[SEOUL ATTRACTIONS] 2016 Top 10 Hallyu Hotspots in Seoul

Seoul Metropolitan Government recently conducted an online survey on the top 10 Hallyu Hotspots in the city, and the results are already out. If you're going to Seoul for the first time, these places may be a good starting point and are surely worth the visit, especially if you're a hallyu fan like me.
I was able to visit some of the places among the 10 hotspots and I'd like to share some of the photos I took from way back 2013, and last 2015. I do hope to be able to finally visit all 10 in the future! :)



Here's the TOP 10 HALLYU HOTSPOTS in SEOUL:

1- N Seoul Tower

I think this deserves the number 1 spot since its one of the most popular, most romantic (and my favorite^^) landmarks of Seoul. Some of Korea's well-loved dramas such as 'My Love from Another Star', and 'Boys Over Flowers' were filmed here.

I was able to visit N Seoul Tower last 2013, and back then, the Bear Museum was still there. It was fun watching the laser light show during the night, and seeing the nightscape of Seoul, however I wasn't able to see the 'Locks of Love' at the Roof Terrace. That's why I plan to go back here during the day and have my photo taken among the thousands of locks attached to the fences at the viewing deck.

Cute bear dioramas were used to tell the history of Korea at the Bear Museum

Photo op with the cute bears ^^

The night view of Seoul taken from N Seoul Tower.

Address: 04340 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea (Yongsan-dong 2-ga, YTN Seoul Tower)

Operation Hours:

Observatory Hours (subject to change according to weather conditions)
Monday-Friday/Sunday 10:00-23:00
Saturdays 10:00-24:00
Restaurant Hours 10:00-23:00

Entrance Fees:
Observatory
- Tickets: Adult 10,000 won, Child 8,000 won

N Sweet Bar Observatory
- Combo Package A: Adult 21,000 won, Child 17,000 won
- Combo Package B: Adult 23,000 won, Child 19,000 won
- Beer Combo Package: Adult 26,000 won

Character Galleries
- Ssen Toy Museum and Showroom: Adult 10,000 won, Child 8,000 won
- Hello Kitty Island: Adult 8,000 won, Child 7,000 won
- Ssen Toy Package (Observatory + Ssen Toy Museum): Adult 14,000 won, Child 11,000 won
- Hello Kitty Package (Observatory + Hello Kitty Island): Adult 12,500 won, Child 10,500 won
-3 in 1 Package (Observatory, Ssen Toy Museum, Hello Kitty Island): Adult 19,500 won, Child 16,000 won

2- Gyeongbokgung Palace

This is another place that's close to my heart as I was completely blown away by its beautiful landscapes and architecture when I first visited it in 2013. Seeing the palace (together with the 4 others) at the heart of Seoul is an even bigger surprise for me, because standing amidst modern buildings is one of the greatest and most popular icon of Korean heritage and culture. It was well preserved, and it definitely is a must visit for anyone visiting Korea, especially in autumn or spring, when it's really colorful.
I also want to try moonlight tours in Gyeongbokgung! The palace must look even more exquisite at night. That would be one of my goals on my next trip!

Photo op with the palace guard^^ say Kimchiiii! ^^

It would be nice to sit below this yellow tree one autumn morning and just read a good book.

My favorite autumn pic^^ I love the warm hues of red, yellow, and orange all over the palace. 

Address: 03045 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours of Operation:

January, February: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
March, April, May: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
June, July, August: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
September, October: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
November, Decmber: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Last admission one hour prior to closing.
**Closed on Tuesdays

Entrance Fees:

Age 19~64: KRW 3,000 won / KRW 2,400 won ( group, 10 or more )
Age 7~18: KRW 1,500 won /  KRW 1,200 won ( group, 10 or more )
* Free: Children(Ages 6 and under), Ages 65 and above
* With the purchase of a book of Combination Tickets (adults 10,000won, Youth 5,000won), one admission for each of the five different Palaces is available within three month. (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace - the Secret Garden included, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine).

Check out their WEBSITE for more details.

3- Cheonggyechon Stream

This is an 11km long modern stream running through downtown Seoul, which is considered as one of the city's most popular date spots! Many Korean dramas have also filmed here. I got a chance to visit this during the Seoul Lantern Festival last year, and I couldn't believe when I heard that this stream was covered by a highway once, and have been through quite a lot. If you're in Seoul and just want an afternoon or night of relaxation, drop by the Cheonggyecheon stream to hang out and unwind.

Here are some of the photos I took at the Cheonggyecheon during the Seoul Lantern Festival:

Group photo with Nat and Jas eonnie at the tunnel in Cheonggyecheon :)

People are lining up to make the wish lanterns :)

Hundreds of wish lanterns are left afloat at the river every night

It was nice seeing these Philippine lanterns at the stream :)

4- Namsangol Hanok Village

Namsangol Hanok Village is a collection of five hanoks (traditional Korean houses) from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), recovered from different parts of the city and relocated to the northern foot of Namsan mountain (cr. Visitseoul.net). I've never visited this place before, and I look forward to seeing it and trying all the cultural activities there on my next visit.

Here are some photos from visitseoul.net

Address:
04626 28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Hours of Operation:
April to October: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
November to March: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
**Closed on Tuesdays

5- Yeouido Han River Park & Han River Cruise

This is another place lined up in my bucketlist. Last year, I was finally able to visit Yeouido Park during autumn. Unfortunately, I am yet to try the Han River Cruise. I heard it's a good way to enjoy the scenery of the river, and you can also enjoy live performances and great food at the cruise. I'll make sure to try this on my next trip!

Hangang river is the most important physical landmark of Seoul that divides the north & south. 

Here are some of the photos I took at Yeouido Hangang Park:

6- Deoksugung Palace

I like Deoksugung Palace for the unique fusion of medieval and modern style architecture that you can see there. I visited it last year to see the changing of the guards ceremony and it was a delight to see the guards’ colorful uniforms, and experience a part of Korea’s royal culture.

Here are some of my photos at the Deoksugung Palace :)

Address:
100-120 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Operating days/hours:

Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00am-9pm

(Last admission 1 hour before closing time)

* Closed on Mondays

Entrance Fees:

Regular Ticket:
Adult: 1,000 won
Children: 500 won

Combination Ticket (valid for three months provides entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine):
Adult: 10,000 won
Children: 5,000 won

Free Admission:
Children under 7 yrs. old
Senior Citizens older than 65 yrs. old
Those wearing hanbok
Culture Day (the last Wed. of each month)

Check out their WEBSITE for more details.

7- COEX, SM Town @ COEX Artium

It is my dream to bring my sister here as she's a huge fan of Super Junior and Exo! I'm sure she'll love it. SM Town is a must-visit place for K-pop fans where they can see and experiences various activities related to their favorite SM Enetrtainment stars. 

Here are some photos from visitseoul.net

Address:
06164 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea SMTOWN@coexartrium

Operation days/time:

Monday-Sunday, 11:00am ~ 9:00pm

You can check their WEBSITE for more details.

8- K-Star Road

The K-Star road is a popular place for Hallyu culture and shopping. I'm sure Kpop fans like me will enjoy exploring this area as the big entertainment companies SM, JYP, and Cube can also be found here. 

Personally, I want to try the trendy cafes here. :)

Here are some photos from visitseoul.net

For more details, you can check out their WEBSITE.

9- Lotte World & Lotte World Tower

I was able to visit this last 2013, but unfortunately I wasn't able to explore much of it because it was the day of our flight. So if you're coming here, make sure to allot at least 1 whole day here. 

Lotte World Adventure is a major recreation complex located in downtown Seoul. It consists of Indoor Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park, an outdoor theme park called Magic Island, a luxury hotel, the Korean Folk Museum, shopping malls, department stores, sports facilities and a movie theater, all in one place.

Address: 138-220 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Entrance Fees:

 

You may visit their WEBSITE for more details.

10- Sevit Floating Island & Banpodaegyo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain

Some Sevit, with the meaning ‘three shining islands brightening the Han River’ is the world’s first floating cultural space. It is made with four artificial islands including Some Gavi, Some Chaevit, Some Solvit and Some Yevit, with wedding halls, Italian restaurants, buffets and cafes, and is being utilized as a space for various exhibitions, performances and events. It's a popular filming site for Kdramas such as 'She was pretty', and even for Hollywood films such as 'Avengers'.

Here are some photos of Some Sevit from visitseoul.net

Address:

SOME SEVIT- 06500 683, Olympic-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea (Banpo-dong)

You can visit their WEBSITE for more details.

The Banpo Bridge is a major bridge in downtown Seoul that connects the Seocho and Yongsan districts. The bridge is on top of the Jamsu Bridge, forming the upper half of a double-deck bridge and is the first double deck bridge built in South Korea. It is famous for its Rainbow Fountain which has the Guinness World Record for being the world's longest bridge fountain.

Watch this video to see all 10 top Hallyu Hotspots in Seoul:

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Other Hallyu hotspots that didn't make it to the list are as follows:

• Grevin Museum
• Sangam DMC and MBC World
• Seoul Global Cultural Center
• Seochon Village
• Hongdae Playground
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza
• Gwangjang Market
• City Hall of Seoul & Citizen's Hall
• Tongin Market
• 63 building

I was fortunate enough to be one if the winners of 100$ Amazon gift card for this online voting event (you can check the list of winners HERE). Thank you so much to visitseoul.net, and I look forward to visiting all these places on my next visit! ^^ [Credits to Visitseoul.net for some of the photos and infos on the tourist attractions]