If you have not been to Seoul yet, now is a good time to start planning your visit. The city that serves as the capital of South Korea is a treasure trove of places to explore. Many of which are still fairly undiscovered or less frequented by the growing number of tourists that have come to explore the many charms of Seoul.

Gwanghwamun

Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu
Gwanghwamun Gate is a beautiful and imposing structure that is hard to miss. It is one of Seoul’s biggest tourist attractions. It serves as the main gate to Gyeongbukgung Palace. It is here that visitors can watch one of the must-see sights when in the area. The changing of the guards reenacts how it is done during the Joseon Dynasty. At certain times of the day, you can watch the guardsmen parade in their full livery.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu
As you enter the Gwanghwamun gate, your explorations of Gyeongbokgung Palace begins. The Gyeongbokgung was the first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty and served as its main palace. There are many sights to see within the palace walls so prepare to spend a bit of time wandering around if you want to see more of its attractions. Some points of interest worth visiting include the Heungnyemun Gate, Geumcheon Stream, Yuhwamun Gate, The Throne Hall Compound, Geunjeongjeon Hall, the seven clawed dragons on the ceiling of Geunjeongjeon Hall, Yungmunnu Pavilion, Sajeongjeon Hall, Gangnyeongjeon Hall, Jagyeongjeon Hall, Donggung Palace (crown prince and crown princess’ compound), Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, Hyangwonji Pond, Taewonjeon, and more

Gwanghwamun Square

Location: Gwanghwamun Plaza, Sejongno, Jongno-gu
This public plaza is located right across the street from Gwanghwamun Gate. It is connected to the Cheonggye Square. Some of the main features of the square, which measures roughly 215,000 sq. feet, are the water fountain honoring Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the statue of statue of King Sejong the Great of Joseon, and a statue of statue of the Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

Cheonggye Plaza

Location: 148 Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu
Cheonggye Plaza is a short walk away from Gwanghwamun Square. Its main attraction is the Cheonggyecheon which is a stream that stretches through roughly 11km in the city’s downtown area. The area is like an oasis in the midst of the concrete buildings and structures surrounding the area. it not only offers a relaxing getaway for city dwellers who want to soak in Cheonggyecheon’s tranquil atmosphere. It also boats of a wide array of attractions including special events that draw locals and tourists alike.