CULTURALLY SPEAKING
Seoul has something to say.
Palace walls. Market stools. Caffeine-induced outbursts. Peter Liptak’s city, in his own words.
Explore 23 essays from the Seoul guidebook, with related Korean slang and clearly marked updates where the city has moved on.
What is seriously outdated? →
Palaces & history
Palaces & history
Five hundred years of the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul
The city moves. The palace walls hold their ground.
Read Peter’s essay →Palaces & history
Seoul experienced through museums
A city’s past is more interesting when you can stand in front of it.
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Experience traditional culture in Namsangol Hanok Village
A little breathing room, just beyond the traffic.
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An experience in temple life
Seoul has a volume control. Sometimes you find it in a temple courtyard.
Read Peter’s essay →Walks & water
Walks & water
A leisurely walk along the castle walls of Seoul
The climb is real. So is the view.
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Cheonggyecheon: where romance flows through Seoul
The city is still there. You just get to step down from it for a while.
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Namsan: an oasis in the heart of the city
A little altitude can put a city in perspective.
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The Han River: a thousand ways to enjoy Seoul
There are a thousand ways to enjoy the Han River. How will you do it?
Read Peter’s essay →Food & markets
Food & markets
The traditional markets of Seoul
Pull up a stool. The market has a lot to say.
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Royal cuisine: dine on dishes meant for kings
Dinner with a little palace ambition.
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Going local: a taste of Seoul
Follow your appetite. Ask a question. Leave room for one more dish.
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Seoul street food: streets of satisfaction
A fancy reservation is optional. An appetite is not.
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Seoul’s antique markets: old sentiments, modern city
Some souvenirs come with a longer story than the trip.
Read Peter’s essay →Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods
Bukchon: walk the alleys of everyday life
The streets are beautiful. They are also somebody’s way home.
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Insadong: a Mecca of traditional culture
A teacup, a side alley, and very little reason to hurry.
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Samcheong-dong: the streets of fusion
Old roofs. New ideas. Another alley worth taking.
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Hongdae: the creative edge of culture
Caffeine-induced outbursts. Guitars. A street that refuses to sit still.
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Apgujeong: the sophisticated, sexy side of Seoul
Some people dress for the weather. Some dress for the entire street.
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Daehangno and Sinchon: streets of youth and passion
The lecture ends. The conversation doesn’t.
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Itaewon: an arena of cultural diversity
Seoul, with a few more languages at the table.
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Myeongdong and Namdaemun: the yin and yang of Seoul
Two shopping streets. Two very different kinds of bustle.
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Dongdaemun: the gate where fashion never sleeps
Take your energy. Take your curiosity. Keep track of your wallet.
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