Seoul Signature

The Shilla is located in the heart of Itaewon shopping district with its own arcade of world-renowned fashion brands. The hotel features European, Japanese and Chinese restaurants as well as lounges, bakery, bar and cafe. There is also a grand ballroom, banquet rooms, gymnasium, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, sauna, jogging course, indoor golf range, spa, beauty salon, business centre, boutiques, arcade and duty free shop. Surrounding tourist attractions include the Namsangol Traditional Folk Village, Seoul Station, Deoksu Gung Palace, National Theater, Dongdaemun Stadium, Namdaemun Market, Itaewon shopping area and much more.

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel and set out for a full day of exploring Seoul. Visit Jogyesa Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea. Continue on to explore Gyeongbok Palace (on Tuesdays, visit Deoksu Palace instead), arguably the most impressive of the five grand palaces. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a ritual which remains unchanged since the days of the Joseon Dynasty. The guards wear traditional Joseon uniforms, carry weapons and play musical instruments. After sustaining damages over the years by fires and war, the walled palace complex has been gradually restored back to its original form. Next, pass by the Blue House presidential residence (Cheong Wa Dae), then visit Cheongwadae Sarangchae (closed on Mondays). Opened in 2010, Cheongwadae Sarangchae features an interactive exhibition of Korea's history and future vision. Stop in at a ginseng shopping centre, then have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, proceed to Changdeok Palace, another of the Joseon Dynasty's five grand palaces (on Mondays or when the palace is closed, visit the N Seoul Tower instead). Changdeokgung was completed in 1412 and UNESCO recognizes its exceptional integration with the natural surroundings. Next, visit the colourful arts and crafts street of Insadong, located in the heart of the city. Small shops sell a wide variety of goods, including traditional Korean clothing, paper, tea, pottery and folk crafts. Visit a shopping centre, then continue on to the bustling Namdaemun Market, located at the southern gate to the old city. Opened in 1964, this is the largest traditional market in Korea, selling retail and wholesale goods including clothes, glassware, stationery, carpets, flowers and ginseng. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.