Visit Korea
Seoul
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
SEOUL
Seoul is the capital of the Republic of South Korea, carrying between its parts a long history dates back more than
600 years. It also is the heart of Korean culture, education, politics and economics, where it is home to many
historical sites and traditional cultures and shopping and entertainment, and in addition to having many green
spaces and waterways.
Annual weather
Average Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Max
-5
-2
9.5
18
20
25
28
28.7
22.4
17
9.5
3
Min
2.5
4
5
10
14.5
21.5
23
21.7
18.5
14.4
6.9
0.2
Rain
21.6
23.6
45.8
77
102.2
133.3
327.9
348
137.6
49.3
53
24.9
Basic information
Time difference
9 hours ahead of GMT
Currency conversion
1 USD = 1,083 Won (approximate)
Language
Hangeul
Electricity
220 v
Visa information
www.immigration.go.kr
Tourist information Center
Tel: 02 729 9497
Tourist complaint Center
Tel: 02 735 0101
Seoul information Center
02 731 0088
Tourism website
www.visitkorea.or.kr
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
Hotels in City Center Location (City Hall Area)
Lotte Hotel (5*)
www.lottehotel.com
Westin Chosun Hotel (5*)
www.echosunhotel.com
President Hotel (4*)
Koreana Hotel (4*)
Plaza Hotel (4*)
www.seoulplaza.co.kr
Outside City Center Locations
COEX Intercontinental
www.seoul.intercontinental.com
Grand Intercontinental
W Hotel
www.wseoul.com
Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel
www.sheratonwalkerhill.co.kr
Shilla Hotel
www.shilla.net
Grand Hyatt Hotel
www.grandhyattseoul.co.kr
Preferred apartment – close to city center location
Fraser suites (deluxe)
www.frasersuitesseoul.co.kr
Fraser Place
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
Major tourist attractions in and around Seoul
1. Seoul N Tower
Located on Mt Namsan offers great panoramic views of the city,
and has been a symbol of Seoul. It is now a true cultural space with
various performances, movies, exhibitions as well as upscale
restaurants and snack bars. The tower is equipped with a revolving
restaurant, digital observatory, shocking edge, digital telescope,
high powered telescope and souvenir shop. The best time to visit
Seoul N Tower is between 7 pm and 12 am during their fantastic
illumination show.
COEX MALL
A novel entertainment facility located in the heart of Seoul with
250 commercial stores, 800 restaurants, food court, aquarium with
40000 aquatic creatures, cinema complex with 17 screens, book
stores, Game Park, shops and boutiques. The largest underground
shopping mall in Asia is located in this complex. The aquarium has
a water tunnel where you can see sharks and other fishes swimming
over head.
KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE
Set in a natural environment occupying 243 acres; visitors can
experience authentic Korean atmosphere with 260 traditional
houses and a general view of the Korean food, clothing and housing
style of the past era. About twenty workshops and various
handicrafts such as pottery, baskets, bamboo and wooden wares,
paper, brass, fans, musical instruments etc. are practiced. Here the
customs and lifestyles of past generations have been faithfully
maintained without impairment.
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
Double- Decker bus trip
Very popular among foreign visitors. This bus trip
course covers Cheonggyecheon, Gwanghwamun and
Deoksugung in about an hour and 40 minutes. If you
want to sit on the top deck, you have to make a
reservation via the internet prior to the departure. The
ticket booth only sells tickets for the lower deck on the
day of departure. The tour operates everyday except
Monday. (Departure time 1000, 1200, 1400, 1630 and
1900) Ticket price for adult – USD 5 / Children USD 3.
Cheonggyecheon stream
Runs through the downtown financial and shopping
districts. Tourists and locals enjoy this small water course
at the foot of massive modern buildings that feels
somehow secluded from the bustle of the city. Around
80000 tourists visit the stream every day. The stream
edges are decorated with colorful lighting and
architectural styling with a myriad of bridges
crisscrossing footbridges. The Rhythm Wall fountain, on
which the water flows in various directions according to
the sounds of music while illuminated by colorful lights,
is 5 m high, 20m wide and is made from marble.
War memorial
Built on the previous headquarters of the Korean infantry.
This memorial is the largest of its kind, dealing with the
subject of war in the world. The exhibits inside the
building display the equipment during the Korean War in
such a way as to invite comparisons between the items.
Large weapons and equipment used by different countries
during World War II and Vietnam War are also displayed.
Admission hours are from 0930 hrs in the morning to 5
pm in the evening daily except for Monday.
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
63 Building
The tallest tower around Han River with a multi tourist complex,
observation tower and a variety of other facilities. It has a
shopping center, restaurants, aquarium, health club, sauna and
bowling center. Going up the glass elevator to the observation
tower gives a spectacular view of the Incheon Sea.
Han River
Running through Seoul provides a retreat from the skyscrapers of
the city. Riverside parks along the banks of the Han River are
equipped with a host of amenities like jogging paths, outdoor
swimming pools, roller-skating rinks and other sporting facilities.
Floating restaurants and cafes add to the fun. Taking river cruises
from riverside parks is an excellent way of enjoying the scenery
of the Han River. The ferries depart every 1 hour and each trip
takes about 2 hours. A live concert is staged on the last ride at
8.30 pm.
DMZ (Demilitarized zone)
Korea is the only divided country in the world after the Korean
War in 1950 with a 2km zone drawn from the truce line on either
side. As one of the last relics of the cold war, the DMZ attracts a
lot of tourists from different part of the world. This is where
tension and peace coincide. The 3rd tunnel was discovered in
1978 where 10000 soldiers could move through in one hour. Mt
Dora Observation platform is located near the 3rd tunnel from
where you could seen N Korea and the city of Gaeseong.
Seoul World Cup Stadium
Asia’s largest soccer only field with a seating capacity of 65000
approximately. The World cup park built close to the stadium
consists of 5 theme parks namely peace park, Sky Park, Sunset
Park, Nanji Stream Park and Riverside Park. The World cup mall
located in the complex offers various entertainment facilities like
shopping, game zones, spas, restaurants, wedding halls, sports
center, banks and cultural activities.
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
National Folk Museum
Displays the lifestyle of ancient Koreans. There are 20000
vestiges with a total of 4000 folk relics. The “Hall of Korean
Lifestyle” shows the lifestyles of Korean from pre-historic times
to Joseon Period (1392-1910). The “Hall of Korean Life Cycle”
presents the life of an ancient Korean from birth to marriage to
death
Namiseon Island
Shot to fame after some of the leading Korean dramas were shot
in this exotic location. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist
attractions from Seoul. It is 63 kms away from Seoul, an hour’s
ride by road and ferry. The landscape is famous for its tree lined
roads. The complex is 553.550 square yards with chestnut trees
and other popular trees. It is composed of education and training
facilites, camping sites, swimming pools and water sports
facilities for motorboats and water skiing. There is also a theme
park with merry-go-rounds, a shooting range, roller skating rink,
and there are lodging facilities such as resort villas and
bungalows. It is also enjoying a pollution free environment as
there are no cars except for electric buggies
Night life areas
Hongik University St.
Well known for its College of fine arts and one of the best night
life areas in town. There are some 20 clubs including live music
clubs and techno clubs that rock till dawn and unique cafes
featuring European and Mexican style architecture, music shops,
small theatres and exotic stores. This area is the birthplace of
Korea’s underground youth culture and popular among foreign
tourists. It is also considered the most cutting edge. The other
fascinating nightlife zones located in the city includes Jongno,
Sinchon, Itaewon, Daehangno, Gangnam, Apgujengdong and
Myeongdong. The last three are the most expensive night life
areas.
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
Major shopping streets
Itaewon Street
Located in the center of Seoul, it is the spiritual home of Korea's Muslim
population and the presence of largest Mosque in Korea, constructed by
Saudi Arabia. Designated as a tourist zone, Itaewon is one of the most
popular shopping area with over 2000 shops and dining areas for foreign
tourists. More foreigners are seen here than Koreans and English language
is widely spoken. During the day, Itaewon is a popular shopping area and
after darkness, the area heats up with many pubs and nightclubs. Most of
the shops here are open until 2200 hrs midnight. This area has a lot of
Turkish and Pakistani restaurants serving halal dishes for the Muslim
community.
Apgujeong Street
Nicknamed "Seoul's Beverly Hills". Top end western brands line the
streets and alleyways as well as Galleria department stores.
Myeong-dong
Resembles a massive shopping city spread about 1 km from Myeong dong
station to Lotte Department Store at Euljiro with branded shops and
department stores clustered on the streets and alleyways. All major
shopping chains like Lotte department store, shinsegae department store
and other shopping malls like U-too Zone, Myoeng dong Migliore and
Avatar are located here. Good quality and branded products can be
purchased at these department stores like Migliore and Avatar. Myeong
dong also has family restaurants, fast food and Korean, Western and
Japanese food.
Insadong Street
Located in the heart of city is a street for antiques and traditional items.
There is one main road with a labyrinth of alleys on each side. Within
these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, traditional tea houses and
cafes. As a popular tourist area, the street is closed for traffic on Sunday
and opens to pedestrians only. There are around 100 galleries located in
this area displaying traditional fine art from paintings to sculptures. Apart
from the stores, there are a lot of temporary merchants like candy sellers
and fortune tellers who are busy trying to attract foreigners.
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
Dongdaemun Market
A huge shopping area with over 30 shopping malls housing 27000
retailers and 50000 wholesalers. While shopping, you also enjoy live
performances, fashion shows and other stage shows. The shops are open
all days including public holidays. Products such as trendy clothing, shoes
and gift items are 20-30% cheaper than other major shopping areas in
Seoul. This market is famous for night shopping and prices are lower at
night due to wholesale purchase. Besides the modern shopping malls,
there are also old shopping markets and traditional conventional markets
concentrated together to form a complex shopping ground.
Nam dae mun market
Korea's oldest open-air markets; it has existed on this spot for more than
600 years and sells virtually everything from clothes, toys, leather goods,
gift items, ceramics, handicrafts, imported goods etc. In particular, it is
where over 1500 accessory stores are concentrated, the largest such
market in the world. It is permanently crowded and open round the clock.
The market comes alive after midnight when wholesale stores open. It
gets busier in the wee hours of the mid night when retailers from all
around the country come to buy items at rock bottom prices.
Technomart Electronic Market
A large shopping center with more than 2000 electronic stores. These
stores are distributed between eight floors of the building complex.
Electronic products in this market include audio / video equipment,
electronic products, computers, sound systems, communication
equipment, albums etc. Other than shopping, you can also enjoy yourself
at the arcades with multi simulation and virtual experience game
machines; eleven screen multiplex theatres, food court, game room and
trendy restaurants. Therefore, this 10 storey building is a shopping mall
and an entertainment center with a scenic view of Han River.
Yongsan electronic market
Made up of over 20 buildings housing over 3000 shops that sells
appliances, stereos, computer and peripherals, office equipment,
telephones, lighting equipment, electronic games and software, vide and
CDs. Here Korean made products are cheaper by 20% compared to the
local market while imported goods are cheaper by 50%. All major stores
are open from 10 am in the morning until 8 pm in the evening and open
all days except 1st and 3rd Sunday.
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
Major Shopping malls
Lotte department store
Lotte Young Plaza
Hyundai Department store
Shinsegae departmental store
Freya Town
Migliore
Doota
Lotte World Theme park
A gigantic, multi-purpose complex featuring malls,
sports facilities, theme park, deluxe hotel and a folk
village. Here, most of the facilities are indoors. It is
one among the Top 10 indoor theme park in the world.
Apart from the rides, various performances and shows
add variety to the fun. The Folk village located on the
third floor of the shopping center has a collection of
miniatures palaces, fortresses and villages depicting
various
aspects
of
the
history.
EVERLAND
A huge theme park located 1 hour away from the city
which includes a zoo, snow sledding and botanical
garden. It is rated as the sixth most popular park in the
world. It is built on three themes, namely the Festival
World, Caribbean bay and Speed way. Caribbean bay is
rated as the largest water park in the world.
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
Royal Palaces
Gyeongbokgung palace
Located in the heart of Seoul is one of the most beautiful and
largest of the 5 palaces of the Joseon dynasty. Its grounds are full
of attractions and treasured artifacts, many of which are placed
in meaningful positions. Originally built in 1394, it was burnt
down during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and later restored in
1867 by King Gojong.
Deoksugung Palace
Located in downtown Seoul, close to City Hall area. It features
a balance of old and modern style buildings such as Sekjojeon,
King Gojong’s office and an art museum. Visitors can watch the
changing of guards’ ceremony. The ceremony is held 3 times a
day at 11 am, 2 pm and 3pm except Monday and last for 30 mts.
Animation and video games in Seoul
Video game locations in and around Seoul





Lotte World
Everland Theme park
Coex Mega Mall
Seoul Land
Also available in big shopping malls
Seoul Animation Center
An animation museum with a film theater, library and a production office where domestic and cultural contents
such as cartoon animation, and game can be developed into various character products through the cutting edge
digital 3D modeling systems.
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬
Night Shows, Dinner Shows and Entertainment
NANTA
One of Korea’s leading shows now being played in Broadway, New
York. This is also one of the leading shows for foreign tourists.
NANTA, also known as COOKIN in English is a nonverbal
performance of reckless rhythms that dramatize customary Korean
percussion in a strikingly comedic stage show. As the show is built
on rhythms and few spoken words, audiences of all ages and
nationality can easily enjoy the plot and dramas.
Korea House
A beautiful traditional Korean style building with a lofty gate, a
detached house, a main building, a servant’s house and a back yard.
Here, the tourists get a chance to enjoy traditional Korean food,
wedding ceremonies, art performances and cultural handicrafts.
Traditional performances like Fan dance, mask dance, exorcism
dance etc. can be watched here. After performances, you can take
photos together with the members of the folk arts performance
group.
TELEPHONE HELP LINE DIAL 1330
Visitors who need information or encounter problems during their stay in Korea can dial 1330 for visitor
information or interpretation in English. This service is free of cost and available 24 hours except for local call
charges. Tour advisors will provide information on attractions, accommodations, transportations, festivals etc.
Volunteer service for ARABIC and other language translation
If you find difficulties in communication with anyone in Korea, please call 1588-5644 and seek your translation
services in 17 languages. For Arabic, press 10. More details are available on www.bbbkorea.org
SEOUL ONE-STOP CALL CENTRE
You can just dial 120 for any information related to tourism attractions, restaurants, transportation, interpretation
service, lost items, volunteer services and other inquiries about Seoul. Business hours are from Monday to Friday
9 am to 6 pm.
P. O. Box 9488, Dubai, UAE, Phone: + 971 4 3312288, Fax: +9714 3310999, www.visitkorea.or.kr, Email: [email protected]
[email protected] :‫ البريد اإللكتروني‬، www.elakorea.com ، +971 4 3310999 :‫ فاكس‬، + 971 4 3312288 :‫ هاتف‬،‫ اإلمارات‬،‫ دبي‬، 9488. ‫ب‬.‫ص‬