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▶ KOREAN
PALACES |
| Changdokkung Palace (The
Secret Garden) ★★★
It was built in 1405 by King Taejong and neighboring with
Changgyong Palace. Inside theChangdokkung Palace, the Secret
Garden is the best known place, composed of 78 acres of
beautifuloriental plant life, with pavilions, ponds and
wooded areas. In ancient times, only royal familymembers
were allowed to go in for pleasure, so it has been known
as the Secret Garden.
Only guided tour
(English tours are 11:30, 13:30 & 15:30 and Japanese
tours are 10:30, 12:30 &14:30).
Each tour lasts for about 70 minutes.
Open:
09:15-17:30 (closed every Monday)
Admission
fee: adult 2,200 won/ children 1,100
won
Information:
(02)762-8262
How
to go: about 300m East from exit #3,
Anguk station(18) on Orange #3 line
Changgyong Palace ★★
This is the oldest and one of the largest royal palaces
in existence today. Built by King Sejong in1419, it was
used by the Japanese during the Japanese colonial rule as
a zoo but fully restored in1986.
Open:
9:00-16:30 (closed every Monday)
Admission
fee: adult 700 won/ free for children
Information:
(02)762-4868 (in Korean)
How
to go: about 800m Southwest from Hyehwa
station(20) on Blue #4 line
Chongmyo Shrine ★
This Royal Shrine was first established in 1395, soon after
Chosun Dynasty founder King Teajoestablished his capital
in Seoul. It houses the spirit tablets of the king and queens
of the ChosonDynasty, and once a year a memorial service
is still held at the shrine by the descendants of theroyal
Yi family. It has recently been added to UNESCO's list of
World Heritage Sites.
Open:
9:00-19:00 (closed every Tuesday)
Admission
fee: adult 700 won/ children 300 won
Information:
(02)762-8263
How
to go: exit #3, Chongno 3-ga
station(53) on Red #1 line
Kyongbokkung Palace ★★
Built in 1395 by King Taejo, this is the protype of the
ancient palace from the Choson Dynasty (1392~1910), and
was designated the official residence of the royal family.
Traditional indigenouslifestyles and customs can be seen
in The National Folk Museum which is located at the North
part.
Open:
09:00-18:00 (Mar. thru Oct.), 09:00-17:00 (Nov. thru Feb.)
(closed every Tuesday)
Admission
fee: adult 700 won/ children 300 won
Information:
(02)732-1931 (in Korean)
How to go:
exit #5, Kyongbokkung station(17) on Orange #3 line
Kyonghui Palace ★
Closed to the Sejong Cultural Center, this palace was commissioned
by King Kwanghae in 1617 andcalled Kyongdokgung until 1760,
when King Yongjo renamed it Kyonghuigung. The Seoul MunicipalMuseum
of Art is within the compound. Admission inside the royal
residence under construction isnot permitted.
Open:
daily 24 hours
Admission fee:
free
Information:
(02)739-8971 (in Korean)
How to go:
about 200m Northeast from exit #4, Sodaemun station(532)
on Purple #5 line
Toksu Palace ★★
Located in the heart of the downtown Seoul across from City
Hall, it is a popular stop for tourists aswell as city dwellers
who enjoy the stroll through the grounds. Toksu Palace boasts
the first Westernstyle building, Sokjojon, which is presently
being used as the Royal Artifact Museum. In addition, theroyal
guards changing ceremony is being held here from 14:00 to
15:30 on every Sat. & Sun. (Apr.06 thru Nov. 01)
Open:
9:00-19:00 (closed every Monday)
Admission
fee: adult 700 won/ children 300 won
Information:
(02)319-8809 (in Korean)
How to go:
about 50m South from exit #2, City Hall station(1) on Red
#1 line
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HISTORIC SITES
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| Anapchi Pond ★
It was the place where the royal family members of the Shilla
Dynasty(57 BC-936) enjoyed andrelaxed themselves. It was
also the area where the last king of the Shilla Dynasty
surrendered toinvading soldiers of the Koryo Dynasty, so
the Shilla came to an end in the year 936 at this location.
When the pond was drained for repairing works in 1974, thousands
of relics were revealed. Nowthey are in the Kyongju National
Museum.
Open:
09:00-17:00 (closed every Monday)
Admission
fee: adult 400 won/ children 200 won
Information:
(0561)772-5193 (in Korean)
How to go:
about 4km South from Kyongju railroad station, takes about
5 minutes by taxi at Kyongju railroad station
Sokkuram Grotto ★★★
It is one of the Asia's greatest stone-carved Budda statue
standing in the center of the dome caveon the top of Mt.
Toham. In the cave, Bodhisattvas and guardian deities can
be seen. The statueof Buddha look across the East Sea to
the horizon. Even today the skill of building the graniteSokkuram
Buddha statue cannot be copied and has been considered as
a truly great and amazingwork.
Open:
05:00-18:00 (closed every Monday)
Admission
fee: adult 3,000 won/ children 1,500
won
Information:
(0561)746-9933 (in Korean)
How to go:
about 16km(10mile) East from Kyongju City Hall, Kyongsangbuk-do,
takes about 50 minutes by shuttle bus at Kyongu railroad
station
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CULTURAL
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| The Korean Folk Village
★★★
The Korean Folk Village is a living museum which is consists
of 260 traditional housing units withover 30,000 household
goods representing each part of the country and their life
style. In the FolkVillage, the foreign visitors can appreciate
various cultures and customs of old Korea. All houseunits
are furnished with things and olden days furnitures. Folk
music and dance also can be enjoyedat the outdoor theater.
So for local and international tourists who wants to learn
and experience thegrace of Korea, it is the best place for
them.
Open:
daily 09:00-18:30
Admission
fee: adult 8,500 won/ children 4,000-5,500
won
Information:
(0331)283-2107 (in Korean)
How to go:
take off at Suwon station on Kookchul line. Transfer to
either shuttle bus or city bus #37, linking between Suwon
station and the village
Korea House ★
Korea House is a traditional architecture style house in
which foreign visitors can enjoydelicious real Korean foods.
They serve Korean set menus in each dining roomand serve
buffets in the banquet halls. So the visitors can choose
from either of themaccording to their desires of cuisine.
There is a small auditorium for traditional Koreanmusic
and dance performances. A reservation is required in advance
for the meal and theperformance.
Open:
daily 11:00-14:00 & 17:00-22:00 (closed Sunday)
Information:
(02)266-9101
How to go:
exit #3, Chungmuro station(23) on Blue #4 line
Namsan Traditional Korean Houses ★
What you see in this village is almost identical to the
village of traditional Korean houses for theupper classes
that existed more than two hundred years ago. This village
is distinguished its history,its architectural beauty, and
the distinctive role it plays in an otherwise totally modern
Seoul. In thisarea you could take part in some Korean typical
events.
Open:
daily 09:00-18:00
Admission fee:
free
Information:
(02)264-4412
How to go:
about 50m South from exit #3 or 4, Chungmuro station(21)
on Orange #3 Line
Insadong ★★
Insadong is one of the most interesting walking routes for
foreign tourists. Specially, everySunday from 10am to 10pm,
this area becomes a carless cultural market.
How to go:
Anguk Station(18) on Orange #3 line
The National Theater of Korea ★
Nestled on the hem of Mt. Nam-san in the heart of Seoul,
NTK has been the cradle for theperforming arts in Korea
for over four decades. NTK provides Open-air
cultural services, offering crossover and cross-cultural
programs with the attendance of professional musicians who
blended high-class and popular music concerts, pops concerts,
and orchestral and instrumental ensembles.
Performance: 18:00 on every
Saturday (May thru Sep.)
Admission fee:
free
Information:
(02)274-1173
How to go:
about 700m South from exit #6, Dongguk Univ. station(22)
on Orange #3 Line
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PARKS
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| Citizen's Forest ★★
The wooden park, over 258,992㎡ with a various of trees,
has Patriot Yun Bong Kil's Memorial Hall, an Open-air
stage, outdoor wedding halls and sport facilities, includung
volleyball, tennis and shuttlecock courts.
Open : daily 24 hours
Admission fee : free
Information
: (02)575-3895 (in Korean)
How to go : about 1.5km South
from exit #7, Yangjae station(32) on Orange #3 line
Olympic Park ★★★
It contains the World Peace Gate, the remains of the Mongchon
Earthen Fortress, lakes,sculptures and music fountains.
All located on an area of 1,670,000㎡. It's main attraction
isthe Open-air Sculpture Park
with 197 sculptures donated by famous artists from 66 countries.
What a wonderful place for a picnic!
Open: daily 08:00-18:00
Admission fee : free (Parking
fee 3,000-5,000 won/day)
Information
: (02)410-1360 (in Korean)
How to go : connected directly
to Olympic Park station(555) on Purple #5 line
Poramae Park ★
This park, the old site of Korean Air Force Academy, have
lawn playgrounds, ponds, a swimming pool, tennis courts,
two gymnasiums, and a small zoo.Also, three aircrafts including
fighter planes are on display.
Open : daily 24 hours
Admission fee : free
Information
: (02)832-0102(in Korean)
How to go : about 700m Northeast
from exit #4, Shindaebang station(31) on Green #2 line
Sajik Park ★
Sajikdan is a stone altar, which was erected by King Taejo
in 1394 along with palaces andshrines in his new capital,
today's Seoul. This park contains Tangun Hall and the
Chongno Municipal Library. Up to the hill in the rear
of the park, Hwanghakjong (Seoul Tangible Cultural Asset
No. 25) and an archery range are located.
Open : daily 24 hours
Admission fee : free
Information
: (02) 731-0536 (in Korean)
How to go : about 600m West
from exit #1, Kyongbokkung station(17) on Orange #3 line
Sockchon Lakeside Park ★
Here you can enjoy high quality traditional Korean performances
including mask dances, farm,music, recreation, songs and
plays. Competitive performances of every sort, such as
farmmusic performance (Pungmul nori), mask dances of high
school students and Madang nori ofcollege students will
serve to help expand understanding about Korean cultural
traditions.
Open : daily 24 hours
Admission fee : free (Parking
fee 3,000-5,000 won/day)
Information
: (02)415-3595 (in Korean)
How to go : about 500m South
from exit #3 or 4, Chamshil station(16) on Green #2 line
just behind Southside of Lotte World Department Store
Yongsan Family Park ★★
The jogging course of this park is very popular for soldiers
and residents who live in Yongsan.
Open : daily 24hours
Admission fee : free (Parking
fee 10,000won/day)
Information
: (02)792-5661 (in Korean)
How to go : about 700m East
or taxi from exit #2, Ichon station(30) on Blue #4 line
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THEME PARKS
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| Children's Grand Park ★
Many opportunities for entertainment can be found at this
park. It contains a zoo, an ice rink,a greenhouse, showing
a puppet play. There will be many things to do at this park
madespecifically for the enjoyment of children.
Open : daily 09:00-20:00 (09:00-21:00
Sat. & Sun.)
Admission fee : adult 900 won/
children 500 won
Information
: (02)450-9311 (in Korean)
Address : 18 Neung-dong, Gwangjin-gu,
Seoul
How to go : exit #?, Children's
Grand Park station(726) on Olive #7 line
Everland ★★★
An amusement park with a zoo and a variety of rides that
range for children to adults. Highspeed roller coasters
are a common site as are smooth rides for the young ones.
For those who are more into wildlife they can have an enjoyable
time at the zoo, also within the samearea.
Open : daily 09:30-23:00
Admission fee : adult 11,000
won/ children 8,000 won
Information
: (0335)20-8147
Address : 310 Jeondae-ri, Pokog-myun,
Yongin City, Kyunggi-do
How to go : shuttle bus available
(3141-8500 in Korean) every 30 min. till 14:00 at Shinchon
station(40) on Green #2 line
Lotte World ★★
Lotte world is a mammoth indoor and outdoor amusement park,
equipped with a big scale of modern rides. It is also connected
to a shopping mall, department stores, a super deluxehotel
and a sports complex. The folk village located on the third
floor is a true living reproduction of Korea's ancient culture
and lifestyle from days gone by.
Open : daily 09:30-23:00
Admission fee : adult 9,000
won/ children 7,000 won
Information
: (02)411-3417(English)/ 411-3419(Japanese)
How to go : exit #3 or 4, Chamshil
station(16) on Green #2 line
Seoul Land ★★
Adjacent to the Seoul Grand Park, this is an exciting amusement
park, divided into five sectionscalled the Plaza, Samcholli
Garden, Future Land, Fantasy Land and Adventure Land. Included
is amovie of all the great kiss scenes, a draft beer party
and a late night laser show with fireworksnightly.
Open : daily 09:30-21:00
Admission fee : adult 5,000
won/ children 2,000-3,500 won
Information
: (02)504-0011 (in Korean)
Address : 33 Makkye-dong, Kwachun City, Kyunggi-do
How to go : take a shuttle
bus at Seoul Grand Park station on Blue #4 line
Seoul Grand Park ★★
This largest zoo in Korea, located on a 660㎡ plain, hosts
a large variety of animals from Africa,Australia, South
America and local climate. There is also a botanical garden
with full of tropical plants and birdlife. Nearby, you will
find the National Museum of Contemporary Art and Seoul Land
Amusement Park and the Seoul Racetrack.
Open : daily 09:00-19:00
Admission fee : adult 1,500
won/ children 1,200 won
Information
: (02)500-7010 (in Korean)
Address : 159-1 Makkye-dong,
Kwachun City, Kyunggi-do
How to go : take a shuttle
bus at Seoul Grand Park station on Blue #4 line
KLI 63 Building Aquarium ★
This building boasts many different types of sealife within
the confines of 2 floors, specially 1st. &2nd. floor
of the basement floors. It holds daily penguin and seal
shows. There are otherspectacles that await within each
tank of this great aquarium.
Open : daily 10:00-20:30
Admission fee : adult 8,000
won/ children 6,200 won
Information
: (02)789-5878 (in Korean)
How to go : about 1,000m Southeast
from Youinaru station(527) on Purple #5 line
Pacific Land ★
This marine/aquarium park located on the island of Cheju
displays the spectacles of the seas. Itholds daily live
dolphin and sea lion shows. To add to these exhibitions
there are also vast varietiesof sea life that this park
has to offer to the public.
Open : daily 11:30-17:00
Admission fee : adult 5,000
won/ children 2,000 won
Information
: (064)38-2888 (in Korean)
How to go : takes about 45
minutes by limousine bus at Cheju International Airport
and off at Jungmun Tourism Area, located at Southern part
of Cheju Island. Then, take a walk about 10 minutes.
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OTHER ATTRACTIONS
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| Han-gang River Cruise ★★
The Han-Gang River, crossing over the heart of Seoul, has
many scenic attractions and pleasuresalong its bank. The
Han-Gang river cruise is a must for foreign visitors to
Seoul. The cruiser isabout 1 hour long.
Open : daily 11:30-22:00
Admission fee : adult 6,800
won/ children 3,400 won
Information
: (02)785-4411 (in Korean)
How to go : exit #3, Youinaru
station(527) on Purple #5 line
KLI 63 Building ★
The KLI 63 building, one of the most popular tourist attraction
in Seoul, is located on the banksof the Han river in Youido.
Open : 10:30-20:00
Information
: (02)789-5663 (in Korean)
How to go : about 1,000m Southeast
from Youinaru station(527) on Purple #5 line
Seoul Tower ★
It is located on top of Mt. Namsan in the center of Seoul.
In the Seoul Tower, people can enjoya beautiful panoramic
view of Seoul city while having a drink or a meal at the
nice revolvingskyline restaurants of the 5th floor. It has
decks on the 2nd and 3rd floors and aquarium, marinelife
museum, and video games on the 1st floor at the main building.
The height of the SeoulTower combined with the height of
Mt.Namsan is 480m above sea level.
Open : daily 09:30-23:00
Admission fee : adult 7,000
won/ children 5,000 won
Information
: (02)772-1660 (in Korean)
How to go: about 2km South
from City Hall
takes about 10 minutes by taxi at Myongdong station(24)
on Blue #4 line
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