The powerhouse capital of South Korea is a city of contrasts. Here, centuries-old Buddhist temples stand alongside the shimmering skyscrapers of global tech companies. Traditional palaces and museums also share space with billboards that show K-pop stars strutting their stuff. Despite the dichotomy, there seems to be harmony in the capital’s different attractions. Many visitors also remark that food and transportation around the city are cheaper than its counterparts in nearby East Asian countries.

In Seoul you will find some beautiful attractions that you just cannot miss! Places like Naksansa Temple, Side Trip To Hongik University Street, and Gangnam District Tour and many more. Continue reading to know more.

1. Naksansa Temple

Naksansa, or Naksan Temple, is a Korean Buddhist temple complex on the slopes of Naksan Mountain that belongs to the Jogye order of Korean Buddhism (also called “Obongsan Mountain”). It’s in Gangwon Province, in the eastern part of South Korea, roughly halfway between Sokcho and Yangyang. Naksansa is one of Korea’s few temples with a view of the Sea of Japan.

2. Side Trip To Hongik University Street

Hongik University Street is the nexus of Seoul’s youth and indie culture. Funky boutiques, avant-garde galleries, and great nightclubs are this neighborhood’s mainstay. Come here for a fascinating look at the other side of traditionally conservative Korean culture.

3. Gangnam District Tour

Some have compared Seoul’s Gangnam district with Beverly Hills because both have a lot in common. They are both adorned with expensive homes and crawling with expensive boots and cars. If you love the finer things in life, you can’t leave Seoul without visiting this wealthy district. Many guided tours that pass through this affluent neighborhood feature tips on how to use the city’s subway system. This is because Gangnam has an extensive underground shopping center that is connected with Seoul’s subterranean train network. Other Gangnam-centric tours pass through other stores in the city that have mid-range prices.

4. Appreciate Culture And Tradition

On the first Sunday of May each year, a memorial ceremony is performed to honour the late kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. The ceremony is generally followed by Jongmyo Jeryeak, Joseon’s traditional court music, and the “Ilmu” dance. The ancestral tablets of the dynasty’s kings and queens are brought to Jeongjeon during the ceremony, with the best being carried to Yeongnyeongjeon. The royal procession is shown in the afternoon, and the monarch and crown prince arrive in a carriage to entice the crowd. Soon later, the monarch takes his seat on a sedan chair in the palace.

5. Leeum, Samsung Museum Of Art

It is divided into two sections, one for traditional Korean art and the other for contemporary art. Swiss architect Mario Botta designed Museum 1 and French architect Jean Nouvel designed Museum 2, while Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas designed the Samsung Child Education & Culture Center.

6. Gwanghwamun Gate And Plaza

The area in front of Gwanghwamun, known as the Gwanghwamun Plaza, was opened as a public open space on 1 August 2009. It is part of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s plans for environmentally friendly renovation projects such as the Cheonggye Stream and Seoul Plaza.

7. Lotte World

Lotte World is a major recreation complex in Seoul, South Korea that has the largest indoor theme park in the world as well as an outdoor amusement park called “Magic Island.” It’s for everyone as Lotte World’s 45 rides or attractions features a range that appeal to every age group. Also, Lotte World floats on an artificial island at the heart of a lake and is linked by monorail, shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museums, sports facilities, and movie theaters. Truly, it is a one-stop destination for tourists.

8. Myeongdong Shopping Street

Myeongdong is a popular shopping district. However, you can only have it if you have a lot of money to burn. Small market brands to premium and international brands may all be found on the Myeongdong shopping strip, and they are all doing brisk business. Apart from shopping, Myeongdong offers a diverse range of activities.

9. Jeju Island

Located in Korea, the Jeju island is a a tiny island that compose the 1.83% of the country. Despite its size, Jeju is now the only self governing province in South Korea wherein it is run by local people instead of the government. This island is perfect for those who love beach resorts and volcanic landscape.

10. Gyeonghuigung

Gyeonghuigung Palace was the secondary palace of the king and is part of the ‘five grand palaces’ built during the Joseon Dynasty and was located in Seoul, South Korea. On its grounds stand the Seoul Museum of History and the Gyeonghuigung Annex Building of the Seoul Museum of Art. The palace was originally constructed by order of King Gwanghae, the fifteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty, and was completed in 1623. Geumcheongyo Bridge is stone bridge built in 1619 during the reign of Gwanghaegun located across a stream near the entrance to the Seoul Museum of History. The stream, known as Geumcheon, runs between the bridge and Heunghwamun, the front gate of the palace. A goblin was engraved into the stone of one of the rainbow shaped posts.

11. N Seoul Tower

N SEOUL TOWER is a Seoul landmark, and N SEOUL TOWER is the best place to take in the city’s sights. It is also Korea’s first universal radio wave tower, which began broadcasting TV and radio in the metropolitan area in 1969. A digital observatory with a 360° panoramic view and 32 LCD screens depicting Korea’s history is included in the tower. This is placed on the Tower’s third floor.

12. Changdeokgung Palace Gardens

After Gyeongbokgung, which was built as a principal palace in 1395, Changdeokgung was built as a secondary palace. Gyeongbokgung’s authority decreased during the struggle for the throne between princes and vassals. In 1400, King Jeongjong enthroned by Prince Jeong-an transferred the capital to Gaegyeong, the Goryeo Dynasty’s capital, on the premise of superior geographical qualities, in actuality, to avoid a power struggle.

13. Deoksugung

The Deoksugung is a walled compound of royal residences in Seoul, South Korea. It was once owned by the great and royal korean emperors during the imperial times, more specifically, the Joseon Dynasty. It’s original name was Gyeongun-gung and is a two story building filled with rich history.

14. Myeong-Dong

Shopping malls, department stores, restaurants and cafés, street-side shops and stores, and vendor stalls and stands make up the Myeongdong Market. The Myeong-dong Market requires at least a day of shopping, but many visitors return for additional Seoul retail fun.

15. National Museum Of Korea

The museum’s permanent collection is home to around 12,000 items. These pieces narrate the story of the Korean people from the prehistoric era, to the Middle Ages, and up to modern times. The permanent galleries also feature artistic calligraphy and paintings inspired by Buddhism and other aspects of Korean culture. Special exhibits in the past featured thought provoking topics like China-Korea historic ties and combating epidemics in the late 14th century. The museum is also a research center that not only delves into archaeology, but also aims to disseminate cultural information to audiences of different age groups and educational levels.

16. War Memorial Of Korea

War items and military equipment from China, South Korea, and the United States are on display in the memorial building’s six indoor exhibition rooms and an outdoor exhibition center. It was constructed to prevent war by using lessons learned during the Korean War, as well as for the peaceful reunification of North and South Korea.