Seoul, South KoreaSituated on the Han River, Seoul's history stretches back more than 2,000 years when it was founded in 18 BC by Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. It continued as the capital of Korea under the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire. The Seoul metropolitan area contains four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Seoul is surrounded by mountains, the tallest being Mt. Bukhan, the world's most visited national park per square foot. Modern landmarks include Namsan Tower, Lotte World, the world's second largest indoor theme park, and Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, the world's longest bridge fountain. Seoul is the birthplace of K-pop and the Korean Wave.Lotte World consists of the worlds largest indoor theme park which is open all year around, an outdoor amusement park called Magic Island, an artificial island inside a lake linked by monorail, shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports facilities, and movie theaters all in one place. One of the major reasons tourists are attracted to Lotte World is the amusement rides. The Gyro Drop and Gyro Swing are the top pleasers a steep drop with an altitude of 70 meters, or taste the thrilling sensation of being inside a tornado.The Flume Ride is a long boat with a high-altitude wave, and the Spanish Pirate Ship swings at an electrifying 75 degrees. Besides the excitement of these rides, Lotte World also contains a variety of parades and laser shows.Operated by Samsung Group, Everland is South Koreas largest theme park at 100 hectares. With 8.6 million visitors, it is ranked as the 4th most visited theme park in the world by offering 5 main Festivals and exciting entertainments all year around.The park is home to over 40 heart-pounding rides and attractions. In addition to Safari World featuring white tigers, tigers, lions and bears, Herbivore Safari opened in April 2010, letting visitors get up close and personal with the safaris giraffes, elephants, and ostriches.Dongdaemun is Koreas largest wholesale and retail shopping district has 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops, and 50,000 manufacturers. Opening from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. except Monday & some public holidays, you can literally shop all night !! The fabric and clothing here are of the latest fashion trends in the world. Inventory is imported and exported in real time, making Dongdaemun a must-visit for fashion enthusiastic.Gyeongbokgung Palace arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces is also called Northern Palace because it is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace).The name of the palace, Gyeongbokgung, translates in English as Palace of Shining Happiness. The premises were destroyed by fire at the time of Japanese occupation from 1592-1598. However, all of the palaces 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong.

Not too many cities in the world have royal palaces that are hundreds of years old sitting next to huge modern urban skyscrapers, but Seoul has an interesting balance with its ancient history and ultra modern development. The unique and beautiful contrast between old and new in Seoul is another reason you should find yourself in Seoul sooner than later.Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. The buildings have remained largely intact over six centuries and served as a backdrop for the last chapters of the Joseon period (1392-1910).Koreas last emperor Sunjong passed away on these grounds in 1926, and its commonly known that members of royal descendants lived in Nakseonjae, a cluster of unpainted palace buildings well into the late 80s.The palace had a great influence on the development of Korean architecture, garden and landscape planning, and related arts, for many centuries. It reflects sophisticated architectural values, harmonized with beautiful surroundings.N Seoul Tower, built in 1969 and opened to the public 11 years later, the communication tower is approx. 237 meters tall, topping off at a half-kilometer above sea level, this is the the Namsan Parks most popular attraction.Once there, visitors can enjoy a spacious plaza and platforms affording panoramic views of Seoul. Take a closer look, however, and youll see a safety fence thats covered in thousands of padlocks. These curious objects are symbols of love fastened by young couples. Inside N Seoul Tower is a caf and three restaurants, including the revolving n.Grill. For some, the Teddy Bear Museum shouldnt be missed.

Sure many cities have places open all day and night, but in Seoul, its not just convenience stores. Seoul is definitely a city that comes to life at night. There are plenty of restaurants, gyms, bars, cafes, entertainment options (i.e. noraebang, pc bang, jjimjilbang, movie theaters, shopping) open past midnight for you modern day vampires. If you like playing, come visit Seoul so you can play all day and night