Kalyani Priyadarshan soaks in the vibrant streets of Seoul: Pictures

Malayalam actress Kalyani Priyadarshan is also a travel enthusiast who enjoys travelling to exotic locations worldwide. She is enjoying a fabulous holiday in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Sharing beautiful pictures from Seoul on her Instagram handle, Kalyani wrote, ‘’Wandering with no plan, just soaking up the city step by step.’’ She also mentioned the spots she visited in Seoul.

The historic Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is an iconic spot that represents Seoul's majestic culture and architectural heritage. Built in the fourteenth century, it exudes the timeless allure of the Joseon dynasty. Built against the backdrop of majestic mountain ranges and sprawling meadows, the palace has been the official residence of the Korean emperors for ages. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains its classic charm with its mesmerising garden and royal annexes.

Travellers visiting the palace often wear Hanbok, the traditional attire of Korea. Interestingly, tourists never miss a chance to take a picture at the palace wearing Hanbok. The Royal Guard Change ceremony, held daily at the palace premises, is a cultural highlight. This distinctive Korean ceremony, performed by traditional guards, is a regal sight.

Seoul’s cultural heritage
Insadong, touted as the cultural capital of Korea, is visited by millions of tourists from all over the world. This historical city was where philosophers used to gather in the olden times. However, it later became famous for its artistic heritage and antique streets. The streets of Insadong are lined with quaint Korean cafes, art galleries, and museums run by Indigenous artists, where you can buy beautiful handicrafts and artworks. Besides, street artists perform Korean dance forms and music to entertain the tourists.

Hanock
Buckchon Hanok village, situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace, is a historically significant spot in Seoul. It was the residential area of the high-ranking officials of various dynasties. Hanoks are traditional Korean homes from the Joseon royal era. The ancient homes with classic tile-paved roofs and wooden walls have been protected in this village. Interestingly, some are still occupied by residents while others have been turned into cafes, guest houses and art galleries.

The narrow streets with steep walkways exude the serene vibes of an ancient Korean countryside. Those who wish to enjoy the enchanting architecture and experience a glimpse of old Korean village life should visit the Bukchon Hanok village. This place is also a popular filming location where countless Korean movies and series have been shot.

Seoul and its mesmerizing sights
Seoul is a treasure trove of splendid sights and mind-blowing experiences for tourists. Here are some of the places that should not be missed.
N Seoul Tower
The N Seoul Tower, situated atop the Namsan mountain, offers a panoramic view of Seoul. At night, the tower is illuminated with golden lights. Couples lock padlocks on the tower, hoping that it will bring them love and good fortune.

Myeong–dong
This is a paradise for shopping lovers, where you can find iconic Korean skincare, try out Korean fashion, and even taste mouthwatering traditional cuisine. Myeong–dong gets lively at night with busy shopping streets, live music, and delicious street food.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a breathtaking building that showcases Seoul’s stunning architecture and design culture. It is often hailed as the centre of Korean fashion, where major fashion shows and design events are hosted. The outer wall of the building, made using more than 45,000 aluminium panels, exudes a classy charm under the sun while it sparkles like a giant diamond when it is lit at night.

Gangnam
This province became famous after the iconic song Gangnam Style became a worldwide hit. Gangnam is a high-end area in Seoul where you can visit gigantic shopping malls with outlets of luxury brands and fancy restaurants. Besides, Gangnam is also known for its vibrant nightlife. Moreover, it is one of the major centres of K–pop.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the second most important palace of the Joseon dynasty. The secret garden here should not be missed. Compared to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, it was built to pay homage to its beautiful natural environment.

Gwangjang Market
This is the best spot to enjoy traditional Korean cuisine. Bindaetteok, or mungbean pancakes, mini kimbap, or seaweed rolls, and tteokbokki, which are spicy rice cakes, are the most famous items served at the street food stalls here.
Hongdae
This province is seething with youthful energy, as it is close to the famous Hongik University in Korea. Hongdae, known for its indie cafes, art galleries, and street art, is frequented by students and artists.

Cheonggyecheon Stream
This is a restored stream that flows through downtown Seoul. Cheonggyecheon stream was once the most polluted water body as the entire city dumped its sewage and waste in it. Now, the stream has been restored into a beautiful water body that nourishes the city. The clean footpaths, meadows and welding paths on both sides of the 11-kilometre-long stream is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing stroll or a bicycle ride away from the buzz of the city.

National Museum of Korea
This is the biggest museum in Korea. It exhibits artefacts and historical documents that shed light on Korean history, culture, antiques, and art.
War Memorial of Korea
This museum provides tourists with a deep understanding of the history of the Korean wars. It depicts the horrors of the war while promoting the importance of peace. Modern weapons and arms are also exhibited at the War Memorial of Korea.