Seoul is one of the most exciting mega cities in Asia, and a major travel destination in the coming years. Head to Seoul and you’ll find a mix of traditional and modern, with countless attractions and sites to explore for any taste! Here are the top 5 must-visit attractions in Seoul.
* GyeongbokgungYou might be surprised that Seoul has not only one, but five main palaces. Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most important of them all. Often compared to the Forbidden City in Beijing, Gyeongbokgung is a large palace complex that also houses the National Folk Museum of Korea. If you wear a traditional hanbok dress, which you can rent around town, you get free admission.
* Gwanghwamun Square
This lovely square is located in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The square features a large statue of King Sejong The Great, the inventor of Korea’s Hangul alphabet, as well as statues of some of his other inventions.
* Changdeokgung
The second largest palace in Seoul is Changdeokgung. This palace is especially popular because it has a large ‘secret garden’ with countless temples, pavilions and exotic flora and fauna. Changdeokgung is especially popular during spring with the many cherry blossoms, and in the fall with colorful foliage.
* Bukcheon Hanok Village
In between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung lies a picturesque village featuring over 400 traditional Korean houses, called hanok. The village features small cafes, restaurants, and shops offering handmade crafts and souvenirs. You can also find a couple of traditional teahouses in this area.
* Cheonggyecheon StreamThis 10-kilometer-long stream in the middle of the city is an outdoor exhibition and festival area. Especially during Christmas, and holidays like Buddha’s Birthday and the Lantern Festival, the stream is decorated with light arrangements and art pieces.