Seoul is a massive city and is home to around half of the population of South Korea. It is the beating heart of South Korea and has much of what South Korea has to offer. Seoul is a global city and a very important city in the world today. It has long been the capital of Korea and the various Korean states and kingdoms including the long-lasting Joseon kingdom. Seoul is surrounded by hilly and mountainous landscapes. Also, it is home to no less than five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Seoul is one of Asia's oldest cities with a history running back for around 2,000 years when it is believed to have been settled in 18BC.

Today Seoul combines the best of Korea's history, culture, and cuisine. There are tons of accommodation options and that is never a problem in this city. Seoul boasts a range of different neighborhoods, and here are three first-time travelers who should consider staying in.

  • History: Seoul Has 5 UNESCO Historical Sites
  • Fun Fact: Seoul Is 2,000 Years Old

Where To Stay In Seoul

Insadong Neighborhood

Insadong Neighborhood is one of the best neighborhoods for first-time tourists to explore. It is also a great neighborhood to stay in for those wanting to feel the modern vibe of the city. It is full of many antique shops selling all manner of traditional Korean arts and crafts. Has many boutique stores as well as art galleries and tea shops. The curious traveler will also discover many stunning garden restaurants secluded in its backstreet alleys.

One of the main attractions here is the Bosingak pavilion. Seoul is now a modern city and this is a great neighborhood to feel the vibe.

  • Great For: Modern Vibe Of The City

Related: 10 Unique Attractions You Can Only Experience In Korea

Myeongdong Shopping Street

One of the favorite modern pastimes in much of East Asia is shopping. For those interested in the modern shopping part of Seoul, then this is great place to stay. Myeongdong translates as "bright tunnel" - an appropriate name given the abundance of bright and colorful signs in this shopping street.

Here one can find the endless crowds of Koreans enjoying their shopping in the endless shops along the street. And of course, where there are crowds, there are scores of great restaurants and food stands.

  • Great For: Shopping Vibe Of The City

Namdaemun Market

For travelers looking to stay in a more traditional feel in the neighborhood they are staying, then consider Namdaemun Market. This is the largest and oldest market in South Korea and a bustling place to stay or visit. People can buy just about anything here and it is very popular for locals and tourists alike.

  • Bonus: It's a Great Place To Try Traditional Korean Street Food
  • Great For: Traditional Vibe Of The City

UNESCO Sites To Explore

After picking the neighborhood to stay, check out the historical sites of this great city. The Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites it hosts are:

Changdeok Palace

The Changdeok Palace literally translates as "Prospering Virtue Palace" is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built during the Joseon Dynasty. This palace was favored by many of the Joseon princes and today it is one of the most important national treasures of Korea. It suffered extensive damage during the Japanese occupation of Korea.

Hwaseong Fortress

The Hwaseong Fortress is a great place to see some of Korea's old traditional architecture. It is located just out of Seoul proper and was built between 1794 and 1796 by King Jeongjo. It is made up of a fortress and an enclosed palace.

Jongmyo Shrine

Often travelers are drawn to Asia by mystical religions like Confucianism and Buddhism. The Jongmyo Shrine is an important Confucian shrine dedicated to the deceased kings and queens of the powerful Joseon Dynasty. Today it is the oldest Confucian shrine still preserved today and ceremonial rituals continue today. The shrine was destroyed during the destructive war of the Japanese invasion of Korea back in 1592-98, after the war it was rebuilt in 1608.

Related: 10 Quick Weekend Trips You Can Take From Seoul

Namhansanseong

Namhangsanseong is another historical mountain fortress an easy to reach from Seoul. It is a massive fortress stretching some 12 km or 8 miles in length. The area is protected was used as an emergency capital during the Joseon Dynasty in times of war. The site is some of the best of Asian architecture today and it contains a number of temples within its walls.

Royal Tombs Of The Joseon Dynasty

The Joseon Dynasty spanned most of Korea's documented history from 1392-1910 and is central in the history of the nation. The Royal Tombs are the 40 tombs of the members of this dynasty, while some are in Seoul, they are scattered in 18 locations across the country. Another 2 are located in North Korea.

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