Welcome to Republic of Korea’s capital a city that treasures its 600 years of tradition while embracing the future. Here, you will find a harmony of the past and present, history and future, while culture, economy, environment, creative imagination and innovation thrive in this ever-changing city. Seoul is a global city that blends the culture of yesterday with the trends of today and the hopes of tomorrow.
Explore Seoul
Around Walkerhill
Around Walkerhill
Gangnam&
Jamsil
Gangnam&
Jamsil
Itaewon&
Myeongdong
Itaewon&
Myeongdong
Guanghwamun&
Dongdaemun
Guanghwamun&
Dongdaemun
Seoul Forest Park
Website
Located between Jungnangcheon Stream and Hangang River, Seoul Forest, which was opened
in 2005, is one of the most loved park by citizen.
The park consists of four parts, Culture & Art Park, Educational Experience Park, Eco-forest Park, and Riverside Park along Hangang River.
Seoul Forest Park is the first one which is established and managed by Citizen group as
a public-private partnership.
From 2003 to 2005, more than 5,000 citizens and 70 firms had participated to plant trees for the park. Since then it has been developing continuously with many volunteer activities and donations.
Gwangnaru Hangang Park
Website
Gwangnaru Hangang Park, located between Gangdongdaegyo and Jamsilcheolgyo, is made up of
naturally sandy plains from the upper region of Hangang and a large colony of reeds. Well-known
for preserving the natural landscape of Hangang, Gwangnaru Hangang Park is the only water
source protection area in Seoul that also provides clean water. Boating and other water activities
are strictly prohibited. The lush green shrubs in the north Achasan and the reed field, which spans
for up to 2 km in Hangang riverside, create a breathtaking view.2
Acha mountain
Website
Achasan Mountain is a place famed for its scenic views of the the city and Hangang River.
The mountain isn't very tough and offers many easy hiking trails.
Starting from the Pine Tree Forest in Achasan Ecological Park, hikers walking along the mountain
trails will reach Achasanseong Fortress. At the peak of the mountain, visitors will be able to see
an unimpeded, open panoramic view of the city from Jamsil to Namsan and Bukhansan Mountain
to Achasan unfolding before their very eyes. Hike to the top and enjoy the refreshing air along
with the stunning scenery.
Sungsu-dong Cafe Street
Website
This area, which used to be a cluster of old factories and warehouses in the past, underwent a transformation through urban regeneration in the 2010s. Spaces for arts and culture replaced the old, dilapidated buildings, and it was reborn as a trendy area for artists and designers to engage in various activities.
Aside from the wide array of cafes and boutiques, many also visit to check out exotic breweries and pubs, including Amazing Brewing Company.
Seokchonhosu Lake & Lotte World Adventure
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Seokchonhosu Lake is a citizen park in Seoul with a jogging course and walking trails. It has two lakes with Songpa-daero Boulevard running in between. Lotte World Adventure located next to the lake is the world's largest indoor amusement park, complete with top-of-the-line rides, fantastic parades and performances. Visitors can enjoy rides watching the night view of the Seokshonhosu Lake.
Olympic Park
Website
Olympic Park is a multi complex for sports, culture and leisure in the spirit of 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. The park is situated in a convenient urban center location which is easily accessible by public transportation. It offers natural water purification and a biotic habitat. Furthermore, the stream is newly recognized as a rich swamp and a biotope as it connects the scenic Mongchon Moat and the 88 Lake.
National Museum of Korea
Website
National Museum of Korea houses a vast collection of over 220,000 artifacts from ancient times to the modern era in a wide range of topics, including art and culture. The museum houses a Children's Museum, where visitors can learn more about the nation's history through educational programs. The outdoor grounds feature pagodas and other stone artworks too large to be on display inside.
The War Memorial of Korea
Website
The War Memorial of Korea exhibits and preserves materials related to the Korean War and serves as a national moral educational venue. It was established on June 10, 1994 to commemorate the noble sacrifice of patriotic martyrs. The museum houses approximately 33,000 artifacts with about 10,000 on display at indoor and outdoor exhibitions. The outdoor exhibition showcases large-sized weapons.
Itaewon Street
Website
It is a multicultural place where is widely recognized by international visitors. The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s, when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as many international conferences. Travelers can taste authentic cuisine and experience culture from around the globe on the World Food Street where there are restaurants operated by foreigners.
Namsan Tower
Website
Namsan Tower was the first tower-type tourism spot in Korea. The top of the tower is at almost 480 meters above sea level, including Namsan Mountain (243 meters) and the tower’s own height (236.7 meters), making it one of the tallest towers in Asia. It features a gentle slope with an open view of the city center. Namsan Park is ideal for those who want to enjoy a leisurely walk on the mountain.
Deoksugung Palace
Website
Deoksugung Palace is one of five royal palaces remained in Seoul. Mainly built at the term of the 20th century, it is the smallest of Seoul’s palaces. The name Deoksugung means ‘palace of virtue and longevity’ in the spirit of praying for long life for Emperor Gojong. Located at the corner of Seoul’s busiest downtown intersection, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone-wall road.
Namdaemun Market
Website
The Namdaemun Market is a place full of life for 24 hours for 365 days, attracting an average of 0.4 million visitors a day. In the Namdaemun Market, visitors can find more than 1,700 items for your day-to-day life encompassing clothes for men, women, and children, accessories, kitchenware, folkcrafts, food, miscellaneous goods, and agricultural and fishery products. It is highly recommended to try unique local food.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Website
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It opened in 1395, the fourth year of the reign of Taejo, the founding monarch of Joseon. It was burnt down in 1592 during the Japanese invasions and remained in ruins. Extensive reconstruction was undertaken in 1868, and many of the structures were removed during the Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945).
Bukchon Hanok Village
Website
Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, restaurants and guesthouses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Website
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a multi-cultural complex located at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. Since its opening in 2014, DDP has held various cultural events including exhibitions, fashion shows, product launch events and conferences. Introducing new products, fashion trends and various design experiences, DDP serves as a hub of the design industry in Asia and further in the world.
Gwangjang Market
Website
Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The name Gwangjang means ‘to gather from afar and keep altogether’. From a small trading center, the market has grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods. The most popular section is the food street connected to the East Gate, North Gate 2, and South Gate 1.
Naksan Park
Website
Naksan Park is a great place to see the Seoul City Wall and take in views of downtown Seoul. Located in the center of the Seoul, this historical and beautiful park allows its visitors to view the magnificence of the entire city, especially the nighttime views. The park has been used as a filming location for many Hallyu dramas. For visitors that like to hike, they should take the trail from Hyehwamun to Dongdaemun or vice versa.
Korea, in Northeast Asia is a nation that boasts a fast growing economy and a lifestyle that brings together the old and the new. Despite their strong enthusiasm for modernization and globalization, Koreans still greatly value their 5,000 years of history and beautiful nature, making the country an attractive destination for business travelers and vacationers alike. Korea has proved its economic growth and international competence as a global leader to the world, hosting numerous international events including the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, the G20 Seoul Summit and the Nuclear Security Summit.
Famous spots that appeared in Korean dramas and movies attract foreign visitors all year around. Korea’s long heritage and inspiring scenery impress all visitors with its uniqueness and charm.
Where is Korea?
The Korean peninsula, roughly 1,030 km long and 175 km at its narrowest point, has a total land area of 100,033 km2 and is located in Northeast Asia. With Seoul as its capital city, Korea is neighbored by Japan to the east, China to the west and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) across the northern border.
Culture
‘Hangeul’, Korean Alphabet
Hangeul, one of the most unique creations of Korea, was introduced in 1443 by King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon dynasty. To help all commoners to easily read and write this alphabet, Hunminjeongeum (meaning ‘Proper sounds to instruct the people’ in Korean) was created. The UNESCO inscribed Hunminjeongeum Haerye; The Hangeul Manuscript, on the Memory of the World Register in 1997.
‘Hanbok’, Korean Traditional Clothes
Hanbok is the traditional attire of the Korean people. Worn daily up until just 100 years ago, hanbok comes in various shapes and colors, reflecting the culture and lifestyle of its time. Nowadays, it is only worn on special occasions or anniversaries. The core of hanbok is its graceful shape and vibrant colors, which have had a major impact on the modern fashion industry.
‘Hansik’, Korean Traditional Food
Hansik refers to traditional Korean food, centered on rice, served alongside a bowl of soup and a variety of side dishes. Most dishes use meat and vegetables as the main ingredients, boiled or steamed in brine or water rather than fried in oil, making hansik very healthy. Hansik's most outstanding feature is the fermented foods. The most well-known are kimchi (fermented cabbage).
‘Hallyu’, Korean Pop Culture
Korea has been risen not only in the field of technology and engineering, but also in the field of culture. Hallyu, which refers to the increase in popularity of Korean culture, has been expanded nationwide. Ranging in genres from K-pop to the larger Hallyu entertainment business and culture, Korea’s cultural influence has been increasing to Asia and to the world.
Travel Highlights in Korea
SEOUL
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BUSAN
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GANGNEUNG
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JEONJU
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INCHEON
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JEJU ISLAND
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Currency
Korea's official monetary unit is the won. There are currency exchanges at the airports and select locations around Seoul and elsewhere, but the best way to get money all over Korea would be through ATMs. You can find ATMs at airports, subway stations and most convenient stores.
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Registration: +82 70-8670-3243
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