Harmony between Tradition and Modernity
Korea boasts an abundance of tourist attractions. Tourists can experience a unique combination of historical heritage and modern culture. This preserved local identity also allows tourists to explore and enjoy the local culture, natural environment, and unique cuisine.
Among popular tourist attractions in Korea, modern values are often reflected in historical and cultural heritage, or conversely, traditional elements are often added to modern spaces. This is not only a valuable cultural heritage and vibrant living space for Koreans, but also a starting point for foreigners to visit Korea.
Hanok Village
There are various types of Hanok villages in Korea. Recently, Hanok Village has been in the spotlight as a new tourist destination where you can experience an old village made up of traditional Korean wooden houses rather than modern Hanok architecture.
Bukchon Hanok Village and Namsangol Hanok Village, located in the center of Seoul, where high-rise buildings are lined up, are places where you can feel the past and present coexisting. Jeonju Hanok Village is the largest Hanok village in Korea, with about 625 traditional tile-roofed houses mixed with modernized Hanok buildings. This village is one of the most popular travel destinations for enthusiasts because it is not only a cultural product for tourism, but also a place where tourists can experience traditional experiences such as tea ceremonies and Hanji making programs.
In addition, Gongju Hanok Village in Chungcheongnam-do, Ojukheon Hanok Village in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, and Yeongam Gurim Hanok Village in Jeollanam-do are not as large as Jeonju Hanok Village, but are large enough for visitors to enjoy Korean culture. .
Seongyojang, located in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, is not a Hanok village, but you can experience traditional Hanok at Seongyojang, which was a typical upper-class residence during the Joseon Dynasty. It is a 300-year-old traditional house where descendants still live.
Moonlight Tour at Palaces
Palaces, which are an essential part of Korea tourism, have distinctly different moods during the day and at night. Tourists flock to the palace during the day to experience the quiet and relaxing atmosphere. When covered by a veil of darkness, the palace boasts a different atmosphere. Soft lighting and mysterious sound effects add a unique charm. As this charm has become known through social networking services (SNS), palaces have recently emerged as a new nighttime attraction.
Among the palaces that are open at night are the four major palaces in Seoul (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace) and Hwaseong Temporary Palace in Suwon. The availability of tour programs varies depending on each palace, but if possible, you must make a reservation on the website.
Sungnyemun Gate and Namdaemun Market
Sungnyemun Gate, informally known as Namdaemun Gate, is one of the eight gates located on the southern side of the Seoul City Wall. It is Korea's No. 1 national treasure and is the largest stone structure of a castle gate in existence. The old gate was destroyed by arson in 2008. After several years of restoration work, Sungnyemun Gate can now enjoy its full glory.
Namdaemun Market is a large traditional market located to the east of Sungnyemun Gate. Filled with things to see, shop and eat, this popular spot is always bustling with shoppers and tourists. Not only can you buy a variety of products such as clothing, kitchenware, home appliances, and household goods at low prices, but there are also well-known food alleys such as braised cutlassfish alley and kalguksu alley. ) alley.
Heunginjimun Gate and Dongdaemun Market
Heunginjimun (興仁地文) is one of the eight gates, unofficially known as Dongdaemun, located on the east side of Hanyangdoseong. Near the gate is a large commercial district commonly called Dongdaemun Market.
Dongdaemun Market is a market that encompasses Gwangjang Market, Pyeonghwa Market, Shinpyeonghwa Market, and Dongdaemun Shopping Complex. The term Dongdaemun Fashion was coined because most of the markets sell clothing. In addition, it operates as a night wholesale market, contributing greatly to revitalizing the market by creating a new clothing culture and consumption.
In 2014, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), the world's largest atypical building, opened near Dongdaemun Market. The future-oriented design changed the simple and ordinary atmosphere of Dongdaemun Market into a modern one, expanding the main consumer base to young people and foreigners.
Gwanghwamun Square
Gwanghwamun Square is a large square located in the center of the road between Gwanghwamun and Sejong-ro intersection. This public square opened in 2009 by converting a road into a park.
Gwanghwamun Square was completely reborn as a historical and cultural space for citizens in an effort to return Seoul's 600-year-old central street to citizens. With the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin open to the public, it was designed to provide a panoramic view of the natural scenery, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Mt. Bukaksan.
Culture Station Seoul 284 and Seoullo 7017
Culture Station Seoul 284 is the product of transforming the old Seoul Station into a complex culture and arts complex. To commemorate its historical significance as the oldest train station in Korea, it remains as it was when it opened in 1925.
Seoullo 7017, built on an old overpass, is an elevated public park for pedestrians. You can see Seoul's historic sites at a glance, including Culture Station Seoul 284, Namdaemun, and Seoul Station.