The Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Korea's cultural history. Built in the 14th century, it's the largest of the Five Grand Palaces and has a rich history of wars and invasions.
Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village that displays the residential architecture of the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors are free to roam around and explore the alleys and homes of the village.
Namsan Tower is a communication and observation tower located on top of Namsan Mountain. It offers breathtaking views of the city and is popular among tourists and locals alike.
Cheonggyecheon Stream is a public recreation space that runs through downtown Seoul. Visitors can walk along the stream and enjoy the urban oasis amidst the bustling city.
Gwangjang Market is a historical traditional market that's over 100 years old. It's famous for its street food, textiles, and vintage clothing stores.
The Korean War Memorial is a museum and monument dedicated to the Korean War. It houses a large collection of artifacts and documents that tell the story of the war and its impact on the Korean people.
Changdeokgung Palace is another one of the Five Grand Palaces and is known for its beautiful gardens and architecture. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
Seoul has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, subways, and taxis. The subway is the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city, with a single ride costing 1,250 KRW (approximately $1.15 USD). Taxis are also readily available, but can be more expensive depending on the distance traveled and traffic conditions.
If you have more time, consider visiting other historical sites like the Jongmyo Shrine, the National Museum of Korea, or the Seodaemun Prison History Hall. For food lovers, a visit to Myeong-dong or Hongdae is a must for the street food scene. If you have less time, you can skip some of the attractions and focus on the ones that interest you the most.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the primary airport for Seoul and is located approximately 30 miles west of the city center. The other airport, Gimpo International Airport (GMP), is located closer to the city center but primarily serves domestic flights.