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For many years, Seoul carried the reputation of being extremely polluted, crowded, and dirty. While that used to be true to a certain degree, in modern times it has become a terrific example of how a very large city can control pollution, implement extensive public transportation systems, and take its place as a thriving and vital metropolis.
Seoul is an enjoyable combination of tradition, culture, and a thoroughly modern approach to life. You will find traditional palaces and other historical sights right alongside expansive shopping, exciting nightlife, and a bustling urban experience. This allows visitors to plan and itinerary that best suits their own preferences and interests, putting together combinations of activities and events to experience a customised mixture of the old and the new.
Take a trip into the ancient history of Korean royalty with visits to one or more of the five most important royal palaces located in Seoul. For instance, Gyeonbok-gung is an extensive palace complex dating back several hundred years. Despite being damaged and nearly destroyed several times in its history, large parts of the palace have been painstakingly restored to their original grandeur. Guided tours are available, or you can explore the grounds and the structures on your own.
Another exciting example of a royal palace is Changdeok-gung, generally considered to be the nearest in grandeur and history to Gyeonbok-gung. At Changdeok-gung you will find wonderfully restored buildings and grounds, revealing the elegance and beauty of the entire palace complex. While you are there, be sure to visit the Huwon (Secret Garden), the King's office located in Seonjeongjeon, and the great hall known as Daejojeon. The majority of the time access to Changdeok-gung is only granted to organized tours (some of which are conducted in English), but there are narrow windows of time when you can explore the complex on your own. Check the current schedule for specific information about days, times, and other details.
After exploring the royal places, head for one of several excellent parks located in and around Seoul. Boramae Park is one of the most varied and popular parks with an interesting history. It used to be home to the Korean Air Force Academy, but in the mid-1980's was transformed into a modern and extensive park. There you will find plentiful walking trails, facilities for playing a variety of sports, a nice little zoo, and a spectacular pond surrounded by majestic willow trees and plenty of places to sit and relax.
Unique among Seoul's park system is Namsan Park, located directly in the centre of the city. It is special because although it is completely surrounded by an urban environment, the park itself remains pristine and fresh. There is plenty of wildlife located in the park itself, and because the park is set up on a mountain with large swaths of trees and foliage it is a highly visible and honoured place to the residents of Seoul.
Most visitors to Seoul arrive via Incheon International Airport, a modern and convenient complex offering a huge array of flight options as well as many conveniences and services designed especially for the traveller. Transportation into the city proper is readily available thanks to some excellent shuttle buses, plentiful public buses, convenient trains, and taxis. Most major hotels in Seoul offer some level of assistance with transportation needs, ranging from complimentary shuttles to discounted transportation tickets to helping you plan your transportation needs and more.
Wiki:- Seoul
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