The capital city of South Korea, Seoul overflows with numerous sights and attractions that every visitor should see. The city is home to plenty of historical landmarks, but it also boasts several natural highlights, many of which are located near top-quality hotels like the InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas. Take time to explore them all and design a visit to Seoul that you won’t soon forget.
An Overview of the City
Make your way to Namsan Mountain and the N Seoul Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Seoul. Built in 1969, the N Seoul Tower is Korea’s first general radio wave tower. Today the tower delivers broadcast transmissions to 48 percent of the country’s radio listeners. Since its opening to the general public in 1980, the tower also has become one of Seoul’s most notable landmarks and tourist attractions. Head to the observation deck, where you’re sure to get postcard-worthy pictures of the city.
Explore Olympic History
Home of the 1988 Olympic Games, Olympic Park welcomes visitors to peruse the many commemorative Olympic monuments and outdoor sculptures that honor this historic event. Top highlights in the park include the World Peace Gate, the Mongchon Moat Musical Fountain, and the Rose Garden. Also take time to stroll the Mongchon Fortress walking paths and enjoy the views along 88 Lake.
Enjoy an Island Escape
Founded in 1965, Nami Island is a half-moon island that’s the perfect escape for families, couples, and other visitors to Seoul. Here you can enjoy swimming and watersports, have fun on theme park rides, or even go roller skating. You also can do nothing more than wander through the many gardens or along the paths under the trees. With a number of restaurants on the island, you can plan to spend the entire day here.
Take a Traditional Approach
Dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, the Bukchon Hanok Village gives visitors a look into traditional Korean homes, architecture, and neighborhoods, marked by scalloped roofs and wooden beams. When visiting this area, keep in mind that this is still a residential area, not a tourist attraction, so be respectful when walking through the streets. You’ll also find the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace, both of which are open for tours.
Park It
Opened in 2005, Seoul Forest is the third largest park in the city, and it’s free to the public. At the five different green spaces — Cultural Art Park, Ecological Forest, Nature Learning Field, Wetlands Ecological Field, and Han River Waterside Park — visitors can enjoy everything from a natural wildlife habitat to flower gardens to public art. Seoul Forest is a great place to take in culture and natural beauty all at the same time.
While these are some of Seoul’s most notable sights and attractions, they are just a few of the many that this city has to offer when it comes to sightseeing in Seoul. Use them as a starting point to discover the highlights of this historic city. When you do, you’ll plan a vacation that you’ll never forget.