for the fact that the unfortunate Emperor Gojong at the end of the Joseon Dynasty was forced to abdicate under pressure from Japan and lived out the rest of his life until he was poisoned by the Japanese and died in Hamnyeongjeon of Deoksugung Palace on January 22, 1919, which was the direct impetus for the March 1st Independence Movement. This is where it happened.
* Daehanmun - Daehanmun is currently the main gate of Deoksugung Palace.
The original name of this gate was Daeanmun (大安門), and it was the eastern gate of the palace.
Daeanmun Gate was rebuilt in 1906 and was named ‘Daehanmun Gate’.
The text on the signboard was written by Nam Jeong-cheol, who served as Panyun of Hanseongbu at the time.
* Gwangmyeongmun - This gate is the main gate of Hamnyeongjeon, the king's living quarters. It burned down in a big fire in the 8th year of King Gwangmu's reign (1904), and was rebuilt in the same year.
When Seokjojeon was opened as an art museum in 1938, the temple bell of Heungcheonsa Temple in Jeong-dong and the Jagyeoknu Pavilion in Changdeokgung Palace were moved to their current location.
* Seokjojeon - This is the place where foreign envoys were received during the Korean Empire.
It is a stone building that began in the 4th year of King Gwangmu's reign (1900) and was completed in the 3rd year of Yonghui's reign (1909), and was the last large-scale building built during the Joseon Dynasty.
The exterior of the building follows the neoclassical style that was popular in Europe in the early 19th century. The tops of the pillars on the front are decorated in the Ionic style, and the interior is decorated in the Rococo style.
It has three floors in total. The first floor was used as a meeting place, the semi-basement floor was used as a waiting area for attendants, and the emperor lived on the second floor.
After liberation, it was used as a meeting hall for the US-Soviet Joint Committee, the National Museum, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the royal relics exhibition hall.
* Hamnyeongjeon - Hamnyeongjeon, designated as a treasure, was built in 1897 and was the residence of Emperor Gojong. It was destroyed by a fire in 1904, but was restored in the same year and still stands today.
Emperor Gojong died in Hamnyeongjeon on January 21, 1919.
Afterwards, furniture, calligraphy, paintings, and utensils used at the time were placed in this empty space to recreate the palace life of about 100 years ago.
* Junghwajeon - This is the main hall of the Korean Empire, where you can get a glimpse of the confidence of Gojong (高宗, 1852-1919, reigned 1863-1907), the 26th king of Joseon, in building a modern nation.
In particular, if you look at the canopy right above the throne in the main hall, you can see a pair of dragons. This is the same pattern as the dragon on the ceiling of the main hall, showing that Deoksugung Palace was the imperial palace of the emperor of the Korean Empire.
The Junghwajeon that remains today was built as a double-story building in 1902, but was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt as a single-story building in 1906.
* Jungmyeongjeon - Jungmyeongjeon is an imperial library built from 1897 to 1901 under the design of Russian architect Seredin Sabatin.
It is a Western-style building with two floors above ground and one floor underground. It was initially called Suokheon (漱玉軒).
After restoration in December 2009, it has been open to the public as an exhibition hall ('The place where the fate of the Korean Empire was decided, Deoksugung Jungmyeongjeon') since August 2010.
* In addition, there are Seogeodang, Junmyeongdang, Jeukjodang, Jeonggwanheon, Deokhongjeon, and Borugak Jagyeonggnu.
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Deoksugung Palace basic information
Website http://www.deoksugung.go.kr
Operating hours - General 09:00~21:00 (Last admission 20:00)
- Seokjojeon Hall 09:30~17:30 (Last commentary 16:30 / Internet advance reservation required)
- Dondeokjeon 09:00~17:30 (Last admission 17:00)
- Jungmyeongjeon 09:30~17:30 (Last admission 17:00)
Parking facilities not available
Day off every Monday
※ However, if a regular holiday overlaps with a public holiday or substitute holiday, the first non-public holiday following that is a regular holiday.
Namsangol Hanok Village
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Introduction to Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village, created in 1998, is comprised of 5 Hanok buildings, a traditional crafts center, Cheonwoo-gak, a traditional garden, Seoul Namsan Gugakdang, and the New Millennium Time Capsule Square on a total of 79,934m² (24,180 pyeong) of land on the former Capital Defense Command site on the north side of Namsan Mountain to welcome citizens and tourists. I'm doing it.
In the middle of the bustling city, you can experience various things to do based on Korean traditional culture, and along the foot of Namsan Mountain, you can see the beautiful scenery created by valleys, pavilions, and various flowers created in traditional landscaping style.
At the highest point of the traditional garden, the Seoul Millennium Type Capsule Plaza was created in 1994 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Seoul and to look forward to the millennium of Seoul in 400 years.
Namsangol Hanok Village, where old houses have been restored. When you enter Namsangol Hanok Village, you will see the pond Cheonghakji and Cheonwoogak next to it.
If you pass Cheonwoogak Square and climb the stone stairs, you will see a quaint space where Hanoks located throughout Seoul have been relocated and restored, allowing you to see the lifestyle of the old people.
There are five hanoks in total: Dopyeonsu Lee Seung-eop's house in Samgak-dong, Owijang Kim Chun-yeong's house in Samcheong-dong, Min's house in Gwanhun-dong, Yoon Taek-yeong's house in Haepungbuwon-gun in Jegi-dong, and Yoon's house in Okin-dong.
Among these, only Yoon's house in Okin-dong, which was so old that it was impossible to relocate, was restored using new materials, and the remaining buildings were relocated with their original elements intact.
Various experiences to enjoy at Namsangol Hanok Village Namsangol Hanok Village offers a variety of experiences.
By using five Hanoks, you can experience the indoor space of Hanok and at the same time experience Korean traditional cultural programs.
You can experience wearing hanbok, folding hanji, writing Hangul, and drinking traditional tea. We also run a traditional etiquette school and oriental medicine experience.
On both Saturday and Sunday, traditional weddings are held and traditional wedding experiences are also offered.
In addition, straw craft demonstrations are held in the hut across from Cheonwoogak, and you can participate in Taekwondo demonstrations and experience events on the Cheonwoogak stage.
In the yard of Pigeumjeong, you can enjoy folk games such as Jegichagi, Yutnori, and Tombstone Chigi, so your family can have fun together.
Additionally, you can receive help from the presence of a traditional cultural heritage interpreter who will accompany you throughout Namsangol Hanok Village and explain it to you.
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Basic information about Namsangol Hanok Village
Homepage http://hanokmaeul.or.kr
Operating hours [Traditional houses and Seoul Namsan Gugakdang]
Summer season (April~October) 09:00~21:00
Winter season (November - March) 09:00 - 20:00
[Visit the traditional garden]
Open 24 hours
Parking facilities available (use nearby paid parking lot)
Day off every Monday
※ However, if Monday is a public holiday, it will be closed the following day.
Seoul Myeongdong Cathedral
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Introduction to Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul
Myeongdong Cathedral, the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Seoul, is the place where the Korean Catholic Church community was first born and is the representative shrine of Korean Catholicism, housing the remains of martyred saints.
It is located at Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.
It is the first large-scale Gothic Catholic cathedral built on the Korean Peninsula, and the first parish church (cathedral where a priest resides and provides pastoral care) in Korea.
It was designated as a historic site in Korea on November 22, 1977.
It is a holy shrine where the remains of martyrs such as Bishop Ember, Father Mimic, and Father Chastan are buried in the underground cathedral.
On September 10, 1900, the remains of the martyrs during the Byeongin Persecution, including Bishop Bernu, were interred from Yongsan Theological Seminary to the cathedral's crypt, but were later moved to their hometowns and enshrined there. In 1926, the remains of the 79 martyrs from the Gihae Rebellion and Byeongo Rebellion were placed in the crypt. Then, a beatified altar was installed in the left corridor of the cathedral and the 79th icon was placed there.
During the war in 1950, the cathedral was occupied by the People's Army, and the remains of martyrs enshrined in the underground tomb were damaged.
After the military regime era, it was recognized as the center of the struggle for democratization.
In 1991, the decomposed remains were packed, new corroded lead coffins were made, the remains were enshrined, sealed, placed in a sarcophagus, placed in a newly neatly decorated reality, and a stone tablet with an epitaph written on it was finished.
The entrance to the cemetery was remodeled and installed a glass door so that pilgrims can visit from time to time.
We have mass and confession times on weekdays and weekends.
Even if you are not a believer, you can participate and feel the reverent atmosphere amidst the colorful street decorations around Christmas time.
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Basic information about Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul
Website http://www.mdsd.or.kr
Operating hours: Sunday 07:00~20:00
Monday~Saturday 09:00~19:00
Parking facilities available
Seoul Episcopal Cathedral of the Anglican Church of Korea
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Introduction to Seoul Episcopal Cathedral of the Anglican Church of Korea
The Seoul Episcopal Cathedral of the Anglican Church of Korea is a community of disciples who conduct missionary work through the faith of communion.
This building is the cathedral of the Seoul Diocese of the Anglican Church of Korea. Bishop Mark Troloff, the third bishop of the Anglican Church of Korea, began construction according to the design of the Englishman Arthur Dixon and held a dedication ceremony.
Later, in 1993, the original blueprint was found in a library in England, and it was completed in 1996 in its original form.
This cathedral is a beautiful building that combines Romanesque style with traditional Korean architectural techniques.
The exterior is in the shape of a cross, with various lines in harmony. Inside the cathedral, there are stone pillars symbolizing the 12 apostles on the left and right, a mosaic image of Jesus Christ is engraved on the front semicircular wall, and the underground cathedral is a copper plate containing the remains of Bishop Trollope. This is engraved.
The Sunday Eucharist takes place at various times for adults, students, and children, and is held at 7 a.m. and 12 noon on weekdays.
The Anglican Church has various colors depending on the country and culture, and the trends of faith and theology within one church are very diverse.
Unlike other denominations, the Anglican Church is [Reformed Catholicism], [Catholicism without the Pope], [Orthodox Church tolerant of doctrine], and [Protestant Church that maintains Catholic traditions].
It is located 200 meters from exit 3 of City Hall Station on metropolitan subway lines 1 and 2.
Basic information about Seoul Episcopal Cathedral of the Anglican Church of Korea
Website http://www.cathedral.or.kr
Operating Hours [Sunday Eucharist]
- Main worship service: 08:00 / 10:00 / 12:00 / 15:00 / 18:00
- Student worship: 12:00 / Children’s worship: 12:00
[Weekday Eucharist]
- Monday~Saturday 07:00 / Friday 12:00
Parking facilities available
Day off every Sunday
Sungnyemun Gate
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Introduction to Sungnyemun Gate
Sungnyemun (崇禮門) is the southern main gate of the Joseon Dynasty capital city at Namdaemun-ro 4-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul. It is also called Namdaemun as it is located in the south of the four main gates.
It is a symbol of Seoul and the oldest existing wooden building in Seoul, and was designated a national treasure on December 20, 1962.
It is the largest of the four main gates in Seoul, and its distinctive feature is that the text on the signboard is written vertically.
It was first built in the 5th year of King Taejo's reign (1396) in the Joseon Dynasty and rebuilt in February 1398.
It underwent large-scale repair work in the 10th year of King Seongjong's reign (1479), and was not damaged during the Japanese Invasion of Korea and the Byeongja Manchu War, and has served as the main gate of Hanseong for a long time.
In 1907, it became the site of a battle due to Japan's military disbandment order, and in the same year, during the visit of the Japanese Crown Prince to Korea, there was a tragic history in which the castle wall connected to Sungnyemun Gate was demolished under the pretext that the Crown Prince could not pass under the gate tower with his head bowed.
In 2006, the castle was restored to its original appearance, with only a gate remaining without a connected castle.
Due to a fire on February 10, 2008, part of the gatehouse on the first floor burned down and the gatehouse on the second floor was destroyed.
After various repairs and restoration studies, a restoration ceremony was held on May 4, 2013, and it was reopened to the public.
Sungnyemun Gate is a two-story pavilion-shaped building with 5 rooms on the front and 2 rooms on the sides, with the rainbow-shaped Hongyemun Gate in the center of a high stone wall.
The roof has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front, and this type of roof is called a pitched roof.
It is a dapo style in which the decorative structure on the top of the pillars to support the eaves of the roof is not only on the pillars but also between the pillars. The shape is not too curved and the weave is sound, showing the characteristics of the early Joseon Dynasty.
According to the 'Jibongyu theory', King Taejong's eldest son, Prince Yangnyeong, is said to have written the Sungnyemun gate.
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Sungnyemun Gate basic information
Website https://www.heritage.go.kr
Operating hours 09:00~18:00 (Last admission 17:50)
Day off every Monday
Namsan Cable Car
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Introduction to Namsan Cable Car
Namsan Cable Car is a facility that allows you to climb from Hoehyeon-dong to the top of Namsan while enjoying a panoramic view of Seoul.
It began operation on May 12, 1962 and continues its history to this day.
The distance the cable car operates is approximately 600m from the Hoehyeon-dong platform to the Yejang-dong platform at the top of Namsan Mountain.
The cable car operates at an average speed of 3.2 m per second and the one-way travel time is approximately 3 minutes.
The difference in height from the ground is about 138m.
Two cable cars run simultaneously, one going up to the top of the mountain and the other going down towards the main building platform, and the cable car can accommodate 48 people.
If capacity is full, we have the facilities to safely accommodate 92 people round trip.
You can go to the Namsan Cable Car platform by taking a shuttle bus from Exit 1 of Myeongdong Station or in front of the Seoul Square main gate of Seoul Station.
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Namsan Cable Car Basic Information
Website Namsan Cable Car http://www.cablecar.co.kr
Seoul Tourism http://www.visitseoul.net
Operating hours 10:00~23:00
Ticket sales close: 22:30 for round-trip tickets / 22:45 for one-way tickets
Parking facilities available
Seoul Plaza
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Introduction to Seoul Plaza
Seoul Plaza is a lawn plaza created in front of Seoul City Hall.
It was the stage for historical events that marked a milestone in Korea's modern history, such as the March 1st Movement and the June Democratization Movement, and served as a festival ground for citizens during the 2002 World Cup.
The history of City Hall Square begins in 1897, when King Gojong took refuge in the Russian legation and returned to Deoksugung Palace, the personal home of Prince Wolsan.
In order to renew the foundation of the country, Gojong, who ascended to the throne of emperor, built a radial road centered in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace and installed a plaza and Hwangudan (Wongudan) in front.
From then on, the square in front of Daehanmun Gate became the main stage for citizens, including demonstrations to protect King Gojong, the March 1st Movement, the April 19 Revolution, protests against the Korea-Japan talks, and the June Democratization Movement.
It is located in the center of the city and has a variety of historical and cultural resources nearby, making it a place with national symbolism and historicity.
It has the conditions to form a representative image of Seoul. In the spring, summer, and fall, it is a space for reading books or holding various events, and in the winter, a skating rink is created to share the four seasons with citizens.
It is located 91 meters from exit 5 of City Hall Station on metropolitan subway lines 1 and 2.
Deoksugung Palace is across the street, and the Seoul Library is right next to it, so they can be used together.
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Image source: Korea Tourism Organization
Seoul Plaza Basic Information
This was an introduction to the top 10 places to visit in Seoul so far.
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