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 SEE
As the ancient seat of Korea's royalty, there are no fewer than 5 major palaces in Seoul, and some are definitely worth a visit.
- Gyeongbok-gung, Yulgukno (subway Gyeongbokgung). Seoul's grandest palace and the seat of power for centuries before it was razed in 1592 by a Japanese invasion (and they did a repeat after 1910). Large parts have now been restored and the vast grounds also house the Joseon Palace Museum and the Korean Folk Museum. Entry W3000, open 9 AM to 5 PM daily except Tuesday (when the palace is used for shooting TV dramas).
- Changdeok-gung, Yulgukno (subway Anguk). Second only to Gyeongbokgung in historical importance, this was first built in 1405 and was the seat of power between 1618 and 1896. The buildings have all been recently restored and freshly repainted, creating a dazzling but still elegant effect that got the palace listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buildings of particular note include the blue-roofed Seonjeongjeon, which was the king's office, and the Daejojeon ("Great Making Hall"), his bedchamber, but most famous of all is the Biwon ("Secret Garden") in the back. Access to the complex is by guided tour only (W3000) except on Thursdays when only self-guided tours are available. Korean-language tours run every half hour but English tours are offered at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM (as of September 2005). Closed Mondays.
- Deoksu-gung, (subway City Hall). Located in downtown Seoul across the street from City Hall, Deoksu Palace vividly contrasts to the other nearby palaces like Changdeok Palace. Built during the mid-fifteenth century, the architecture of the buildings inside are heavily influenced with Western designs. Hence, you will see a fusion of both Korean and Western architecture. Closed on Mondays.
Admission: Adults (19 to 64 years old): 1,000 won (groups: 800 won), Children (7 to 18 years old) and soldiers: 500 won (groups: 400 won), Children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: Free
- ChangGyeong-gung, (Subway line 4, Hyehwa Station, exit 4). Originally built in 1104 as a summer palace for the kings of the Koryo Dynasty, it became one of the main palace during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace was used as a temporary home for the king during the time Gyeongbuk Palace was being built. Unlike other palaces that has a North-South orientation, ChangGyeong Palace faces East-West. Also, what is famous about this palace is the fact it connects to Jongmyo Shrine, a holy place for the Joseon Dynasty, where sacrificial rites are practiced for previous kings and queens.
Closed every Tuesdays
Admission:
Adults (19 to 64 years old): 1,000 won (groups: 800)
Children (7 to 18 years old): 500 won (groups: 400)
- Children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: Free
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DO
- Horse Racing can be found at Seoul Racetrack in Kwacheon. Races are normally only held during weekends, night racing also takes place during August. During the week, visitors can take guided tours of the grounds.
- Everland [6] is the Korean version of Disney. It is south of Seoul and transportation by bus is the easiest way to get there. Non-stop buses to Everland leave from various parts of Seoul daily. Has a miniature zoo where one can see a lion-tiger hybrid.
- Seoul Land [7] is a theme park located in Seoul. This park was opened just before the Olympics in 1988. It is easy to get to by subway and is open year round.
- Children's Grand Park [8] is located in Neung-dong, Gwangjin-gu. The park was constructed after the decision of the City Planning Facility in 1971 and was opened on May 5, 1973. The park has a zoo, amusement facilities and restaurants. To get there, simply take the subway to Children's Grand Park on line 7. Avoid the weekends as it can get very crowded.
- Lotte World [9] is one of the world's largest indoor amusement park that is located in Seoul by the Jamsil Station. It has a folk museum where one can have an insight into ancient Korean life. Lots of rides, and reopened in the summer of 2007 after a massive reconstruction.
- Park Club Spa & Fitness Centre, Park Hyatt Seoul Hotel, 995-14 Daechi 3 - dong Gangnam - gu, ? +82 2 2016 1234 (seoul.park@hyattintl.com), [11].
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EAT
Much of Korean social life revolves around food and the city is packed with restaurants, so it would take a determined man to starve to death in Seoul. This fate may still befall you if you insist on English menus and meals consisting only of easily identifiable, familiar ingredients, so see South Korea#Eat for a quick Korean menu reader. An alternative is to just point and eat, your hosts generally will accommodate. If you look in the right places, a good meal (lunch or dinner) including side dishes can cost 5,000 won or less (try basements of large department stores).
In addition to Korean food, Japanese restaurants in Seoul tend to be excellent, featuring excellent sushi and sashimi. Don't expect American-style rolls at most of these places (California what?), however. Another interesting food trend in Seoul are the bakeries. These French-style patisseries are even more common than now-ubiquitous Starbucks and many of them serve surprisingly good treats. Three of the biggest chains are Crown Bakery, Tous Les Jours, and Paris Baguette
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