SEOUL

Home to more than 10 million, Seoul is the Republic of Korea’s bustling center for world trade and commerce. Not only an ideal city for business travelers with its multinational corporations, Seoul is also a treat for tourists, abounding with UNESCO-classified World Heritage sites, well-preserved royal palaces and unique festivals.

GETTING THERE

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is located approximately 30 miles outside of the city center. To get downtown, visitors can travel via airport buses, taxis or the Airport Railroad. Airport buses operate every 10–30 minutes between 5:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. Limo buses (about $13.50 for a one-way ticket) stop at major attractions and hotels and are a good option for travelers with luggage. Standard taxi service from the airport to downtown Incheon runs from $40–50, and deluxe service from $60–80. The Airport Railroad departs every 30 minutes; a one-way ticket to Seoul Station costs about $3.50.

GETTING AROUND

Seoul Metro is a well-connected subway transportation service that runs throughout the city and its suburbs. Pick up a storedvalue T-money card at most subway stations, convenience stores and newspaper kiosks if you plan on using the subway often. It can also be used for taxi fares, buses, pay phones and storage lockers. The city has four different kinds of public buses: yellow (tourist areas), green (travels around neighborhoods and connects with the subway), blue (goes across town) and red and green (intercity buses). One-way fares cost about $1. Standard taxis (orange or silver) start from $2 and go up 11 cents for each tenth of a mile. Black deluxe taxis are more expensive.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Changdeokgung Palace
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, the 600-yearold Changdeokgung Palace is a must-see on any visitor’s itinerary. Take a guided tour and soak in the city’s history while admiring the palace’s ornate, well-preserved architectural details and monuments. Visit in the springtime when the flowers in the rear garden, named Biwon (Secret Garden) by one of the kings, are in full bloom. Closed on Mondays.

Jongmyo Shrine
A UNESCO-accredited site and one of the country’s most prestigious cultural monuments, the Jongmyo Shrine is a Confucian shrine dedicated to the ancient kings and queens of Korea. An excellent attraction for history buffs, a tour of this urban oasis and its buildings offers profound insight into Korean history. Visit in May for the chance to watch elaborate performances of rituals meant to honor the deceased royal family members.

The War Memorial of Korea
Explore the grounds and eight main exhibits of The War Memorial of Korea. Located at the former site of the army headquarters, the memorial features displays of more than 13,000 pieces of war memorabilia and military equipment. Free admission.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Hi Seoul Festival
The biggest street festival in the capital, the Hi Seoul Festival brings together both Seoulites and visitors to celebrate Korean culture four times a year every spring, summer, autumn and winter. Enjoy traditional Korean and international cuisine and a wide variety of performances in Han River Park and downtown Seoul over the course of five days.

Lotus Lantern Festival
Also called Yeon Deung Hoe, the Lotus Lantern Festival is one of Korea’s oldest folk festivals, held each year in May. Residents hang lotus-shaped lanterns across Seoul in the weeks leading up to the festival, which officially kicks off with the lighting of the Jangeumdang, a large lantern that symbolizes Buddhism and Buddha’s birthday, in Seoul Plaza. Celebrations include Buddhist programs and activities and an exciting lantern parade.

Seoul International Fireworks Festival
A great event for families, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival is an annual multimedia fireworks show in October that includes music and laser performances in Hangang Park.

RESOURCES

For more information, visit visitseoul.net