Dongdaemun, The East Gate Market

Established during the Joseon Period near The East Gate, Dongdaemun. Today, Dongdaemun Market has turned into a fashion town packed with large and small retail as well as wholesale shopping malls. Dongdaemun is surely the place where shoppers can purchase anything related to fashion. Here, you can buy fabrics and subsidiary materials for garments.

One irresistible advantage of Dongdaemun market is this place offers high grade quality materials for reasonable price. At the daytime, the market is overflowing with tourists looking for the best products at affordable prices. At night, local shop owners are busy purchasing newest fashion products for their own customers.

Heunginjimun, Also known as Dongdaemun, (Great East Gate). This eastern gate is among the eight gates of Seoul. The fortress walls were destroyed long time ago, but the gate remains the same as in the Joseon period, retaining its magnificent beauty.

Walking distance from Exit 8 of Dongdaemun Station (subway lines 1 & 4)

Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Korea

Established during the Joseon Dynasty in 1414, Namdaemun is a very old yet largest traditional market in Korea. Located next to Sungnyemun Gate with over 10000 shops and street stalls, it takes a whole day to just look around the market. From a wide variety of selling items at for different prices and qualities, you never fail to find what you have in mind. Even street vendors offer rare items which give you a pleasant time to look for. Namdaemun Market is famous for its reasonable prices and the generous hospitality. Almost half of foreign tourists who visit Seoul are known to stop by the market.  Between shopping you can please your stomach with unique snacks and specialities.

Sungnyemun Gate, the wooden structure was built in 1398. Also known as Namdaemun (The great south gate), the gate served as the main entrance through the fortress wall of Hanjang which surrounded Seoul during Joseon time.

Fast Facts :

• A walking distance from Exit 5 ofHeohyeon station (subway line 4).
• Closed on Sunday

Gyeonghuigung, The west palace

Gyeonghuigung was built in 1617 and often referred as West Palace. At the height of its usage, Gyeonghuigung included more than 100 halls, most were burnt in two separate conflagration. One during the 29^th year of the reign of King Sunjo (1829) and the other during the 20^th year of the reign of king Gojong. The remaining halls were demolished during the colonial period (1910-1945). Since 1985, several buildings including Sungjeongjeon Hall was restored.

Sungjeongjeon is the main hall of Gyeonghuigung Palace. Three Joseon kings ascended the throne at Sungjeongjeon.

Today Gyeonghuigung is very quiet and provides a good resting place for tired tourists. Often times, Korean TV shows shoot here. If you are lucky, you can meet Korean TV stars.

Fast Facts

• 10 minutes walk from Exit 4 of Seodaemun Station (Subway line 5). 10 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Gwahamun Station (Subway line 5).
• Free admission.
• Closed on Monday.

Changdeokgung Palace, harmony with nature

Changdeokgung palace was a second royal palace built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung palace in 1405. Changdeokgung palace was favoured by the Joseon monarchs as it more comfortable than the more formal Gyeongbokgung which was the actual seat of government.

Changdeokgung gets its homey feel for having its building harmoniously blended with nature, lush scenery with various pavilions, ponds, a streams with waterfall.

Through the tumultuous times, it was burnt several times but the buildings have remained largly intact over six centuries. Changdeokgung palace is designated as one of World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO

Fast Facts:

• 5 minutes walk from Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station on subway lines 1,3 & 5
• Fee : Adults 3000won, minors 1500won
• Closed on Mondays

Insadong, the cultural street of Seoul

Insa-dong (인사동), located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. The streets are filled with shop selling antiques, old books, painting, ceramics and souvenirs for tourists. The face of insadong changes three times a day. In early morning, it is quiet. In the afternoon always busy with tourist and at night, even more people enjoy spending time here.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center. 

Fast Fact :

• 10 minutes walk from Exits 4 and 5 of Jongno-3-ga Station (Subway Line 1)
• 5 minutes walk from Exit 1 and 6 of Anguk Station (Subway line 3)
• No vehicle allowed during Saturday from 1400 hours to 2200 hours and Sunday from 1000 hours to 2200 hours

Changgyeonggung Palace

Built in 1418 for the living former queens and later extended to a regular palace as new building were constructed. Together with Changdeokgung Palace, it was called east palace. Like other palace of Joseon, it went through wars, upheavals and conflagrations. In particular, it was turned into zoo and botanical garden by Japanese during their invasion.

Fast Facts:

• 15 min walk from exit 4 of Hyehwa Station (line 4)
• Fee: Adults 1000won, minors 500won
• Closed on Monday 

Deoksugung Palace, where west meet east

The only palace in Seoul where you can see west meet east and traditional meet modern. For sheer ease of access you can't beat Deoksugung, located right next to City Hall in the heart of modern downtown Seoul. It was the main palace during the period of late Joseon Dynasty. Today Doeksugung embellished with spring cherry blossom and yellow gingko leaves in fall. Couple loves to walk around the stone palace wall enjoying the unique feel of the palace.

Fast fact :

• 5 min walk from exit 12 of City Hall Station (line 1)
• 0900-2100
• Fee: Adult 1000 won / Minors 500 won
• Closed on Monday