Central is the most important district in Seoul, home to many important sightseeing attractions. Commercial tourists and domestic business travelers often arrive via Seoul Train Station before settling into nearby hotels. One of the first sightseeing expeditions is to Seoul Tower for a 360-degree panorama of the city.
One of the most important sites in Central is Changdeok Palace, built in the 15th century. Tourists are required to join a tour if they want to explore palace grounds. Despite the imperial atmosphere, this area is as much about new architecture as old. Even now, plans are underway to build a brand new city hall to replace the old building on Seoul City Hall Plaza. To see these buildings, ride to the City Hall Subway Station.
Gwanghwa-moon is a plaza in Central Seoul. It is laid out in reach of a few of the best hotels in Central Seoul. Rooms with view over the square are conveniently close to some of the most important attractions in Seoul, including the Seoul Museum of Art. The permanent exhibits include work by local and European artists. Other museums in Central that are worth visiting include Seoul Museum of History, Hanbok Museum, the Paper Art Museum and Seoul National Science Museum.
Daehak-ro is one of the most important avenues in Central. It’s strung with more than a hundred theaters, including indoor and outdoor venues that stage a mixture of classical and contemporary work. A selection of comfortable hotels in Central is within walking distance of prominent theaters.
To the east, Dongdaemun is accessible via Dongdaemun Stadium subway station, and it boasts one of the best markets in Seoul. The shops at Dongdaemun Market open after dark and are grouped in retail and wholesale sections.
