Seoul, the capital city of the Republic of Korea, has been the center of the country for the long period of its own history from the prehistoric era to the present day. Seoul has been preserving its unique, beautiful cultural heritage and it is evolving into a highly advanced city through spectacular economic growth.
SEOUL X BTS
Explore Seoul
Gangnam
Gangnam
Jamsil
Jamsil
Yeouido
Yeouido
Itaewon
Itaewon
Hongdae
Hongdae
Myeongdong
Myeongdong
Gwanghwamun
Gwanghwamun
Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun
Starfield COEX Mall
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Starfield COEX Mall, located at the center of Seoul, leads in trend and culture. Combining fashion, food, culture and entertainment, the mall provides everything the visitors need. Especially, the Starfield Library ‘Byeolmadang Library’ offers a space to rest and entertainment with books. It is an open cultural space where you can relax, meet, and communicate with books.
Famille Station
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A combination of French word ‘Famille’ meaning family and subway ‘Station,’ ‘Famille Station’ means the starting point of taste and style to depart with precious people like family. Designed with a traditional history theme such as New York Grand Central Station, Familie Station consists of 2 floors, including famous delicious restaurants from home and abroad as well as beauty salons and kids café.
Banpo Hangang Park
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Banpo Hangang Park was recently renovated under the city's ‘Hangang Renaissance Project’. The park is also home to famous attractions like Banpodaegyo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is recorded as the longest bridge fountain (recognized by Guinness Book of World Records) with dynamic water jets and lights that move in time to the music.
Lotte World Tower
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Lotte World Tower was designed with a conceptual design drawing inspiration from Korean ceramics and Korean writing brushes. With 123 floors total, the tower is the 5th tallest building in the world, standing at 555m (1,824ft). It is one of the best spots to appreciate the breathtaking view of Seoul's vibrant city lights, attracting 1,300 million visitors a year in 2019.
Seokchonhosu Lake & Lotte World Adventure
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Seokchonhosu Lake is a citizen park in Seoul with a jogging course and walking trails. It has two lakes with Songpa-daero Boulevard running in between. Lotte World Adventure located next to the lake is the world's largest indoor amusement park, complete with top-of-the-line rides, fantastic parades and performances. Visitors can enjoy rides watching the night view of the Seokshonhosu Lake.
Olympic Park
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Olympic Park is a multi complex for sports, culture and leisure in the spirit of 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. The park is situated in a convenient urban center location which is easily accessible by public transportation. It offers natural water purification and a biotic habitat. Furthermore, the stream is newly recognized as a rich swamp and a biotope as it connects the scenic Mongchon Moat and the 88 Lake.
63 Square
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63 Square skyscraper is a Yeouido landmark commanding spectacular views of the city, standing 249 meters (817 ft) high and comprising of 60 floors. The glass elevators which serve the viewing observatory ascend at a speed of 460 meters per minute, taking just 25 seconds to reach the top, giving visitors the sensation of a rocket-powered take-off as they enjoy breathtaking views.
The Hyundai Seoul
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The Hyundai Seoul is the largest shopping mall in Seoul, covering an area the size of 13 football fields. The mall opened in 2021 and offers visitors the chance to enjoy a relaxed shopping experience, which is why the mall has dedicated 49% of its entire property to recreational areas. In addition to world-famous brands, it amazes its guests with a 12-meter waterfall and a huge garden with living plants.
Seonyudo Park
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Seonyudo Park is the first ecological water park in Korea, repurposing a former water purification plant. A pedestrian bridge connecting Seonyudo Island to the Yanghwa area is an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful views of the Hangang River, including the World Cup Fountain and World Cup Park. With colorful lights, the area is gaining popularity as a tourist spot to enjoy the nightscape near the Hangang River.
National Museum of Korea
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National Museum of Korea houses a vast collection of over 220,000 artifacts from ancient times to the modern era in a wide range of topics, including art and culture. The museum houses a Children's Museum, where visitors can learn more about the nation's history through educational programs. The outdoor grounds feature pagodas and other stone artworks too large to be on display inside.
The War Memorial of Korea
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The War Memorial of Korea exhibits and preserves materials related to the Korean War and serves as a national moral educational venue. It was established on June 10, 1994 to commemorate the noble sacrifice of patriotic martyrs. The museum houses approximately 33,000 artifacts with about 10,000 on display at indoor and outdoor exhibitions. The outdoor exhibition showcases large-sized weapons.
Itaewon Street
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It is a multicultural place where is widely recognized by international visitors. The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s, when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as many international conferences. Travelers can taste authentic cuisine and experience culture from around the globe on the World Food Street where there are restaurants operated by foreigners.
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
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Seodaemun Prison History Hall is an important historic cultural site. Visitors can learn about the history, struggles, and sacrifices made by Koreans during the colonial era. Visitors also can see the historic Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), Independence Hall, and the March 1st Declaration of Independence Monument. There are a number of memorials and statues of patriots.
Gyeongui Line Book Street
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Gyeongui Line Book Street is a well-known cultural hub with a book theme at Hongdae Station along the Gyeongui Line. The street aims to provide a multipurpose cultural space where visitors can enjoy the worth and knowledge that have come and continue to come from books and literature. Visitors can enjoy the warm sunshine and take a leisurely stroll through Gyeongui Line Book Street.
Hongdae Walking Street
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Hongdae Walking Street is known for its youthful and romantic ambience, underground culture, and freedom of self-expression. Main spot has an outdoor stage for indie band performance and dynamic culture of young people. Including unique cafés, accessory stores, fashion shops, live cafés and clubs, and gourmet eateries, These unique places make Hongdae an area that is always packed with people and excitement.
Namsan Tower
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Namsan Tower was the first tower-type tourism spot in Korea. The top of the tower is at almost 480 meters above sea level, including Namsan Mountain (243 meters) and the tower’s own height (236.7 meters), making it one of the tallest towers in Asia. It features a gentle slope with an open view of the city center. Namsan Park is ideal for those who want to enjoy a leisurely walk on the mountain.
Deoksugung Palace
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Deoksugung Palace is one of five royal palaces remained in Seoul. Mainly built at the term of the 20th century, it is the smallest of Seoul’s palaces. The name Deoksugung means ‘palace of virtue and longevity’ in the spirit of praying for long life for Emperor Gojong. Located at the corner of Seoul’s busiest downtown intersection, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone-wall road.
Namdaemun Market
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The Namdaemun Market is a place full of life for 24 hours for 365 days, attracting an average of 0.4 million visitors a day. In the Namdaemun Market, visitors can find more than 1,700 items for your day-to-day life encompassing clothes for men, women, and children, accessories, kitchenware, folkcrafts, food, miscellaneous goods, and agricultural and fishery products. It is highly recommended to try unique local food.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
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Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It opened in 1395, the fourth year of the reign of Taejo, the founding monarch of Joseon. It was burnt down in 1592 during the Japanese invasions and remained in ruins. Extensive reconstruction was undertaken in 1868, and many of the structures were removed during the Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945).
Bukchon Hanok Village
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Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, restaurants and guesthouses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture.
Sejong Center
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Sejong Center has been a gateway to Korean performing arts recognized as a world's famous performing stage as well as the only passage to international performing arts, and the cradle of Korean pure art in the 70s and 80s. Sejong Center has maintained its reputation for about 20 years as a living history of Korean performing arts, a space of memory for art lovers and a cultural and art institution representing South Korea.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
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Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a multi-cultural complex located at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. Since its opening in 2014, DDP has held various cultural events including exhibitions, fashion shows, product launch events and conferences. Introducing new products, fashion trends and various design experiences, DDP serves as a hub of the design industry in Asia and further in the world.
Gwangjang Market
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Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The name Gwangjang means ‘to gather from afar and keep altogether’. From a small trading center, the market has grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods. The most popular section is the food street connected to the East Gate, North Gate 2, and South Gate 1.
Naksan Park
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Naksan Park is a great place to see the Seoul City Wall and take in views of downtown Seoul. Located in the center of the Seoul, this historical and beautiful park allows its visitors to view the magnificence of the entire city, especially the nighttime views. The park has been used as a filming location for many Hallyu dramas. For visitors that like to hike, they should take the trail from Hyehwamun to Dongdaemun or vice versa.
Useful links
* Linked websites below are to provide useful tour information, and are not directly related or managed by LUPUS & KCR 2023. LUPUS & KCR 2023 is not responsible of any information provided or individual tour reserved via websites below.
Guided Walking Tour
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Temple Stay
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Discover Seoul Pass
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Seoul City Tour Bus
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K-Food & Restaurants
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Tour Guidebook & Map
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The Republic of Korea (herein after Korea) is a country visited by approximately ten million international travelers every year. With its long history in culture and tradition, the country has a lot to offer to travelers. Continue reading to learn general information about Korea before visiting.
Where is Korea?
The Korean peninsula, roughly 1,030 km long and 175 km at its narrowest point, has a total land area of 100,033 km2 and is located in Northeast Asia. With Seoul as its capital city, Korea is neighbored by Japan to the east, China to the west and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) across the northern border.
Culture
‘Hangeul’, Korean Alphabet
Hangeul, one of the most unique creations of Korea, was introduced in 1443 by King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon dynasty. To help all commoners to easily read and write this alphabet, Hunminjeongeum (meaning ‘Proper sounds to instruct the people’ in Korean) was created. The UNESCO inscribed Hunminjeongeum Haerye; The Hangeul Manuscript, on the Memory of the World Register in 1997.
‘Hanbok’, Korean Traditional Clothes
Hanbok is the traditional attire of the Korean people. Worn daily up until just 100 years ago, hanbok comes in various shapes and colors, reflecting the culture and lifestyle of the its time. Nowadays, it is only worn on special occasions or anniversaries. The core of hanbok is its graceful shape and vibrant colors, which have had a major impact on the modern fashion industry.
‘Hansik’, Korean Traditional Food
Hansik refers to traditional Korean food, centered on rice, served alongside a bowl of soup and a variety of side dishes. Most dishes use meat and vegetables as the main ingredients, boiled or steamed in brine or water rather than fried in oil, making hansik very healthy. Hansik's most outstanding feature is the fermented foods. The most well-known are kimchi (fermented cabbage).
‘Hallyu’, Korean Pop Culture
Korea has been risen not only in the field of technology and engineering, but also in the field of culture. Hallyu, which refers to the increase in popularity of Korean culture, has been expanded nationwide. Ranging in genres from K-pop to the larger Hallyu entertainment business and culture, Korea’s cultural influence has been increasing to Asia and to the world.
Travel Highlights in Korea
SEOUL
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BUSAN
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GANGNEUNG
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JEONJU
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INCHEON
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Jeju Island
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Currency
Korea's official monetary unit is the won. There are currency exchanges at the airports and select locations around Seoul and elsewhere, but the best way to get money all over Korea would be through ATMs. You can find ATMs at airports, subway stations and most convenient stores.
For tourism information, please refer the following websites:
