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Xperience Team

25 Apr 2024 - 5 min read

A Journey Through Traditional Activities in Seoul

The vibrant capital of South Korea, Seoul is a captivating city which combines the advanced technology with a traditional heritage as well as the cultural architecture that have become the landmarks as well as popular tourist attractions not only for locals but also for international visitors from all around the world.

In Seoul you could visit and experience various traditions that are still uphold to this day, as well as the building related to it from the five royal palace that are spawning around Seoul city, various temples from Jogye Temple and Bongeunsa Temple, Trying out their traditional outfit of Hanbok and many other captivating activity and attractions are waiting to be unfold.

Here is the list of traditional activities that you can experience in the capital city of South Korea, Seoul.

1. Exploring the Majestic Palace of Seoul

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There are five total royal palaces, each having their own uniqueness complete with a beautiful courtyard, and serene gardens. The palace itself has that distinctive Joseon Dynasty architecture that you can see as you wander around the palace Ground.

Here are the five Majestic Royal Palace that you can find in Seoul:

Gyeongbokgung, the ‘Grand Palace’ which is also known as the largest palace which is translated directly the name would mean “Palace of Shining Happiness”. After you get through the Gwanghwamun Gate that acts as the main entrance, get ready to explore the throne halls and the majestic royal residence.
Changdeokgung, Declared as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is located among the beautiful gardens. Here you can take a look around the various halls that were used during the Joseon dynasty, courtyards and stunning pavilions including the famous Donhwamun Gate and Nakseon Hall.
Deoksugung, It might be the smallest among the other palaces, but it is the most unique out of them. The showcased the combination between traditional Korean architecture styles together with the Western architectural styles. Inside you can also explore the National Museum that is located inside the palace grounds that will show you the glimpse of Korean life throughout history.
Gyeonghuigung, The West Palace which can also be translated as Palace of Serene Harmony is the second palace as well as a palace for the royal family who are looking for relaxation and leisure. Compared to the other luxurious and majestic palaces, this one might be simpler, but here people can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding gardens.
Changgyeonggung, the last but definitely not the least, was built for the Crown prince Sado that boasts on its architecture brilliance as well the rich history of the Joseon Dynasty. It is very well preserved which makes visitors able to see for themself on the architecture and layout that is very close to its original state.

2. Enjoy the Serenity of The Seoul’s Temple

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A place where you can fully relax and have some inner peace away from your daily busling life and crowds. Visiting temples in Seoul is actually one of the most popular activities that travelers usually do, the Temples even offer a stay program where you can experience the monastic life in these temples first hand. The program itself usually includes meditation sessions, tea ceremonies, vegetarian meals that are prepared by the monks themself and traditional lodging.

As for the most popular temples that you might want to add to your visiting list are Jogye Temple which is known as the largest temple located in Seoul as well the chief Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and Bongeunsa Temple which offer a tranquil escape inside the city.

3. Get a Chance to Dress like Royalty

A great opportunity where you can step back in time and experience the authentic Korean culture where you will be dressed like royalty in beautiful Hanbok. Truly a dream come true opportunity that will not come so often. Imagine yourself wearing the traditional royalty hanbok while walking through the grand and majestic palaces in Seoul.

There are numerous studios and shops that are specialized in Hanbok rentals where you can choose the styles, color and size to choose from, and after you have decided, the staff would help in dressing you because it is quite a hurdle to dress yourself up in Hanbok alone. If you want to look more grandeur, you could also rent some accessories like headpieces and shoes to fully engage yourself into the royal transformation.

The Artist Hanbok: Costume Rental at Gyeongbokgung Palace | Seoul, South Korea

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4. Have a Spectacular Night at the National Theater of Korea

A paradise-like place for those of you who want to immerse yourself more into Korean culture as well the arts of performance.Here you will be able to encounter numerous traditional music and traditional dance such as the fan dance which is also known as Buchaechum or the famous mask dance, Talchum.

Not only that, in National Theater of Korea, that is often called as NTK also offer a unique performance where they don’t use any verbal spectacle that is known as the Nanta performance, which will immerse visitors into their show that combines acrobatics, martial arts and rhythmic drumming that surely will able to entertain anyone at any age.

There are still many other performances that are held by NTK which are known not only among locals but also among international tourists. If you love to know Korean culture and tradition more deeply, or if you love to know more about the arts of performance, then this place is a must-visit place that you must not miss.

Flight to Seoul

Sichuan Airlines

Start from ₱ 8,280.87

Hong Kong (HKG) to Seoul (ICN)

Mon, 6 May 2024

PAL Express

Start from ₱ 9,090.40

Davao (DVO) to Seoul (ICN)

Fri, 10 May 2024

Sichuan Airlines

Start from ₱ 13,393.54

Banda Aceh (BTJ) to Seoul (ICN)

Wed, 22 May 2024

5. Begin your Journey through the Vibrant Traditional Markets

Strolling around the traditional market of one nation is always the best way to know more about the culture, traditions as well the daily life of the locals. The same goes with Seoul, if you want to fully experience Seoul, from their traditions, culture and foods, you might want to explore the traditional markets in Seoul.

The most markets that always been bustling with visitors are Gwangjang Market that offer various ingredients and traditional snacks such as tteokbokki and fresh kimchi, Namdaemun Market which is a paradise for shopaholic who love to find some unique clothing, accessories and electronics as well homewares at a cheap price, and Insadong which absolutely a highlight among foreigner who are looking for traditional goods of Seoul, souvenirs, korean calligraphy as well a paintings that you can brought home to your homeland.

Seoul Walking Tour: Gwangjang Market Unique Food Tour | South Korea

Here are all Traditional Activities that you might want to add to your list during your visit to Seoul. If you would like to visit Seoul soon, Traveloka would gladly help you in booking the flights, hotels, and numerous tourist attractions and activities mentioned above with the best price! Now, what are you waiting for? Grab yours fast where various entertainment locations are waiting to be explored!

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