A unique historical and cultural spot, the Namsangol Hanok Village is an unmissable destination for discerning tourists traversing the splendid city of Seoul. A short walk from Myeongdong Station will take you to this ancient hamlet that offers a peek into the glorious Joseon Dynasty. A stomping ground for royalty of that era, this heavenly destination was called Cheonghak-dong, or the abode of the gods. Right from the renowned five hanoks to the time capsule plaza, this village boasts plenty of gems, which offer a taste of the culture and heritage of the Joseon Dynasty. In addition to the pristine gardens and picturesque pavilions, the village hosts numerous traditional programs too.
One of the top theme parks in South Korea, Lotte World is a stimulating facility of outdoor and indoor recreational zones. Home to one of the biggest indoor theme parks across the globe, the range of activities inside the park are astounding. For an adrenaline rush, the Magic Island offers an abundance of thrills, while the Across Dark ride takes one on an adventurous journey through space. The complex also features a fantastic folk museum, shopping malls, performance venues and a massive aquarium. Entertaining and exciting, it is no wonder that Lotte World is counted among Seoul's top tourist destinations.
A place marked with brutality, politics and religion, Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine was erected as an ode to those Roman Catholics who were executed for their faith. It was called the Byeonin Persecution and an estimated 8000 were killed after royal decree was announced in 1866. Set on a promontory besides the Han River, the memorial was established in 1967 to commemorate the centenary of this prosecution. It is also home to the Martyrs’ Museum and a chapel. Get a glimpse of the history of the Korean Catholic Church through religious relics and documentations. There are also statues, paintings and ceramics. Today, it is an important place for Catholics not only from the city but across the nation to come and pay homage.
Built on Namhasan Mountain, this medieval fortress has origins dating back over 2000 years. The most significant remodelling came during the 17th Century when it was fortified and rebuilt to protect it form foreign aggression. Walking through the fortress allows visitors a glimpse into the political and military life of the period as well as the remarkable advancements in military engineering and an amalgamation of Japanese and Chinese concepts as well as European military technology like gunpowder. The fortress stands as a testament to Korean independence. A popular provincial park, the Namhansanseong Fortress offers several chances for hiking, trekking and climbing and is particularly stunning in the autumn when the mountain is lit up a fiery-red by the changing foliage.
One of South Korea's most reputed educational institutions, the Yonsei University in Sinchon-Dong is a symbol of academic excellence. Established in the year 1885 by royal decree, the university is one of the country's oldest organizations of its kind. A member of the SKY universities, it offers quality graduate and undergraduate courses to over 35,000 students every year. Its main campus at Sinchon is spread over an acreage of 250 acres (101.17 hectares) and houses important buildings like the Underwood International College and its graduate school.
The largest botanic park in the country, Seoul Botanic Park features the plants of 12 prominent countries. Discover the plants of various shapes, sizes and colors as you navigate through various sections of the park. During your visit, you can explore the garden, forest, lake and marsh that are sure to have a soothing effect on your mind. The skywalk is another highlight of this park. You can admire the beauty of Victoria water lilies here. Plants feature interesting shapes that seem to resemble objects like carpet floors and royal canopies. Several endangered plants are also grown here. Those who wish to learn more about plants can visit the learning area.