Running in Seoul: in the land of the morning calm
- audreyubertino
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Seoul, the centuries-old capital, 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 its complex history. But the South Korean capital is also an ultra-modern and dynamic megacity, with its enormous 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 bustling Seoul with three routes in the heart of the city. Put on your trainers and follow the guide!
With a population of nearly 11 million, Seoul underwent rapid development in the 20th century thanks to rapid industrialisation and modernisation. After decades of conflict and invasions, the country opened up to the world, breaking with a long tradition of isolation.
While Tokyo, and Japan in general, are more often the destination of choice for Western tourists, the South Korean capital has nothing to envy its Japanese neighbour. With three UNESCO World Heritage sites, trendy neighbourhoods and a vibrant pop music scene, Seoul has become the cultural heart of the country and attracts more and more visitors every year.
A city steeped in history and tradition
Marked by a history of successive occupations and wars, Seoul nonetheless retains a rich heritage. Much of this heritage dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, Korea's golden age, which saw the construction of numerous palaces, temples and other shrines. While it would take months to explore all these treasures, our Seoul Through History tour will take you on a journey of discovery through its iconic buildings and historic sites. You will visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main of the city's five royal palaces. Almost completely destroyed during the Japanese occupation, the palace complex is gradually being restored to its original form and is well worth a visit.
Your run will also take you to the unmissable Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village dating back to the 14th century. Located in the heart of Seoul, it consists of a multitude of narrow streets lined with traditional houses, called Hanok, some of which have now been converted into restaurants and tea rooms. The preservation of this place, which is used as a cultural centre, allows visitors to relive the atmosphere that prevailed in the city during the Joseon dynasty.
A visit to Seoul would not be complete without a quick detour to a museum. The city has nearly a hundred museums, including four national ones. While the National Museum of Korea is the most representative of these, you will also find the unmissable National Folk Museum within the grounds of the historic Gyeongbok Palace. It provides a better understanding of Korean culture and traditions, particularly through everyday objects and life-size reconstructions.
Modern megacity
Beyond its rich heritage and history, the South Korean capital is also a modern city at the cutting edge of technology and in constant flux. Many new neighbourhoods have sprung up in recent decades, notably Gangnam, 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 advancement. This telecommunications and observation tower stands over 200 metres tall and serves as both a landmark and an emblem. What's more, the view of Seoul from the top is breathtaking. Not to be missed!
Another major symbol of urban development in the South Korean capital, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a vast cultural complex hosting exhibitions, conferences, concerts and festivals. A leading cultural hub and architectural masterpiece, the DDP helped Seoul become the World Design Capital in 2010.
Ranked among the world's top 10 tallest skyscrapers, Lotte World Tower dominates the city with its height of 555 metres. The tallest building in South Korea, the tower houses retail 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 high-tech buildings with futuristic designs. 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 also boasts flea markets, street art and street performances. It's the ideal place to immerse yourself in the excitement of Seoul's youth culture.
Green interlude
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital's bustling neighbourhoods, don't panic, Seoul also has everything you need. 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. Whether on the left or right bank, on foot or by bike, the Han River parks are the ideal place to get a breath of fresh air in the heart of the capital.
Our three routes will also take you along Cheonggyecheon, a stream that has been converted into a nearly 6-kilometre-long promenade lined with trees, plants, waterfalls, stone and wooden bridges, and water features. A place much loved by locals and tourists alike, it also hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as the lantern festival.
And if you still can't find what you're looking for, there are several national parks just a short distance from the city centre, accessible by underground.
Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from Sungnyemun Gate to Jongmyo Shrine!
Find all the routes in Seoul and more than 1,500 others on the JOOKS app.
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