Showing 1-8 of 8 results
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Bosingak
Situated in Jongno (Bell St), Seoul's main street during the Joseon period, this pavilion houses a modern version of the city bell, which was originally forged in 1468. The bell is rung only at New Year, when crowds gather here to celebrate.
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Bukchon Museum
This hanok (traditional Korean one-storey wooden house with a tiled roof) is packed with curios and collectables, but is more of a shop than a museum as everything is for sale. Entry is free if you make a purchase, or buy an around ₩3000 cup of homemade tea.
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Cheongwadae
The Blue House is Korea's answer to America's presidential residence the White House. Back in 1968 a squad of 31 North Korean commandos was caught just 500m from the Blue House on a mission to assassinate President Park Chung-hee. The threat from the North has diminished but still remains, so security is tight.
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Dongdaemun
Seoul's Eastern fortress gate, Dongdaemun, dates back to the 14th century, but the existing structure was built in 1869 and had to be renovated after being severely damaged during the Korean War when Seoul changed hands four times. Dongdaemun market starts at this gate.
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Gyeonghuigung
This detached palace, 'Palace of Shining Celebration' in English, was completed in 1623 and used to consist of a rabbit warren of courtyards, buildings, walls and gates that spread over a large area. But it was destroyed during the Japanese annexation (1910-45) when a Japanese school was established here. Only the main audience hall, Sungjeongjeon, and the smaller royal bedchamber behind it have been restored along with a few paved courtyards, walls and corridors. The entrance gate, Heunghwamun, has toured around Seoul including a stint outside the Hotel Shilla, but was moved to its present site in 1988.
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Korean Comfort Women Protest
Every week a handful of elderly Korean comfort women, who were forced into prostitution during WWII, gather outside the Japanese embassy. Together with their supporters they wave placards and shout slogans. One of them, Hwang Geum-joo, says she will never give up: 'Our numbers are dwindling every year, but we are still full of anger and they should apologise for what they did to us!'.
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National Assembly
This pillared building with a green roof was completed in 1975. Free tours (Korean language only) take only 15 minutes although they can take longer if the country's 299 elected representatives are in session. Full meetings are held in February, April and June, and from September to December.
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Seodaemun Prison
This prison is a stark reminder of the sufferings of Korean independence fighters who challenged Japanese colonial rule (1910-45). It contains an entrance gate, two watchtowers, a wooden execution house, interrogation cells and eight of the original 18 red-brick prison buildings. Built to house 500 prisoners, up to 3000 were packed inside during the height of the anti-Japanese protests in 1919.
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Showing 1-8 of 8 results
