Seoul is one of the most exciting cities of Asia displaying a perfect mix of traditional and modern, with countless attractions and sites to explore!  A megalopolis of over 10 million people, Seoul feels like a city on a mission. Modernity is undoubtedly the capital’s keynote, interrupted only by a desire to preserve its cultural heritage, particularly the numerous National Treasure and monuments that remain, dating back to the 14th century.

If you can’t wait to begin your explorations why not take a leisurely stroll out of your hotel and step into the buzzing Myeongdong market, one of Seoul’s most-loved shopping district where the young and fashion conscious come out in exuberant style to be seen and admired as they wine and dine in the numerous local cafés, bars and restaurants.

You could consider catching an amateur production of Korean Cultural Theatre in the Daehakro District a short distance from your hotel. It’s much more performance than drama and predominantly consist of dance, shaman ritual and circus, tinged with satire that showcases the lighter, edgier side of local culture with humour and a degree of social criticism.  Don’t worry about your Korean language skills, you’ll instinctively know when to laugh or cry! There’s no need to book ahead, thickets are usually available on the night.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace Complex is the grandest of five great palaces built by the Joseon’s, the longest ruling Confucian dynasty who reigned over South Korea for some five centuries. It is one of the most important structures of the city and a fine example of Korean architecture, often compared to the Forbidden City in Beijing. 

Secured by great fortified walls with just four points of entry the largest which, The Gwanghwamun Gate leads directly to the  Gwanghwamun Square, the main congregational square of the palace where the changing of the guard ceremony takes place. Today parts of the palace are occupied by The National Palace Museum of Korea howcasing the lifestyle of the Joseon society, including pieces reflecting its arts, science and music and The National Folk Museum which houses artefacts of the traditional rural lifestyle

The beautifully manicured grounds feature a glorious pavilion at its heart on a private island, in the middle of a lake connected by three elegant stone bridges while the flora of the landscape is home to a large variety of birds.

The Bukchon Hanok Village area preserves a 600-year-old urban settlement offering a valuable insight into the cultural history of the Joseon period.  Located north of the Cheonggye Stream, the village shows some great examples of traditional Korean architecture. It is also home to the Bukhchon Traditional Culture Centre with a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and shops offering handmade crafts and a traditional tea houses.

Close by is Insa-dong Street, one of the most memorable attractions in Seoul and represents the focal point of Korean traditional arts and crafts. Stores here specialise in a wide variety of hand-made goods like Korean Hanbok (traditional clothing), Hanji (traditional paper).  One of the main attractions in the area is ‘Dragons Beard Candy’ or ‘Kings Dessert’, swirls of spun honey in multiple flavours of almond, peanut, chocolate or fruit, spicy Korean dumplings and sticky sweet pancakes.

Optional: If you are keen to experience some of the more traditional food and drinks of the country, we would recommend the Suyeonsanbang Tea House (with a nominal cover charge), for a traditional and atmospheric tea ceremony accompanied by delicacies such as bamboo rice. Alternatively try Korean BBQ dinner, in one of the many beautiful restaurants located in the Insa-dong Street area.

Optional Excursions:

Seoul offer much more for those with a little more time and if you are able to find an extra day or two, why not consider one of our Holiday Extensions

Andong, the cultural capital of Korea is thought to be the birthplace of Confucianism in Korea, its traditional wooden masks and of course ‘Soju’ Korea’s favourite alcoholic tipple!

The regions principal site is the UNESCO Heritage listed folk village of Hahoe sits an hour’s drive out of town.  Located in the foothills of Hwasan Mountain with Nakdong River, which flowing around its perimeter this 600 year old village commands an idyllic location and provides visitors with the unique opportunity to experience the lifestyle of the Ryu Clan, up and close. Small straw-thatched house with quaint gardens at the periphery of the village surrounded large tile-roofed houses adding their own unique charm to local character.

Here we have a chance to experience the living, traditional lifestyle of the residents and sample regional specialities, visit the small Mask Museum and participate in folk dances.

The seat of the powerful Silla dynasty, Gyeongju offers an exceptional crop of monuments comprising temples, pagodas, ancient burial sites, statues and gardens in the shadow of Mount Namsan.

No less than four UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites are found here. The first is the Royal Tumuli Park – a collection of smooth-sided, grassy mounds in which the Silla Kings lie buried. Many of these tombs remain unopened, but treasures from those that have – including several solid gold crowns, ornamental weapons and the huge ‘Emille Bell’ – are displayed in the Gyeongju National Museum, along with ceramic items and other religious artefacts.

Bulguksa Temple is Gyeongju’s crowning glory, nestled amid pine, peach, plum and cryptomeria trees on the lower slopes of Mount Tohamsan, the sprawling Buddhist complex is the oldest and most famous Silla shrines. The architect responsible for Bulguksa also designed the exquisite Seokguram grotto, further up the hill, where most people head to admire the seated Shakyamuni Buddha, – an, eerily lifelike carving that is regarded as the high watermark of Buddhist art in the Far East.

Additional Holiday Extensions are available here including visiting Jeju Island, hiking Geumjeongsan Mountain or a day trip to the beautiful Geojedo Island. Find out more by contacting our South Korea travel specialists