The Blue House acts as the official residential quarters and the offices of the President of South Korea. Originally built in the year 1104 as the royal quarters of the king, the building was later dismantled and rebuilt in 1939 and again in 1990. The beautiful parks which surround the building as well as the building itself create a beautiful sight.
Seoul grooves to the energetic beat of K-Pop, a 24/7 city that ties the past, present and future together in a neat little bundle of pleasing contrasts. Surrounded by mountains, perched on the edge of the Han River, Seoul is the heart of South Korea, a miracle child born of the ravages of the Korean War. The city encapsulates nearly 2000 years of history, revered as the capital city of the Joseon Dynasty. The markers of its regal past are interwoven with care into the fabric of the modern city, with attractions like Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty granted protection as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alongside ancient temples, palaces and pagodas, a cosmopolitan city has come to the fore as a global cultural icon and the worthy capital of South Korea. From the futuristic facade of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the landscaped gardens along the river, Seoul is well on its way to redefining its image as a charmless industrial center. Paired with its chaotic night markets, quaint tearooms, traditional soju bars, trend-setting fashion, sparkling nightlife and music that has taken the world by storm, Seoul is a global sensation; a technology-ready metropolis that is steeped in culture.
Seongsu-dong, located in Seongdong-gu district of Seoul, is a hip neighborhood mainly popular amongst the youngsters and art lovers. This area is full of artists who have been forced to move out of Gangnam and other nearby places due to sky-high rents. Cheap rents have attracted investors to open up new art and food spaces leading to local development. Since the closing down of all the factories and warehouses, what earlier used to be the industrial hub of Seoul, is now house to cafes, bars and restaurants. The best way to enjoy the beauty of this hip neighborhood is by riding a bike. Rent a cycle from the public stands and go biking through the beautiful streets or explore the beauty of enchanting Seoul Forest on two wheels. Most of the walls here are covered by beautiful murals and graffiti made by local artists. These beautiful walls are often the choice of backdrop for photographs captured by the visitors. Get yourself a pair of handmade shoes from one of the custom shoe shops. A mix of old buildings, trendy cafes and traditional stores, Seongsu-dong is referred to as the Brooklyn of Korea by some.
Comprised of districts, neighborhoods and islands each imbued with their own distinctive appeal, Incheon is a tapestry of historical and cultural attractions, modern development, artistic splendor and natural beauty. Iconic landmarks, entertainment venues and museums abound, and tourists can sample an array of traditional and local delicacies at any of the scores of restaurants located in the city. Fashion prevails here, too, with the city being home to several shopping districts and boutiques.