Seoul Night & Temple Cuisine

See the landmarks that define Seoul’s past and present at night, when the sprawling urban landscape is beautifully illuminated. Few places in the capital are more historical than Gwanghwamun Square, which has been a public gathering place for centuries. It features statues of two revered figures – King Sejong, who developed a phonetic system for writing the Korean language, and Yi Sun-sin, a brilliant 16th-century admiral renowned for his victories over the Japanese navy. A delightful meal of dishes that originated in Buddhist temples will follow. Temple cuisine is typically devoid of pungent vegetables such as onions and garlic as they are thought to hinder spiritual practices. For a glimpse at Seoul’s vision for the future, you will stop to photograph Dongdaemum Design Plaza, a cultural hub with a bold amorphous design. You will also pause at Sebit Islets, the world’s first floating cultural space. It will look especially dramatic with its LED lights reflecting off the Hangang River.

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.