Seoul presents itself as a city of two faces: on one side, the chic and vibrant atmosphere of its business districts assimilates it to a metropolitan city, worthy rival of Hong Kong or Tokyo; on the other side, the soul of the old city comes alive, to the delight of wanderers, in the palaces of the Joseon dynasty and Buddhist temples. Poetic, picturesque, joyful and trendy at once, the South Korean capital will appeal to nature lovers, to singles eager for wild celebrations, but also to holidaymakers looking to share magical moments with family.

Host city of the Asian Games in 1986, the Summer Olympics in 1988 and the G20 Summit in 2010, Seoul emphatically affirms its international openness. Visiting Seoul means embarking on the discovery of another facet of Asia.

History

Seoul's history began in 1392, with the decline of the Goreyo dynasty and the rise of the Joseon dynasty. The city was declared capital by General Yi Seonggye who, having defected from the Goreyo army, decided to found a new royal lineage in Seoul, whose original name was "Hanyang".

From the 15th to the 17th century, the city of Hanyang experienced brilliant prosperity. It housed the Gyeongbok Palace where the royal family resided between 1395 and 1592, as well as Changdeokgung Palace, built by King Taejong and embellished by King Seonjo with a charming landscaped garden where royal ceremonies took place, such as archery competitions and fireworks.

Seoul takes pride in being the historical heart of South Korea. It has witnessed a succession of important events such as the construction of Hanyangdoseong – Seoul's circular fortress that isolated the kingdom from foreign powers for over a hundred years –, the annexation of the country by the Japanese Empire in 1910, the liberation of South Korea in 1947, and the Korean War of 1950 that opposed North Korea and South Korea.

Today

In 1945, after the end of Japanese occupation, South Korea acquired the status of an independent state. The capital, which was called "Hanyang" during the time of the Joseon kings, then "Gyeongseong" during the colonial regime, was renamed Seoul.

Following the Korean War of 1950, Seoul regained momentum by pursuing an ambitious industrial policy with the support of the United States. Urbanization progressed, skyscrapers set the tone, and the city displayed the face of an economic and technological powerhouse where everything seemed possible. Nevertheless, memories of the old royal city flourish everywhere.

Seoul is among the world's most frequently visited tourist destinations. In 2014, it ranked 9th among the most visited cities on the planet and 4th for tourism-related spending.

Places of interest to visit

The city is home to shopping centers, immense amusement parks, hiking trails along picturesque natural settings, as well as significant public squares. Seoul is a dynamic and lively city that reveals a different atmosphere through each of its neighborhoods. From its incredible business center in Gangnam, its historic area with its many temples and imperial palaces in Jongno, to the vibrant nightlife of its student quarters in Hongdae and Sinchon, there is no doubt that Seoul will awaken all your senses.

Historic sites

The grand palaces of the Joseon era

History enthusiasts will appreciate spending time in one of Seoul's medieval buildings. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigong Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace were built by the kings of the Joseon dynasty who ruled South Korea from the late 14th century until the 19th century.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, which served as the main residence of the imperial family, is the largest and most remarkable of the five buildings. Destroyed during the Japanese occupation, it underwent large-scale restoration work. The changing of the royal guard at Gwanghwamun Gate – the main entrance to the palace – has become a flagship attraction for tourists.

The secondary palace Changdeokgung pleases with its location nestled at the foot of the mountains and its magnificent wooded garden, where plum trees, hornbeams, white oaks, maples, and pines provide peaceful shade for strollers.

Jongmyo Shrine

A site where the precepts of Confucianism still resound! Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1995 onwards, Jongmyo Shrine is a Confucian temple frequented by members of the royal family. Kings once went there to fulfill vows and pay their respects before the relics of their venerable ancestors. Today, the shrine continues to perpetuate traditions of music and dance established over 500 years ago.

Natural sites

Bukhansan National Park

Literally meaning "park of the Great Mountain of the North", the park lives up to its name. It is a picturesque place traversed by valleys, rivers, and majestic granite peaks, with abundant vegetation. It lends itself to multiple activities, including picnicking, hiking, mountaineering, visiting timeless temples as well as capturing splendid natural tableaux in photographs. The best time to visit is spring, when the blooming of trees adorns the mountain with a thousand colors.

Namsan Park

Perched at 262 meters altitude, Namsan Park is a restful place of relaxation away from the bustle of the capital. Once at the summit, tourists will be treated to a breathtaking view of the Maritime Aquarium, Namsan Library, and N Seoul Tower, itself topped with a revolving restaurant where diners travel in their own seats. An egg-shaped cable car will transport you to the top of the Tower.

Jangchungdan Park

Close to Namsan, Jangchung urban park alternates between flower gardens, shrubs, and pretty streams. Inside the park, you will find a tea house with an intimate atmosphere! Let yourself be immersed in the beauty of the place, listening to the sound of the waterfall flowing nearby.

Han River Municipal Park

Set along the banks of the river, this 700-hectare municipal park is a space dedicated to relaxation and rest. Seoulites love to visit it on weekends to get some air, cycle or jog, or even try water skiing. The park also features lakes and a small island perfect for pleasure boating, bird photography, and romantic sunsets. Here is a destination recommended for a romantic getaway in Seoul!

Along Cheonggyecheon Stream

Inspired by the model of the Seine in Paris, the Cheonggyecheon river irrigates the capital along a 13 km course. A stroll along the banks of the river is a must for travelers, as the riverside areas host numerous musical and cultural events throughout the year.

Recreation areas

If you are planning to visit Seoul with family, amusement parks are tourist destinations that will delight your children.

- Everland Park: in addition to high-thrill installations, the park houses animal reserves (giant pandas, giraffes, tigers, various primate species…) that will satisfy visitors of all ages;

- Seoul Land Park: Less sensational than Everland, Seoul Land Park has the advantage of being close to the city, a factor to consider when traveling with children.

- Caribbean Bay: this immense water park is managed by the Samsung Everland group. Wave pool, water slides, water chutes, or diving… You have plenty of choices!

- Other amusement parks: the Grand Children's Park or Lotte World.

Must-do activities in Seoul

You can do everything... except get bored in the South Korean capital! A selection of activities will keep travelers occupied and entertained:

- taste excellent local specialties;

- visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most iconic symbol of the capital;

- tour Changdeokgung Palace, a masterpiece of nature and simplicity;

- spend a dream day at Everland Park;

- pay your respects at the royal tombs of the Joseon dynasty that stand at the heart of Seoul;

- visit the historic villages of Hahoe and Yangdong: wooden huts, livestock raising, and vegetable gardens;

- pose for a photo in front of the Hwaseong fortress;

- take a guided tour of Jongmyo Confucian Shrine;

- stroll along the Han River during the spring cherry blossom season and rent a pleasure boat on Yeouido Island;

- watch the play Jump, a world-renowned South Korean comedy where gestures and martial arts substitute for words;

- enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from the top of N Seoul Tower.

Best season to visit

The burning summer is not the ideal season for a trip to Seoul. Additionally, rainfall is frequent from June to August, which can inconvenience visitors who intend to tour the city's attractions. During winter, which extends from December through late February, a biting and icy cold reigns everywhere. The best times to take a vacation in Seoul remain autumn (September to November) and spring (April to June). The sun shines at all times of day, and the trees take on lovely spring colors.

For foreigners, the airplane is the easiest and most practical way to get to Seoul. International flights land either at Incheon Airport or Gimpo Airport. Air France, along with Korean Air, are the only airlines offering direct flights to Seoul from France.

Incheon Airport, located 52 km from central Seoul, handles the most international traffic. At the airport entrance, you can take a bus or an express train from the AREX Express Service group to reach your hotel.