Things to Do in Seoul

Nowhere is the tension between North and South Korea more palpable than in the no-man's-land known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ. As a divided nation, only 2.5 miles (4 km) separate the North from the South at what is the most heavily armed border on earth. The 150-mile (241-km) zone has served as a buffer since the 1953 cease-fire agreement between the United Nations and North Korea that put the Korean War on hold.

Bukchon Hanok Village is a lovely residential neighborhood located between Gyeongbok and Changdeok Palaces, and is full of traditional hanok homes. It is a place that perfectly embodies the heritage and culture of South Korea.

Famous for once being the residences of high-ranking government officials, the village is now a peaceful destination for visitors looking to taking a stroll through its comforting alleyways and calm, picturesque scenery. Boasting more than 600 years of history, the village reflects that of the tranquil views and nature of neo-Confucianism.

It currently houses a museum and various craft shops tucked away in its back alleys, built in a uniform way where gardens meeting on adjacent properties seem to make the whole idea of property go away. Located just at the mouth of the village, the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center is a great place to get the low-down on not only the village itself, but its history and artist integrity, providing audiovisual materials and a shop.

Just a few steps away, the charming neighborhood of Samcheong-dong is the perfect place to stroll through while enjoying its unique shops, galleries and cafes.

Be sure to pack a fully charged camera when visiting the Alive Museum in Seoul, since the collection of “trick art” will have you snapping away for hours at the creative optical illusions. Watch as a waterfall spills off the wall and Spiderman dangles from the ceiling, or stroll the red carpet with your favorite celebrities before playing tennis against Marilyn Monroe. Laugh as a giraffe tickles your hand with its tongue, or you gallop away on a horse, but not before climbing into a huge mug of beer and swimming inside the foam. This is definitely a place for fun-loving travelers, and the level of creativity inside this museum is as fascinating as the pieces themselves. This type of art, called object art, creates a 4D experience that lets you place yourself in the middle of the pictures, and is a fun excursion for travelers of all ages—particularly families and couples.

Once the easternmost of four main gates to the capital city, Seoul, the Dongdaemun Gate functions today as a tourist attraction and an iconic beacon for shoppers seeking the wares available at the nearby market and shopping complexes.

There have been imposing structures serving as gates on the site as far back as 1396. The current structure was built by King Gojong in 1869. The gate and connecting city wall weren't built for ornamental purposes only, as the lowland site of the main palace wasn't easy to defend from invaders. This is not to say that the structure is anything less than handsome. Despite the varying hues of stone used during numerous renovations over the years, the gate's facade is imposing. Joseon Period Japsang statues of animals adorn the eaves in an attempt to ward off evil spirits. Whether they are effective or not is questionable, but their aesthetic value is considerable. Guided tours of the structure and surrounding area come highly recommended.

The aforementioned market and shopping complexes are booming destinations popular with both Koreans and tourists. Situated along the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream and the Hwanghakgyo Bridge, the market is home to stalls offering standard wares, kitschy souvenirs, traditional Korean goods, folk items, and a wide array of traditional Korean and fusion cuisine. Cross the main street to the Dongdaemun shopping complexes to go shopping for clothing, accessories, and shoes until the wee hours of the night.

A stimulating mix of old and new, the Dongdaemun Gate and accompanying market are definitely worth a late afternoon or early evening, whether you live in and around Seoul or are just passing through.