The granite peaks of this mountain are a famous sight in Korea. Between the peaks are beautiful valleys with areas of woodland, where you will find many rare plants and interesting flowers. In the vicinity are historical sites, too, such as Bukhan Fortress, and some 100 temples dot the nearby hills. For those seeking a bit of exercise, various paths have been laid out, allowing walkers and climbers of all ages and levels to discover the natural joys of this famous landmark.
The tastefully ornate and elaborately adorned, Changdeokgung is the best-preserved of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in 1405 at the behest of King Taejong, Changdeokgung is a distinguished showcase of landscape design and far-eastern architecture from this period; a stellar example of the Joseon's' remarkable affinity for designs that worked with the natural topography of the landscape rather than attempting to change it. Although partially destroyed by fire during the Japanese occupation of the island, the palace was faithfully reconstructed each time, preserving the heritage and legacy of the mighty Joseon Emperors. Set amid picturesque gardens, what remains of the royal residence is a veritable oasis amid Seoul's contemporary sprawl; a sliver of the past that brings into perspective the hope of a bright future. Of particular interest are the Geumcheongyo Bridge and the Injeongjeon Hall. While the former is Seoul's oldest extant bridge, the latter is the reconstructed throne room of the Joseon. Daejojeon Hall is another historic treasure, the official residence of the last Joseon empress.
Originally named Sugang-gung, this impressive palace was constructed in 1419 by King Sejong and is one of the oldest of all existing royal palaces in South Korea. It was built in memory of King Sejong's father, Taejong. Under Japanese colonial rule, the ornate palace and its grounds served as a zoo. It was not until 1911 that the name was changed to Changyong Palace. In 1986, the building was restored to its original glory and opened to the public as a historical monument.
Located in the heart of Seoul, this center ranks among the top ten performing arts centers in the world. It stands six stories high with three basement levels. This performing arts center offers a place to enjoy top-quality performances at an international level. At night, floodlights illuminate the building, giving it a sense of beauty, romance and mystique. It is a popular venue for symphonies, concerts, operas, ballet, and Korean traditional folk performances. Exhibitions and international conventions are held here, too.
Located in the heart of the city, the Olympic Park was built when the Summer Olympics visited Seoul in 1988. It houses tennis courts, weight-lifting and fencing gymnasiums, a gymnastics arena and an indoor swimming pool. With the games done and dusted, these venues now play host to numerous cultural and sporting events, and the park is a popular tourist attraction by itself. Enter through the majestic Peace Gate with the Olympic flame atop, and soak in the freshness of manicured lawns donned with stone and metal sculptures. An inanimate version of Hodori, the games' mascot welcomes you at the Olympic Museum to celebrate the history of the games and witness various exhibitions.
Located in central Seoul, Namsan Park is a great place to view the entire landscape of the city. The remains of the old city walls and Seoul Tower are two attractions of the park. Seoul Tower has various facilities like an observation deck and game rooms. Springtime is the best time to visit the park, as cherry blossom trees and other flowers are in full bloom. In addition, there is also a botanical garden, a small zoo, and a library at Namsan.