Seoul
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The wide, well-kept sidewalks of downtown Seoul make for an excellent walking tour of the city. As you explore Seoul you will see how traditional Korea is intermixed alongside modern Seoul. In order to preserve and revere these ancient marvels the central government designated many of these landmarks as historical sites, attracting tourists every year to admire the grandiose palaces, museums, and statues that are side by side modern skyscrapers.

Deoksu-gung Palace

If you time it right, you may see the changing of the guard ceremony at the gate before entering Deoksu-gung Palace. Spend some time exploring the smallest of Seoul's palaces, built during the mid-fifteenth century. This ancient marvel was renamed Deoksu-gung, meaning Palace of Virtuous Longevity by King Sunjong, and houses some of the best royal architecture to come out of the Chosun Dynasty. Sokchon-jeon Hall resides next to Seoksu-gung Palace, which houses the Royal Museum. Nearby, don't miss the statue of Yi Sun Shin, the national hero of South Korea. Yi Sun Shin defeated the much larger Japanese naval fleet with his "turtle ships" in 1597. The Kyobo Building, behind the statue, contains one of the best foreign language bookstores in Korea. In the background you will see the Millennium Building, a landmark newly added to the downtown skyline.

Sejong Cultural Center

Along the wide, tree-lined Sejongno Boulevard, within Jongno-gu, you will run into the Kwanghwamun Gate. This street was of great significance during the Chosun Dynasty, as it led from the city of Seoul to the royal palace gate. It still has a majestic feel, with its wide sidewalks. You will pass the Sejong Cultural Center, the largest center for the arts in Seoul. The center contains galleries, convention halls, and theater forums, and is host to the Seoul National Philharmonic. As you continue on, Jongno Street is a bustling section filled with young and old people alike, meeting friends or shopping. Note the two-story Boshingak (belfry), the bell inside was once rung regularly to inform people of the opening and closing of the city gates each evening and morning. On New Year’s Eve, it seems that half the population of Seoul comes here to herald in the New Year.

Gyeongbok Palace

The Gyeongbok Palace is one of the most famous and oldest Seoul attractions. This is also the site of Dongshipjagak, the ancient watch tower. Inside the grounds, you can explore the National Folk Museum of Korea, the National Museum of Korea, and the palace itself. Art exhibits are sometimes held on the grass, and the grounds provide a pleasant place for a stroll. Another ancient palace worth visiting is Changdeok Palace, where members of the nation’s royalty are said to live even now. If you happen to catch it open, a visit to the Secret Garden will take your breath away. Also, you are in luck if you happen to catch the Chongmyo-Taeje Royal Shrine Rites. The only Buddhist temple in downtown Seoul is Chogyesa. Chogyesa is also the headquarters for the Chogye sect of Buddhism. This temple, known as the Temple of Beautiful Gates, was built in 1910. Smell the incense wafting from the numerous Buddhist supply shops along side Chogyesa, where you can buy books, statues, bells, and other souvenirs. While in this area, you can also see the remaining traditional Korean-style homes of the Seoul Pukchon Village.

Insadong

The unique artist and antique district of Insadong is another must see attraction of Seoul. Spend some time browsing through the antique, ceramic, paper and painting shops, or visit some of the small, private galleries. You may even catch the Insadong Cultural Festival which features traditional performances and various vendors. Later, quench your thirst at one of the many traditional tea houses along the way. Historic (Pagoda) Tapgol Park is close by, perfect for a stroll in the park. Pagoda is the site of the first reading of Korea’s Declaration of Independence in 1919. These days, it is usually full of elderly men, sometimes in traditional Korean clothes, passing the time chatting, playing Korean chess or having their hair cut outside.

No matter how you choose to see the city, you are sure to enjoy the ancient and modern contrasts of Korea’s capital. Just remember to bring your camera, a city map and a good pair of walking shoes, and take extra care when crossing the streets, as pedestrians are low on the traffic pecking order.

Bus Tours

Aju Incentive Tours ( +82 2 786 0028/ http://www.ajutours.co.kr/ )
Seoul City Bus Tour ( +(82 2 777 6090/ http://www.seoulcitybus.com/ )

Cruise Tours

Han River Boat Cruise ( +82 2 3271 6900/ http://www.lifeinkorea.com/ )

Temple Tour

Discover Asia ( +1 300 736 584/ http://www.discoverasia.com.au/ )
Goway- Korean Temple Stay ( +1 800 387 8850/ http://www.goway.com/ )

Culture Tour

Tour In Korea ( http://www.tourinkorea.com/ )