Mention Seoul to someone, and they will instantly think of K-pop groups and K-dramas. But there is still more to this glitzy capital of South Korea than the Hallyu Wave.
Here are the 15 things Seoul is known and famous for that make it deserving of a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. Fashion
Seoul is dubbed one of the world’s most fashion-forward cities, with its very own Fashion Week. Luxurious brands effortlessly mix with youthful streetwear, and K-pop celebrities spark the trends.
2. Gangnam
Gangnam is a famous commercial district that serves as the home to banking and financial institutes, multinational companies, IT companies, shopping malls, stylish nightclubs, designer brands, and some of the country’s most expensive apartments.
3. Hangang
The Han River, or Hangang, is always featured in Korean dramas and movies. It is the Korean Peninsula’s fourth-longest river and has served as a witness to the rich history of the country.
4. K-movies and K-dramas
Of course, when you hear Seoul, the first thing that comes to mind is K-dramas and K-movies. In recent years, breakthrough Korean shows have included Squid Game and Academy Award winner Parasite.
5. Thriving Culture and History
One of the most interesting things about Seoul is how it managed to keep its culture and history alive, as evident in its well-preserved famous tourist spots such as Bukchon Hanok Village and the Grand Palaces, as well as the National Museum of Korea.
6. K-Pop
K-pop is one of the biggest cultural exports of South Korea, with world-renowned groups such as BTS, Twice, BlackPink, and EXO, as well as earlier groups such as Super Junior and Big Bang, leading the game.
7. Lotte World Tower
The 123-story Lotte World Tower is the sixth-tallest tower in the world and the tallest building in the country. The landmark merges cutting-edge technology with a modern aesthetic inspired by Korean calligraphy brushes and ceramics.
8. Namsan Tower
Namsan Tower is an observation and communication tower perched on top of Namsan. It is a city landmark that can be seen from anywhere in Seoul.
9. Nightlife
Seoul throbs and lights up after sunset, filling the city with a unique energy that is as diverse and unique as the city itself.
10. Proxy Drivers
Even if you spent the whole night drinking, you can easily get home in Seoul thanks to the availability of a proxy driver service.
11. Seoul National University
SNU is South Korea’s undisputed leader in higher education. The university produced some of the biggest names in academia, business, and government in the country.
12. Shopping Districts
Seoul is a nice treat for all shopaholics with its wide array of shopping districts, ranging from bargain finds to department stores, traditional markets, duty-free shops, and high-street brands.
13. Starfield COEX Mall
Seoul is also home to the biggest underground mall in Asia. Starfield COEX is an underground shopping complex located in Gangnam where you can find stores that sell clothes, shoes, beauty products, accessories, and more.
14. The Five Royal Palaces
The South Korean capital is renowned for its illustrious history, as seen in the Joseon dynasty’s Five Royal Palaces, namely the Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace.
15. A Flourishing Art Scene
Seoul has a dynamic and vibrant art scene, from visual arts to performing arts. The state-of-the-art facilities in the city stage everything from classical concerts and Broadway musicals to modern art exhibitions and traditional performances.
Are you excited to explore Seoul soon?
