Comprising of peaks crowned by striking rock formations, Mount Dobongsan is a hiker's haven. A part of the Bukhansan National Park, this craggy mountain range shelters a dramatic contrast of gleaming granite and wild greenery. Divided by beauteous valleys, it also cocoons temples like Cheonchuksa and Mangwolsa. One of its most prominent peaks is the Seoninbong, which is sliced with 37 hiking trails alone.
Gyeongbok Palace, also known as Gyeongbokgung, was constructed in 1395 by King Taejo. Largest among the Five Grand Palaces built in Seoul around this time, Gyeongbok served as the central palace during the Joseon dynasty, doubling as the official royal residence and seat of the Joseon government. The palace was designed with majestic towers, grand facades, intricate furnishings, a massive royal court, and around 7000 individual rooms. Much of the palace was restored in the 19th Century, and it is still being worked on as part of a campaign to return the site to its former glory. At once visually stunning and culturally significant, Gyeongbok Palace and its onsite museums offer excellent insight into Korean history.
The War Memorial of Korea, which opened in 1994, is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It occupies the former army headquarters and honors those who died fighting for their country during the Korean War. The memorial includes both indoor and outdoor exhibition halls that showcase a curated selection of numerous military relics, artillery, ammunition, documents, photographs, and other artefacts from the museum's vast collection pertaining to the nation's war history. Although the museum focuses primarily on the Korean War, it also delves into battles that preceded it to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the subject. The War Memorial of Korea is an evocative memorial to the cost of war as well as a testament to the nation's military prowess.
The National Museum of Korea is one of the most prominent museums in the country, featuring fascinating objects that span the periods of Korean prehistory right up to the Korean Empire, which was annexed by Japan in 1910. Across the three-story museum, which contains six permanent galleries, visitors can explore numerous captivating exhibits and peruse the extensive collection of artifacts showcased here. Interactive displays and other immersive mediums enable history buffs to delve deep into the country's culture, customs, and traditions. Additionally, the museum organizes educational activities, gallery talks, and exciting events such as scavenger hunts for all ages. Moreover, there are special exhibition halls, educational facilities, a children's museum, an expansive outdoor exhibition area, restaurants, cafes, shops, and other amenities.
The 27,000 square meter(6.67 acres) Samsung Museum of Art Complex was designed in 1997. It provides support to cultural and artistic activities, thus increasing their life span and raising their historical value. The Institute is involved in the following: conservation of metal and ceramic works, Korean paintings and contemporary and modern art works. Artworks are preserved here through application of the most advanced technology. The experts undertake the material study to establish appropriate environmental conditions and develop better conservation and restoration techniques.
Amidst the city's modern landscape, the signature Korean roof of the Jogyesa is not hard to find. This major temple of the Jogye Order is an advocate of Korean Buddhism and attracts a large number of locals and visitors throughout the year. The Dancheong or traditional, artistic motifs hand-painted on the exterior facade are exceptional and colorful buntings ooze a festive feel. The shrine houses three Seokgamoni statues and overlooks an exquisite Jinsinsari pagoda. Across the street, pick up Buddhist prayer beads, scriptures and incense that make for great gifts and souvenirs.
Comprising of peaks crowned by striking rock formations, Mount Dobongsan is a hiker's haven. A part of the Bukhansan National Park, this craggy mountain range shelters a dramatic contrast of gleaming granite and wild greenery. Divided by beauteous valleys, it also cocoons temples like Cheonchuksa and Mangwolsa. One of its most prominent peaks is the Seoninbong, which is sliced with 37 hiking trails alone.
If you are an avid art lover then you will surely enjoy your time at the Hanwon Museum of Art located in the busy streets of the city that was established in the year 1993. The small space gallery exhibits a variety of pieces based on contemporary and fine art in the form of paintings by local talented artists. Most of them are inspired by the Korean Culture and landscape painting. They organize art events for children as well as students to educate the young minds about traditional art. There is no admission fee to the gallery.
Established in 2000, the Art Center Nabi was initially an art museum that was located in Seorin-dong and relocated to its current location. The once art museum has been transformed to be a digital art museum to make it more interactive. There have been various art exhibitions held here that bring out the creativity in art as well as technology.
Conveniently located near Insa-dong, this temple was built in 1395 during the Chosun Dynasty. It plays an important role in the history of Korea as is considered the center for Buddhism in this country. This, perhaps the most important of all the Buddhist monuments in the land, stands a magnificent 12 meters high and has a width of 1.67 meters. An old evergreen tree that stands in the gardens is often referred to as Korea's ninth national monument.
Gyeongbok Palace, also known as Gyeongbokgung, was constructed in 1395 by King Taejo. Largest among the Five Grand Palaces built in Seoul around this time, Gyeongbok served as the central palace during the Joseon dynasty, doubling as the official royal residence and seat of the Joseon government. The palace was designed with majestic towers, grand facades, intricate furnishings, a massive royal court, and around 7000 individual rooms. Much of the palace was restored in the 19th Century, and it is still being worked on as part of a campaign to return the site to its former glory. At once visually stunning and culturally significant, Gyeongbok Palace and its onsite museums offer excellent insight into Korean history.
The War Memorial of Korea, which opened in 1994, is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It occupies the former army headquarters and honors those who died fighting for their country during the Korean War. The memorial includes both indoor and outdoor exhibition halls that showcase a curated selection of numerous military relics, artillery, ammunition, documents, photographs, and other artefacts from the museum's vast collection pertaining to the nation's war history. Although the museum focuses primarily on the Korean War, it also delves into battles that preceded it to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the subject. The War Memorial of Korea is an evocative memorial to the cost of war as well as a testament to the nation's military prowess.