Posted on Monday, July 22nd, 2013 at 8:14 am

If you are an international student studying in Seoul, chances are you will be spending much of your time exploring Seoul as the capital city of South Korea. Here are 5 things to do in Seoul that you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to experience while you are studying there:

1. Gyeongbok Palace – Korea’s most famous royal palace, located at the northern end of Seoul’s main boulevard, Sejongro. Gyeongbok was built in the late 1300s, and since then has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times. Tours conducted in English are available about three times every day, if you are interested in learning more about Korea’s court customs and architectural traditions.

2. Bugaksan – One of mountains that ring Seoul, located behind the President’s pad, Cheongwadae or Blue House. It is one of the best mountains to climb around Seoul. Trailheads take hikers through reconstructed 15^th-century gates and along Seoul’s ancient fortress wall. You will have an amazing view of the capital from the top of the 112-ft. ascent, and follow in the footsteps of North Korean commandos who climbed the mountain in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the president around 40 years ago.

3. Itaewon – A major draw for foreigners in Seoul, Itaewon is an expat-friendly neighborhood near the main US Army base. It is home to many bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops that sell everything from reproduction Korean furniture and tailored suits to jewelry and Korean pottery. Itaewon also houses one of the best clubs in the city, Club Volume, in the basement of the Crown Hotel.

4. Namdaemun Market – This is a fantastic place to pick up inexpensive clothing, houseware, fabrics, toys, jewelry, accessories, food, flowers, and appliances. It is seemingly open round the clock, and has thousands of stores located in around 30 multistory buildings, as well as innumerable street-vendor stalls.

5. War Memorial of Korea – Learn about the troubled history of Korea here, particularly its relationships with its near neighbors. It is not, strictly speaking, a memorial; it is actually a large military history museum, with tanks, planes, and guns on display.

If you would like to learn more about studying in South Korea, and all the South Korea International Student Insurance requirements please see our Korea page for more information.

Posted by Ross Mason

Ross is the Vice President of International Student Insurance, with over 15 years experience in the international education arena. A graduate from the Nottingham Trent University in the UK with a First in BSc (Hons) Business and Technology, Ross has lived all around the world including LA, New York, Boston, London, Hong Kong, Florida and Germany.