Discover Seoul: palaces, a city stream, and markets

Seoul reveals itself through a variety of experiences: royal palaces from the Joseon era, a traditional residential neighborhood with Hanok houses, a stream running through the city center, and a market serving Korean cuisine. This variety makes it easier to decide what you want to focus on during your trip.

Palaces and Joseon-era history

Changdeokgung Palace was built in 1405 by King Taejong and is considered the best-preserved royal residence from the Joseon era. It is Seoul’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its palace architecture and its harmonious integration with the surrounding natural landscape. In March or April, the flower terraces of Nakseonjae and the rear gardens are especially impressive. The general tour includes Injeongjeon, the main hall, and Nakseonjae. A special tour of Howon runs from Buyongji, the entrance to Howon, to Okryucheon. Reservations for visits to the Secret Garden and the pavilions can be made through the integrated reservation service.

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. It stood at the center of the newly established capital, then called Hanyang, and embodied the dynasty’s sovereignty. The grounds are home to the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea. Gyeonghuigung Palace, also dating from the Joseon era, is the westernmost of the five palaces in central Seoul. It was also called Seogweol, meaning western palace. Visitors enter the extensive historic park through its main gate, Heunghwamun; its peaceful walking paths and historical significance attract many people.

Deoksugung Palace also has its own distinctive character, combining medieval and modern architecture. The complex includes a garden and a Western-style fountain. The changing of the royal guard in front of Daehanmun Gate is also mentioned as a visitor experience.

Urban green spaces, water, and views

Those who want to discover other sides of Seoul beyond its palaces will find a variety of urban and natural attractions. Cheonggyecheon is an 11-kilometer-long modern stream running through the center. It begins at Cheonggye Plaza, passes under a total of 22 bridges, and flows into the Hangang River. Its length and route through the city give it a different scale from a single garden or palace grounds.

Seoul Forest 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. Its offerings range from culture and art to learning, forests, and wetlands. The Chodae-gil Trail is another option for travelers who want to include a hike in their exploration of Seoul: it is near the foot of Bukhansan.

Namsan Seoul Tower is 236.7 meters tall and stands on 262-meter-high Namsan. Its facilities include observation decks, restaurants, cafés, and media art installations. Traditional Hanok houses define the densely built-up residential neighborhood of Bukchon Hanok Village, where Seoul residents live. The neighborhood reflects 600 years of the city’s history, offering a different insight into its past than the royal residences do.

Market food and traditional activities

Gwangjang Market is a traditional market in central Seoul. It has clothing and food stalls, with the food stalls serving traditional Korean cuisine. Popular dishes include Bindae-tteok, Modum-jeon, Mayak Gimbap, Sundae, sliced boiled beef head, Yukhoe, and Korean meatballs. If food and market life are part of what you’re looking for in a destination, this offers a different way to guide your holiday rental search than palace architecture or urban green spaces.

At Namsangol Hanok Village, international visitors can take part in traditional Korean activities such as archery. In Seoul, the program thus includes practical insights into traditions alongside historic buildings. Whether you make time for these activities, the gardens of Changdeokgung, or the paths of Gyeonghuigung depends on which experiences you want to focus on. You can consider the different themes as separate priorities when planning your trip.

Find more destinations in Busan, Incheon, Gwangju, and Ulsan.

For the main travel overview: South Korea.