This week we are in Seoul, South Koreas dynamic metropolis and one of Asia’s most vibrant and economically powerful cities. The city’s beautiful and architectural innovative skyline whose reflects its pioneering spirit and also offers several contemporary architectural marvels, including the Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park and the giant glass wave of the new City Hall. Seoul is a city where you can get whatever you want at any time of the day or night, it’s a city without time limits, which means you literally have the whole day to explore and may often find yourself doing just that.
Where better to stay than the Shilla Seoul? This hotel exceeds all expectation with a combination of comfortable elegance and cutting-edge technology. The hotel is also perfectly located in the heart of the city and bordering the 23-acre Janchungdan Park. Inside, the Interiors are a beautiful and flawless blend of East and West, with soaring public spaces and modern European-style guestrooms, many of which have views of Namsan Mountain. Guests will definitely love the hotels luxury Guerlain Spa, which is overseen by Paris-trained therapists. Other facilities also include an outdoor swimming pool and a stunning gym facility.
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N Seoul Tower offers visitors wonderful panoramic views of the metropolis, which was created almost from scratch after the Korean War. If you come at sunset, you will get the best view, as you watch the city below change into realm of shining stars. If you get hungry while you’re there, there are plenty of food options on the different floors, ranging from Italian to Korean food.
While you’re in Seoul it’s always good to experience some of the history and historic building which is a big from the usual high tech towers that you will see. Changdeokgung is a great place to start; the palace was originally built in 1405 as Seoul’s secondary palace, but when Seoul’s primary palace Gyeongbokgung was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in the 1590s, Changdeokgung became the city’s primary palace until 1896.
There is so much to see, visitors can eneter through the Donhwamun gate, turn right and cross over the amazing stone bridge that has guardian animals carved on its side. Turn left and visitors will see the main palace building Injeongjeon, sitting elegantly in harmony with the open corridors and trees behind it. Further on are the private living quarters of the royal family, government office building and more.
Of course since we already mentioned it as the primary palace in Seoul, you have to visit the beautiful and grand Gyeongbokgung. The palace was originally built by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty, but when it was destroyed in 1592 it lay in ruins for 300 years until Heungseon Daewongun, regent and father of King Gojong began rebuilding it 1865. The rebuild cost so much money it almost bankrupted the government.
Within the grounds alay two of the most grandest architectural sights in Seoul. The first is the two-storey Geunjeongjeon, the main palace building, where kings were crowned, conducted states of affairs and met foreign envoys. The building is a sublime sight with its double-tiered stone platform, flagstone courtyard and surrounding open-sided corridors. On the left of it is the almost as stunning Gyeonghoeru, where state banquets were held. Gyeonghoeru is a large raised pavilion resting on 48 stone pillars and overlooking an artificial lake with two small islands.
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the National Museum of Korea. The marble-line beauty cleverly channels plenty of natural light to show off Korea’s ancient treasures. It’s also home to one of the most picturesque spots in Seoul, the gardens, where visitors will see a reflecting pond, ancient stone pagodas, the original Bosingak bell and Dragon Falls.
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Visitors can pick up a ticket from the office in the left section where you will also see the Yong theatre, childens sections and special exhibitions. In the museums huge atrium foyer you will pass by the various ruling dynasties, from comb-design pots and dolmens to the imaginative Baekje-era incense holder and the intricate gold work of the Silla dynasty crowns and necklaces. We recommend skipping the 2nd floor if you’re pushed for time and going straight to the third floor where you will see the amazing ancient ceramics that Korea is famous for.
To switch things up an bit why not spend an afternoon at the COEX Aquarium, one of South Korea's largest aquariums featuring more than 40,000 animals. Follow your experienced guide through the aquarium and be amazed by the 600 different species of fish.
Within the grounds of the Jogye-Sa temple is Daeungjeon, the largest Buddhist shrine in Seoul. It was built in 1938, and murals of scenes from Buddha’s life can be seen inside and well as three giant Buddha statues. One of its other attractive features is the carved floral latticework doors.
D Cube City is our place of choice for shopping in Seoul, in fact it will be hard to find a shopping mall more stylish than this. The interior spaces of the mall surround a waterfall that cascades down seven floors and there’s plenty of outdoor terraces for you to relax, take a break from shopping and enjoy the weather on. There is also the D Cube Arts Centre, which has a concert hall and theatre for musicals, a luxurious Sheraton hotel and an impeccably designed Korean food court in the basement.
Food glorious food is definitely something you won’t be short of in Seoul, the city has some of the most delicious types of food you will ever have. The Gwangjang market is one of the best places to get started when it comes to eating out. During the day you will find food and fabrics sold here, but the best time to visit is in the evening when the end towards Dongdaemun morphs into Seoul’s largest food alley, with some 200 stalls specialising in dishes such as crispy, thick nokdu bindaetteok and so much more.
Another market worth visiting in Seoul is Dongdaemun market, a colossal retail and wholesale market. The wholesale sections operate mainly through the night and you can buy practically anything here although visitors are mainly drawn in by fashion.
If you are considering Seoul or another dream destination for your next vacation, why not drop us a line at info@roomsuggestion.com to help us book you your dream holiday with highlly negotiated near-corporate rates? All you need to do is send us your ideal destinations, group size and preferences and we will take it from there to make this autumn the best ever yet.
