Impressive place to visit in Korea,
Myeongdong is chosen as the most impressive place 5 years in a row according to [Korea International Visitor Survey 2015].
List of most impressive places when traveling Korea;
35.7 percent of the visitors answered that Myeongdong was the most impressive.
Myeong-dong is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. The two main drags meet in the center of the block with one beginning from Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 4) and the other from Lotte Department Store at Euljiro.
Many brand name shops and department stores line the streets and alleys. Common products for sale include clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Unlike Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many designer brands are sold in Myeong-dong. In addition, several major department stores include Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square, and M Plaza.
The department stores carry many premium labels and other fashionable goods at reasonable prices.
Myeong-dong also has family restaurants, fast food, plus Korean, Western and Japanese dining options. Many restaurants in Myeong-dong specialize in pork cutlet (donkas) and kalguksu (thick noodles). Other businesses include hair salons, banks and theaters.
Dongdaemun Market has gained 18.6 percent.
Comprehensive Clothes Shopping: from Fabrics to Accessories
Dongdaemun has every fashion item imaginable: fabric, clothes, accessories, and wedding goods. The newest fashion trends, along with the newest fabrics, often make their debut in the market.
It is home to the largest clothing suppliers in Korea, and aspiring designers also come here to hone and test their skills. Cheap and diverse clothes attract not just fashion leaders but also the average consumer.
It has become a place frequented by major Korean and international buyers as well.
Dongdaemun Market started as a traditional market in 1905 and experienced its first major transformation in 1970s as it began to develop as a center of the textile industry (both wholesale and retail), further contributing to the fast economic growth of Korea at that time.
With the later construction of mega shopping buildings in the area, the market became reborn as the most famous fashion street in Korea.
Wholesalers across the country visit the market at night, forming an iconic night image in Seoul. The market is a mixture of both traditional and modern stores.
Some stores maintain their old buildings, selling clothing materials, crafting clothes, or processing them.
Modern shopping malls (such as Cerestar, Migliore, Designer’s Club, and Doosan Tower) popped up in the late 1990s, attracting young people by holding frequent music and dance performances at night. Various fashion shows and festivities are also held year-round.
Even though stores may sell goods wholesale, individual consumers and tourists purchase them at retail prices. The market offers special fabrics not found anywhere else and sells material and accessories at very reasonable prices.
Simple accessories can even be made on-site at some stores. Plenty of currency exchange services and information desks provide a pleasant shopping experience for international visitors.
The old palaces(There are 5 royal palaces in Seoul such as Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung) were ranked third, got 16.6 percent.
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Best Palace from the Joseon Dynasty
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the best palace from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and it is the first palace to have been built from among the five major palaces from that dynasty.
It was burnt down during the imjin waeran (Hideyoshi’s invasions of Korea), but was rebuilt under the supervision of Regent Heungseon Daewongun during the period of King Gojong’s reign
The central area, which connects Gwanghwamun Gate– Heungnyemun Gate– Geunjeongmun Gate– Sajeongjeon Hall– Gangnyeongjeon Hall – Gyotaejeon Hall, is the core area of the palace, and it was built symmetrically according to geometrical order.
Visitors can see the essence of a refined royal palace at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Changdeokgung Palace, Which Shows Ancestral Koreans’ View about Nature
The second palace to be built after the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was the official royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
It was built as a igung (a temporary palace that was used in case the official royal palace cannot be used due to wars or disasters).
It became a central place during the Joseon Dynasty as many kings conducted their governance of the dynasty when they stayed at this palace.
It boasts beautiful natural beauty as its buildings were arranged in harmony with the natural topology.
It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1997.
Changgyeonggung Palace, a Palace with Elegance
Changgyeonggung Palace was built by King Sejong in 1418 to honor the former King Taejong.
It is the only palace among Joseon’s palaces that faces the east. This was done in order to emphasize independence.
The space of Naejeon Hall, which is a living quarter in the royal palace, is well developed.
It was used as an auxiliary residential area in Changdeokgung Palace
Deoksugung Palace, Where Visitors Can Feel the Beauty of Korea
The original name of Deoksugung was Gyeongungung, but it was changed to Deoksugung after King Gojong abdicated the crown to King Sunjong in 1907.
Unlike other palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), this palace does not have a mountain in the back and is located on flat land.
The location of the palace played an important role in reorganizing the road network of the Hanyang City Wall around Deoksugung Palace in order to protect the palace from the great external powers at that time.
Gyeonghuigung Palace, a Site Where the Footsteps of Kings Can be Sensed
Gyeonghuigung Palace is not well known even though it is one of 5 major palaces of the Joseon Dynasty.
It was completely destroyed during the Japanese Occupation period (1910-1945).
Even though part of the palace was excavated and restored, it is still in a relatively shabby condition compared to its original state.
Since its opening to the general public in 2002, its old splendor is being restored by descendants in the 21st century.
N Seoul Tower has gained 14.5 percent of visitor’s support.
Seoul Tower opened to the public on October 15, 1980, and has since become a major tourist attraction. The 236.7-meter tower sits atop Namsan Mountain (243m). The observatory offers panoramic views of Seoul and the surrounding areas.
Thirty years and countless visitors later, the structure was renamed ‘N Seoul Tower.’ The letter ‘N’ stands for the tower’s ‘new’ look, which resulted from a 15 billion won remodeling project in December 2005. With a new lighting system and changes to the tower’s overall color scheme, event coordinators can now decorate the tower for the season or events.
Visitors are encouraged to try N Grill, a Western-style, revolving restaurant (one rotation every 48 minutes), and the Sky Restroom (an artfully decorated space). Both offer breathtaking views of the cityscape.
5th, Hongdae or Hogik Univ. has earned 12.6 percent from the visitors.
Hongdae is a neighborhood known for its youthful and romantic ambiance, underground culture, and freedom of self-expression. Unique cafes, cozy galleries, accessory stores, fashion shops, live cafés and clubs, art markets, and gourmet eateries make this a popular hang-out for local youth and a fascinating place to walk around.
These unique places plus the cultural events, street performances, and festivals held here make Hongdae an area that is always packed with people and excitement.
Special streets such as ateliers’ street (lined with private institutions for art students preparing for university entrance exams), Picasso’s Street, and Club Street are also must-go places if you’re hoping to fully experience the Hongdae area.
[Main tourism spots in front of Hongik University]
* Hongdae Walking Street: Main spot of Hongdae area which has an outdoor stage for indie band performance and dynamic culture of young people.
* Hongdae Mural Street: Mural street stretching from Kanemaya restaurant by the back gate of Hongik University to Four Seasons House (Wausan-go 22-gil) and featuring various arrangements of painting from graffiti to artistic design. It is also referred to as ‘Picasso’s Street’ and is famous as a dating spot.
* Hongdae Flea Market: The market is held every Saturday from March to November at Hongik Children’s Park in front of the main gate of Hongik University. All people can sign up to sell their hand-made products and other exhibitions created by artists will be shown.