Seoul is the capital and largest metropolis of the Republic of Korea (also
known as South Korea). This riverside city along the Han River is the
anchor of the Seoul Capital Area and includes the adjacent Incheon
metropolis and Gyeonggi province. Founded in 18 BC, Seoul is home to a
profound history and culture, the best of which is seen in its art,
architecture, Buddhist temples, street food culture and vibrant nightlife.
It has hosted some iconic sport events like the 1986 Asian Games, 1988
Summer Olympics, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The city is home to 115
museums, none more famous than mid-20th century ‘The National
Museum of Korea’ that is home to 220000 artefacts.
Things to do in Seoul
Seoullo 7017 (or Seoul Skygarden or Skypark)
Seoullo 7017 is an elevated and linear park built above a former highway
overpass in Seoul. It is about one kilometre long and is dotted with 24000
plants. This number includes plants from 228 species of trees, shrubs and
flowers found in and outside Korea. Seoullo 7017 is named thus because the
flyover was opened to the public in 1970 and has 17 walkways connected to
it.
National Museum of Korea
South Korea’s flagship museum, the National Museum of Korea is the go to
place in Seoul to get a first-hand account of Korean history and art. It
one of the largest and the most visited museums in Asia. The museum’s left
part of the museum represents the past, the middle represents the present
and the right side represents the future. National Museum of Korea’s first
floor is home to the Prehistory and Ancient History Gallery that contains
approximately 4500 artefacts dating back to millions of years and excavated
across Korea.
Deoksu-gung (or Palace of Virtuous Longevity)
Flanked by the City Hall in downtown Seoul, Deoksu-gung is a mid-15 th century grand palace that presents itself as a stark contrast
to many other suchlike palaces. Its architecture is a mix of traditional
Korean and Western Neoclassical architectural styles. This palace is home
to ornate interiors and is the only one that is open to public in the
evening.
Best Time to Visit Seoul
Spring season (the months from March to May) are the best months to book
your flights from Los Angeles to Seoul. Book your flights from LAX to SEL
during spring season to enjoy famous cultural events like Hangang Yeouido
Spring Flower Festival and Lotus Lantern Festival. It is advised to book
Seoul flights in advance to avoid paying more during peak season.