Seoul, South KoreaSituated on the Han River, Seoul's history
stretches back more than 2,000 years when it was founded in 18 BC
by Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. It continued as the
capital of Korea under the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire.
The Seoul metropolitan area contains four UNESCO World Heritage
Sites: Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine and the
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Seoul is surrounded by
mountains, the tallest being Mt. Bukhan, the world's most visited
national park per square foot. Modern landmarks include Namsan
Tower, Lotte World, the world's second largest indoor theme park,
and Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, the world's longest bridge
fountain. Seoul is the birthplace of K-pop and the Korean
Wave.Lotte World consists of the worlds largest indoor theme park
which is open all year around, an outdoor amusement park called
Magic Island, an artificial island inside a lake linked by
monorail, shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum,
sports facilities, and movie theaters all in one place. One of the
major reasons tourists are attracted to Lotte World is the
amusement rides. The Gyro Drop and Gyro Swing are the top pleasers
a steep drop with an altitude of 70 meters, or taste the thrilling
sensation of being inside a tornado.The Flume Ride is a long boat
with a high-altitude wave, and the Spanish Pirate Ship swings at an
electrifying 75 degrees. Besides the excitement of these rides,
Lotte World also contains a variety of parades and laser
shows.Operated by Samsung Group, Everland is South Koreas largest
theme park at 100 hectares. With 8.6 million visitors, it is ranked
as the 4th most visited theme park in the world by offering 5 main
Festivals and exciting entertainments all year around.The park is
home to over 40 heart-pounding rides and attractions. In addition
to Safari World featuring white tigers, tigers, lions and bears,
Herbivore Safari opened in April 2010, letting visitors get up
close and personal with the safaris giraffes, elephants, and
ostriches.Dongdaemun is Koreas largest wholesale and retail
shopping district has 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops,
and 50,000 manufacturers. Opening from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
except Monday & some public holidays, you can literally shop
all night !! The fabric and clothing here are of the latest fashion
trends in the world. Inventory is imported and exported in real
time, making Dongdaemun a must-visit for fashion
enthusiastic.Gyeongbokgung Palace arguably the most beautiful and
remains the grandest of all five palaces is also called Northern
Palace because it is the furthest north when compared to the
neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and
Gyeongheegung (Western Palace).The name of the palace,
Gyeongbokgung, translates in English as Palace of Shining
Happiness. The premises were destroyed by fire at the time of
Japanese occupation from 1592-1598. However, all of the palaces
7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of
Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The National
Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and
the National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong.
Not too many cities in the world have royal palaces that are
hundreds of years old sitting next to huge modern urban
skyscrapers, but Seoul has an interesting balance with its ancient
history and ultra modern development. The unique and beautiful
contrast between old and new in Seoul is another reason you should
find yourself in Seoul sooner than later.Changdeokgung Palace was
the second royal villa built following the construction of
Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. The buildings have remained largely
intact over six centuries and served as a backdrop for the last
chapters of the Joseon period (1392-1910).Koreas last emperor
Sunjong passed away on these grounds in 1926, and its commonly
known that members of royal descendants lived in Nakseonjae, a
cluster of unpainted palace buildings well into the late 80s.The
palace had a great influence on the development of Korean
architecture, garden and landscape planning, and related arts, for
many centuries. It reflects sophisticated architectural values,
harmonized with beautiful surroundings.N Seoul Tower, built in 1969
and opened to the public 11 years later, the communication tower is
approx. 237 meters tall, topping off at a half-kilometer above sea
level, this is the the Namsan Parks most popular attraction.Once
there, visitors can enjoy a spacious plaza and platforms affording
panoramic views of Seoul. Take a closer look, however, and youll
see a safety fence thats covered in thousands of padlocks. These
curious objects are symbols of love fastened by young couples.
Inside N Seoul Tower is a caf and three restaurants, including the
revolving n.Grill. For some, the Teddy Bear Museum shouldnt be
missed.
Sure many cities have places open all day and night, but in
Seoul, its not just convenience stores. Seoul is definitely a city
that comes to life at night. There are plenty of restaurants, gyms,
bars, cafes, entertainment options (i.e. noraebang, pc bang,
jjimjilbang, movie theaters, shopping) open past midnight for you
modern day vampires. If you like playing, come visit Seoul so you
can play all day and night