Seoul & Yeosu: A Journey to Encounter Global Design Trends and World-Class Scenery

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Net, Chen Guanxin | Compiled & Reported | Source: Moleskine Editorial Department

 

The three-month-long Expo 2012 Yeosu in South Korea, whose venue was rated by CNN GO as one of the "Seven Must-Visit Places in the World for 2012," is expected to attract over 8 million global visitors during its run. In addition, South Korea is the fourth most visited Asian country by Taiwanese travelers, and Seoul, once declared the World Design Capital by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design, ranks as the second most loved Asian city among Taiwanese tourists. Iconic spots such as Dongdaemun, Hangang Bridge, and Namsan Park are all must-visit destinations. The following combines Seoul and Expo travel itineraries, allowing visitors to fully experience the beauty of Korea in a 4-day, 3-night journey.

Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace → Dongdaemun → Hangang Bridge

Gyeongbokgung Palace – Filming Location of "Empress Ki"

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main royal palace built by Yi Seong-gye, the founding king of the Joseon Dynasty. This magnificent and exquisite palace was largely burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) in 1592. It then remained in ruins for 273 years until 1865, when Heungseon Daewongun initiated a reconstruction project to restore the authority of the royal family. Unfortunately, the rebuilt Gyeongbokgung was once again damaged by the Japanese during the colonial period. To further destroy the spirit of the palace, the Japanese erected a large Western-style building between the main hall Geunjeongjeon, which served as the office of the Government-General of Korea — now known as the National Palace Museum of Korea. It wasn’t until 1994, to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Seoul’s founding, that the South Korean government began a series of renovation projects both inside and outside the palace, some of which are still ongoing. Every year on December 31st, the palace rings its bell 33 times to commemorate the 33 independence activists who participated in the Korean Declaration of Independence.

One of Asia’s Largest Fashion Markets – Dongdaemun

Dongdaemun Market, which has a long history and is livelier at night than during the day, is currently one of South Korea’s most famous fashion markets. The market has dense walkways and an overwhelming quantity of goods, where the more you buy, the better the price you can negotiate. There is a narrow passage between Dongdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market; the north side of this passage is lined with chicken soup restaurants serving clear chicken broth hot pot, known as Chicken Street, while the south side is entirely made up of grilled fish snack stalls. Vendors often set up their grills outdoors, cooking fresh mackerel, saury, and various other fish on the spot, using the aroma to draw in customers. Customers can opt for combo meals featuring several types of grilled fish to sample different flavors in one go.

Day 2: Expo Site → Korea Pavilion → Marine Civilization/City Pavilion → Corporate Pavilions → Energy Park → International Pavilion → Aquarium → Marine Life Pavilion → (Big-O Multimedia Show)

World’s Largest Dome Theater – Korea Pavilion

The Korea Pavilion, powered by a hydrogen battery system, features the world’s largest dome theater (30m in diameter, 15m in height), showcasing films about Korea’s oceans—past, present, and future. The exterior of the Korea Pavilion is designed with motifs of land, sea, and the Korean symbol of the taegeuk, making visitors feel as if they are part of a traditional Korean circle dance. As a next-generation building aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, the messages conveyed at the Expo will be preserved and permanently utilized as memorabilia after the event concludes.

A Gathering of Global Culinary Culture – International Pavilion

The International Pavilion, which showcases the latest technology and culture from 105 countries, covers an area approximately 12 times the size of a theme pavilion. Its architectural design is inspired by the imagery of a multi-island seascape, featuring 50 individual country pavilions and 4 shared pavilions. The exhibition area is divided into three major oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. The second floor of the International Pavilion brings together cuisines from around the world, where you can sample distinctive snacks and purchase specialty products from various countries. The rooftop of the pavilion offers a panoramic view of South Korea’s South Sea.