Soul of Seoul
Seoul, officially the Seoul Special Metropolitan City — is the capital and largest metropolis of the Republic of Korea. Seoul is the world’s 16th largest city. The Seoul Capital Area houses about half of the country’s population. From modern skyscrapers and neon lights to Buddhist temples, palaces and pagodas, Seoul is a fascinating mix of old and new. A hub of business, culture and finance both within South Korea and internationally, Seoul houses the headquarters for some of the world’s largest corporations. It also has one of the world’s best subway systems. Gaze down on this sprawling metropolis of around 10 million people from atop any of Seoul’s four guardian mountains and one can sense the powerful pungsu-jiri (feng shui) that has long nurtured and protected the city. History clings tenaciously to the ‘Miracle on the Han’, a phoenix arisen from the ashes of the Korean War just over 60 years ago. So while Seoul has its eye clearly on the future, one will also encounter fascinating fragments of the past in World Heritage–listed sites such as Jongmyo shrine, the alleys between the graceful hanok (traditional wooden homes) that cluster in Bukchon, and striding along the magnificent city walls.


A few of Seoul’s highlights are:
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, located north of Gwanghwamun Square, is one of the most iconic sights in all of Korea thanks to its long and storied history. Construction on Gyeongbokgung Palace was completed in 1395 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty during the reign of King Taejo. Gyeongbokgung, which means “palace greatly blessed by Heaven,” was built in the heart of Seoul surrounded by Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan. The palace was abandoned for almost 300 years after being destroyed by a fire during the Japanese invasion of 1592. The palace was reconstructed in 1867, once again making it an icon of Seoul. Today, it serves as one of the most visited locations in the city.


Bongeunsa
Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu in Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong by the monk Yeon-hoe, then the highest ranking monk of Silla, and originally named Kyongseoungsa. A 1,200 year-old Buddhist temple, it houses interesting Buddhist artifacts and activities for those looking to learn about traditional Korean Buddhist practices. The atmosphere here is very quiet and tranquil despite the fact that it’s set amongst sleek skyscrapers, shopping malls, and modern architecture. Surrounded by lush greenery, the temple hosts several halls with colourful murals and altars but the best ones are the Daeung-jeon Main Hall and Jijang-jeon Hall. The former is fronted by hundreds of white paper lanterns and a three-tier pagoda while the walls of the latter are adorned with murals of the Ten Kings of the Underworld, as well as Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). The temple houses a large stone Buddhist statue, the Great Statue of Maitreya Buddha. This Buddha appears to be looking out over not only the temple but also the modern buildings of Seoul. The statue has a height of 23 meters, making it the largest Buddhist statue in the nation.

Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines to have been preserved. Dedicated to the forefathers of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), the shrine has existed in its present form since the 16th century and houses tablets bearing the teachings of members of the former royal family. Ritual ceremonies linking music, song and dance still take place there, perpetuating a tradition that goes back to the 14th century. The memorial service, called Jongmyo Jaerye, is said to be the oldest complete ceremony in the world. Considered holy in the Confucian culture, the shrine is flocked with pilgrims and travellers.

Seoul Forest
Opened in 2005, Seoul Forest was established to satisfy people’s desire to have more green space and recreational places in the center of the city. It’s not often one gets to be up close and personal with wildlife in Korea, unless you’re at Everland or the zoo. Seoul Forest has about 50 Sika Deer and Chinese Water Deer that you can get up close to and feed. Wander into the Butterfly Garden to see gorgeous, colorful species of butterflies. One can witness the different stages of the butterfly transformation. Rent a bike, pack a picnic, or visit the playground in the cultural art park, Seoul Forest is a perfect one-day outing.


National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is the flagship museum of Korean history and art in South Korea and is the cultural organization that represents Korea. The six-story building harmoniously blends traditional and contemporary styles. It was built to house more than 140,000 national relics and artifacts, and also to serve as a complex cultural facility with a sculpture garden, open plaza and outdoor exhibition area. The museum is divided into two exhibition areas for the purpose of displaying relics and artifacts through permanent and special exhibitions. Situated in the precinct of the museum, Theater Yong is a large scale performance hall equipped with 862 seats including 57 seats for the orchestra pit. It serves as a cultural art space where visitors can enjoy various performance arts such as classical and modern plays, dance and musicals.

Food Culture
One cannot visit Korea and not have a Bingsu. Bingsu or bingsoo is a very popular and elaborate snack/dessert in Korea, especially during the summer season. This snack is composed of ice shavings and various ingredients such as sweetened condensed milk, fruit syrups, various fruits such as strawberries, kiwifruit, and bananas, small pieces of tteok (rice cake), chewy jelly bits, and cereal flakes. It is often topped with ice cream or frozen yogurt. The most popular variety is patbingsu made with sweetened azuki beans.

Seoul is a huge and modern city in South Korea, home to never ending shopping, historical attractions, a thriving art and design scene, and an abundance of delicious street food that will keep you occupied for as long as you stay. Imbibed with a strong cultural influence, Seoul is growing faster than ever. It is one of the few places in the world, where one can find tradition within the hustle-bustle of the city.

Travart is an international travel and exploration company which organises epic trips worldwide for young travellers.
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Rudra Shirodkar/ Travart blogs
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