Seoul

Seoul is the capital city of South Korea. With a population of over 10.5 million people, it is also South Korea’s largest city and its financial, political and cultural centre.

A major settlement for over 2000 years, Seoul is currently divided into 25 districts, and is a fairly organized metropolis, covering over 600 sq. km. Bisecting the north and south of the city is the Han River. Playing an important role in Korean history, the Han River was once used for trade to China via the Yellow Sea, thereby making it an attractive region for the Three Kingdoms of Korea (57-668 A.D.).

Also known as Namsan Seoul Tower, Seoul Tower is a landmark in the centre of Seoul and is located on a small mountain called Namsan. Combined with its own height and the height of the mountain, it is one of the tallest towers in the Orient. Built-in 1971, it serves as both a communication and an observation tower with 360-degree panoramic views of Seoul. Apart from having an observation deck, it contains a Teddy Bear Museum which includes: teddy bears from the past, present, and the future, gift shops, a café and two restaurants. To reach the tower there is a cable car, at night it is illuminated and can be seen from all over the city. There is a revolving restaurant.

Insa-dong is a very special street in the centre of the city known for its traditional culture and crafts. The stores in Insa-dong specialize in a wide variety of goods that can only be purchased in Korea such as traditional clothing, traditional paper, traditional teas, pottery, and folk crafts. It is 700 metres/90 yards long and has a history dating back to the early days of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It was a place of study for painters and the area is still a centre for painters, craftsmen, and art lovers. The most popular items sold here are Korean ceramics ranging in price from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. Other items sold in Insa-dong include earthenware, calligraphy materials, antique furniture, teas and souvenirs. Vehicles are not allowed on the street during weekends so that visitors can stroll.