A map of the Korean capital will show that Seoul's districts are represented by 25 self-governing counties, with 11 of them located south of the Han River, commercial, cultural and residential areas. The Seoul districts include Tonjakku, Songdongu, Yongsan-gu, Chungu, Gwangakku, Chungnangu, Kandonggu, Dongdaemungu, Seochhogu, Kurogu, and others.
Description and attractions of the main areas
- Insadong: local craft workshops and souvenir shops offer unique ceramics, paintings, clocks, weapons, and a delicious snack at teahouses and Korean restaurants. In addition, from here you can go to inspect the Gyeongbokgung Palace (a visit to it should be planned for the changing of the guard of the guard, dressed in attire of the Joseon era - this action is worth capturing in a photo; and inside the palace you can visit the throne room and the Museum of the Korean Nation).
- Gangnam Style (this area is dedicated to the song Gangnam Style): famous for tall skyscrapers, 11 libraries, 5-star hotels, COEX mall (will delight guests with restaurants and food courts; 250 department stores; Megabox Cineplex cinema zone; arcade with arcade machines; Kimchi Museum; aquarium, which offers to look at sea and river inhabitants, and it also has a water tunnel - there you can look at tropical fish and sharks that swim over the heads of visitors). It is worth noting that Gangnam-gu can become a starting point to the Lotte World amusement park - there will be shows and parades, attractions, an ice skating rink, walking paths, a water complex with slides and a sauna "Cave".
- Hongdae: is of interest to travelers with its "ice" bar, art galleries, shops selling vintage clothes, a market with handmade products (its visitors will have a chance to acquire original items).
- Itaewon: famous for restaurants of different cuisines of the world, shops of foreign brands, the Seoul Tower, 479 m high (it will delight visitors with an observation deck with telescopes, an exhibition center, a cinema, a revolving restaurant N-Grill).
- Tobongu: Famous for Devil's Market, Manwolsa Temple, 24-meter ginkgo tree, People's Pottery Museum.
Where to stay for tourists
Before booking cheap hotels or hostels in remote areas, you should consider whether you are willing to spend a lot of time traveling by public transport to get to the main attractions of Seoul. Youngsters and people on a budget may find the Hongdae area awash with hostels, shopping malls and restaurants.
It is recommended to stay in the Myeongdong area for tourists who are not indifferent to Korean cuisine and shopping. The area is also convenient for living because it is close to the Namdaemun market and the subway station, and they can walk to Deoksugun Palace in 10 minutes.
Inexpensive hotels can be found in the Jongno-gu area - from there you can walk to Dongdaemun Market, and use public transport to get to the main attractions and Incheon Airport.
