Ten Spots to Visit in Seoul

According to the Global Power City Index (GPCI) Seoul is placed sixth after London, New York City, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore in a listing which ranks the global importance of cities. The city and the country are vibrating areas and in contrast to Europe and North America embrace a different culture, highly technologized, urbanized and with plenty of things to discover for the traveller. The sheer size of the city is already stunning, the inner city boosts around ten million inhabitants and the complete urban area of Seoul (in Hangul: 서울시) 25 million people, making it the second largest urban area worldwide. Seoul is the the definitive heart and soul of South Korea, being the cultural, economical and educational centre. It lies close to the border to North Korea in the North of the country. South Korea is the fourth-largest economic area in Asia and one of the biggest exporting countries in the world. The city and the country are fascinating and there are lots of photos and posts coming in the future, but I want to start with ten spots you should definitely consider visiting when you're in Seoul:

1. Lotte is a conglomerate based in South Korea and Japan, producing everything from food to beverages and running businesses in several industries. Lotte World is the world's largest indoor theme park and just adjacent of it is the Lotte World Tower, a 555 meter supertall skyscraper currently under construction. If you want to visit the theme park come after 4 pm for a 75% discount.  Jamsil Station (잠실역)
2. The following addresses might be interesting for you if you like shopping: the Shinsegae department store in downtown, a franchise of department stores which also operates the world's largest department store in Busan, and the COEX mall, an underground shopping mall in Gangnam-gu beneath the convention centre.  Hoehyeon Station (회현역) / Samseong Station (삼성역)
3. If you like strolling around and discovering the city on your own consider the districts Gangnam, the glitzy centre of modern Seoul and Itaewon, a district which lots of expats call their home.  Gangnam Station (강남역) / Itaewon Station (이태원역)
4. Gyeongbok Palace was one of the main royal palaces of the Joseon dynasty and is a former seat of power.  Gyeongbokgung Station (경복궁역), take exit 5
5. Bukchon Village is a historic part of Seoul with lots of wooden homes called Hanok enabling you to experience life as it was during the Joseon dynasty.  Anguk Station (안국역), take exit 3
6. If you're into hiking and want to have a timeout of the busy Seoul city life consider visiting Mount Bugaksan, just West of Gyeongbokgung, which offers a peaceful alternative with a rich history.  Dongnimmun Station (독립문역) / Anguk Station (안국역)
7. Namdaemun Market is a traditional retail street market, most of the times it's crowded and loud but it has some of the best street food in Seoul.  Hoehyeon Station (회현역)
8. Cheonggyecheon is a stream in downtown Seoul, formerly covered by transportation infrastructure and now remodelled as a recreation area.  Jonggak Station (종각역), take exit 5
9. The War Memorial of Korea is an impressive museum of the military history of South Korea and its splitted neighbour North Korea, a must-see. Consider a day-trip to the DMZ as well.  Samgakji Station (삼각지역)
10. if you love climbing towers or skyscrapers and soaking up a view from atop then don't miss out on the N Seoul Tower or the gold cladded 63 Building.  Hangangjin Station (한강진역) / Noryangjin Station (노량진역)