As the capital city of the ancient and venerable Asian nation of Korea (which has a history dating back thousands of years) Seoul has a rich heritage. Any travel expert will advise that is always wise to include Seoul on any major Asian tourist circuit.  First designated as a capital city by the Joseon Dynasty in 1392, Seoul is a mixture of the traditional and the modern.  The Gwangwhamun District is the home of kingdom-era palaces, shrines and temples. The district also has lively and vibrant markets that are open for business round the clock.  Modern Seoul is full of galleries, theaters and landmark structures, such as the Star Tower.