The Travel Diary: Things to do in Seoul
Offering K-pop, kimchi, a major world financial center and 2,000 years of history, Seoul - the South Korean capital - really does have something for everyone.
Gyeonghoeru is a 15th-century, 2-storey, open pavilion used for royal banquets and other entertainment.
Although you could spend your few days there eating your way through the city's street food, we've have another proposal: take advantage of what the city has to offer from its traditional culture to the city's modern infrastructure.
Traveling across Asia? You may also want to check out our Travel Diary features on Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai and Taipei
Where to stay
Park Hyatt Seoul occupies a visually striking 24-storey building, with the unique top-floor lobby affording stunning panoramic views on South Korea’s capital.
You know you can't go wrong when it comes to staying in a hotel under the Hyatt brand. One of the top hotels in the city, Park Hyatt Seoul is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Gangnam, the financial and business district of Seoul, just opposite of COEX Convention and Exhibition Centre.
All the rooms in this 24-storey hotel offer floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of Seoul. Some basic amenities include wireless Internet access, 32-inch TVs, 24-hour room and concierge service, Aesop bathroom amenities and turndown services.
Where to eat
Tosokchon is located on Chebu-dong in Jongro-gu and is known for their delicious roast chicken and samgyetang.
Located near Gyeongbukgung Palace, Tosokchon restaurant is famous for its roasted chicken and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). This iconic Korean dish consists of a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and Korean ginseng, boiled with other oriental herbs. Tosokchon's standout samgyetang has also made it a favorite of former South Korean President Roh.
Don't be fooled by the restaurant's quiet vintage exterior, this place gets crowded pretty quickly. The nearest stop on the subway is Gyeongbokgung station (exit 2).
And if you are looking for a fine dining option, try Yongsusan. This elegant upscale restaurant combines Korean cuisine with a find dining experience. Yongsusan is a great place for a quiet meal, and is also a popular spot for business dinners and family gatherings. Try the sok ha san menu for Korean cuisine at its best.
Where to visit
The name, 'Bukchon', which literally translates to 'northern village,' came about as the neighborhoods that the village covers lie to the north of the two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno.
Bukchon Hanok Village (Seoul-si Jongno-gu Gahoe-dong) is a traditional Korean folk village surrounded by some of Seoul's most famous palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. The village is comprises of traditional houses called "hanok", which date back to the Joseon Dynasty.
The Bukchon Hanok Village is now a combination of cultural centres, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, where visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional Korean culture.
Take the subway and alight at Anguk Station (Line 3), exit 2. The village is approximately 300 metres away.
Another place to visit that is just round the corner of the village is Gyeongbokgong, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the grandest palaces within Seoul. The two-storey Geujeongjeon (as seen in the main image) is the main palace building, and one of the more impressive structures in the palace complex.
After lying in the ruins for over 300 years, the palace was restored in 1867, but was then nearly destroyed again by the Japanese in the early 20th century.
Audio commentary and free guided tours are available where visitors are able to find out more about the palace.
Where to shop
Lotte's flagship Department Store is situated in Myeongdong, where many global luxury brand names, as well as duty free shops can be found.
The main shopping district in Seoul is Myeongdong, which stretches from Myeongdong subway station to Euljiro. This is the shopping haven for tourists and locals alike, where you'll be able to find designer brands and department stores lines the streets.
If you only have a limited time to browse make sure to stop into Shinsegae Department Store, Myeongdong Migliore and M Plaza. Expect to find premium labels as well as other fashionable goods at decent prices. There is also Lotte Department Store, where you can find practically anything and everything in the most popular hypermarket of Seoul.
Head over to LifestyleAsia.com for the full details on the things to do in Seoul.
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If Seoul is too far away, spend your vacation at the neighbouring countries such as Kuala Lumpur, Malacca or even Langkawi. Read more about Asia travel on LifestyleAsia.com.
