The bulk of tourism in South Korea is referred to the tourism industry in the Republic of Korea. Though internationally the country has not been a favorite hunting ground for the tourists but the domestic tourism has been very popular. Domestic tourism in Koreas has been expanding fast and Seoul has played a major role in the phenomena. There has been a lack of international tourists visiting Seoul in the past. Most of them are generally from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Japan. The recent popularity of the Korean culture has made it possible. For the non-Koreans Seoul is the principal destination.
The popularity of Seoul tourism is the virtue of the superb transport facility in the city. The extensive train and the bus service connect every corner of Seoul in no time. Every destination in the country can be covered within a day's trip. Whether you want to enjoy Seoul oe want to go out for the country ride, Seoul Tourism will provide you with the best.
The glittering city offers some of the exclusive hotels to stay in which has definitely contributed to the boost in the tourism of the city. Along with all the attractions the administration of Seoul works round the clock to promote Korean culture through tourism.History of Seoul
Seoul has a rich history which dates back to the BC 18. The 2000 years illustrious history of the city has witnessed many rulers and rules governing the city.The dynamic city of South Korea have been its capital of Korean Peninsula ever since it was established. History of Seoul is as illustrious as its present, lively and happening!
As history beckons traces of life in the place which is presently called Seoul was first found during the Paleolithic Age along the lower basin of the Han River. More archeological excavations have concluded that humans started to settle down in the adjoining areas of Seoul from the Neolithic age. The historic sites found at the Amsa -dong (village), Gangdong-gu (district) have shown traces of presence of lives which are believed to be about 3,000 to 7,000 years old. The population settlement started to move from the lower reaches to the inlands from BC 700 with the introduction of the bronze ware.
Seoul was first documented with the name of Wiryeseong as the capital of the Baekje dynasty in BC 18. The present day Seoul still bears some of the architectures of that period as various city walls. Pungnap Toseong, a wall of that age on the eastern front lying just outside Seoul, is believed to be the main site of Seoul or Wiryeseong.
After the Baekje dynasty the powers got shifted to the 'Three Kingdom Era' as the three kingdoms competed for the supremacy in the Korean Peninsula. The administrative control passed on to Goguryeo from Baekje in BC 392, thereafter to the Silla-Baekje alliance in BC 551.
It was in the late 19th century Seoul first opened its doors to the foreigners. That was the time Seoul was moving towards modernization after hundreds of years of isolation. Seoul developed as the first city in East Asia to have access to electricity, trolley cars, water, telephone, and telegraph systems simultaneously. The trade with United States of America helped in the development of the country to a great extent. The country once served as a colony to Japan during the years of (1910-1945). Seoul still remained the capital.
Tourism in Seoul though took a bit of time to evolve. The modernization of the city sparked off the beautification process in turn the tourism. The Korean War jolted the progress for a while but eventually the present day Seoul has come up as a great tourist spot in the world tourism map.Sightseeing in Seoul
In accordance with Camus, it can be said that the beautiful attractions of the city of Seoul would only leave one despair for the time of his tour is restricted and he would have to get back to his original place by leaving behind this magnificent city. Sightseeing in Seoul, therefore, offers you the glimpse of an eternity that we should like to stretch out over the whole of time. The most charming feature of Seoul is the gathering of millenniums - high-rise buildings towering above ancient temples, oasis of quiet gardens encircled by shining skyscrapers, and splendid palaces hosting traditional ceremonies as they did centuries ago.
Changdeok Palace and Biwon Garden
Registered as a World Heritage, Biwon Garden is typical of palace backyards where kings and other members of the royal family would go to relax and entertain. The erection of Changdeok Palace was resumed in 1405 and in 1463; King Sejo expanded the palace and created Biwon (secret) Garden.
Changgveong Palace
Initially built in 1104 as a summer palace for the kings of the Koryo Dynasty, Changgyeong was burned in 1592, although most have been rebuilt at least once since then.
Deoksu Palace
Located in downtown Seoul across the street from City Hall, Deoksu Palace which contains many scenic areas and is a favorite among wedding photographers who can overrun the area on weekdays vividly contrasts modern Seoul with traditional Korea.
Gyeongbok Palace
Built at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty this Gyeongbok Palace encompasses 419,100 square meters of halls, pavilions, offices, storerooms, gates and bridges.
Hangang Park
Hangang Park located along the banks of the Han River is another wonderful place to relax, explore and view Seoul-dwellers enjoying themselves.
Jongmyo Shrine and Gardens
According to Confucian tradition, the royal family would perform elaborate rituals here five times each year to pay respect to their royal ancestors. The tradition still holds today, although the Jongmyo Daeje (Royal Shrine Ritual) is only performed once each year in May.
Korean Folk Village
At the Folk Village, traditional dress, buildings, and folk traditions are recreated, making it a pleasant daytrip a short 30 minute drive from Seoul.
National Theater
The National Theatre complex houses a main stage, two smaller stages, and a free outdoor performing area. During performances, a playroom for young children is available.
National War Museum
This is located across the street from Korea's Department of Defense. Its impressive granite facade and surrounding park with vintage airplanes and tanks catch the eyes of people passing by along the main road.
Covering over 1.5 million square meters, Olympic Park arranged in a fan-shaped pattern preserves the spirit of the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Amusement Parks in Seoul
Seoul is the capital and the largest city of South Korea. The city of Seoul is located in northwestern part of South Korea. An amusement park is a place where you can find many rides and mediums of entertainment and is usually meant for a large group of persons. There are numerous amusement parks in Seoul which are very popular as tourist attractions. Each year, thousands of tourists from different parts of the world flock to these parks for a bit of fun and relaxation.
Seoul, one of the premier cities of South Korea is also home to some of the well-liked amusement parks are Lotte World, Everland and Seoul Land. All three of them are destinations that provide wholesome entertainment for tourists and visitors who come here from different parts of the world. Coex Aquarium and Aquarium 63 SeaWorld are other reputed amusement parks in Seoul. Most of the amusement parks in Seoul are based on certain themes. If you are driven by the age-old idea that an amusement park consists of a park and some games and rides, wait until you visit these new-generation amusement parks that have gardens, zoos and rides adhering to the specific theme on which the park has been built.
Everland amusement park of Seoul is the largest theme park in Korea. In the year 2002, Everland was selected by the U.S. 'Amusement Business' to be one of the top five theme parks of the world. Besides the vast garden, Everland offers visitors with numerous rides.
Lotte World is a park that attracts around six million tourists per year. The park boasts different indoor and outdoor sections. Strolling around Lotte World gives you impressions of the streets of various countries of the world.Festivals and Events in Seoul
Seoul the capital and the largest city of South Korea is home to over ten million people. Seoul is the country's political, cultural and economic hub. Korea is a cosmopolitan country and its multiculturalism is showcased in the diverse festivals celebrated here. The religion which is most widely practiced is Buddhism. Some of the festivals celebrated in Korea are:
The Lunar New Year Festival in Seoul is the celebration of family ties. People return to their hometowns during this 3-day long celebration to stay with the elders and visit relatives during the Lunar New Year. They buy gifts for their loved ones. They usually stay with the head of the family (generally the eldest male). The children and the grandchildren show their respect by performing saebae. This is the ritual of bowing and paying respect to one's elders. Everyone cleanses themselves early in the morning and puts on their best traditional Korean clothes or hanbok. Thereafter the entire family performs ch'arye- a ceremony to commemorate the ancestors. Next up they walk down to the ancestral gravesite for a picnic. Food and alcohol is placed around the graves as offering to the ancestral spirits.
The Lotus Lantern Festival is the celebration of the birth anniversary of Buddha. This festival is a single day celebration. People make wishes as a part of the ritual and hang lotus-shaped-lanterns. Apart from the lantern exhibition the Lotus Lantern Festival features many Buddhist events as well as traditional folk events all day long. Programs are lined up one after the other that you can be a part of or simply enjoy from outside. Lessons are also imparted on how to make lanterns. Printing and engraving traditional Korean patterns, face painting, studying and practicing Zen meditation are some of the common activities at the Lotus Lantern Festival.
Jongmyo Daeje is celebrated on the first Sunday of May. People pay homage to their ancestors with offerings of food, wine, music and dance. Jongmyo Daeje is a royal ancestral rite that takes place annually at Jongmyo Shrine in Jongno, Seoul. The Jongmyo Daeje is considered the most important ceremony of Joseon Dynasty. Previously it was held 5 times a year until the Japanese colonial government terminated it. After being reinstated in 1971 the event has since been held once a year. In the year 1995 the event got recognition from UNESCO as one of the world cultural heritage.How to Get in
Seoul is the capital of South Korea has two airports. Getting in to Seoul by air is the most convenient option. All the major airliners like Quantas, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and many others have direct flights to Seoul.
Seoul is also linked to all parts of South Korea by an extensive rail network. Visitors to South Korea can avail train service especially high speed train to get to Seoul. Getting to Seoul by train also gives you an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscape en route.
Besides air and an extensive rail network, getting to Seoul by road is often a convenient and cost effective way. There is an extensive bus service to Seoul from all corners of the South Korea.
Another way of getting to Seoul by road is by car. You can reach Seoul from Busan, which is a drive along Highway 1. The scenery along this highway is very beautiful.Hotels in Seoul
