Seoul: Royal Palaces, Hanok and Urban Landscapes

Seoul offers different ways to explore its history and urban life: royal palaces, traditional residential neighborhoods, green spaces and a modern stream running through the city center. When planning your trip, you can choose the themes that interest you most—from Joseon architecture and gardens to Korean cuisine.

Royal Palaces and Their History

Changdeokgung Palace was built in 1405 by King Taejong and is considered the best-preserved royal residence from the Joseon period. As Seoul’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its palace architecture and harmonious integration with the surrounding natural landscape. Visitors can enjoy the flower terraces of Nakseonjae and the rear gardens particularly vividly in March or April; conditions vary from year to year.

Gyeongbokgung Palace also tells the story of the Joseon dynasty: it was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during that period. It stood at the heart of the newly established capital, Seoul, then called Hanyang, and embodied the dynasty’s sovereignty. The National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea are located on the palace grounds.

Gyeonghuigung Palace is the westernmost of the five palaces in central Seoul; it was also known as Seogweol, meaning “western palace.” This Joseon-era palace has quiet walking paths that attract many visitors because of its historical value. Visitors can enter through the main gate, Heunghwamun, and spend time in its extensive historic park. At Deoksugung Palace, meanwhile, medieval and modern architecture come together. Its features include a Western-style garden and fountain.

Tours of Changdeokgung focus on different areas: the general tour includes Injeongjeon, the main hall, and Nakseonjae. The special tour of Howon goes from Buyongji, the entrance to Howon, to Okryucheon. Reservations for visits to the Secret Garden and pavilions can be made through the integrated reservation service. Check the reservation process before your trip, as arrangements may change.

Urban Landscapes: Namsan, Stream and Park

N Seoul Tower is 236.7 meters tall and stands on Namsan, which is 262 meters high. The tower features observation decks, restaurants, cafés and media art installations. As the facilities on offer may change, it is a good idea to check the current options before your visit.

Cheonggyecheon is an 11-kilometer-long modern stream running through central Seoul. It begins at Cheonggye Plaza, passes under a total of 22 bridges and flows into the Hangang River. Seoul Forest offers a different layout of urban space: it comprises five themed parks, the Cultural and Arts Park, the Eco Forest, the Experiential Learning Park, the Wetland Eco Center and the Hangang Riverside Park Project. In this way, visitors can explore a long waterway and several distinct park areas as separate aspects of the city.

Residential Neighborhoods, Cuisine and Activities

Bukchon Hanok Village is a densely built-up residential neighborhood of traditional Hanok houses where Seoul residents live. It reflects 600 years of the city’s history. Its significance lies both in its traditional architecture and in the long urban history embodied by the neighborhood.

Gwangjang Market is a traditional market in central Seoul. Traditional Korean cuisine is available at its clothing and food stalls. Popular dishes include Bindae-tteok, Modum-jeon, Mayak Gimbap, Sundae, beef head meat, Yukhoe and Korean meatballs; offerings may vary from stall to stall.

At Namsangol Hanok Village, international visitors can take part in traditional Korean activities such as archery. As program availability may vary, check in advance whether the activity is available on your visit date.

Discover more destinations: Busan, Ulsan, Incheon, Gwangju.

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