Seoul is one of the most visited cities in Asia. There are many reasons why tourists flock to Korea’s capital. From food to fashion, art to architecture, this city has so much to offer to its visitors. Here are the top reasons why you should book your flight now and head to Seoul.
Mouthwatering dishes
This city has almost any food. From soups to spicy sauces, and vegetables, you will definitely get any dish you want. The most popular cuisine is Korean BBQ, which involves grilling fresh cuts of pork or beef tableside.
Ingredients are locally grown, so the food is always fresh when served. Butternut and creamy cottage cheese are also readily available. You can also try some live octopus if you like trying new things. Seoul is a perfect destination for foodies.
2. It is rich in history
One of the most fascinating things about Seoul is that it is home to a large number of historic sites and attractions. For example, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-visit when visiting this city. The Palace was built in 1395, and it served as the home to kings of the Joseon Dynasty as well as the King’s households.
Seoul has various museums, which cover both antiquity and modernity. Such an example includes the 1946-built National Folk Museum of Korea, which highlights the culture of the Korean people. There’s also the National Museum of Korea which was built in 2005, and it displays recent military artworks. You can also visit the Korean War Memorial.
3. Seoul city has an amazing culture
One of the things that you will find fascinating in this city is their culture. Respect is deeply rooted in society, especially when one is interacting with an elder or someone they don’t know. Every year, many people come to Seoul city for different cultural events, festivals, and religious ceremonies. There are many exhibits and exciting things you can learn about Seoul city and the country as a whole.
4. Exciting nightlife
Seoul has a vibrant nightlife, and drinking alcohol in the company of friends is a common social event. The locals truly know how to have fun because of several restaurants, bars, pubs, karaoke rooms, etc. Seoul city has many fun nightlife areas, including Gangnam, Itaewon, Hongdae, etc. So whether you want to dance at a nightclub or just relax and enjoy a beer with a few friends, Seoul has something for you.
5. Get ahead in technology
Seoul is known to be home to technological innovation, and it is also the city with the most advanced technology in South Korea. Many international companies and large Korean companies have their headquarters located in Seoul, especially in the technology industries. Nearly every room in every building in Seoul has a huge LG TV screen mounted on the wall. There’s also the Lotte World Tower which was built in 2016 and is the country’s tallest building. The building’s elevator is the fastest in the world, moving at ten meters per second. Lotte World Tower hosts the world’s largest indoor theme park, shopping facilities, and movie theatres.
6. Hike incredible mountains near the city
Seoul offers many hiking attractions to locals and tourists. There are mountain ranges spreading throughout the land. Bukhansan is the tallest mountain near Seoul. It’s around 2744 feet in height, and is part of the wider Bukhansan National Park. Another great spot to hike through is the Namsan and Inwangsan. One thing about these mountains is that you will always get a splendid view of the city when you reach the top. So when visiting this Seoul city, make sure to carry your hiking boots; you may need them.
7. You will enjoy many things at affordable prices
Seoul is one of the cheapest destinations in Asia. This is particularly the reason why many tourists on a budget make a stop here. The food is very cheap in this city. The street vendors which are situated everywhere in the city are the cheapest option. Accommodations are also affordable. Some hotels offer rooms at $10 or less. Affordable hotels can be found throughout the city. You can also get a massage or haircut at an affordable price at various spas in the city. Of course, there’s always going to be a range of prices depending on the quality of service you want. But Seoul has something exciting and affordable to offer you.
8. Admire Buddhist temples
Although the number of Buddhist believers in South Korea has declined, making up less than 20% today, Seoul’s temples are still looking great as ever. The locals appreciate the traditional customs regarding Buddhism and they visit the temples regularly, especially the elders. Tourists can visit the temples and even interact with the local staff and monks living and working in the temples.
9. There are always fun festivals to enjoy
Seoul usually has many festivals running throughout the year. So you will get the chance to take part in any festival regardless of the time of the year you choose to visit this city. During early summer, Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated throughout the country with large parades in Seoul city. One of the most popular events that happen during spring is the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival. In winter, Changgyeonggung Stream is usually adorned with seasonal light ornaments, making it a perfect destination during the Christmas holiday.
10. Shop and shop
Every year, many tourists from neighboring Asian countries come to Korea for one sole reason: to shop. They want to select the latest trends in Korean fashion, pick high-quality Korean skincare products, and visit the many shopping stores for an incredible shopping experience. If you know where to shop, then you can find massive discounts.
Conclusion
If you have been planning to visit Seoul city, but you keep postponing for reasons best known to you or you have never thought of visiting this vibrant city, now you have every reason to pack your bag and head to Seoul city.