This mostly residential neighborhood is known for being the home to the Korean mega-conglomerate, Lotte, including its popular amusement park, Lotte World. The amusement park is a top attraction for families, youth, and couples, with rides, shows, attractions, an ice rink, and more. Lotte’s expansion in recent years is spearheaded by the soaring Lotte World Tower. The Charlotte Theater nearby regularly hosts popular musical productions for culture lovers while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy taking a stroll around Seokchon Lake or the immense Olympic Park (built for the 1988 Summer Olympics) close by.

If Gwanghwamun is the unofficial living room of Seoul, Jongno is the main hallway connecting some of Seoul’s most important historic sites and neighbourhoods. Being one of Seoul’s oldest neighbourhoods, the area is rich with history and culture in its palaces, shrines, and temples. Stand in the centre of Gwanghwamun Square with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Mt. Bugak in front of you, King Sejong the Great statue behind you, and modern office buildings encircling you—it’s one of the best ways to experience both past and present Seoul in one spot. The main street of Jongno is mostly dotted with restaurants and cafes, but explore deeper within its intricate alleys to pass decades-old restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, and pojangmachas (tents that open at night for quick bites and drinks) and life seems to run just as it did a decade or two ago. Don’t forget to stop at Gwangjang Market, Korea’s oldest traditional market, where it’s just as fun to explore as it is to eat the affordable market dishes that locals have been enjoying since the market first opened in 1905. For a break from urban life, walk along the restored Cheonggyecheon Stream that runs parallel to Jongno for a moment of natural refuge in metropolitan Seoul.

The National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum are located on the grounds of this palace, built six centuries ago by the founder of the Chosun dynasty.

This 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the city's jewel. It's as famous for its outstanding architectural details as for its verdant and expansive gardens.

It’s hard to believe that this large, beautiful Buddhist temple is situated in the middle of a bustling metropolis. It’s impossible not to be moved by the beauty and serenity of this enchanting temple. You can even stay overnight for a fee.

This beautiful, colorful temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea. Equally lovely is the courtyard, which is filled with vibrant lanterns and trees more than 500 years old.

Lotte World Tower & Mall offers stores, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and even a concert hall. The Tower is the fifth highest in the world and has an observation deck, a skywalk, and a luxury hotel.

This is the nexus of Seoul’s youth and indie culture. Funky boutiques, avant-garde galleries, and great nightclubs are this neighborhood’s mainstay. Come here for a fascinating look at the other side of traditionally conservative Korean culture.

Formerrly polluted and covered with an elevated road since 2005 this stream has been cleaned up and made into an Art and nature walkway through the heart of Seoul.