This former seat of power is probably Korea's most famous royal palace. Gyeongbok Palace (closed Tuesday) was built in the late 1300s, and has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times. English tours are available about three times daily for visitors to learn more about Korea's architectural traditions and court customs.
BUGAKSAN
Mountains ring Seoul and one of the best to climb is Bugaksan, the peak behind the President's pad, Cheongwadae or Blue House. Several trail heads take hikers through reconstructed 15th-century gates and along Seoul's ancient fortress wall. From the top of the 342-m (112-ft.) ascent, you'll get a commanding view of the capital. You’ll need your passport to get on the trail, even if you don't look like a would-be assassin.
ITAEWON
Itaewon is choc-a-block with bars, clubs, restaurants and shops selling everything from reproduction Korean furniture and tailored suits to jewelry and Korean pottery. One of the best clubs in the city, Club Volume, is here, in the basement of the Crown Hotel it reputedly recruits some of the world's best DJs.
CHEONGGYECHEON STREAM
A walk along this 5.8-km (3.6-mile) stream is almost as good as a spa for clearing one's mind or rethinking a deal. While it's just off Sejongro, one of the busiest boulevards in,Cheonggyecheon is remarkably quiet because the stream is more than 15 ft. (4.6 m) below street level and feels a little like a dugout.
SEOUL CITY TOUR BUS
If you want to hit most of Seoul's major attractions but aren't keen on traversing the city by taxi or subway, these buses are the way to go. For a mere $10, you can hop on and off at least two palaces, the major markets and Seoul Tower, a communication tower that rises 479.7 m (1,574 ft.) above sea level and has a revolving restaurant and good views of the city — and get free history lessons en route.
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