On the streets of Seoul, it’s a vastly different story. Commerce is driven on the back of the city’s passion for high fashion, design and beauty rules with downtown shops and markets sporting the very latest in everything. The pavements are litter free and there’s a clean, sharp look about the entire city. Gleaming futuristic buildings and swish restaurants and eateries sit alongside chic stores, one after the other. You only have to think of pop singer Psy’s worldwide hit Gangnum Style to quickly get the picture.
As an energetic and forward-looking city that’s home to 10 million residents, visitors have plenty of reasons to stay and explore all the cultural experiences that make the city a major attraction. And don’t they know it. In 2019, Seoul welcomed 13.5 million holidaymakers keen to discover what makes this great city tick.
To many visitors, it might seem surreal that all this vibrancy happens in the face of North Korea’s demilitarized zone (DMZ), which sits just 250 kilometres from the city centre. However, the people of Seoul carry out their daily lives barely aware of its neighbour. Seoul is an industrious and stoic city as much as it is intoxicating.
Cultural values run deep here. Social protocols are widely practised and are largely founded on respect and mindfulness for others, particularly elders. Long-held traditions have carved out distinctive gender roles for male and female, though this is changing as Gen Y and millennials make their mark. But social discipline is definitely ingrained and perhaps is the reason why, compared to other OECD countries, South Korea has one of the lowest crime rates and one of the highest rates of young people in tertiary education.
For those hitting the city for the first time, the best way to get out and amongst it in Seoul is via the Metro Subway system. Fast and efficient, you can get from A to B in streamlined comfort, to just about anywhere in the city, no matter in what direction you’re heading. But urban adventures are never far from where you are in Seoul and it’s easy to reach many of the city highlights on foot.
Seoul is proud of its heritage. In contrast to the shiny highrise buildings clustered throughout the city, top of the list for sightseers are the ornately carved palaces, city gates and villages that stand as well-loved vestiges of time. A turbulent recent history of war and famine gives added meaning to these special places. More than monuments to history, they are reminders of the city’s cultural roots and have been hard-fought-for and won.
Across the main road from Seoul Plaza, the twice-daily ritual of the Royal Guard ceremony happens like clockwork at the old gates of Deoksugung Palace. The event is not to be missed with the pomp and ceremony heralded in by a marching band, with guards colourfully dressed in traditional royal military regalia. From the front gates of Gwanghwamun, you only have to look left to see in the distance, Gyeongbokgung Palace. Royal palace to the Joseon Dynasty, this masterpiece of traditional Korean architecture was built in the mid-1300s and despite a history that includes being burned down, abandoned and torn apart by war over the centuries survives as one of Seoul’s most revered structures.
While the palace is several blocks from the old gates and Seoul Plaza, it is flat, easy walk with much to see along the way. The first highlight is Cheonggye Square, a former highway that has been regenerated into a 10-kilometre stream and walkway that provides passers-by with a peaceful place to relax, reflect and play. If you love art, the next stop has to be Ilmin Museum of Art - a privately owned museum in honour of local media mogul Kim Sang-min (1910-1994) with exhibitions from his private collection. Next stop is the statue of King Sejong and Gwanghwamun Square. As the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong reigned in the 15th century and remains a key figure in Korea’s history. The statue is considered the most famous and most photographed monument in the city. Gwanghwamun Square also fronts the Korean National Museum on one side and Sejongno Park on the other. Gwanghwamun Square leads directly to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Beyond the palace, up in the hills, is the beautifully retained historic village of Samcheong-dong. Tea drinking is a national pastime here and the winding narrow streets of the old village houses a selection of retro and restored tea houses offering a wide array of tea choices along with delicious sweet treats.
For those ready to pass up the idea of tea and cake for something a little spicier, Korean BBQ swilled down with glasses of Soju (local wine) or beer is an absolute must. Korean BBQ comprises thin slices of beef, chicken or pork cooked on an open flame at the table and served with sides of kimchi (fermented cabbage), and a selection of root and salad vegetables. It is the staple of the nation and BBQ bars and restaurants are found everywhere across the city offering 24/7 dining. And this is just a start to after-dark fun. Seoul’s nightlife is renowned for its Karaoke bars and nightclubs, where patrons provide the entertainment belting out songs all night long from well-worn song lists. Revellers tend to head out in groups and move from one bar to the next checking out the top spots as they go.
Like all cities, Seoul has many top-draw marketplaces to experience. Whether you like to mooch through a market during the day or at night the traditional markets here are pure pleasure. The quality is top-notch, from tea houses and cafes to jewellery and fashion, traditional and modern arts, crafts and trinkets to locally grown meat and produce. If you want souvenirs of substance, the markets are definitely a place to head.
The city also offers hikers and outdoorsy types plenty of adventures with Nam Mountain and its gob-smacking views over the city as well as Bukhansan, or Bukhan Mountain within easy reach of downtown Seoul. And if you’re struggling to get to the parklands, you don’t have to miss out on getting those spectacular views from above - the Lotte Tower is the city’s mega skyscraper at 123 floors, and is certainly worth the visit. The Lotte Tower is also the tallest building in South Korea and the fifth tallest building in the world.
If you check our gifts for Seoul, you’ll find food, adventure and cultural tours to delight your friends with or to gift to yourself when Korea is in the travel plans. Seoul adventures are worth the wait, but why wait? Let Gifting Owl make the stay even better. Happy gifting!
