외국인들을 위한 서울 여행 가이드북(Major Tourist Attractions in Seoul)

🏯 Gyeongbokgung Palace

The main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395, and the largest and most beautiful palace in Seoul.

• Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Operating Hours: 09:00-18:00 (Closed on Mondays)
• Admission Fee: 3,000 KRW for adults
• Tip: Free admission if you wear Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing)

🌸 Bukchon Hanok Village

A densely packed area of traditional Korean houses (hanok), offering a glimpse into the residential culture of the Joseon Dynasty upper class.

• Location: Gyedong-gil area, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Features: Over 900 hanok houses with more than 600 years of history are preserved
• Recommendations: Bukchon 8 Scenic Views tour, traditional tea houses
• Note: Please be quiet as real residents live here

🗼 N Seoul Tower

Seoul's landmark located at the top of Namsan Mountain, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul.

• Location: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Operating Hours: 10:00-23:00 (Open year-round)
• Observatory Admission: 16,000 KRW for adults
• Recommendations: Beautiful at sunset or night, Love Lock Wall

🛍️ Myeongdong

Seoul's premier shopping and food district where you can enjoy cosmetics, fashion, and Korean street food.

• Location: Myeongdong-gil area, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Features: K-beauty products, duty-free shops, global brand hub
• Must-try Foods: Chicken skewers, hotteok (sweet pancakes), dumplings, cheese hotdogs
• Tip: Visit on weekdays as it gets very crowded on weekends

🎨 Insadong

A street where traditional culture and art thrive, filled with traditional crafts and galleries.

• Location: Insadong-gil area, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Features: Traditional tea houses, antique shops, galleries, traditional craft stores
• Recommendations: Samji-dawon, Ssamziegil (unique traditional shopping mall)
• Sundays: Car-free street, great for walking

🏛️ Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

A UNESCO World Heritage Site palace, characterized by its beautiful garden harmonizing with nature.

• Location: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Operating Hours: 09:00-18:00 (Closed on Mondays)
• Secret Garden: Advance reservation required, accessible only via guided tour
• Recommendations: Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage are particularly beautiful

🌊 Han River Park

A recreational space for Seoul citizens where you can enjoy cycling, picnics, and water sports.

• Major Parks: Yeouido, Banpo, Ttukseom, Jamsil Han River Park
• Activities: Bike rental, chimaek (chicken and beer), cruise ships
• Special Attraction: Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain Show
• Best Time: Sunset or nighttime visit

🎭 Hongdae

A vibrant street full of youth and art where you can enjoy clubs, live performances, cafes, and unique shopping.

• Location: Around Hongik University, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Features: Indie music, street performances, club culture
• Recommendations: Free Market (Saturdays), live music venues
• Nightlife: Lively atmosphere until late at night

🛕 Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

A futuristic building designed by Zaha Hadid, serving as the center of fashion and design.

• Location: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Features: Unique curved architecture, exhibitions, fashion shows
• Nearby: Dongdaemun shopping malls (24-hour shopping available)
• Night: Beautiful building exterior illuminated with LED lights

🏰 Gangnam

Seoul's modern and sophisticated business district, the center of K-pop and Korean Wave culture.

• Major Attractions: COEX Mall, Bongeunsa Temple, Gangnam Station
• Features: Luxury shopping malls, K-pop entertainment companies, sophisticated cafes and restaurants
• Recommendations: Starfield Library (COEX), SM Town COEX Artium
• Tip: Take photos at the "Gangnam Style" horse statue

🍜 Representative Seoul Foods

🥘 Must-Try Korean Dishes

• Bibimbap: A signature dish of rice mixed with various vegetables and gochujang (red chili paste)
• Samgyeopsal: Korean-style BBQ with grilled pork belly wrapped in lettuce
• Kimchi-jjigae: Spicy stew made with kimchi and pork
• Bulgogi: Sweet marinated grilled beef
• Naengmyeon: Cold noodles in broth, a summer delicacy
• Hanjeongsik: Course meal with various side dishes

🍢 Street Food

• Tteokbokki: Spicy and sweet rice cake dish
• Sundae: Korean-style sausage
• Hotteok: Pancake with sweet filling
• Bungeoppang: Fish-shaped red bean pastry
• Eomuk: Fish cake in broth

🚇 Transportation Information

Using the Subway

• T-money Card: Transportation card available at convenience stores (no deposit required)
• Fare: Basic fare 1,250 KRW
• Operating Hours: 5:30 AM - Midnight
• Tip: Download subway map apps (Subway Korea, Kakao Metro)

Airport Access

• Incheon International Airport: Airport Railroad (AREX) express train 43 minutes, regular train 53 minutes
• Gimpo Airport: Connected by subway lines 5 and 9
• Airport Bus: Operates to major hotels and areas

💡 Travel Tips

• Language: Many English signs in tourist areas, but translation apps (Papago, Google Translate) are recommended
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi widely available, but pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card rental recommended
• Tipping: No tipping culture in Korea
• Voltage: 220V, Korean-style plug adapter (C/F type) required
• Emergency Numbers: 112 (Police), 119 (Fire/Emergency), 1330 (Tourism Translation Hotline)
• Currency Exchange: Use airport or Myeongdong exchange offices; cards accepted almost everywhere
• Safety: Seoul is a very safe city; generally safe to walk around late at night

📅 Recommended Itinerary

3-Day Course

• Day 1: Traditional SeoulAfternoon: Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
• Evening: Shopping and dinner in Myeongdong
• Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace → Bukchon Hanok Village → Lunch in Insadong
• Day 2: Modern SeoulAfternoon: Exploring Hongdae streets
• Evening: Chimaek (chicken and beer) at Han River Park, watch Banpo Bridge Fountain Show
• Morning: COEX Mall in Gangnam → Bongeunsa Temple
• Day 3: Shopping and ViewsAfternoon: Additional shopping in Myeongdong
• Evening: Night view at N Seoul Tower
• Morning: Dongdaemun Design Plaza and shopping