(For travel information to/from Incheon airport, please see the “Location & Transportation” section on the Hotel Information page.)
* Adapted from Local Information at IEEE ICDE 2015
Seoul, a global city
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Seoul is the capital of Korea with over 600 years of history. It is the heart of Korea’s culture and education as well as politics and economics.
In Seoul, the world’s 10th largest city, the past and present co-exist in a fascinating way. Ancient palaces, gates, gardens, and valuable art collections in museums attest to the illustrious past of the city while the glistening facades of soaring skyscrapers and the busy streets represent its vibrant present. Seoul is home to many old historic sites like the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, and places with traditional culture like Bukchon Hanok Village, Insa-dong, and Namdaemun Market. The shopping and entertainment districts of
Myeong-dong and Apgujeong, and Asia’s largest underground shopping center Coex Mall also draw a large number of tourists every year. The Hangang River, which runs through the center of the city, is also a distinctive landscape of Seoul that offers a myriad of resting areas for citizens.Seoul has now turned its attention into becoming an eco-friendly and culturally rich city after the recent decades of development and growth that helped improve life quality. In Seoul, visitors will find highly skilled human resources and the world’s best information-technology infrastructure. Seoul’s beautiful natural environment, low tax burdens, and social security expenses for foreign business make it a great place to invest, do business, and live.
- Helpful Booklets for Seoul Visitors:
ATTRACTIONS IN SEOUL
Namsan Mountain (N Seoul Tower)
The N Seoul Tower offers an amazing panoramic view of Seoul. It is located on top of Namsan Mountain, which is also the city’s largest park and botanical garden. Enjoy a hike to the peak or
ascend via cable car.
For more information, please refer to this website.
Cultural Shows (Non-verbal Performances)
Seoul offers a variety of non-verbal performances that anyone can enjoy. Among them is Nanta, a popular show running since October 1997. After a run on Broadway and tours around the world,
it has achieved impressive international success, receiving rave reviews and selling out quickly wherever it is performed.
For more information, please refer to this website.
Museums (National Museum of Korea)
The National Museum of Korea is the largest exhibition facility in Asia and among the six largest museums in the world. Here you will find a variety of collections that promote the uniqueness and beauty of Korean culture. With many stunning items including National Treasure No.83, the “Gilt Bronze Seated Maitreya”, the museum is very popular. Educational tours and cultural performances are available. Admission is free.
For more information, please refer to this website.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung was the main palace through much of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Unlike other palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung’s rectangular space is surrounded by large gates on all sides. It also has three granite walkways, extending from the main entrance to the mail hall. This hall was where all important matters were conducted.
For more information, please refer to this website.
Deoksugung Palace
Located at the corner of Seoul’s busiest downtown intersection, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone-wall road. It is also the only palace that sits alongside a series of western style buildings that add to the uniqueness of the surrounding scenery. Deoksugung Palace originally belonged to Wolsandaegun (1454~1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469~1494) of the Joseon Dynasty. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575~1641) ascended the throne and gave the palace the name Gyeongungung in 1611. Afterwards, the name was then changed back to its orginal title of Deoksugung. For more information, please refer to this website.
Shopping (Myeong-dong)
A must-visit location for foreigners, Myeong-dong is Korea’s number one shopping district. Located in the heart of Seoul immediately adjacent to the conference hotel, you will find the area bustling with people all week long. Myeong-dong offers tourists a wide variety of shops, from fashion items to popular brands for young people. Every corner extends to visitors excellent, traditional restaurants. Even if you’re not interested in a full meal, a variety of local delicacies will round off your visit to the area. Located near Myeong-dong, the Dongdaemun Shopping town also offers a wide selection of fashion items at very affordable prices.
Traditional Markets (Namdaemun Market)
Namdaemun Market is the largest and oldest traditional market in Seoul. You can find just about anything you are looking for. This 24 hour market is a true treasure trove offering a vast variety and bargains galore. For more information, please refer to this website.
Korean Cuisine (Galbi)
Galbi is either beef or pork marinated in a sauce of soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, and pear juice, and grilled over a charcoal fire. A similarly delicious dish is Bulgogi (Barbecued beef) marinated in a combination of mixed sauce, and grilled to perfection. Galbi restaurants are abound in Seoul making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish.
Art and Design (Insa-dong)
The streets of Insa-dong are alive with traditional Korean culture. This area has been the center of culture in Seoul since the Joseon era. A large variety of arts have surfaced in the neighborhood over the years, making it an exciting place to experience a wide diversity of genres. On the weekends, with Insa-dong closed to vehicle traffic, the streets are full of life with festivities such as parades, traditional wedding processions, music and dance performances. You will find that time flies as you wander from shop to shop, immersing yourself in the long, beautiful history of Korea. For more information, please refer to this website.
Family Fun (Amusement Park)
Lotte World is the perfect place for entertainment as the world’s largest indoor theme park, complete with 42 different attractions and spectacular festivals. The theme park is filled with rides, an ice rink, a folk museum, a lake and much more. Nearly 6 million visitors come to Lotte World every year. The indoor year-round. Seoul Grand Park, on the outskirts of the city, is a theme park housing Seoul land, Seoul Zoo, and Korea’s National Museum of Contemporary Art. While Lotte World offers excellent indoor entertailment, worlds-beautiful nature and a theme
park combined in one location. This is a favorite place of many locals. For more information, please refer to this website.
Mountains (Mt. Bukhansan)
Seoul is a capital city surrounded by graceful mountains. The locals love bukhansan National Park as much as the Hangang River. This beautiful mountain displays the seasonal changes in all
their glory. Many hikers visit this national park on the weekends. A variety of routes are available for all ages and all types of hikers, from beginners to experts. For more information, please refer to this
website.
Hangang River (Cruise)
The Hangang River is one of Seoul’s most popular attractions, a constant source of pleasure and relaxation. A cruise along the river is an excellent way to view the romantic side of Seoul. Relax, feel the cool breeze and enjoy the beautiful scenery. For more information, please refer to this website.
Temple Life & Temple Stay (Bongeunsa Temple)
Situated near Coex, Bongeunsa is a peaceful oasis. This temple is open all year round, and all Buddhist events held here are open to visitors. It also has exhibits explaining much of the history of modern Buddhism. Hundreds of people visit this temple every day. A variety of Temple-stay programs are also available. For more information, please refer to this website (click “Templestay English” on Quick Menu on the right side).
Yoo’s Family Guesthouse
(The Art of Tea ceremony → Try Hanbok → Making Kimch → Learn Traditional Etiquette of Korea)
Yoo’s Family is situated inside Bukchon Hanok Village, between the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo. The region resonates with a traditional atmosphere as the cozy venue sits nestled amongst traditional Korean hanok houses flush in the middle of Seoul’s two main palaces. Yoo’s Family is a Hanok family managed by Yoos, offering traditional culture experiences for foreigners interested in Korean living cultures and traditions. Most classes are short-term courses and reservations can be made up to one day in advance. For more information, please refer to this website.
Global Seoul (Itaewon)
Itaewon is a place where races and cultures exist together in harmony, making it a truly global village in the heart of Seoul. Seasonal international parties, such as Halloween parties, are held here each year. You can also find a variety of unusual and intriguing items here from all over the world. The streets are lined with exotic eye-catching shops, and most merchants are able to communicate well with visitors. Another popular place to experience a different culture is “Little Tokyo”, located in Dongbu Ichon-dong, close to Itaewon. For more information, please refer to this website.
Samcheongdong-gil Road
Samcheongdong-gil Road stretches from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Samcheong Tunnel. Just past Samcheong Tunnel, at the end of the walkway, you’ll find Samcheong Park-a park famous for its thick forest and scenic views. Samcheongdong-gil goes through the middle of the city, but is a peaceful, quaint area. The street is lined with cafes, museums, antique shops and a number of famous art galleries. Since each art gallery building along Samcheongdong-gil has its own unique architectural design, taking a walk and appreciating the buildings is a journey in itself. Many galleries have their own cafes, restaurants, or craft shops, allowing visitors to enjoy art, shopping, and lunch all under one roof.
For more information, please refer to this website.
