The drummer is about to beat the traditional Korean drum.

I live in one of the smaller cities in South Korea and I often travel on weekends. Last weekend I decided to travel to Seoul to visit some places that I’ve never visited before. I have traveled to Seoul many times, but it seems like I always see something different and unique. Seoul is a huge sprawling city with many delights. It’s a city of contrasts with its rich and lengthy history and modern technology and infrastructure. It contains palaces, houses, and markets in the middle of gleaming skyscrapers. Seoul is a busy city with neon lights and rushing people, but people need to make sure to take time to stop and appreciate the beauty, culture, and traditions of what makes Seoul unique. In this busy, modern world we need to relax, to stop and appreciate the beauty of this life. I have to constantly remind myself to “stop and smell the roses.” It’s important to sometimes stop and take it all in, to completely absorb your surroundings, and I wanted to do this on my trip to Seoul.

The Chaning of the Guard at Deoksugung Palace.

I began my journey to Seoul by booking a train ticket on the Mugungwha train (slow train) on the Let’s Korail website in English. It took a little under two hours to get to Seoul. Seoul has a convenient and well-connected transportation system. I rode the subway to the heart of Seoul. My first stop was located very close to City Hall exit 12. My first destination was Deoksugung Palace, one of the “five grand palaces of Seoul.” The palace is a compound of buildings surrounded by a wall.

Deoksugung Palace contains the royal buildings, gardens, a statue of King Sejong, and the National Museum of Art. The unique thing about Deoksugung Palace is the Changing of the Royal Guards which occurs every day (except Mondays) at 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm. This is a popular event for travelers and locals and it takes place in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace. I was very fortunate to arrive at slightly after 2:00pm for the Changing of the Guards. People were surrounding a roped off area to watch the event. The guards came out and played music, made formations, and one guard hit a big traditional drum. The guards were distinguished by rank in their Korean costumes of various colors. I was fascinated with the symmetry of the Changing of the Guards and felt like I had stepped back in time to get a glimpse of what life was like at Deoksugung Palace. After the event finished, I followed the stream of people going into the palace after getting their tickets (on the right side) and watched the guards going out of the palace on the left side. I was struck by the contrast. There is so much to see and do at Deoksugung, and I highly recommend visitors try to watch the Changing of the Guards and take time to take in everything in the palace, too.

The Seoul Metropolitan Library and City Hall are in the background of the iconic “I Seoul U” sign.

Right across from Deoksugung Palace is City Hall and Seoul Plaza. After my visit to Deoksugung I crossed the street over to Seoul Plaza. I had always wanted to stop and take it in but had always been too busy. City Hall is in the heart of Seoul and is a governmental building for the Seoul Metropolitan government. The new City Hall building opened in late 2012. Seoul Plaza is an open field with a fountain and the iconic “I Seoul U” sign. In winter they open an ice rink and throughout the year they hold many events and concerts in Seoul Plaza. This is a great place to take pictures and relax. The wave-like building of City Hall boasts impressive architecture and is connected to the more historical Seoul Metropolitan Library. I enjoyed walking around the area and taking in the buildings, monuments, and the modernity of City Hall and Seoul Plaza.

Deoksugung Palace

More Information

Seoul Plaza and City Hall

More Information

Jogyesa Temple is surrounded by gorgeous flower displays.

After my visit to Seoul Plaza I took a short bus ride to Jogyesa Temple, which is the central temple and symbol of Korean Buddhism. It was founded in 1910 by the Buddhist community and went through location and name changes until it was established as Jogyesa Temple in 1954 in its current location in Jongno, Seoul. The temple it is a place for education, culture, and social services. Jogyesa has a bell, trees, halls, and different statues. When I arrived the temple had beautiful flower displays everywhere. The air was fresh and filled with the beautiful scent of the flowers. People of all religions and nationalities were welcome to come to this palace and take it all in. The temple had gorgeous traditional Korean architecture and was shaded by a giant tree. There were dragons, Buddhas, dogs, fish, elephants, and many other floral delights in Joygesa. I was delighted by the flowers against the striking beauty of the temple. There was a distinct feeling of peace in this area. I literally took some time to “stop and smell the roses” and take in all the smells, sights, and sounds of the breathtaking temple.

My last stop for the day was Gwangjang Market, also located in Jongno, Seoul. Gwangjang Market is one of the most popular traditional street markets in Korea. It is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets, with more than 5,000 shops. I read that around 65,000 people visit the market daily. Markets are a fantastic way to experience and absorb some of the local culture through merchandise, cuisine, and the local people. Every time I visit an area I like to go to a local market, and Gwangjang Market was a bustling, lively place. People were sitting on stools enjoying the local foods cooked by Koreans and perusing the shops for souvenirs and different merchandise.

The entrance to Gwangjang Market

The market has a lot of traditional Korean merchandise to satisfy shoppers’ needs.

As I wandered around the market, I stopped a moment and took in the ambience of the market.
Despite the hustle and bustle of the market, people were talking, laughing, eating, and enjoying life. I was struck again by how important it is to stop and enjoy the small things that make this life beautiful. If you are visiting Seoul it is also important to take time to enjoy the beauty, culture, traditions, and people that make this city so great. Even in the busy market, I took time to stop and take it all in.

Jogyesa Temple

More Information

Gwangjang Market

More Information

The room features a comfortable bed.

After my journey around Jong-no, Seoul, I stayed in the GS Hotel. The hotel is located in the heart of Jongno-gu. It boasts an excellent location with many shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions surrounding it. This hotel is a great base camp for long-term travelers or for a weekend getaway. The hotel lobby is clean and bright. At the front desk I had to inquire about some directions and the staff were friendly and helpful. After arriving at the fifth floor, I checked into my room.

Free coffee and tea await you at GS Hotel.

The cleanly and spacious bathroom.

The room had many amenities such as a large TV, free coffee and tea, free WIFI, and a spacious bed. It looked like a comfy place to stay in Seoul. The room also had a table and chairs which was perfect for studying, relaxing, or sipping a beverage. The bathroom was clean and stocked with shampoo, soap, conditioner, and bodywash. Everything in the room boasted comfort and convenience.

The next morning, after a great night’s rest, I went down to the lobby for the free breakfast (from 7am-10am). Many complimentary breakfasts end early, so I thought it was a nice touch to keep it open until 10am. The breakfast area is right next to the front desk. It includes ramen, toast, bananas, biscuits, coffee, tea, juice, and even chocolate! I was so excited by this. The breakfast is an excellent way to start your day at the comfortable and convenient GS Hotel.

A scrumptious complimentary breakfast.