At first sight Seoul may appear as the quintessence of the modern world, but almost immediately ancient traditions become apparent; traditions with their roots in Buddhism and Confucianism, as evidenced by the city’s spectacular temples. In this vast Korean metropolis, high rises and some of the Far East’s most fashionable shopping streets share space with picturesque old villages with their “Hanok“, the traditional houses of Korea.

 

Sitting on the banks of the Han River and in the past known as Hanyang, Seoul is enclosed within eighteen kilometres of fortress wall built under the Joseon dynasty, which is still well preserved 600 years after its construction. An industrious and dynamic energy pulsates within these walls, accompanied by an enjoyment of life.

 

 

In fact, Seoul is universally known as “the happiest city in the world” not only for its flourishing businesses (known for this reason as the “miracle of the River Han“) but also for the pace of life of its citizens, the level of education and last, but not least, the high degree of safety due to the fact that crime is almost non-existent.

 

 

Bukchon Hanok Village, a cluster of traditional Hanok houses, is an open history book on the traditions and customs of Korea. It features various UNESCO buildings, such as the immense Changdeokgung Palace, one of the five large royal palaces built by the rulers of the Joseon dynasty of Seoul (the other palaces are: Gyeongbokgung, Gyeonghuigung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung), as well as the Jongmyo Shrine, one of the primary Confucian places of worship, dedicated to the perpetuation of memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the much-loved and long-reigning Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

 

 

Seoul is a city of vivid colours, due in part to the lush vegetation of the numerous parks and the brightly coloured monuments, but also the many murals painted by street artists and people wearing hanbok, traditional dress, which can also be hired to walk around the city and truly get into the spirit or take memorable photos.

 

 

The Han River also provides photo opportunities and is a place to try water sports, while its banks are oases of wellbeing and fun. Not only along the river banks can you find interesting pedestrian areas but also in the Seoullo 7017 Skygarden, a new relaxation area for citizens and a wonderful elevated park with tens of thousands of plants where past, present and future come together.

 

 

There are plenty of museums for discovering the past such as the Seoul History Museum and Art Museum as well as the interesting National Folk Museum, which illustrates the customs and traditions of ancient Korea, but also excellent wildlife attractions, right in the city centre, such as Namsan Mountain with its myriad of bird species, on which the Namsan Tower (a Seoul landmark) sits and from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city.

 

 

Descending the hill to the city, a place that must be visited is Korea House, a building where you can discover genuine Korean traditions, try food cooked according to recipes of imperial cuisine and watch traditional local dances and listen to music performed by quality artists.

Even the markets have a unique charm, such as Namdaemun Market, which displays an array of local items, including red ginseng, a local speciality, but also other highly prized products and innovative Korean-made cosmetics, which are extremely effective and which tourists can try in small spas or even out in the open.

 

 

Myeongdong, Seoul’s most famous shopping street, is also another unforgettable experience. The stores and shopping centres here are open all night, as are the restaurants and bars, which offer local specialities with strongly spiced flavours such as Bibimbap, the well-known and healthy Korean dish made of rice with different vegetables and red pepper sauce, or Samgyetang, pieces of chicken mixed with rice and flavoured with garlic, ginseng and jojoba, and Chimaek, a street food dish made of fried chicken, which is accompanied by beer.  

 

 

 

The Lotte World Tower is one of Seoul's architectural jewels. 555 meters high, it hosts Seoul Sky, Korea's highest observation deck. In the tower there is also the Signiel Seoul, a luxury hotel, and also the Podium, a space with a health center, a fitness area and a financial center. At Lotte World Mall you can also shop in Korea's largest urban duty-free shop thanks to Lotte Duty Free. The Lotte World Tower also includes the Avenuel shopping center, an urban aquarium, a classical music room and the largest Asian multiplex.

 

Lotte Tower Seoul Sky Observatory e-ticket

 

Walking or cycling the spaces along the Hangang River, surrounded by parks like the Ttukseom Hangang Park and the Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park, means knowing the habits of the inhabitants who gather here to have lunch or play sports. The fish market is picturesque along the banks of the river. Also motorboat river itineraries are worth trying, as well as water sports, including jet skiing.