Seoul, South Korea

Situated on the Han River, Seoul's history stretches back more

than 2,000 years when it was founded in 18 BC by Baekje, one of
the Three Kingdoms of Korea. It continued as the capital of Korea
under the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire. The Seoul
metropolitan area contains four UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine and the
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Seoul is surrounded by
mountains, the tallest being Mt. Bukhan, the world's most visited
national park per square foot. Modern landmarks include Namsan
Tower, Lotte World, the world's second largest indoor theme park,
and Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, the world's longest bridge
fountain. Seoul is the birthplace of K-pop and the Korean Wave.
Lotte World consists of the worlds largest indoor theme park
which is open all year around, an outdoor amusement park called
Magic Island, an artificial island inside a lake linked by monorail,
shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports
facilities, and movie theaters all in one place. One of the major
reasons tourists are attracted to Lotte World is the amusement
rides. The Gyro Drop and Gyro Swing are the top pleasers a
steep drop with an altitude of 70 meters, or taste the thrilling
sensation of being inside a tornado.The Flume Ride is a long boat
with a high-altitude wave, and the Spanish Pirate Ship swings at
an electrifying 75 degrees. Besides the excitement of these rides,

Lotte World also contains a variety of parades and laser shows.

Operated by Samsung Group, Everland is South Koreas largest

theme park at 100 hectares. With 8.6 million visitors, it is ranked
as the 4th most visited theme park in the world by offering 5 main
Festivals and exciting entertainments all year around.The park is
home to over 40 heart-pounding rides and attractions. In addition
to Safari World featuring white tigers, tigers, lions and bears,
Herbivore Safari opened in April 2010, letting visitors get up
close and personal with the safaris giraffes, elephants, and
ostriches.

Dongdaemun is Koreas largest wholesale and retail shopping

district has 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops, and
50,000 manufacturers. Opening from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
except Monday & some public holidays, you can literally shop all
night !! The fabric and clothing here are of the latest fashion
trends in the world. Inventory is imported and exported in real
time, making Dongdaemun a must-visit for fashion enthusiastic.

Gyeongbokgung Palace arguably the most beautiful and remains

the grandest of all five palaces is also called Northern Palace
because it is the furthest north when compared to the
neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and
Gyeongheegung (Western Palace).
The name of the palace, Gyeongbokgung, translates in English as
Palace of Shining Happiness. The premises were destroyed by
fire at the time of Japanese occupation from 1592-1598. However,
all of the palaces 7,700 rooms were later restored under the
leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King
Gojong. The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of
Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located
east within Hyangwonjeong.

Not too many cities in the world have royal palaces that are
hundreds of years old sitting next to huge modern urban
skyscrapers, but Seoul has an interesting balance with its ancient
history and ultra modern development. The unique and beautiful
contrast between old and new in Seoul is another reason you
should find yourself in Seoul sooner than later.
Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following
the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. The buildings
have remained largely intact over six centuries and served as a
backdrop for the last chapters of the Joseon period (1392-1910).
Koreas last emperor Sunjong passed away on these grounds in
1926, and its commonly known that members of royal
descendants lived in Nakseonjae, a cluster of unpainted palace
buildings well into the late 80s.
The palace had a great influence on the development of Korean
architecture, garden and landscape planning, and related arts, for
many centuries. It reflects sophisticated architectural values,
harmonized with beautiful surroundings.

N Seoul Tower, built in 1969 and opened to the public 11 years

later, the communication tower is approx. 237 meters tall, topping
off at a half-kilometer above sea level, this is the the Namsan
Parks most popular attraction.
Once there, visitors can enjoy a spacious plaza and platforms
affording panoramic views of Seoul. Take a closer look, however,
and youll see a safety fence thats covered in thousands of
padlocks. These curious objects are symbols of love fastened by
young couples. Inside N Seoul Tower is a caf and three
restaurants, including the revolving n.Grill. For some, the Teddy
Bear Museum shouldnt be missed.

Sure many cities have places open all day and night, but in Seoul,
its not just convenience stores. Seoul is definitely a city that
comes to life at night. There are plenty of restaurants, gyms, bars,
cafes, entertainment options (i.e. noraebang, pc bang, jjimjilbang,
movie theaters, shopping) open past midnight for you modern
day vampires. If you like playing, come visit Seoul so you can play
all day and night