Seoul tourist routes

Seoul is the capital of South Korea. The main industrial, political, tourist and cultural center of the country. More than 5 million travelers visit it every year. Despite the fact that Seoul is actively developing, customs and traditions are preserved here. Guests are attracted by ancient sights, national parks and the opportunity to go surfing and diving.

How to get there?

Incheon Airport was built in 2001, 70 kilometers from the center of the capital. It is the largest air hub serving domestic and international flights. To get to Seoul, use the following methods:

• Aeroexpress.

  Every day from 06:00 to 22:30, he goes to the Soul Yok Railway Station and Gimpo Airport. Travel time takes more than 45 minutes.

• Bus.

  Routes from the airport run throughout the city, as well as farther quarters. They work from 05:00 to 00:00. Tickets buy in special machines at the stops. At the information desk, you can ask the airport staff which bus to take to the hotel.

• Transfer.

  This is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to get to Seoul. You don’t need to wait for public transport and carry heavy luggage. The driver will arrive on time and meet with a sign in the waiting area.

• Taxi.

  Racks for calling cars are located near the bus stops. The cost of the trip is fixed, but is considered overpriced. Inside the car counters are installed.

Where to stay?

In Seoul, every tourist will find a suitable place for himself. Hostel, apartment or comfortable hotel. We have prepared a list where travelers book rooms most often.

• 57 Myeongdong Hostel (13F, 57, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu)

  It is located in the Mendon area, 150 meters from the Metro 4 line. The tourist districts of Hongdae and Shinchon are 20 minutes away by bus. Each room has free Wi-Fi, a wardrobe, a TV, air conditioning, a desk lamp and a comfortable bed. The lounge area has a fridge, a large sofa and a table, as well as computers and a washing machine. At the reception you can rent bicycles.

• L7 Gangnam by LOTTE (415, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu)

  In three minutes you can walk to the metro station 2 and 3 lines. The interior of the rooms is decorated in a classic style, where there are bright color details. The sofas are upholstered in natural leather and suede, and the beds are made with silk bedding. Guests can take advantage of the fitness center, spa, conference room and go to the restaurant on the 11th floor.

• Sam house Hongdae (175, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu)

  The apartments are located 10 minutes walk from Ewha Women's University and 3.5 kilometers from the Hamdemun Market and Dongwha Duty Free Shop. The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay: a sofa, a wardrobe, several bedside tables and a TV. The kitchen has a fridge, microwave, kettle, blender, etc. Free Wi-Fi is available.

• Air Hostel Myeongdong (4, 5F, 35-20, Myeongdong 10-gil)

  3 kilometers from the building are the main attractions: Jokyes Temple, Jongmyo Shrine and Bangsan National Market. The spacious rooms have bunk wooden beds, a TV, air conditioning and sofas. If necessary, the administration can organize city tours.

• Guest House Orbit (220-6, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu)

  The interior of the rooms is made in bright colors and with a minimum number of decorative elements. The room has a TV with cable channels, air conditioning, a large bed, armchairs and a desk. Every morning a traditional and continental breakfast is prepared for guests. The guest house is located 2 kilometers from Hongik University and tourist streets.

Where to go?

On the first day, head to the Gyeongbokgung Wall. This is the largest building of the complex "Five Great Palaces". It was built over 500 centuries ago. Here the rules of the Joseon dynasty, and Gyeongbokgung was the main royal residence. Now it is a historical and architectural monument, where things and objects of monarchs are preserved. Once a month, fascinating lectures and theatrical performances of the periods of the XIV - XIX centuries are held in the territory. Next, take bus №11 at the Jeongdock Public Librari bus stop in order to be at the Korean Nation Museum in 20 minutes. You can see the history of the development of the country from the V century to the present day. A 15-minute walk from here, along Chonno-gu Street, is Changdeokgung Palace, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was built at the beginning of the XV century. Nature is intertwined with the ancient oriental style of the building and Asian subtlety. This is the only palace that has retained its original appearance. On weekends, organizers arrange costume excursions for visitors.

To get to the street Insadon, enough to walk 10-15 minutes from the palace. This is a favorite tourist place where souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, modern art galleries and the New Seoul art space work. Insadon crosses Chonno Avenue, where you can see street artists and entertainers.

On the second day, walk to Choghes. This is the main temple of the Korean order of Buddhism, created in the XIV century. Here, more than 150 years have been teaching the basics of this worldview and accepting everyone who wants to live among monks. Volunteers help to restore order and prepare food in the temple.

Then rent a car with a driver to get to Namsan Mountain, a popular holiday destination with locals and tourists. The journey takes 25 minutes. By cable car you can climb to the very top, offering stunning views of the city. There is a botanical garden on site, as well as flower beds. You can have lunch here, in the restaurant of the same name.

Go down and walk along Chung-Muro Street, in 17 minutes you will find yourself in the village of Namsangol Hanok. Five renovated houses create an atmosphere of South Korean past. The atmosphere here is unusual, everything reminds of the past of the country. In the village you can have a good time: try yourself in the national craft (for example, handi), cook with local dishes according to old recipes and participate in folk festivals. Tourists try to learn national crafts and professions, play games and cook old dishes on their own. In summer, folk festivals often take place here.

Spend the third day in Seoul's main theme park, Lotte World. Every year it is visited by more than 7 million guests, so he entered the Guinness Book of Records as the most popular entertainment park. It is divided into open and covered areas. The first one is called “Magic Island”, on the territory of which there is a wonderful castle with attractions and walking routes around the lake. From 18:00 to 21:00 for guests arrange a large-scale laser show. The second is “Adventure”. This is more of a commercial than entertainment part. From 10:00 to 21:00 work shops, restaurants that reflect the culture of Europe, Asia and Africa.

In Lotte World it will be interesting to everyone: from the smallest to the most adult. Guests can ride a large skating rink or visit the Ethnographic Museum.

Where to have lunch?

The national cuisine of South Korea is different from dishes of other Asian cultures. Although they are united by an abundance of fish, vegetables and hot spices, restaurants in Seoul will surprise even experienced travelers. Basis is rice, which is prepared in all possible ways. All other products are considered additions to it. If you don’t know where to go and what to try first, then we have prepared a small selection:

• ANDO Cafe (en. Yonsan-gu, Itaewon-no str., 216, 4th floor)

  The interior of the institution is somewhat reminiscent of the era of antiquity. It harmoniously combines antique furniture and modern decor items. Try the menu with rice with scrambled eggs and cold vegetables, soy curd with almond mousse, spicy soup with clams and beef ribs with mango and coconut sauce.

• Restaurant Blüte (surrounds Yonsan-gu, Hannamde-ro str., 20-keel, 51)

  Inside is a collection of local flowers and plants. Guests fall into the tropical jungle among the concrete walls. Together with the drink you will receive a small bouquet of violets as a compliment from the restaurant. You can try the German brunch with cheddar cheese, as well as national dishes: shrimp with lamb in citrus sauce, kelp soup and potato tortillas with spicy rice.

• Ho Ho Myoll (env. Mapho-gu, Vausan-ro str., 50)

  This cafe has created the spirit of adventure and travel; there are world maps and hiking backpacks hanging on the walls. Once a week, latte art is arranged here, when images are drawn with a thin brush on the skin of coffee. The menu presents traditional dishes in modern interpretation: squids stewed in cream, crabs with strawberries and greens, raw fish with lemon and apples.

• BANANA TREE (surrounds Yonsan-gu, Itaewon-no str., 259)

  This is the best cafe in Seoul, where more than 30 varieties of coffee and types of desserts. For example, latte with pastila, cappuccino with slices of banana and coconut, berry tiramisu in the form of a starfish. Every weekend there are classes on baking cookies made from rice flour and cane sugar.

• ASSOULINE LOUNGE (neighborhood Gangnam-gu, Tosande-ro str., 45-keel, 11)

  This establishment serves French cuisine. You will be served an open pie with rhubarb and cheese, onion soup, potato gratin with bacon and an airy fruit casserole.

Seoul is a vibrant and dynamic city that hospitably welcomes every traveler. People come here to relax in the numerous mountain recreational complexes, try national dishes, see the nightlife of the locals and become part of the best parties. Give in to the energetic flow of Seoul and enjoy your rest.