What makes seoul unique

The capital of South Korea is one of the most vibrant and modern cities in Asia. From karaoke rooms and bathhouses to alcohol-tasting and temple-stay programs, visitors looking for amazing things to do in Seoul will not be disappointed. Here are our top 25 cool and unique things to do in Seoul. Seoul Tower, also known as Namsam Tower, dominates the Seoul skyline and it can seen from all parts of the city. Sitting meters high on top of a mountain, this tower is the highest point in the entire city.

To get to the top of the tower, you will have to ride a cable car up the mountain and then walk up to the base of the tower. The tower features a gift shop, two restaurants, and four observation decks. Don't worry if you can't make the tower during the daytime, because the view is just as amazing at night! To escape the hustle and bustle of city life, go and take a break at Bukhansan National Park.

Koreans wishing to escape to nature seek refuge in this national park for its gorges, granite peaks, and lively streams. Bukhansan Mountain stands tall above the city, offering splendid views of Seoul year-round. Follow the Uiryeong Pass and you will come across more than 1, species of plants, numerous fortresses and old temples. Located in the heart of the city, Jogyesa Temple is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. It is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist buildings in Seoul.

However, most visitors only spend a little while exploring the temple before leaving. Why not stay a little longer and learn the deeper aspects of Korean Buddhism?

Join the Jogyesa Temple-stay program and live like a Buddhist monk for a day or two. The program allows people to experience Baru Gongyang , the Buddhist sacred eating practice, and Dado , the traditional Korean tea ceremony, as well as the religious prostrations. Itaewon is the foreigner district of Seoul. If you want delicious food from all over the world or a wild and fun atmosphere, then Itaewon is your best option. At night, Itaewon comes alive with a huge variety of bars and clubs where you will meet people from all over the world.

You can also buy all of your Korean souvenirs for your family and friends from street vendors. Don't miss out on the most happenin' scene in Itaewon! If you want to explore Seoul as a local, you should visit a singing room, locally called a Noraebang. Private rooms of different sizes come equipped with high-tech karaoke facilities and are available for groups of friends, families or even colleagues.

Going out to sing songs and drink is a common pastime for many Koreans. Inwangsan and Namsan are other popular choices for local hikers.

One of the best BBQ restaurants in the city is Wang Bi Jib, serving high-quality marbled cuts of meat seasoned with light salt. Another local favourite is Seocho Myeonok, specialising in galbi jjim , meat slow-cooked in a beef broth and served in clay pots with veggies. Each year, millions of tourists from neighbouring Asian countries come to Korea for one sole reason: shopping. They want to pick up the latest trends in Korean fashion , get their hands on high-quality Korean skincare products and visit one of the many large department stores for the ultimate shopping experience — tax-free!

In general, you can receive a tax refund at the airport when you submit your receipts at the tax refund booth. However, more and more tax-free stores allow foreign customers to get immediate tax refunds below a certain limit. In the spring, the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most popular events for locals and foreigners alike. Many also enjoy the Ultra Korea music festival, dedicated to electronic music.

Finally, the winter months mean Changgyeonggung Stream the river that runs through the heart of Seoul is decorated with seasonal light ornaments and is a popular destination for Christmas. Yes, you can pet them. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements.

To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". Sign Up. Travel Guides. Videos Beyond Hollywood Hungerlust Pioneers of love. It is considered the historical center of the country, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The city was previously called Hanyang and Gyeongseongbu, then renamed Seoul in , when it was freed from Japanese occupation.

Seoul has many temples and four major palaces such as Gyeongbokgung, one of the most famous. The city offers many other cultural and artistic attractions, such as the Museum of Art, which features traditional porcelain, textile and jewelry exhibits, as noted by Frommer's. There are also old tombs and ancient remains such as the Seoul Fortress, located in the Jongno-gu, Jung-gu and Seongbuk-gu areas of the city. Seoul is also a modern city. It opened itself to the outside world in the late 19th century and became the first city in Korea to have trolley cars, railways and telephones.

Just two decades ago, it was a grimy, industrial, and unpleasant backwater. Many old brands are so bad they double as industrial cleanser. Medieval palaces, old-school shamans and traditional wooden homes called hanok give Seoul its warmth. Getting bored? Missing home? But Hong Kong, Beijing and Kyoto still get the bulk of the attention. A coffee shop on every corner. An incredible mass transit system. Data coverage is even excellent in subway tunnels. Gangnam Style is old news at this point.

Instead, check out the blissful cacophony of rock, jazz and indie playing in the Hongdae nightlife district. Seoul could have more protests per capita than any other city.