Overview
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, boasts a rich cultural scene with a wide array of museums, religious monuments, and festivals. The city is home to a total of 115 museums, including four national museums and nine official municipal museums. The National Museum of Korea stands out with its impressive collection of 220,000 artifacts. Another notable museum is the National Folk Museum, which offers insights into the daily life of historical Koreans and is located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung.
For those interested in history, the War Memorial provides a comprehensive overview of the wars that Korea has been involved in, with a particular focus on the Korean War. Seodaemun Prison, a former prison built during the Japanese occupation, now serves as a historic museum. Art enthusiasts will find delight in the Seoul Museum of Art, Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, and Ilmin Museum of Art, all of which showcase a diverse range of artworks.
Seoul also boasts a variety of religious monuments. The Wongudan altar, dating back to the Three Kingdoms Period, holds great historical significance. Confucian shrines such as Jongmyo, Sajikdan, Munmyo, and Dongmyo can also be found throughout the city. Jogyesa, the headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is a prominent Buddhist temple, along with Hwagyesa and Bongeunsa.
Among the city's landmarks is the Myeongdong Cathedral, located in the Jung District. This Gothic-style church is a symbol of the area. Yakhyeon Catholic Church, the first Gothic church in Korea, is another notable religious site. Yoido Full Gospel Church, affiliated with the Assemblies of God, is a significant Pentecostal church in Seoul. The St. Nicholas Cathedral, also known as the bald church, stands out as the only Byzantine-style church in the city.
Seoul is also known for its vibrant festivals. The Hi! Seoul Festival, held four times a year, celebrates the city's cultural heritage and has been a tradition since 2003. Additionally, the city hosts international music festivals, such as the ABU TV and Radio Song Festivals, which took place at KBS Hall in 2012.
Overall, Seoul offers a diverse range of cultural experiences, from exploring museums and religious monuments to immersing oneself in the lively atmosphere of its festivals.
Cheap Hotels in Seoul, South Korea