People who appreciate sightseeing will have plenty to see in Seoul. Here are a few of my favorites.
The Five Palaces of Seoul
- The Five Grand Palaces of Seoul were built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Gyeongbokgung is the most famous of the five and is located at the end of Seoul's main plaza. The other four are Changdeokgung, Changyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung and Deoksugung. They are an excellent example of Korean architecture and you can spend a good hour at each. Gyeongbokgung is the most extensive in size and has daily changing of the guard ceremonies that draw crowds. Deoksugung also has an entertaining changing of the guard ceremony and is only a short walk from the main plaza.
Gyeonbokgung
Gyeonbokgung
Gyeonbokgung
Gyeonbokgung
Deoksugung "Changing of the Guard"
Gyeonbokgung "Changing of the Guard"
- War Memorial of Korea
This is an excellent stop for those interested in the history of the Korean War. The memorial is not just a memorial but a very large museum. The memorial consists of several displays outdoors and you can see up close the military equipment used by the forces involved in the Korean conflict as well as some post-Korean War equipment. Indoors you will be treated to a very well designed museum with highly interactive exhibits. You will be taken through not only the history of the Korean War but the entire military history of Korea up until modern times. You can expect to spend at the very least three hours at the museum. If you plan on coming to the you should make a day out of it to really appreciate what the memorial and museum offers its visitors. Like all national museums and memorials it is completely free to the public.
- Seoul Arts Center
The Seoul Arts Center will have something year round for the music and art lover. Operas, Philharmonic Orchestras and classical Korean music are some of the many types of music that play at the Seoul Arts Center. Seoul Arts Center boasts three concert halls, an opera house, two performing arts stages as well as art and design museums within the complex. It is located just a few hundred meters from Nambu Bus Terminal.
- The National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is the premier museum for Korean history and art within the country. It holds over 300,000 pieces and contains some of Koreas most cherished national treasures. It is a must see for the Seoul visitor. Over 3 million visitors walk its halls each year. Some of the items you will see will be very hard to miss. I loved the beautifully crafted ten story stone pagoda from the 14th century housed within the museum. The pieces in the museum date from the Paleolithic era to the modern era. One could spend hours within the museum so it is wise to plan to spend multiple hours at the museum.
To be continued with...
- Insadong/Bukchon Hanok Village
- Namdaemun Market
- Seodaemun Prison Museum
