South Korea Attractions

Renowned Korean jazz musician, Won-seo Park, and his students create a lively and cheerful atmosphere as they fill this place with music. A singing group named "Basic on the Stage" also performs daily. Basic is small and consistently crowded, but this rather adds to the intimacy between musicians and guests. Drinks from your local draft beer to exotic imported bottled beers are available. If you are looking for a really special night out in Seoul, and you enjoy jazz, then Basic is the place to head for.

Myung-dong street is one of the most exclusive streets in Seoul. It has quite a lot of nicknames, of which 'Mecca of Fashion', 'Young People's Street,' and 'Golden Place' are the most familiar. More than two million people pass by the expensive boutique shops here every day. Some of the best fashion designers sell their clothes here, such as Prada, Mook and Ssamzie. Each spring and autumn, festivals, fashion shows, concerts, and many other various events are held in the street.

Opened in 1985 and standing 63 stories, this building is the tallest in Seoul. It serves as a major attraction from where you can get the best panoramic view of the capital. Within the building, there are offices, restaurants, coffee shops, banquet halls, an aquarium, and an IMAX theater. The aquarium is most impressive. It houses 400 different species with a total of 20,000 fish.

Built in 1405 by King Taejong, Changdok is the best preserved of all of Seoul's palaces. It has its own unique architectural beauty and is divided into four main components: Central Palace, Piwon (known as the secret garden), Naksonjae, and Sonwonjon Hall. The beautiful surroundings, including a pond in harmony with the old palace buildings, provide a serene and cozy atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Located in downtown Seoul across from City Hall, this palace was built as the main residence for the kings of the early Chosun Dynasty. Among all the palaces in Seoul, this palace exhibits the first Western-style building, Sokjojon, a stone hall. Presently, Sokjojon is being used as the exhibition hall for the Royal Artifact Museum. Every weekend between 2pm and 3:30pm, you can witness the changing of the Royal Guards which takes place at the grand entrance to the palace.

Yongsan Family Park has come a long way since it was a golf course for the US military base five years ago. The golf balls have gone, but there are still plenty of "birdies" to be seen, with geese and ducks frequenting the pond. Many families like to have picnics among the large, lush lawns or play with numerous cheeky squirrels. This is also a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday Seoul life.

It is difficult to imagine that this picturesque park was covered with black asphalt for 27 years. Today, it occupies 229,539 square meters. It consists of four main areas: a traditional Korean forest, a grassy field, a cultural event plaza, and an ecological forest where you can get a glimpse of different aquatic plants and insects. You can also rent a bicycle and take a ride along the scenic bike path, which extends 2.4 kilometers.

Myungdong Cathedral was the first redbrick building to be constructed in Seoul. It is located in one of the most affluent shopping districts in Korea. Consecrated in 1898, it was built in the Gothic style and took four years to complete. The main edifice is 23 meters high, while the steeple soars another 22 meters. Twenty different types of bricks in two colors, red and gray, were used in the construction. Sunday English masses are at 10a. The cathedral has been designated a historical site.

This uniquely—shaped building has become a new landmark in downtown Seoul. Outside there is some greenery, while inside many of the walls are made of glass. From the top—floor restaurant, the view of downtown Seoul is superb. The basement and first floors house a food court and some stores, while the rest of the building is used for office space. In the basement there is also a space for small informal music or dance performances, mostly performed by Korean youth.

This memorial hall was built in honor of the great King Sejong, who reigned in the 15th century. His achievements in the fields of music, science, and the Korean writing system are celebrated here. The museum features traditional musical instruments such as stone chimes and a six-string zither, and scientific instruments, including a sundial and a rainfall gauge. One room explores Sejong's development of the simple and logical Korean writing system, which made the written word accessible to all people. Admission: Adults KRW600 (group rate KRW500); students KRW400 (group rate KRW300).

This peaceful place is named after Master Doseon, who built the temple in 682. Doseon was a learned monk with a deep knowledge of astronomy, geography, and geometry. He strongly believed Buddhism would flourish at this auspicious location at the foot of Mount Samgaksan. The largest Buddhist center in Korea, presently on the temple grounds, is indeed flourishing. An impressive 20-foot tall stone Buddha is located behind the main temple. Legend has it that Doseon cut a huge boulder in two and carved the figure using mystical powers. Some people report that they have been cured of ailments after praying here.

This majestic statue watches over Sejongro Boulevard, the main street leading to Kyongbuk Palace. Admiral Yi Sun Shin is regarded as a national hero due to his accomplishments as a naval commander in late 1500s conflicts against the Japanese. He improved upon the design of the kobuksan--or ‘turtle ships' as they are nicknamed in English--the first iron-clad ships in the world. He fought and led several battles and is regarded for having exceptional courage and loyalty. The admiral was also a scholar and a writer.

Located at the southeast edge of Kyongbuk Palace, this tower was originally one of the two guard posts along the palace wall. Presently it stands on the street, as the palace wall was relocated and the other watchtower was destroyed during the Japanese Colonial period. The stone base dates from the early Chosun Dynasty (late 1300s), while the structure on top was built in 1867 by Prince Taewon-gun, when he rebuilt Kyongbuk Palace. Although it is not possible to go inside, the tower serves as a landmark and an example of traditional Korean architecture.

Located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea is a must see for those interested in Korean history. Established and operated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it has more than 25,000 artifacts on show. This is one of the best places to learn about the religious rituals, housing, food, household tools and implements, customs, and everyday life of the kings and common people in the Joseon Dynasty. Call to know the timings.

Rumored to have once been the house of a politician from the Chosun Dynasty, this building is now the abode of artworks. Particularly frequented by foreign visitors, the Kyung-in Art Gallery is a popular venue for upcoming artists who wish to display their works. There are three independent exhibition spaces for use, and a garden area that serves as a natural open-air gallery accommodating sculptures and various installations.