Chuseok, along with Korean New Year’s Day, is one of the two biggest holidays in Korea. Most people spend time with their families and relatives during this time of year. Some travel long distances to visit their families, while others travel shorter distances. However, in recent years, people tend to see their families less than they did in the past, often meeting only close relatives rather than extended family. This has led to more people participating in travel, visiting popular destinations in Korea, especially places like Myeong-Dong and the palaces near City Hall. This article serves as a travel guide for Myeong-Dong and Seoul City Hall.
To start with, if you live in Seoul, you’ve likely heard of Myeong-Dong. Even if you don’t or you are a foreigner, this is a place you must visit while staying in South Korea. The name “Myeong-Dong” means “bright neighborhood,” and it attracts countless visitors every year. Myeong-Dong is one of the top recommended places for visitors to Seoul, as it is famous for shopping and its many tourist attractions. For example, there are a variety of stores, including international brands, spa brands, franchises, and luxury labels. Visitors can enjoy shopping according to their tastes.
Myeong-Dong is not a newly developed area. It has deep historical roots, as evidenced by the Bank of Korea building, which was constructed during the Japanese colonial period. Additionally, the headquarters of Shinsegae and Lotte department stores are located here. Myeong-Dong is not only famous for shopping and its rich history, but it also holds the title of the most expensive land in Korea. Interestingly, the land in Myeong-Dong is even more expensive than that in Gangnam, despite the fact that Gangnam is known for being home to many wealthy residents.
The second destination in this travel guide is Seoul City Hall, located near Myeong-Dong. This area is famous for its palaces from the Joseon Dynasty. The most well-known palace is Gyeongbokgung, the main palace of the era, which was built earlier than the others and was founded by King Taejo, the first king of Joseon.
Additionally, Deoksugung Palace holds special significance as it was the main residence of King Gojong during the last 10 years of his reign. He was the last king of the Joseon Dynasty, and during this time, Japan and other foreign powers were pressuring Korea to engage in international trade. Although some of these negotiations resulted in unequal treaties that disadvantaged Korea, the country was able to learn about modern cultures by establishing diplomatic relations and sending envoys to other nations. Despite facing challenges, the efforts and passion for modernization were significant.
Overall, visiting traditional places is a wonderful way to learn more about history and culture. Having background knowledge before visiting these sites will enhance your experience and help you gain deeper insights from your trip.
These images were personally taken by me during my visits:
By. Jeonghwa Oh