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Seoul Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Seoul
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Seoul Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Seoul - Encircled by mountains, containing a population
of 10-million, and with more than a million registered motor
vehicles inching through its congested streets, one would imagine
the metropolis of Seoul, capital of South Korea, to be a polluted
nightmare. The city fathers, however, have made a concerted effort
in recent years to clean and green this thriving, prosperous city,
also ensuring that the mushrooming of gleaming skyscrapers has not
meant the neglect or destruction of centuries-old palaces and
shrines. The result is a bustling, but organised, city filled with
fascination, where old and new co-exist happily.
A great deal of the credit for the well-ordered urban
planning of Seoul can be given to the ancient Joseon Dynasty, which
used great foresight when crafting the city into a capital way back
in the 14th century. The old Joseon Dynasty city
with its central main palace is now the traditional downtown heart
of Seoul where many of the most popular sights, hotels and markets
are to be found. One of the most popular areas for visitors to
explore is Insa-dong, filled with antique shops, art galleries,
traditional teahouses, restaurants and bookshops.
Across the Han River the modern city is dominated by
Korea's World Trade Center, and the Coex Mall, a shopper's delight.
Even the island, Yeouido, in the middle of the Han River is densely
packed with high-rise buildings; this is also the base for the
Korean National Assembly, and the world's biggest Presbyterian
church. Interspersed through the urban landscape
are several lush, green parks, the most central being Namsan Park,
encompassing the mountain of the same name just to the south of
downtown Seoul. Nightlife in Seoul is lively and
legendary with something to suit all tastes, from a 'booze-cruise'
through the raunchy red light district of Itaewon, or a sedate
sit-down at a traditional teahouse. Eating out, too, is a feast for
the senses in Seoul, with an enormous international variety to
choose from, whether it is succulent steak, perfect pizza,
multi-course gourmet, tasty tandoori or even perhaps classic
Korean.
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Seoul
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
1 Sejong-no, Jongno-gu
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What is it? The jewel of Seoul's five historic palaces,
Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 by Lee Seong-Gye, founder of the
Joseon Dynasty, who established the city as the capital of Korea.
The magnificent rectangular palace, which now contains the National
Museum of Korea, features Royal apartments and state rooms, gardens
and elegant lotus ponds. The palace is still in process of
restoration.
Hours of Operation: Daily except Tuesdays 9am to 7pm, closes at 6pm
November to April
Phone:(0)2 734 2458 |
2. Namsangol Hanok Village
84-1 Pildong 2-ga, Jung-gu
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What is it? Set among the skyscrapers, the Namsangol
traditional Korean village comes as a pleasant surprise. Centred on
five restored Korean historical homes depicting various social
levels from the Joseon Dynasty, the village is a time capsule in
the midst of the city with its peaceful pond and pavilion. Visitors
can not only explore the houses, but also enjoy traditional tea,
shop for souvenirs, browse traditional crafts, or try their hand at
ancient games like 'neolttwigi' (jumping on a see-saw) or arrow
throwing. At weekends in summer traditional wedding ceremonies are
held at midday.
Hours of Operation: Daily (except Tuesdays) 9am to 6pm (March), 9am to
7pm (April, May, September and October); 9am to 8pm (June to
August); 9am to 5pm (November to February)
Phone:(0)2 2264 4412 |
3. Lotte World
40-1 Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu
www.lotteworld.com/Global_eng/ |
What is it? Fun and thrills are the order of the day at
Seoul's main theme park, which draws about six million visitors
annually. The park is divided into an indoor and outdoor section.
Inside 'Adventure Land' covers acres of streets representing
different countries, which are filled with hundreds of activities,
entertainments, shops, restaurants and ongoing parades. Outdoor
Magic Island, with its fairy-tale castle, offers thrilling
high-altitude rides, laser shows and pleasant walking trails around
a lake. There is also an indoor ice-rink and a fascinating Folk
Museum complete with miniature villages.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9.30am to 11pm
Phone:(0)2 411 2000 |
Seoul
holidays - Top Events
1. Modafe Dance Festival
From 2007-05-01
To 2007-06-30
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What is it? The Modafe international modern dance
festival has been held annually for a quarter of a century,
showcasing new trends and directions in modern dance in Asia and
around the world. The festival has grown every year to become the
Mecca of contemporary dance in Asia, attracting numerous foreign
dance companies and artists. In recent years it has expanded to
include the fields of contemporary art, film, architecture and
drama, encompassing workshops, exhibitions and
performances.
Where is it? The KCAF Arts Theater and Mary Hall at Sogang
University |
2. Lotus Lantern Festival
From 2007-04-30
To 2007-04-30
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What is it? The annual celebration of Buddha's birthday
is a delightful experience for visitors to Seoul, who are welcome
to join in the many festivities and activities that take place in
and around Jongno Street and the beautiful temples of the city
usually in early May each year. Included is an exhibition of
wonderful traditional paper lanterns that come in every shape and
size depicting various symbolic animals and objects. The associated
Buddhist Street Festival is packed with activities, from folk
dancing, traditional games and lantern-making lessons to temple
food tastings. The culmination of all the excitement is the
spectacular Lantern Parade when thousands of Buddhists carry their
lanterns along Jongno Street.
Where is it? Jongo Street and various temples |
3. Hi Seoul Festival
From 2007-05-01
To 2007-05-31
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What is it? Seoul's spring festival provides fun for
everyone, locals and visitors alike, with a vast and varied
programme of events that keep the city centre even more abuzz than
usual, day and night. Among the events are a light show, musical
and dance performances at Seoul Plaza, tea ceremonies, exhibitions
of traditional costumes, fireworks, magic show, rock festival,
triathlon and marathon, art exhibitions and a food
fair.
Where is it? Around the Seoul City Hall Plaza, Gwanghwamun Gate,
Cheonggyecheon stream, and Deoksugung Palace |
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