Seoul Things to Do Tips by Ewingjr98

Gyeongbokgung ( 경복궁) is the main palace in Seoul and sits in the heart of the city. It was constructed in 1394, but like most other historic sites in Korea, it has been destroyed by the Japanese 2 or 3 times. The pavilion that is surrounded by water on the west side of the palace (called the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion) appears on the back of the Korean 10,000 won note. A key draw at Gyeongbokgung is the changing of the guard ceremony which occurs several times a day.

Cheong Wa Dae, or the Korean President's "Blue House," sits to the rear of Gyeongbokgung, and on the original grounds of the ancient palace. It was established as the Korean president's residence in 1948. Gyeongbokgung also houses the National Folk Museum which can be visited with the same ticket for the palace.

When the Japanese occupied Korea, they constructed their governor-general's house in the middle of Gyeongbokgung to show their superiority over the Korean people. After the Japanese departed, the Koreans used this building as their national museum, but it was finally torn down in 1993 to restore the palace to its original glory. Unfortunately this meant the national museum had no home, until the Americans gave up some land at the Yongsan Army Garrison south of Namsan. The new National Museum finally opened around 2005.

Admittance to Gyeongbokgung is 3,000 Won for foreign adults.

Each November, there is a re-enactment of the traditional ceremony to pray for a good silk work harvest held at Gyeongbokgung.

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Directions: Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung. The palace is located at the giant "T" intersection at the north edge of downtown near the US embassy.
Website: http://www.cha.go.kr/english/royal_palaces/Gyeongbokgung.jsp?catmenu=ES_04_04

This park on the eastern side of Seoul was created for the 1988 Summer Olympics. The Olympic swimming pool, velodrome, and gymnasiums are still in use here. The park has nice open areas, good trails and many pieces of unique art work. There is also an ice skating rink in the winter.

The remains of the ancient Mongchontoseong earth fortress are also located in this area. The fortress wall was built in the Baekje Kingdom era to defend its people against attack from the north.

This is one of my favorite parks in Seoul, and admission is free!

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Directions: To get to Olympic Park, take subway line 5 to Olympic Park Station or approach from the north end of the park on subway line 8, Mongchontoseong Station.
Website: http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/index_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=1988

Bukhansan (북한산) is a National Park on the northern edge of Seoul with miles of hiking trails, dozens of temples, several impressive peaks, and the Bukhansanseong (Bukhan Mountain Fortress) which was constructed in 132 AD. The two largest peaks in Bukhansan Park are Baegundae at 835 meters and Dobongsan, which is over 700 meters. The park was established in 1983.

I visited Bukhansan twice while living in Seoul. Once I entered the park from the west and just did some hiking and looking at temples. The second visit, I entered from the east and hiked straight to the top of Dobongsan...it was an awesome hike that took just about 3 hours round trip.

Entry to the park is just 1,600 Won for adults.

To get to Bukhansan & Bukhansanseong, take Subway Line 3 to Gupabal Station, then city bus 156 to Bukhansanseong. To get to Dobongsan, take Line 1 or 7 to Dobongsan Station.

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Website: http://www.npa.or.kr/bukhan/eng/main.htm

Bukhansanseong was first built by King Kaeru during the Baekje era in 132 AD, but was rebuilt in 1711 by King Sukjong to defend Seoul's northern approaches from the Chinese invaders. The walls average 7 meters tall and follow along the steep ridge lines of the park, taking advantage of the natural terrain features for defense. The circumference of this huge fortress is about 9 km, and it has several impressive gates and watchtowers along its length.

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Namhansanseong (남한산성;) is one of my favorite places to hike in Korea. It combines nice hiking trails, with a historic fortress, massive gates, several Buddhist temples, a nice village, and some spectacular views of Seoul in the distance on a clear day. It is located 25 km southeast of Seoul and makes a wonderful day trip.

The first fortress on this site was completed around 672, and the present fortress was built in the early 1600s to defend Korea from the Manchus. Korean King Injo retreated to Namhansanseong when the Manchus invaded Korea in 1635, however he was forced to surrender after a few weeks under siege. The walls have a circumference of about 5 km, and many are as high as 10 meters. Of the nine original Buddhist temples, only one remains, called Changgyeongsa.

Namhansanseong was designated a national park in 1954, following the end of the Korean War.

To get to Namhansanseong, take subway line 8 to Namhansanseong Station in Seongnam and walk about 2 km east through the city, then through a park to the fortress walls, or take a city bus to the village. The walking route isn't too bad if you have a decent map. Once you get to the park, the trails are well marked...just go up the mountain side! Taxi is another option, and will probably cost less than 10,000 won.

Entry to the park used to be about 500 Won...it may be a little higher today.

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Address: Seongnam

The Hangang, or Han River, divides old Seoul to the north from new Seoul to the south (Gangnam on the south side of the river literally translates to "south river"). Along the Han River rest a series of parks that have running paths, basketball courts, soccer fields, swimming pools, and other recreation areas. These parks are located with easy access to much of the city in the Banpo, Cheonho, Ichon, Jamsil, Jamwon, Mangwon, Ttukseom, Yangwha, and Yeouido areas. The park areas on either side of the river are connected by a paved trail, and many bridges have pedestrian paths so you can cross from one side of the Han to the other. If you are a runner or a cyclist, there is no better place in Seoul to run or ride for miles and miles on flat, paved trails.

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The Changdeokgung (창덕궁) palace was built in 1405 by King Taejong, destroyed by the Japanese in the invasion of 1592, and rebuilt from about 1610-1616. In the early 1900s, numerous buildings caught fire or were torn down by the Japanese

The palace has three main areas: the outer hall for state functions, the inner hall for the King and Queen's private quarters, and the back garden. The Secret Garden -- or Biwon -- is the main attraction and makes Changdeokgung unique from the other palaces. This is a magnificent Korean garden that was was not really a secret, just closed to the public in Royal times. One of my favorite areas in the Biwon is the area around Buyongji, the pond surrounded by great little pavilions.

All visitors to Changdeokgung must be on a guided tour. English tours are conducted 3 or 4 times a day, the best time being around 1530. Get there early... most days there is a changing of the guards ceremony at 1500.

Here is a photo taken during the 2006 dust storms.

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Phone: 080-290-8000
Address: 2-71, Waryong-dong Jongno-gu Seoul
Directions: Changdeok Palace is in central Seoul just east of Anguk Station.
Website: http://www.ocp.go.kr/english/palace/pal_cdk.html#12
Other Contact: 080-999-1113

Biwon, meaning "Secret Garden," was originally named Huwon, or "Rear Garden" as it sits behind Changdeokgung Palace. My favorite spot in Biwon is the Buyongji, a still pond surrounded by unique buildings including the pavilion Buyongjeong, the Juhamnu library, and the examination hall called Yeonghwadang. There is also a small stream called Ongnyucheon which passes through gardens built in 1636, past several pavilions, and under an arched stone bridge. One of the final stops before exiting the garden is the Kings' shrine called Seonwonjeon, the last existing shrine of the Joseon dynasty.

All visitors to Changdeokgung and Biwon must be on a guided tour. English tours are conducted 3 or 4 times a day, the best time being around 1530. Get there early... most days there is a changing of the guards ceremony at 1500.

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Phone: 080-290-8000
Address: 2-71, Waryong-dong Jongno-gu Seoul
Directions: Biwon is located at Changdeok Palace in central Seoul just east of Anguk Station.
Website: http://www.lifeinkorea.com/travel2/76

Yeouido (여의도), or Yeoui Island, is called the Manhattan of Seoul because it is the financial center of Korea and the home of the KOSPI and KOSDAQ -- the Korean Stock Exchanges. It sits in the Han River southwest of the city center. Yeouido hosted an airport in 1923 prior to the expansion of the city. The major sights on the island are the 63 building, Yeouido Park, and the National Assembly, but here you can also find the Samsung and LG headquarters as well as the KBS and MBC television companies.

The 63 Building is Seoul's tallest building -- 60 stories above ground. Why then is it called the 63 Building? It also has 3 floors underground. The 63 Building has an aquarium and several restaurants on the lower floors. There is also a restaurant near the top floor with a great view -- prices are lower than you'd expect.

Yeouido Park is one of Seoul's best parks with nice walking trails, botanical gardens, basketball courts, bike paths, a few restaurants and thousands of Koreans on the weekend. The Han River Park also runs along the north side of the island with trails and fishing.

The National Assembly is an impressive building on the western edge of the island. Tours are available.

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Directions: Take subway line 5 to Yeouinaru or Yeouido Station. When Line 9 is complete it will cross line 5 at Yeouido Station.

From Ingwansan you have a wonderful view of downtown Seoul and the Blue House (where the president lives). Because of the strategic location overlooking the Presidential Mansion, cameras are not allowed on the mountain. As you hike, you will notice the barbed wire and frequent armed guards. The majority of the main trail is paved with concrete or stone steps making for an easy climb. The peak is 340 meters above sea level.

To get to Ingwansan, take Subway Line 3 to Gyeonbokgung Station and walk west toward Sajik Park. Just before the park, turn right on the paved road (Ingwansan-gil). After about 20 minutes you will see trails to the left toward the mountain top.

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