Seoul is a massive city that has almost everything you are looking for. As South Korea has been getting popular for its K-drams and K-pop lately, many tourists from abroad have visited Seoul, the Mecca of K-culture. For that reason, I'm interested in writing posts about tourist attractions for Kpop in the future.
But now, I would rather introduce you to "view-focused areas" where you can enjoy Seoul's beautiful views.
Not only for the beautiful views, but you will also be happy if you are on a budget.
1. Itaewon 이태원
Itaewon is a famous neighbourhood for many foreign restaurants, bars, etc. It was where the US troops were stationed. And many embassies are here, so many American-style and foreign restaurants have flourished in this neighbourhood. If you miss your home food while staying in Korea, Itaewon is right there for you.
Not only for foods from all around the world, but Itaewon is also popular with foreigners who come to Korea for work or study. Because many embassies are gathering around and the US troops used to be stationed in this neighbourhood, Itaewon has become a foreigner-friendly area where you could be helped in English to rent a flat.
There is a street named "Gyeongnidan-Gil(경리단길)" in Itaewon. It was named after "육군중앙경리단(The Armed Forces Financial Management Corps)", which is located at the start point of the street. The street stretches from the corps up to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Various restaurants, bars, pubs, and clothing shops flank the street. While you walk up the street, you can get to some good spots for viewing the N-Seoul Tower.
The best spot I found for views of Itaewon was Itaewon Bugundang Historical Park. It was designated to commemorate one of the Korean independence activists, Yoo Gwan-Sun(유관순), against Japan's colonial rule. You will see a shrine in the park, which holds rites twice a year. From the observation deck, you can see the view of the N-Seoul Tower standing tall on Namsan Mountain and of Haebangchol village. I recommend you to visit there at night in particular. You can enjoy not only the tranquil but also glamorous views there and good restaurants for dinner afterwards.
2. The Han-gang River 한강
I love 한강. It feels like the sea to me as we, Seoul citizens, rarely have a chance to see the sea. The river is quite wide from one side to the other, so it kind of gives me a feeling that I'm at the seashore(or a channel). Ever since I was a little boy, this river has given me many good memories. I used to fly kites, rollerblade, ride a bike, and have picnics. After hitting my 20, I even used to do a part-time job at a convenience store near the river and commute by bike along the bike lanes. How can I not love this river?
The Hangang River crosses through the centre of Seoul, dividing the city into two parts(the north and the south). Because the river offers beautiful views and has excellent parks along its sides, many people visit it for a picnic, cycling, walking, and other outdoor activities. You will probably see quite a few of them put up a tent to enjoy the picnic fully. There are many tent-hawkers from whom you can rent a tent and bike rental shops, so it's okay even if you go there unprepared.
Korean people get some food delivered to the river. Having fried chicken or pizza with beer is highly recommended to relish the moment. Even if you are not as good at Korean as you can order some food in, it's okay. Plenty of restaurants and convenience stores near the river will keep you from getting hungry!
I personally recommend you try instant ramyeon(라면), bought at a convenience store. Eating ramyeon at the riverside will give you a different experience.
3. Inwangsan Mountain 인왕산
Inwangsan Mountain is 338.2 metres high. It's high enough to look down at Seoul but not too high to hike up for everyone. It's located near 경복궁(Gyeonbokgung Palace), so you can visit the palace and hike up the mountain at once within a day. If you take a subway, there are two stations nearby. 독립문역(Dongnimmun Station) and 경복궁역(Gyeongbokgung Station) are those. If you get off at 독립문역(Dongnimmun Station), you can also visit 서대문 형무소 역사관(Seodaemun Prison History Hall), which was used to imprison Korean independence activists by the Japanese colonialists.
Because the mountain is near the palace, it was used as a barrier to protect it. That is why you can see walls along the ridge while hiking. For that geographical reason, the mountain had been used for military purposes, and nobody was allowed to approach the area back in the day. It was open to the public in 1993.
4. Namsan Mountain 남산 / N-Seoul Tower(남산타워)
Mt. Namsan is one of the most beloved tourist attractions in Seoul. As you can associate the Eiffel Tower with Paris and Big Ben with London, N-Seoul Tower on the mountain symbolises Seoul. Twelve million tourists from abroad and at home visit it on an annual basis thanks to the beautiful views, convenient amenities, and accessible location it offers.
You have two options to reach the mountain peak: one is taking a cable car, and the other is just hiking up. On the top, you will see traditional Korean beacons, guardrails on which padlocks are hanging, and most distinctly, the tower.
From the tower's observation platform, you can have a 360-degree view of Seoul. And some restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops are there for you to enjoy the views and atmosphere fully.
If you missed out on the previous post about Mt. Namsan, click this link!
Seoul's night views from the mountain, with the glamorous lights flashed on the tower, will give you an unforgettable memory. It's recommended to enjoy the night views there and move to Myeongdong(명동), where many good restaurants and the streets are buzzing.
>>More information about N-Seoul Tower
I'd really appreciate it if you enjoyed this post and then gave me some help!
WORDS BY
Minsu Kim - koreaonthescreen@gmail.com
PHOTOS BY
Minsu Kim - koreaonthescreen@gmail.com
@koreaonthescreen
@emeskei_
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