| The biggest as well as the capital city of the Republic | | | | Hyangwonjeong, which is island developed within a |
| of Korea (South Korea,) Seoul is an intriguing | | | | pond. Also, within the palace is the National Folk |
| destination, situated in the mid western region of the | | | | Museum, with some rare artifacts. |
| Korean Peninsula, on the Han River, near the North | | | | Another fabulous palace in Seoul is Deoksugung, |
| Korean border, otherwise known as the de-militarised | | | | which has to its credit an amazing mix of temples |
| zone (DMZ), which in turn is a buffer zone between | | | | and gardens. Also, a great palace in the area is |
| North Korea and South Korea. Spread over an area | | | | Changdeokgung Palace, which still serves as the |
| of 605 sq km, Seoul has been designated with the | | | | residence of Royals. However, a guided tour is the |
| status of a Special City, and is directly under the | | | | required to take a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, the |
| administration of the national government. | | | | oldest palace in the city. Seoul's incredible attractions |
| Seoul's history dates back to as early as 18 BC when | | | | also include a variety of ancient shrines and pagodas, |
| Paekche Kingdom made Wiryeseong, which is today's | | | | such as Chongmyo Shrine and Chogyesa Temple. A |
| southeastern Seoul, as its capital. Later, Seoul | | | | specialty is that many of the shrines in Seoul are |
| became the capital of the Goryeo era during the 11th | | | | graced with beautiful Buddhist art. |
| century. Seoul was then known as Southern Capital, | | | | Your visit to Seoul would not be complete without |
| which was later renamed Hanyang in 1394 when the | | | | taking a tour to Dongdaemun Market, which is |
| Joseon dynasty made Seoul its capital. | | | | dubbed as the 'Mecca of Fashion.' With a large |
| In 1948, Seoul became the capital city of South | | | | collection of shopping malls, Dongdaemun Market is a |
| Korea. Additionally, Seoul witnessed several wars and | | | | place to shop a full range of clothing items and that |
| destruction during various phases of its history. But, | | | | too at cheap prices. Both retail and wholesale shops |
| Seoul has been now transformed into an international | | | | can be seen here, and few among them are Freya |
| destination, with a sound commerce and sports | | | | Town, Doosan Tower, Migliore, Designer's Club, |
| scene. Despite its modern soaring buildings and | | | | Nuzzon, Migliore Valley, and Gwanghee Fashion Mall. |
| sophisticated expressways, Seoul still retains its old | | | | Also, found in the vicinity is Dongdaemun Stadium, |
| world charm. | | | | which is a great place to shop sporting materials. |
| For those who want to enjoy the traditional culture | | | | Another popular market place in the area is |
| of Korea, a visit to Seoul's Insa-dong would be a | | | | Namdaemun Market, where everything from men |
| great experience. Situated in the middle of the city, | | | | and women's apparels, children's wear, and shoes to |
| Insa-dong is an exciting as well as colorful place with | | | | kitchenware, indigenous items, and imported goods |
| alleys on either site. | | | | can be shopped. Since this market area has such a |
| All of the alleys seen here are packed with traditional | | | | great number of shopping malls, it is recommended |
| restaurants and teahouses, cafes, and shops, where | | | | to plan in advance prior to shopping. |
| both traditional and precious items are put for sale. It | | | | A must-see attraction in Seoul is Mt. Namsan, a 252 |
| is also home to a number of interesting art galleries | | | | m mountain located in the heart of the city. Mt |
| such as Gana Art Gallery, Gana Art Center, and | | | | Namsan and its surrounding areas have been |
| Hakgojae Gallery, which is the center of folk art. One | | | | maintained as a public park. Among the highlights of |
| of the best ways to tour these galleries is via the | | | | this symbolic mountain are the Palgakjeong Pavilion, |
| Art Center Bus, which takes you to more than 10 | | | | Seoul Tower, Namsan Library, and a marine aquarium, |
| much famed art galleries in the region. | | | | and a botanical garden. You can reach the summit |
| Of the marvelous attractions in Seoul that deserve a | | | | either via the hiking trail or through a cable car ride. |
| special mention is the Gyeongbok Palace, also known | | | | Namsangol Traditional Korean Village is close to the |
| as Northern Palace. Built in 1395 by Taejo Seonggye | | | | mountain. |
| Lee of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbok is perhaps | | | | Other not to miss attraction in the area are War |
| the most beautiful of all palaces in the area. | | | | Memorial, National Theater, Korea House, Myong-dong |
| Sprawling over an area of 495,000 the palace's | | | | Catholic Cathedral, Sejong Cultural Center, and Sejong |
| highlights cover Geunjeongjeon - the main hall, | | | | Cultural Center. |
| Gyeonghoeru - the banquet pavilion, and | | | | |