Changpowon Park is also know as Seoul Iris Garden, opened on June 7th, 2009. The park covers an area of 52,417㎡ and was a wasteland area before the park was developed and opened. The name of the park, Seoul Iris Garden comes from the fact that there are more than 130 species of the Iris [...]]]>

Changpowon Park Entrance

Changpowon Park is also know as Seoul Iris Garden, opened on June 7th, 2009. The park covers an area of 52,417㎡ and was a wasteland area before the park was developed and opened. The name of the park, Seoul Iris Garden comes from the fact that there are more than 130 species of the Iris Plant making up a total of 300,000 Iris Plants.

After entering the main entrance of the park you will notice the visitor’s centre building to the left. Here you can find out information about the development of the park and the many kinds of plants and trees that are in Seoul Iris Garden. After the visitors centre you can start to explore the park. The park has 12 themes. Each theme has different plants, flowers and trees. The main themes are the Iris Garden and the Medicinal Botanical Garden. The Medicinal Botanical Garden has flowers and plants that were used to treat diseases.

Each theme in the park has a sign beside it with pictures and information about the trees, plants and flowers that make that theme special.

How to get to Seoul Iris Garden:

Take line 1 or 7 to Dobongsan Station and leave exit 2.

The National Museum of Korea was founded on December 3rd, 1945 after the liberation from the Japanese Occupation Government. The museum was relocated numerous times over the years due to war and the increase of relics. In the mid-nineties the government decided to build a permanent and dedicated building and [...]]]>

The National Museum of Korea was founded on December 3rd, 1945 after the liberation from the Japanese Occupation Government. The museum was relocated numerous times over the years due to war and the increase of relics. In the mid-nineties the government decided to build a permanent and dedicated building and choose Yongsan Family Park.

On October 28th, 2005 the National Museum of Korea opened it’s doors to the public. The new building with total floor space of 137,542.56 ㎡ makes it one of the top 10 biggest museums in the world. To view all the items and learn about the history of Korea you would need to visit the museum a couple of times. The museum holds many of the National Treasures of Korea and other artifacts. Outside the museum there are a number of open green areas, big ponds, open air theatres and a waterfall.

The museum has 3 floors. Each floor is split up into different sections. Floor 1 consists of the Prehistory, Ancient History Gallery, Medieval and Early Modern History Gallery. Floor 2 houses a gallery made up of donations by individuals and the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery. Floor 3 holds the Sculpture and Crafts Gallery, the Asia Gallery and a small exhibition about the G20 Summit in Seoul 2010. It was here that the G20 members attended their first meeting in Korea, had a banquet and a took a tour of the museum.

Opening Hours / Admission:
Tues, Thurs & Fri: 09:00 ~ 18:00
Wed & Sat: 09:00 ~ 21:00
Sun & holidays: 09:00 ~ 19:00
Closed on Mondays and January 1st. If Monday is a national holiday the museum will stay open and close the following day.

Admission is free to the museum.

How to get to the National Museum of Korea:

Take line 4 to Ichon station, leave exit 2 and head straight.

Gwanghuimun gate was one of the small four gates that made up the Fortress wall that surrounded the palaces, city and protected Seoul from invaders. It is one of the less known gates and doesn’t get much attention due to the much bigger Dongdaemun Gate situated nearby. Gwanghuimun was built in 1396 [...]]]>

Gwanghuimun Gate

Gwanghuimun gate was one of the small four gates that made up the Fortress wall that surrounded the palaces, city and protected Seoul from invaders. It is one of the less known gates and doesn’t get much attention due to the much bigger Dongdaemun Gate situated nearby. Gwanghuimun was built in 1396 in the southeastern part of the walled capital. The gate was rebuilt in 1711 and the gatehouse was completed in 1719. The gate house and battlements around it were destroyed during the Korean War, only to be restored in 1976. The current Gwanghuimun gate is located slightly further south of the original site due to roads being built there.

How to get to Gwanghuimun Gate:
Take line 2 or 4 to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station and leave exit 3 or 4 and follow the map below.

Hwangudan Altar and Gate were built in October 1897. The altar was a religious facility were the emperor of the Great Han Empire made offerings to the Lord of heaven when he established the empire in 1897. Most of the area was destroyed by the Japanese in 1913 to make way for a hotel but [...]]]>

Hwangudan Altar

Hwangudan Altar and Gate were built in October 1897. The altar was a religious facility were the emperor of the Great Han Empire made offerings to the Lord of heaven when he established the empire in 1897. Most of the area was destroyed by the Japanese in 1913 to make way for a hotel but the altar, small gates and stone drums were untouched. In 2007 the main gate to this area was discovered and restored to its current location in front of Seoul City Hall Plaza and facing Deoksugung Palace.

Hwangudan Altar is definitely not a common tourist spot. It is hidden away in the centre of Seoul inside a small garden located at the Westin Chosun Hotel.

Often it is very quite here with no tourists despite being right in the main tourist area of City Hall Seoul.

There is no entrance fee and it is open all year round 24 hours a day. So, next time if you are at City Hall Plaza take a few minutes out of your schedule and visit Hwangudan Altar and Gate.

How to get Hwangudan Altar:
Take line 1 or 2 to City Hall station and leave exit 5 or 6 and follow the map below.

The National Treasures of South Korea are a numbered set of treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural heritage and historical value. Currently there are 315 National treasures. The Cultural Heritage Administration of [...]]]>

Main Hall National Treasure

The National Treasures of South Korea are a numbered set of treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural heritage and historical value. Currently there are 315 National treasures. The Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea monitor, decide and protect the National Treasures. The treasures are numbered according to the order in which they were designated not according to their individual value.

Jeongjeon (Main Hall) was designated as National Treasure No. 227 on January the 8th, 1985. It is here that the spirit tablets of  the former kings and queens are enshrined. The Main Hall has 19 Chambers to hold the spirits. In 1395 the Main Hall had seven chambers. As the Jeseon Dynasty continued to have power of Korea for 600 years there were chambers added over the years to hold more spirits. The hall was expanded to 11 chambers in 1546. In 1592 the Main Hall was destroyed in the Japanese Invasion and was rebuilt in 1608. In 1726 the hall was again expanded to 15 chambers. Finally, in  1836 the Main Hall expanded to 19 chambers.

It was at Jeongjeon (Main Hall) where a ritual ceremony was held 5 times a year. The ceremony proceeds through 3 distinct phases
1. Welcoming of the Spirits
2. Entertaining them
3. Ushering them out
Since 1971 it has been held on the first Sunday in May.

Jeongjeon (Main Hall) is the longest traditional building in Korea.
Jeongjeon is located inside Jongmyo Shrine.

Opening Hours / Admission:
Closed on Tuesdays.
March – September: 09:00 – 18:00
October – February: 09:00 – 17:30
On weekdays and Sundays you can only enter the shrine with a guided tour.
Guided Tours
Korean – 9 times a day / 09:20 – 16:20 (every hour), (17:00 March to September only)
English – 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00
Japanese – 09:00, 09:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40, 13:40, 14:40, 15:40, (16:40 March to September only)
Chinese – 11:00, 15:00
On Saturdays you are free to wander around Jongmyo by yourself.

Admission:
Adults (19 and over): 1,000 won
Children: 500 won

How to get to Jongmyo Shrine:
Take line 1, 3 or 5 to Jongno 3 (sam)-ga station and leave exit 7 or 11 and follow the map below.

Photo at the top of the page used with permission from “Cultural Heritage Administration.”

City Hall in Seoul is a governmental building for the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It is located next to City Hall Station. The building was built by the Japanese occupation government in 1926. After liberation from Japan, it served the Seoul city government. In front of City Hall building is the City Hall Plaza. It is [...]]]>

New City Hall Exhibition under construction

City Hall in Seoul is a governmental building for the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It is located next to City Hall Station. The building was built by the Japanese occupation government in 1926. After liberation from Japan, it served the Seoul city government. In front of City Hall building is the City Hall Plaza. It is an open area that has become famous for public rallies or celebrations. The most famous was of the huge gathering to support the South Koreans during the Japan – Korea World Cup of 2002.

In 2008 construction began on a New City Hall building. Seoul City Hall will consist of the existing structure which will be renovated and a newly constructed building. See below for pictures. Some 40 percent of the New City Hall building has been earmarked for a cultural space meaning it will truly be a place for the citizens of Seoul. The new building will be an eco-friendly building. Construction is expected to finish in May 2012.

Currently in front of the construction site at City Hall plaza you can find a small exhibit about the history and future of City Hall. At the exhibit the staff can speak English and there are a few useful free guide books. Also, it’s possible to get your picture taken for free with different Korean cultural backgrounds and email to your computer.

Opening Hours / Admission:
The Exhibit is open from 10:00am – 19:00 and closed on Mondays.

Admission is free.

How to get to City Hall Seoul:
Take line 1 or 2 to City Hall station and take exit 5.

Dream Forest is a massive green park located in Northern Seoul. It takes its name from Dreamland, a theme park with a small petting zoo, which was formally located here before being closed down in 2007. Dream Forest is the 4th largest park in Seoul before Seoul Forest, Olympic Park and World Cup Park. Surrounded [...]]]>

Dream Forest Seoul

Dream Forest is a massive green park located in Northern Seoul. It takes its name from Dreamland, a theme park with a small petting zoo, which was formally located here before being closed down in 2007. Dream Forest is the 4th largest park in Seoul before Seoul Forest, Olympic Park and World Cup Park. Surrounded by densely forested mountains of Byeogosan and Opaesan, Dream Forest provides diverse attractions to visitors, together with an abundant amount of natural vegetation. This park has tons of things to do and a great day out for the family.

After entering the park through the main east gate you will see the visitors centre. This centre is equipped with a nursery room, toilets and a souvenir shop. Also, you can visit the Design Seoul Gallery which is located on the first floor of the visitors centre. Following the winding paths and stream into the park you will come across Changnyeong wigung Ancestral Shrine which is Registered Cultural Heritage NO. 40. Following the path you will find the Moon Reflecting Pond and Lawn Plaza where concerts and events are held.

Towards the west gate of the park you can find the observation centre. The observatory was built in order to emphasize the purpose Dream Forest was built for. It is a 49.7m-high, 3-story building located west of Dream Forest Arts Centre. At the top of the observatory, downtown Seoul can be seen in a single sight. At north, the sight of Bukhansan (Mt.), Dobongsan (Mt.) and Suraksan (Mt.) provides an amazing panoramic view. To the south, a breathtaking view of Namsan (Mt.) and Hangang (River) can be seen.

Height: Altitude 139m (Observatory Height 49.7m)
Open Hours: 10:00 ~ 22:00 (Closed on Monday)
The observatory has been made famous by the KBS Drama for the filming location of IRIS.

How to get to Dream Forest Seoul:
There are 5 stations near to Dream Forest but you will need to transfer onto a bus for a few more minutes.
Take Line No.1 to Wolgye Station and 50m from Exit 2 get on Blue bus 147 Blue Bus for about 8min.
Take Line No.1 to Seokgye Station and 20m to the right from Exit 7 (across the street) and take Seongbuk 14 bus, Village Bus for about 10min.
Take Line No.4 to Mia Samgeori Station and 10m from Exit 1 get on Gangbuk 09 or Gangbuk 11, Village Bus for about 10 min.
Take Line No.6 to Dolgoji Station and 10m from Exit 3 get on Bus 147, Blue Bus for about 6min.
Take Line No.7 to Hagye Station and 100m from Exit 5 get bus 149, Blue Bus for about 10min.
All buses will take you to Dream Forest. Get off at the Dream Forest stop at the east gate.

View larger map
Admission is free to the park and observatory.
Here is a link for Dream Forest Park (Only Korean)

Bosingak Bell Tower was used during the Joseon Dynasty. The purpose of the bell tower was to notify the people of the opening and closing of the city gates and in case of emergencies. In the morning at 4:00am the bell rang 33 times which symbolized the 33 cheon (Heaven) of Buddhism. In the evening [...]]]>

Bosingak Bell Tower

Bosingak Bell Tower was used during the Joseon Dynasty. The purpose of the bell tower was to notify the people of the opening and closing of the city gates and in case of emergencies. In the morning at 4:00am the bell rang 33 times which symbolized the 33 cheon (Heaven) of Buddhism. In the evening at 7:00pm the bell rang 28 times which symbolized the 28 su (location of stars) of the constellation. The bell is no longer used except at midnight, New Year’s Eve when it is rung 33 times. Because of the massive number of people who attend this ceremony, line 1 of the Subway does not stop at Jonggak Station on New Year’s Eve.

Bonsingak Bell Tower was built in 1396 but destroyed numerous times of the years from fires, Japanese occupation and the Korean war. The bell melted due to fire in 1455 and was rebuilt in 1468. The bell which still survives to this day was put on display in the National Museum to preserve it. The current bell in Bosingak Tower was made and installed in 1985 by the Seoul Municipal Government.

How to get to Bonsingak Bell Tower:
Take line 1 to Jonggak station and leave exit 4 and it will be right in front of you.

Ice Gallery Seoul is the world’s first indoor ice sculpture gallery that is open year-round.
The Ice Gallery is spread over 2 floors. The first floor and entrance is a big room with many tables and the reception area. Here for 5,000 won you can experience what it is like to be an ice [...]]]>

Ice Gallery Seoul

Ice Gallery Seoul is the world’s first indoor ice sculpture gallery that is open year-round.
The Ice Gallery is spread over 2 floors. The first floor and entrance is a big room with many tables and the reception area. Here for 5,000 won you can experience what it is like to be an ice sculptor. Here you are taught about ice and how to sculpt. You will be able to carve your own ice mug complete with handle. Once you have completed your mug you can sit back and have a nice drink but you better not take too long or your mug will melt.

The Ice Gallery is located in the basement of the building. First your guide will explain the rules to you and then you must wear a thick jacket that they provide. Following that the staff open the big industrial freezer like doors and you are free to explore the ice gallery by yourself. The freezer is quite small but still you could easily spend 20 or 30 minutes enjoying the sculptures until the ice-cold temperature gets the best of you. The room is at a constant temperature of -5c which is quite comfortable on those hot and humid summer days.

There are a few different sections in the ice gallery but the main theme is Korean Households. They have created replicas of toilets, kitchens and living rooms from ice. Towards the back of the Ice Gallery they have miniature ice sculptures of the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa and more. Finally right before the exit they have and Ice Bar. There are four stools available made from ice and you can sit back and enjoy some vodka and other drinks.

Official site http://www.icegallery.co.kr/html/index.php (Korean Only)

Opening Hours / Admission:
Open everyday from 10am – 7pm
Ice Gallery is 7,000won and the Experience hall is 5,000won

How to get to the Ice Gallery Seoul:
Take line 3 to Anguk station and leave exit 1. Take your second right and head straight. It is in front of the Tourist Information booth

Naksan Mountain / park is located near Hyehwa station on line 4. It is located inside the Seoul Fortress Wall and the mountain’s beauty was enjoyed by the Jeseon Royal family. During the Japanese occupation of Korea most of the mountain was destroyed to make way for urban planning. On June 10th, 2002  Naksan was [...]]]>

Naksan Mountain

Naksan Mountain / park is located near Hyehwa station on line 4. It is located inside the Seoul Fortress Wall and the mountain’s beauty was enjoyed by the Jeseon Royal family. During the Japanese occupation of Korea most of the mountain was destroyed to make way for urban planning. On June 10th, 2002  Naksan was designated a park in order to save any natural beauty that was left. In January 2011 a new trail was opened on Naksan Mountain. A section of the Seoul Fortress wall was rebuilt and repaired making the total length of the wall 2km in this area. The Government of Seoul hope to bring more tourist by completing a trail along the Seoul Fortress wall by the end of 2012. The trail will follow the 20km route of the wall and show a path full of history and culture.

Naksan mountain is just over 100 meters high. To get to the top you can take two routes. The winding route with a gradual slope or the stairs which go straight up. At the start of the trail you can find Naksan Gallery (open 9 – 5), a small stage area, a parking lot, a shop and some benches to relax on. On the trail up the mountain you will come across a lot of trees, flowers and exercise machines. Half way up the mountain you will find many pavilions where people have picnics and take in the wonderful view of Seoul.

At the top of the mountain you can see the Seoul Fortress Wall. This wall was built in the Jeseon Dynasty to protect from invasion. From here you can get a great view of Seoul City.

How to get to Naksan Mountain:
Take line 4 to Hyehwa station and leave exit 2. From there you can find signs pointing towards Naksan Park. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
The park is open 24 hours.