Seoul's skyline inspires
Those visiting Seoul may find their senses overwhelmed. Fragrant spices, spectacular ancient temples, bustling street scenes, mouthwatering meals, and beautifully embroidered silks are just a few of the experiences to be had in one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
Day 1: Step Into the Past
10:00 AM
After a meticulous five-year, $23-million restoration, one of South Korea’s most treasured national landmarks, 600-year-old Sungnyemun (above) — also known as Namdaemun or the Great South Gate — reopened last month following a devastating fire in 2008. For another spectacular historical landmark, travel north to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Changdeokgung Palace.
bit.ly/smSungnyemun12:00 PM
Dine in one of the Insa-dong district’s lovely restaurants — Doore (traditional Korean) and Mingadaheon (fusion) are standouts — and then stroll through its many tea shops and art galleries, or pick up a souvenir along the way. Korean hydrangea, or sweet dew tea as it is sometimes known, is especially refreshing.
www.visitseoul.net4:00 PM
One of Seoul’s most beautiful museums is the Korea Furniture Museum, which contains more than 2,000 pieces of furniture from the Joseon Dynasty’s 500-year reign beginning at the end of the 14th century, as well as 10 intricately designed hanok (traditional Korean houses).
www.kofum.comDay 2: See and Taste the Sights
10:00 AM
Starting in the Yongsan district, head to Namsan Park, home to a lush botanical garden as well as the striking N Seoul Tower, the best place for panoramic city views. While there, don’t miss the thousands of love padlocks chained along the perimeter fence.
1:00 PM
It’s hard to travel to Korea without sampling some of its famous barbecues, also known as gogi-jip (meat houses). One of the biggest establishments, Gombawi, in the Gangnam district, is known for its unseasoned, charcoal-grilled tripe and more than 20 different cuts of quality beef.
www.gbw.co.kr8:00 PM
Seoul is renowned for its variety of nonverbal performances, and one of its most famous involves the unlikely combination of ballet and breakdancing. See a performance of “Ballerina Who Loved a B-boy,” a musical told strictly through dance that has enchanted audiences around the world since 2005.
www.showbboy.comDay 3: Glimpse the Future
10:00 AM
See what the future of technology holds at T.um (short for “Telecom Ubiquitous Museum”). Whether you check out the shopping avatars or the self-driving cars, you’ll leave amazed. Reservations are required.
http://tum.sktelecom.com1:00 PM
Thanks to South Korean rapper Psy, everyone knows about “Gangnam Style.” To experience this posh neighborhood firsthand, start with a stroll through 10 Corso Como.
www.10corsocomo.co.kr 3:00 PM
After you’ve had your fill of shopping and fine dining in Gangnam, head to the supremely serene Bongeunsa temple, which is also located in Gangnam. http://bongeunsa.org/eng/