The best sights of Seoul with photos and descriptions. Ancient sights of modern Seoul

What to see in Seoul?

Before I plan my trip, I always do "research" online and articles like this are very helpful in understanding where you are going and what this city has to offer.
Of course, all people are different, so this is my personal opinion on what is worth seeing and what is worth doing in Seoul on the first trip. I hope this information is helpful.

Seoul. Top 1. Gyeongbokgung. Gyeongbok-gung.

Suppose you have only a few hours or one day in Seoul and need to get an idea of ​​the city. In this case, Nastya's article is very suitable for you, she just had a few hours to explore the city and she, like a real travel pro, was able to make the most of this time.

Of course, you need to visit one of the several palaces in Seoul:
Gyeongbokgung Palace (Gyeongbok-gung) is most often chosen. The main residence of the Joseon Dynasty was destroyed during the Japanese occupation, as many architectural monuments of the city and today most of it has been restored.

Ticket price: 3000 ₩.
Open:
January, February: from 9 to 17.
March, April, May: from 9 to 18.
June, July, August: from 9 to 18:30.
September, October: from 9 to 18:00.
November, December: from 9 to 17:00.
Day off: Tuesday.
NB! The latest check-in time is one hour before closing.
The free English tour is available at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30.

Be sure to watch the colorful changing of the guard ceremony and take pictures with the formidable palace guards.

The palace and the park are striking in their beauty. Its area is so large that people disperse and there is absolutely no sense of presence. a large number people. Very peaceful landscapes, beautiful architecture and nature. I think 1.5-2 hours is the average time for this palace.
Directly in front of the palace is Gwanghwamun Square and the Cheonggyecheon Stream starts from it. So, just three attractions in the heart of the city.

There are other palaces in Seoul, I will tell you about one of them another time.

Seoul. Top 2. Insadong. Insa-dong. 인사동.

Insadong is a very picturesque area of ​​Seoul with many traditional Korean art shops, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants.
On Sundays, the Insadong area is visited by about 100,000 people, and all political figures who come to Seoul on a visit must visit this area.
There is a very wide selection of porcelain and lacquered wood items, as well as many small souvenirs.
Also in the Insadong area is the Buddhist Temple of Chogyesa (조계사) and shopping mall Ssamzigil.

Seoul. Top 3. Samcheongdong. Samcheon-dong. 삼청동.
A very cozy, hilly area of ​​​​Seoul, where there are numerous shops, cafes, galleries. It is very cozy and beautiful here. In October, persimmons had already ripened on the trees, and in the evening it was so pleasant to take a walk, slowly moving from a jewelry store to a clothing store, and from it to a gallery, and then to a cafe. Just take a walk here - feel the city, immerse yourself in it.

There are so many unusual things in the shops, everything is insanely cute and quite affordable.

For delicious food, be prepared to stand in line, but your expectations will always be met!

Seoul has fantastic food, both street food and coffee shops.

NB: I want to give a little advice: when you arrive in a new city, be sure to go shopping and buy yourself some clothes or accessories, this will help you quickly adapt to the city. In any case, it is better to go to Seoul with an empty suitcase.

Seoul. Top 4. Buamdon. Buam-dong. 부암동.

It's not the best tourist area Seoul, moreover, you can only get here by bus or taxi (i.e. there is no subway nearby), but this is its charm and charm. Again, small buildings, wires, cafes, hills.

Believe it or not, we went here solely for the cupcakes, yes, yes))) and I do not hesitate to advise you to come to this area, get to it and also come to this fantastic cafe - you will not regret it.

And on the way back, if you are in Seoul in the fall, buy local fruits, for example, absolutely fantastic persimmon.

Seoul. Top 5. Mountains.
Asians love to go to the mountains, they deify them, and if they have a choice: the mountains or the sea, they will choose the mountains without a moment's hesitation. I completely agree with them and advise you to join hundreds of Koreans and climb the mountain.
I offer you two options to choose from:

Option 1: Mount Dobonsan. Dobongsan. 도봉산.

From the center about an hour by subway to Dobongsan station and you can start climbing. In advance, you can buy food for every taste, we took fruits and chestnuts, of course, water.

The ascent is easy, so you don't need any special training, but comfortable shoes are a must.

At the foot of the mountain, everything is equipped for tourists: cafes, souvenir shops, toilets - everything is thought out, so that the rise of the wave is comfortable.

But I suggest you climb the mountain not for the sake of the mountain itself, although it is beautiful and the nature is amazing, at the top (but not at the very top) there is a Buddhist temple. Say it's divine magical place- don't say anything. You have to come here, rise and stay - a dynamic meditation of pure water.

Option 2. Bugaksan. 서울성곽.

If you are not very interested in temples, and it was the temple that impressed us so much on Mount Dobongsan, but you prefer history and views from a height, then go to Mount Bugaksan. It is easier to get to it, we went by bus and the peak is located just behind the Blue House.

From a historical point of view, Mount Bugaksan is interesting in that a fortress wall was built on it in the 14th century, protecting the city from invaders and at the same time pointing to its borders. The wall, 18 kilometers long, has only been partially restored at the moment.

NB: you need a passport to climb this mountain. each tourist is registered for the ascent. We came to the mountain twice, because the first time we forgot to take our passports!

• Keep in mind that the toilet is only on the platform for filling out documents and obtaining a pass.
• The climb is quite steep and difficult in places, harder than Mount Dobongsan, so I advise you to either stop to rest more often or be hardy and prepared for hundreds of steps.
• Of course, on such an ascent, take a light snack and water.
• For all your climbing efforts, you will be generously rewarded with fresh air and beautiful views.

Days off: Monday (and Tuesday if the holiday falls on a Monday).

Seoul. Top 6. Shopping.
It seems to me that this point deserves a separate post and, perhaps, someday I will write it. But now I’ll just say that shopping in Seoul is a paradise for girls.

Of course, most of the money set aside for the trip can be safely spent on cosmetics. Everyone, I think, has already heard about it and it makes no sense to write about it in detail here. Remember that when you buy cosmetics in a Korean store, they give you a lot of samples ^_^

In addition to cosmetics, here you can buy very interesting clothes and jewelry.

In addition, there are a lot of all sorts of functional things for the home, as well as just an incredible amount of stationery, which appearance goes off scale in terms of cuteness.
The main places for shopping in Seoul:

• markets: Dongdaemun, Namdaemun, Gwangjang;
• Myeong-dong (Myeong-dong);
• Insadong, about which we have already spoken above;
• Apgujeong - expensive shops and brands.
• Hongdae - small private shops, a lot of vintage, reasonable prices;
• Itaewon (Itaewon) - we were not, but many praise;
• Gangnam (Gangam) - either for shopping or just to know what the song is about;
• Shopping center COEX mall.

PS: when buying cosmetics in Seoul, you will receive samples with each purchase =) I have accumulated decently.

Seoul. Top 7. Food.

Like the previous point, Korean food is a separate topic.

I will definitely make a list of dishes that I would advise you to try in Seoul, but the general advice is to eat! (Already wrote -) In Seoul, everything is very tasty!

If you don't know Korean, then you will most likely have to avoid restaurants without English menus and pictures, but there are. There is an option - to ask the hotel to write the name of the dishes in Korean and come with these notes to the cafe.

If you will be staying at a guest house, then ask the hosts to order takeaway food for you))) it is very popular in Seoul and very interesting as an experience.

Everyone knows that Korean food is very spicy, it's really spicy and really very spicy. So, if you don't like spicy - ………..maybe you will love it? But if you have ulcers, gastritis and other stomach problems, take care of yourself and stock up, just in case, with medicines, since it will be very difficult to avoid acuteness.

NB: If you're a vegetarian, then maybe you are. it will be hard in Seoul, because very many dishes either directly contain meat or fish, or are made on their basis (broths, etc.). I can recommend the restaurant for vegetarians and vegans Loving Hut. Address: Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Gaepo-dong 1218-16. They are open from 11am to 11pm and accept cash only.

PS:
Very often in the lists of attractions in Seoul indicate observation tower Seoul Tower and Bukchon Traditional Village.
As for the Seoul Tower, I did not include it in my list, because. We were there and we did not like it for several reasons:

• it is quite difficult to get to it;
• there were sooo many people and terrible queues, both on the rise and on the descent;
• this is the only place in Seoul where we met compatriots ^_^;
• at the top of the tower there is a closed observation deck, so the beauty of the view is zero.

Traditional houses in Bukchon are a must see, but since we lived in the Rakkojae hanok, which is located in this area, we didn’t just look at these buildings from the outside, but had the opportunity to live in one of them. So, if you are not planning to live in a hanok, then be sure to come and walk around Bukchon.

Also, I didn’t write out the Jeonggyechon Stream and Gwanhwamun Square separately, since these two attractions are very close to the Gyeongbokgung Palace and it’s impossible not to notice them, it’s logical to visit at the same time with the palace.

Have a good trip to Seoul!

All photos are taken by me (with Canon EOS M) and are my property

In this material - about the best sights of Seoul. What to see and where to go in the capital of South Korea? Made an overview of palaces, parks, museums and other interesting places.

Seoul knows how to surprise in a good way. Here, in some incredible way, ancient and modern, traditional and futuristic are combined. Personally, I did not have that oppressive feeling that you usually experience in a huge metropolis. Despite its size and population (26 million people), Seoul seems quite cozy. Maybe it's the green parks and atmospheric old quarters in the center?

Girls in national costumes on the street

old quarters

And only when you climb observation deck and you see high-rise buildings to the horizon, you understand how big this city is.

You are unlikely to be able to pass by the capital on your trip to South Korea, because most flights from Russia arrive and depart from here. So it would be nice to set aside a day, and preferably two, for walks around the city. So what to see in Seoul? I marked all the points on the map at the end of the post.

Read also:

Attractions in Seoul

royal palaces

There are 5 palaces in Seoul, but two of them are the most popular, and they are located nearby, you can walk.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The most revered in the country, because the royal family from the Joseon Dynasty lived there. It was built in 1394, was partially destroyed by the Japanese several times, but during its heyday the complex consisted of more than three hundred buildings and five and a half thousand rooms.

Gyeongbokgung

There are free tours available in English (11:00, 13:30, 15:30), Japanese and Chinese. The most interesting thing here, in my opinion, is the changing of the guard ceremony with music and a colorful performance.

Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:30 (during the summer months, the rest of the time closes a little earlier).

Admission: 3,000 won for adults, 1,500 won for children.

How to get there: Gyeongbokgung subway line 3.

Changdeokgung Palace

It was here that the last monarch of South Korea lived. In the palace you can see the ancient gates, the oldest bridge in Seoul, the throne room, as well as the so-called secret garden, quite large in area, where several thousand different trees grow.

Changdeokgung

Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:30 (during the summer months, the rest of the time it closes a little earlier).

Admission: 3,000 won for adults, 1,500 won for children. Secret Garden: 8,000/5,000/4,000 won for adults/seniors/children.

Tip: if you want to visit all the palaces and save money, then buy complex ticket(10,000 won). It is valid for a month, and even includes a visit to the secret garden in Changdeokgung.

Traditional Bukchon Hanok Village

Between the two palaces is a block of traditional Korean tile-roofed houses called hanok. There are more than 900 houses in this area. They are newly built, and the quarter itself is very touristic, but it is interesting to walk around. Koreans rent traditional costumes (shops nearby are full of offers) and take pictures against the backdrop of houses. You can do the same :)

old quarters

What to see in Seoul - traditional quarters

Opening hours: around the clock

Cost: Free, it's part of the city

How to get there: Anguk subway line 3.

Temple of Jogye-sa

Buddhist temple of the 14th century, famous for its huge wooden hall, the largest in Seoul.

Opening hours: around the clock

Cost: free

How to get there: Anguk subway line 3.

Cheong-gye-cheon stream

Nice place for walking right in the historical center of the city. The stream bed has been turned into a mini-park with all the infrastructure, paths and fountains.

How to get there: Gwanghwamun subway line 5.

N Seoul Tower and Namsan Park

Enjoying the views of the city from the height of the 236-meter TV tower is a great idea! In addition, there are several restaurants here. Although you don’t have to climb the tower itself, because it already stands on a hill, and the view from here is excellent. Plus save almost $10.

Cost: Tower Entrance 10,000/8,000 won for adults/children

How to get there: Shuttle buses number 3 and 5 from Namdaemun Market.

Seoul City Hall

The new city hall building was built not so long ago next to the old one and literally embodies Seoul's commitment to being green. And although servants of the people really work here, ordinary people the entrance is open, and the atmosphere inside allows you to spend time in comfort. In January-February, next to the city hall, the largest public outdoor ice rink in Seoul, you can have fun and go ice skating.

Old and new city hall buildings

Opening hours: 07:30 - 18:00 (during the summer months, the rest of the time it closes a little earlier).

Cost: free

How to get there: City Hall metro line 1 or 2.

Myeongdong shopping street

One of the most famous districts of the capital, both among locals and tourists, where life is in full swing! There are several shopping centers (and you can buy both consumer goods and quality items), many stalls with street food, cafes, restaurants ...

Mendong street

How to get there: Myeongdong subway.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

A futuristic building in the city's popular shopping area. It was designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid. If you go around the building, you will find artificial flowers that are coolly illuminated in the evening, the sight is mesmerizing!

Seoul Attractions - Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Seoul forest park

A small but pleasant park in the city center where you can have a picnic, rent a bike and feed the deer from your hand.

Opening hours: around the clock

Cost: free

How to get there: Seoul Forest subway line 2.

Olympic Park

The largest park in Seoul, which was built in Olympic Games 1988. In addition to traditional greenery, here you can see a gallery of modern art and two historical museums.

Opening hours: around the clock

Cost: free

How to get there: Olympic Park Subway Line 5 or Mongchontoseong Station Line 8.

Gangnam area

The most densely populated area of ​​Seoul, which was dedicated to the song of the Korean artist under the pseudonym PSY, gaining millions of views on Youtube a few years ago. Luxurious hotels, bars, restaurants known throughout the country, as well as offices of the largest corporations - all this is here.

Gangnam area

How to get there: subway Gangnam, Samseong on line 2.

COEX Aquarium

The largest aquarium in the capital, located in the COEX shopping center. Here you will see fish and marine life from all over the world: sharks, electric rays, piranhas and many others.

Opening hours: 10:00-20:00

Cost: All-Day Ticket 28,000/25,000/22,000 won Adults/Teens 13-18/Children 3-12

How to get there: Samseong subway line 2.

Lotte World Amusement Park

Biggest indoor park entertainment in the world with museums, an ice skating rink, a huge shopping center and a hotel. Children will like it here more because extreme rides almost not.

Where to go in Seoul? Lotte World

Opening hours: 09:30-22:00

Cost: Full Day Ticket 52,000/45,000/41,000/13,000 won Adults/Teens/Children/Toddlers

How to get there: Jamsil metro line 2 or 8.

Everland Extreme Park

But if you want to tickle your nerves, go to Everland. It is better to choose a weekday, as the park is visited by the townspeople on weekends and it is not overcrowded here. The whole complex is divided into 5 thematic zones, there is also a water park, a zoo, a safari.

Opening hours: 10:00-21:00 (subject to change)

Cost: Full-day ticket 54,000/43,000 won adults/children

How to get there: Bus 5002 from Gangnam Subway Station, Bus 5700 from Gangbyeon Subway Station, Shuttle buses passing through Myeong-dong Station (Exit 2) and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Exit 11).

Bukhansan National Park

Koreans love hiking - short and long walks through the mountains lightly, without backpacks (unlike trekking). In that national park to the north of the capital there are all conditions for hiking, take comfortable shoes and clothes, more water and set out to explore different routes, stumbling across old city walls and Buddhist temples along the way.

Cost: free

How to get there: buses 1020, 7022, 7212

Where to go in Seoul and what else to do?

Visit Korean saunas, such as Dragon Hill Spa, the complex is located near railway station. Here, as in many similar establishments, you can stay overnight, and it will be cheaper than spending the night in a hotel.

Ride a bike along the Han River. Automated bike rentals are common.

Gate in the city center

Seoul is the capital of South Korea. It is with him that it is worth starting the study of this wonderful country, which so fascinates with its nobility and restraint.

Acquaintance

The city of Seoul (South Korea) is a place where modern skyscrapers and old buildings, highways and green parks coexist perfectly. It received the status of the capital of South Korea back in 1394, on November 26. At that time, the settlement was small, surrounded by fortified walls and was called Khanyan.

From 1910 until the end of World War II, the city was called Gyeongsong, and later it was renamed Seoul. By the way, in literal translation from Korean it means "capital".

Now the city covers an area of ​​about 600 square kilometers, and more than ten million people inhabit it. In it, the past and the present harmoniously combine and complement each other.

Weather

Seoul (South Korea) is located on the same parallel as Sicily, the south of the Balkan Peninsula and the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The weather of the city, despite this, is more like European, which is noted by many tourists.

From May to September, the capital is filled with moist air, which is brought by winds from the sea. The air temperature during this period ranges from 20 to 33°C, and water - from 10 to 22°C.

Starting from October to April, the wind changes its direction towards the sea from the land. The air temperature drops from 19°C to -5°C on average and the water cools down to almost -10°C. Once in winter, a record low mark on the thermometer was recorded at -22 ° C.

In general, the climate is as follows: with dry and cool winters, warm and sunny springs and autumns, hot, sometimes humid summers.

Attractions

One of the main attractions is the Kyongbokkung Royal Palace, an ancient seat of the Joseon Dynasty built in 1395. It was practically destroyed during the Imjin War. But the medieval architecture of Gyeongbokgung was painstakingly restored during the Li Dynasty. Now at the main gate of Gwanghwamun you can see the ceremonial changing of the guard of the Imperial Guard, which is demonstrated by the volunteers of the Korean Cultural Foundation, dressed in blue and red National costumes city ​​of Seoul (South Korea). Photos next to them against the backdrop of the palace will be simply amazing. Experienced travelers advise to make them.

By the way, about how the emperors spent their time, you should find out in National Palace Museum Korea. And to see how ordinary Koreans lived, celebrated holidays and studied in the Middle Ages, visit the Ethnographic Museum.

In downtown Seoul, enjoy the architecture of the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple. Guests of the capital note with admiration its impressive decoration: three gilded Buddha statues, hundreds of candles, burgundy columns topped with dragon heads...

But the most important cultural attractions in Seoul, which every self-respecting tourist must visit, are the National Museum of Korea (National Museum of Korea) and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

In respect of entertainment places The Trick Eye Museum of Illusions in the Hongdae area is among the leaders. It contains many interesting exhibits, which you can touch and take photos against their background.

By the way, the Hongdae area itself is a tourist attraction. There are many entertainment venues: cinemas, museums (for example, wax figures), an aquarium, galleries and, of course, shops and cafes.

parks

In a country like South Korea (Seoul), attractions are not only palaces, museums and architecture. Special place parks are occupied here, unique in their own way. landscape design. One of the most famous is Cheonggyecheon Stream. It does not look like a park in the traditional sense of the word, although it has something in common with New York's Central Park.

The square is located in the heart of Seoul and stretches for almost 6 km. Its peculiarity is that it is located 5 meters below the busiest boulevard of the city - Sejongro. Despite this, the park is very quiet and calm, which is very popular with travelers. There are beautifully placed trees, small waterfalls and many bridges.

Resorts

The resorts of Seoul also deserve the status of a tourist attraction. At least for their location.

Ski resorts include:

1. Yangzhi Pine. Suitable for families and is open all year round. It is located on the slopes of Mount Dokjo and is surrounded by pine forests. It consists of 7 slopes, 6 lifts, snow park, a swimming pool, equipment rentals, a hotel and hostels, shops, and in the summer also a golf club.
2. Star Hill. According to vacationers, it is more suitable for young people who love noisy places and skiing at night. It has 5 ski slopes up to 700 meters, toboggan slopes, 5 funiculars, equipment rentals, ski school, restaurants and karaoke bar.
3. Alps. The resort is located in the province of Gangwon and is most suitable for families with young children. In addition to the standard set ski resort, there is a health center, a school and a kids club.

Water resorts:

1. Chondonjin. Beach with stunning nature. Pretty popular filming location a large number of Korean films. Easily accessible from Seoul airport.
2. Sorak Votopia - themed water park hot springs. Located in the Sokcho area. There are outdoor pools of natural hot springs, the water temperature of which reaches 49 ° C, and an artificial wave pool.

Gastronomic tourism

What unusual things to try in Seoul experienced tourists? Walking along Insa-dong street, go to a restaurant for refreshment. Of course, you will need to sit on special pillows and order soup and pork, and for dessert - a drink of persimmon and cinnamon. Imagine your surprise when the soup is served to you ready, and for the second one they bring only ingredients: raw bacon, thinly sliced ​​​​mushrooms, white onion rings. You will feel like real Koreans when you cook your dinner on a special brazier built into the table. It is worth noting that kimchi, spicy pickled cabbage, without which no meal is complete here, is served free of charge - as a gift from the institution.

It is also worth trying a real Korean dish - bibimbap, which is a mixture of rice, herbs, vegetables, meat and eggs. All this is mixed immediately before eating.

It is worth noting that there are no dairy products in Korean cuisine. But there are a lot of vegetables, rice and seafood.

Gifts and souvenirs

What tourist would refuse to buy gifts from a trip? Whether it's for yourself or friends. The gigantic Soeh shopping center is the best suited for this purpose. Among the most famous places for shopping are Myeongdong, Namdaemun and Dongdaemun clothing markets, shopping malls Milliore, Duta, Hello Apiam. Wonderful leather goods, jewelry and appliances are sold at special prices for those who managed to take a discount coupon in tourist information centers. And for unusual mats and miraculous ginseng, reviews advise you to go to the neighboring island of Ganghwado to the Jeondeungsa Buddhist monastery, founded about 1600 years ago. Souvenirs made by monks are so unusual! By the way, the opening hours of large stores are from 10:30 to 20:00 seven days a week.

Fruits, vegetables and seafood are best bought at the Karake Wholesale Market in Seoul during the famous food auctions from 18:00 to 21:00.

Holidays

In addition to global holidays such as New Year January 1, South Korea has its own national.

Calendar of national Korean holidays

The dates of religious holidays vary from year to year, as they are celebrated according to lunar calendar. The day of celebration of Catholic Christmas remains unchanged - December 25th.

As for Seoul specifically, here, in addition to general Korean holidays, there are also their own. For example, in May, the city hosts a festival of lanterns in the form of lotus flowers, which is dedicated to the birth of the Buddha. And in October, the fireworks festival is celebrated.

South Korea, Seoul: Tours & Hotels

Prices for tourist tours to the capital of South Korea, Seoul, fluctuate depending on the season of the trip, the chosen hotel and resort.

According to the purpose of recreation, tours are divided into:

• ski;
• holidays in resorts (for example, on the coast and islands of the Yellow and Japan Seas);
• excursion;
• treatment;
• education.

Tours can also be thematic, for example:

• temples and parks;
• business in South Korea;
• culture of Seoul;
• the history of the country and so on.

Aeroflot and Aeroflot airlines fly direct from Moscow to Seoul Korean Air. On average, the duration of the flight is about 8-9 hours.

From Ukraine, you can get to Seoul with Aeroflot, Aerosvit, Korean Air, AirFrance, Finnair, Turkish Airlines with transfers in Moscow, Paris, Helsinki or Istanbul, respectively.

As for hotels, in Seoul they are divided into classes by category:

• deluxe suite (similar to 5 stars);
• deluxe (similar to 4 stars);
• first class (similar to 4 stars);
• second class (similar to 3 stars);
• third class (similar to 2 stars).

In addition to hotels, you can stay in South Korea in guest houses, condominiums, motels, hostels, Buddhist temples and evgans. The latter are traditional Korean hotels, that is, without a bed and with warm floors.

By the way, tourists should know that in the city of Seoul (South Korea), time is not translated either in winter or in summer. And the country itself is in the GMT +09:00 time zone, that is, the difference with Kiev is +7 hours, and with Moscow - + 6.

Visa

A Korean visa (Seoul, South Korea) is not mandatory for residents of Russia from January 1, 2014, provided that they stay in the country for no more than 60 days.

But if you are thinking of staying there longer or just want to play it safe just in case, then the list of documents for applying for a visa is standard:

1. Foreign passport valid for at least six months on the date of application to the consulate.
2. Copies of the first page of the passport and the old passport, provided that it has Schengen, US, Japanese or Australian visas.
3. Color photograph 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
4. Completed visa application form in English or Korean, certified by the applicant.
5. The original invitation of the booked hotel or the host.
6. A certificate on letterhead from the place of work, which indicates the position of the applicant, his salary and the period of work.
7. The program of stay in the country by day.
8. Copies of round-trip tickets (optional).
9. For schoolchildren and students - a certificate from the educational institution.
10. Pensioners - a copy of the pension certificate.
11. For a child accompanied by one adult or a third person - the original and a copy of the notarized consent to its export from the remaining parent.

money in seoul

The national currency of South Korea is the won (KRW). But you can pay in Seoul with US dollars.

• Maestro, Visa, Visa Electron, JCB, American Express, Plus and Cirrus bank cards and others that are accepted in hotels, large stores, restaurants;
• in cash - won or US dollars, which can be paid even in the markets.

If you have not exchanged money at home, then in South Korea it is best to do this in banks, special exchange offices and big hotels. There you can exchange rubles and dollars for Korean won.

Note: Korean banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 16:30, and on Saturday - until 13:30. ATMs are open daily from 9:30 to 22:00, but you can also stumble upon those that work around the clock.

Tourist behavior rules

Like any other country, South Korea has its own rules of conduct and social order. For example, in order to call someone to you, you need to lower your palm down and wave it, moving all your fingers. And with gestures so familiar to us - palm up or one finger - Koreans call dogs. By the way, public hugs are not welcome here, they are replaced by discreet handshakes. And words of gratitude are accompanied by a bow.

In addition to being disrespectful, you can also be fined 100,000 won for smoking in government offices and public places such as transportation stops, city parks, gas stations, restaurants, and so on.

About the tip. In South Korea, leaving them is not accepted in the traditional sense. It's just that sometimes in expensive hotels and restaurants an additional 10% service charge may be added to the amount of your bill.

At the table, it is not customary for Koreans to blow their noses, pass something with only one hand and leave sticks in their plate.

And the most interesting among the rules of Korean etiquette is the lack of apologies. That is, hitting someone inadvertently, the Korean will simply go further. In Korea, it is believed that by apologizing, you can make a person feel uncomfortable.

South Korea, Seoul: Hours, Address, South Korea Reviews: 4.5/5

For the most part, tourists are of the opinion that Seoul is a very beautiful, fast-growing city, which is definitely worth a visit.

Its advantages for travelers include:

• the beauty of the city;
• culture and attractions;
• relatively low prices for products;
• highly developed infrastructure;
• high security for tourists;
• great respect for children and the elderly;
• a large number of information signs in English;
• Russian quarter;
• fresh air.

The disadvantages are attributed to:

• long flight;
• a small number of residents who understand English;
• a large number of advertising signs;
• expensive housing.

Discover something completely new with a trip to Seoul (South Korea). Photos taken during the trip will warm memories for a long time. Become one of the few Russian-speaking tourists in this Land of Morning Calm.

IN tourism world known as one of the most beautiful places in East Asia. The republic is famous for its special attitude to ancient customs and traditions that can be traced in all areas of activity of local residents. of this state is an amazing combination of antiquity and modernity, which becomes especially noticeable when getting acquainted with the capital and one of the largest settlements South Korea - the city of Seoul. Let's talk about it in more detail.

Where is Seoul on the world map?

Before heading to virtual journey according to the most interesting places of one of the largest cities in the world, we will once again designate the capital of which country is Seoul and where to look for it on the map. So, from school geography lessons, we remember that this huge metropolis is recognized official capital Republic of Korea (South Korea). The city is located on the Hangang River, which literally divides it in half, in the north-west of the state, just a 3-hour drive from the Yellow Sea.

Seoul's climate is determined by its geographic location and is classified as humid continental. It is characterized by hot summers with little rainfall and cold, dry winters. The warmest month of the year is August with average temperatures of +24...+29°С, and the coldest, respectively, is January (-4...0°С).

In the ranking of world cities by size, the capital of South Korea is in 16th position, which indicates a fairly large size. Thus, the area of ​​Seoul is just over 605 square meters. km, and the entire territory is administratively divided into 25 districts. The largest of them are Seocho-gu, Kanso-gu and. In addition, the city is considered one of the most densely populated on the planet: the population of Seoul is about 10 million people, even though the birth rate has declined significantly over the past decade.

In the matter of religion, the capital is constant: the two main religions in Seoul are Christianity and Buddhism. Here is one of the largest Christian congregations in the world - with more than 830,000 parishioners.

Landmarks of Seoul in South Korea

The hallmark of South Korea are photos from Seoul, because it is considered the cultural center of the Republic. The city is known for its unique natural and historical places, so if you are planning to go to Seoul on your own and don’t know what to see, the rating of interesting places is just for you:

The oceanariums in Seoul are also very popular with foreign tourists: Caribbean Bay, Sea LaLa, One Mount and COEX Aquarium. When planning a trip here, keep in mind that such an adventure can take a whole day, so plan your schedule in advance and check the public traffic schedule. In addition to numerous sightseeing tours around the capital, big interest vacationers have a tour of where you can take a lot of beautiful photos.

What to buy in Seoul?

Since the capital of South Korea is considered one of the most dynamic and developed cities in the world, it is not surprising that shopping has become a favorite pastime in Seoul for many tourists. Consider, in memory of the trip and where it is more profitable to make purchases:

Hotels in Seoul

Like any other capital in the world, Seoul is full of wonderful places Catering. Depending on the budget, foreign visitors can stay in the budget-friendly Jjimjilbang (complexes that provide overnight accommodation in dormitories) or luxury 5-star luxury hotels. Consider some of the most popular accommodation options:

1. Birdsnest Hostel Hongdae is the best hostel for budget tourist(from 18 USD per night), located 10 min. from and 50 min. from;
2. Hotel Myeongdong is a cozy 3-star hotel in the center of Seoul with good prices (from $50 per person), 5 min. walk from Mendong shopping district;
3. Signiel Seoul is the most expensive 5-star hotel in the capital with luxurious views, the cost of living in which is 460-1070 USD.

Restaurants

Local eateries also offer a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Korean to European and international. Street food (“tokbokki”, “sundae”, “omuk”, “thwigim”, etc.) is very popular with tourists, which, despite its cheapness, is very tasty. As for restaurants haute cuisine, then the best institutions are:

• Yang Good is a meat cafe in Gangnam, Seoul;
• Jungsik - national Korean cuisine;
• Tavolo 24 - Korean and European dishes;
• La Seine - fusion cuisine;
• Jihwaja - vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

Urban transport

Although transport system in the capital it is very well developed, traffic jams often occur here, therefore, when planning a trip, calculate the time with a margin. In general, there are several ways to travel around the city:

• by taxis, which in Seoul are divided into standard (orange and gray) and luxury (black with a yellow checker);
• by renting a car (rental points are located in the city center and at the airport);
• by subway (note that the cost of a subway ticket in Seoul depends on the distance, the minimum price for a one-way trip is 1 USD);
• on buses (adult ticket costs about 1.15 USD, children - 1 USD);
• by bike (ideal transport for trips to nature, to the river or for short distances).

How to get to Seoul?

So that your holiday in Seoul is not overshadowed by unpleasant events and delays, you should first of all plan your way to the capital, including the flight and transfer to the hotel. Consider the main options:

1. Airplane. The vast majority stays in Seoul through international Airport Incheon, which is about 45 min. drive (70 km) from the capital. Another local Gimpo, located 15 km from the center of Seoul, is less crowded and operates flights from and domestic flights around the country, so it is ideal for those who are already in the territory of the Republic.
2. Train. From almost any city in South Korea to the extreme northern point (capital) can be reached by high-speed train. The ticket price varies depending on the distance.
3. Bus. There are 5 intercity bus terminals in Seoul where travelers from other cities arrive. It is worth noting that all vehicles very comfortable and suitable for long distance travel.

Seoul is one of the metropolises that does not sleep 24/7, and also one of the most expensive capitals peace. Visiting famous viewpoints, expensive Korean beef, and partying until dawn can seriously harm anyone. credit card. However, in Seoul, there are a good hundred free entertainment and interesting places that everyone can visit.

Wander the picturesque streets on foot, visit poetic meetings and free entry observation decks by checking out our list of 30 free things to do in Seoul.

Yun Dongju Literary Museum (Korean poet)

This three-room museum was converted from a technical room in 2012 into open space. Works and old photographs of the poet are stored there. Behind the museum is Poet's Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the N Seoul Tower.

Address: 119, Changuimun-ro Jongno-gu

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Temple of the Martyrs of Chholdusan

Built in memory of the events of 1866, the temple is a reminder of the tragic and mass death of Catholics in this place. The temple houses a gallery and a museum displaying instruments of torture. There, tourists can learn about the history of the tragedy, the construction of the temple. Best time to visit - twilight, when the flickering of candles creates an incredible atmosphere.

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Oil reservoir in the cultural park

In the cultural center you can see five oil tanks from the 1970s. They hold concerts, exhibitions and lectures, free of charge. Even if nothing much goes on inside, visitors can spend several hours exploring the nooks and crannies or watch the musicians practicing in the open Greek amphitheatre. The uniqueness of this place attracts photographers here.

"The Soul of Jung Kyung-ja" (South Korean artist) at the Seoul Art Museum

The Museum of Modern Art is one of several free museums in Seoul and is housed in a historic building. Highly sought-after exhibitions are often crowded and sometimes have an entrance fee, but the permanent exhibition is free and not as popular. It is called "The Soul of Jung Kyung-ja" and is dedicated to the life of a Korean artist in chronological order, with special attention paid to the African influence on her work.

Chongun Library

Located at the foot of Mount Invan, the library is at the same time one of the most beautiful museums in the country. There is a collection of books on the lower floor, while the reading rooms are designed in the style of Korean houses and are located on the second floor. They are spacious and well lit - a dream of any book lover.

Gyeongyu Park in the forest belt

The park is built on 100-year-old railroad tracks that previously led to North Korea. The park is a kind of symbol of the northwestern region of Seoul. In the summer this place is filled with picnic lovers, mass meetings are held here, music festivals. IN good weather pianos are put outside, and musical performances are held in the open air.

Journey through Bukchon Hanok Village

Walking through the village of Bukchon between hanok (traditional Korean houses), tourists seem to fall into the Joseon dynasty. Despite the fact that the preservation of cultural architectural heritage is a topic of heated debate, the alleys continue to fascinate tourists from all over the world.

Free gifts at the Blue House (President's Residence)

By booking your admission ticket months in advance, you can get a free meal at the Korean President's office. Although tours are conducted in Korean, foreigners are offered audio guides in English, as well as a walk through the most famous places residences. Nokjiwon, the forest garden at the Blue House, is the highlight of the tour as it is where free gifts are given out at the end of the trip. In the past, silk purses and watches were given as gifts.

If you suddenly decide to book a tour, then you can do it.

Spend a full day at the National Korean Museum

The National Korean Museum is the largest in the country and boasts a collection of 15,000 artifacts from various eras, from the most ancient times to the present. Entrance to seasonal exhibitions is paid, but tourists are free to view the permanent collections. The 10-tier Gyeongchon Temple Pagoda at the center of the museum is a must see and photograph.

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Watch a movie in Hanan Park

One of the most popular free places in Seoul is the park along the Han River, which zigzags through the city. At any point in the park, you can walk with pleasure, look at beautiful landscapes, however, Mangwon-dong is the best view point. If your trip is in the summer, you can enjoy many free activities in the park, including the Hanana Summer Festival. Also be sure to visit the outdoor film screenings.

Time travel at the Seoul History Museum

At this museum, located next to Gyeongheegung Palace, even the temporary exhibitions are almost always free. It houses the relics of the Joseon Dynasty and houses the Donated Gifts Exhibition Hall (ground floor). You can see everything there, from old computers, tape cassettes, T-shirts from the 60s. to household items used by ordinary citizens. Free events are designed to acquaint tourists and residents of the capital with Korean culture, so they are most often held on local holidays.

Selfie in Ehwa Village

We talked about this "lunar" village with wall paintings in.

walk along mountain range bukhansan

The ridge has 37 peaks. If a tourist in Seoul asks an avid hiker in the local mountains where is the best place to take a walk, he will almost certainly be sent to Bukhansan. The most high altitude it is 836 meters, and it offers incredibly beautiful views. You can even get a mug from a friendly hiker, of which there are a lot on the ridge. And local adventurers are known for their good-natured desire to get the tourists who climb so high above the city drunk.

Hiking for an amateur: Inwansan

Inwansan is lower than Bukhansan, his maximum height only 338 meters, but it also attracts travelers with its views, as well as historical lessons. There are several ancient fortresses here, and you can also look at Gyeongbokgung Palace from afar. There are plenty of benches along the way up and down where you can rest.

Free walking tours in the capital

Such a trip should be booked at least three days in advance on the website of the corresponding tourist program. These tours are led by volunteer guides, so the quality of such travel is not consistent and standardized. However, the tour is free and covers many different topics, from local markets to historical sites, such as a street made in the unique style of the Korean alphabet, Hangul. Tours are organized in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. On food tours, you can still taste local food and drinks to the point of exhaustion.

Product tasting at Lotte Mart Station Seoul

Here are the largest grocery stores in South Korea, which offer the public to taste a wide selection of local products. Most often, representatives of brands / stores / factories / farms speak English, Chinese and Japanese and are always ready to give customers a couple of seconds of their time. If you walk down the noodle aisle at 6:00 pm on a weekend, you won't want to eat until the next evening.

Most beautiful temple north of Seoul

Despite the fact that the heart and most famous temple Seoul is considered Chogyeose, the title of the most beautiful temple should probably be given to Gilsangsa, located in Seongbuk-dong. Gilsansa is a restaurant that was converted into a temple in 1997, it attracts tourists not only with wealth surrounding nature, but also numerous English-language programs, including those on Buddhism.

The most beautiful temple in the south of Seoul

Those who have already looked at the Han River and completed their shopping at COEX Mall should visit Bonggeunsa, a temple dating back to the 10th year of the existence of the Silla kingdom. Most of The original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1939, but the fresh air of the complex, the carved wooden buildings of the Avatamsaka Sutra and 3,479 Buddhist sculptures will delight tourists.

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Walk (without shopping) at the Dongmyo flea market

There are plenty of shops and markets in Seoul that you can walk around for free and enjoy, but Dongmyo Flea Market is where walking is more fun than buying anything. Here you can find electronic pagers, and ancient Korean coins, and dollar T-shirts.

Address: 84, Nangye-ro 27-gil, Jongno-gu.

Walk on the sky bridge

About the park on the suspension bridge Seoullo 7017 is written in.

Dancing the night away in "Venue/"

There is no entrance fee to the popular Itaewon club, "Venue/", so you can get in (stand in line) and dance all night for free. Many smaller clubs in Hongdae also don't charge entrance fees, and some clubs in Gangnam don't charge at certain nights. However, it is "Venue/" that is the best combination of dance music, pleasant audience and free entertainment.

Beautiful and underrated churches in Seoul

Despite the fact that the churches of Myeongdong Cathedral are the most famous and historically significant in Seoul, it is worth visiting the Anglican Cathedral, which rivals its "fellow" in beauty. Its designer was the English architect Arthur Dickson. The building is made in the Renaissance style, its interior and exterior decoration demonstrates European charm. The church is open to the public, services are regularly held at 09:30 in the local chapel.

Become a child and play water fights

If you visit Seoul during the summer heat, then be sure to go to the Sinchon Water Fight Festival. It has been held for over six years in a row. There are areas for water battles, for children, performances of celebrities and concerts are held on the territory. Admission is free, but you have to pay for the rental of water "weapons".

Wonderful Chongyeocheon Stream

Cheongyeocheon is one of the ecological wonders of the city, it is an artificial stream that is located in the capital. Green spaces have been laid out along it and footpaths and bridges have been created. It is there that the Chinese Lantern Festival is held in early November. The museum, which is located near the stream, is also free.

Dewan Tonkatsu: Eat Fast and Free

A Korean restaurant that specializes in fried pork patties is known for its fast food competition called "tonkatsu" (after the name of the dish). Even though the initial fund is 15,000 won per person, it will be returned to the top 30 contestants on the leader board, which is a list of all the competition winners. Purpose of the test: to master a dish 15 centimeters high in less than 10 minutes. You'll be served a giant patty tower, a mini salad, soup and a bowl of rice, all to be eaten quickly and with gusto. An upset stomach is a gift to winners and losers.

Address: 57 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu

Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park

We wrote about this unusual building in.

Health Day at Seonjudo Park

It is the first ecological water park in Korea. The green island is located in the city center and is the perfect escape for those who just need a break from the chaos of life in Seoul. On the territory there are several botanical gardens, as well as green space for picnics and those who want to sunbathe.

Romantic walk along the Seoul City Wall

The wall was built in 1396 and is a national treasure of the country. However locals used to use it as a place for romantic walks. You can walk along it in Naksan Park, be enchanted by the warm glow of the Ancient Fortress and take a look at the panoramic views of the city.

The largest bridge-fountain in the world

About the Rainbow Fountain on the bridge over the Han River, built in 2009, we wrote in. Don't expect too much show though, as the photos on the internet are the result of professional editing. In the original, the fountain looks less fabulous.

Culture Day

On the last Wednesday of each month, exhibition centers, museums, cultural centers throughout the city open their doors for free admission. Seoul City Hall works with a variety of businesses to delight tourists and residents with free access to attractions such as the National Museum of Modern Art or the Seoul Performing Arts Company. On this day, most cinemas in the city make generous discounts on tickets.