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Running in Seoul: the land of the morning calm

audreyubertino

Seoul, the capital of several centuries, is a city of contrasts. Founded 2,000 years ago, it is brimming with temples and palaces, the legacy of the royal dynasties that ruled the country and a complex history. But South Korea's capital is also an ultra-modern, dynamic megalopolis, with huge shopping centres and forests of skyscrapers. From the sublime Changdeokgung Palace to the N Seoul Tower and the Hanok village of Bukchon, JOOKS takes you on a journey of discovery through the heart of bustling Seoul. Put on your trainers and follow the guide!



Palais de Gyeongbokgung
Gyeongbokgung Palace

With a population of almost 11 million, Seoul experienced rapid development in the 20th century, thanks to dazzling industrialisation and modernisation. After decades of conflict and invasion, the country opened up to the world, breaking with a long tradition of isolation.


While Tokyo, and Japan in general, are more often the target of Western tourists, the South Korean capital has nothing to envy its Japanese neighbour. With three UNESCO World Heritage sites, trendy districts and a dynamic pop music scene, Seoul has become the cultural heart of the country, attracting more and more visitors year after year.


A city of history and tradition


Marked by a history of successive occupations and wars, Seoul nonetheless retains an extremely rich heritage. Much of this heritage dates back to the Joseon dynasty, Korea's golden age, when numerous palaces, temples and sanctuaries were built. While it would take months to explore all these treasures, our Seoul in History tour will take you on a journey of discovery of its emblematic buildings and historic sites. In particular, you'll come across Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main one of the city's five royal palaces. Almost entirely destroyed during the Japanese occupation, the palace complex is gradually being restored to its original form and is well worth a visit.


Village Hanok de Bukchon
Bukchon Hanok village

Your run will also take you to the Hanok village of Bukchon, a traditional Korean village dating back to the 14th century. Located right in the centre of Seoul, it is made up of a multitude of narrow streets lined with traditional houses, known as Hanok, some of which have now been transformed into restaurants and tea rooms. The preservation of this area, used as a cultural centre, allows visitors to relive the atmosphere that reigned over the city at the time of the Joseon dynasty.


A visit to Seoul would not be complete without a short diversions to a museum. There are almost a hundred in the city, including four national museums. While the National Museum of Korea is the most representative of them all, you'll also find the unmissable National Folk Museum on the grounds of the historic Gyeongbok Palace. Here you can get a better idea of Korean culture and traditions, particularly through everyday objects and life-size reconstructions.


Modern megalopolis


Beyond its rich heritage and history, the South Korean capital is also a modern city, at the cutting edge of technology and constantly changing. Many new districts have sprung up in recent decades, notably the Gangnam district, made famous by Psy's song, which is home to a large number of futuristic buildings dedicated to new technologies.


The N Seoul Tower is one of the symbols of the country's modernity and technological advance. This telecommunications and observation tower rises to over 200 metres and serves as both a landmark and an emblem. What's more, the view over Seoul from the top is breathtaking. Not to be missed!


Le Dongdaemun Design Plaza de nuit
Dongdaemun Design Plaza by night

Another major symbol of urban development in the South Korean capital, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a vast cultural complex hosting exhibitions, conferences, concerts and festivals. A leading cultural hub as well as an architectural masterpiece, the DDP helped Seoul become the Design Capital of the World in 2010.


One of the top 10 tallest skyscrapers in the world, the 555-metre-high Lotte World Tower dominates the city. The tallest building in South Korea, the tower houses commercial spaces, offices and a hotel, as well as an observatory with a glass floor on the 118th floor, offering a 360° view of the capital.


But Seoul's modernity is not limited to futuristic high-tech buildings. The Hongdae district, for example, will immerse you in the capital's urban culture, with its themed cafés, clubs and noraebang (karaoke). A student district par excellence, it is also home to flea markets, street art and street performances. The ideal place to immerse yourself in the effervescence of Seoul's youth.


A green break


If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital's vibrant districts, don't panic, Seoul has everything you need too. The city is full of green spaces and places to relax, starting with the banks of the Han River, which has no fewer than a dozen parks along its banks. Left or right bank, on foot or by bike, the Han River parks are the ideal solution for a breath of fresh air right in the heart of the capital.


Les berges du Cheonggyecheon
The banks of the Cheonggyecheon

Our three routes will also take you along the Cheonggyecheon, a river that has been transformed into a promenade almost 6 kilometres long, complete with trees, plantations, waterfalls, stone and wooden bridges and water features. A popular spot with locals and tourists alike, it also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the Lantern Festival.


And if you still can't find what you're looking for, a number of national parks are just a short walk from the city centre and accessible by metro.



Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from Sungnyemun Gate to Jongmyo Sanctuary!



Find all the routes in Seoul and over 1,500 others on the JOOKS app.




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