Famous Tourist Attractions in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Seoul. Built in the 14th century, this palace served as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can see the beautiful architecture of the palace buildings and explore the surrounding gardens. There are also traditional performances and events that take place at the palace throughout the year.
Tips and Precautions: The palace can get crowded, especially on weekends, so it's best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Also, be sure to dress appropriately, as this is a cultural site and modest dress is expected.
Namsan Tower
Namsan Tower, also known as the Seoul Tower, is a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take a cable car up to the top of the tower, where they can enjoy the views from the observation deck. There are also restaurants and souvenir shops at the tower.
Tips and Precautions: The cable car can get busy, so it's best to go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. It can also get quite chilly at the top of the tower, so bring a jacket or sweater. The tower is open late into the night, so consider visiting at night to see the city lit up.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located in the heart of Seoul. Visitors can walk along the narrow alleys and admire the traditional Korean houses, or hanoks, that line the streets. There are also museums and cultural centers in the village where visitors can learn about traditional Korean culture.
Tips and Precautions: The village can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, so it's best to go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. Be respectful of the residents who live in the village, and do not make excessive noise or litter.
Lotte Tower
Lotte Tower, also known as Lotte World Tower, is a must-visit attraction in Seoul, Korea. Standing at 555 meters tall, it's the tallest building in the country and the fifth tallest in the world.
Overview
Lotte Tower was opened in April 2017 and features 123 floors, including an observation deck on the 118th floor. The tower is located in the Songpa District of Seoul and is part of the larger Lotte World complex, which includes an amusement park, shopping mall, and hotel.
Observation Deck
The observation deck on the 118th floor of Lotte Tower offers stunning views of Seoul and the surrounding areas. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower in just 60 seconds and enjoy the panoramic views from the 360-degree windows.
Tips and Precautions: Tickets to the observation deck can be purchased online or at the ticket booth on the ground floor. It's recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time, as the observation deck can get quite busy. Be prepared for some waiting time in line for the elevator. There is also a glass floor section where visitors can look down at the city from above.
Sky Deck
For those seeking an even more thrilling experience, Lotte Tower also has a Sky Deck on the 123rd floor. The Sky Deck is an outdoor observation area that offers unobstructed views of Seoul from above. Visitors can even experience the sensation of walking on air by stepping onto the glass-bottomed section of the Sky Deck.
Tips and Precautions: The Sky Deck is only accessible by purchasing a separate ticket in addition to the observation deck ticket. Visitors must wear safety harnesses when on the Sky Deck, and there are strict rules and restrictions for safety reasons.
Lotte World Mall
Lotte Tower is also home to Lotte World Mall, a massive shopping complex with over 1,000 stores and restaurants. The mall has something for everyone, from luxury brands to affordable fashion, electronics, and souvenirs.
Tips and Precautions: Lotte World Mall can be quite overwhelming due to its size, so be sure to plan ahead and check out the directory before visiting. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes inside the mall, so it's a great place to take a break and refuel.
Famous Restaurants in Seoul
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is a popular destination for foodies in Seoul. The market has been around for over 100 years and is known for its street food stalls and traditional Korean dishes. Visitors can try everything from kimchi pancakes to rice cakes to fresh seafood.
Tips and Precautions: The market can get quite crowded, so it's best to go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. Be sure to bring cash, as many of the food stalls do not accept credit cards.
Jungsik
Jungsik is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul that offers modern Korean cuisine. The menu features a fusion of traditional Korean flavors and modern techniques, creating a unique and memorable dining experience.
Tips and Precautions: Jungsik is a high-end restaurant, so be prepared to spend a bit more on your meal. It's recommended to make a reservation ahead of time, as the restaurant can get quite busy. Dress code is smart casual, so avoid wearing flip flops or shorts.
Gogung
Gogung is a popular restaurant chain in Seoul that specializes in bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish made with rice, vegetables, meat, and egg. Gogung's bibimbap is famous for its delicious flavor and beautiful presentation.
Tips and Precautions: Gogung is a casual restaurant, so no need to dress up. Be prepared to wait in line, as the restaurant can get quite busy. Gogung has several locations in Seoul, so check online for the nearest one to you.
Famous Foods in Korea
Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made with fermented vegetables and spices. It's a staple in Korean cuisine and is served with almost every meal. There are many different types of kimchi, each with its own unique flavor.
Tips and Precautions: Kimchi can be quite spicy, so be prepared for some heat. It's also a strong and pungent flavor, so it might not be for everyone. Be sure to try it at least once while in Seoul, as it's an essential part of Korean cuisine.
Bulgogi
Bulgogi is a traditional Korean dish made with marinated beef, typically served with rice and vegetables. The beef is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and other spices, giving it a sweet and savory flavor.
Tips and Precautions: Bulgogi can be quite rich, so it's best to pair it with rice or other lighter dishes. Be sure to try it at a traditional Korean restaurant, as it's a popular dish that's widely available throughout Seoul.
Bingsu
Bingsu is a popular Korean dessert made with shaved ice and sweet toppings. There are many different types of bingsu, with toppings like fruit, chocolate, and sweet red bean paste.
Tips and Precautions: Bingsu is a refreshing dessert that's perfect for a hot day. It's also quite sweet, so it's best to share with a friend or two. There are many dessert cafes in Seoul that specialize in bingsu, so be sure to try it at one of these places.
Samgyeopsal
Samgyeopsal is a type of Korean barbecue that features thick slices of pork belly cooked on a grill at the table. The pork belly is typically seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes with garlic and other spices. The cooked meat is then wrapped in lettuce leaves with various condiments and eaten as a wrap.
How to Eat
Eating samgyeopsal is a fun and interactive experience that's perfect for groups. Once the pork belly is cooked on the grill, it's typically cut into bite-sized pieces with scissors and served with a variety of side dishes, including kimchi, pickled radish, and ssamjang (a spicy soybean paste).
To eat samgyeopsal, take a lettuce leaf and place a piece of pork belly, along with any desired condiments, inside. Then, wrap the lettuce leaf around the meat and enjoy!
Korean corn dog
Korean hot dogs, also known as "corn dogs" or "hotdogs on a stick," are a popular street food in Korea. Unlike traditional American hot dogs, Korean hot dogs are typically coated in various toppings and deep-fried to create a crispy outer layer.
Korean hot dogs are typically made with a hot dog sausage or a mozzarella cheese stick, which is then coated in a variety of ingredients, including french fries, tater tots, rice cakes, or squid ink batter. The coated hot dog is then deep-fried until crispy and served on a stick. Korean hot dogs are often topped with ketchup, mustard, or sweet chili sauce.
Tips and Precautions: Be careful when biting into the hot dog, as the crispy coating may be hot and the hot dog may be juicy. Also, make sure to dispose of the stick properly after eating.
Conclusion
Seoul, Korea is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Whether you're interested in exploring traditional Korean villages or trying out some of the city's famous food, there's something for everyone in Seoul. When visiting the city, be sure to check out some of the famous tourist attractions, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsan Tower. And don't forget to try some of the delicious Korean cuisine at restaurants like Gwangjang Market and Jungsik. By following these tips and precautions, you'll be able to make the most of your time in Seoul and have a memorable trip.
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