With a rich history of more than 600 years, Seoul is the capital of South Korea and the center of Korean politics, economy, culture and education. Seoul is home to historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, as well as places where you can experience traditional culture such as Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, and Namdaemun Traditional Market. In addition, Myeong-dong, Apgujeong, and COEX MALL, Asia's largest underground shopping mall with a wide range of shopping malls and entertainment facilities, are also very famous and attract a large number of tourists every year for sightseeing and shopping. The Han River, which flows right through the center of the city, is a unique landscape of Seoul and provides a variety of convenient and comfortable leisure spaces for citizens.
Regional Distribution
The Han River, which runs through the city, divides Seoul into two. On the north side of the river, there are Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun and other representative bustling commercial districts in Seoul, and there are attractions such as Namsan Park, N Seoul Tower and other places filled with a strong sense of history such as Insadong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, etc. On the south side of the river, Ap-oh-jeong and Cheongdam-dong are the major shopping areas of Seoul, and there are a large number of international top luxury brands and department stores along the streets. On the south side of the river, Ap-ojeong and Cheongdam-dong are another famous shopping areas in Seoul, which are full of top international luxury brands and department stores, and the famous stores and fashionable stores along the street will attract your eyes, and the decoration and furnishings of the stores are even more unique, which is very appealing to the eyes.
TIME DIFFERENCE
The local time in Korea is one hour faster than the Beijing time, for example, it is 9:00 a.m. in Beijing and 10:00 a.m. in Seoul.
Power socket
Korea's voltage is generally 220V, and hotels can use 220V and 110V power supply, basically China's household appliances can be used normally. However, Korea's socket belongs to the German standard socket, belongs to the two round hole plug, need to buy German standard conversion plug. Domestic major supermarkets can buy such conversion plugs. Hotels also offer rental socket services, but the number of sockets may be limited.
Travel Season
The best time to visit Seoul is from September to November.
Seoul is at its best in autumn, when the sky is clear and the temperature is comfortable. between September and November, the sky seems to appear extra blue and the maple leaves in some of Seoul's ancient gardens or parks are red with rich colors. If you choose to go to Seoul when the spring flowers are in bloom, it is also a unique experience. from April to June, camellias, azaleas and cherry blossoms are in bloom, and the beauty of spring and the blossoming of flowers will surely fascinate you. in mid- to late-June, Seoul enters the summer season, which is hot and muggy, and there may be typhoons, so traveling at this time of the year is a little less desirable. Skiers should not miss Seoul's winter season.
Festivals
Youido Cherry Blossom Festival
Time: Annual cherry blossom season in April
Youido Park along the area of a lot of cherry blossoms are planted, especially in the wheel of the middle of the street has been the spring is the most popular popular cherry blossom viewing hot spot. In April, the cherry blossom color, fresh air, from the Yeouido subway station up, along the path towards the National Assembly Hall, the stranger in bloom, you can slowly return.
Jongmyo Grand Festival
When: the first Sunday of May every year
A large-scale celebration honoring the ancestors of the Korean royal family, the ceremony lasts one day. The royal horse procession leaves Gyeongbokgung Palace in the morning and the vast parade makes its way to the Jongmyo shrine at noon. The traditional Korean ritual music and song and dance performances are exciting and very local.
Buddha's Birthday Festival
When: every year on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar
Buddhism is one of the largest and most active religions in Korea, with millions of followers. On that occasion, many places in the city will be filled with lotus lanterns, and Chosi Temple, the main hub of Buddhism in Korea, will have its grandest moment. The festival is also a lively parade before the Buddha's birthday, and is worth seeing.
Ignition of Lanterns
Time: Mid to late May
The festival has been held in the Jongno area for more than 600 years and is a representative traditional festival of Seoul. The opening ceremony of the Lantern Burning Festival is to set up a large symbolic lantern in front of Seoul City Hall Plaza to announce the birth day of the Buddha. After that, the lantern burning event is held in Culture Square, Harmony Square, Hoiwa Square, and Daedong Square. All temples hold lantern burning events during the festival, and the city's sky is lit up by the brilliant lights and interplay of lights.
Seoul World Fireworks Festival
When: One day in October every year, usually from 19:30-20:45
The Seoul World Fireworks Festival is a gorgeous fireworks display that takes place under the dark night sky of the Han River Citizen's Park in the fall of every year, and it is as beautiful and vivid as a brocade of flowers in all its splendor. While the fireworks are glittering, the organizers also play various kinds of music in conjunction with the fireworks art show, which gets more and more exciting. The best way to view the fireworks is from the 63rd floor of the building, but it can be crowded with many people. There are good places to watch fireworks in various places in Yeouido, near the parking lot of Heron Yangjin, and in the Erchon area on the north bank of the Han River.
Seoul Performing Arts Festival
When: one month from mid-October
Seoul International Performing Arts Festival (SPAF), which represents the highest level of modern performing arts in the surreal world of body language, is held every year in October in autumn, aiming to move and shock the world with performances. A variety of outstanding domestic and international plays are staged during the festival. Don't miss it if you love art.