Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace built in the 19C on the ruins of the former city of kings (late 14C) of the Joseon Dynasty, was damaged in the early 20C during the Japanese occupation. Regular restorations have revealed the outstanding legacy of this h..

Bukchon, on the doorstep of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, is home to a host of early 20C traditional buildings, erected on the site of the former aristocratic district of the Joseon Dynasty. This charming neighbourhood, whose streets are lined wit..

Gwanghwamun owes its fame to the numerous abodes that line its streets, the most famous of which is the sumptuous palace of Changdeokgung. Dotted with sanctuaries and gardens, this historic district bears witness to its prominent role during the Jose..

A Unesco world heritage site, Changdeokgung was built in the early 15C to house the royal family and remained a royal residence up until 1989. The palace, fully worthy of its illustrious residents, is flanked by the splendid Huwon Garden, steeped in ..

Calligraphy, painting, sculpture, lacquered objects and porcelain are among the countless works of exceptional quality on display at the National Museum of Korea, which provides a unique panorama of Korean history. This huge museum also hosts work fr..

For a complete picture of the Joseon Dynasty, that reigned from the late 14C to the early 20C, admire the rich collections of the National Palace Museum of Korea: artefacts, furniture, paintings, etc. An ideal way to complement a tour of Gyeongbokgun..

Like many buildings dating from the Joseon Dynasty, the Jongmyo sanctuary was rebuilt in the early 17C on the ashes of the original edifice destroyed by Japanese invasions. This Confucian sanctuary, an architectural masterpiece, remains the scene of ..

The palace's royal origins date back to the 12C, and despite successive reconstructions following Japanese invasions and fires, the edifice's handsome proportions and superb ornamentation continue to impress. Not to be missed, particularly when the g..

Don't be put off by the hordes of tourists that throng here; Insadong is full of hidden treasures. Former haunt of artists, its narrow lanes are lined with innumerable art and craft shops, galleries and traditional hanoks. Well worth a stroll.

Cheonggyecheon now boasts yet another asset as the banks of the River Cheonggye have been landscaped into a long and pleasant riverside walk. However don't miss the late 19C Western buildings, the Deoksugung or a glimpse at the frenzied bustle that d..

Deoksugung, a palace built in the 15C, served as sanctuary for the royal family on several occasions. Among the various edifices, most of which were rebuilt in the early 20C, look out for the amazing Seogodang. The brightly coloured changing of the g..

Start exploring the Jung-gu district by Namsangol Hanok Village and its traditional hanoks, then go for a stroll along the streets of Namdaemun and Chungmuro to admire the buildings dating from the Japanese occupation. You may also be tempted by the ..

Three architects, three halls and three exhibition areas. Jean Nouvel, Mario Botta and Rem Koolhaas combined their skill and talent to work on Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, creating a series of complementary and attractive volumes where traditional Ko..

Built in the second half of the 19C for Prince Regent Daeweongun, Unhyeongung provides a chance to see an interior typical of aristocratic homes at the end of the Joseon era. The edifice, entirely built out of wood, was beautifully restored in 1996.

While the cultural highlights of the Itaewon district are undoubtedly the National Museum of Korea and the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, it is also home to a rich and varied nightlife, a throwback to the former American military presence. Caution reco..

A cable car leads up to the highest point of Namsan Park, which is dominated by N Seoul Tower and stands in the heart of the Korean capital. Admire the breathtaking panorama at your feet, after enjoying a walk down refreshingly lush green paths.

Samneung Park, a haven of greenery in the sprawling business district of Seoul, is home to three Seonjeong tombs, which are Unesco world heritage sites, as are the other Joseon Dynasty royal tombs. Not to be missed.

An unusual ambience reigns in Seodaemun at the heart of urban Seoul. Climb to the top of the sacred mountain of Inwang and enjoy the view over this lush green district, home to the Seoul Museum of History and Seodaemun Prison History Hall, both of wh..

A larger-than-life, authentic picture of Korea today! The countless Dongdaemun markets clustered along the banks of the Cheonggyecheon and as varied as they are numerous, are still organised by theme: pharmacopeia, food, electronic goods, flea market..