When the Korean War raged, Korea and its people were left homeless without the most basic infrastructure including the schools, businesses, and hospitals, which had to be reconstructed from scratch. However, as the war ended, the U.S. government invested a significant amount of money to help industrialize and modernize Korea. The money helped repair the destroyed urban centers and infrastructures with cheap and simple designs. With continuous help by the U.S., Korea gained a firm foot again after 40 years. Despite the multiple economic setbacks and diplomatic problems, the last decade saw the government and private investors invest in better and sophisticated designs. As a result, the local and renowned foreign architects have also contributed to the progressive and inventive construction, which have led to the morphing of Korea’s landscape. Below is a list of the most famous buildings in Korea, impressive, modern and old key structures, that make Korea what it is today.
1. Seoul National University Museum of Art
Seoul National University (SNU) Museum of Art is an exquisite piece of art that links the campus with the local community. It is a slice-box shaped covering with approximately 48,286 square feet (4485.9 square meters) floor area with 6 floors of which 3 are underground. It was built with no doors to provide an open link between the lecture rooms, exhibition halls, library, and lounge. The museum is a permanent collection for drawings, paintings, sculptures, calligraphic work, photographs, graphics, videos, and design objects from contemporary Korean and international artists including Jeong Chang-Seop and Suh Se-Ok among others. It also holds special exhibitions including students’ works, conferences, special events, and arts and designs from renowned international artists. The local community is also welcome to tour the museum as well as attend and take part in ongoing events.
Seoul National University Museum of Art
Address: SNUMoA, San 56-1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742
Website: Seoul National University Museum of Art
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2 USD onwards
2. 63 Building
Located on the Yeouido Island, only 7 km (4.4 mi) from the heart of Seoul, 63 Building is known as the most spectacular landmark in South Korea commanding panoramic views. It is 817 ft (249 meters) tall boasting 3 basements levels and 60 floors. 63 Building’s unique golden colour is the real catch; each glass pane is coated with a thin 24-carat gold film designed to catch the sunlight so as to give a truly majestic sight. During sunset, it reflects gold, silver, and red giving the skyscraper a dazzling multi-colored sheen. In addition, the glass elevators act as the observatory and takes 25 seconds to get to the top. The lightning speed gives passengers a sense of rocket-powered take-off while they relish breathtaking views. However, the tower is not only an observatory for magnificent views but also serves as a multi-purpose leisure complex including an IMAX cinema, aquarium, wax museum, performance hall, and an art gallery, making it an ideal getaway for family outings and romantic dates.
63 Building
Address: 50 63-ro, Yeoeuido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: 63 Building
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD onwards
3. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Also known as the “palace greatly blessed by Heaven,” Gyeongbokgung Palace is situated north of Gwanghwamun Square and dates back to the 14th century during Joseon Dynasty. It served as the main palace hosting the Joseon dynasty’s kings, the entire Kings’ household, and the Joseon government as well. The palace is undoubtedly the largest and most beautiful of all Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. Also, it is one of the top iconic buildings in South Korea featuring National Palace Museum of Korea, National Folk Museum, and Sujeongjeon Hall, serving as the King’s sleeping quarter among other magnificent buildings in the complex. Visitors also enjoy watching the “Changing of the Guard” ceremony that happens at the main gate every hour between 11am and 3pm.
4. Lotte World Tower
Located in Gangnam at Jasmil station, Lotte World Tower soars 555 m (1821 ft) high with 123 stories. It is ranked as the 6th tallest building across the globe and is South Korea’s tallest skyscraper and observation deck. This gigantic structure offers breathtaking views of the scenic Han River and some of Seoul’s renowned spots from the top. Lotte World Tower is one of the country’s architectural crown jewels. And, it is home to Korea’s most luxurious Siniel Seoul hotel, the Lotte World Mall fashion hub, Lotte World Theme Park, ice skating rink, Lotte Duty Free store, an outstanding classical music hall, aquarium, Asia’s largest multiplex, and the multipurpose Podium with financial, healthcare and fitness centers. Experience one of the best modern urban living at Lotte World Tower!
5. Deoksugung
Deoksugung palace is one of the grand palaces located at the corner of the busiest intersection of downtown Seoul. The palace is hidden amidst a series of high-rise western-style buildings adding a fascinating and unique mix of traditional and contemporary neoclassical structures to the surrounding scenery. While here, you can enjoy the changing of the royal guards ceremony at 11am, 2pm, and 3:30pm, which only takes about 10 minutes. Although Deoksugung is relatively smaller than other major palaces, you can check out the Seokjojeon, Jeonggwanheon Pavilion and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which are in the palace compound.
Deoksugung
Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Deoksugung
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 8.5 USD onwards
6. N Seoul Tower
Also known as Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower, N. Seoul Tower is an iconic attraction built on Mt. Namsan in 1971 as the first radio wave tower for both TV and radio broadcast near Myeongdong. Besides being an observatory, the tower hosts a bunch of key attractions. There are several eateries, an observation deck, a Teddy Bear museum, Ssentoy Museum & Showroom for kids, Panda garden, Love Padlocks Area, and Wishing Pond among others. Don’t miss the infamous revolving restaurant that boasts the best 360-degree Seoul view where you can watch jewel-like night views as you enjoy scrumptious French cuisines. At Seoul Tower, you can never run out of things to do.
7. 31 Building
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This spectacular office building completed in 1970, was the tallest building all over Seoul. However, it ceased to be the tallest building when Lotte Hotel Seoul was completed. It has been featured as the ‘Seoul Future Heritage’ since it is considered as an invaluable landmark in Seoul’s architecture.
31 Building
Address: 10-2 Gwancheol-Dong, Jongno-Gu Seoul, Korea
Price: Free
8. Seoul City Hall
This iconic attraction looks like a tsunami made from glass and steel. After its complete redevelopment in 2013, Seoul City Hall became a major architectural attraction site in Seoul. It is the real definition of modern reinterpretation of the traditional Korean structural design. It has a unique wave-like crest that offers shade to the old City Hall, which is currently a library. Inside, there is a stunning vertical Green Wall garden running up to the 7th floor and it was formally recognized in the Guinness World Records as the largest across the world in 2013. Alongside the garden is an art installation known as ‘Metaseosa Seobeol’ with a myriad of twisted white balloons representing Seoul’s turbulent history acting as a symbol of myth and hope.
Seoul City Hall
Address: 110 Sejong-daero, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Seoul City Hall
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
9. National Museum of Korea
This gigantic and stunning six-story museum takes you through Korea’s fascinating history from the Paleolithic Age to the early 20th century. It consists of two exhibition areas including the permanent and the special exhibits. displaying more than 12,000 themed masterpieces. Among the must-see galleries are Golden Treasures from Great Tomb of Hwangham, Goryeo Celadon Openwork Burner, and Baekje Incense Burner. And if you are pressed on time, visit the Joseon Dynasty gallery. The museum offers a one-hour English tour between 11am and 2pm from the Great Hall lobby. And for smartphone users, there is free wi-fi as well as a downloadable museum app, which serves as the perfect audio guide. Kids are not left out either. There is the children’s museum that offers a glimpse of Korean culture with a plentiful of hands-on activities and play spaces.
National Museum of Korea
Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu, 서울특별시 South Korea
Website: National Museum of Korea
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 6pm; Wed: 10am - 9pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
Price: Free
10. Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is a premier piece of art itself, with a touch of both traditional and modern ideas. It is exquisitely designed and laid out and consists of three buildings including Museum 1 for traditional Korean art, Museum 2 for international modern and contemporary arts, and the educational center.
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10.30am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 USD onwards
Experience the famous buildings in South Korea
All the above-mentioned famous buildings are the key to South Korea’s continued development and are as vital as the country’s incessant thrust towards the finishing line in the cultural and economic leadership race. Check them out and admire and appreciate the struggle and its outcome as you scout across the city.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
