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Seoul Travel Diary

Ceiling painting at the entry gate of Gyeonbokgung Palace. The turtle represents longevity in Korean culture. 

Change of Guards Ceremony

The hand painted ceiling beams and coffers are absolutely stunning! 

The cutest little preschoolers on their field trip to the palace.

Geunjeongjun is the main throne hall where state affairs were held. The raised portion of the cobblestone path in the center is exactly as wide as the king's palanquin that carried him around as he was not allowed to walk on common ground by law. 

Exploring every nook and cranny of the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Love the antique door hardware on the doors. It's all in the details.

GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty under King Taejo. It is the largest of the "Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, and was the home of the King, the royal family and household, and the government. It houses outer quarters such as the Geungjeongjun Throne hall, private inner quarters for the royal family, gardens, banquet halls, and much more. Try to get there in the morning to beat the crowds and make sure to check out the Change of Guard Ceremony which is at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, and the Gwanghwamun Gate Guard on Duty Ceremony which is at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Directions: Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Line 3, Exit 5), Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5 Exit 2)
Fees: 3,000 won
Info: Here and Here
 

Olaffur Eliasson
Gravity Stairs
2014

Spiral staircase by architect Mario Botta
Art installation "Alchemy" by Choi Jeong Hwa

Kohei Nawa
Pix Cell - Double Deer #6
2012

LEEUM SAMSUNG MUSEUM OF ART

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art is run by the Samsung Foundation of Culture. It exhibits both traditional Korean art as well as contemporary art by Korean and international artists. In addition to the beautiful artwork, the architecture of the museum is also noteworthy, as the three main buildings were designed by renown architects Mario Botta, Jen Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas.

Directions: Hangangjin Station (Line 6, Exit 1), Continue straight for about 100 meters towards Itaewon until you see a sign directing you to the museum on the right. Turn right into the alley and the museum will be up the hill in less than 5 minutes.
Fees: Permanent Exhibitions 10,000 won, Planned Exhibitions 8,000 won
Info: Here and Here
 

DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA BY ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, also known as the DDP, is an architectural landmark in Dongdaemun and was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The building features global exhibition and convention halls, Oullim Square, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, retail stores, a museum, Dongdaemun Excavation Site, and more.

Directions: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Line 2, 4, 5 Exit 1)
Fees: Varies according to exhibition
Info: Here
 

Leandro Erlich
Port of Reflections
2014
Mixed Media

Tae Bum Ha
Gaze on the Incident
2015

Tae Bum Ha
Gaze on the Incident
2015

Tae Bum Ha
Gaze on the Incident
2015

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN & CONTEMPORARY ART

The National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art showcases contemporary art by both Korean and international artists. This Seoul branch is one of three branches, while the main museum resides in Gwacheon. 

Directions: Anguk Station (Line 3 Exit 1), or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5 Exit 2)
Fees: 4,000 won
Info: Here and Here
 

TTUKSEOM HANGANG PARK

Ttukseom Hangang Park is a park by the Hangang River, and includes a Riverside Square, a water park, a cultural art complex (J-Beollae or J-Bug), outdoor rock climbing, gardens, weekend flea markets, camping grounds, sledding in the winter, and much more. Definitely come here if you want to enjoy outdoor activities and awesome views of the city by the Hangang River.

Directions: Ttukseom Resort Station (Line 7, Exit 2 or 3)
Fees: Free
Info: Here
 

Beautiful Korean murals while hiking down from N Seoul Tower.

Found in the back alleys of Itaewon

Cute murals found while walking around Samcheong-dong.

Got to meet the Beatles while exploring Dongdaemun.

Street art in Insa-dong

Street art in Insa-dong. The "ㅋ" characters that you see covering the wall are used to express the sound of laughter... Thus, it's a laughing wall!

Wall graffiti inside of Ssamziegil in Insa-dong.

SEOUL STREET ART

Some of Seoul's best street art is tucked away from the main streets and discovered while wandering the alleys. Hover over the pictures to see where each of these were taken!
 

CHUNGGYECHEON STREAM

Chunggyecheon is a stream that originated as a drainage system during the Joseon Dynasty. After the Korean War, the stream became a hub of makeshift homes for the poor. Because of its dilapidated state, in 1958 the city covered up the stream with concrete and constructed an elevated highway. Later in 2003 when Lee Myung-Bak was the Seoul Mayor, the stream was restored in a movement to bring back cultural history and nature into the city. 

Directions: City Hall, Jonggak, Jongno Samga, Jongno O-ga, Sinseol-dong Stations (Line 1), City Hall, Euljiro Ilga, Euljiro Sam-ga, Euljiro Sa-ga, Sindang, Sangwangsimni Stations (Line 2), Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5)
Fees: Free
Info: Here
 

Taking the short ferry trip to Nami Island.

Entry to Nami Island

Nami Island is known for their beautiful tree-lined trails. Come here during the fall when the leaves are changing color.

Archaeological evidence of ancient human tribal life was found on Nami Island. These are replicas of the type of straw dome housing that was used for housing.

Miniature sized examples of less prehistoric, yet still traditional Korean architecture.

The views walking along the edge of the island are so calming and beautiful.

Met a new friend. :)

NAMI ISLAND

While Nami Island is technically not in Seoul, I chose to add it as it's a quick day trip from Seoul, and is a beautiful nature escape that cannot be missed! 

Nami Island is a half-moon shaped island in Chuncheon. It was named after General Nami, who stopped a revolt during the 13th year of King Sejo during the Joseon Dynasty. He died at the age of 27 after being falsely accused of treason. A pile of stones meant for his burial grounds was found on the island, and a burial ground was erected in his honor. The island became popular after it was featured in the popular Korean drama "Winter Sonata." Over the years Nami Island has become a natural oasis, with beautiful tree-lined paths, outdoor sculpture, galleries, camping grounds, and much more.

Directions: Gapyeong Station (Gyeongchun Line), walk to the Namiseom Parking lot. Once you've purchased your tickets, you will take a five minute ferry ride to Nami Island.
Fees: 10,000 won
Info: Here


CREDITS:
Photography: Annie Cho

SHOOT LOCATION:
Seoul, South Korea, Nami Island