Seoul is a vast metropolis of 10 million people, encompassing three business districts, Downtown, Gangnam and Yeoiudo. Since the devastation of the Korean War, it has rapidly expanded and developed, and now boasts a modern infrastructure and economic core, with a renewed interest in preserving historical sites. (Seoul towards north from Namsan, Kallerna, Wikimedia Commons)
 

The traditional heart of Seoul is the old Joseon dynasty city, now the downtown area where most of the government offices, corporate headquarters, hotels, markets and palaces are located.

Cheonggyecheon stream bisects the downtown core. Art installations and cooler temperatures make this a preferred pedestrian walkway through central Seoul.

One of the most popular areas for visitors is Myeong-dong, a destination for high-end shopping. It is known for 2 historical sites, Myeong-dong Cathedral and Myeongdong Theater.

Myeong-dong is home to specialty museums, iconic brand-name shops and a delightful maze of pedestrian-only alleys lined with hole-in-the-wall restaurants. 

The attractive Seoul City Hall was opened in 2012. The old city hall in front is now a public library. While we were there an outdoor library attracted many families and youth.
 

The city hall features a seven storey vertical garden, interactive displays and a robotic barista.

Seoul has 5 imperial palace complexes, the largest being Gyeongbokgung Palace. Visitors rent traditional hanbok clothing to gain free admission and take fun selfies.
 

The elegant changing of the guard ceremony in front of Daehanmon gate is a historically accurate reenactment of the rituals for guarding the Joseon king's residence.

The Changdeokgung Palace complex exemplifies pungsu principles harmonizing with the natural environment, and displays key features of Korean palace architecture: wooden buildings set on stone platforms and tiled hipped roofs with ornamental carvings.
 

Designated as National Treasures, the interior halls of Changdeokgung Palace reflect centuries of royal life. It was here that the last descendant of the royal family lived and passed away in 1989.

The Imperial Palaces complexes are situated on large plots of land near the mountains and have elaborate gardens and pathways.

Jongmyo Shrine is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for maintaining the tombs and elaborate traditions of Confucian memorial services for deceased kings and queens.

Insa-dong, an area popular for its galleries, shops and restaurants, has a main thoroughfare lined with stores and many small alleys leading deeper into the neighborhood to traditional teahouses.

Seoul has four hanok villages, where traditional homes and alleyways have been preserved. Bukchon remains an active residential neighborhood, while the others are operated as interactive museums.
 

There is a great deal of public art in the streets of Seoul, celebrating historic figures, popular culture items, and social norms of harmony and pride.
 

Jeju Island is a popular get-away for Koreans with its sub-tropical climate, volcanic origins and cultural heritage.

Jeju features UNESCO recognized natural attractions such as waterfalls, craters, cliffs, lava caves, coastal rock features and black sand beaches.
 

The Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum has exhibits about geology, marine history and cultural history, including a large collection of dol hareubangs, volcanic stone statues that serve as guardians and fertility symbols.
 

Displays of cultural history are arranged as a life-story, outlining cultural practices related to  birth, childhood, marriage, careers, family life, and death.

Jeju is known for its charming bridges, this one crossing the Han Stream near the Dongmun Market.

Jeju's Dongmun Market, while a traditional wet market selling meat and produce, is mostly reknowned for its street food vendors who cook their dishes with blowtorches.