Seoul: Two Cities In One

From the heritage-laden north side of the Han River to the modern south, the two halves of Seoul offer a medley of attractions

- Craig Bright

Seoul’s list of tourist activities and attractions is long and varied, representing a deep well of opportunity for those intent on exploring beyond the conference hall. With exhibition venues and MICE-focused hotels spread throughout the city, Seoul’s extensive subway network ensures attendees can easily traverse the sprawling metropolis to delve into its diverse offerings, from food, heritage and retail to pop culture or natural landscapes.

Divided by the Han River, Seoul has expanded from its old north-side cityscape to now include a modern area south of the river. Plenty of commercial, financial, retail and entertainment developments can now be found here, while the bulk of the city’s history and heritage is located to the north.

“Many of our competitors are located in Seoul’s southern area, but location-wise it’s not the same,” says Bruce Lee, general manager and president of the Grand Ambassador Seoul hotel in Jangchung-dong on the north side of the river. “We benefit a lot from our location, near to Namsan Park, Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Itaewon. These are all areas many foreigners are keen to see.”

Whether you’re staying north or south of the Han, however, visiting its many attractions is becoming increasingly easy. For starters, Seoul’s main international airport at Incheon is undergoing a major expansion with the opening of its new Terminal 2 building at the end of this year, along with upgrades to its leisure options in the near future. These offerings include a new entertainment and retail “airport city” with integrated resorts and a second golf course all located nearby.