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Kyoungbokkung Palace –
Built in the first Yi dynasty, this palace was a hub of royal power and royal residence for at least 200 years. Before 1592, the grounds housed at least 500 buildings before the Japanese onslaught destroyed them. The palace was then neglected for many years until reconstruction during King Kojong’s reign from 1864 to 1907. However, by 1872, only 200 buildings had been completed. With the Japanese occupation from 1910-1945 as well as the Korean war soon after, more destruction resulted leaving only 10 buildings that have survived destruction to this day.
The palace grounds and buildings are open for viewing from 9am to 6pm from March to October and from 9am to 5pm November to February.
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Classification
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Age 19-
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7-18
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Individual
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3,000 won
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1,500 won
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Group
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2,400 won
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1,200 won
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In addition, during major Korean holidays such as Chusok or the Korean New Year, admission is free to families.
National Folk Museum-----
On the grounds of Kyongbokkun Palace, the National Folk Museum displays items from the daily lives of Koreans through history such as kitchen utensils, farming equipment, clothing, and those items associated with Shamanistic rituals.
Age 19~64 years old: 3,000 won(2,400 won) / Age 7~18 years old: 1,500 won (1,200 won)
* ( ) for group fee / Adult groups if more than 30 persons, Teenager groups if more than 10 persons.
* Free on every first Monday of every month- 'Museum Visiting Day'
* You can enter National Folk Museum of Korea, Gyeongbokgung, and National Palace Museum of Korea with only one ticket (You cannot enter the National Palace Museum of Korea free on Moday, which is usually closed).
Chogyesa Temple ----
To the south-east of Kyongbokkyung Palace lies the heart of main Chogye Zen Buddhist Order. It is the only major Buddhist temple in Seoul. In the vicinity of the temple, a number of Buddhist supple shops line the main street selling wares such as bowls for alms, traditional Buddhist clothing, candles, and tapes of Buddhist meditation chants.
The Blue House ---
Beyond the north gate of Kyongbokkung lies The Blue House, home of South Korea’s current president. While security remains tight, and its not open to the general public, the tree-lined street in front of the Blue House is since the the inauguration of Kim Young-sam in 1993.
Changdokkung Palace
To the east of Kyongbokkung Palace is Changdokkung Palace. Tours of the area include visit to the Secret Garden and take about 90 minutes. If you want a tour in English, the are only available at certain times of the day with Korean language tours on the hour. Admission Fee: Age 19 and over: 3,000 won / Ages 7 to 18: 1,500 won / Age 7 or under are free / Non-guided Tour on every Thursday: 15,000 won
Chongmyo Shrine
Chongmyo was originally built to enshrine the ancestral tablets of the first Yi Dynasty King, Yi T’aejo. Today, it houses the ancestral tablets of all 27 Yi kings. There are also two shrine buildings on the grounds surrounded by walls and flagstoned courtyards. It is also connected by a footbridge to Ch’anggyoungung Palace. It is open from 9am to 6:30pm March to October and 9am to 5:30pm November to February.
Admission Fee
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Age 19 and Over
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Ages 7 to 18
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Age 6 and Under
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Individual
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1,000 won
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500 won
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Free
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Group
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800 won
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400 won
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Free
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T’apkol Park
T’apkol Park is named after a 10-tier marble pagoda that stands inside of the park complex. In addition, a statue of Sun Pyong-Hui, leader of the March independence movement is also on display. Sun was known as well as other Korean dissidents wrote a Declaration of Independence that was read aloud in the park. As a result, the March 1st Movement was born. The entire contents of their declaration are on display alongside Sun’s statue. In addition, murals can be found along the walls of the park presenting a visual of what those activities of the independence movement was like.
Over recent years this park has become better known as the elderly hang out with mostly elderly men but also some women sitting around and enjoying the outside air. Often they can be seen playing paduk, fortune telling, or in conversation.
Toksugung Palace
In the mid-15th century, this palace was built by King Sejo for his grandson Prince Wolson. It has twice served as temporary royal residents. After King Sujong took power in 1907, King Kojong remined at the palace until his death in 1919. It’s open from 9am to 6pm from March to October and 9am to 5pm November to February.
Admission:
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Classification
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19 and over years old
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7~18 years old
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6 and under
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Individual
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1,000 won
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500 won
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free
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Group
Adults: more than 20/Children: more than 10
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800 won
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400 won
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free
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Namsan Park---
Besides Seoul Tower, one of Seoul’s most notable landmarks found at the peak of Namsan, one can find Namsan Botanic Gardens which can be found not too far from the famous Namdemun Market. Other attractions found in the tower include a famous revolving restaurant, the Aquariam, Game Room, and Natural Stone Exhibits. To get up to Seoul Tower, you can either walk from the Botanical Garden area or by cable car.
Most often, this area is a great dating place at night, with cars found stopping at the edge to enjoy the romance of the city lights down below.
Entrance Fee: Namsan Park: Free
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Classification
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Type
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Age 19~64
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Age 14~19, 66 and older
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Age 5~13
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N Seoul Tower
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Big-Three Pass
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Individual
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9,000won
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7,000won
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5,000won
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Group
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8,000won
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6,000won
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4,500won
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Observation Platform
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Individual
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7,000won
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5,000won
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3,000won
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Group
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6,300won
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4,500won
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2,700won
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Globe Folk Museum
CG 3-D animation
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Individual
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3,000won
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2,500won
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2,000won
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Group
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2,500won
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2,000won
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1,500won
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Classification
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Type
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14 and older
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Age 7~13
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Cable car
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one-way
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Individual
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5,500won
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3,000won
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Group
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4,500won
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2,500won
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round trip
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Individual
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7,000won
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4,500won
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Group
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5,500won
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3,500won
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Lotte World ---
A city within a building including an ice skating rink, hotel, Lotte Department Store, Lotte World Shopping Mall, and a bowling alley. There is also a Lotte World Adventure next door along with the Lotte World Folklore Museum.
Admission Fee:
Admission:
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Tickets
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Age 19 and over(won)
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Ages 13-18(won)
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Age 12 and under(won)
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Notes
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Day Pass
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34,000
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28,000
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25,000
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Free usage of all facilities. Includes admission(Game attractions excluded)
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Day Admission
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24,000
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21,000
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18,000
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Admission and free performance viewing
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Night Pass
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26,000
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22,000
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20,000
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Free pass for after 5 p.m.
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Night Admission
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21,000
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18,000
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16,000
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Discounted admission ticket for after 5 p.m.
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Moon Light Pass
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13,000
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11,000
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10,000
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A moonlight pass is offered only to guests after 19:00. 3 rides are available for free.
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Most of the stores and the department store are closed on Mondays but the ice skating rink, bowling alley and restaurants remain open.
Olympic Stadium and Olympic Park
Sites of the 1988 Olympics
The stadium holds seating for at least 100,000 people.
The park is the grounds containing numerous sporting facilities from the 1988 Olympics as well as a Paekche Dynasty fortress that has been preserved as a museum. The are also numerous sculptures within the park.
Yoido Island
Nicknamed the Manhattan of Seoul, this island is not only a place to come for picnics along the riverfront but also for the finance industry.
Around the island by the Hangang Riversidr Park is a trail used for bikes, running, and rollerblading. It’s a great place for parties or picnics on the weekends. In addition, a ferry boat offers rides at a cheap price for a cruise up and down the Han River to get another perspective of the city.
Besides the Riverside Park, the famous 63 Building (Yooksam Building) is a site worth seeing. The top floor is an observation deck with a restaurant. There is also an IMAX Theater and an Aquarium located inside the building. In the basement level, you can find shopping and restaurants.
War Memorial Museum ---
This Museum traces the history of the war in Korea from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Korean War. It houses over 13,000 items and aircraft which are displayed outside. 3.Hours: 9:30am~6:0pm (admissions until 5:00pm4.Closed: Every Monday (June:open) 5.Admission Fee: Age 19 and over 3,000 won/ 8~18: 2,000 won/ 7 and under: 1,000 won / Age 65 and over, disabled people :free 6.Facilities: Parking Lot, Vendor Booth
Myongdong Cathedral ----
Known as the biggest Catholic Church in Korea and established by French missionaries, this cathedral has been the fortress and protection for protestors against the government. However, because of recent disagreements and clashes with various church members, it is no longer so and during high protest time, riot police are often seen guarding the gates so trespassers cannot get in. The area around the Cathedral holds a convent, school, gift shop and of course the church itself. Inside, the church is decorated in simple architecture. Pilgrims can be seen praying everyday.
4. Service Schedule
① Weekday: 6:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (mass), 6p.m., 7p.m.(No masses on Mondays 7p.m. )
② Weekend: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.(mass for the youth), 9 p.m. - For the young- 10:30 a.m.(Elementary students), 12 p.m.(Middle/High School students)
③ Special Service (Saturdays): 6 p.m., 7p.m.
* The parish office is closed on Monday.
Fun things to do as Koreans do:
Clubs:
Hongdae ---
Of all the party areas in Seoul, Hongdae is the place to go for any taste in music. Once a month the area hosts club days where participating clubs offer a one-time fee of W20,000 where you can receive a bracelet and enter into any club for free, as long as they are participating in the event. From the subway stations, various restaurants and bars line the street to help in starting the party. After walking about a block or two, the street is soon lined with clubs. Major and well-known clubs are found on the main street while lesser known clubs are found in small alleyways and side streets. In addition, a variety of Noraebangs, or singing rooms are found along the route in case you get tired dancing and just want to have fun with your voice.
One of club worth going to in Hongdae is NB, which a second location near Kangman Station. It is a huge club suiting two tastes of music in one. In the main room, hip-hop music blares while a smaller room near the entrance plays more danceable disco and techno in case you get tired of the rap and hip-hop. In addition, the smaller dance floor is also becomes a dancing shower room late at night for those who wish to cool off and keep the party going.
Pubs and Bars:
Kangnam Station, Itaewon, and Chongno are the places to go if you want to go for a drink, hang out with your friends or just party and have a good time. Every pub and bar has a unique theme that is sure to please the senses. The Chongno area is the cheapest and along with affordable bars, there are also great restaurants offering anything from Japanese food to pizza. Kangnam Station is the most expensive but is also the most lively and crowded on the weekends. Itaewon, also known as International Village plays hosts to those International travelers and expats who wish to find a place to fit in where they feel alienated. Army officers and English teachers are often spotted sitting together discussing the trials and tribulations of living overseas. Familiar fare such as Subway and Burger King are also found. In the alleyways, the red light district as well as the alternative and gay bars can also be found for those seeking some pleasure and break from the main street.
Mountain Climbing: Spring and fall are perfect times for mountain climbing not only all over Seoul, but generally all over South Korea. Kids of all ages climb these mountains starting at the base where one can find restaurants, shopping stalls, and more than one hiking trail from the basic to the advanced. If you plan on climbing these mountains, make sure you travel light, have lots of water, and be in shape, or you’ll be soar and slow to move around a few days after.
Mountains that are recommended to hike around Seoul include:
Pukansan--- The biggest mountain in center of Seoul. It’s the most popular not only because of its height and beautiful scenery but also because it’s not too far from the North Korean Border.
Inwangsan---This Mountain that stands next to Pukansan is smaller and steeper but offers interesting sidetracks on the way up. One of them includes a complex on the side of the mountain with shaman temples that to this day worshippers make a pilgrimage too. At the top of Inwangsan near this complex of small temples to various nature gods lies an altar on the way up and a statue at the top resembling a human skull where candles are often found offering prayers of thanksgiving or help.
Kwanaksan---This Mountain is located near Seoul National University in the southern part of Seoul. It too is also high and is also known to be pretty rocky.
Shopping:
Anywhere you go in Seoul, shopping is everywhere. From the subway stations with small stores offering shoes, CDs, or other wares at cheap prices to big department stores such as Lotte Department Store and Midopa. Whatever you are looking for, some store will have it. The vendors are friendly and patient and if you struggle with your Korean, don’t worry, they will try to be as helpful as possible.
Myongdong---This is the one of the hippest shopping areas of Seoul located off of Subway Lines 4 and 2. Walking around, clothing stores, shopping malls, and various restaurants appeal to the senses. If you are looking for fashion accessories or a quaint coffee shop for a chat, this would be the area for you.
Apkujongdong --- Known as the Beverly Hills of Seoul, this is the most expensive shopping you can find with all the big names such as Gucci, Anna Sui, and Versace. It has been the backdrop of many Korean dramas and movies and oftentimes a Korean celebrity or two can be spotted shopping for the latest gear.
Namdemun Market and Dongdaemun Market --- If you want the authentic traditional Korean shopping experience, these two markets are the ones for you. Its not fixed prices but haggling that’s the name of the game for the products you want and spot. If you’ve never tried haggling before, this would be the perfect opportunity try. These markets sell anything from household wares, food, clothing, etc. for a cheap price if negotiated right.
Insadong --- If you are looking for traditional gifts or souvenirs, this area near Chogyesa Temple is the place to go. It’s a small traditional street that begins on the main road near Kyongbok palace and extends out to the center of the Chongno area. Along the way, traditional snacks are sold by vendors and numerous galleries to view art creations both local and traditional by local artists. It is also an area where street performances are held on the weekends with donations going to their particular causes or to help them earn some extra money.
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