After visiting Seoul Korea for 10 days I would describe this city as modern yet traditional; formal yet relaxed; efficient yet chaotic; friendly yet reserved; full of contradictions and pleasant surprises.
We covered a lot in 10 days by planning at least 2 activities per day. There are a vast amount of art galleries, museum, shopping districts, and palaces to choose from. Accommodation was with Glad Hotel which is on the subway line and easy to take a bus shuttle to and from the Airport.
Here is my travel guide to the top 10 sites to see when in Seoul:
- 63 Square Skyscraper Building
This is Korea’s tallest building, located on Yeouido Island overlooking the Han River. It was designed by architects Harry and Helen Som of San Francisco.
One can go as far up as the 60th floor for a breathtaking view of the city, spend time in the interative cultural art gallery, cafe and gift shop. The building also has an aquarium, restaurant and shops on the lower level.
2. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
What I enjoyed most about the art galleries and museums in Seoul is how interactive they are; they use sound, video and displays to get you to not only observe but to participate allowing you to become creative and informed and the same time.
3. Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
This gorgeous museum houses 3 buildings connected together. Each was designed by three internationally acclaimed architects: Jean Nouvel, Rem Koolhaas, and Mario Botta.
This art gallery, sponsored by Samsung, houses Museum 1, Museum 2 and the Child and Education Cultural Centre. The museum combines traditional and modern art and is located in the Itaewon District. Some permanent artworks include works by Rothko, Pollock, Basquiat, De Kooning, Sigmar Polke, Lim Ok-sang and Zeng Fanzhi. The traditional art of Korea covers paintings, calligraphy, buddhist art and ceramics from dynasties dating back to 300AD.
4. Itaewon Shopping District
This is the district where you find the most number of foreign students, residents and tourists. It has an abundance of shops and restaurants to choose from and more of the Koreans in this district speak English. It is a bustling and trendy area of Seoul worth checking out.
5. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Opened in 2015, this iconic building has put a stamp on Seoul making the city an international cultural centre. Designed by world-renowned architect, Zaha Hadid; the DDP has five sections: The Art Hall, The Museum, The Design Lab, The Design Market, and The Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. While we were in Seoul we had the privilege of seeing the Louis Vuitton Voyage Exhibit which was beyond magnificent and spanned 10 rooms. We spent 2.5 hours exploring the full history of Louis Vuitton family and how they became an international success for designing travel luggage, resort wear and accessories.
6. Gwangjang Market
It was wonderful to experience a traditional food market where local Koreans go to eat and buy their specialty foods. They have tons of opened area stalls with exotic meats, vegetables, fish (both fresh and dried), smoothies, desserts and dishes you can try. We snacked on Korean donuts, seaweed, dried squid, traditional candies and fruit smoothies.
7. Bonguensa Buddhist Temple
Built in year 794, this temple is located in the Gangnam District of Seoul right in the centre of the city but as soon as you enter the temple you are immediatly transported to another world which is tranquil and calming. You take off your shoes at the entrance of the inner temple and choose a mat to sit on the floor. Time flew while in meditation making minutes feel like seconds. I did not want to leave this place; my spirits were lifted from taking in the beauty and serenity. It is an oasis in the middle of a bustling city.
8. Gyeongbokgung Palace
This northern palace was built in 1395 and is the largest of 5 palaces built by King Taejo, the first King and founder of the Joseon Dynasty. It will take you hours to explore the grounds and all of the inner and outer gates, fortresses, pavilions and bridges. While we were there we witnessed both locals and foreigners dressing in the traditional Korean Hanbok clothing for men and women. This really took you back in time and gave a better understanding of how Koreans dressed during he 14th – 16th centuries.
9. Myeongdong District
This lively, modern shopping district has all of the stores you can think of – Zara, Uniqlo, The Gap, Nike, H&M plus duty free shopping and the top Korean skincare brands. I actually took time out from shopping to get a one hour traditional Korean massage for $36.00. It was one of the best massages I ever received. We stayed until dark exploring this giant shopping district and had dinner in one of their many restaurants before heading back to the hotel.
10. War Memorial of Korea Museum
After touring the War Memorial of Korea Museum; I felt proud of Canada’s contribution in assisting South Korea in defending it’s freedom for democracy from North Korea. 26,000 Canadian soldiers were despatched to South Korea and 512 Canadian soldiers lost their lives in combat alongside thousands of young Korean men and those from 30 other nations who also participated.
Still in awe over the beauty and rich culture Seoul has on offer. I hope I have the privilege of returning soon. All photos of me were taken by photographer Jun Hyeong Yang (@onmetvetements).
