Seoul is an incredibly dynamic and vibrant city, exploding with modern skyscrapers, fascinating street markets, and captivating pop culture. This bustling metropolis is the capital of South Korea and is truly a must-visit for anyone who loves to explore new and exciting destinations. There are plenty of attractions to discover in Seoul, from the stunning palaces to the world-renowned DMZ. The Lotte World Tower and Namsam tower are two sights which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
For my stay, I chose the lively Myeongdong district in Seoul, which is famous for its trendy shopping and delicious street food. One of the highlights of my trip was trying one of the most delicious desserts I have ever had! South Korea is especially known for its amazing matcha desserts which are both flavorful and beautifully presented. A perfect example is the matcha crepe cake that I savored – it was simply worth every penny spent!
Vincenzo
As a Korean TV show enthusiast, I couldn’t resist the temptation to visit the infamous office building in Vincenzo. After doing some research, I decided to embark on my journey to find where so many iconic scenes took place. Admittedly, it wasn’t the easiest place to find, since the maps kept pointing me to the end of Cheonggyecheon-ro stream.
Eventually, after walking for about 20 minutes, I arrived at the spot where Jong-ro 28-gil meets Cheonggyecheon-ro. I had finally located the famous Vincenzo office building.
Lotte World Tower
The towering Lotte World Tower stands tall at a staggering height of 1820 feet and boasts 123 floors, securing its place as the tallest building in all of South Korea and the sixth tallest in the world. I had the opportunity to visit both Lotte World Tower and the renowned Namsan Tower.
In comparison, Lotte World Tower offers the best views due to its impressive height and astounding architecture. If you’re aiming to experience panoramic views of Seoul, Lotte World Tower should be on the top of your list.
Namsam Tower
I had the opportunity to visit the Namsan Tower during my stay at a hotel which was very close by. To reach the top of the tower, there are two options available – walk up the hill or take the gondola. However, I had to wait for around an hour and fifteen minutes for the gondola despite visiting the tower on a weekday evening.
Looking back, I would have preferred the walking route. At the top, there’s a park and an overlook with a stunning view and you can also access the actual tower by paying an additional fee. I can still vividly picture the breathtaking view of the sunset from the Namsan Tower park, which was indeed beautiful. Overall, the visit to Namsan Tower was surely a wonderful experience that I will cherish for a long time.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, make sure to include a visit to the breathtaking Gyeongbokgung Palace in your itinerary. This iconic palace was built back in 1395 and served as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. It offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of Korea and is a must-see destination for history buffs.
If you’re looking for a special experience, be sure to stop by the dress shop right outside the palace compound. For just $10 (as of 09/22), you can rent stunning traditional dresses and feel like royalty as you explore the palace grounds.
History
While the palace has suffered from destruction on two separate occasions – the first by a fire during the Imjin War (1592–1598). An effort was made in the 19th Century to rebuild the palace’s 7,700 rooms but it was destroyed again by Imperial Japan in the early 20th century. Today, there is only one structure standing. It is important to note that this is not an original building but rather a model of what it looked like.
DMZ Tour
One of the most exciting experiences I recently had was signing up for a DMZ tour. It was an incredible opportunity to explore the heavily guarded and restricted area that separates North and South Korea. The tour required a group and a professional guide to escort us due to the high level of security in the area. Despite the strict regulations, we were granted access to an underground cave that left us in awe of its sheer size and complexity.
However, taking pictures is prohibited, which is understandable given the sensitive nature of the area. Nonetheless, it was an unforgettable experience that taught me about the history and current state of the Korean Peninsula. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about this unique and fascinating region.
Bridge of No Return
The bridge played a significant role in the exchange of prisoners towards the end of the Korean Armistice in 1953. It was the designated location where prisoners had to make a life-changing decision – whether to remain in the country where they were captured or go back to their original homeland. Once the prisoners made the decision and crossed this bridge, their choice became irreversible.
This was a critical moment for these individuals as they were forced to weigh the pros and cons of their options before they made the final decision. This momentous occasion was a result of the negotiations that prevailed between the involved parties. As a result, there was a peaceful release of numerous individuals who had endured the hardships of being imprisoned.
Soybean Ice Cream
During my DMZ tour, I had the opportunity to visit a delightful local shop that served soybean ice cream. The ice cream was so unique and delicious because the soybeans used to make it are grown right in the Demilitarized Zone. The tour was an incredible experience. I learned so much about the history and current state of the DMZ and while observing the landscape and surroundings.
The stop at the ice cream shop was one of the highlights of our journey, and I would definitely recommend a DMZ tour to anybody visiting Seoul. It truly is an amazing way to gain insight into the culture and history of this city and region, and the soybean ice cream is simply a delicious bonus!
