Explore Seoul Area

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Seoul [Gyeongbokgung Palace]

Best To Explore Seoul Area First

Seoul's Past and Present

To learn the interesting background and present situation of South Korea, you should first and foremost explore Seoul Metropolitan area. Seoul City is one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in the country and the centre of culture, education, and development.

Start With These Places…

City Hall Area
Myeongdong
Euljiro
Namdaemun Market
Namsan [Tower] Mountain
Seoullo 7017 Garden Walkway [Seoul Station Area]

Yes, these are the essential and exciting places you must visit first when in Seoul.

Seoul City Hall

Deoksugung Palace is located across Seoul City Hall

Seoul City Hall is at the heart of Seoul and where you can enjoy, watch or even participate in various events and activities such as ice-skating, entertainment, exhibitions, and more seasonal events.

The City Hall is the hub of politics and administrative business. Interestingly, many visitors and travelers explore the area due to the exciting seasonal activities and events lightly mentioned above.

When you are exploring the City Hall, you can also explore other historical sites nearby, including Deoksugung Palace, over 100-year-old churches, and other historic structures.

Close to the City Hall is another popular Korean palace - Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is just a 5-minute walk from the City Hall, passing through the popular public area called Gwanghwamun Square, where you can see the gigantic statue of King Sejong.

If taking the Seoul Subway, head to Exits 1-7 of City Hall Station (Lines 1 or 2).

Myeong-dong, Euljiro, Namdaemun

A busy street in Myeongdong, Seoul.

These three places are usually flocked by travellers and visitors, both local and foreign. Myeongdong is becoming more and more crowded (except during the COVID-19 years).

It is where you can shop anything, enjoy street foods, go to hot baths and Thai massage rooms, or sing at noraebang or karaoke rooms.

If you are not exhausted from exploring and enjoying Myeong-dong yet, you may proceed to Namdaemun Market, the market that never sleeps and is considered the best traditional market in the Seoul area. And explore a bit one of Seoul’s old gate - Sungnyeumun Gate.

(Myeongdong is about 2-minute walk from Exit 6 of Euljiro 1-ga Station of Line 2. Namdaemun Market is located closer to Exit 5, 6 or 7 of Hoehyeon Station (line 4).

Namsan Mountain

Namsan Tower

Namsan Mountain is among the most popular and highly-visited mountain areas in the country. Although it sits at the heart of Seoul, its natural environment is being preserved so that flora and fauna continue to thrive. Hikers do their regular exercise on Namsan’s green and forested hillsides.

You can explore Namsan Tower, botanical gardens, and hiking paths, and you will most probably see some animals such as pheasants, squirrels, various bird species, and other animals, insects, and plants.

The most popular icon in Namsan is Namsan Tower area, where you can watch the stunning view of Seoul’s cityscape and surrounding areas. Of course, food and other forms of relaxing facilities and areas are accessible around the tower area.

To get to Namsan area, take the Yellow Bus number 02, 03, or 05 at Exit 6 of Dongguk University Station (line 3). Then get off at Namsan Seoul Tower and walk for about 5 minutes.

Seoullo 7017

A part of Seoullo 7017 hanging garden.

Seoullo 7017 (or the Seoul Station Hanging Garden) is the name given to an old overpass that was transformed into a garden area. It is located close to Seoul Station. This new relaxation walkway attracts both young and old visitors. Youngsters active on social media take photos and videos here for their IG or TikTok.

At Seoullo 7017, you will be enjoying various species of plants, flowering plants, works of art, and an elevated sight of this historical area. Nearby you can also visit the old Seoul Station’s museum and can continue to explore the new Seoul Station’s facilities.

You can get to Seoullo 7017 by taking subway lines 1 or 4 and go to Exit 2 or 15 of Seoul Station. You can also take subway line 4 and head to Exits 4 or 5 of Hoehyeong Station.

So, those are the basic guide if you are exploring the Seoul area. Let me know if you need further information through email on the Contact page.