https://www.expedia.com/Seoul.d178308.Destination-Travel-Guides Watch our video highlighting some of the best things to do in Seoul, but beware—it just might cause you to start planning your next Korean vacation! Join us in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. This intriguing destination boasts an innovative, forward-thinking culture, but it’s also steeped in history. While traveling around this northwestern city, you’ll come across massive shopping complexes just on the outskirts of ancient temples and palaces. Take a trip back in time at the Changdeokgung Palace, which was built in 1405 as one of the Five Grand Palaces established by the Joseon Dynasty. Though all the city’s palaces were burned down during the 1592 Japanese invasion, Changdeokgung was the first to be reconstructed. Venture around Injeongjeon, the throne hall, and step across the Geumcheongyo Bridge, which is considered one of the city’s oldest bridges. Deoksugung is another one of the Five Grand Palaces, and it’s unique in that it incorporates a Western-style garden. Don’t miss the other royal grounds, including Changgyeonggung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Unhyeongung Palace. If you’re really looking to get a sense of the more modern, Seoul tourism scene, prepare to shop ’til you drop! This city takes shopping seriously, as you can find stores and markets scattered all around town. COEX Mall is Korea’s largest underground shopping mall, while Namdaemun Market features hundreds of vendors selling almost anything you can imagine, from kimchi to kitchenware. In the mood for some late-night shopping? Discover some of the best finds in fashion at Dongdaemun Market, which is open all through the night, closing around 7 a.m. Continue your Seoul city tour by making your way to the theaters to witness some marvelous performances. These theaters know how to put on a show–Korean martial artists, dazzling dancers, and talented musicians take the stage at the Korea House, Jeongdong Theater, and Seoul Arts Center. Next, visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace to catch the opening and closing of the royal palace gates and the royal guard changing, or check out the Bosingak daily bell-ringing ceremony. Whether you decide to join guided Seoul tours or prefer to venture around the Korean destination on your own terms, you won’t be disappointed. From royal grounds to theater productions, the entertainment is endless. Press play on our travel guide video to get inspiration for your next trip to South Korea. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Expedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expedia Instagram: http://instagram.com/expedia Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Expedia/ Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Expedia -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on our travel blog, Viewfinder: http://viewfinder.expedia.com/

• published: 09 Mar 2015
• views: 56498