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City guide · South Korea
Seoul
Seoul is South Korea's capital, spread across both banks of the Han River. The historic palace city lies north of the river around Jongno, Gwanghwamun and Namsa...
Seoul is South Korea's capital, spread across both banks of the Han River. The historic palace city lies north of the river around Jongno, Gwanghwamun and Namsan, while later commercial and residential centres extend south into Gangnam and east and west along the metropolitan rail corridors. The city is best approached as linked districts rather than one continuous centre: royal palaces and traditional neighbourhoods, central markets and museums, riverside areas, university quarters, and the newer southern business districts each form practical sightseeing clusters.
Namdaemun Market, known locally as 남대문시장, is a traditional market in Seoul, South Korea. It stands as one of the oldest and largest retail markets in the country, with a history stretching back centuries.
Lotte World Tower is a supertall skyscraper in Seoul, South Korea, bearing the local name 롯데월드타워. It stands as a landmark in the Songpa District and serves multiple functions including commercial, retail, and observation purposes.
Gwanghwamun Plaza is a major public open space in central Seoul, South Korea. The plaza sits in front of Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty.
Changgyeonggung is a Joseon dynasty palace located in Seoul, South Korea. Its local name is 창경궁. The palace was originally built in the 15th century and served as a royal residence.
Seoul Forest is a major urban park located in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea. The local name is 서울숲. It was developed on former landfill and industrial sites, transforming degraded land into substantial green space.
The Han River is the clearest dividing line. North of it, the palace-and-Namsan core includes Gwanghwamun, Jongno, Bukchon, Insadong, Dongdaemun and Myeongdong. Westward, Hongdae and the university districts form another cluster; Yeouido occupies an island in the river. South of the Han, Gangnam, Apgujeong and Samseong are modern commercial areas with their own attractions. Seoul's official visitor maps divide suggested routes into the downtown palace and Namsan area, Apgujeong, Gangnam and Samseong, which is a useful way to avoid repeated cross-city travel.
Use the subway as the default between districts and walk within each cluster. Stations and lines are colour-coded, exits are numbered, and major information appears in Korean and English. A Tmoney transport card can be used across the network; single-journey passes are also available from station machines. Buses reach areas beyond convenient rail stops, but the official visitor guide notes that they can be harder for first-time visitors despite colour-coded route types. Check the official transport page for current operating information before travel.
A fixed stay length is not recorded. Allocate time by district: the palace core, central markets and museums, a western neighbourhood such as Hongdae, and the southern districts if they match your interests.
What divides northern and southern Seoul?
The Han River. The older palace city and Namsan are north of it, while Gangnam, Apgujeong and Samseong form major visitor clusters on the south side.
Is Seoul's subway suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. Lines are colour-coded, station exits are numbered, and major signs use Korean and English. The official tourism guide recommends the subway as one of the most efficient ways to cross the city.
Should I use buses or the subway?
Use the subway for most cross-city journeys. Buses are useful for areas between stations, but route information can be less intuitive for a first visit even though services are colour-coded.
Can I cover the palaces and Gangnam in one walking route?
No. They sit in different city clusters on opposite sides of the Han River. Use the subway between them and reserve walking for the sights within each district.
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