The National Palace Museum is dedicated to the royal culture that infused the lives of Chosun rulers. After visiting the National Palace Museum, you can also visit Gyeong-bok-gung which is in the vicinity. Not only Gyeong-bok-gung but also several other palaces remain in the metropolitan area as vestiges of classic, Korean architecture. Taking a stroll around the beautiful palaces such as Chang-deok-gung, Deok-su-gung and Gyeong-bok-gung will provide fascinating opportunities to step back in time and experience ancient Korea.

* For more information on the National Museum of Korea:
  http://www.museum.go.kr/eng/index.jsp

Outdoor Seoul

Seoul is a highly urbanized city, yet at the same time, it is also a city where you can enjoy a dynamic outdoor life. The Han River, the center of Seoul¡¯s urban renewal, offers both thrilling experiences of water sports as well as the elegant experience of ferry tours. Cheong-gye-cheon, which was once a stream that served as the domestic waterway of Seoul, has been transformed into one of the most beautiful leisure places in Seoul. There are various programs such as a Cheong-gye-cheon walking tour with guides available in four different languages (English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese).

If you would like to devote your weekend to climbing for once, Seoul gives you many choices of mountains renowned for their beautiful scenery. Some of the most famous mountains in Seoul include Buk-han Mt., which was designated as Korea¡¯s 15th national park, Gwan-ak Mt., which is right near SNU, and Nam Mt., near the Han River.

For students or families with children, Seoul also provides many entertaining theme parks such as Lotte World, Seoul Land and Coex Aquarium.

* For more information on
Cheong-gye-cheon : http://english.seoul.go.kr/cheonggye/
Coex Aquarium : http://www.coexaqua.co.kr/english/e_main.html
Lotte World : http://www.lotteworld.com/Global_eng/Main.asp

Shopping

You can experience typical Korean shopping in various general markets where you can get materials at amazingly cheap prices with good quality. At Dong-dae-mun Market, open 24 hours a day, you can find everything you need at a reasonable price. Insa-dong, the largest marketplace for traditional Korean art and products, is another place where foreign visitors can experience the true character of Korea. Here, not only shopping but also other elements of Korean culture are available to take in, such as numerous antique shops and galleries as well as restaurants serving traditional Korean food and tea. While the above-mentioned places are markets where you can experience Korean culture, Itaewon is a place where cultures from all around the world meet. It contains a variety of clothing, jewelry, luggage, suit and foreign import stores as well as diverse ethnic restaurants.

* Information Center for Foreign Shoppers in Dong-dae-mun Market is located
  on the 2nd floor of Dong-dae-mun Tourist Information Center.
* Foreigner Information Center of Doosan Tower:
  Tel) 82-2-3398-3114 (from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM the next day)

Annual Festivals

Seoul also holds myriads of annual festivals. Hi Seoul Festival, held every spring, is the biggest and most keenly anticipated event by millions of Seoulites as well as foreigners residing in Seoul. In October, Seoul International Fireworks Festival offers you beautifully embroidered night skies. If you want to experience typical Korean culture, Samcheongro Culture Festival, in November, can give you the opportunity to do exactly that.

* For more information on Seoul International Fireworks Festival :
  http://www.bulnori.com/

The Foreign Community

If you want to get acquainted with other foreigners living in Seoul, you can join the ¡®Korea International Student Association¡¯. KISA, founded at SNU in 2005, is an organization for international students studying in Korea and in which they can help each other understand Korean culture.

* For more information on any of the above :
  http://english.visitseoul.net/visit2007en/index.jsp