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Historic
Sites :
Kwanghwamun
Gate
- at the end of Sejongno Street which was the original entrance to Kyongbokkung
Palace.
Kyongbokkung
Palace
Was built in 1394 (the third year of the Choson Dynasty). Within the palace,
Kunjongjon is a majestic edifice that served as the throne room and audience
hall. Kyonghoeru, a spacious two story pavilion overlooking a picturesque
manmade pond, served as a feasting hall for gatherings of royal ministers
and diplomats. Within the palace grounds, the National Folk Museum displays
the necessities of traditional Korean life.
National
Museum of Korea
- originally built as the headquarters of Japanese occupation forces,
was demolished in 1996, and the content were moved to a temporary National
Museum. Although smaller than the former one, it exhibits 4,500 artifacts
representing over 5,000 years of human endeavors on the Korea Peninsula.
The new national Museum will be built in Yongan Park in 2003.
Changdokkung
Palace
- is best known for its Secret Garden (Piwon), 78 acres superbly landscaped
with pavilions, ponds, and wooded areas.
Shopping
areas :
Tongdaemun
(East Gate) Amrket and Namdaemun (South Gate) Market offer bargains in
everything from clothes and bolts of colorful fabrics to household goods,
food and hardware. It's an unforgettable experience just to walk through
the markets to sample the sights and smells of old Korea.
Insa-gond
is a narrow street lined with antique stores, art galleries, and secondhand
bookstores. Many types of Choson Dynasty chests, calligraphy, paintings,
a wide variety of implements and articles from Korea's past are available
in the picturesque shops.
It'aewon's
main street runs for a ittle more than a mile, and contains stores and
boutiques offering both ready-made and tailor-made suits and dresses,
leather and eel-skin goods shoes and handbags, brassware, jewelry, and
fur coats, all at a fraction of the normal price. There is also an abundance
of fast -food restaurants, coeffe shops, small bars, large discos, and
cafes that offer a wide selection of music including jazz, country and
pop.
Parks
and Entertainment :
The Han-gang
River
It flows through the center of the city, which is a place to relax from
the bustle of city life. A 20 mile stretch of the river bank has been
transformed into a series of green parks, providing recreational and sports
facilities for Seoul residents. Cruise boats operate on the river between
Chamshi and Youido. A leisurely cruise is an ideal way to get an overall
view of the city while enjoying a smooth trip on one of several sleek,
air-conditioned passenger boats.
Lotte
World
Lotte World has completed facilities for rest, entertainment and shopping:
a eluxe hotel, a folklore center, theater , and department store. And
also located here is Lotte World Adventure, a full-scale theme park equipped
with ultra-modern amusement rides, sports facilities and a variety of
restaurants.
Place
of Interest :
The Korean
Folk Village
The village
is a living museum that recreates the lifestyle of Korea several centuries
ago. There are potters, weavers, blacksmiths, and other craftsmen who
practice their trades in traditional fashion. There are also 240 traditional
homes and a small amphitheater for music and folk dances.
Everland
It is three amusement parks in one. Its Festival World has thrilling rides,
a jungle safari and zoo, and seasonal flower festivals. Caribbean Bay
is a huge water park with wave pools and water slides. Furthermore, the
Speedway is where you can enjoy a car racing. Everland is also the site
of the Hoam Art Museum, displaying one of the finest private collections
of Korean art, and Heewon, a traditional Korean garden.
The Kwangju- Ichon Highway leading to Seoul is lined with the kilns of
well-know Koran potters who specialize in making the internationally acclaimed
Korya celadon and the Choson Dynast's white porcelain.
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