{"id":171,"date":"2014-10-10T01:00:06","date_gmt":"2014-10-10T01:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/neighbourhood-guide-to-seoul-korea\/"},"modified":"2022-07-11T17:18:42","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T17:18:42","slug":"neighbourhood-guide-to-seoul-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/destinations\/neighbourhood-guide-to-seoul-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"A Neighbourhood Guide to Seoul"},"content":{"rendered":"

The capital of Korea is a buzzing metropolis that\u2019s a heady blend of next-generation skyscrapers surrounded by temples and palaces from kingdoms long gone. For the uninitiated though, Seoul can overwhelm with choices! Wondering how to plan your route\u00a0in Seoul?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a handy neighbourhood guide showing you where to go in Seoul for the kinds of attractions you are interested in seeing when you plan your trip to the Land of the Morning Calm.<\/p>\n

\"asia-divider\"<\/p>\n

North of the River, South of the River<\/h2>\n

Neighbourhoods of interest to most tourists are split north and south of the Han River. In the north lies the older city: one that has been rebuilt after numerous wars with the North as well as the Japanese. Here, you\u2019ll find traditional architecture, palaces, museums from which a web of modern glass-and-metal skyscrapers has mushroomed around.<\/p>\n

The \u2018new\u2019 part of town in the South is anchored by the modern, upmarket and occasionally snobbish Gangnam district.<\/p>\n

The Palace Area: Jong-no, Bukchon & Insa-dong<\/h2>\n

Get a sense of Korea\u2019s history and heritage here.<\/p>\n

If you only have time to visit one palace, make it the Gyeongbokgung<\/strong>.\u00a0The Royal Palace is the largest and main palace of the mighty Joseon dynasty.\"Gyeongbok<\/a><\/p>\n

Though heavily restored, a stroll through the sprawling grounds offers and intriguing look at royal life circa 1395. Don\u2019t miss the changing of the guard ceremony held hourly. History buffs should also check out the UNESCO-heritage protected Changdeokgung Palace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Bukchon Hanok Village<\/strong> is found between the two palaces. Here, a cluster of over 900 traditional houses (Hanok) lines a hillside. The small streets and tiled roofs are atmospheric, with photo opportunities galore. Insa-dong<\/strong> has a popular eponymous street filled with art galleries, cafes and teahouses.<\/p>\n

The City Centre: Myeong-dong, City Hall, Namsan<\/h2>\n

The epicenter of the working, modern Seoul, City Hall, is typical of the times. The new city hall is a modern construction of curved glass and steel built over the original 1926 building.<\/p>\n

Nearby, the N Seoul Tower<\/strong><\/a> in Namsan is Seoul\u2019s answer to Hong Kong\u2019s Peak. Get up by cable car to catch the sunset and watch Seoul transform into a glittering metropolis.<\/p>\n

Myeong-dong <\/strong>is the main shopping district with all the brands you can think of and puts Singapore\u2019s Orchard Road to shame.\"Myeong<\/a><\/p>\n

Modern Seoul: Dongdaemun<\/h2>\n

The shopping continues in Dongdaemun. Here, mall after mall is packed with the latest in blogshop fashion. Check out Doota, Hello aPM! and Migliore<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If you want to buy in bulk, cross the street to the wholesale markets where you can get the same stuff for less (assuming you buy at least 2 of the same thing!).<\/p>\n

The Dongdaemun Design Park & Plaza <\/strong>is the area\u2019s latest attraction; a curved metal and grass encased building housing shops and exhibition spaces\u2026and cost US$460 million to build.\"Dongdaemun<\/a><\/p>\n