Seoul showcases both the traditional and the contemporary. It is a place where the past meets the present. So, how can these opposite terminologies co-exist in a city?
Their rich culture and tradition are intact and still alive as it reflect not only in their surroundings but also to the people. The people give importance to the history as well as the innovation. As a result, the roots are very much planted and they have a strong sense of cultural identity. This is evident in their architecture.
Their rich culture and tradition are intact and still alive as it reflect not only in their surroundings but also to the people. The people give importance to the history as well as the innovation. As a result, the roots are very much planted and they have a strong sense of cultural identity. This is evident in their architecture.
Being a dynamic city with seven (7) major districts including city center, palace quarter, Dondaemun, university center, Yongsan/Yeouido, Gangnam and Jamsil, you can see several structures showing the beautiful architecture in Seoul.
This modern architecture in an old and established university is standing out in a way that it does not take away the history of this campus. New public spaces and complexes for students are effective for a better learning environment. It brings a sense of community and development for an institutional place like this.
There are also several buildings inside the campus worth visiting.
One of it is the Welch-Ryang Auditorium.
Completed: 2008
Architect: Dominique Perrault Architecture
Partner: Baum Architects
Area: 70,000 sq.m.
Ewha Campus Complex or popularly known as ECC is located at the entrance of the university after a short wallk from subway, which serves as a gateway to the campus. This is Korea's largest underground campus and a high-tech building with unique facade, which was designed by Dominique Perrault, a French architect and urban planner, together with the local partner Baum Architects.
It has six (6) basement levels which contain gym, movie theater, cafes, library, bookstore and other cultural facilities. and a ground level with lecture rooms and an eco-park. A place for all, which brings together the university and city.
Architect: Dominique Perrault Architecture
Partner: Baum Architects
Area: 70,000 sq.m.
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| ECC as the main gateway to Ewha University |
It has six (6) basement levels which contain gym, movie theater, cafes, library, bookstore and other cultural facilities. and a ground level with lecture rooms and an eco-park. A place for all, which brings together the university and city.
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| Roof garden at ground level |
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| This area also serves as an amphitheater for performances of the students in this campus . |
There are also several buildings inside the campus worth visiting.
One of it is the Welch-Ryang Auditorium.
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| Completed in 1956 |
This 2,800-seat auditorium is now serving chapel services and ceremonies in the university. This is located just beside the ECC building.
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| Welch-Ryang Auditorium |
Another building is the Centennial Museum beside the auditorium.
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| Ewha Womans University Museum (Centennial Museum) |
Ewha University was founded in 1886 as the first university for women and now the largest in the country. Visiting this campus is easy, for it is accessible and has its own station nearby.
This district is the university center of Seoul and has a lot of streets with cafes, galleries, and places for college students. This represents the college culture of Seoul. Enjoy shopping in the fashion and cosmetics streets near Ewha University. You can find various things in these streets, from clothes, accessories, beauty parlors to cosmetics shops which are popular for the locals. There are also other universities nearby which you can also visit.
This district is the university center of Seoul and has a lot of streets with cafes, galleries, and places for college students. This represents the college culture of Seoul. Enjoy shopping in the fashion and cosmetics streets near Ewha University. You can find various things in these streets, from clothes, accessories, beauty parlors to cosmetics shops which are popular for the locals. There are also other universities nearby which you can also visit.
Address
52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
How to get there
Line 2 - Ehwa Univ. Station (Exit 2 or 3)
2. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Completed: 2014
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Partner: Samoo Architects & Engineers
Area: 85,000 sq.m.
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Partner: Samoo Architects & Engineers
Area: 85,000 sq.m.
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| "Dream and imagine a better world, Design your creative ideas and your life, and Play creatively for the betterment of human life in DDP" |
DDP has eight (8) storeys and seven (7) different zones which compose of the following:
Art Hall (-2F to 1F)
Art Hall (-2F to 1F)
Open from 10am-9pm
A place that sets new design trends and promotes cultural exchange.
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| Poltronas Show Time chairs by Jaime Hayon |
Museum (-2F to 4F)
Open from 10am-7pm
A place that expands the horizon of creative design.
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| White bench at the right side is a BD Love Bench by Ross Lovegrove |
Open from 10am-10pm
A space where design is turned into an inseparable part of life as well as business.
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| Zaha Hadid's trademark style translated to this main staircase. |
Design Market (-2F)
Open 24hrs
A place linked to the Dongdaemun commercial district, allowing visitors to shop and relax all day.
Design Experience Zone (4F)
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| Topmost level of the complex. |
In DDP, there are two main parks/plaza which are the:
Oullim Square (-2F)
Open 24hrs
A place that sets new design trends and promotes cultural exchange.
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| Spun Chairs by Thomas Heatherwick |
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (1F)
Open 24hrs
A park where the history of Seoul is kept alive and dreams are brought to life through design.
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| LED rose garden |
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| Exterior facade is made up of 45,000 aluminum panels. |
A total of 5,800 tons of steel was used to create this massive, column-free interior space of exhibitions and conventions. With the advanced technology and creativity, this massive complex for design was made possible and is now known to be an iconic structure in Seoul.
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| View from the roof garden and ramp going to the street level. |
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| Tunnel connecting the plaza and LED rose garden. |
Filipino designers Ito Kish (official website) and Kenneth Cobonpue (official website) were part of the team for this collection.
Click this link for the DDP furniture collection video by Cinematic Person.
Address
281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
How to get there
Line 2, 4, 5 - Dondaemun History & Culture Park Station
(Exit 1 or 2)
3. N Seoul Tower
Located on the summit of Mount Namsam (480 MASL), this tower not only serves as a telecommunication base but also as a tourist attraction in Seoul for both locals and foreigners. Strategically located on a beautiful mountain in the center of the city, this tower stands out well and is a landmark for Seoul.
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| The base area of the tower is full of love locks. You can find a lot of these in several areas. |
The main mode of transportation to the tower itself from the base of Namsam Mountain is a 3-minute cable car ride, which can accommodate up to 48 people inside.
Best timing to go here is late in the afternoon, for you to see sunset and the night skyline of Seoul. Witness an amazing view of the whole city as this is the highest point in Seoul.
Best timing to go here is late in the afternoon, for you to see sunset and the night skyline of Seoul. Witness an amazing view of the whole city as this is the highest point in Seoul.
₩8,500 (₱340 or 7.5USD) : cable car (roundtrip)
10am-11pm
105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
How to get there
Line 4- Hoehyun Station (Exit 1)
Namsam yellow buses (2,3,5)
4. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Completed: 1395; Rebuilt: 1865
Restoration: 1990 onwards
(40-year plan of South Korea government)
Started by King Taejo
Area: 430,000 sq.m. (43.2 hectares)
Completed: 1395; Rebuilt: 1865
Restoration: 1990 onwards
(40-year plan of South Korea government)
Started by King Taejo
Area: 430,000 sq.m. (43.2 hectares)
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| "Walking through ancient palace that breathes history." |
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| Intricate ceiling design inside the work area of the king. |
This palace is the largest and the most majestic among the five ancient palaces that remain in Seoul today. It provides the 500-year history, royal culture and architecture of the Joseon Dynasty.
Traditional Confucian rituals were also held in this palace, which greatly affected the architecture planning and design of the palace.
Traditional Confucian rituals were also held in this palace, which greatly affected the architecture planning and design of the palace.
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| Traditional heater during earlier times |
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| This building was the venue for parties and social gatherings of the royal family and their friends. |
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| National Folk Museum (separate entrance fee) |
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| An actual hemispherical sundial |
Watch the changing of the royal guards ceremony at the main gate, which is called Gwanghwamun. It means: "a gate from which humane policies reach out in all directions." The ceremony is held three (3) times a day. The first ceremony is held every 11am, followed by at 2pm and the last ceremony is held at 4pm.
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| Main Gate (Gwanghwamun Gate) |
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| Gwanghwamun Square in front of the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace |
Gwanghwamun Square is a 555-meter long and 34-meter wide square where statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and King Sejong are located. These historical figures are most respected by Koreans for their contribution in the Korea.
₩3000 (₱120 or 2.5USD)
9am-6pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Address161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-820
How to get there
Line 3- Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5)
5. Bukchon Hanok Village
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| Bukchon means "North Village" |
In this area, the ancient village from Joseon Period with over 900 well-preserved Hanoks are located. Hanoks are the traditional Korean houses and members of the royal family and aristocrats lived here during that period.
City's old appearance and ambiance were retained in this area. And it is still a residential area up to now. Therefore, observing silence is a must when visiting this area of Seoul. Some of the traditional houses were converted to shops, galleries, restaurants and coffee shops.
City's old appearance and ambiance were retained in this area. And it is still a residential area up to now. Therefore, observing silence is a must when visiting this area of Seoul. Some of the traditional houses were converted to shops, galleries, restaurants and coffee shops.
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| Courtyard is a key feature in a traditional house in Korea. |
Visiting this place will let you see and experience the old architecture of this country. Contrast to the modern architecture outside this village, it still brings the experience people together as they look back and see their rich history through these traditional houses which are very much alive and there to stay. With the government's effort, conservation for these old structures is being practiced and implemented well for the future generation to be able to see.
A time capsule of the 600-year Korean heritage, this is the Bukchon Hanok Village.
Address
37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
How to get there
How to get there
Line 3 - Anguk Station (Exit 2)
6. Petite France
Completed: 2008
Completed: 2008
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| French style themed park |
Petite France is a french themed cultural village in Cheongpyeong-myeon. It also serves as a youth training facility for the Goseong Youth Training Center.
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| Artwork from the book "Le Petit Prince" |
Flowers, stars,and the Little Prince are the main concept of this place, which also serves as a tribute to the author of the famous book, Antoine de Saint-Exupery. This complex is composed of sixteen (16) French style buildings with thirty four (34) guest rooms, which guests can lodge and experience a French lifestyle and culture.
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| Petite France Guide Map |
₩8,00 (₱320 or 7USD)
Open 9am-8pm (Last admission at 7pm)
1063, Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon
Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi (616-2, Goseong-ri)
By Taxi
Cheongpyeong Terminal (inter-city bus to Goseong-ri)
or shuttle bus for Gapyeong Tourist Attraction
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"I don't think that architecture is only about shelter, is only about a very simple enclosure. It should be able to excite you, to calm you, to make you think."
-Zaha Hadid
"I don't think that architecture is only about shelter, is only about a very simple enclosure. It should be able to excite you, to calm you, to make you think."
-Zaha Hadid
there are so many great architectures in seoul. it designed really modern and beautiful. those buildings can be a reason for tourist come to seoul, just to take a picture. keep writing and sharing with us biesterbos.nl
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