Seoul - A Major City Of Glowing Lights And Remarkable Palaces   by Ben Pate

in Travel / Destinations    (submitted 2011-08-03)

The skyline capital and largest city of South Korea, Seoul, is as impressive as it is beautiful. As one of the biggest cities in the world, Seoul has a history that extends back 2000 years, during which time it has always been a very important major settlement. It's this long history that gives Seoul it's color, in the form of historical landmarks and beautiful and complex culture. Take this history and throw in neon lights and skyscrapers, and you have the Seoul of today. Traveling to Seoul requires that you have a passport, including a child pass port for minors in your group.

If you don't have a passport or are in need of any passport related service, going online to get them is your best bet. Not only does going online for passport services drastically reduce the 8-14 week processing period, but it's much more convenient and much less stressful. Services from getting a new passport to getting an expedited damaged United States passport replacement are available, along with much more.

Seoul was once the place where the royalty of Korea lived, and you'll find five gorgeous palaces in Seoul. The two most famous and historically important are Changdeok-gung and Gyeongbok-gung. Changdeok-gung is an officially-declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by a stunning garden, this palace features several interesting buildings to investigate, including the King's bedchambers and his secret garden. Gyeongbok-gung is more regal in appearance and quite breathtaking to behold. Within, you'll find both the National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum, each worth exploring. Constructed around 600 years ago, the Gyeongbok-gung is huge and will require plenty of time to explore fully.

As mentioned before, the National Museum of Korea is located inside the Gyeongbok-gung complex. This is the largest museum in the country, with more than 220,000 items on display. Centered around reflecting the deep and intricate Korean culture, you'll find both fine art and historical artifacts within its walls. It also features cafes and shops for a quick bite and some souvenirs.

Samcheong-dong Bukchon is a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike. This quaint neighborhood is full of cafes and restaurants, art galleries, clothing boutiques, and lots of art and shady trees. Simply walking along the road will give you one of the most authentic Korean experiences, and it's something you don't want to miss out on.

If you are looking to unwind someplace away from the craziness of the city, head to Cheonggyecheon. This river didn't always have a sparkling reputation. In fact, it was once very polluted. However, it's been cleaned up and transformed into a beautiful natural area where city-goers can come and escape the bustle for a little. There is over five miles of walkway along the stream, meaning you can walk as long as you like, enjoying some art and nature.

About the Author

As one of the largest cities on Earth, Seoul is characterized not only by the hectic city scene, but also by the deep cultural and historical roots that helped it grow into the mighty metropolis of today. If you ever get the opportunity to travel to Seoul, don't pass it up, and don't forget your passport, including a child pass port for the minors. These services, along with those like expedited damaged US passport replacements, can be obtained easily and conveniently online.