Seoul S Korea

Temple on Gwanghwamun Square Seoul

Had a 3 day layover in Seoul S Korea on the way back to the US from  Asia. Seoul is a great city and it’s a cool, very busy happening place. It’s considered a megacity and has the world’s second largest metropolitan area with over 25.6 million people. It’s home to over half of South Koreans. It took us an hour to drive into the city center from Incheon International Airport (ICN). 

Cheonggyecheon River Connects to Han River

Sited on the Han River, Seoul's history stretches back more than 2,000 years when it was founded in 18 BCE by Baekje, the first  of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. Seoul has continued to be the capital of Korea under the later Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire. 

Today, Seoul is considered a leading and rapidly growing global city stemming from an economic boom and growth known as the Miracle on the Han River. The world has witnessed Seoul’s transformation from the ashes and ruins of the brutal Korean war to becoming world’s the fourth largest economy after Tokyo, New York City and Las Angeles. It’s also one of the world’s leading technology hubs.

Downtown Seoul at Night

We stayed at the Lotte Hotel is in the center of town. A very cool location right near the far out architecture of the modern new wave shaped Seoul City Hall. It’s part of the Jung-gu district. Didn’t get to the famed Gangnam district but we did see the old style Korean homes of the Bukchon Hanok Village.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village. Hanok is a term to describe Korean traditional houses. The Bukchon Hanok traditional village is composed of lots of alleys, hanoks, and is preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. Bukchon is a traditional cultural center and allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty. 

King Segong at Gwanghwamun Square 

Seoul is an incredible city..Wonderful accommodations. Great restaurants. Interesting entertainment. Great locations for shopping. Nonstop shopping! We will definitely come here again. Seoul is a wonderful city.

Highly recommended!

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