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Seoul
Seoul’s many attractions and excellent transport links make it South Korea’s number one destination for foreign visitors and the logical place from which to embark on a tour of the country. The capital since 1394, it is a bustling, sophisticated commercial centre, which nevertheless retains numerous reminders of its rich heritage. Seoul’s greatest attractions are perhaps the royal residences, several of which are UNESCO-listed. Changdokkung Palace is surrounded by the picturesque Secret Gardens, while the nearby Chongmyo Shrine, set in wooded grounds, contains the ancestral tablets of the Kings of the Yi Dynasty. A colourful Confucian ceremony takes place here annually on the first Sunday in May. The Museum of Modern Arts is within the grounds of Toksukung Palace, a former royal villa which presents an interesting contrast with the surrounding skyscrapers. Kyongbokkung Palace, the most impressive of the palaces, dates in part to 1394 and has within its grounds the excellent National Folk Museum and temporary displays of treasures from the fantastic collection of the National Museum of Korea (currently being reconstructed). Symbol of Seoul, the Great South Gate (Namdaemun) was the main gate in the city’s 15th-century defences. Pagoda Park (Tapkol Park) commemorates the 1919 Korean Declaration of Independence and is a good place for people-watching. For fine city panoramas it is worth ascending Seoul Tower which sits atop landscaped Namsan Mountain in the heart of the city. The War Memorial and Museum on Yongsan-gu military base traces the history of conflict on the Korean Peninsular. Seoul is a great place to see performances of Korea’s vibrant performing arts. For those interested in finding a unique souvenir, the traditional shopping area of Insadong offers everything from antiques to calligraphy brushes. Bargain hunters will enjoy the city’s huge markets such as the daily East Gate (Dongdaemun) Market, while for fashion shopping and nightlife the Itaewon district is the place to head for. Lotte World is a massive entertainment complex featuring everything from a major theme park to sports facilities and a luxury hotel.
Excursions: Just north of the capital, the forests and cliff-top temples of Pukansan National Park offer great hiking and recreational facilities. One hour from Seoul, on the border with North Korea, is the truce village of Panmunjom where the 1953 armistice negotiations took place. Access is possible only on an official tour, but many will find the sight of the North Korean landscape and soldiers well worth it. The Everland leisure complex, one hour from Seoul, features a huge theme park, a zoo and a speedway-racing track. Also part of the complex, the superb treasures of the Hoam Art Museum will appeal to anyone interested in Korean art. South of Seoul is the Suwon Korean Folk Village, a functioning rural community and wonderful reconstruction of the past. Craftsmen can be observed at their trades and there are daily performances of traditional folk dances and entertainments. The impressively preserved city walls and defences of nearby Suwon City are UNESCO-listed. Southeast of Seoul, Icheon is a traditional centre of Korea’s ceramics industry. Attractions include the Haegang Ceramics Museum and nearby hot springs. Incheon, the location of South Korea’s new International Airport, is a major seaport and famous for the 1950 ‘Incheon Landings’ of UN troops during the Korean War. These days visitors flock to the many shopping malls and the amusement park and waterfront attractions of the Wolmido area.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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