Seoul Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors

Gyeongbokgung Palace, also known as Gyeongbok Palace, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395, it is located in northern Seoul, South Korea. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty, the Kings' households, as well as the government of Joseon. (source: Wikipedia)

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village located on the top of a hill between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The traditional village is composed of many alleys, hanok houses and is preserved to show an urban environment that is more than 600-year old.

Insa-dong is a dong, or neighborhood in the Jongno-gu district of Seoul. The main street is Insadong-gil, which is connected to a multitude of alleys that lead deeper into the district, with modern galleries and tea shops. At one time, it was the largest market for antiques and artworks in Korea. Stretching across 12.7 hectares the district is bordered by Gwanhun-dong to the north, Nagwon-dong to...

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, abbreviated as DDP, is a major urban development landmark in Seoul, South Korea designed by Zaha Hadid and Samoo, with a distinctively neofuturistic design characterized by the "powerful, curving forms of elongated structures". The landmark is the centerpiece of South Korea's fashion hub and popular tourist destination, Dongdaemun, featuring a walkable park on its roof...

Myeongdong is Seoul's best-known shopping and fashion district. Shoppers can enjoy total shopping and dining experiences at the pedestrian-friendly zone in Myeongdong. Many local, international brands and department stores lined the streets and alleys, selling everything from cosmetics, clothes, shoes to accessories. The best time to experience Myeongdong is after the sun down when the neon lights...

Hongdae Shopping Street is also known as Hongik University Street. Hongik University is a renowned art college in Seoul and as a result, the streets around it have become the culture center of the city's youth and indie population. Hongdae Shopping Street is known for its more youthful and funky ambience, compared with the other popular shopping street in Seoul, Myeongdong. In Hongdae, you can fi...

Namdaemun Market is a traditional Korean market with its origins dates back to the 15th century. Spread out over many blocks, the market is a dense maze of over 10,000 stalls, vendors, restaurants, and wholesalers. The market is located next to Namdaemun, the "Great South Gate," which was the main southern gate to the old city. It is one of the oldest and largest market in Korea. (Wikipedia)