Travel Korea Tips : Seoul’s Hidden Observatories (Day Tour) - view point

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 Seoul’s Hidden Observatories,

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Fall in Love with the Beauty of Hanok! 

Bukchon Observatory

There is perhaps no place that offers the tranquil, cozy ambience and beauty of traditional houses more than Bukchon Hanok Village. The many hanok gathered closely together along narrow alleys draw in hundreds of international tourists every day. Most visitors walk through the alleys and take souvenir photos with the hanok in the background, but it is worth taking some time out to visit Bukchon Observatory.

Bukchon Observatory is operated by an elderly couple, who transformed the rooftop of their villa into a viewing platform. Compared to other observatories, this space is quite small and has a feeling of being worn-out, but it is special for the unique view it offers of the nearby hanok houses. Many people enjoy taking photos of the juxtaposition of the old hanok buildings before the modern apartments and skyscrapers that line the horizon.

• ☞ Address: 22-3, Bukchon-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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• ☞ Directions: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), 
•                        Exit 2. Walk approx. 15 min.
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• ☞ Operating hours: 09:00-20:00
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• ☞ Admission: Adults & Teenagers 3,000 won / Children 2,000 won
• ※ Admission includes one free drink.

Take the Inclined Elevator Up! 

Dream Forest Art Center Observatory

Dream Forest is the fourth largest park in Seoul. Originally the site of the amusement park Dream Land, the park fell into decline. In 2009, the size of the site was doubled and turned into a vast green park. Dream Forest has many things to see, from the deer enclosure to Sang Sang Tok Tok Gallery and Dream Forest Art Center. However, among all the attractions, the most popular location is the observatory.

Known for appearing in the drama “Iris (2009),” this observatory is quick to grab your attention for its one-of-a-kind exterior. Appearing to be a small room held aloft to the side of the art center, the observatory can only be reached by riding in an elevator that goes up on two inclining slopes of different degrees. From the top, you can see the city at your feet. The 360° panorama includes outstanding views of Bukhansan, Suraksan and Dobongsan Mountains to the north, and even Namsan Mountain in the south.  

• ☞ Address (Dream Forest Art Center): 173, Wolgye-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
• ※ The observatory is located behind Dream Forest Art Center.
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• ☞ Directions: Miasageori Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 2 → Walk approx. 1 min. to Miasageori Bus Stop → Take Maeul Bus No. 05 to Byeorangbawi Bus Stop → Walk approx. 5 min. to Dream Forest Art Center Observatory.
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• ☞ Operating hours (observatory): Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-22:00 
•                                (Last admission 21:30)
• ※ Closed Mondays
• ※ 3F rooftop of the observatory is only open weekends and public holidays April-October

Uniquely Shaped Observatory! 

“Bowl of Sky” Observatory

One of the five parks that make up World Cup Park, Haneul Park is named for its proximity to the heavens (haneulmeans “sky” in Korean). The site of the park was originally a garbage dump but transformed into a green space. The main highlights of the park now are the five large wind turbines and the large bowl-shaped observatory that serve to represent holding the sky.

The observatory is located very near the center of the park, but the walk there is an enjoyable part of the experience. Taking in the eulalia grass stretching up to the sky along both sides of the trail, you will arrive at your destination feeling like you just set out. The observatory’s appearance is as special as its name is. Built to resemble the shape of a “bowl of sky,” the observatory is completely open on all sides, making it perfect to take in the vast fields. It is especially beautiful in autumn, when the wind blows the silver tops of the eulalia grass like waves on the ocean.

• ☞ Address (Visitor Information Center): 95, Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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• ☞ Directions: World Cup Stadium Station (Seoul Subway Line 6), Exit 1. Walk approx. 30 min. or take the Maengkkongi Electric Train from the parking lot.
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• ☞ Operating hours (Maengkkongi Electric Train): 10:00-Sunset
• ※ Haneul Park is closed at night for the safety of citizens and the park facilities. Park hours vary based on the hour of sunset; the park is generally open 10:00-19:00 in summer (March-November) and 10:00-18:00 in winter (November-February).
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• ☞ Fee (Maengkkongi Electric Train): Adults round-trip 3,000 won, one-way 2,000 won / Children round-trip 2,200 won, one-way 1,500 won

Deoksugung Palace & Jeong-dong at a Glance! 

Jeongdong Observatory

Korea’s past, present and future meet in the area of Jeong-dong; Deoksugung Palace of the Joseon Dynasty, the Romanesque architecture of the grand cathedral of the Anglican Church of Korea and the future-esque building at Seoul City Hall. The best place to take in the view of all three at once is from Jeongdong Observatory, on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun Building. The room was previously a storage room for equipment, but was transformed into an observatory and opened to the public for free in 2013.

Jeongdong Observatory also holds a café where guests can purchase coffee to drink as they leisurely take in the scenery. The best times to visit the observatory are in fall and winter! The view of the treetops in the palace is stunning in autumn, when the leaves are a medley of color; the white snow coating the landscape in winter creates a scene not unlike an ink painting.

TIP) How to Enjoy Jeongdong Observatory 100%
When visiting Jeongdong Observatory, be sure to look at the photo exhibition on the walls of the café. The photographs show the historical appearance of Chungdong First Methodist Church, Gyeongungung Palace (the prior name of Deoksugung Palace) and other sites in the area. Take a moment to compare the historical photos with the current buildings.

• ☞ Address: 15, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
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• ☞ Directions: City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 2), Exit 11. Walk approx. 5 min.
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• ☞ Operating hours: 09:00-18:00

I hope you have a nice travel in South Korea.

Thank you for Reading.

source : KTO