The National Museum of Korea offers an intimate look into Korean history. Witnessing sculptures like ‘Defending the Fatherland’ will leave an emotional mark.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is an incredible center of art and culture that also provides shopping opportunities and street food treats from local vendors. You can easily reach it through Cathay Pacific’s Bengaluru to Seoul route.
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is one of the country’s most visited museums, housing an expansive collection of precious cultural assets ranging from ancient relics and artworks to social training sessions, academic publications and international cultural exchange programs. Situated at the heart of Seoul, this is one of the country’s premier cultural venues. It houses ancient relics as well as contemporary works of art in its galleries – making this venue the venue for numerous cultural activities including collecting/preservation activities as well as research/analysis activities, preservation/preservation activities etc.
The museum boasts an expansive collection dating from Paleolithic times to early 20th century. It houses over 310,000 artifacts with around 15,000 on display at any one time; these relics illustrate Korean civilization and culture through both beauty and historical importance.
Spend an entire day wandering this large and sprawling museum! The galleries are quiet with seating scattered throughout to offer visitors respite, the staff is attentive and helpful, there are interactive exhibits and activities such as 3-D immersive experience of Goguryeo tombs – plus free admission! Visiting is open to both Koreans and foreigners; special exhibit tickets may cost extra; this attraction can be reached using Seoul City Hop On/Hop Off Bus service making this great place for families, couples, friends and solo travelers!
Lotte World Tower
The Lotte World Tower stands 555 m-tall in Jamsil, Seoul’s southern district. This “vertical city” contains apartments, shops, offices, a 7-star hotel and various recreational facilities – making it Korea’s tallest building and fifth tallest worldwide. It features tinted glass elements to accentuate its shape.
The tower also houses the Sky Bridge, an observation deck 541 meters in the air. Offering spectacular panoramic views of the city below and providing the ideal spot for photos, this attraction provides panoramic views while guests can access observation decks on floors 117 to 123 via Sky Shuttle elevators that can carry up to 900 people per hour.
The Tower’s other attractions include a shopping mall, cineplex and concerts. Visitors can spend the day viewing sea life at Lotte Aquarium before watching recent Hollywood and Asian releases at its 21-screen cinema before attending classical music performances at its concert hall later on in the day. Furthermore, international tourists frequently visit Lotte World Folk Museum which showcases traditional Korean crafts and village landscapes in miniature; furthermore there’s memorabilia from their late founder such as an image of an agricultural village as well as his desk inscribed with “geohwachisil,” meaning pursuit of essence over superficiality!
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace should be on every traveler’s itinerary when visiting Seoul. As one of Korea’s most beautiful and majestic palaces, originally constructed in 1395 it served as Joseon Dynasty palace until it burned during Imjin War in 1592 – and has been rebuilt ever since as a national treasure.
At least an hour is recommended to explore the grounds of Heungnyemun Palace. Guided tours depart several times daily from Heungnyemun Gate for free if you would like more insight into its history, however the National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum both lie south of Heungnyemun Gate for further study.
Photography enthusiasts will delight in this breathtaking landscape and architecture unique to this place. Visitors may also visit Jibokjae, once King Gojong’s private library and meeting room; now reopened as a public library featuring books about Korean history and culture.
Adult tickets to Gyeongbokgung normally cost 3,000 won; however, visitors in traditional Korean attire (hanbok) can enter free.
Jeoldusan Martyr’s Shrine
Jeoldusan Martyr’s Shrine stands as a memorial to Roman Catholic martyrs who perished during the Byeonin Persecution in 1866, also known as Jamdubong, where many victims were decapitated before their bodies were dumped into Han River. Today, this site features a chapel, museum and outdoor area open to the public, where votive candles may be lit and sights enjoyed.
Since 1967, Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Memorial Hall was known as Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Memorial Hall; however in August of 2008 it was renamed Korean Martyrs’ Museum to recognize 103 Catholic martyrs canonized as Saints in 1984. The museum houses various items used during persecutions including wooden grizzly torture equipment and diaries written by martyrs.
To fully experience the Martyr’s Shrine, make sure to visit during both daytime and nighttime for maximum enjoyment. Begin at Yanghwajin Foreigners Cemetery where many foreign missionaries are interred before viewing it all beautifully illuminated at nighttime.
Seoul Alive Illusion Museum
Come explore SK Telecom Ubiquitous’s futuristic science-fiction museum in Seoul for an incredible sci-fi journey! Designed by this impressive art gallery, the gallery includes rooms filled with holographic projections, teleportation features, AI robots and immersive experiences that’ll transport you right back into Star Trek itself!
Namsan Park provides an idyllic retreat from Seoul’s skyscrapers; stroll through its trees and explore its many amenities like playgrounds and museums.
Why it’s awesome:
Alive Museum, situated at the heart of Insadong, offers interactive optical illusion art and mind-boggling mazes for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Take photos with friends at over 50 photo zones that range from becoming mermaids to fighting sea dragons – one ticket includes admission to both Alive Museum and Dynamic Maze; reserve tickets through Creatrip for discounted admission tickets!
Namsan Park
Namsan Park is one of Seoul’s premier attractions, serving as a green oasis on its slopes of Mt. Namsan at 860 feet tall and offering many activities such as walking trails, botanic flower displays, historic landmarks, an observation tower and plenty of dining options like Italian cuisine, Asian fare or cafe fare.
Visitors to Seoul can ride a cable car and get an aerial view of Seoul from N Seoul Tower, an iconic symbol of the city that has become the site of various Korean dramas such as A Korean Odyssey, Boys Over Flowers and My Love From the Star.
Mongmyeoksan Beacon Hill Site and Palgakjeong Pavilion, two other attractions within Seoul National Park, were used during Joseon Dynasty to signal invasions via fire or smoke; and couples would hang locks to symbolize eternal devotion as lovers hung them during Joseon Dynasty times. Furthermore, visitors can try on traditional Korean attire hanbok at its cultural experience center to remember their visit better; visiting during weekday or non-peak hours can also help avoid crowds for an enjoyable visit to Seoul National Park!
Myeongdong
Myeongdong offers everything from an unforgettable shopping spree, tantalizing culinary adventure, or simply an insight into Korean culture – Myeongdong offers it all. The bustling district features hundreds of trendy boutiques, street vendors, and upscale restaurants; and is also one of Korea’s most visited travel destinations with visitors from around the globe flocking to its streets and alleyways.
Shinsegae Department Store should be at the top of your Myeongdong shopping itinerary. In addition to traditional retail offerings, it features galleries showcasing modern Korean artwork by famous local artists as well as an expansive cultural zone featuring museums, restaurants and bars.
Myeongdong Cathedral stands as another landmark attraction, its Gothic exterior revealing an interior with sky-high pillars and pointed arches – popular among Catholic worshipers.
One unique experience Myeongdong offers is the Stylenanda Pink Hotel and cafe. This retail shop was specifically created to resemble the layout of a hotel; for instance, each floor mimics its respective area (laundry room, bedroom etc). Plus, with its bright pink exterior it’s hard to miss!
TOURISTINROMANIA.travel.blog 