Seoul is the tenth largest city in the world. In this city, the past and present coexist in a wonderful way.

Historic palaces, city gates, shrines, and valuable works of art in museums are evidence of the city's glorious past, while gleaming skyscrapers and bustling traffic indicate its vibrant present.

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Seoul, with a population of more than 10 million, is not only the capital of South Korea, but also its political, economic, cultural and educational center.

There are four ancient palaces in Seoul that belong to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910): Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace.

There is also Jongmyo, the ancestral hall dedicated to the ancestors of the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty.

The rear garden adjacent to Changdeokgung Palace is another famous resort with beautiful gardens and classical architecture.

Other places recommended for foreign tourists include the National Museum, National Gugak Center, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Hoam Museum of Art and Korea House.

The National Museum of Contemporary Art in the southern satellite city of Gwacheon is also worth a visit.

From the Seoul Tower in Namsan Park in the center of Seoul, visitors can have a panoramic view of Seoul and see the folk village.

Another experience that tourists should not miss is to taste Korean rice in a modern restaurant or a Korean-style restaurant with a palace style.

Fine Chinese and Japanese food, as well as French, Italian, Mexican, Pakistani and other regional delicacies are also available.

Seoul also has an active nightlife, with rooftop nightclubs, restaurants and cafes with singing and dancing, and many restaurants, bars and shops serve in English.

Korean Folk Village This traditional village is located about 30 minutes' drive south of Seoul. It recreates the folk life of ancient Korea.

The village was built in 1973 and now it encompasses almost every aspect of everything that was unique to Korea in years gone by.

There you can distinguish various typical houses.

In the village square, you can regularly see rope walking, wedding or funeral ceremony performances, kite flying competitions, and performances by folk dance groups.

Additionally, blacksmiths, carpenters, potters, and instrument makers can be seen at work in their shops.

Hwaseong Fortress Hwaseong is a walled city in the Kingdom of Joseon and has been included in UNESCO's prestigious World Cultural Heritage List.

Hwaseong Fortress is adjacent to the Folk Village.

Yongin Natural Farm is a comprehensive leisure place with advanced recreational facilities.

The magnificent Hoam Art Museum here displays more than 5,000 works of art.

About 80 porcelain kilns are concentrated in Icheon and Yeoju areas, which are the center of Korean ceramics.

At the Icheon Ceramics Festival held every September, visitors can appreciate the dense colors of Goryeo celadon and pure white porcelain.

Ganghwa Island Ganghwa Island is located at the mouth of the Han River north of Incheon Port. It is the fifth largest island in South Korea and is an area rich in historical relics and natural beauty.

The main historical monuments here include an altar (believed to have been installed by Tangun, the legendary founder of Korea), a castle, city walls, a celadon kiln belonging to the 13th-century Goryeo Dynasty, and Jeondeungsa Temple.

It takes about an hour and a half to drive to the area from Seoul.

Panmunjom Panmunjom is located 56 kilometers north of Seoul and can be reached by bus.

This is the Armistice Village, the place where the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953, ending the fierce fighting in the Korean War.

This is a joint security zone jointly managed by the United Nations Army and the North Korean Guard.

Visitors must make a reservation several days in advance to obtain permission from the military.

Midlands This region has an extensive road and rail network.

Located about 2 hours south of Seoul, Daejeon is a major railway hub for the Seoul-Busan and Seoul-Gwangju-Mokpo lines and is quickly becoming one of South Korea's major science centers.

The Exposition Park is the site of the 93 Daejeon International Exposition. After renovation, it has become a public science park.

Buyeo was the last capital of the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC to 660 AD).

There is a unique National Museum in Buyeo, which collects nearly 7,000 cultural relics of the Baekje Kingdom.

East Coast Region The east coastline stretches for 390 kilometers (234 miles) from Hwayangpo to Busan, with rugged mountains and stunning scenery.

Skiing and other winter sports help make the area a year-round tourist destination, but the most popular pastimes are swimming in the summer and hiking in the fall.

The beaches here are probably the best in Korea, with the beach slowly opening into shallow water and then into gentle currents.

Seoraksan is part of the Mount Kumgang mountain range and is considered one of the most magnificent natural landscapes in the world.

Other tourist attractions include Alpine ski resorts, hot springs and the Unification Observatory.