(Must-Go-Place in Seoul) #1. Jongno 종로

  If you want to see the traditional and historic tourist attractions, the number one must-go-place is Jongno. But you will see beyond the tradition. Jongno was recognized for its position, so all the palaces in Joseon are here, and it still plays a role as a center in the 21st century. This area is where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. Beautiful palaces that have been located for more than hundreds of years are surrounded by highrise buildings. The most attractive thing is that Hanok, a traditional Korean house, is used modernly. So many Hanok in this area have been renovated and operated as trendy cafes, restaurants, galleries, and hotels while maintaining their traditional exterior. It is also fun to rent a Hanbok(Korean traditional clothing)  from a Hanbok rental store and take a walk in palaces or alleys with traces of history.

Traditional things became the most trendy in Korea these days. Jongno is popular not only among foreigners but also among young Koreans who seek uniqueness. 

 

1. Gwanghwamun Square / Gwanghwamun Gate 

GwanghawMun(gate) Square

 The great attraction here is that you can see the past and present of Seoul at a glance because you can see Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheong Wa Dae, and Bukdaksan Moutain here. The new Gwanghwamun Square opened in 2022 with more trees and plants in 4 seasons Garden, some more fountains, tables, and chairs for the citizen who wants to take a break out from the busy city life. The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the historical great King Sejong are located with dignity as if they try to protect Seoul. If you follow the road of this Square, you will find Gwanghwamun, which is the main gate to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This place is known as the starting point for cultural tourism. It is directly connected to Gwanghwamun Station on Subway number 5. 

 

2. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace

 Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of the four major palaces in Joseon. It is large enough to cover 500 buildings where up to 3,000 people, including the king and queen, lived and worked. The gatekeeper shift ceremony is held every day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you wear Hanbok, you can see all the old palaces for free. It is a new trend for young Koreans these days to take pictures while walking around the old palace wearing a hanbok.

 

3. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art-Seoul Branch

MMCA Seoul

 The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art operates the Seoul Museum, Gwacheon Hall, Deoksugung Hall, and Cheongju Hall, where you can enjoy the latest domestic and foreign art. At least three exhibitions will be held at the same time, and it is also equipped with an art shop, an art bookstore, a Korean restaurant, a cafe, and a souvenir shop, so it is good to spend a day. RM of BTS, who enjoys visiting this place, donated 100 million won to this cultural foundation. Along Samchung-Ro Street, where this art museum is located, there is a wonderful stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace. In addition to this gallery, small galleries, cafes, and restaurants are located along the street, making it a good place to take a walk.

 

4. Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village

 Where in Seoul can you feel the most Korean? It will be Bukchon Hanok Village, where Korea's old appearance continues. Bukchon Hanok Village has been inhabited by aristocrats for 600 years, and actual residents still live and preserve Hanok Village. Important historical assets remain in Bukchon Hanok Village, and there are many streets that feature the beauty of Hanok, making it one of the most attractive tourist destinations.

 

5. IkseonDong

IkseonDong Hanok Street

 This is a densely populated area of improved Hanok built in the Japanese colonial era - about 100 years ago. Since it was built for sale to the common people at the time, small Hanoks of less than 50 square meters were attached side by side. Until the early 2000s, Ikseon-dong was a quiet Hanok village, not well known in Seoul, but now unique cafes, restaurants, and accessories shops that renovated the interior while maintaining the appearance of Hanok are thriving. Walking along narrow alleys where about two people can barely pass together and looking at each store, you will fall in love with the charm of this neighborhood so much that you don't know when time has passed. It is a cute and lovely neighborhood as it is in the spotlight as a dating place for young Koreans these days.