photo journal for Seoul
When Psy’s '‘Gangnam Style’ entered mainstream culture thousands of people watched entranced, without much awareness of Seoul, or its upscale Gangnam-gu District. Now, as K-Pop harnesses an army of fans as a force for political activism, South Korean culture is brought into the limelight and the country responsible for nurturing that can no longer be ignored.
Within the voguish metropolis is a sense of quiet provided by relics from the Joseon Dynasty that offer inhabitants a chance to slow down and reflect, taking note as each season grasps the city. Temples like Bongeunsa are less a signal of the country’s beliefs, more an appreciation for how those beliefs shaped its history.
Outside of these ancient heirlooms, Seoul’s energetic soul comes back to the surface through its food - whether eaten stood at a bustling market stall or seated at Korean BBQ, where the ‘banchan’ (side plates) outnumber those seated at the table. It’s a place of community where generations come together, share and create connections.
The N Seoul Tower is Seoul’s second highest point can be accessed by the Namsan cable car.
Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam-Gu is a Buddhist Temple dating back to 794.
Bongeunsa Temple painting, known as Dancheong, has a protective function as well as decorative.
The Great Statue of Maitreya Buddha at Bongeunsa Temple. It’s the countries tallest stone statue at 23m tall.
Mini shrines surround The Great Statue of Maitreya Buddha at Bongeunsa Temple
White Lanterns at Bongeunsa Temple, representing those who have passed away. Each one contains a prayer or a hope for the lost loved one.
White Lanterns at Bongeunsa Temple, Gangnam-Gu
Colourful lanterns hang to honour Buddhas Birthday at Bongeunsa Temple. It’s usually celebrated in May, but dates differ according to the Lunar Calendar.
Colourful Lanterns for Buddha’s Birthday at Bongeunsa Temple
Gangnam-gu, the third largest district in Seoul
Gangnam Style Monument on the Central Square of Gangnam-gu.
Starfield Library in Gangnam-gu displays 50,000 books and 600 magazines.
Starfield Library, Gangnam-gu
Cherry Blossom Season usually falls from late-March through April in Seoul.
Namdaemun Market is the oldest and largest market in Korea.
Throne Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The palace was built in 1395 is the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Floor stones are purposefully uneven to ensure that those walking towards the king are looking down.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion is where Hangul (Korean alphabet) was invented to improve literacy. It only became the primary Korean script after Japanese rule in the mid-20th century but was invented in the 15th century.
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, ‘Japsang’ statues line the temple roofs. They’re believed to prevent fires in the wooden buildings in a shamanistic way, The first few statues are named after the characters in ‘Journey to the West’ a 16th century Chinese novel.
Painted roofs in Gyeongbokgung Palace
Painted roofs in Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Village originally housed high-ranking government officials and nobility during the Joseon Dynasty.
Bukchon Hanok Village with the National Folk Museum of Korea shown in background.
National Folk Museum of Korea
N Seoul Tower, built in 1969, is South Korea's first general radio wave tower, providing TV and radio broadcasting in Seoul.
N Seoul Tower panoramic views
Looking for restaurants, bars or hotels in Seoul? Maybe our map can help.
Check out ‘The Vegetarian’ by Han Kang from our book club selects for some South Korean writing.
For more destinations in South Korea check out our photo journal for Jeju.