Tour Information

   Seoul Sights Guide
    If you care to stay in Seoul an extra day before or after the conference, you may want to take the Metro subway to     visit some attractions.

          Itaewon

Itaewon is the most exotic place in Seoul, with its fusion of cultures, giving it a distinctive atmosphere. Many people say, You may not know Seoul, but you should know Itaewon, showing how renowned of a shopping district Itaewon is. The Itaewon shopping area covers a 1.4 km long street, stretching from Itaewon 1-dong eastwards to Hannam 2-dong. The area has a vibrant ambience with shops, restaurants, bars and street vendors. Most signboards are written in English, and people are often heard speaking English on the street. More information: http://english.tour2korea.com/06shopping/ ShoppingInSeoul/itae03.asp? kosm=m6_2&konum =subm5_3

          Insa-dong

Insa-dong and the surrounding area were the neighborhoods of choice for Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910) officials, extended royal families, and the yangban aristocratic class. The shops that once carried everyday items for the privileged class still line the streets, though their once common goods have now become antiques and art in the face of modernity. Insa-dong is now home to dozens of art galleries and antique shops that are stretched throughout the area's narrow alleys, which branch out in all directions from one main street. To explore the interesting places on these side alleys, it would be helpful to get a map of Insa-dong at one of the three Tourism Information Centers, located at the center and at each end of the main street. More information: http://english.tour2korea.com/06shopping/ShoppingInSeoul/insadong01.asp? kosm=m6 _2&konum=subm1_1

          Historic site: Gyeongbokgung Palace

          Gyeongbokgung, 09:00 - 18:00
        Closed: every Tuesday
        Ticket cost: 3,000 won

GyeongBokGung Palace was built in 1395, the fourth year of the reign of King Taejo. The palace, named 'GyeongBok' or 'shining happiness,' was built as a tribute to the permanent happiness and prosperity of Korea's kings, their children and the people of the nation. It was burnt down during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and was left in ruins until its reconstruction in 1865, during the 2nd year of the reign of Prince Regent Daewongun. Many of the buildings at the palace were demolished during the Japanese colonial period. However, in the 1990s, the Korean government launched a restoration of the palace, and it has now been restored to its original state. On the site stand GeunJeongJeon, GyeongHoeRu, HyangWonJeong, and Amisan Chimney, all in their original states. The palace will allow visitors to get a better understanding of the culture and heritage of Korea.
More information: http://www.visitseoul.net/jsp/english_new/see/ts01_01 _01.jsp? template_id=103&info_id= 1010000005&onloadset2_num=1

       Gwanghwamun

Gwanghwamun is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in Seoul, South Korea. As a landmark and symbol of Seoul's long history as the capital city during the Joseon Dynasty, the gate has gone through multiple periods of destruction and disrepair. Recent restoration work on the gate was finished and revealed to the public on August 15, 2010.

        Leisure: Han River Ferries

         Jamsil, 12:00 - 09:00
       Ticket cost: 9,000 won

The HanGang River sightseeing boats offer leisurely rides with plenty of fresh air. There are four boarding areas: Yeoui-do, Jamsil, Ttuksum, and Yanghwa, with resting lounges below each wharf.
More information: http://www.visitseoul.net

        Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Market is located near Dongdaemun of which it takes its name. The market has 26 shopping malls situated over 10 blocks, 30,000 speciality shops, and 50,000 manufacturers. The market sells all types of goods but notably silks and fabric, clothes, shoes and leather goods, sporting goods, plumbing and electronics, office supplies, fortune tellers, toys and food areas specialising in Korean cuisine. It also has many pet shops.
More information: http://www.visitseoul.net

        N Seoul Tower

           Observatory Platform, 10:00 - 23:00
        Ticket cost: 8,000 won

N Seoul Tower, a center of seoul, a symbol of seoul, and the highest place where you can see all the most beautiful scenery of Seoul was established as a Korea first total electric wave tower to send TV and radio broadcasts in Seoul metropolitan area in 1969. Sending and receiving antenna of KBS, MBC, SBS TV and PBC, TBC, BBS FM sending antenna are equipped at the electric wave tower of N Seoul tower , and 48% of the entire population of Korea watch and listen to the broadcast through the electric wave tower of N Seoul tower. N Seoul tower become a resting place of Seoul citizens and a sightseeing site for foreigners after it is opening to the public in 1980. You can experience in new cultural arts with various media art in the mixture of art of light of which colors and patterns change every minute by the lighting of the newest LED technology. More information: http://www.nseoultower.co.kr