Best Landmarks in Seoul

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.

Seoul Station was originally called Gyeongseong Station when it opened in 1899. It took its present name in 1946 and was designated as a historical monument in 1981. As well as railway services, it hosts a shopping arcade, the Railroad Museum and a cultural center. Seoul functions as a hub for the country's fast and reliable rail network that offers an efficient way to see the country. The Metropolitan Subway system is probably the most efficient means of movement in and around Seoul. There are eight subway lines that merge with the national railway lines and each line is colored differently for easy recognition. A surface line of the government-run Korean National Railroad (KNR) merging with these serves Seoulites and visitors most effectively. Trains run at intervals of two-and-a-half to three minutes during the morning and evening rush hours, and at intervals of four to six minutes during the non-rush hours. Tickets cost around KRW600 for Service Area One (yellow color code) and around KRW700 for Service Area Two (orange color code).

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 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.

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.

With a height of 338 meters, this mountain is located in Jongno-gu, downtown Seoul. Many huge granite peaks form the summit of this mountain and each rock has its own interesting name, such as Train Rock (kicha bawi), Dress Rock (chima bawi), Dew Rock (isul bawi), Hat Rock (moja bawi), and Worm Rock (jiryungii bawi). From the top, you can get a panoramic view of Seoul. It is especially beautiful at night, when the lights of the city are turned on. Due to Seoul's increasing population, this mountain is now covered with houses and buildings. There is no admission fee.

Located in the heart of Seoul, the Lotte World Tower stands at a height of 555.7 meters (1823.16 feet). The super-tall skyscraper was opened to the public on April 3, 2017 and is one of the tallest buildings in South Korea and the world. The tower is home to several stores, cafes, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium and even a concert hall. In addition they have a theme park that contains an ice rink and folk museum. On the top floors of the tower they have an observation deck, a sky-walk, and a luxury hotel. The tower is very popular with locals and tourists who spend the entire day exploring and enjoying a plethora of activities under one roof.

Built in 1971, the N Seoul Tower, located at the peak of Mt. Namsan, is 236.7 meters (777 feet) tall. The iconic landmark, built for transmitting signals of radio and television, is visible from nearly everywhere in the city. Now a famed tourist attraction, the tower offers stunning views from the top. One of the most romantic places in Seoul, the N Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower is a favorite for couples and as any Korean Drama fan will recognize, is the top spot to profess undying love, much like the Eiffel Tower in France. Around the roof terrace, there are locks in a colorful display, proclaiming messages of true love, as couples come here to leave a love lock as a symbol of their devotion to each other. Accessible by cable car, car or hiking, the tower has other attractions including art exhibitions, restaurants, and a cultural experience center.

A gateway into the complex of the stunning Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun occupies a prominent place in the annals of Korean history. One of the most well-recognized sights in the city, this impressive gate traces its origins back to the late 14th Century and has witnessed numerous decisive events that have shaped the country's cultural and political fabric. A quintessential pavilion surmounts the arched gates of the granite fixture, reflecting the grandeur of traditional Korean architecture. Owing to its historical significance, Gwanghwamun is among the most revered landmarks in Seoul.

Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is one of the most iconic landmark structures in Seoul. The cutting-edge modernity of this mega-structure coupled with its unique design won Seoul the title of World Design Capital in 2010. The building has a fluid design, devoid of any straight lines or walls. It houses several spaces inside, including an art hall, a museum, a design lab, the Oullim square, and the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. Visit this modern wonder at night for some truly dazzling views.

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.

Encased in glass and glazed with gold, 63 Square or 63 Building as it is also known is a shimmering beauty that makes a prominent appearance on the city's skyline. Overlooking the Hangang River, this landmark skyscraper holds its own as its glistening form soars above the rest of the city, measuring in at a height of 249 meters (817 feet). Having opened in 1985, the building was intended as a landmark for the 1988 Summer Olympics, and is regarded today as one of the most emblematic buildings in Seoul. It is home to the popular 63 Seaworld, 63 Sky Art Gallery and 63 Wax Museum, but is most well known for its Love Elevators; these elevators offer a brief romantic escape to couples by taking them on a minute-long ride through the building.