Più votati Attrazioni in Seoul

Il Palazzo Gyeongbok, noto anche come Gyeongbokgung, fu costruito nel 1395 dal re Taejo. Il più grande tra i cinque grandi palazzi costruiti a Seul in questo periodo, Gyeongbok fungeva da palazzo centrale durante la dinastia Joseon, coprendo la doppia funzione di residenza reale ufficiale e sede del governo Joseon. Il palazzo è stato progettato con torri maestose, splendide facciate, arredi intricati, un'imponente corte reale e circa 7000 stanze. Gran parte del palazzo è stato restaurato nel XIX secolo ed è tuttora oggetto di lavori nell'ambito di una campagna per riportarlo al suo antico splendore. Il palazzo Gyeongbok e i suoi musei offrono un'eccellente panoramica sulla storia coreana.

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.

Myeongdong Cathedral was the first redbrick building to be constructed in Seoul. It is located in one of the most affluent shopping districts in Korea. Consecrated in 1898, it was built in the Gothic style and took four years to complete. The main edifice is 23 meters (75.45 feet) high, while the steeple soars another 22 meters (72.17 feet). Twenty different types of bricks in two colors, red and gray, were used in the construction. Sunday English masses are at 10a. The cathedral has been designated a historical site.

The Bongeunsa Temple is one of oldest and most traditional of its kind in Korea. This Buddhist shrine, located amidst cosmopolitan buildings and at a short distance from COEX mall, is a branch of the main Chogyesa Temple downtown. Founded in 794 in the Silla Kingdom, it has a longstanding legacy. The colored decorative motifs on the external facade and traditional roof are hard to miss. Another unique feature of the temple is its 3,479 plates containing 13 different sutras. Visitors should also be sure to check out the wooden nameplates hanging under the eaves of the temple. The calligraphy was written by one of the greatest Korean masters, Chusa Kim Jeong-hui. The place comes alive during the annual Jeongdaebulsa ceremony, where monks march around with holy scriptures and reciting verses.

The Hwaseong Fortress is one of the magnificent wonders of South Korea. It was constructed towards the end of the 18th Century by the then king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Yeongjo. Initially constructed as a memorial to his father, the fortress today is one of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. Designed scientifically, the fortress consists of four gates that are interestingly constructed facing each of the four directions. Of them all, the Northern gate is a landmark in itself as it is the largest gate in all of Korea. Multiple secret gateways - to assist the army to carry out stealth operations, crenels and arrowslits built to withstand battle are signs of the formidable architecture of Hwaseong Fortress. The fortress is the center-point for the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival celebrated annually.