Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Lotte Department Store Jamsil Branch opened the same year that the 1988 Seoul Olympics were held. Today, the Lotte Department Store chain is known as one of the largest department store chains in Korea. At the Jamsil Branch, many nearby tourist attractions await visitors, such as Lotte Hotel, Lotte World Theme Park, an ice skating rink, a duty free shop, an outlet, the Lotte Folk Museum, and Jamsil Station Shopping Mall. The area acts as an all-encompassing tourist zone. You can shop at Lotte Department Store, stay overnight at Lotte Hotel, and enjoy a cultural experience at the Lotte Folk Museum for a fulfilling day. Lotte Department Store in Jamsil has transformed itself into a center of lifestyle, shopping, and leisure in this previously quiet suburban area of Seoul. It has now become a hub of tourism and shopping that can satisfy the various needs of all customers! Lotte Department Store is working in conjunction with Lotte Hotel and Lotte World, the shopping mall, a wedding hall, and Lotte Mart in order to prepare for a new era of luxurious lifestyles.


Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

With 63 floors measuring a total x_height of 264 meters, 63 Building is Korea’s tallest and most recognized building. 63 Building boasts spectacular views of the Hangang River and the surrounding Bugaksan, Namsan and Gwanaksan Mountains. 63 Building has undergone considerable renovation and the basement floor boasts convenience facilities including 63 Sea World, 63 IMAX theater, the nation's largest buffet restaurant “Buffet Pavilion,” and a host of other restaurants.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Located at the corner of Seoul's busiest downtown intersection, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone-wall road. It is also the only palace that sits alongside a series of western style buildings that add to the uniqueness of the surrounding scenery. Deoksugung Palace originally belonged to Wolsandaegun (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon Dynasty. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave the palace the name Gyeongungung in 1611. Afterwards, the name was then changed back to its orginal title of Deoksugung. Upon entering Deoksugung Palace and Daehanmun, visitors will cross the wide bridge of Geumcheon. The king's carriage would pass over this bridge during ancient times. The Beopjeon Building Junghwajeon is very stately, revealing its long history. The Jeukjodang Building received its name from Gwanghaegun and In-Jo, who both ascended to the throne here. The front sign on Jeukjodang was written personally by Go Jong in 1905 after he became king. Hamnyeongjeon was where Go Jong slept, and Hamnyeong was named so to wish Go Jong lasting peace. The East Wing served as the king’s room, and the west wing was for the queen. Jeonggwanheon was the first western style building built in the palace, completed in 1900. Go Jong enjoyed drinking coffee and spending his free time here. The back of the building had secret passageways to the Russian Emissary, which still exist today. Seokjojeon is the other western-style building that still remains in Deoksugung, and it was in the process of being built by a British man for his company, when in 1905 the property rights were transferred to Japan. It was finally completed in 1910. After Gojong’s death, Seokjojeon became a Japanese art gallery open to the public. After the Korean Declaration of Independence, the American-Russian joint commission was held here as well in May 1946. The east wing of Seokjogwan building now serves as a palace treasure exhibition, and the west wing is used as part of the National Modern Art Center. The Junghwajeon (Junghwa Hall) was the center of politics during the period of Daehanjeguk (the Great Korean Empire) and served as the backdrop to critical discussions on national affairs among the country’s leaders. The elaborateness of the hall’s interior is said to reflect the confidence of King Gojong (26th king of the Joseon Dynasty, r. 1863-1907) in his ability to effectively lead the country into the 20th century. One of the most striking parts of the building is the pair of dragons that decorates the canopy above the throne of the king. These dragons can also be seen on the ceiling of Junghwajeon and were representative designs of Deoksugung Palace, the imperial palace at that time. Though the Junghwajeon was originally built in 1902 as a multi-roofed building, it was redesigned as a single-roofed building in 1906 after it caught on fire in 1904. In 1592, the Japanese army landed in Busan and marched to the capital of Seoul. Prior to their arrival, King Seonjo fled to Uiju, where he stayed for one and a half years. When he returned to Seoul, he had no place to stay because all of the places had been burned down during the war. So, he used this place, which was originally the residence of one of his relative’s families, as a temporary palace. Prince Gwanghaegun succeeded King Seonjo and then renamed this palace Gyeongungung. After King Gojong returned from the refuge with a Russian delegation, he chose to reside in this place. He remained at the palace even after he had been forced to hand over the throne to his son, Emperor Sunjong. The name of the palace was changed at this time to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity.” The Junghwa Hall is one of the historical centers of Deoksugung Palace, which stands proudly alongside other notable buildings at the palace, such as Seokeodang, Junmyeongdang, Jeukjodang, Jeonggwanheon, Deokhongjeon, Borugak, and Jagyeokru.  


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Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Dongdaemun

The Gwangjang Market is the nation’s first market and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The second floor of the market provides all of your silk, satin, and linen bed-sheet stores, which are the largest and most famous in Seoul. Many of the stores in the area even have their own factories supplying fabrics to the Namdaemun Market, Pyoung Hwa Market, and even to some department stores. Even though the goods are not brand-name products, the wide selection of high quality goods at inexpensive prices makes it an enjoyable shopping experience. 


Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain is the world’s longest bridge fountain. The fountain is programmed to play different shows during the day and night. During the day, the fountain shows a hundred different configurations meant to evoke waving willow branches and willow leaves. When the sun goes down, 200 lights illuminate the fountain as it sends up dancing, rainbow-colored jets of water in the air in synchronization with music.Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain operates from April to October every day, four to six times a day for 20-minutes. At the park, there is an outdoor stage, ecological observing site, and picnic areas. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Since the main branch’s grand opening in 1979, there are now a total of eight Lotte Department Stores in Seoul alone, with stores in Jamsil, Yeongdeungpo, Cheongnyangni, Gwanak, Gangnam, Nowon and Mia, totaling 24 department stores nationwide. The Lotte Department Store Main Branch is located in Myeong-dong’s fashion district. Myeong-dong offers the largest shopping area in Korea, with 2 million shoppers visiting on a daily basis. Hence, Myeong-dong plays as an essential role in international tourism. The Lotte Department Store is conveniently located near major forms of transportation and is the leading department store in Korea.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

If you get off from Exit 3 or 4 of Chungmuro Subway Station, you are right in front of Namsangol Hanok Village. You may find it interesting that this traditional Korean village is standing between the modern skyscrapers. This village has five restored traditional Korean houses and a pavilion, a pond and a time capsule, also making it a perfect spot to take a leisure walk. When you enter from the front gate, you will see the vast valley and the Chunugak Pavillion to the left of the pond. Beside the pond, there is a big space where performances are usually held. On the other side, you will see five traditional houses. These houses were remodeled after the traditional houses of Joseon Dynasty and belong to those of various social classes, ranking from peasants to the king. The furniture in the house is situated to help guests understand the daily lives of the past, and the clean, traditional houses, as well as their antique items provide a great photo op. If you would like to check out some souvenirs, stop by the traditional craftwork exhibit where you can buy small dishes and other items. You can also have some traditional tea and refreshments. On the grounds, there are traditional games that you may try such as 'neolttwigi' (sea-saw jumping), 'tuho'(arrow throwing) and 'yunnori' (traditional game of throwing wooden yut sticks). Don't forget to catch the traditional marriage ceremony that takes place. During the weekends, traditional marriages are shown at Bak Yeong Hyo's Residence. The traditional marriage ceremony is an interesting event for both Koreans and foreigners and many gather to watch. During the winter season (November to February), there are not as many wedding ceremonies as compared to that during spring and fall. Weddings are typically held around noon or 1 p.m. and visitors can take pictures with the husband and wife wearing traditional wedding costumes. There is also a time capsule commemorating Seoul’s 600 Year Anniversary that was buried in 1994 and is scheduled to be reopened four hundred years later in 2394.


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Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

Opened in 1964, Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea with various goods in store. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also function as a wholesale markets.Most of the goods are made directly by the storeowners. Namdaemun Market opens from 11:00pm to 3:00am, and is crowded with retailers from all over the country. When day breaks, the site of busy Koreans bustling around the market, creates a unique scene that attracts tourists worldwide. The Namdaemun Market sells a variety of clothes, glasses, kitchenware, toys, mountain gear, fishing equipment, stationery, fine arts, accessories, hats, carpets, flowers, ginseng, and imported goods.* Children’s / Infants’ WearThe Children’s Wear area at the Namdaemun Market offers the best selection, as it is the largest children’s wear market in Korea with a 90% market share. Children’s items comprise of products such as t-shirts, dresses, shoes, and socks.* Ladies’ WearLadies’ Wear at the Namdaemun Market offers quality clothing with the latest designs in fashion, such as casual wear, women’s suits, clothing for the elderly, and much more. The clothes are made and sold directly from the stores.* Imported GoodsThe Namdo Import Market and the underground market known as the Doggaebi Market also have many goods in store, including furniture, clothing, medicinal drugs, liquor, infant goods, kitchenware, electronics, canned food, dried fish, and more. Newly designed Hanboks (traditional Korean costume), blankets, and bed sheets can be purchased at great bargains.* Kitchenware & Lacquer WareKitchenware range from China used in restaurants, stainless steel ware, lacquer ware inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and pottery, to imported kitchen utensils.* Optician’s ShopsAll of the opticians are gathered in one area at the Namdaemun Market. A wide selection of eyewear are sold at reasonable prices, including corrective glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses for both children and adults. The shops are open until late at night, and also function as a wholesale market.* Mountain, Ski, & Fishing GearSporting goods stores in the area offer backpacks, mountain boots, and other various equipment for mountain climbing, skiing, and fishing at wholesale prices.* GinsengGinseng, laver, dried squid, croakers, dried cod, octopus, peanuts, and pine nuts are all available at both retail and wholesale prices so that customers can make reasonable purchases. 


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Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name, 'Bukchon,' which literally translates to 'northern village,' came about as the neighborhoods that the village lies north of the two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture. 


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Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae.Changdeokgung Palace’s rear garden was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a resting place for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bukwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon after King Kojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong, Buyongji, Juhabru, Eosumun, Yeonghwadang, Bullomun, Aeryeonjeong, and Yeongyeongdang are some of the many pavilions and fountains that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.(Click here for more information on Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site)Changdeokgung Palace was one of the places visited by the first ladies of the Seoul G20 summit during the G20 conference in Seoul in November 2010. It is one of the most historically significant attractions that represent the beauty of Korea.