Attractions in Jung-gu (Seoul)

Myeong-dong Street

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.

Deoksugung Palace

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.

Myungdong Cathedral

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.

Korean National Tourism Organization

To travel around Korea especially Seoul, travel information is of great benefit. KNTO (Korean National Tourism Organization) operates a friendly and informative tourist information centres throughout Seoul. There are English speaking operators present. Well-illustrated booklets, transportation information and maps are available to all visitors.

Guerlain Spa

The Guerlain Spa is located at the Hotel Shilla in Seoul. This spa is Asia's first Guerlain Spa and the service offered here is impeccable. The spa is spacious and the temperatures and lighting can be adjusted according to mood and preference. Soft music and fresh fragrances welcome guests in the soothing interiors. Choose from 32 different kinds of treatments, from hand to foot care, body therapy and facial skin care and more. The spa has great facilities such as 5 foot bath rooms, ten treatment rooms, a beauty room, a hydro-bath room, a relaxing lounge and a vichy shower room. Definitely a place to indulge and pamper yourself.

Namsan Cable Car

On May 18th, 1962, the Namsan Cable Car was the first cable car to be built and operated in Korea. During the day you can enjoy the beauty of Seoul's surrounding landscape; at night you can experience the illumination of the bright lights below. Plan to visit an hour before sunset to get both panoramic views as you ascend and descend the city's most famous peak. You'll find both a restaurant and a cafe at the top.

Namsangol Traditional Folk Village

Located just north of Namsan Park, this re-creation of a small village depicts the architecture and gardens of the Chosun Dynasty (1393-1910). There are five restored traditional houses decorated with authentic furniture and fittings from that era. A large pavilion overlooks a beautiful pond and an outdoor theater hosts dance and drama performances on weekends. There is also a hall displaying traditional handicrafts and a kiosk selling souvenirs. Recently, a time capsule containing 600 items representing the lifestyle of modern Seoulites was buried to celebrate the city's 600th anniversary. In 2394, it will be opened! Admission is free.

Seoul Information Center

If it is your first visit to Korea and you need information about Seoul, this is the place to come. Seoul Information Center is a treasure chest of information on the city. It provides valuable tips for living in Seoul as well as tourist information. Facilities include an exhibition highlighting Seoul's 600-year history, an Internet cafe with seven computers, tourist information, a consultation service and a gift shop. There is even a theater seating 50, where you can watch a free movie during one of three scheduled times.

Changch'ungdan Park

Located at the bottom of the small mountain called Namsan, this once serene and solemn place was built in memory of the people who lost their lives in the Ulmisabyon War. However, the Japanese made it into a park in 1919. Nowdays, especially on weekends, it is full of people enjoying themselves and playing sports on the baseball field, tennis courts, or other sports facilities. It is within easy walking distance of other tourist attractions such as the National Theatre, Changchung Stadium, and the Science Education Center.

Song Gijeong Park

This park was constructed in honor of Son Ki Jong, the gold medalist in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games marathon. At that time, Adolf Hitler presented Son Ki Jong with a laurel tree as a prize. It was planted and continues to grow here today in this park. Other facilities offered include tennis courts, a children's playground, a library catering to youths and a town library

Seoul City Hall

Located in the heart of Seoul, City Hall is a central landmark. Surrounding this building are many government offices, deluxe hotels, and other famous attractions including Toksugung Palace, Namdaemun Gate and Sejong Cultural Center. In front of the building is a tourist map and a fountain, and on the second floor there is a general information counter. You can also get information by calling their tourist information hotline.