If you are visiting Seoul, South Korea, these are some must-see sights that should be on your list.
Seoul is a modern city with a lot of opportunity for discovery. Here are some interesting things to do in this city if there are a few days to explore:
Food and Drink
- The Flying Bird Tea Shop in Insadong. Five-Taste Watermelon Punch, which is a seasonal beverage, is made from the berries of the Chinese Magnolia Vine, and filled with balls of fresh watermelon. While drinking tea, a visitor can watch the birds that fly around their heads and enjoy the meditative atmosphere. It is off the main stretch in Insadong. There are also many side booths in Insadong where the men are making “Dragon Whiskers,” a food traditionally only for kings and made of stretched honey and sesame seeds.
- Eating at a Korean barbecue restaurant is a must-do activity for any trip to Korea.. The meat will be grilled directly on the table, and cut up with kitchen sheers. It is then picked up with chopsticks and wrapped in a lettuce leaf, and dressed with garlic, bean paste, and soy sauce. Korean meals are generally served with 3-10 side dishes including soups and various forms of kimchi, which are pickled vegetables.
Temples
- There are many amazing Buddhist Temples spread in and around Seoul. One of the nicest and most accessible ones is Bongeunsa Temple. Located across from COEX Mall and the World Trade Center, this Temple has a massive Buddha statue, as well as numerous small temples with beautiful murals painted on them. During the Lotus Lantern Festival (in May), the Temple will be filled with thousands of lit Lotus Lanterns that create a ceiling of light.
- If traveler has two days to spare and doesn't mind a ride to the outskirts of the city, a Temple Stay program might be for them. The International Lotus Lantern Meditation Center, located on Ganghwa, allows participants to spend 24 hours living at a Buddhist Temple and participating in the daily activities of the monks. Besides eating, dressing, and sleeping like the monks, visitors will also get to participate in daily prayers and practice calligraphy.
Palaces and Gardens
- Jongmyo Shrine and Gardens are some of the most breathtaking grounds in Seoul. During the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, the gardens are a myriad of colors. The blooms and the traditional Korean architecture will quickly remind any traveler that they are in the heart of Asia.
Museums
There are always a large variety of quality museums to visit in any big city, and Seoul is no different. Unique to this particular culture, however, are the following museums:
- The Seodaemun Prison Museum gives a history of Japan’s invasion of Korea in the early 20th century, and traces the lives of important Korean heroes. The location is the actual Japanese built prison where Korea’s freedom fighters were imprisoned. Although sporting a few gruesome torture reenactments, and almost completely in Korean, the walls and pictures speak for themselves, and promises an affecting experience.
- The Kimchi Field Museum, located in COEX Mall, gives an interactive history of Korea’s favorite and most traditional dish. Visitors will even get a free sample or two.
There are many exciting things to do in Seoul, so bring an open mind and a sense of adventure, and have fun!
The copyright of the article Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea in South Korea Travel is owned by Sandra Causey. Permission to republish Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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