Facts About Seoul
Seoul is the capital and largest city of the South Korea. It is also
the second largest metropolitan area and one of the largest cities
in the world. Seoul is considered a Global City and is one of top
ten financial and commercial centers. It hosted the 1988 Summer
Olympics, 2002 FIFA World Cup and will host the G-20 Summit in
November of 2010. Seoul is home large conglomerates such as Samsung,
LG, and Hyundai-Kia. It is one of the most expensive cities to live
in not only in Asia but all over the world.Currency in Seoul
1 South Korean Won (KRW) = 0.00087 US Dollar, 0.00058 British
Pounds, 0.00068 Euros (*estimate)
Official Language in Seoul
Korean
Popular Attractions in Seoul
Changdokkung Palace or the Palace of Prospering Virtues – This
palace served as the seat of royal regime for over 250 years. It has
largely preserved the secret garden and architecture of the Joseon
Dynasty. The Palace has 41 structures that include a gate, a granite
bridge, the Dojojeon that comprised the private apartments of the
King and Queen and the rooms where the princes where tutored. Some
parts of the palace have remodeled, destroyed and rearranged so now
it is a combination of Western and Korean styles. The back garden of
the palace features thousands of flowering plants and trees and also
has a square lotus pond that is surrounded by pavilions.
Jongmyo or Chongmyo – This a royal shrine dedicated to the
ancestors of the Choson dynasty. This is the most authentic and the
oldest Confucian shrines in all of Seoul. It is well preserved and
the shrine dates back to the 16th century or during the era of the
Three Kingdoms of Korea. In the shrines are the preserved tablets
that contains the teachings of the Choson Kings and Queens. Every
year, a ritual ceremony is held in the palace every May. This ritual
dates as far back as the 14th century and combines the elements of
music, costumes and dance. The ritual is called Chongmyo Daeje.
Gyeongbokgung Palace or the Heavenly Blessed Palace – It is the
largest palace built during the Joseon Dynasty. It has 330 buildings
with over 5,000 rooms. The National Folk Museum of Korea is situated
inside the compound of the Palace.
Deoksugong or Toksukung Palace – This palace can be found right
in the middle of the busy streets in down town Seoul. It was built
during the Choson Dynasty. If you visit Seoul, you should not miss
visiting the Toksukung Palace and watch the Royal Changing of
Guards. They make use of drums, flags and verbal orders that give
you an insight of how the Royal Guards were many centuries ago. This
ceremony is done everyday except on Mondays.
Must try in Seoul
- Take the elevator to the top of the 63 Building and get a
spectacular view of the Han River. After you marvel in the scene,
go down to the river and take a river cruise
- Go to the top of the Seoul Tower to get breath taking view
over the city
- Head on down to the streets Seoul and try the Beondegi. It is
a local delicacy of stewed and seasoned silkworm pupae served by
street vendors. They are also popular accompaniments to liquor in
bars. Definitely a must try even for the faint hearted!
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