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Sightseeing Overview
This sprawling city is easy to get around by public transport and offers a wide range of things to do.

Firstly there are many historical attractions to visit: palaces, pagodas, temples and museums (including the sixth largest in the world) in the Gwanghwamun district.

Contrast this with the sensuous pleasure, at any time, of sampling its unique and interesting food.

Then there’s dipping into traditional tea houses, shopping till you drop and night-long entertainment from cultural performances to singing karaoke, from clubbing to snacking in night markets.

In addition, there are activities as diverse as tae kwon do and cooking lessons to temple stays and a trip to the DMZ (demilitarized zone) along the border with North Korea.

Nature is found on the doorstep, along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, in the woods below Mount Namsan and in climbing rock faces in the national parks in the city surrounds.

Note that many tourist attractions and the Seoul City Tour Bus, are closed on Mondays.

Tourist Information
Korea Tourism Organization
40 Cheonggyecheon-no, Jung-gu
Tel: (02) 7299 497/499 or 1330 (24-hour travel information in English)
Website: www.tour2korea.com

This ultra-modern tourist information center provides travel information, books, transport and travel packages as well as offering free Internet access, a travel library, souvenir shop and cultural exhibitions.

Visit Seoul
1-31 Taepyeong-ro, Jung-gu
Tel: (02) 2171 2461.
Website: www.visitseoul.net 

This is the city’s government information source and publishes useful booklets. 

BBB Korea (tel: 1588 5644; website: www.bbbkorea.org) offers English translation service via mobile phone or contact the Seoul Help Centers’ English-speaking helpline (tel: (02) 731 6802).

Passes
The Korea Travel Card (KTC) (tel: (02) 1330) is a multipurpose prepaid travel card available from KTO offices and the Shinhan Bank. It also offers discounts at stores, shows and attractions, cheaper overseas calls, a preferential exchange rate and free travel insurance. The KTC Transportation Pass has the above benefits and can also be used to pay for transport.

Key Attractions:

Gyeongbokgung Palace
The oldest and grandest of five palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1394, is set in a gorgeous green landscape and also houses Korea’s National Folk Museum.

Sejongno, Jongno-gu
Tel: (02) 734 2458.
Website: http://gbg.cha.go.kr
Admission charge.

Insa-dong
Wander around art galleries, craft, antique and clothes shops in the cobbled alleys of the most delightful district in Seoul. Stop for a break in a traditional tea house or, on Sundays, catch a cultural performance.

Jongno-gu
Tel: (02) 731 1676/21.
Free admission.

N Seoul Tower
Take a cable car up Mount Namsan to the landmark N Seoul Tower with its observation decks, nightly light show and revolving restaurant giving a view over the city and beyond.

Namsan Hangangno 3-ga, Seoul Mail Center Yongsan-gu
Tel: (02) 3455 9277.
Website: www.nseoultower.com
Admission charge.

Lotte World
The most popular family attraction, Seoul’s answer to Disneyworld is the largest theme park in the world and includes thrilling rides, an ice rink, shopping malls and a folk village.

40-1, Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu
Tel: (02) 411 2000.
Website: www.lotteworld.com
Admission charge.

Dongdaemun Market
This traditional market, frequently photographed against its backdrop of skyscrapers, is a city icon and Asia’s largest and liveliest market. Start at its ancient East Main Gate, a national treasure, and check out the Gyeong-dong Herbal Medicine Market within.

Jongno 6 (yuk)-ga, Jongno-gu
Tel: (02) 3455 9277/88.
Free admission.

Further Distractions:

Meditation Arui Seon, Insa-dong
A peaceful and beautiful place to have traditional tea along with an introductory Korean-style meditation session.

86 Goanhoon-dong
Tel: (02) 722 6653.
Website: www.arui.org (Korean only)

Tae kwon do
Experience the Korean traditional martial art in a 90-minute or three-hour lesson followed by a mock fight in the imposing surrounds of the war memorial. For longer tae kwon do programs, contact Aju Incentive Tour (tel: (02) 786 0028; website: www.ajutours.co.kr).

8, 1-ka, Yongsan-dong
Tel: (02) 336 3361.
Website: www.taekwontour.net

Kimchi Field Museum
Kimchi is considered Korea’s ‘national food’ and a cure-all, along with Korean ginseng, and this curious and unique museum details its history and how it’s prepared. Also located in the COEX Mall is the aquarium.

Coex Mall, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu
Tel: (02) 6002 6456.
Website: www.kimchimuseum.co.kr

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