Seoul City Guide - attractions

Gyeongbokgung Palace
The jewel of Seoul's five historic palaces, Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 by Lee Seong-Gye, founder of the Joseon Dynasty, who established the city as the capital of Korea. The magnificent rectangular palace, which now contains the National Museum of Korea, features Royal apartments and staterooms, gardens and elegant lotus ponds. The palace is still in process of restoration.
Telephone: (0)2 734 2458
Website:
Transport: Five-minute walk from exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung station (Seoul Subway Line 3)
Opening times: Daily except Tuesdays 9am to 6pm, closes at 5pm November to February

Namsangol Hanok Village
Set among the skyscrapers, the Namsangol traditional Korean village comes as a pleasant surprise. Centred on five restored Korean historical homes depicting various social levels from the Joseon Dynasty, the village is a time capsule in the midst of the city with its peaceful pond and pavilion. Visitors can not only explore the houses, but also enjoy traditional tea, shop for souvenirs, browse traditional crafts, or try their hand at ancient games like 'neolttwigi' (jumping on a see-saw) or arrow throwing. At weekends in summer traditional wedding ceremonies are held at midday.
Telephone: (0)2 2266 6923
Website:
Transport: Subway station Chungmuro line 3 and 4, and a five-minute walk from Exit 3
Opening times: Daily (except Tuesdays) 9am to 10pm, 9am to 8pm (November to March)

Lotte World
Fun and thrills are the order of the day at Seoul's main theme park, which draws about six million visitors annually. The park is divided into an indoor and outdoor section. Inside, 'Adventure Land' covers acres of streets representing different countries, filled with hundreds of activities, entertainments, shops, restaurants and ongoing parades. Outdoor, Magic Island with its fairy-tale castle, offers thrilling high-altitude rides, laser shows and pleasant walking trails around a lake. There is also an indoor ice-rink and a fascinating Folk Museum complete with miniature villages.
Telephone: (0)2 411 2000
Website: www.lotteworld.com/Global_eng/
Transport: Jamsil Subway Station (Line 2 and 8). Take exit 4 directly to Lotte World
Opening times: Daily 9.30am to 11pm

Insa-dong
No visit to Seoul is complete without exploring the capital's heart and artistic soul: the alleyways of the Insa-dong district, known colloquially as 'Mary's Alley'. More than 100 antique shops and countless art galleries are tucked away here, delighting collectors and casual browsers alike. From ancient Chinese pottery to yellowed books and delicate jewellery, most visitors manage to find a treasured souvenir or special gift among the quaint stores. There are plenty of restaurants, taverns and traditional teahouses in the area, too, to ensure shoppers stay refreshed.
Telephone: (0)2 731 1621 (Insadong Tourist Information Desk)
Website:
Transport: Subway to Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line No.3)
Opening times: Daily 10am to 10pm