The Lights of Banpo

A spectacular sight at night in the Gangnam district is the light and sound show at Banpo Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. The water in different colors dances and flows to the tune of  music.  This is a short 10 minute walk from the Express Bus Terminal.  The rainbow colored fountain is  created by 200 lights which can be seen from both sides of the bridge.  The fountain is recognized by the Guinness book of World Records as the world's longest bridge fountain.

The night I was there,  a fireworks display was on going which made the scene even more awesome!

Cheonggyecheon: Clean Stream in the City

Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11 km long stream that flows from Gwanghwamun Gate to Dongdaemamun.  For a time it was covered with asphalt and used as roads until  2005.  It took 3 years to restore is as  an ecological stream.  The place provides for a refreshing pedestrian walk through the streets of Seoul.

At night  the area with its 22 bridges is supposed to be have fantastic lighting.  However there were no beautiful lights the night I was there.  And that was a huge disappointment as I waited from late afternoon to around 730 pm to see this pretty sight described in Seoul's official  tourist brochure.

Charming Bukchon Hanok Village

Between Gyeonbokgung Palace and Chandeokgoung Palace is the  Bukchon Hankok Village.  This is an area with  more than 900 Korean traditional houses where people still actually live.  There is also an area in this place where Korean street food  and various arts and crafts are being sold.   

But be prepared for a tiring walk as you have to go up and down its steep streets which is worth the effort as the place is quaint and charming.  It is a favorite filming location for Korean movies and TV dramas.

Jongmyo Shrine: Memorial Fit for Royalty

Kings and Queens of the Joseon Dynastry are honored in Jongmyo Shrine where their memorial tablets are kept and memorial services offered.  It is a quiet tranquil place and you can only visit thru a guided tour except Saturdays when visitors can tour on their own.

Jongmyo Shrine is a Unesco World Cultural Heritage site and is the world's largest remaning wooden structure built in the 14th century.

Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret!

Changdeokgung Palace was originally built as a detached villa within the Gyeonbokgung Palace.  It is therefore not as grand as the Gyeongbokgung Palace.  But it has a secret which makes it a must see place in Seoul, its sprawling and serene Secret Garden. Within the Palace grounds is this garden which is actually a forest within the city and provides a peaceful and quiet sanctuary to royalty.  You need to make advance reservations  to be able to access this Secret Garden as they limit the number of guests per day.

A visit to Changdeokgung Palace which is a Unesco World Heritage Site is worthwhile because of its secret.