must visit in seoul 2022

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30 Must Visit Places & Activities To Do in Seoul, Korea

KoreaToDo handpicked collection of must visit places and activities to do in Seoul  across a wide range of cultural, most popular, hidden secrets and local favourite hunts.

The Seoul Must-visits and Must-do Collection offer quick picks for the first timers to Seoul , busy travellers with little planning time, travellers with short holiday in Korea and perhaps fresh ideas for the seasoned travellers.

Which are your favourites and how many have you visited? ENJOY!

1. Korea Palaces

Visit either:

Gyeongbokgung Palace : The largest + Changing of Royal Guards Ceremony

Changdeokgung Palace : UNESCO World Heritage + Secret Garden

Deoksugung Palace : Most conveniently located next to City Hall Station + Changing of Royal Guards Ceremony

2. Namsan Seoul Tower

With the four distinct seasons, multiple ways to reach its peak and day/night scenery, N Seoul Tower is definitely a place to visit more than once.

3. Myeongdong

The shopping, cafes,  restaurants and street food mecca! You can't claim been to Seoul without visiting Myeongdong, the hot favourite for many visitors to Seoul!  You can also catch Korea's longest running and award winning show, NANTA in Myeongdong too!

4. Cafe Streets  

Check out one of the rooftop cafes at the chic suburb of Sam cheongdong . Enjoy your favourite drink and watch the sun sets over the beautifu l horizon.

Other popular cafe streets/areas:

Ikseondong Hanok Village

Seoul Forest Cafe Street

5. Korean BBQ

With so many Korean BBQ Restaurants in Seoul, why not BBQ differently this time, over a king-size pot lit at Hansang Gadeuk BBQ Restaurant ?

Other recommended BBQ restaurants at:

6. Korean Markets

KoreaToDo favourite picks include:

Tongin Market : Fill up your lunch box with purch ases using brass coins

Gwangjang Market : Many popular local  food to try!

Yeongcheon Market : A must-visit for the doughnuts lovers, freshly made!

7. Seoul City Wall

The 18.6km long wall of cultural significance, surrounding the center of Seoul across 4 main mountains.

KoreaToDo Top Picks:

Naksan Mountain Trail : The easiest and gradual walking trail with picturesque view of the city, just 2 subway stops away from Dongdaemun Station.

Inwangsan Mountain Trail : Feel the achievement of reaching a Seoul's mountain summit (338.2m) along the Seoul City Wall.

8. Bukhansan National Park

Enjoy nature beauty with clear flowing rivers, tall trees and fresh air at this most visited National Park in Korea, so close to the Seoul City Center. 

You can choose an easy walk/hike and turn back anytime (after your picnic?) or challenge yourself to one of its peaks. There are signs in English and you will see Koreans hikers on weekdays too.

9. Han River (Hangang) Parks

Han River is a major river running through Seoul. 12 parks are created along Han River in Seoul, offering relaxation and sporting hub for the citizens.

KoreaToDo Hot Picks : Parks with direct subway station access, unique attractions & activities to do (i.e. bicycle rental, duck boat rental, ferry cruises, etc):

Ttukseom Hangang Park

Yeouido Hangang Park

10. Bridge Walk across Han River

With so many bridges connecting North and South of Seoul across Han River, bridge walk offers one of the best and unique experiences on your holiday in Seoul.

KoreaToDo's favourite pick:

Jamsil Railway Bridge Walk : end-to-end subway station connections.

11. Underground Malls

There are many underground malls in Seoul. Of which, the Express Bus Terminal Underground Mall (GOTO MALL) stands out among the rest as the largest underground mall in Seoul with over 600 shops. You can find the latest fashion wear, paintings, household items, beddings, accessories and even plants & pots at GOTO MALL .

12. Ko rean Universities

Ewha Womans University is the largest university for women in Korea. I t has the largest underground campus (ECC), designed by world renowned architect. The  beautiful campus is within walking distance to subway station. There are great shopping and restaurants outside its campus too!

In autumn, Yonsei University nearby is a must-visit for its autumn foliage!

With day tours to go and so many places to visit in Seoul, including palaces, shops, cafes and restaurants, parks are often given a miss by travellers unfortunately...

Nonetheless, please do take some time to relax in nature and enjoy the beautiful seasonal flowers and plants Seoul Parks has to offer.

Hot picks include:

Seoul Grand Park

Seoul Forest

Olympic Park

Haneul Park

14. Kakao Friends / Line Friends Flagship  Stores

You can find your favourite and cutest Kakao Friends and Line Friends merchandise from toys, stationeries, clothing and lifestyle items... only in South Korea!

Best locations for both flagship stores located near subway stations:

Gangnam Shopping Street

Hongdae Shopping Street ​

15. Factory Outlets

Deal  hunters for the popular brands like The North Face, Columbia, Fila , Adidas, New Balance, etc, check out the factory outlets in Seoul.

Recommended picks near subway stations:

Lotte Outlets (Seoul Station Branch)

Hyundai City Outlets Dongdaemun ​

16. Olive Young

We can't leave out the cult favourite for beauty lovers, Olive Young! ​

Visit the largest Olive Young store in South Korea, Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship Store and stock up your beauty care products (e.g. masks, sun cream).

💡If you are new to Korean skincare, you can check out the bestsellers on their global site.

KoreaToDo TOP PICKS - Tours, Activities & Discount Tickets

➥ Handpicked experiences by KoreaToDo for their uniqueness, value, popularity, price competitiveness and at times, tedious to reach by public transport.

N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket

enjoy breathtaking views

Yeo Yong Guk Korean Traditional Medicine Spa Packages

must-go wellness place by KTO

Lotte World 1 Day Pass & Lotte World Aquarium

located in the heart of Seoul

Coex Aquarium in Seoul Admission Ticket

largest aquarium in Seoul

Seoul Eland Hangang River Cruise (Day Cruise)

40 mins, multiple timings

Discover Seoul Pass (Lotte World, COEX Aquarium, Han River Cruises, etc)

free access to >60 attractions

Hanbok Rental near Changdeokgung Palace by Dorothy Hanbok

Kid/Male hanbok available.

Private Transfer: Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul (1-3 or more pax/car)

Myeongdong, Hongdae, etc

♔  KoreaToDo recommends  Klook.com , Asia leading in-destination service provider.

🌸SPRING PICKS🌸 Handpicked Experiences from Seoul

Cherry Blossom Hunting Day Tour

29 Mar - 29 Apr 2024

2-3 most beautiful cherry blossom spots

Taean Tulip Festival & Strawberry Picking Day Tour

12 Apr - 7 May 2024

500g strawberry picking

Hwadam Botanic Garden, Nami Island & Gangchon Railbike Day Tour

29 Mar 2024 ~

Pink King Cherry Blossom Tour (Spring Flower Festival, Gaesimsa & Munsusa)

14-29 Apr 2024

king cherry blossoms are larger & denser

Taean Tulip Festival & Suspension Bridge Tour

14 Apr - 7 May 2024

largest flower festival in Korea

Pink King Cherry Blossom Tour (Wansan Flower Garden, Jeonju Hanok Village)

15-28 Apr 2023

& Gakwonsa Temple

Other KoreaToDo Collections that you may like:

Top Popular & Unique Day Trips from Seoul under 3 hours

Recommended Day Tours from Seoul & WHY

Top Favourite Shopping Heaven in Seoul

Essential Travel Tips to Korea

Still looking? Explore KoreaToDo handpicked collection of:

Seoul - North of Han River

Seoul - South of Han River

Seoul   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Alex Barlow | Getty Images

11 Best Things To Do in Seoul

Updated February 11, 2021

In a city of more than 10 million people, it should come as no surprise that many of Seoul's top attractions involve escaping the crowds and reconvening with nature. The city is filled with pockets of serenity like the peaceful gardens of Changdeok

• All Things To Do

Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower free

Home to five warning beacons and a protective city wall during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Mount Namsan now hosts a park and a smattering of tourism sites like an aquarium, a library and a bevy of beautiful walking trails.

But most people visit Namsan Park for its panoramic views of Seoul. To scope it out for free, visit Palgakjeong, an octagon-shaped viewing pavilion that boasts alluring vistas of the city. For an even more breathtaking sight, shell out a few won to get to the observation platform atop N Seoul Tower, Namsan Park's real showstopper. Recent visitors said that on clear days, the view from 1,574 feet up is spectacular. Out on the sky deck, you can't miss the thousands of padlocks attached to the fence; couples lock them there as symbols of everlasting love (bring your own lock if you're feeling romantic). For an extra-special experience, reserve a table for dinner in the rotating French restaurant, n.GRILL, on the tower's top floor. 

Bukchon Hanok Village Bukchon Hanok Village free

Bukchon Village occupies the hilly neighborhood between Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace in north-central Seoul. The neighborhood has the largest collection of privately owned hanoks , or traditional Korean homes with tiled roofs and stone floors, in Seoul. Not only that, but these 900  hanoks  date all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). While a stroll through Bukchon Village may feel like a trip through the ages, the neighborhood is not frozen in time. Some of the hanoks are still private homes, but others have been converted into tea houses, coffee shops, cafes, art galleries, inns and museums. It is not uncommon to see a Korean couple on a date in a hanok -style restaurant or for tourists to stay in a hanok guesthouse (like the Anguk or the RakKoJae ). Even if you're not bedding down in Bukchon, recent travelers strongly recommend a visit regardless. 

Travelers found the neighborhood to be picture-perfect and a lovely stroll. Make sure to bring sturdy walking shoes though, as the site is pretty hilly and takes a couple hours to cover in its entirety. Some reviewers say that because of Bukchon Village's popularity, it's best to visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds. Regardless of what time you visit, keep in mind that this is still a residential area, so you'll need to heed the signs posted around the village about noise. To get the most of Bukchon Village, stop by the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center  for information on walking tour routes and attractions to see within the village.

Bukhansan National Park Bukhansan National Park free

Located in northern Seoul – but still quite accessible via public transportation – Bukhansan National Park is a mountainous oasis in a bustling metropolis. The park, which covers more than 30 square miles, is home to towering granite peaks, forest-laden valleys and miles of hiking trails in between, as well as about 100 historic Buddhist temples and monks' cells. The historical must-see, though, is Bukhansanseong Fortress, a Joseon stronghold. You also won't want to skip the 5-mile mountain wall that runs along the park's rocky terrain. The fortress was built in 1711 and served as a place of refuge for kings in times of emergency (rebuilt on the foundations of the original, which dates back to A.D. 132). Bukhansan's proximity to Seoul, its natural setting and its historical significance combine to make it the park with the most visitors per square foot, according to the Guinness World Records. That means it can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends.

If it's panoramic vistas you're after, try trekking up Baegundae peak via the Bukhansanseong trail, one of the most popular hikes in the park. From the top, you're in for a great view of Seoul and lands beyond – unless the city is shrouded in smog, which does happen occasionally. Recent visitors do warn that this hike is not for the faint-hearted; the rocky path requires strength, endurance, very sturdy hiking shoes and patience (the trek is estimated to be a 3.5-hour round-trip hike). If the Baegundae hike sounds too strenuous, you might want to consider another one of Bukhansan's trails (don't worry – there are plenty that are equally rewarding).

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Changdeokgung (Changdeok Palace) Changdeokgung (Changdeok Palace)

Changdeokgung may not be the oldest or largest of Seoul's five Joseon Dynasty palaces (that honor goes to Gyeongbokgung ), but it is the most intact. Originally constructed in 1405 as a secondary palace for the king at the time, Changdeokgung, like its sister palaces, was largely razed during the Japanese invasion of 1592. After its reconstruction in 1610, however, the palace served as Korea's principal palace about 270 years after for 13 different kings. Of all the Joseon palaces, Changdeokgung is the longest lived-in residence for the royals. It's this historical significance, in combination with its architectural style and layout (it's lauded for being built around the land's geography, instead of adjusting the land to construct the buildings), that earned Changdeokgung the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

Visitors say that the vibrantly painted structures of the palace grounds are marvelous, but the rear garden – called "Biwon," or the Secret Garden – is nothing short of spectacular. Covering about two-thirds of the 110-acre attraction, the landscaped garden features a lotus pool, fountains and pavilions surrounded by 56,000 species of trees and plants, including a single tree that is more than 300 years old. Visit in the fall to witness the changing foliage, or in the spring to see the trees burst into bloom.

Hongdae Hongdae free

The neighborhood surrounding Hongik University in west-central Seoul is a hub for Korean youth culture. Hongdae beckons to college students and other young adults with its propensity for self-expression and all-around alternative atmosphere, not to mention its plethora of bars, clubs, shops, restaurants and cafes. And because Hongik University is especially renowned for its arts programs, Hongdae is a noticeably creative area. You don't have to stroll far to find art galleries, walls adorned with street art and students singing or selling their craft on the sidewalks. Join the throngs of college students and tourists to hunt for unique souvenirs at Hongdae's two weekend markets, both held in the playground near the university's entrance. The "Free" Market takes place on Saturdays and the "Hope" Market on Sundays, both from about 1 to 7 p.m.

Night owls should head to Hongdae on "Club Day" – the last Friday of each month. On this day, revelers can club-hop among the neighborhood's hottest spots for only 15,000 won (about $14). Also, since Hongdae sits at the epicenter of Seoul's burgeoning underground and indie music scene, make sure to stop by one of the many live music venues that participates in Club Day as well.

Insadong Insadong free

In this quaint central-Seoul neighborhood, you can find everything from hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) to herbal teas to calligraphy supplies. About 40 percent of Korean crafts are exchanged in Insadong, though ceramics are the prized goods here. Insadong's alleys, which are lined with street vendors, wooden tea houses, galleries and restaurants, stretch from the Anguk-dong Rotary to Tapgol Park. By shopping here, you'll be contributing to centuries of Korean history – Insadong was central to painters during the Joseon Dynasty and continues to be a hub for artistry today.

Recent visitors lauded Insadong as a great place to buy cultural souvenirs, but they also appreciate its fun atmosphere. Guests say there are always lots of people coming to and fro as well as street performers and artists hanging around, waiting for interaction. For a trip back in time, visit Insadong on the weekends when motor vehicles are prohibited on its winding streets, adding to its quaint, Old World vibe. While the atmosphere is undoubtedly fun, visitors suggest those wanting to experience Insadong without crowds come during the weekdays. 

Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbok Palace) Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbok Palace)

The ornate Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbokgung Palace) was originally built in A.D. 1395 and served as the focal point and governmental seat of the Joseon Dynasty (1392 to 1910). In Korean, its name translates to "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven," but its history seems to paint it as anything but blessed. Gyeongbokgung was destroyed in the 1590s during a Japanese invasion, after which Korea's rulers abandoned the palace and set up camp about a mile east in Changdeokgung (Changdeok Palace).  That is, until King Gojong began Gyeongbok Palace's restoration during his reign from 1863 to 1907. The site once housed some 500 buildings. But the king's efforts were for naught: Another Japanese invasion resulted in the demolition of the majority of the complex. Restoration of the twice-destroyed palace began afresh in 1990, and visitors today can once again marvel at its magnificent architecture, lustrous grounds and historical significance. 

Recent visitors said the Gyeongbokgung palace is a must-see for anyone interested in Seoul's Joseon Dynasty. Travelers loved learning about the history of the palace and how it played into the larger story of both Seoul and South Korea. Visitors also admired the beautiful yet extensive grounds, saying you'll need at least a couple of hours to see everything the palace has to offer. Reviewers also recommended bringing walking shoes, and if you have flexibility with your schedule, to visit when the changing of the guard ceremony commences (the ceremony is held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day the attraction is open). The only thing that put off some visitors was the touristy nature of the site, noting that crowds, especially on the weekends, can hamper a visit. Try to stop by during a weekday or plan a morning visit to avoid sharing the attraction with hordes of other sightseers. 

Dongdaemun Market Dongdaemun Market free

Dongdaemun isn't just a market – it's a shopping mecca. Encompassing 10 city blocks, Dongdaemun features 26 malls, 30,000 specialty shops and scores of wholesale stores, making it place to go if you need, well, anything. Make sure to get a map of the district. With all the options available, there's no way you're going to be able to navigate this overwhelming, multi-street shopping complex without some guidance. Though if you want to try, you'll have plenty of time: Dongdaemun Market is open 24 hours per day and many shops stay open till as early as 5 a.m.

Most of the malls in Dongdaemun feature a mix of retail and wholesale shops, though it's good to know which sell the most of what. The best way of navigating this mammoth fashion hub is to split the area up by Jangchungdan-ro, a big street that runs through Dongdaemun Market. West of Jangchungdan-ro, you'll find malls that appeal more to tourists. Doota (located in Doosan Tower), Migliore, Good Morning City and Hello apM sell a mix of retail and wholesale items but have multilingual information desks and currency exchanges. East of Jangchungdan-ro, you'll find more malls that sell more wholesale than not. These include Designer's Club, Gwanghee Fashion Mall and Nuzzon. Though if all you're after is wholesale, hit up Pyeonghwa Fashion town north of the Doosan Tower. When your stomach starts to rumble, head over to Mukja Golmok, which translates to "Let's Eat Alley." There, you can find a smorgasbord of Korean cuisine.  

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Jongmyo Shrine Jongmyo Shrine

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Jongmyo Shrine is one of the oldest and best-preserved Confucian royal shrines in the world. Built in the late 14th century, the Jongmyo Shrine served as a place of worship for kings part of the Joseon Dynasty. Here, royal family members would come to carry out ancestral rites for deceased king and queens as well as pray for the state and its people. The shrine was later destroyed during the 16th-century Japanese invasion of Korea but rebuilt during the 17th century. Little has been changed since. 

The structure is composed of multiple buildings, including the main shrine (Jeongjeon) and the Hall of Eternal Peace (Yeongnyeongjeon). To this day, people congregate around the shrine once a year for the "Jongmyo Jerye" ritual, in which they honor the ancestors of the Joseon dynasty. The ceremony, which takes place the first Sunday of May, includes songs and dances that date back 600 years, making it one of Korea's prized Important Intangible Cultural Properties, not to mention one of the world's oldest complete ceremonies in the world.

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

A mere 35 miles north of Seoul, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 148-mile-long, 2-mile-wide swath of land marking the division between North and South Korea. Running close to the infamous 38th Parallel (the final front in the Korean War), the DMZ was set up in 1953 as a buffer zone between the two warring countries. The Military Demarcation Line – the actual border between North and South Korea – has been heavily manned on both sides by military personnel ever since. And though there have only been a few minor military altercations in the past 60 years, tensions remain between the two sides. In fact, since the DMZ was set up through an armistice and not a peace treaty, North Korea and South Korea are technically still at war.

You may think a daytrip to the DMZ is a fool's errand, but it is actually an extraordinarily popular thing to do when visiting Seoul. A number of companies run tours to Panmunjom , an abandoned town that straddles the Military Demarcation Line where the famous Joint Security Area is located. It was here that North Korean, South Korean, Chinese, American and United Nations diplomats signed the Korean War Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953. Visitors are invited to place their feet on either side of a line that runs along the building's floor separating the two nations – one foot in South Korea and the other in North Korea. Tourists can also peer out at the mysterious country to the north through mounted telescopes.

Lotte World Lotte World

Lotte World may not be as magical as Disney World , but it is home to the largest indoor theme park in the world. Recent travelers said that if you have children in tow and you're not averse to a little Korean kitsch, it's a good place to spend the day. With high-octane roller coasters like Atlantic Adventure and attractions catered to youngsters like Lotty's Kidstoria (a whimsical room filled with "Alice in Wonderland" characters), Lotte World entertains thrill-seekers and budding adventurists alike. If you're planning a weekend visit, keep in mind that Lotte World's lines can get very long during peak visiting hours. Fortunately, there are two solutions: Visit Lotte World on a weekday or go after 4 p.m. – lines will be shorter, and your ticket price will be reduced. Aside from Lotte World Adventure indoor theme park, Lotte World is home to department stores, a folk museum, a bowling alley, an ice rink, parades and an outdoor adventure theme park located in the middle of Seokchonhosu Lake, Magic Island. Regardless of what time you visit or what you decide to do inside Lotte World, be prepared to pay. Travelers said everything from Lotte World's version of a Disneyland fast pass to snacks were pretty pricey.

Lotte World welcomes visitors year-round from 9:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day. Regular admission tickets cost 36,000 won (about $32) for adults and 29,000 won (about $26) for children. However, if you plan to stay all day, you should consider purchasing admission to all of Lotte World, not just the indoor theme park. This all-inclusive ticket grants you access to all of Lotte World's facilities and costs 52,000 won (about $47) for adults and 41,000 won (about $37) for children. After 4 p.m., all-inclusive tickets cost 41,000 won (about $37) for adults and 32,000 won (about $29) for children. There are also discounts for students and seniors, while children younger than 3 can enter for free. Located south of the Han River, Lotte World can be reached via Jamsil Station on Subway Lines 2 and 8 (Exit 4). For more information, visit Lotte World's official website .

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23 Epic Things to Do in SEOUL, South Korea (2024 Edition)

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From grand palaces to locations of incredible historical significance topped off with some to-die-for food, here’s our ultimate list of the best things to do in Seoul, South Korea.

If you were to ask somebody to name some Asia’s most interesting and dynamic capital cities, there is a good chance that Seoul would be overlooked.

Surprising when you consider that it is one of the continent’s most visited cities with tourism to Seoul booming in recent years.

Although there is a clear influence from the regions big hitters (China and Japan), Seoul clearly demonstrates the country’s own unique culture from its historical buildings to modern day K-Pop and Jaebeol’s (huge conglomerates like Samsung or LG).

There is no shortage of unique things to do in Seoul. 

READ MORE: Check out our perfect 3 days in Seoul itinerary to make the most of your short trip!

Table of Contents

A Brief Overview on Korea’s History

Gyeongbokgung, bukchon hanok village, changdeokgung, jongmyo shrine and park, take a break from palaces, shrines and temples and eat at insa-dong, cheong-gye-cheon, take in awesome views of seoul from namsan & the n seoul tower, take a night time stroll around deoksugung, shopping, eating and people watching in myeong-dong, shop and eat at namdaemun, national museum of korea, korean war memorial, explore hongdae, noryangjin fish market, relax in hondgae’s parks, gangnam style in gangnam, visit the olympic park, gwangjang market, visit a jimjilbang, how to get to seoul, south korea, getting around seoul, language issues, best time to visit seoul, korean fried chicken, dumplings and pancakes, sweets and treats, the best hostel in seoul – zzzip in hongdae, best budget accommodation for couples in seoul – mini hotel insa in insadong, best mid-range hotel in seoul – dh naissance hotel in dongdaemum, best luxury hotel in seoul – lotte hotel seoul in myedong.

Korea has been the centre of a tug of war between China and Japan for the last couple of hundred years.

Prior to Imperial Japan’s taking control following the first Sino-Japanese war (1894-95) Korea was a tributary of the Ming and then rather begrudgingly, Qing Dynasty; in effect it was China who was in control.

When World War 2 ended in 1945 it still wasn’t an independent nation. Although its previous rulers had been vanquished and booted out, the country was split in two: the Russian backed North and the American backed South.

Interestingly up until the 1970’s it was actually North Korea that was more developed, a far cry from today.

After overcoming poor governance, military dictatorships and a faltering economy South Korea grew year upon year and now has roughly the 11th largest GDP (some analysts have it slightly lower) and is regarded as one of the most technologically advanced nations on earth.

Seoul is the epicentre of this development. A city where the palaces of bygone dynasty’s stand alongside giant skyscrapers, K-Pop and night markets compete for pennies and attention and the Jaebeol’s are in and out the press (more often than not for something unpleasant). There truly is nowhere else like Seoul.

Our list of the Best Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is made of 25 Gu (districts) with a lot of sights concentrated in Jongno-gu, Jung-gu and Yongsan-gu.

Make no mistake, Seoul is huge but its excellent metro system means it’s very easy to get around, meaning you should have no issues seeing Seoul’s awesome sights.

READ MORE: Check out our mini-guide to the best hiking in South Korea !

Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu

This area contains some of the most popular Seoul attractions. It’s well connected to the rest of the city and most of the sights in this area are within walking distance of each other.

Start here for the best places to go in Seoul!

This is one of Seoul’s most famous landmarks. Built in 1395 this huge palace was the home of the royal family until 1592 when it was burnt down during a Japanese invasion.

Despite its popularity it is very easy to find moments of zen, especially if you visit early in the day.

There are a number of interesting museums and exhibitions in palace and from 10am until 4pm, on the hour you can view the changing of the guard in the main courtyard. If you’re not sure what to do in Seoul, this is a pretty awesome place to start. 

• Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu
• Opening hours: every day from 9 AM – 6 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
• Price: 3,000 won
• Nearest Subway: Gyeongbokgung

This village, situated in between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung is home to roughly 900 Hanok (traditional Korean homes). It is full of small museums, art galleries and craft workshops and is a great place to explore.

At sunset or early morning it can be especially nice.

Do be aware that this place can get very busy with tourists who are in the area visiting Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. In spite of all the museums, cafes and workshops this is still a residential area for some, so do bear that in mind when exploring.

• Nearest Subway: Anguk

Looking for a guided city tour of Seoul? Click the button below to join the best one in town!

The palace of Illustrious Virtue has a strong claim to being the most beautiful of Seoul’s palaces. You can check out some of the outer buildings by yourself however to explore the core of the palace and its gardens then you will need to join a guided tour.

There are two options; the Palace Building Area or the Secret Garden, with the latter being slightly more expensive. Check out tour schedules  and find which time suits you best.

The Secret Garden tour whilst being slightly more expensive it is one of the most interesting things to do with regards to Seoul’s dynastic past. 

During peak tourist seasons it’s advisable to try and book as far ahead as possible. Schedules vary between the summer and winter months but there are a number of English tours on offer.

• Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu
• Opening hours: every day from 9 AM – 5PM (closed on Mondays)

This temple is home to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and as a result is particularly spectacular around major buddhist festivals. You can combine this with a trip to Insa-dong.

• Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu
• Price: Free of charge

Located to the south of Changdeokgung this huge park is home a shrine of the same name as well as a number of others. It is the World Heritage-listed Jongmyo Shrine that is the most important.

It is here that spirit tablets of Joseon kings, queens and most loyal government officials are kept. It is believed that their spirits reside in the special hole bored into the wooden tablets.

Whilst the park is nothing too spectacular it’s certainly a nice break for the hustle and bustle of Central Seoul. 

• Address: 157 Jong-ro, Hunjeong-dong, Jongno-gu
• Opening hours: February-May, September-October from 9 AM – 6 PM Jun-August from 9 AM – 6:30 November – January from 9 AM – 5:30 PM
• Price: 1,000 won
• Nearest Subway: Jongno 3-ga

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine on a tour with Get Your Guide

South of Bukchon is Insadong, an area chock full of restaurants, bars and cafes. A great place to to take a break between the sights above.

This stream that flows from northern Seoul down to the Han River has undergone a major facelift in recent years. Roads and raised highways were torn down and replaced with walkways, waterfalls, footbridges and public artworks. 

Understandably this has been a big hit with the people of Seoul with summer and is especially popular with families. 

• Nearest Subway: Gwanghwamun

Myeong-dong and Jung-gu

Now it’s time to head to the other popular neighbourhoods of Myeong-dong and Jung-go to explore some of the best Seoul tourism activities.

Perched on top of Namsan is the N Seoul Tower, one of Seoul’s most iconic sights. You can do the awesome but slightly knackering hike up to the N Seoul Tower or you can take a cable car from close to Myeong-dong subway station.

Views from Namsan and in particular the N Seoul Tower are spectacular. Visiting in the evening can give you some awesome city views, however the wait to get up the N Seoul Tower at night can be long, so just plan wisely and book ahead if you can.

If you’re not fussed about going up the tower itself, the views from Namsan are still pretty awesome. This is definitely one of best evening’s Seoul attractions. 

• Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu
• Opening hours: every day from 10 AM – 11 PM (except Saturday from 10 AM – 12 AM)
• Price: 11,000 won
• Nearest Subway Stations: There are two options here, Hoehyeon and Myeong-dong. If you’re hiking you can start one and hike up and loop round Namsan and finish at the other. If you want to save your knees then you can head to Myeong-dong and from there it’ a short walk to the cable car station.

The Palace of Virtuous Longevity is unique in that it’s the only Seoul landmark that you can visit at night. Naturally this is one of the best times to visit, it’s only a short walk from the neon craziness that is Myeong-dong.

The perfect way to walk off an amazing meal and certainly a unique idea for what to do in Seoul!

If visiting during the day you may be lucky enough to catch a changing of the guard ceremony or join a free guided tour of complex. For times check out their website here . 

If you do wish to go on a private guided tour – book an evening tour with Get Your Guide

• Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jeong-dong, Jung-gu
• Opening hours: every day from 9 AM – 9 PM (closed on Mondays)
• Price: 1,000 won (general admission)
• Nearest Subway: City Hall

Myeong-dong is chock full of restaurants, bars and shops and certainly one of Seoul’s glitzier districts. Although it’s not quite at the level of Gangnam, there are still plenty of opportunities to splash the cash.

Down some of the smaller alleyways, closer to the subway station there are some excellent BBQ restaurants which are a must if you’re in South Korea. The nearer you get to Myeng-dong’s neon nucleus the wider the variety of food. 

If you’ve had your fill and your pennies are running low then this is an excellent place to people watch.

• Nearest Subway: Myeong-dong

While you’re in Myeong-dong, why not book in for an epic Nanta show at the theatre ?

This sprawling 24 hour market sells anything and everything. By the evening food stalls are the name of the game and you can pick up some great bibimbap, pancakes, kimchi and various other Korean goodies.

Naturally prices are cheaper than in restaurants and most have some kind of outdoor seating, although it can be very busy so you may be looking for a seat for a while. However like in Taiwan, eating at these outdoor food markets offer some of the best local cuisine. You can’t claim you’ve had the full Seoul sightseeing experience without venturing out to its street markets.

Book a 4-hour tour to some of Seoul’s best known traditional markets +(bonus visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Changdeokgung Palace).

• Address: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu
• Opening hours: 24h/7
• Nearest Subway: Hoehyeon

READ MORE: Check out our list of the best things to do in Jeonju, Korea .

Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

This area is one of the most popular expat hangouts in the city. A big reason for this is that the fact that there is an American military base close by. Expect to find a number of American bars and burger joints in this part of town.

A lot of people stay in this area, and if a night of bar hopping appeals then this may the place for you. A pub crawl in Seoul can be a fun way to meet new friends and mingle with the locals. However if you want to avoid the drunks and burger bars then you may want to look elsewhere for your evening entertainment. 

The area is home to two excellent museums that are well worth a visit and help provide a deep insight into Korea’s past, present and future, and definitely two of the best things to do in Seoul. 

The museum takes you on an in depth tour from Korea’s feudal beginnings right through to the end of the Joseon Dynasty in 1897, the countries last.

Entrance to the main exhibits are free of charge, however the regular special exhibits are not and a ticket will need to be purchased.

There is a lot to see here with everything being displayed in both English and Korean.

• Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu
• Opening hours: every day from 10 AM – 6 PM (Wednesday & Saturday from 10 AM – 9 PM, Sunday from 10 AM – 7 PM)
• Price: Free of charge (separate charge for special exhibitions)
• Nearest Subway: Ichon

Frequently known as the forgotten war in the Western World, the Korean War was a battle between the competing ideologies of the USA and China and the Soviet Union.

The war raged from 1950 until 1953 when an armistice agreement was signed between the USA, China and North Korea. South Korea was not a signatory to this ceasefire and a formal peace treaty between the two Korea’s and their allies was never formally agreed meaning that the two sides are technically still at war.

As well as a memorial to those that fought and died in Korean War the site is also home to a number of excellent exhibitions giving information into one of the most brutal conflicts of the 20th century. 

The Korean War started in 1950 when North Korea launched a surprise invasion of the South. Initially the North made spectacular gains, partially thanks to weaponry and support from the Soviet Union.

However the USA soon pushed the North close to the Chinese border and then China joined in. There are many who believe that without China’s intervention North Korea would have been ceased to exist.

This museum offers a lot of insight into Korean history and for all wanting to get to know the culture better – it’s a Seoul must see!

• Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Namyeong-dong, Yongsan-gu
• Opening hours: every day from 9:30 AM – 6 PM (closed on Mondays)
• Price: Free of charge (only parking fees – 3,000 won per 2 hrs)
• Nearest Subway: Samgakji

Western Seoul

Moving further into our Seoul travel guide, it’s time to head to the Gu of Western Seoul.

Seoul’s main student area is home to funky live music venues, cafes and some awesome restaurants. Do not expect fine dining here, it’s all about keeping the prices down. The area is also home to some excellent hotpot and BBQ restaurants.

If you’re looking to catch some of South Korea’s finest unsigned indie acts then this is the place to do it!

• Nearest Subway: Hongik University and Sangsu

South Korean cuisine is home to some outrageously good seafood dishes and the Noryangjin fish market is the place to buy the freshest seafood in Seoul.

If you have ever been to the Tsujiki fish market in Tokyo this is not as big, but unlike Tsujiki there are less idiotic tourists pissing off the local traders so they are still ok with visitors coming early and checking it out during the peak market hours.

Auctions get going at around 5am, so naturally thats the best time to visit, but stay out of the way and be quiet. Do remember that this is a working market, so keep out of the way of workers and trucks hauling around the fish that will pay their salaries.

• Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Noryangjin-dong
• Nearest Subway: Noryangjin

This area is home to two parks which are great to while away a sunny afternoon. Peace Park which is home to the World Cup stadium is east of Hongdae.

Seonyudo Park is built on an island in the middle of the Han River that was formerly home to a water filtration plant. Now it’s full of ponds, plant nurseries and exhibitions – far more visually appealing.

• Nearest Subway: World Cup Stadium for Peace Park and Seonyudo for the park of the same name.

Gangnam & South of the River

Head south of the river to find more ideas for what to see in Seoul, Korea!

This district will always be synonymous with Gangam Style, the song that has caused many a hangover riddled guy or girl to look back on the previous nights dancing with shame.

When this song came out I had not yet been to Seoul, but a good friend of mine lived there for a year. It was him who informed me that Gangam was actually a very fancy, upmarket area in Seoul.

Think Kensington or Mayfair in London. Not sure if the song “Mayfair Style” would sell as well.

It’s certainly an interesting area to explore, with plenty of awesome and surprisingly affordable restaurants hidden in the cities back alleys.

If that’s not your thing then there are plenty of fashion brands and expensive restaurants that have made Gangnam their home.

• Nearest Subways: Cheongdam and Samseong

Seoul being named as the host city for the 1988 Olympics was a demonstration of just how far South Korea had come.

Home to some interesting museums, various Olympic memorials and venues and some lovely walking trails this is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. There are also bikes available to hire.

• Nearest Subway Stations: Mongchontoseong and Olympic Park

Dongdaemun and Eastern Seoul

Dongdaemun is home to some of the best places to visit in Seoul.

If you are looking for a market to stuff your face with amazing Korea street food then then this is the place! This place is positively buzzing most evenings, think the huge night markets in Tainan and Taipei as a rough comparison.

Come with an empty stomach and be prepared to stagger back home, because eating really is one of the top Seoul tourist attractions.

Without a shadow of a doubt this one of Seoul’s most brilliantly chaotic places. Even if you’re not here for the food it’s certainly one of the most interesting things to see in Seoul. 

• Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga
• Opening hours: every day from 9 AM – 5PM
• Nearest Subway: Jongno 5-ga

Northern Seoul

Head over to Northern Seoul for another day of exploring in the South Korean city.

Offering great views over Seoul this 342m peak is open to the public, however security is quite tight.

In 1968 North Korean Agents attempted to assassinate South Korea’s president by climbing over the Seoul’s old city walls at Bukaksan and into the presidential compound.

Although the mission was unsuccessful the area still remains under tight security, due to the fact the presidential palace is so close. 

This was the city’s last line of defence, and some of the views of the surrounding countryside and Seoul itself are particularly stunning. Do be aware that there are some points where photos are not allowed. Bring your passport.

• How to get there: Head to Anguk, take exit 2 and jump on bus No. 2 to Waryong Park. The hike starts here and ends at Changuimun Gate. From Here you can take buses 1020, 7022 and 7212 back to Anguk.

Best Day Trip from Seoul

Sometimes you need to get out of the city too, so to inspire you here’s my recommendation for the best day trip from Seoul.

On of the most popular day trips from Seoul is to the DMZ which includes a trip to Panmunjeon. Incidentally this is also one of the best things to in Seoul.

However if you visit during a National Holiday there is a chance you may not be able to visit this area (sadly this was the case for me). This is definitely one of the most unique places in the world, let alone in Seoul.

This one is one of the most popular DMZ tours available. However try and book at least two weeks in advance, further if you’re travelling during peak season.

Once you have booked you will be sent the details of where to meet. You WILL need to bring you passport and dress appropriately, as described on the website.

All Over Seoul

Some Seoul activities can be found just about anywhere in the city. If you’re looking for general Seoul tourist attractions, and not just the main points of interest, these are for you!

Visiting a Jimjilbang is one of the best things to do in Seoul. A Jimjilbang is a Korean onsen/sauna/spa complex offering baths, massages, games rooms, saunas and a bunch of other bits and bobs.

A number of Jimjibang’s have options to stay all night with various sleeping rooms within the complex and baths running throughout the night. 

There are plenty of these in Seoul, however the price for day time rates and night time rates is likely to differ. Plan appropriately to make sure you don’t get a surprisingly large bill.

All nighters can sometimes work out cheaper than a hotel, and you will feel fresh as a daisy the next morning.

These do have a reputation for being seedy (understandable when you describe it). However the chances of you finding such a place through a google search is pretty slim. Alternatively you can ask your guesthouse or hotel for a recommendation.

South Korea is home to some awesome live music. Dongdaemun has some excellent jazz and blues clubs whereas Hongdae is the place to go for Indie.

If K-Pop is what you’re after, and with the an ever growing fan base you wouldn’t be alone, check out the best spots online. There are various gigs going on throughout the year hosting some of the genre’s biggest acts.

To have the best K-Pop experience, you can book a tour with Get Your Guide , which will lead you to the K-Pop themed restaurant in Seoul’s posh area, Gangnam. Fantastic food, great tunes and amazing views of the Seokchon Lake and the city – a perfect recipe for a great night out!

One of Seoul’s most unique cultural exports this is the best place to experience it and see what all the fuss is about (hint: it’s pretty awesome).

Seoul Travel Guide

To help you with your visit, here’s some of our best Seoul travel tips to help you make the most of your holiday.

Seoul is a regional hub and as a result it’s not uncommon to have long distance fights transferring in Europe, meaning that you could easily extend a layover into a long weekend.

It also means that getting to Seoul is very easy from most major cities in East and South East Asia.

Seoul has two airports, Incheon and Gimpo. The vast majority of international flights will land at Incheon, save for some flights to and from China and Japan that will land at Gimpo.

Both airports have excellent connections to Seoul by train or bus, however check where the final stop is as depending on where you are staying one may be more convenient that the other.

Public travel within Korea is generally very good. There is an excellent rail and bus network with internal flights between the countries major cities.

Arriving in Seoul by bus will bring you to one of the cities two bus stations; Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Central City Express Bus Terminal. Both of these are connected directly to the cities subway system.

If coming in by train you will arrive at one of the cities five train stations, all of which are connected to the subway system.

Seoul’s public transport system is excellent, it is definitely the easiest way to get around the city. To make things more convenient you can purchase T money or cashbee cards to save having to buy tickets for every trip.

Just swipe in and out and top up when you need to.

Whilst English is taught in all primary and secondary schools in Korea, DO NOT expect everybody to speak English. Every student in the United Kingdom learns French, German or Spanish until at least 14 and that certainly does not translate into adulthood.

It seems to be a particularly common complaint on articles focusing on East Asia. In 2018 a combined 7.7 million tourists from Japan and China visited South Korea.

The country welcomed just under 1 million US visitors (the most from any English speaking country). In East Asia English is not as useful as we believe it to be. Mandarin and Japanese are far more important in terms of tourism and commerce.

Expect to do plenty of pointing, guessing and the like in Seoul, especially at the night markets or restaurants. There are plenty of restaurants that do not have English menus, which can lead to truly memorable exchanges! 

Seoul is a very popular short break destination for Chinese, Japanese and Taiwanese tourists. Therefore you may want to avoid visiting during any National Holidays in these countries as well in South Korea.

During Chinese New Year and the October National Holiday flight and hotel prices can jump as Chinese tourists swarm to sightsee and shop. If the only time you can go is during one of these times try to avoid staying in big shopping areas like Myedong and Gangnam.

Summers swelter and winters freeze, outside of these two seasons it’s generally very pleasant. Still, no matter what time you visit, you’ll still fall in love with all the top things to do in Seoul!

Eating in Seoul

Eating is the highlight of any trip to Seoul. The dazzling array of food on offer in Seoul in simply stunning, from cheap and cheerful street eats to Michelin Star restaurants.

Kimchi maybe the first thing people think when they think of Korean food, however there is far more to the Korean palette than spicy pickled cabbage.

The quintessential Korean cuisine, it is impossible to visit Seoul and not chow down on some Korean BBQ. These restaurants range from small joints down an alley way, to huge chains.

The traditional way to eat is to grill the meat, dip it in the sauce and then wrap it in a lettuce leaf, absolutely one of the best things to do in Seoul. 

One of the fun activities that we always like to partake in when traveling is learning how to cook traditional dishes! If you’re a foodie but also love to cook, sign up for a traditional Korean cooking class .

Rice with meat and veg. A simplistic definition for one of South Korea’s most defining dishes. These can be found anywhere and are usually a quick meal rather than a full blown sit down affair. Bibimbaps can come in a mind boggling array of flavours a tastes.

Heaven on a plate is how a good friend of mine described this, and he is not far wrong. Make sure you try this at least once during your time in Seoul.

Usually accompaniments that can be found at most restaurants. Whilst dumplings have definite similarities with dumplings served in both China and Japan the pancakes are a very special Korean treat. 

South Korea has a wide variety of seafood dishes on offer. One of the most unique things to try in Seoul is live octopus tentacle. Certainly not for the faint hearted. 

In 2016 South Korea won the World Bakery Cup (yes there really is such a thing). Bakeries are dotted all over Seoul and serve some fantastic sweet options. 

Naturally this is a very simplistic overview and there is plenty more to eat than what is written here. Get stuck in and chow down on some of the best food you never knew existed.

Accommodation – Where to Stay in Seoul

Seoul is blessed with a huge range of accommodation options, everything from dorms to 5 star luxury. The biggest issue is deciding where to stay in Seoul.

Below I’ve given a rough summation of some of the best places to stay in Seoul. Each of them have their own advantages and disadvantages, you just need to decide what’s going to be best for you. 

Insadong and the surrounding area is an excellent option, with accommodation and eateries to suit all budgets and tastes plus excellent transport links this is a great place to start. It’s also walking distance to some of Seoul’s most spectacular palaces and shrines. Definitely a slower pace of life here than in Hongdae or Myedong.

Hongdae is at the cheaper end of the scale but you are a little further from most sights, however with numerous cheap eats, bars and live houses this could be another great option.

Myedong is home to a fair few places, but if you’re looking for a quieter area this may not be for you. At night this area is alive as people eat, drink and shop. That being said there are a number of quiet back alleys offering some awesome Korean food.

Gangnam is home a bunch of boutiques and expensive hotels, so if you’re watching the pennies, this may not be the place for you. Also some parts are a little far from most of the main sights

Dongdaemum has a few places but it’s quite far from most sights, but is well connected by subway and it’s certainly on the quieter side of things.

Check out our list below of some of the best places to stay in Seoul.

This hostel out in Seoul’s student student district consistently receives excellent reviews. It offers dorms, singles, twins, doubles and triples. However dorms make up the majority of its guests.

It offers free breakfast and luggage storage as well as a roof terrace and all non dorm rooms have an ensuite.

If you are travelling as a couple it’s worth checking the cost of two dorm beds versus a private room. Similar to Japan, a private room can be the same price or even cheaper than two dorm beds.

• Nearest Subway – Hapjeong

This excellent little guesthouse located in the heart of Insadong is a few minutes walk from Anguk subway station and sights such as Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Changdeokgung. It offers free breakfast and is close to a number of awesome restaurants.

It can be a little tricky to find in the maze of alleys around Insadong but the effort is well worth it. The host is also able to offer excellent advice and tips, be it the best restaurant to visit or the best time to check out certain parts of Seoul. All this for a very wallet friendly price.

• Nearest Subway – Anguk

This 3-star hotel in Dongdaemun gets rave reviews from  guests. Located 140m from Sungshin Women’s University Subway Station it has excellent transport links in spite of the fact it’s a little further away from the centre than most.

With a fully multi-lingual staff team as well as spa’s and sauna’s on offer it’s unsurprising that this place is so popular with its guests.

• Nearest Subway – Sungshin Women’s University

Lotte is one of South Korea’s most recognised and respected brands. This 5-star hotel offers all of the luxuries you would expect. Throw in its location in the heart of Myedong along with is swimming pool, sauna and hot spring spa it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular luxury options in Seoul.

It’s directly connected to Euljiro 1-ga subway station making travel around Seoul extremely convenient. In addition its central location means that there are plenty of awesome sights within walking distance.

• Nearest Subway – Euljiro 1-ga

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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8 Amazing Things to Do in Jeonju, South Korea

The perfect 3 days in seoul itinerary (2024 guide), life experiences while wwoofing in south korea, related posts, 5 most scenic hiking spots in south korea, 1 thought on “23 epic things to do in seoul, south korea (2024 edition)”.

Hi Richard! So nice to see a 2023 guide to Seoul!! There is so much out of date information out there and Seoul changes fast! Glad to see you are keeping up with the pace. I would suggest however that you could add another epic thing to do in Seoul to your list! Bike tours are a comfortable and fun bway to see Seoul and with a guide to keep you on the best route it is safe and efficient. There are so many bike lanes in Korea however often taking a quiet back street (rather than the big road with the bike lane) is the most rewarding. “we Ride Korea” is a company that offers some really good English tour options. The e-bike tours are not cheap but well worth it. In addition, “We Ride Korea” also offer a rickshaw service so anyone can join in the fun. I am positive they would be happy to hear from you. Have a wonderful time in Korea!

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Seoul

Written by Freddy Sherman Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Freddy Sherman has visited South Korea multiple times, most recently exploring Seoul and the DMZ in 2022.

Seoul, South Korea is a vibrant and exciting city, one that deftly combines ancient history with ultra-modern design and technology. This city is filled with a wide range of fun things to do and tourist attractions of all types, from outdoor adventures like exploring Mount Namsan and its surrounding park to indoor fun like visiting one of Seoul's many museums.

Seoul is also a city of palaces, with five huge palace complexes located throughout the city and now restored to their former glory. Of course, it's also known for its food, with a mouthwatering array of street food, Korean specialties like barbecue, and even fine-dining options.

Discover the best places to visit in this exciting city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Seoul.

1. N Seoul Tower

2. explore the bukchon hanok traditional village, 3. national museum of korea, 4. lotte world tower, 5. visit the dmz, 6. gyeongbokgung palace, 7. seoul museum of art, 8. blue house, 9. bongeunsa temple, 10. gwanghwamun gate, 11. take a walk along cheonggyecheon, seoul's urban stream, 12. jingwansa temple, bukhansan national park, 13. people watch in itaewon, 14. dongdaemun design plaza, 15. gwangjang market, 16. spend a sunday in insadong, where to stay in seoul for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in seoul, seoul, south korea - climate chart.

Rising almost 500 meters above the city, this communications and observation tower provides dramatic views of the city from its perch on the side of Mount Namsan. A cable car whisks you up the side of the mountain to the base of the tower. From here, you can go up in the tower and visit any one of four observation decks, one of which is a rotating restaurant.

There are five different dining experiences at the N Seoul Tower and, of course, several gift shops. The n.GRILL, on the top level, is considered one of Seoul's best French fine-dining restaurants. Be sure to visit the new Inside Seoul immersive media art exhibition, where 40 laser projectors create a virtual display of the city via five-dimensional mapping, with the tower at the center.

The views from the tower are great, but so are the views of the tower from most parts of the city. Computer-controlled LED lighting on the exterior of the tower provides a digital, visual cultural experience of Seoul with changing themed lighting presentations.

Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

For a taste of Korean traditional culture and architecture, a visit to the Bukchon Hanok Village is a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon. This preserved district of several ancient neighborhoods gives you a feel for what it was like to live in Korea 600 years ago. It's right in central Seoul, in the area between the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace.

The neighborhoods of narrow streets feature hanoks or traditional Korean houses. It's a unique place, as it's a historic area, very popular with tourists, but it's also a real neighborhood because the houses are all occupied.

Some of the hanoks are now guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts , and a few are museums and can be toured. Others are cultural centers showcasing traditional crafts and other historic aspects of Korean life, but most are private homes.

This must-see attraction in Seoul showcases the incredible history and artwork of Korea and the Korean people. The National Museum of Korea , one of the largest in Asia, is in the city's Yongsan District (close to Itaewon).

It focuses on archeology, history, and art and includes a vast collection of works and objects going back more than a million years. There are ancient and prehistoric artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and other artwork along with a large collection of objects and antiques.

Before or after your museum visit, head down the street to Yongsan Family Park , a nice outdoor space to relax. Another important museum worth a visit, The War Memorial of Korea is also close by.

Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu

One of the newest attractions in Seoul is the Lotte World Tower skyscraper. The tallest building in South Korea, it's 500 meters above the ground and currently the fifth-tallest building in the world . The vase-like shape, with gentle curves, is designed to mimic traditional Korean ceramic pieces.

There are several indoor and outdoor observation areas (called Seoul Sky) at the top on the 117th-123 rd floors. Views are spectacular both during the day and at night, and you can see 360 degrees around the city.

On the 118 th floor, there's the Sky Deck with the world's highest glass floor. Like magic, the floor changes from opaque to clear, terrifying unsuspecting visitors. Even getting to the top is fun, and the journey is done via super fast, double-decker elevators, with windows on one side and LED screens on the other three and on the ceiling.

Inside the tower are offices, luxury residences, and the SIGNIEL SEOUL luxury hotel. There's also the Lotte World Aquarium, the Lotte Museum of Art, and an enormous shopping mall. The tower is home to the Lotte Concert Hall and the Lotte Cinema, a state-of-the-art, 21-screen MoviePlex with the world's largest movie screen. The tower is adjacent to the Lotte World amusement park, which is a great thing to do in Seoul for families.

Address: Songpa-gu, Jamsil 6(yuk)-dong, Olympic-ro, 300, Seoul

A remnant of the Korean War, the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is the area located along the border between North and South Korea. This highly sensitive and highly fortified area can only be visited during an official tour. Aside from the visit to the DMZ, a tour gives you a chance to get out of urban Seoul and see a bit of the Korean countryside.

The Half-Day Korean DMZ Tour , which includes pickup and drop-off in central Seoul, takes you to the important sites in the DMZ area and gets you back to Seoul right after lunch (if you take the early morning tour). The guided tour includes visits to landmarks like the 3rd Tunnel, dug by the North in anticipation of an invasion, and the Dora Observatory, where you can look over into North Korea.

First built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of Seoul's five grand palaces built during the powerful Joseon dynasty. Destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it was restored to its original glory after the Second World War and totally restored in the 1990s.

A visit to the Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the best things to do in Seoul because within the palace grounds, you can also find the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea , and both are worth a visit. The palace museum is especially fascinating as it presents items from the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty.

This includes priceless antiques and artwork, as well as everyday items for cooking, cleaning, and daily life. The National Folk Museum focuses on items from daily life, as well as clothing and dioramas, to tell the story of the Korean people since prehistoric times.

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Located behind the Deoksugung Palace, the Seoul Museum of Art , or SeMa as it's known to locals, has a large collection of artwork, mainly from the modern era. The art museum focuses on Korean art and Korean artists but has a decent selection of international works and creators. Changing temporary and visiting exhibitions also showcase unique collections and artwork.

The collection is displayed over three floors in a large building that was formerly the home of the Korean Supreme Court. The museum has six additional satellite locations in other parts of Seoul, and these feature rotating exhibits from the museum's main collection, as well as special exhibitions.

Don't miss the museum's Nam June Paik Memorial House, an exhibition and workshop space inside the house of legendary Korean contemporary artist Nam June Paik. The house is located in Seoul's Changsin-Dong neighborhood.

Address: 61, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Blue House is Korea's version of the White House. It's the official residence of the Korean president , as well as the location of his and related executive offices of state. The Blue House isn't really a single building, it's an entire campus of buildings, all built in the traditional Korean style and all featuring the distinctive blue tile roofs where it gets its name.

One of the coolest things to do in Seoul is to take a tour of the Blue House. Hour-long tours are given, but participants must apply and schedule their tour in advance, online. The tour takes you to many parts of the palace complex including meeting rooms, reception rooms, and the Korean version of the Rose Garden, where the Korean president holds press conferences.

Ask your hotel concierge to help with reservations.

Address: 1 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Bongeunsa is one of many Buddhist temples in and around Seoul. It first opened in the year 794 and is a complex of multiple buildings and shrines. It's easy to visit, as it's centrally located in the exciting Gangnam area. If you're spending the day sightseeing and exploring the city, this is a wonderful place to take a break.

The temple is on the side of a low mountain, directly across the street from the massive COEX convention center and mall. It's a popular spot for convention-goers to take a break and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Visitors are welcome, and the temple even has a program that allows guests to experience the daily life of a monk for a few hours.

Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

The largest and main gate to Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace , Gwanghwamun Gate is home to the changing of the guards ceremony (performed since 1469), which happens daily (except Tuesdays) at 10am and 2pm.

The gate has undergone many renovations and rebuilding, most recently in 2010, when it was restored to its original location and reconstructed with native materials using traditional tools and building techniques.

There's a large plaza in front, and the gate sits in front of the vast Gwanghwamun Square , home to frequent political demonstrations, a large subway station, a giant fountain, and some huge statues of Joseon-era leaders.

This natural creek that flows through central Seoul was covered over by highways in the post-Korean War economic boom. Seven miles of the creek were uncovered as part of an urban revitalization project and turned into an outdoor recreation area, opening in 2005.

There are now seven miles of creek-side hiking, walking and biking trails. It really has changed the CBD of Seoul by bringing an artery of water and green into what was a very urbanized, crowded area.

The creek is also home to the spectacular Seoul Lantern Festival , held each November. Ornate, lighted paper lanterns are displayed in and along the creek, and each night, thousands of people line the creek to view and enjoy the floating artwork. It's a fun, nighttime activity for families, as a lot of the art installations are geared toward children.

Set within the strikingly beautiful landscape of the Bukhansan National Park , Jingwansa is an ancient temple complex offering many ways to experience and learn about Buddhism and temple life. The traditional buildings are surrounded by miles of hiking trails (you can come here just to hike) snaking through the mountains.

The temple, which grows most of its own food (and even ferments its own kimchee), has a range of public programs. There's a temple stay program, which includes an overnight visit, plus there are cultural and learning programs. They also offer foodie experiences like a traditional vegetarian temple meal, as eaten by the monks.

Jingwansa is on the far west side of the city, it's one of the four major temples of Seoul first built around 1,000 BC.

Address: 73 Jingwan-gil, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Itaewon is a bustling neighborhood of Seoul focused on a few pedestrian streets filled with shops, cafés, and other consumer businesses. If you have limited time in the city, it's one of those places that can give you a real feel for Korean retail culture in a short time period. There are food carts and street performers, and some of the side streets are filled with restaurants. It's a great place for people-watching.

This is an excellent place to wander around and just lose yourself in the energy of the city. Be sure to wander down pedestrian-only Gyeongnidan Street, as it's lined with all kinds of restaurants and is a place to buy many international foods not easily available in Korea (like pizza and American-style barbecue). It's a fun thing to do in Seoul for families, and you'll see many parents and children here.

Another street, literally called Itaewon Antique Furniture Street, is filled with antique shops, and this is always an excellent place to buy unique gifts.

Known by its initials, the DDP is a very cool design center in Seoul's Dongdaemun area. Dongdaemun, Seoul's fashion district, is also known for its shopping; there are a lot of department stores and discount clothing and houseware stores in the area. The DDP has changing art and creative exhibitions open to the public, as well as a very cool store inside.

The silver, orb-like flowing Dongdaemun Design Plaza building looks like something from outer space. It was designed by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, considered one of the great female architects of the modern era. In perhaps Seoul's ultimate contrast, there are ruins of the ancient city fortress preserved just outside the front entrance of the design center.

The complex is filled with showrooms, workspaces, offices, and design studios. There is also what has to be Seoul's coolest shop, with small craft vendors selling all kinds of interesting items showcasing contemporary design and locally made, handcrafted items. It's an excellent place to buy unique gifts.

A visit to the DDP is one of the best things to do in Seoul at night — the design center comes alive when the sun goes down, the highlight being 25,550 white LED roses that light up. The silver-colored, modern, curving building and the rows of artificial flowers make the DDP one of Seoul's best Instagram spots.

After your visit, head across the street for a burger and crinkle-cut fries at one of Seoul's most popular new dining spots, Shake Shack. It's right across from the DDP in the Doota shopping mall.

Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 7(chil)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

Seoul's best street food market combines a taste-bud tempting array of street food vendors under one large roof. The market features rows of food stalls, offering every kind of Korean food you can imagine.

Most stalls have small chairs or stools in front of them, creating tiny restaurants, where you can sit and have a meal. It's all about tasting things here, and a smile and request will usually get you a sample of most of the things on offer.

The market is in central Seoul, and it's open from 9am to 10pm. The most popular things sold here are bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), bibimbap (rice mixed with sauteed beef, vegetables, and gochujang red chili paste), gimbap (Korean sushi), sundae (blood sausage), tteokbokki (stir-fried spicy rice cakes), and various types of noodles.

Other parts of the market have vendors selling meat and seafood, and other sections have clothes and household items.

Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

This unique neighborhood in central Seoul is filled with small stores that sell Korean traditional folk and handicrafts, along with art galleries. Stores sell things like hanji (traditional, hand-made paper), hanbok (traditional clothing), teas, pottery, and unique artwork.

The galleries in Insadong feature Korean fine art of all types. There are also a lot of tea houses and small cafes, perfect for a break during your shopping adventures.

The Insadong area really comes alive on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday, when streets are closed to traffic and it becomes a giant craft and culture fair. Aside from food stalls and vendors, there are traditional music and dance performances and other cultural exhibits.

Luxury Hotels:

• Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel and Residences Seoul Yongsan is one of Seoul's top 5-star resorts. Located in the heart of downtown, it offers a range of poshly decorated rooms and suites, all with stunning city views, especially after dark. Amenities include multiple restaurants, an indoor golf room, a fitness center, and spa. There is also a swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna. If you're traveling with the family, there is a kids' club, and if that family includes a dog, the hotel is pet friendly.
• Designed with relaxation in mind, SIGNIEL SEOUL has luxurious and comfortable rooms with beautiful decor. It's located high up in Seoul's Lotte World Tower, so the rooms and suites have some spectacular views. There are several restaurants in the hotel and a wide variety close by in the tower and mall complex below. Other on-site amenities include an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub and a spa with a full range of treatments. There is also a fitness center on-site.
• Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is the largest hotel in the South Korean capital city and the first in South Korea. The 5-star property has 317 rooms, including 43 suites, and all feature elegant luxe decor. Expect customizable beds with high-quality linens, spa-style bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows with great city views. The hotel is family-friendly and has a kids' pool and a children's menu at its restaurants. Other amenities include a posh spa, a heated indoor swimming pool, an indoor golf driving range, and a fitness center.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• May Place Seoul Dongdaemun is a top mid-range choice. It offers a mix of rooms and suites that are spartan but comfortable, with wood floors and white linen-draped beds. They also come with air purifiers and blackout curtains. Amenities include a restaurant, a hot tub, and a rooftop terrace where you can check out the panoramic city and mountain views.
• In the middle of Seoul's cultural district, Hotel28 Myeongdong is another excellent good-value choice, especially if you like sleek and modern décor. The hotel has glass walls of windows and well-appointed rooms and suites. Amenities include a restaurant and workout room.
• GLAD Gangnam COEX Center Hotel has a convenient locale just outside Exit 1 of the Samseong Subway Station. Rooms feature contemporary décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and giant wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. Amenities include a restaurant with a breakfast buffet, a workout room, and a 24-hour front desk.

Budget Hotels :

• Delight Hotel is a clean and comfortable budget choice with contemporary rooms featuring luxury linens, marble bathrooms with rain showers, and large windows. Amenities include a restaurant serving complimentary breakfast, 24-hour room service, a hot tub, and even rental bikes to explore the area.
• Also, try the Grid Inn Hotel for budget-friendly lodging. Centrally located in the Gwanak-Gu district, it offers tidy rooms with refrigerators, blackout curtains, and safes. There is a restaurant and coffee shop on-site. The front desk is open 24 hours, and there is self-service laundry for guests.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Beyond Seoul: While many of the country's highlights are in Seoul, have a look at our article on the top attractions in South Korea for ideas on places to visit throughout the country.

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The 14 best things to do in Seoul

The best things to do in Seoul range from hidden tea rooms to sprawling outdoor markets

Seoul, in our opinion, is like no other city on earth. It is a vast, busy metropolis, full of fresh, creative restaurants, shouty markets and mesmerising historic architecture. Sure, Korea has been having its international moment for a while, thanks to K-Pop’s popularity, and a certain group of Netflix hits and Oscar-winning films.

But whether you knew it or not, Seoul has always been cool. Insanely cool. So cool, you’re definitely going to need enough time there to take it all in. Here, trendy, arty neighbourhoods full of vintage stores meet sprawling green spaces, and tiny tea houses are tucked away behind vast forests. You’ve got to see this city in person to believe it. Read on for the best things to do in Seoul. 

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What to do in Seoul

1.  Changdeokgung Palace

What is it? This stunning palace complex (and Unesco World Heritage Site) was the primary royal residence for over 200 years, and is the best preserved out of the five remaining Joseon palaces in Seoul.

Why go? Besides the palace and government buildings, Changdeokgung has a truly breathtaking secret garden with landscaped lawns, ornate pavilions and a lotus pond. Continue your cultural tour of the area with the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village and charming Jogyesa Temple.

2.  N Seoul Tower

What is it? If you don’t fancy knackering your legs with a trek up the – admittedly majestic – Bukhansan mountain, the 480-metre-tall N Seoul Tower also offers mind-boggling views of Seoul.

Why go? Every knows that the best way to get your bearings with a city is to head up to the nearest really, really tall thing and take it all in. The N Seoul Tower is hundreds of metres above sea level and looks a little like a rocket taking off from the top of Namsan mountain. Its panoramas over Seoul are unlike any other: and, better yet, thanks to a lift and cable car, it’ll leave your legs with plenty of energy for the rest of your time here.

3.  Gwangjang Market

What is it? One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, most famous for its street food market where you can find all manner of Korean snacks.

Why go? It’s the most convenient place to sample a wide variety of Korean food, from tteokboki (sweet and spicy rice cakes), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and mayak gimbap (seaweed rolls). Don’t forget to wash it all down with some makgeolli (rice wine).

4.  Ihwa Mural Village

What is it? Once designated for demolition, this hillside village was given a makeover as part of a government revitalisation project and has since become a tourist attraction. Just remember that it’s a village, not a theme park – residents have complained about noisy and disruptive visitors in the past.

Why go? Do it for the ‘gram. But seriously, Ihwa is a lovely place to visit if you’re a keen photographer or fan of street art. As it’s at the top of Naksan Mountain, the views are beautiful (even if the walk is a little steep).

5.  Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

What is it? Leeum is home to a significant collection of traditional Korean art, as well as modern and contemporary works from local and international artists. The art is divided between three structures designed by architectural luminaries Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel and Rem Koolhaas.

Why go? There’s something for art lovers of all tastes, whether your interest lies with Korean national treasures or contemporary painters. Don’t forget to visit the sculpture garden.

6.  Insa-dong

What is it? Located in the historic district of Jongno-gu, Insa-dong is an arty neighbourhood where traditional meets modern. Known for its plethora of galleries, this is the perfect place to take a quick break between sightseeing.

Why go? Insadong-gil, the neighbourhood’s main street, is a great place to pick up some traditional Korean souvenirs – especially during the weekly Saturday market. Make sure to visit Ssamziegil, a multi-storey shopping complex which houses over 70 shops, galleries, and cafés.

7.  Hongdae

What is it? The buzzy area around Hongik University where all of Seoul’s tastemakers congregate. Hongdae is known for being the city’s youth culture hub, with a strong indie music and nightlife scene, and a regular arts and crafts market.

Why go? Besides the hipper-than-thou street style shops and artisanal cafés, Hongdae’s main road – Hongik-ro – is home to countless bars and clubs where you can party the night away. Line your stomach at the nearby Oksang Dalbit with some delectable garlic pepper chicken.

8.  Common Ground

What is it? Occupying a whopping 5,300 square metres, this bright blue structure is the largest shipping container mall in the world. The complex comprises a market hall and street market which border a central square used for weekend markets, performances, and exhibitions.

Why go? It’s a convenient place to find and support independent businesses, whether you’re keen on fashion, art, or beauty. You won’t be short on choices for food either, with options ranging from traditional local food to international cuisines and even food trucks.

9.  Dongdaemun

What is it? The beating heart of Seoul’s no-holds-barred shopping culture. It’s got a 24-hour shopping complex, wholesale outlets, an underground shopping centre, and a bulbous, space-age silver cultural hub designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid.

Why go? Many boutiques in Seoul and even neighbouring countries source their stock from Dongdaemun, making it a goldmine for thrifty, fashion-conscious shoppers. Everything you want can be found off the main shopping road, Eulji-ro – including pojangmacha (street stalls) serving snacks and soju.

10.  Gyeongui Line Forest Park

What is it? A 6.3-kilometre park that runs from near Gajwa Station to Hyochang Park Station, passing through the trendy Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong neighbourhoods.

Why go? Peaceful green spaces in urban areas are always welcome, but where Gyeongui Line Forest Park sets itself apart is its charming row of local bookstores on the aptly named Gyeongui Line Book Street.

11.  Myeongdong

What is it? Known as a shopper’s paradise, Myeongdong is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Seoul. Myeongdong’s more of a conventional shopping experience than Dongdaemun, with popular retail chains, department stores, and family restaurants lining the streets.

Why go? Myeongdong-gil, the main shopping street, is a dream come true for anyone interested in Korean fashion and beauty. If all that shopping makes you peckish, the knife-cut noodles at Myeongdong Kyoja are always a winner.

12.  Suyeonsanbang Tea House

What is it? In English, Suyeonsanbang means “a small home in the forest where writers gather” – a fitting name for this serene, traditional teahouse which was once the home of late Korean author Lee Tae-jun.

Why go? Located near the idyllic Bukhansan National Park, Suyeonsanbang feels like a mountain lodge far away from the city. It’s a wonderfully tranquil space with a rich literary history, extensive tea menu, and seasonal shaved ice.

13.  Seoullo 7017

What is it? Seoul’s answer to New York’s High Line. This eco-friendly, multi-purpose pedestrian walkway built on a former highway above Seoul Station is home to a sky garden, cafés, and even a little pool for you to dip your toes in.

Why go? Seoullo 7017 has a lot to offer, from ‘peeping pots’ that play sounds and videos of Seoul, to the kids’ trampolines, modern art at Seoullo Gallery, and Yunseul – a trippy, immersive public art project.

14.  Korea Furniture Museum

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 한국가구박물관 (@koreafurnituremuseum)

What is it? Situated on a picturesque hillside in the historic Seongbuk-dong district, this sprawling complex is brimming with historical relics from the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897). It’s essential to pre-book your tour, as walk-ins are not allowed.

Why go? The grounds and architecture alone warrant a visit, but the main attraction is the museum’s 500-piece display of Joseon furniture, exhibited in careful reconstructions of historic Korean homes. Visitors often call it this museum the best-kept secret in Seoul due to its unique insight into Korean history.

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Must-see attractions in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung

Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu

Like a phoenix, Seoul’s premier palace has risen several times from the ashes of destruction. Hordes of tourists have replaced the thousands of government…

Changdeokgung

The World Heritage–listed Changdeokgung is the most beautiful of Seoul's five main palaces. You must join a one-hour guided tour to look around. English…

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

Amid the celebrity-owned apartments on the leafy southern slope of Namsan is Korea's premier art gallery. Beautifully designed and laid-out, it balances…

Myeong-dong & Jung-gu

One of Seoul's five grand palaces built during the Joseon dynasty, Deoksugung (meaning Palace of Virtuous Longevity) is the only one you can visit in the…

National Museum of Korea

This vast and imposing concrete slab of a museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Korea's past from prehistory all the way to the Korean…

War Memorial of Korea

This huge museum documents the history of the Korean War (1950–53) using multimedia exhibits and black-and-white documentary footage, along with artefacts…

Gangnam & Southern Seoul

Located in the heart of ritzy Gangnam, the shrines and halls of the Buddhist temple Bongeun-sa, with its tree-filled hillside location, stand in direct…

Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park

Dongdaemun & Eastern Seoul

Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, this neofuturistic cultural complex was commissioned to replace the Dongdaemun Stadium, built during Japanese rule in the…

Noryangjin Fish Market

Providing terrific photo opportunities, Korea's largest fish market supplies every kind of aquatic life form to restaurants, fish shops and the general…

Namdaemun Market

You could spend all day in this swarming night-and-day market and not see it at all. The largest market in Korea, each section has hundreds of stalls,…

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Northern Seoul

Built in 1908, this former prison is a potent symbol of Korean suffering at the hands of Japan during colonial occupation in the early 20th century…

Cheong-gye-cheon

With its landscaped walkways, footbridges, waterfalls and a variety of public artworks, such as the enormous pink-and-blue shell entitled Spring in Cheong…

N Seoul Tower & Namsan

The iconic N Seoul tower (236m), atop the city’s guardian mountain Namsan, offers panoramic views of this immense metropolis from its observation deck…

Bukchon Hanok Village

Meaning ‘North Village’, Bukchon, between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, is home to around 900 hanok, Seoul’s largest concentration of these traditional…

Hyundai Development Company commissioned Daniel Libeskind to work with Seoul-based firm Himma on its headquarters opposite COEX Mall. The result, Tangent,…

Gyeongui Line Forest Park

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Korean Stone Art Museum

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Korea Furniture Museum

You need to apply several days in advance via a reservation page on the website to visit this museum, but you absolutely should to admire the fabulous…

Seoul K-Medi Center

Learn about the history and practice of traditional Korean medicine at this impressive facility styled to resemble Bojewon, a clinic from the early Joseon…

Ihwa Mural Village

High on the slopes of Naksan is one of the city's old daldongnae (literally ‘moon villages’) where refugees lived in shacks after the Korean War. Sixty…

KT&G SangsangMadang

Funded by Korea’s top tobacco company, this visually striking building is home to an art-house cinema, a concert space (hosting top indie bands) and…

Olympic Park

This large and pleasant park was the focus of the 1988 Olympics. Strolling its paths takes you past its stadiums surrounded by plenty of greenery, ponds…

Namsangol Hanok Village

Located in a park at the foot of Namsan, this peaceful village is a wonderful spot to encounter traditional Korean culture. It features five differing…

Lotte World

This huge complex includes an amusement park, an ice-skating rink, a cinema multiplex, a department store, a folk museum, a shopping mall, a hotel,…

Inwangsan Guksadang

This ornate shrine atop Inwangsan is one of Seoul's most important sites for shamanism, Korea's ancient, highly ritualised and somewhat taboo folk…

The focus of Jogye-sa is the grand wooden hall Daeungjeon, Seoul's largest Buddhist worship hall and the epicentre of Korean Buddhism. Completed in 1938,…

Surrounded by dense woodland, the impressive buildings of the Confucian shrine Jongmyo house the spirit tablets of the Joseon kings and queens and some of…

Seoullo 7017

This overpass-turned-park is a green space in the heart of the city. About 24,000 plants are grown here, including various types of flowers and trees, all…

Seoul City Hall

Looking like a tsunami made of glass and steel, Seoul City Hall was completely redeveloped in 2013 and now is a major architectural attraction of the city…

Combining architectural elements from several centuries of Seoul's history, this branch of the city's premier contemporary-art museum is an impressive…

Gyeongui Line Book Street

This extension of the Gyeongui Line Forest Park is a book-themed pathway of bookshops housed in train-carriage-like containers. The street commemorates…

Oil Tank Culture Park

Originally built after Korea’s first oil crisis in 1973 and reopened in 2017, this cultural centre is made up of five abandoned oil tanks. Planted in a…

Stairway Flea Market

Held on the last Saturday of each month, this market attracts hundreds of shoppers to Usadan-ro on top of Itaewon Hill, where local artists sell their…

Changgyeonggung

Originally built in the 15th century by King Sejong for his father, this is one of Seoul's 'five grand palaces'. It backs onto the more impressive…

Namsan Park

Beloved by locals as a place for exercise, peaceful contemplation and hanging out with loved ones, Namsan was a sacred shamanistic spot when the Joseon…

Lock Museum

One of Seoul’s quirkier private collections makes for a surprisingly absorbing exhibition. It focuses on the artistry of locks, latches and keys of all…

At the south end of Banpo Bridge are these three artificial floating islands interconnected by walkways. Each features futuristic buildings in a complex…

Seoul Forest

A hunting ground in Joseon times, this large park offers a number of family-friendly attractions, including a sika deer enclosure, adventure playgrounds,…

Lotte World Tower

Completed in early 2017, Seoul's latest landmark is the 555m-high Lotte World Tower – the tallest skyscraper in Korea (and sixth highest in the world)…

SMTown coexartium

This five-level interactive shrine to K-Pop in the COEX Mall has already become a pilgrimage hot spot for fans since opening in 2018. The photo hall is…

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What to do in Seoul? — 17+ top, must & best things to do in Seoul

Dubbed the tourist paradise and one of the most attractive tourist destinations of South Korea, the modern city but also very ancient Seoul welcomes millions of tourists every year. There are many old, new and exciting things waiting for you in this beautiful city. Let’s take a look at the top things to try when coming here with Living Nomads so that you won’t regret it. So, what to do in Seoul (Seoul things to do)? Let’s check out our suggested +17 top things to do in Seoul including best things to do in Seoul, must things to do in Seoul (must do in Seoul), cool things to do in Seoul, fun things to do in Seoul to help you planning a memorial trip to the capital of the land of kimchi as follows!

• When is the best time to visit Seoul? — The best, worst, cheapest & best season to visit Seoul
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• Korea fall foliage forecast 2023 — The time & 16+ best place to see autumn leaves in Korea

Best things to do in Seoul: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea Hours: 9AM–6PM/Tuesday: Closed

Top of our list of best things to do in seoul is to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. Gyeongbokgung is also known as the Northern Palace. One thing is for sure, any foreign visitor coming to Seoul must visit this palace.

Gyeongbokgung Palace was historically the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. This entire massive structure is located on the northern land of Seoul city. This is one of the greatest and most magnificent buildings in Korea. It is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the symbols of the city and the land of kimchi.

When coming here, visitors will be amazed at the talent of ancient architects and builders. Every detail of the building is kept almost intact to this day. What is more special, this palace has one pavilion built on a beautiful artificial island. Surrounding it is a clear blue lake. To get to it, we can go on one of the three stone bridges across the lake.

Read more: Royal palace Seoul — How to visit 5 grand palaces in Seoul?

What to do in Seoul: Try once wearing Korean traditional costumes

Of course, if we’ve come to Seoul, there’s no reason why don’t we try wear Korean traditional hanbok costume, right? Traditional Korean costumes are still preserved and are worn by the people to this day. To make a complete hanbok requires a lot of effort and meticulousness. Therefore, Koreans cherish, respect this type of costume very much.

Hanboks are sold and rented in most tourist spots in Seoul. You can choose to rent costumes to try out new experiences at a much lower price. However, if you like, you can absolutely buy a set as a souvenir or give it to your loved ones.

The texture of a hanbok would be much more complex than today’s modern clothing. Therefore, ask the salesperson to introduce and guide you on how to wear the dress. Once you’ve put on the amazing traditional costume, don’t forget to save this beautiful memory by taking stunning photos. You should choose places with highlights like Gyeongbokgung Palace, for example.

Shopping at Namdaemun Market

Address: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea Hours: 9AM–9PM/Sunday:11AM–8PM

One thing is for sure, you will discover many interesting things at Namdaemun Market. In Korea, the market is officially recognized as the country’s largest traditional market.

Currently, in the market there are more than 10,000 shops selling a variety of products. Small merchants gather here to buy and sell, exchange all kinds of daily necessities and local products. We may encounter napa cabbage, giant radishes, or strange local vegetables. All form a vivid picture of life and people here.

You will be immersed in the Korean atmosphere with the atmosphere of the market. Enjoy the excitement, bustling, vibrant and enthusiasm of the sales ladies and gentlemen. Choose for yourself delicious fresh vegetables or buy a tonic medicine such as ginseng and its related products to bring back to give to your loved ones. Moreover, do not forget to enjoy countless snacks sold around the market at extremely affordable prices.

Enjoy fresh seafood at Noryangjin Fish Market

Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, 서울특별시 South Korea Hours: Open 24 hours

Favored by nature, Korea is a country with both mountains and sea. Therefore, the food source of this country also has an abundance of fresh seafood. One of the places you should go if you love the taste of the sea is Noryangjin Market.

In Seoul, the Noryangjin Fish Market is the city’s oldest and largest place. Currently, the market is the trading center of more than 700 suppliers, large and small. The products in the market are seafood caught during the day. The source of goods here is extremely diverse from fish, squid, abalone, octopus, crustaceans to mollusks.

Tourists can visit the market at any time of the day. However, to be able to fully experience the bustle, come here as soon as possible. In the early morning, the fishing boats come back from the far sea, heavy with seafood. Buyers and sellers eagerly participate in seafood auctions. After that, they busily shipped the goods to the retail stores.

One of the most difficult dishes to eat in Korea is raw octopus. Coming to Noryangjin, visitors have the opportunity to taste this dish with their own mouth. This is a dish for the brave because you have to put a whole live octopus in your mouth. When eating, its tentacles will still move and sometimes suck on your mouth. Those who know how to enjoy it say that this dish is extremely delicious because it retains the freshness and sweetness of the octopus meat. Are you brave enough to try?

Otherwise, you can eat more “safer” seafood at the market. Don’t forget to buy yourself the freshest fish or dried seafood to bring home. You can completely enjoy it on the spot at the restaurants. About the menu, there are various types of processing from sashimi, mixing salad seafood, steaming, soup, deep frying, grilling, etc. What could be better than tasting delicious pieces of fresh meat and seafood right at the place of sale?

Top things to do in Seoul: Go to N Seoul Tower

In the journey to discover beautiful and modern Seoul, you definitely cannot ignore this experience. N Seoul Tower is located in Yongsan-gu of the city. This is one of the most romantic places that everyone wants to visit, especially couples who want to give each other the best things.

N Seoul Tower is the place to see the beautiful skyline of the city by the romantic Hangang River. Currently, the government is conducting multimedia projects right at the tower. Coming here, you will be satisfied with the shimmering performance of natural and artificial light shows. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere at sunset and a warm dinner here.

Best things to do in Seoul: Visit Bukchon Hanok Village

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno-gu, 계동길 37 Hours: Open 24 hours

One of the outstanding features of Korean tradition in general and of Seoul city in particular is the Hanok architecture. To have the opportunity to discover this unique architecture firsthand, do not miss Bukchon Hanok Village – a village of ancient houses.

Bukchon Hanok Village is located on the north side of Cheonggyecheon Stream, Jongno-gu. This is a place to preserve ancient architectural houses that dating back more than 600 years old. Besides, the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center also preserves the traditional cultural features of Korea. The ancient mossy grey roof tiles, the distinctive motifs and patterns are the best evidences for the prosperous Joseon dynasty. Coming here, in the fresh and peaceful atmosphere, you will feel completely relaxed. Definitely, visitors will have an great cultural experience when visiting Bukchon village.

Top things to do in Seoul: Visit Korea Furniture Museum

Address: 121 Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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BEST First-Time Visitor’s Seoul Itinerary (3-7 Days)

Last Updated: Nov 11, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

South Korea is a land of mountains, palaces, and busy streets, and this 3 to 7 day Seoul itinerary will put you right in the middle of it all. With the city’s futuristic architecture and state-of-the-art technological advancements, people sometimes get culture shock when they see how integrated they are into more traditional lifestyles.

Everywhere you go, there’s always an event happening or a festival on, and there are plenty of surprises in store – especially if you visit any of the Seoul hotspots detailed below. But while Korea is truly a magical place, it’s far from what we see in the K-Dramas.

Fans often come here expecting to meet a dashing chaebol randomly in the streets (which is highly unlikely), and are disappointed when they’re not hit on in the nightclub. Dramas and idols are just a small fraction of Korean culture .

To truly experience it for yourself, you’ll have to immerse yourself in Seoul for 3 days or more, before heading further south. That way you’ll get to try everything Korea has to offer; from delicious food to astounding historical landmarks.

So if you’re figuring what to put in your Seoul itinerary, let us help you plan how many days in Seoul you should spend, and what to do and where to go during your South Korea vacation. Use the 'Jump To' box below to go to a specific section.

Basics of Travel in South Korea

How to maximize your seoul experience, faq about seoul, where to stay in seoul, seoul itinerary 3 days, seoul itinerary 7 days, tips for visiting seoul.

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid Korean SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

How many days should I spend in Seoul? While most guides will tell you that three days in Seoul is enough, we recommend that you stay in Seoul for a week.

But for those with tight budgets, we can help maximize your Seoul itinerary for as many days as you have, and thanks to the advanced metro system in Seoul, you’ll jump from one place to another without issue.

That being said, Seoul at night is a treat for the eyes, and most of the attractions in Seoul occur when the sun begins to set. Banpo Bridge, for example, has an incredible fountain show and the title of the World’s Longest LED-light display.

Around the same time each evening, stalls are set up where people enjoy delicious foods while waiting for fireworks to decorate the sky. The best part is, there’s a way to do all of these things in Seoul for free.

Simply purchase a Discover Seoul pass before your trip, and you can get into most of these attractions (once each) without worrying too much about your budget. There are three kinds of passes you can choose from (24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours), and even if you run out of hours, you can still use it to avail of discounts in any of the partner tourist attractions.

Other sites that provide discounts are kkday , Trazy and Klook .

Unfortunately, each attraction’s opening hours may change due to public holidays or unforeseen events. So if you follow this Seoul itinerary, please develop a habit of checking attractions’ schedules first if you don’t want to wait hours for a show that has already been cancelled.

For a solo traveler, a vacation in Seoul may cost between ₩1,000,000-2,000,000 ($800-1,600USD). This takes into account 3 meals a day, a public transport card, and a week in a hotel, which can all vary widely in price. The rest of your money will go to experiences and souvenirs.

The best time to visit Korea is from May to June and September to October, since this is the best time to see the cherry blossom trees bloom or watch the fall colors in the mountains. Moreover, the weather at this time is generally pleasant for locals and foreigners alike, making walking around more pleasant than in summer or winter.

Three days should be sufficient for a first trip to Korea, especially if you have a Discover Seoul pass , though one week is ideal. The pass enables you to visit key locations once for free, and best of all, get discounts on other destinations and experiences.

Here are the essentials to pack for Seoul: passport, credit cards, and travel medical insurance, as well as shorts, a sun hat, and tops with sleeves. Moreover, certain cellphones do not work in Korea, so you need to check if your phone is not region-locked or that it is equipped to intercept the networks provided in Korea, and possibly rent a phone for your trip.

Seoul is known for having culturally diverse neighborhoods, full of history, good food, and memorable experiences. There are several fantastic neighborhoods I'd recommend staying in when you visit Seoul.

There’s always something that will pique your interest, but you have to make sure that the neighborhood matches your preferences - since you might choose to add to your Seoul itinerary by experiencing the bustling Seoul nightlife .

Specifically in Ichon-dong, this is probably the most convenient place to look for accommodation, especially if you want something quick and cheap. This is also a convenient location if you want to visit the most popular areas in Seoul for free , like the National Museum of Korea, Yongsan Family Park, and Ichon Han River Park.

Creatives and digital natives love coming to this hub because this neighborhood is panned towards the younger crowd. If you’re reminiscing about your college days, this is the neighborhood in Seoul for you.

Cafés regularly host language exchange parties, coffee and pub crawls , and art appreciation guilds. Sometimes buskers hold small concerts in the streets, from late afternoon into the wee hours of night.

Rub elbows with the rich and famous by staying in this Seoul neighborhood . With large-scale suites with spectacular views of the Seoul night sky, this area boasts popular attractions for those with luxurious tastes.

Apgujeong-dong and Garuso-gil, for example, hold multiple high-end luxury chains with clothes made by internationally renowned designers, and worn by the famous K-Celebrities we know and love (like Lisa of BLACKPINK and V of BTS).

This is the city where tradition meets modernity, and you deserve to experience both sides during your 3 days in Seoul. This itinerary covers the basics and the must-sees of the city if you have limited time, with an optional extension to 7 days below.

Seoul Itinerary Day 1: Embracing Korea’s Traditional Side

Note: If your first day falls on a Monday or a Tuesday, you’ll want to move this day’s schedule to a later date— most of the palaces are closed on both those days.

Did you know that entry to any of the five Grand Palaces in Seoul is free when dressed in a hanbok ? Be sure to reserve a full day’s use online ahead of time to avoid the stress of long lines on the day of. The best thing about reserving online is that it also comes with a hefty discount.

Try checking the massive selection provided by the Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store , which actually has a Korean hairstyling service too! 

Stop 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Time: 9:30AM

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩3,000, Children: ₩1,500; Groups have a discount, with ₩2,400 for Adults and ₩1,200 for children; It is free if you come wearing a hanbok.

The best way to start your day is to arrive at Gyeongbokgung Palace 30 minutes before it opens. That way you get to see the Opening Ceremony of the Palace Gates, and the procession that takes place as the guards shift their duties.

As you enter, the first thing you should do is fall in line to see Geunjeongjeon Hall. It’s quite a bit of a walk, and you’ll initially pass by the pumgyeseok (the markers court officials used to indicate where they should stand if the King calls for a meeting) before reaching the steps.

However, the view of the majestic ancient Korean architecture and the people wearing hanboks will make you feel like you have time-traveled all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty. As soon as you get to the red throne, you only have a few minutes to admire its splendor, so make sure to bring your camera with you.

If you’re able to join an English-language tour, your guide will certainly point out the parts of the palace that were heavily influenced by Chinese architecture , a fact quite revealing of the times.

Other notable parts of the palace are the Gyeonghoeru Pavillion, or what used to be the setting for lavish official banquets, and the beautiful Hyangwonjeong, a small temple-like structure on top of an artificial island on Hyangwonji Lake. 

There are plenty of things to do at Gyeongbokgung, but there’s a special tea ceremony that lets you drink the tea that delighted the King and Queen back then, and I’d highly recommend it. You’ll feel like royalty after just one sip. 

Stop 2: Hwangsaengga Kalguksu

Address: 78, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03053 South Korea

Prices: ₩₩-₩₩₩

Notorious for being the “best noodle and dumpling shop” near Gyeongbukgung Palace, expect long lines of people dying to have a taste. Since these dishes don’t take long to cook, people don’t have to wait long to try some of their most famous offerings, like the cold soybean soup or the rich ox bone noodles. 

Stop 3: National Palace Museum of Korea

Time: 2:00 PM

Address: 12 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nearest Metro Stop: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5)

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, head back to the steps leading to the museum and walk further on in. This facility has everything you need if you wish to know more about Korea’s glorious and often difficult past.

Fourteen of Korea’s ‘National Treasures,’ including recovered pieces from the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, are housed in this free museum . Periodically they even host events to educate the people who come, usually involving activities like calligraphy, tea ceremonies , and even Korean traditional dance lessons.

Stop 4: Gwanghwamun Square

Time: 4:00PM

Fee: Adults: ₩3,000, Children: ₩1,500; Groups have a discount, with ₩2,400 for Adults and ₩1,200 for children.

This wide park is actually a huge commemoration site for the military strategist that led Koreans to victory during the Japanese invasion, Admiral Yi Sun-sin. His statue stands proudly next to the water fountain which entertains local kids every summer, and may be even more famous than the statue!

But this installation actually has a meaningful story behind it, because the water jets shoot exactly 18 meters high, with 300 smaller jets to symbolize the battles the Admiral fought on sea.

Meters away from the great admiral’s statue, an intimidating gold statue of Sejong the Great watches over you, perfect for taking selfies and startling visitors.

Stop 5: Cheonggyecheon Stream and Cheonggye Plaza

Time: 5:00PM

Address: 530 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Just a 10-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Square is a long man-made stream that doubles as a public recreation space. I recommend coming here in the late afternoon because the sunset view is legendary; you can rest your weary feet in the stream as you wait for the night to come.

By then, the lights will turn on, illuminating the traditional lanterns above and the long strip that makes the stream sparkle below. This makes for a beautiful sight, most especially if you look at it from above.

If your trip hits around summer, the sunset may come around 8PM, and the wait can get quite hot & sweaty. So if you have plans to really see the sunset, swing by Cafe imA, a coffee shop next to the Ilmin Art Museum. Visitors rave about their Hamburg Steak (₩13,500), but you can also try their desserts and waffles (₩6,500-₩8,000).

There’s also Dal.Komm Coffee on the other side of the stream, near the starting point. Most of their coffee, juice, and tea selection ranges from ₩4,100 to ₩6,100, but their Real Strawberry Lemonade (₩5,300) is the best drink to beat the summer heat.

Stop 6: Deoksugung Palace

Time: 7:00PM

Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Fee:  Adults: ₩1,000, Children: ₩500; Groups have a discount, with ₩800 for Adults and ₩400 for children; It is free if you come wearing a hanbok.

Cap off your first day by visiting Deoksugung , or the small palace that used to be the residence of Korea’s Royal Family. Unlike the other Five Grand Palaces , this one has the Seokjojeon , a building that features a more prominent modern & western style that King Gojong would use to enthrall the diplomats who came to visit Korea.

It’s also a beautiful sight at night, and if you arrive before 7:30 PM, you should sign up for “Seokjojeon at Night.” This is an evening tour program that lets you stroll and observe Deoksugung’s highlights, enjoy tea at the terrace, and watch a musical performance at the reception area (where the King used to meet with important figures in history).  

Seoul Itinerary Day 2: Feel Young Again in Hongdae

Stop 1: Thanks Nature Cafe 

Time: 8:30 AM

Address: 29 World cup buk-ro 4-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: ₩₩-₩₩₩

For breakfast , there’s a famous cafe nearby that lets you make friends with two massively fluffy and docile sheep. You can mingle with them in the playpen while waiting for your breakfast, or watch from afar if you’re just there for the pics.

They have a wide selection of coffee, smoothies, and breakfast waffles; you have to try the latter, as they only use seasonal fresh fruits on the waffles. Unfortunately, breakfast in Korea is always enjoyed at home, so not many spots are open super early.

An alternate nearby recommendation for vegans or vegetarians is Salad Brothers , a fantastic salad bar that lets you put as much dressing as you want. Their Cobb Salad is a crowd favorite because it packs quite a punch, even though the portions are small. Plus, the food is just as photogenic as their menu.

Stop 2: Coconut Box – formerly known as the Trick Eye Museum

Time: 10:00 AM

Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: ₩23,000  

I was sad to learn that they closed the Trick Eye Museum in Seoul; I had many fond memories there. Still, the replacement attraction of Coconut Box is a worthy visit— they reinvented the entire place into a Southeast Asian beach, with sand on the floor and wooden huts you can sit in.

You can pretend that you’re vacationing in a tropical island garden, but the real highlight of the visit is the “metaverse play” in one of their bungalows. Getting there at 10am, shortly after they open, will guarantee you’ll have the chance to enter & interact in one of the most famous paintings in the entire world: Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Stop 3: Abiko Curry

Address: 25, Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu Hotel Seokyo Annex B106, Seoul

Fee: ₩-₩₩

If you’re craving a good Japanese curry, Abiko Curry lets you enjoy variations of this dish at a reasonable price. Sure it’s a little cramped, but if you don’t mind that, I swear their tonkatsu is to die for, and Koreans basically consider it a local dish at this point. Set meals are also good for sharing, and the servers are kind to foreigners. 

Stop 4: Caface Seoul

Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Near Abiko Curry stands Caface Seoul. This popular spot is one of those ‘only in Korea’ kind of things, that lets you have your face printed as latte art. This is also the perfect way to commemorate your day in Hongdae, and then bring your masterpiece on a stroll around the neighborhood.

Just give them any of the selfies you took earlier, hand over ₩2700, and you can have a “face latte.” I know you’re too pretty to drink, but their coffee definitely tastes better warm – so drink it while it’s hot!

Stop 5: Hongdae Shopping Street

Time: 3:00 PM

Address: 365-8 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

In any trip, it is important to have a bit of time to do some quick retail therapy. In Hongdae, where the hip, young, and fashionable gather, most of the clothes for sale are aimed at the younger crowd.

But it’s amazing how much branded stuff has heavy discounts here, albeit mostly ‘free size’ (generically large or stretchy clothes), and there are a lot of ‘2 items for $8’ offers.

Stop 6: Mapogalmaegi

Time: 7:00 PM

Address: 14 Hongik-ro 5an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Expect lots of young women in here, because this restaurant is located close to Ehwa Women’s University. I’m a meat-lover, so I can’t let you vacation in Seoul without eating in at least one typical barbecue-type restaurant.

All Korean BBQ spots are best enjoyed with a group of people due to the layout, but most places will accept a single person unless they’re packed. Aside from meat, this spot offers soju or beer, and you can try a variety of delicious banchan to go with your meats of choice.

Another option is the Analog Garden, a charming coffee house that serves delicious salads. Though most of their dishes have meat and egg in it, a there's a vegan-friendly option called the "Falafel Wrap" worth ₩7,500.

If that is too small for you, get the "Falafel Plate" instead for ₩11,000. But what people actually come for is a homemade fake-meat set meal (soy-based), that’s said to go well with their roasted coffee.

Stop 7: Come back to Hongdae Shopping Street

Time: 9:00 PM

Come back here after dinner, because this is when the buskers come to perform. Around the performance areas are food stalls packed with delicious Korean foods for a couple bucks each; if you couldn’t or didn’t want to eat KBBQ for dinner, you can find something here.

The beauty about this place is that you can stay out late and still spot people roaming around, browsing and entering restaurants and bars. This is why most shops close past midnight here.

Seoul Itinerary Day 3: See Iconic Locations in Seoul

Stop 1: K-Pop Square

Time: 10:30 AM

Address: Right outside Samseong Station, Exit 5

K-Pop Square is a large public area in Samseong, featuring a massive LED-screen that promotes show-stopping performances from the past. This is an ode to K-Pop, which is responsible for a large portion of the country’s tourism, and why Korea is so well known across the world.

Fans will also be happy to know that somewhere in the area is a wall that lets them hold hands with their favorite idols. Also known as the “K-Pop Handprint Wall,” big stars like BTS, Shinee, and even EXO are among the artists featured here.

Stop 2: Statue of Gangnam Style

Time: 10:45 AM

Address: 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

At first I just thought this was a strange gold installation of two hands shielding you from the sun, but when I finally got close to it, I knew immediately who it was: Psy oppa !

Though this ‘Gentleman’ has been relatively quiet since his 2012 hit, the song Gangnam Style remains in the Youtube hall of fame as one of the fastest to hit a billion views. If you know how to dance Gangnam Style, this is the perfect location for you to shoot a dance cover of the video. 

Stop 3: Bongeunsa Seoraewon ( 봉은사 서래원)

Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Imagine enjoying a warm meal inside a small Korean temple, without ever leaving Seoul. Bongeunsa Seoraewon lets you have that experience in the heart of the city, and the noodle prices are affordable too; most especially the sets.

After your meal, you can just walk outside and visit Bongeunsa Temple directly. What’s cool about this place is that it also has options for vegans (ask for their Bongeun Tofu).

Stop 4: COEX Starfield Library

Time: 1:30 PM

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

This is by far the most famous library in Seoul. It’s a real operating library, located inside the largest underground shopping mall in all of Asia: CoEx Starfield. Book lovers will cry at the sight of tens of thousands of books filling the 13-meter shelves.

Visitors also come to watch famous authors do book signing events, and famous poets visit to motivate young children to write.

The downside about this place is only that it is always crowded and noisy – it’s hard to appreciate the rare book you found if there are couples chatting on either side of you. But did I mention that this space is free? This is why people often try to sneak out the books, which I discourage you from trying. 

Stop 5: COEX Aquarium

Time: 5:00 PM

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, 서울특별시

Fee: Adults: ₩28,000; Children: ₩24,000; Senior Citizens: ₩20,000

CoEx Aquarium in Seoul is for those who want to see marine life up close, with more than a hundred display tanks and over 40,000 sea creatures in various themed zones. Shark lovers will be thrilled to know that this is the aquarium that houses the highest number of sharks in Korea.

Touch pools also let you feel the fish (like the manta ray), allowing you to have a healing experience with nature in a safe setting.

Stop 6: Gosoo Dalgalbi Gangnam

Time: 7:30 PM

Address: 20, Teheran-ro 5-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩-₩₩

For dinner, you should definitely try the tastiest dakgalbi in Seoul. This is a famous Korean dish not common internationally, but very popular domestically. The dish consists of loads of chopped cabbage with tender bits of chicken rib meat, stir-fried in a thick, spicy sauce (that tastes so much better with cheese, in my opinion!).

What’s so wonderful about this place is that their special, the 치즈모듬사리 ( Cheese Modeumsari ), is a party plate full of cheesy rice cake and glass noodles that is perfect for sharing.

For a fun vegan option, come to Veg Green, a delicious vegan buffet that has a homey vibe - the staff will still smile at you, even if you come late at night for dinner. At just ₩12,000 per person, it’s full of options for those who enjoy large mixed salads, including fruits and jam in a cozy ambiance.

Stop 7: GSM Terrace

Address: 327-45 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩10,000 for unlimited drinks

Friends are important, and meeting fun people from diverse, cultural backgrounds may also make your stay in Korea a fulfilling one. Sure, it’s an activity for international people, but you may spot some Koreans who are seeking places to practice their English.

Additionally, you can play all sorts of games with them if you run out of things to talk about. Everything comes easy and natural here, and all people are welcome to join in the fun.

If you find that 3 days in Seoul is not enough, you’re not alone. Most visitors spend 5-7 days in Seoul to get a taste of the culture, nightlife, and food in Korea.

The suggestions below are ideal for people who are looking for other things to visit on their Seoul vacation, since the first three days have pretty much hit all the popular places. A good alternative to Everland is Lotte World.

Seoul Itinerary Day 4: Everland Theme Park

Everland is a popular theme park in Seoul, perfect for people who just want to have a magical day with their date, family, or friends. With over 40 attractions scattered across five different themed areas, it might take an entire day or two to exhaust all of the attractions.

What I love about this place is that it always has festivals and seasonal events to entertain guests of all ages.

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Fee: Adults: ₩54,000 to ₩64,000; Children: ₩43,000 to ₩51,000; If you want to skip the line, you can buy the tickets ahead of time . There’s also a fun option of wearing a Korean school uniform, which you can rent online or on-site.

Stop 1: Global Fair

If you’ve always wanted to travel to far-flung destinations, this fair lets you see the world all at once. Historical structures, both existing and ancient, line one area of this zone - and here you can see various architecture from different points in time, instantly turning you into a time traveler.

Stop 2: Live Hologram Adventure (Global Fair)

Time: 11:00 AM

Never been to a K-Pop concert before? That’s okay, because the Live Hologram Adventure lets you experience a 30-minute snippet of a K-Pop concert in high definition.

If you also decide to take pictures and videos, it’d look so realistic that you can trick your friends into thinking that you actually went to a BIGBANG concert.

Stop 3: Snack Buster for Lunch

When you’re in a theme park , you need a lot of grub to keep your energy levels high. Unlike other theme parks with food in small, reduced servings, Snack Buster has generous servings of high-quality Korean foods sold at an affordable price.

I highly recommend their Korean fried chicken with french fries and tteokbokki, because it’ll come in a plate that’s big enough to share with your family or friends.

Stop 4: Carnival Square (European Adventure)

Time: 2:30 PM

Around this time you should join the people gathering by the Carnival Square, because this is when you get to witness a spectacular event only seen in Everland.

Here they’ll launch flowery floats with vivacious dancers and mascots, all inviting you to come join their party. Imagine being in Rio de Janeiro, but when you leave, you’re back in Korea.

Stop 5: Panda World (Zootopia)

Time: 3:15 PM

Need I say more? Pandas are such gentle creatures, and imagine entering a world full of these adorable bears. Everland’s Zootopia should be in your Seoul itinerary for this very reason. If you don’t like pandas and prefer a different animal, then next to this enclosure is the Friendly Monkey Valley.

Stop 6: Lost Valley (Zootopia)

Enjoy zipping through a safari, riding a tram that crosses difficult terrain dotted with real animals. To enjoy this experience, then join the queue at the Lost Valley, where you’ll find your ride crossing the stream.

The trip will take you  into landscaped enclosures full of large animals including elephants, giraffes, camels, and rhinos. And then, if there’s still time, your guide will let you hand-feed these animals, giving you a chance to interact with them up close.

Step 7: Thunder Falls (Magic Land)

Time: 6:00 PM

Speaking of getting wet, there’s a fun flume ride in Everland that features backward drops and steep falls. It’s such a thrill to be on this ride, and the danger can be so exhilarating! But if you need more adrenaline rush, see if you can queue for the T-Express (aka. Everland’s Scariest Ride).

Step 8: Robot VR and Gyro VR (American Adventure)

Have you ever fantasized about channeling your inner Han Solo? These rides let you pilot a futuristic spaceship and navigate the stars. Sci-fi fans love this ride because the effects feel so real— the ride itself even follows the joystick you’re controlling!

Step 9: Four Seasons Garden & Rose Garden

Time: 8:00 PM

When the sun sets, this is the best area to end your day in Everland.  There’s always a light show with fireworks around this time, and a variety of performances that go along with it.

Seoul Itinerary Day 5: Feel the National Pride

As a tourist, one of the best ways to experience Korea is to visit the location where they played host to countries from all over the world. Coming here, you’ll see the effort Korea puts forth in promoting peace and harmony, as well as soak in the welcoming spirit. Plus, Olympic Park is 100% free to visit!

Stop 1: World Peace Gate

Time: 9:30 AM

Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

The World Peace Gate is a marvelous winged structure that reveals a beautiful painting of a phoenix, tiger, turtle, and a dragon if you stand beneath it. This is called “A Painting of Four Spirits,” signifying the desire of Korea to be friends with everybody in the world.

As you stand underneath, it’s like a gate that genuinely welcomes you to enter and experience Korea. I’ve always thought it was a beautiful place to stand and reflect on your experiences in the country.

Stop 2: Olympic Museum

Learn more about the athletes that represented Korea in the past Olympic Games! Documentation about Korea’s best athletes, their training process, and even their histories are comprehensively explained here. Also, thanks to this museum, you’ll get to closely observe the gear used in the recent 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang. 

Stop 3: Olympic Park’s Peace Square

Address: 326, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

If you time your visit around the last week of September to the first week of October this year, there will be a grand festival called the Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival in the Olympic Park’s Peace Square.

Coming here lets you experience the rich Hanseong era in Korea, featuring food tastings, tea ceremonies, parades and performances, and even a demonstration of a hawk-aided hunting!

Moreover, the reason why they’re holding it here is because the Mongchontoseong Fortress area is known to be a remnant of the Baekje capital. Hopefully you’ll get to see this festival in person, because it truly is a fascinating way to learn more about Korea’s fascinating past.

Stop 4: Bukchon Hanok Village

Time: 4:00 PM

Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Perhaps one of the oldest villages in Seoul, this area dates back all the way to the Joseon Dynasty. Also called the “northern village,” this is also where two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno, are located.

What’s admirable about this area is that people hold traditional events here, giving curious tourists an opportunity to get to know the Joseon dynasty even better. Fun activities such as hanbok wearing, etiquette demonstration, and even tea ceremonies are hosted by the people here, and all of these usually occur in the afternoon.

Stop 5: Insadong Street

Address: Insadong, Jongro-gu, Seoul

One of the popular destinations in Korea, Insadong Street has a long array of lively stalls and shops to give you something to look at everywhere.This is also the best place to grab a quick snack, because they serve a variety of Korean foods you should make it a point to try.

If you’re interested in trying something new and enjoy green tea , track down O’Sulloc Tea House and order their matcha cake. Since this is one of your last days in Seoul, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Insadong is one of the best places to buy souvenirs for your family and friends!

Stop 6: Noryangjin Fish Market

Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

I know that capping your day in a fish market is unusual, but after you swing by Insadong Street, head to the Jonggak Station and ride the subway to Noryangjin , because this is where people can eat the freshest seafood in Seoul.

You can even try the unique dishes they serve, most especially try delicacies that you definitely haven’t before - like the penis fish. You should come try the small octobps, king crab, and hwe (sliced raw fish) here, for example.

Don’t be shy if you can’t speak a lick of Korean because the people are so used to seeing foreigners that they have devised a way to make things easier and enjoyable for you.

Seoul Itinerary Day 6: See Korea’s Highest Point

Stop 1: Namsan Park

Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

This public park is a nature-friendly rest area smack in the middle of the city. It has clear walking trails leading to Namsan Seoul tower, but I’d encourage you to take your time appreciating this quiet, vast expanse, because it has more facilities than your average park.

Aside from seeing gardens and free physical activity facilities, there’s also a library, a botanical garden, a memorial hall, and a culture center. 

Stop 2: Mok Myeong San Bang

Address: 71 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Namsandong 2-ga, Jung-gu 1F, Hannam Building, Seoul 04629 South Korea

People might have a hard time locating this place, but keep your eyes peeled for a hanok within Namsan Park. Mok Myeong San Bang is a vegetarian-friendly, healthy, traditional lunch restaurant that serves authentic Korean cuisine.

In fact, they pride themselves as chefs who never use artificial seasoning. I highly recommend their bibimbap , which is known to be the best in Seoul, but you should explore dishes like the crispy cheesy pancake and the yukhoe (raw beef).

Stop 3: Namsangol Hanok Village

Address: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

After a savory lunch, walk to Namsangol Hanok Village on the north side of Namsan Mountain. Here you get to see homes that were restored to their original form to give tourists a sense of how people in the Joseon dynasty used to live.

Sometimes you may chance upon demonstrations that show people how to play a traditional board game ( yunnori ) or fold a traditional paper called hanji . Sometimes there’s also a fun segment on how traditional herbal medicines are made and used.

Stop 4: N Seoul Tower

Time: 4:30 PM

Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Fee: (Observatory) Adults: ₩11,000; Children: ₩9,000

Also known as the second highest tower in Seoul, Namsan Tower’s Observation Deck provides an unobstructed view of the whole city. There’s also a powerful telescope available for use that lets you have a high quality LCD view of wherever you’re pointing it at. 

Aside from museums and exhibitions, what people really come here for is attaching their own lock to Love Lock Bridge. This is the infamous site in Seoul where couples fasten a lock to symbolize their everlasting love— hence why there’s an area full of locks, and a booth that lets you customize your own to add to the bridge.

Stop 5: Lotte World Tower

Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Fee: Adults: ₩27,000; Children: ₩24,000; Fast Pass for all ages: ₩50,000

After seeing the second highest point, go to the tallest building in the entirety of Korea! Lotte World Tower, just 55 minutes away from Namsangol Hanok Village. Sleek and slender with a gentle curved design, you can end your evening in a fantastically fast elevator, taking you directly to the highest point in Korea.

The ride also allows you to take great photos, because you get to see the entire city transition to night time as you arrive. Inside you can also test your courage as you walk through the highest indoor glass floor, giving you perspective of how high up in the sky you are (and how teeny every person looks from above).

Seoul Itinerary Day 7: Enjoy the Night at Dongdaemun

Stop 1: Dongdaemun Seonggwak Park

Address: right outside Dongdaemun Station Exit 1

If you feel like doing a bit of walking in the afternoon, this little tourist trap has an uphill road that takes you to a nice park. It’s not as pretty as the other ones, but it has everything you need, and it's very conveniently located for a chill afternoon out.

Since it is a little bit elevated, you get to have a clear view of Dongdaemun , which lets you see the fusion of traditional and modern elements scattered around the city. Moreover, this is where the beautiful Heunginmun gate is located, perfect for pictures on your last day in Seoul.

Stop 2: Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun Gate)

Address: 288 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Don’t skip this gate before you leave. This is an ancient monument which used to stretch longer, as it used to be a fortress with three other gates. All four gates apparently have a meaning attached to their name, and Heunginjimun is loosely translated as “benevolence, with good energy.”

There’s also a semi-circular ongsung inside, which is a pagoda-like traditional structure that makes it stand out compared to the existing gates in Seoul. Plus, the reason we’re coming to see it at 6pm is because it lights up beautifully against the backdrop of cars.

Stop 3: Bulgwangsikdang ( 부광식당 )

Time: 6:30 PM

Address: 207-26 Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Not many are comfortable in crowded places, but for this one, most will surely make an exception. If you feel like eating a proper home-cooked meal for dinner, this is the best option in Seoul. Since this is more frequented by the elderly and locals, most of the meals are made to appeal to their taste.

But who knows, you might find your favorite Korean meal here! Plus, the owners are kind and friendly, making it a less intimidating place for foreigners to try. Vegans might want to swing by Vegan is Hip (비건이즈힙), a wide sandwich and waffle bar that offers choices that range from sweet potato, tofu salad, fruits, and vegetables.

Their waffles are super delicious, even if they are made with rice flour and plant-based cream, a combination that most non-vegans find challenging to like. If you choose to come here, try their apple jam whipped cream waffle, and you won’t regret it.

Stop 4: Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Address: 43 Eulji-ro 45-gil, Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

See that majestic neon embryo thing? That’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This huge building is absolutely worth seeing at night, since it glows brightly and makes for a good aerial photo. There are lots of free things to do inside since this also doubles as a museum and an exhibition center.

Speaking of which, there’s a large LED screen that allows you to relax your eyes with soothing colors that dance along to therapeutic music. Take your time strolling around inside. There are plenty of fun things you can do, like browse inside for things to buy or check out the books on the shelves.

You can even play on the funny chairs that let you spin without falling! There are also rest areas that let you charge your phones while you sip the coffee from the food carts outside. If you’re a K-Pop fan and you like artists from SM Entertainment, you’ll be happy to know that SM Town is inside.

Stop 5: Dongdaemun Night Market

Time: 10:30 PM

The reason you should come here late in the day is to experience one of the best night markets in Seoul . Known as a fashion destination throughout Seoul, plenty of people frequent Dongdaemun Night Market to shop, play, and eat. The best part? Most of the stalls are open until as late as 5am!

So you’re finally coming to Korea. Your bags are packed and your ticket is ready. Congratulations! But before you leave, here are helpful tips for visiting Korea that you might want to read before you arrive.

• Learn some key phrases in Hangul – or download Papago

While most of the buildings and public spaces in Seoul provide English translations for foreigners, it is rarely enough to travel without learning a few key phrases . Trust me, you’ll want to know what to say if you need to know where the nearest station is or the cost of something.

If you cannot cram these many Korean phrases into your memory, I can relate, and I recommend that you have the Papago translation app ready to assist you just in case.

• Learn basic etiquette 

Of course people don’t expect you to bow everywhere, but you should show them respect. One way to do this is, when you are giving or receiving things, you use both of your hands. As a foreigner, never call strangers ‘ahjussi’ or ‘ahjumma’ if you happen to talk to them, and most of all, learn how to respectfully address people in Korea .

• You can connect to the internet almost everywhere in Korea, but get a Korean SIM card or wifi egg just to be safe 

Don’t assume that everywhere you go, the Internet will always be with you; most Koreans have cell phones with unlimited data now, so wifi is ironically harder to access. One of the hacks I’ve used to be able to connect while on the go is to find a metro station and connect to the free Wi-Fi in there.

But in cases where a station is quite far from you, and you need to use apps like KakaoMaps to sort out your route, it’s best to have a Korean sim card handy.

• Bring a power bank!

You never know when you’ll run out of battery, and Korea is a big city. Even though cafes let people stay for a long time, you may happen to come on days when most are either closed or crowded, so you can’t count on that.

Sometimes you can visit a convenience store and ask if they have ports to charge your phone, but if you don’t want a dead battery to ruin your trip, take a power bank with you (or buy one when you arrive).

• Don’t rely on Google Maps

I cannot stress this enough! Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea, and what’s worse is that what they tell you is rarely accurate. Instead, download Kakao-brand apps when possible. Even though KakaoMaps is made primarily for Koreans in Korea, it is foreigner-friendly and even has an English version.

• Ride public transportation instead of taxis

Taxis are expensive, but Seoul is even more expensive. Also known as the 7 th most expensive capital in the world, most of the fun things to do require you to shell out more money than you might want to.

So to save on your vacation to Seoul, when you can, choose to ride the subway or the bus. Both systems are very clean, extensive, and reliable.

• Carry your own trash

Bring your trash back home with you. Unlike other cities where you can freely throw garbage in any bin, Seoul has very few public trash cans and a very specific system for sorting their waste.

In South Korea, there’s actually a national Zero Waste Policy which has resulted in 5 different types of trash and recyclables, each of which warrant a separate type of bin (I got a stern talking-to a few times over the years for using the wrong types of bags to toss my various types of trash).

I know this has been quite the Seoul travel guide, but that’s just proof that there’s plenty of things to do in Seoul. So whether you’re in Seoul for a week or just three days, I hope this Seoul itinerary can help you make the most of your trip.

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vincent Liptrot says

July 13, 2023 at 2:57 am

great info in here about Seoul. As you can see many fun places are in small allies and harder to reach places. it can be tricky to navigate on your own an tiring by foot to get between sights, though have a wonderful time in Seoul and enjoy this excellent blog!

July 16, 2023 at 10:05 am

Thanks, Vincent!

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Home » Asia » South Korea » Seoul

SEOUL Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Seoul straddles both the contemporary and the historic and fuses tranquility and excitement effortlessly. Whether your Seoul itinerary involves sipping herbal tea in a small teahouse or making your way through the crowds at Everland theme park there’s such a remarkable zest for life in the city.

Seoul’s put on a dazzling show of making the best of its tragic history by preserving old traditions and blending them with modern technology!

From imperial capital to sophisticated metropolis, Seoul has undergone amazing transformations during its 2000-year history. Royal palaces are nestled beside towering skyscrapers and stunning new museums. Whether you’re interested in the modern or ancient, we’ve got the best of both worlds on our Seoul itinerary!

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Best time to visit Seoul

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If you’re planning a trip to South Korea , remember that the city experiences monsoon season. Summers are rainy and humid, while winters are both dry and cold.

Peak season falls during summer (June to August) so don’t expect any bargains! On the upside, though, there are exciting events to put on your Seoul itinerary during this season, such as the Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival and the Seoul Fringe Festival.

Low season is in the winter months, from December to February. It will be cold outside but the low costs may keep things cheery!

The best time to visit Seoul, then, is during shoulder season: March to May or September to November. There’s an ideal combination of medium crowds, average costs, and good weather at this time. Also, nature brings color to the city with delicate cherry blossoms in spring and vivid red-orange leaves in autumn? keep your camera ready!

Seoul is an enormous city that stays busy: even in low season, there are 10 million locals bustling around the capital! Finding the perfect accommodation in Seoul may be overwhelming but we have plenty of advice on where to stay in Seoul !

If you’re a first-time traveler to Seoul, the best place to stay is Gangnam neighborhood. Gangnam is as flashy and hectic as the iconic song it inspired but it’s also a solid practical choice as a base for your Seoul itinerary.

The area is a bit further from the top attractions but it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in contemporary Korean culture! Beneath the shiny skyscrapers, the streets are jammed with KPOP stores and Korean restaurants. The nightlife, too, is lots and lots of fun!

Insadong is another great place to stay during your trip to Seoul! It’s more arty than Gangnam and much more laid-back but it’s also conveniently situated for access to the major Seoul landmarks. Insadong is full of wooden tea houses and stunning temples, such as the Cheondogyo Central Temple. There are also plenty of art galleries to lose yourself in! Culture-lovers, this one is for you!

There are hostels in Seoul as well as hotels, home stays and apartments for rent. It depends on what you want and of course, your budget.

Best hostel in Seoul – Zzzip Guesthouse

If you’re looking for perfection on a budget, then this is it! Zzzip Guesthouse offers impeccably clean facilities, welcoming hosts and a convenient location. Guests continue to praise Zzzip for its friendly, social atmosphere. It also provides guests with a wide array of free services like Wifi and luggage storage, and also serves free breakfast daily!

Best Airbnb in Seoul – Artist’s luxury flat @Trendy area

Looking for somewhere uber-trendy to stay in Seoul? This artist’s flat features vintage record players, Beatles memorabilia and traditional Korean furniture. Not only will interior fans be in their element, they’ll have easy access to the city’s best shopping area and transport links all over the city.

Best budget hotel in Seoul – Hanok 24 Guesthouse

You may mistake Hanok 24 Guesthouse for a historical attraction but it really is a hotel and a budget hotel at that! The traditional building offers authentic traditional Korean living arrangements.

The beautiful structure is built around interleading courtyards and walkways. The rooms are very minimalist and there aren’t any western-style beds. The location is also wonderful with easy access to public transport and top Seoul attractions.

Best luxury hotel in Seoul – RYSE Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott

The RYSE hotel embodies contemporary, yet characterful luxury. The rooms have a minimalist, yet comfy atmosphere. They’re decorated with warm fabrics, statement lamps and breathtaking views of the cityscape. The hotel is also a hub of creative activity, with workshops taking place regularly. There’s also a library, a fitness center and a sophisticated gallery.

There are so many wonderful places to see in Seoul that it’s best to be organized. We’ve compiled a Seoul itinerary especially for you that will take you around the city for as many days as you like.

It’s impossible to visit Seoul and not use some form of transport because the attractions are quite far apart. Your nerves need to be truly shock-proof if you want to hire a car because drivers in Seoul have no time to lose! We recommend sticking to public transport, a system which is excellent in Seoul!

The public transport system is based around the subway and the buses. The subway is the most convenient method of transport and mastering the Seoul network is really proof that you visited the capital city! Buy a Seoul City Pass or a T-money card to save on public transport. And don’t worry about getting confused: the stop announcements are made in English, too!

We don’t want you to miss out on any part of this stunning country, which is why we recommend purchasing a Rail Pass. This is the best, and cheapest, way to explore South Korea using the well-connected transit system.

Enjoy unlimited train and bus rides on South Korea’s largest transportation network. Available for  7, 14, or 21 days  of travel.

Gyeongbokgung Palace | Bukchon Traditional Village | Jongmyo Shrine | Insadong | Gwangjang Market

Day 1 of your Seoul itinerary will give you a thorough grounding in the major historical landmarks in Seoul. It’s incredible how much you can see in just one day in Seoul!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Gyeongbokgung Palace

• Why it’s awesome: It’s the most magnificent of the royal palaces in Seoul.
• Cost: $3 USD or free with the Integrated Ticket of Palaces
• Food nearby: Hwangsaengga Kalguksu wins rave reviews from everyone. The delicious noodle soup and dumplings will keep you well-energized on day one in Seoul!

Gyeongbokgung was once the home of the powerful Joseon Dynasty which ruled Korea for around 500 years from the 14th century. The Joseon Dynasty bequeathed much of its language and culture to modern-day South Korea. Building on the palace began in 1385 and it has been carefully restored to give visitors a unique experience. In its hay-day, the palace consisted of about 330 buildings that bustled with 3000 members of staff serving the Korean emperor!

The complex was designed using both Chinese and Joseon styles. In fact, Gyeongbokgung is Korea’s version of the Forbidden City! Geunjeongjeon is the main building, a splendid, double-storied masterpiece. It was the throne hall for the Joseon kings: they were crowned here and carried out state business here. Also look out for Gyeonghoeru , a pavilion that was used for state banquets. It overlooks a man-made lake which the king used for boating.

Insider’s Tip: There are free English guided tours of the palace that run at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Bukchon Traditional Village

• Why it’s awesome: Put on a hanok (traditional Korean attire) and you might as well be back in the era of the Joseon dynasty! This little area has hardly changed at all and is a must on your Seoul itinerary!
• Food nearby: Cha Masineun Tteul is a renowned spot to try out traditional Korean herbal teas along with unusual desserts (try the yummy Steam Pumpkin Cake).

Even though it’s surrounded by imposing imperial palaces, Bukchon still manages to stand out! The beautiful houses with their iconic curved roofs and wooden features were originally inhabited by the nobility. Today, the remaining homes have been preserved as a cultural and tourist attraction.

The structures have been renovated into trendy cafes and sophisticated art galleries. And it’s not just tourists that love Bukchon , the local youth have injected a contemporary energy into this historic district!

There are many craft studios in the area that offer workshops to visitors: learning to make a paper doll or to imprint fabric with gold leaf are some of the best things to do in Seoul. Also, make sure that you peek around the corners to glimpse the charming little alleys that wind around the area!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Jongmyo Shrine

• Why it’s awesome: Jongmyo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the remains of early Joseon rulers.
• Cost: $1 USD or free with the Integrated Ticket of Palaces
• Food nearby: The ultra-modern Cafe Tong is a perfect contrast to Jongmyo but it’s a good spot to get a cool drink and a bite to eat.

Jongmyo is one of the most spectacular Seoul attractions. It’s the oldest and most authentic Confucian royal shrine in the world where royals worship their royal ancestors. The Jeongjeon, the main hall in the complex, is thought to be the largest single wooden structure in the world with a length of 109 meters.

Even though the Joseon dynasty is no longer in power, Jongmyo Jerye rituals are still carried out regularly as they have been done for the past 600 years.  As it’s such a spiritual space, Jongmyo Shrine is a lovely, tranquil wooded area that’s a good place to just pause and reflect.

  Insider Tip: Entrance to Jongmyo is free on the last Wednesday of the month! Also, be very careful of where you walk: certain pathways are for the ancestral spirits only! These paths are marked as such so keep an eye out.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Insadong

• Why it’s awesome: A DIY walking tour of Insadong will let you experience vibrant street-life in Seoul.
• Food nearby: Street food in South Korea is a serious business in Insadong so look out for corn cookies, dumplings and the legendary King’s dessert (16 000 strands of honey wrapped around an almond, chocolate or peanut center). Yum!

Insadong is full of some of the most interesting places to visit in Seoul. The Kyung-in Museum of Fine Arts hosts excellent collections of traditional Korean (and Japanese) craftsmanship. Also worth a visit is the Beautiful Tea Museum .

By now you will have realized how central tea is to Korean culture and you won’t be surprised to stumble on this little gem. There are displays on the history tea-drinking but if you want to just experience the history, pull up a chair and browse the extensive tea menu. Meanwhile, Tapgol Park is a small, pretty park that’s lined with national memorials.

Most visitors, however, end up in Insadong to stroll along the Ssamzie-Gil Market . This mall, which spills over into the street, is one of the best places in Seoul for souvenir shopping!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Gwangjang Market

• Why it’s awesome: Just catch a whiff of the scintillating smells coming out of Gwangjang and there’s not much you can do to stop yourself from wandering in!
• Cost: Entrance is free; dishes are around $4 USD
• Food nearby: Take your pick of dumplings or braised pig trotters: it’s all right here!

If you’re touring Seoul, you have to visit a food market and there’s no better way to celebrate day one of your Seoul itinerary than with a delicious meal! There’s no need to worry about finding Gwangjang Market: just mention the name to passers-by and when you’re close, you’ll be able to smell wonderful things!

Create your own dinner menu as you drift from one stall to another, sampling bean pancakes, rice wine and raw, live octopus! One of the nice things about Gwangjang is that it’s not just tourists who eat here, locals have been loving the cuisine here for decades! Grab a bench, tuck in and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere! Oh, and you can find some cheap food here so this place is great if you are backpacking Seoul on a budget .

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

  Changdeokgung Palace | National Museum of Korea | Leeum Samsung Museum of Art | N Seoul Tower | Nanta Show

If you have two days in Seoul, you’ll be able to appreciate more of its imperial history and get to grips with its contemporary side. Day 2 will round off the most important Seoul landmarks to see on your trip with a real focus on Korean art and culture.

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Changdeokgung Palace

• Why it’s awesome: Gyeongbokgung may be the most important royal palace but Changdeokgung is the most beautiful!
• Food nearby: Yongsusan offers delicious Korean fare, specializing in seafood, in an atmospheric setting.

Lovely Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts plenty of starstruck visitors through the Donhwamun Gate . The large gate with three doors dates from 1609, the original version having been built in 1412. Gyujanggak , the labyrinth of small offices, was originally assigned by the emperor to various courtiers.

The star attraction is Huijeongdang Hall , a large hall used by the king for state business. The original building was burned down in 1917 so the version you see today is a newer structure. However, the hall offers a unique example of Eastern and Western decor. Injeongjeon Hall is another space that was used by the Joseon rulers. It was the venue of the traditional New Year’s Festival, national ceremonies and diplomatic greetings.

Most visitors come to Changdeokgung Palace to see Huwon Gardens . It’s also called “The Secret Garden” as it was originally for the exclusive use of royalty. Even though it’s open to the public now, it still retains a magical atmosphere. The garden is an expansive area that’s full of charming lotus ponds, pavilions and 100 different species of flora! Beside one of the lily ponds is the Juhamnu Pavilion which was used by the king as a private library.

Insider Tip: You can only visit Changdeokgung on a tour and English tours run only twice a day ( at 11:15 and 13:15). To visit the Huwon, take the 10:30, 11:30 or 15:30 tours. You must book the Huwon tickets in advance so do so online or by coming very early (only 50 people are allowed in at a time).

For a truly special experience, book a moonlight tour of the palace. These are only available once a month, for $27 USD.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – National Museum of Korea

• Why it’s awesome: This museum makes history very attractive as it takes visitors through thousands of years in a swanky environment.
• Cost: Free for the Main Exhibition Hall and the Children’s Museum; Special Exhibitions have various charges around the $9 USD mark.
• Food nearby: Mirror Pond Restaurant is the in-house museum eatery. It’s a bit on the pricier side but it sure gets convenience bang-on. The park surrounding the museum is also a popular spot for picnics (you can buy snacks at the convenience store by the main entrance).

The National Museum does a wonderful job of imparting knowledge about Korea to visitors. It chronicles the country’s history from prehistoric time to the age of the Korean Empire. Make sure to admire the Baekje Incense Burner (a 6th/7th-century artefact);  the Golden Treasures from the Great Tomb of Hwangham ; and the Ten Storey Pagoda which comes from the Gyeongcheonsa Temple in the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The National Museum is also a modern architectural masterpiece. It’s built with steel, granite and concrete in an aesthetically-pleasing combination of lines and curves. The building was designed so that the sheer volume of space would be a centerpiece. The museum also emphasizes the harmony between the mountains and the water, and nature and culture.

Insider Tip: The museum offers free Wifi to download its app which serves as an audio guide. As you progress through the collections, the app will be triggered by Bluetooth signals to provide you with extra information!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

• Why it’s awesome: There are four floors of incredible Korean art in a beautiful setting!
• Cost: $9 USD for entrance; $1 USD for an audio guide.
• Food nearby: The in-house cafe, Artisée, has an arty ambiance and serves light meals and beverages.

Museum 1 houses traditional Korean art: Buddhist art, metalwork, paintings, calligraphy, Buncheong ware (blue-green traditional Korean stoneware), porcelain, and Celadon (the product of a practice similar to porcelain pottery that is considered to be one of the most advanced of the ceramic arts).

Museum 2 is for contemporary pieces from both Korea and the world. Works by the renowned local artists Chungjeon Lee Sang-beom and Sojung Byeon Kwan-sik are some of the highlights. Their works have defined the modern style of Korean painting. Alongside the Korean artists, the museum is also home to works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon.

Be sure to also admire the museum building itself: the seamless modern structure incorporates traditional craftsmanship like terra cotta tiles. It was designed by architects Jean Nouvel, Rem Koolhaas and Mario Botta. Don’t leave this wonderful attraction off your Seoul itinerary!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – N Seoul Tower

• Why it’s awesome: The views (and especially the sunsets) from up here are just spectacular!
• Cost: $9 USD
• Food nearby: There are five different eateries to choose from in N Seoul Tower: you’ll find everything from Korean fare to homemade burgers here!

Namsan Seoul Tower, on the top of Mt. Namsan, is an iconic Seoul attraction that’s a must-visit while in the South Korean capital. The spiraling TV and radio signal tower was built in 1969. It’s still used as a transmission antenna but has been open to the public since 1980.

The tower has undergone something of a facelift as it’s now one of the trendiest places to visit in Seoul. It has awesome LED technology that lights the tower up in numerous neon colors and patterns, making it a true Seoul landmark!

There are three observation decks at different levels in the tower and there are audio guides to help you pinpoint all the top Seoul points of interest!

Insider Tip: For a truly romantic experience, head up to the 7th level of N Seoul Tower to n.Grill, a French-style restaurant with stunning panoramic views. Entrance to the Observatory is free with an advance reservation at the restaurant.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Nanta Show

• Why it’s awesome: Nanta is a lively Korean theatre show that’s guaranteed to have you in stitches throughout!
• Cost: $35 USD -$62 USD
• Food nearby: We can only highly praise Myeongdong Gyoja. The lovely restaurant serves traditional Korean cuisine like noodles and dumplings.

Nanta is a funny, silent show set in a kitchen that’s based on the samulnori rhythm ( samulnori is a traditional Korean quartet of percussionists ). These shows have become so popular that they’ve toured all the premier theatres in the world. Even though the show has been going strong since 1997, visiting a Nanta show is still one of the best things to do in Korea.

Watching a Nanta show is a great way to wrap up 2 days in Seoul as even foreigners can appreciate the storylines and spectacular acrobatic feats. There are three dedicated Nanta theatres in Seoul but the Myeongdong Nanta is the most popular with tourists.

See  here  for availability.

Zzzip Guesthouse

Based in fashion and arts district Hongdae, this guesthouse is colorful, comfy and clean. The owners pride their venue for having a ‘family feel’ and uniting backpackers from all around the globe.

• Free breakfast
• Free luggage storage

Everland Theme Park | Changgyeonggung Palace | Deoksugung Palace | Trick Eye Museum | Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Gangnam Course

If you’re lucky enough to have 3 days in Seoul, there’s a variety of fantastic attractions to choose from! Enjoyed the imperial history on your first 2 days in Seoul? We’ve got more on our Seoul itinerary for you! Preferred the contemporary landmarks? We’ve got those, too!

Everland Theme Park

• Take a trip around the world and through the ages with some of the most exciting rides in the world!
• One-day entrance is $50 USD for adults and $39 USD for children (book online to skip the queues).
• It’s actually located within a resort, Everland Resort, so some visitors choose to stay overnight, but it’s totally possible to just spend a few hours in the theme park!

Make sure you put Everland Theme Park on your Seoul trip itinerary because it’s one of the most fun things to do in Seoul! Between rides, live parades and stunning gardens, it’s easy to get lost inside the park. However, there are five main sections so you can easily prioritize which attractions to visit in advance.

As the name suggests, the American Adventure section is inspired by American history, particularly the era of the Wild West. Expect rodeos and rock ‘n roll!

The European Adventure section boasts a Mystery Mansion ride where visitors shoot at the resident ghosts along the ride! There’s also a wooden roller coaster!

In Magic Land , you’ll find attractions based on the myths of Ancient Greece. Look out for the robot ride and the flying ride! If you feel like the company of animals, head to ZooTopia .

When you’re ready to take a break from all the rides, head to the Global Fair for some food and a spot of shopping!

Buy your tickets  here  before you go.

Changgyeonggung Palace

• This imperial palace is known as the one that is “overflowing with filial devotion” as it was originally built for the king’s father.
• Entrance is $1 USD or free with the Integrated Ticket of Palaces.
• The palace is full of stories about the Joseon dynasty’s personal relationships!

If you have 3 days in Seoul, you’ll have enough time to visit more imperial palaces. The third palace to put on your Seoul itinerary is Changgyeonggung Palace, which was built in the 15th century by the Joseon Dynasty.

It was partially destroyed during the Japanese invasion in the 16th century so today’s beautiful structure is only a shadow of its former glory.

The first attraction inside the palace is Okcheongyo Bridge which is built over a pond, in the style of all Joseon bridges. Next, drift towards the Myeonjeongjeon , which was once the king’s office.

The Munjeongjeon was used as a hall for state business. In one particularly tragic case, King Yeongjo had his mentally-ill son executed outside the hall after discovering that the future ruler had been terrorizing his own people.

Tongmyeongjeon , the biggest building in the palace complex, was for the queen’s use. It’s one of the most decorative parts of the palace.

Also look out for the Punggidae , an instrument which was used to measure the speed and direction of the wind.

Deoksugung Palace

• Deoksugung Palace is another royal residence that was used by the Joseon dynasty.
• Changing of the Guard takes place thrice daily at 11:00, 14:00 and 15:30.

The “Palace of Virtuous Longevity” is the fifth and final imperial palace on your Seoul itinerary. The Joseon dynasty used it after the Japanese invasion damaged their other palaces. The palace was inhabited by the Jonseon emperors until 1919 when the last true emperor died in his Deoksugung apartment, the Hamnyeongjeon.

Deoksugung is a fascinating blend of western and eastern styles. Junghwajeon , the primary throne hall that’s decorated with dragons and gilded finishings, epitomizes indigenous design. Seokjojeon , on the other hand, was designed by a British architect in the neoclassical style. It now houses a lovely art collection.

Insider Tip: Join one of the free guided tours in English to fully appreciate the pretty palace. There are tours at 10:45 and 13:30.

Trick Eye Museum

• Ready to have your whole world turned on its feet? There are some bizarre optical illusions here!
• Entrance is $13 USD for adults and $11 USD for kids.
• Download the Trick Eye app to expand the optical illusions that are showcased!

If you’re all about the weird and wacky, then put the Trick Eye Museum on your Seoul itinerary! From blending into a 3D painting to sitting in a life-size ice sculpture carriage, you can do all of it here!

The Mirror Maze is one of the most popular attractions in the museum. It may leave you breathless and a little dizzy as you continuously lose your way but it is also lots of fun!

The museum also presents an unusual gift shop: one where you can make your own souvenirs! Another popular activity is dressing up in a hanbok (traditional Korean attire), having your hair and make-up done and then doing a photo shoot!

See  here  for availability.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Gangnam Course

• Yes, Gangnam isn’t just a song, it’s a real place!
• Tickets are just $13 USD each.
• This bus tour provides the perfect combination of convenience and flexibility for your visit to Gangnam!

If you have an extra day in Seoul, then a visit to Gangnam must be on your Seoul itinerary. The area behind the hit Psy song is a busy hub of business facilities and creative outlets. You’re allowed to use the bus pass for an entire day and audio guides are available to make the most of the tour.

Some of the top Seoul attractions are stops on this tour. Don’t miss Bongeunsa Temple , a Buddhist temple built all the way back in 794. There is a 28m tall statue of Buddha and some beautiful gardens. Go at 18:40 to witness a percussion ceremony that the monks conduct daily.

Another key stop is K-Star Road which is lined with boutique stalls, K-Pop record labels and GangnamDols of top singers. Psy’s GangnamDol is 3m high!

The Seoul Olympic Park is also worth a visit. It was built for the 1988 Summer Olympics and includes 6 different stadiums. There’s also a beautiful collection of art throughout the complex.

Seoul is generally a very safe city to visit but there are a few things to look out for. The first thing that tends to alarm most people is the proximity to North Korea. Other common concerns include fears about speeding and eating street food. Don’t worry; just follow our tips on staying safe in Seoul and you’ll be just fine!

Pickpockets do frequent Seoul landmarks so keep all your valuables safely on your person and in sight at all times. Locals are generally very friendly but if someone seems just a bit too familiar, back away. Drugs are illegal in South Korea and the penalties for drug users are severe so stay clean in Seoul.

Politics is full of pitfalls in Seoul. If you see a protest taking place in the capital (which is very likely), do not join, ever! It’s illegal for foreigners to protest in South Korea. Also, avoid talking about the Korean War and be on your best behavior if you visit the Demilitarized Zone (which is still actually guarded by soldiers).

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Seoul

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Get to see a bit more of South Korea by leaving the city on one of these fabulous day trips from Seoul!

South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half & Full Day Tour

This tour allows you to get up close with the Korean conflict by visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that’s on the border with North Korea.

You’ll also be able to explore The Third Tunnel which was engineered by North Korea as part of a 1978 attempt to invade South Korea.

At the Dora Observatory , you’ll be able to look into North Korea. This may be as close to visiting North Korea as you’ll ever get.

Hope that relations between the two countries will warm up remains, though, and you can see this in the Dorasan Station . This is the railway station that will be used for journeys between the countries if that day ever comes.

This day trip from Seoul is an essential on any Seoul itinerary.

Nami Island, Korean Style Garden of Morning Calm & Rail Bike

This lovely day trip from Seoul will show you South Korea’s natural side. Due to the beautiful landscape, Nami Island is the set location of many movies and K-dramas.

The Garden of Morning Calm displays traditional Korean gardens over 30 000 square meters! It’s particularly stunning if you visit in autumn.

There’s also an option to take a rail bike tour. With this activity, you’ll go for a rail bike ride an old train track in the countryside. There’s also the option of a Korean-style lunch.

Mt. Bukhan Hike & Korean-Style Spa with Full Body Treatment

On this full-day trip from Seoul, you’ll visit Mt. Bukhan, South Korea’s highest mountain. The hike only takes half of the day. You’ll be rewarded with lovely flora, stunning views from the top and the fresh mountain air!

If that’s not enough incentive, then remember that a spa treatment is included in the tour after your hike! During the treatment, you can enjoy a traditional sauna, a full-body scrub, an invigorating massage, a facial and a soothing hair wash! You’re sure to leave Mt. Bukhan even fresher and more energized than you were when you stepped into the bus!

Seoraksan National Park and Naksansa Temple Group Tour

Seoraksan National Park is host to the Seoraksan Mountain, the 3rd highest in South Korea. This rugged mountain range will be the setting of a day trip from Seoul that combines nature, history and culture!

Enjoy views of the landscape along the Baekdam Valley as you journey towards Baekdamsa Temple. The Buddhist temple will offer a glimpse into the Buddhist traditions.

Then it’s on to the Naksansa Temple which was built around 1300 years ago! The awe-inspiring temple complex boasts numerous monuments which are all architectural masterpieces!

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour

This short and sweet day trip from Seoul will take you to the Hwaseong Fortress. Your guide will explain the architectural features and thrilling history that have made the fortress an iconic feature on any Seoul itinerary!

The fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because, amongst other features, its original 6km long walls still survive! It’s so authentic that you may even be able to imagine yourself as a Korean soldier on the ramparts!

Things are a bit more luxurious at the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace which was the king’s palace during wartime or his travels outside of Seoul. Make sure you have your camera for the changing of the guard ceremony!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Seoul itinerary.

What should you include on a 5 day Seoul itinerary?

Don’t skip out on these Seoul highlights: – Gyeongbokgung Palace – Bukchon Traditional Village – Gwangjang Market – N Seoul Tower

Where should you stay if you have a full Seoul itinerary?

Staying in Gangnam will give you easy access Seoul’s iconic landmarks and attractions. Insadong is another great choice, it’s more laid back than Gangnam but full of culture!

Is solo travel in Seoul safe?

Seoul is very safe for solo travellers! Just stay out of politics and keep an eye on your bags and you’ll be totally fine.

What are the best day trips from Seoul?

The most popular Seoul day trips include the Demilitarized Zone , Nami Island, Mt. Bukhan Hike & Spa, and Seoraksan National Park.

The fusion of East and West, and the blending of old and new, is something that’s unique to Seoul. The enormous city boasts so many fascinating attractions that you could easily spend weeks in the Korean capital. If you’re planning a vacation in Seoul, you don’t want to miss out on all this cosmopolitan city has to offer.

But luckily, it doesn’t matter whether you’re spending 1,2, 3 or more days in Seoul because there’s an itinerary for everyone. From where to stay in Seoul to what to do in Seoul, we’ve given you all the answers. All you have to do now is to book your flight because our Seoul itinerary has everything covered for you!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Hi Aaron such a amazing blog and trip, i have a plan to go to Korea soon and i also found that you visit Gwangjang Market too, i heard there are alot of snacks there, i really want to try it when i reach there :), thank you so much for this post, give me alot of knowledge and information!

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Seoul Itinerary: the Ultimate Guide (2024)

This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy

Seoul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. From its 5 royal palaces and traditional villages to its incredible markets, amazing food and vibrant culture, Seoul has an amazing variety of sights. Having spent a month travelling through Seoul and Korea, we’ve put together our recommended Seoul itinerary. It’s our guide to Seoul and includes things to do, where to stay and what to see along the way. It’s the perfect guide for planning your Seoul itinerary and will help you make the most out of your time in the city. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Seoul Itinerary

We’ve shared eight awesome days in our Seoul itinerary. It is easy to add or remove days or switch the order to suit your own schedule. Our Seoul itinerary ideas are perfect for first-time visitors or for return visitors looking for some unique things to do in Seoul.

Getting around Seoul

We made our way around Seoul through a mix of the subway, walking, and the occasional taxi. We also rented a car in South Korea , starting in Seoul to explore the rest of country. We also had a rental car for a few days in Seoul. This isn’t a necessity, however, it did let us visit some of the difficult-to-reach areas of Seoul, including the mountains.

Getting from Seoul Incheon: with a journey time of 43 minutes, the AREX train is the fastest way to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station. It’s also easy to grab a cab at the airport. A train ticket is less than US$10 compared to around US$70 for a taxi – check prices now!

Click here to purchase airport train tickets

Where to Stay in Seoul

To make the most of your time in Seoul we recommend staying as central as possible. Our favourite areas to use as a base are Namdaemun, Myeongdong and Insadong:

• Hotel28 Myeongdong:  Located in the heart of Myeondong, Hotel 28 is a great budget choice and is perfectly located for exploring the city. The hotel is close to the subway and a short walk from many great restaurants and sights – check prices now!
• Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun:  the Marriott Seoul Namdaemun is located right beside the lively Namdaemun market and is a short walk to most of the city sights. Rooms are lovely and the breakfast buffet is incredible! – check prices now!
• Aloft Seoul Myeongdong:  The Aloft Seoul is a great value, modern hotel with spacious rooms, a gym and 24-hour business centre. Plus the breakfast buffet is amazing with Western and Korean foods – check prices now!
• Orakai Insadong Suites:  this is a great option in Insadong for anyone looking for an apartment style hotel. With on-site laundry, great breakfast buffet and fantastic location the Orakai Suites are a perfect base for exploring Seoul – check prices now!

Book your Seoul hotel now

4G Internet

We purchased a Sim card on Klook and it was super-useful during our time in Seoul. Having mobile data while exploring the city was invaluable for navigating and researching. We used the KT Olleh sim card and picked it up at the airport on arrival in Seoul. It’s cheaper if you order in advance with Klook –   reserve your Seoul sim card here!

   Book your sim card now!

If you have more than one device and don’t want to get separate sim cards you should consider renting a 4G Wifi portable hotspot. They’re great if you need to connect more than just your phone while on the go –  click here to order now!

Book your pocket wifi now  

Discover Seoul Pass

One of the best ways to save money when visiting Seoul is with the Discover Seoul Pass. The pass gives holders free entrance to a selection of 42 tourist attractions in Seoul. There are three passes available, 24, 48 and 72 hours depending on how long you have in the city.

The pass works for most of the best places to visit in Seoul, including Lotte Park, N Seoul Tower, COEX Aquarium, Alive museum and more – check prices now!

Buy your Discover Seoul Pass now

Seoul Daily Itinerary

Read on for our day-by-day Seoul itinerary recommendations!

Day 1: Hanboks, palaces and the Bukchon Hanbok Village

Day 1 is dedicated to palaces and tradition!

Start the day by renting a Hanbok, the colorful and traditional Korean dress. Many visitors to Seoul rent a Hanbok and it is common to see the 1,600-year-old dress on the streets of the city. It’s a fun way to explore the historic side of Seoul and makes for great memories and photos! We had so much fun and highly recommend dedicating a day to hanbok rental in Seoul!

Seoul itinerary tip : Entry to the five Grand Palaces is free when dressed in a Hanbok.

We used the Klook app to reserve our hanboks and saved almost 50% on the in-store price. There are lots of shops offering hanbok rental in Seoul but we highly recommend this Hanbok rental store located in Gyeongbokgung. The location is perfect as it’s close to the Bukchon Hanok Village and the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces. The selection of clothes is extensive – we were able to find awesome hanboks for men, women and kids – check prices now!

Click here to book your Hanbok now

After dressing up in the Hanbok, the first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul. The palaces were built by the Joseon Dynasty and a visit to at least one is an essential part of any Seoul itinerary. The palace grounds are beautiful and twice daily, at 10am and 2pm, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at the Gwanghwamun main gate.

Seoul Itinerary tip: if your first day in Seoul falls on a Monday or Tuesday then switch this day to later in the trip. The Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays while most of the other historical sites close on Monday.

From Gyeongbokgung, walk to the Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with Korean houses dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Given the history and its picturesque streets, the Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the most popular areas to visit for those renting hanboks.

Before returning the Hanboks, make a stop at Changdeokgung Palace, another of the Grand Palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace and the grounds are beautiful.

Changdeokgung Palace also has a beautiful Secret Garden with pavilions, pagodas and a lotus pond.

Seoul Itinerary tip: entrance to the Secret Garden is not included in the Changdeokgung Palace entry. A separate timed ticket must be reserved.

Day 2: DMZ (The Korean Demilitarized Zone)

A day trip to the DMZ from Seoul is a fascinating experience and one undertaken by many visitors to the city. The 4km wide area was founded in 1953, at the end of the Korean War, and runs along the border of North and South Korea. The DMZ is only accessible through a tour. It offers a glimpse into North Korea with stops at the infiltration tunnel, Freedom House (JSA/Panmunjom tour), the Dora Observatory and the Bridge of No Return.

Visitors can opt for a DMZ tour , a JSA tour or a tour which covers both the DMZ and the JSA.

• JSA Tour: the JSA, or the Joint Security Area, is known as Panmunjom and includes Freedom House which acts as a meeting place between North and South Korea. The JSA is where North Korean and South Korean forces stand face to face and visitors can get the closest to North Korea – check JSA tour prices now!

Click here to reserve a JSA tour

2022 Update: the JSA tour is currently not running, however it is due to open up again later in 2022

• DMZ tour : the DMZ tour goes deep into the demilitarized zone. It does not include the Joint Security Area so visitors get within a few miles of the North Korean border- check DMZ tour prices now!

Click here to reserve a DMZ tour

Seoul itinerary: if you are travelling with children under 11 then you will need to take the DMZ tour. The JSA is only accessible to children aged 11 or over due to the close proximity to the North Korean border.

Day 3: Myeongdong, Fried Chicken and N Seoul Tower

Start the day with a stroll along the arty walkway which runs alongside the Cheonggyecheon Stream. The stream runs for miles through North Seoul and the walkway passes under 22 bridges. Our favourite spot was the umbrella-covered plaza close to City Hall and J loved watching the fish and ducks along the way! Spring Tower, the Candlelight Fountain and the stepping stone are also highlights of the walk.

Aim to exit the stream walk close to Seoul City Hall and make a quick visit to its vertical gardens before grabbing a quick pic at the I Seoul U sign in the adjoining Seoul Plaza.

Next is Myeongdong, a chaotic and fun neighbourhood filled with quirky shops and great food options. Our Myeongdong essentials are:

• Style Nanda: pink and quirky makeup and clothing store made up of 7 stores. The giant pink pillows and parasols on the rooftop make for great pics

• BHC fried chicken : Chimaek, or fried chicken and beer, is a Seoul speciality and BHC is an awesome spot in Myeongdong

• Cosmetic stores: Korea is famous for its skincare and make-up products and Myeongdong is home to many of the best brands
• Street Food : food carts line the streets of Myeongdong. Our favourite is the 2-foot ice cream!

• Nanta: Seoul’s longest-running theatre show is a unique mix of martial arts, music and acrobatics alongside some kitchen antics. It’s non-verbal so language is not an issue –   check prices here!

Click here to book Nanta tickets

After exploring Myeongdong, the next stop is Namdaemun Market. The market is the largest traditional market in Korea and the street stall are brimming with souvenirs, clothes, luggage, accessories, stationery and toys. Make sure to indulge in some of the Namdaemun street foods. The Hotteok Stall at Gate 2 is legendary – we stopped by at least 3 times during our time in Seoul!

It’s a short jaunt from Namdaemum to the iconic N Seoul Tower and just before sunset is the perfect time to arrive. The N Seoul Tower can be reached by walking, cable car or bus. We recommend walking through the beautiful Namsan Park if you have time.

The N Seoul Tower is one of the most recognisable sights in Seoul. The observatory has fantastic panoramic views of the city and it is one of the best photo locations in Seoul . There’s also a love locks tree and a Hello Kitty house to visit.

Seoul itinerary tip: If you plan to visit the N Seoul Tower itself, make sure to book you tickets in advance on Klook which has a decent discount on most entry tickets, including N Seoul Tower – check prices here!

Click here for N Seoul Tower tickets

Day 4: A Theme Park!

With two amazing theme parks, Everland and Lotte World, easily accessible from Seoul, a theme park day is a great addition to any Seoul itinerary!

Everland is the largest theme park in South Korea and is hugely popular. It has five sections offering attractions which include adrenaline-inducing rides and a Safari World. Everland is easily accessible via a shuttle bus from Seoul.

We opted for Lotte World which consists of Lotte World Adventure, the biggest indoor amusement park in the world, and the outdoor Magic Island which is located on a man-made lake. It’s thrilling and magical in equal measures. Lotte World is a great winter theme park given its indoor section. Lotte World is located within Seoul.

Book your daytrip to Everland now

Make sure to purchase Seoul theme park tickets in advance as they are usually discounted and many offer shuttle buses to transport visitors from the city.

• Lotte World –  check prices here

Book your Lotte World ticket now

Day 5: Gangham, Lotte World and a Korean BBQ

Book fans should start the day with a trip to the Starfield Coex Mall. The mall is home to the Starfield Library with its towering shelves which hold over 50,000 books.

Outside the mall there is a tribute sculpture to PSY and his viral song, Gangnam Style. It’s difficult to resist reenacting some of the dance moves

The Bongeunsa Temple is located across the street from the mall and the Giant Buddha is a highlight.

If you are an Instagram fan, the nearby Common Ground is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Seoul . 200 shipping containers were hauled in to create a hip shopping and dining experience.

Lotte World Tower

The observation deck at the Lotte World Tower is next on the agenda. It’s the 5th tallest building in the world and the observation deck has 360-degree views of Seoul. The double-decker elevator and the glass-bottomed observation deck are sure to be a hit with kids –  check prices here!

After sightseeing, we suggest wrapping up the day with some Korean BBQ. Mapo Sutbul Galbi and Seocho Myeonok are great options which are easily accessible by subway from Lotte World. There’s plenty of Korean BBQ joins across Seoul so it should be easy to find one in your neighbourhood if you prefer to eat closer to home!

If you want to indulge in street food and a bbq then consider joining one of the guided tours to ensure you hit the best spots –  check prices here!

Click here to book a Seoul street food tour

Day 6: Dongdaemun, Iwha Mural Village and the War Memorial and Museum

To understand more about the history of Korea, start the day with a visit to the War Memorial of Korea. Its details the timeline of wars in Korea and its exhibition halls, sculptures and military vehicles are fascinating.

Make your way to nearby Dongdaemun for the Dongdaemun Market, the DDP Design Plaza and Dongdaemun Gate.

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, known as the DDP, is one of the most iconic buildings in Seoul. It hosts creative exhibitions, conventions and concerts. The unique flowing design of the building and its minimalist architecture is amazing. The incredible floating stairway in the museum building and the LED rose garden which lights up as the sunsets are worth a visit.

Dongdaemun Market is Seoul’s fashion market and refers to the area in Dongdaemun which is comprised of shopping malls, niche shops and traditional markets. There is a night market and a food alley and it’s possible to find almost anything you can think of!

Make sure to stop by Dongdaemun Gate, the oldest of Seoul’s eight main gates which stood along the city walls of Seoul. Officially known as the Heunginjimun Gate, it dates back to the end of the 14th Century and the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty.

Finish the day’s sightseeing with a visit to the Iwha Mural Village on Mount Naksan. The streets of the village are filled with quirky boutiques and adorned with street art and it’s a colourful and fun place to visit. The ‘I love Seoul’ sign is perfect for a family pic and the angel wings are always popular!

Day 7: Nami Island

Located about 90 minutes from Seoul, the picturesque Nami Island is famous for its tree-lined avenues and riverside walks. It’s also the filming location of countless Korean dramas including Winter Sonata. If you visit during April, the cherry blossoms typically come into bloom at the beginning of the month.

This is the most popular time to visit Nami Island but it is beautiful in all seasons. Nami Island is accessible by public transport (Gyeongchun Line subway or ITX-Cheongchun and get off at Gapyeong Station and walk/taxi to Nami Island) but the easiest way to visit is by taking a tour from Seoul – check prices here!

Book your Nami Island day tour now

Day 8: Jogyesa Temple, Jongmyo Shrine and Insadong

Start the day with a visit to the Jongmyo Shrine, a Confucian shrine in memory of the kings and queens of the Korean Joseon Dynasty. The shrine is one of South Korea’s 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

We recommend visiting on a guided tour day as the tour gives a great explanation of the history and significance of the site. The most impressive of the buildings is the long Ancestral Hall which is the last stop on the tour.

Seoul itinerary tip: Visits to the Jongmyo Shrine are by guided tour only except for Saturdays when visitors can explore themselves. We had to wait a little while to join an English speaking tour as they start every two hours. Japanese and Korean tours are scheduled more frquently. The Jongmyo Shrine is closed on Tuesdays.

Spend the afternoon in the ever popular Insadong neigbourhood. It’s famous for offering a glimpse into the traditional culture of Korea and the streets are lined with souvenir shops, food stalls and wooden tea houses. The nearby Ikseondong, one of the oldest neigbourhoods in Seoul, is another must visit filled with quirky shops and hip eateries.

The Alive Museum is a fun stop n Insadong. It is a 4D museum full of optical illusions and peculiar art with a fun Dynamic Maze challenge  –  check prices here!

Click here to book Alive Museum tickets

Finish up the day with a visit to the Jogyesa Temple which is the centre of Korean Buddhism. The temple is colourful and beautiful and the grounds contains ancient trees which are 500 years old as well as fun statutes which won’t fail to bring a smile to your face.

Seoul itinerary tip: we visited during the annual flower festival in October and the grounds were incredible. There were hedges sculpted into Buddha’s, elepahants and dragons. If you visit during the Buddha’s birthday or the Lotus Lantern Festival the temple courtyard is decorated with paper lanterns making for a spectacular scene.

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The 10 Best Museums in Seoul to Visit this Year

Overview hide, leeum samsung museum of art, alt1 gallery, lotte museum of art , national museum of modern and contemporary art (seoul), ilmin museum of art, daelim museum, amorepacific museum of art , my art museum, oil tank culture park .

SEOULSPACE has decided to list some of the best museums in Seoul to visit in 2024. The list comprises museums that offer something for everyone, from tourists to locals. Want to explore the history of South Korea? We’ve got a museum for that. Want to see modern and contemporary art? We have that covered as well. What about galleries with a digital flare? There are more than 100 museums and galleries in Seoul , but we were able to narrow them down to the ten best. 

Here are the 10 best museums in Seoul to visit in 2024. 

The Leeum Samsung Museum of Art was opened in 2004. It is a world-renowned institution located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. The museum is home to an impressive collection of traditional and contemporary art, making it a must-see for any art lover visiting the city. In addition to the permanent collections, the museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions, ensuring that there is always something new to see. The museum is also conveniently located near other major attractions, making it easy to include on any itinerary. 

The museum continuously looks to acquire Korean works of art with great historical value. They have over 15,000 works of art. The architecture of the museum itself is a work of art. It was done by world-famous architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas. It has a great blend of East and West works of art, making it one of the more international museums in Seoul. 

Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu

Museum Hours: 10:30am-6pm

Admission: 10,000 won (Students aged 7-24, disabled, and seniors 5,000 won), free for children under 6

The ALT1 Gallery is located at the Hyundai Seoul department store in Yeouido. The Hyundai Seoul is one of the best shopping department stores in Seoul. Its interior design offers many natural motifs such as indoor trees, gardens, and a waterfall. However, the key attraction is the ALT 1 Gallery located on the top floor. They had the immersive “ Beyond The Road – Seoul 2021 ” exhibition. It showcased all kinds of artwork, such as paintings, sculptures, and video art. In addition, the exhibition had music via 3D audio speakers, making it seem like a live concert.

ALT1 Gallery is a must-see for anyone interested in the contemporary art scene in Seoul. The gallery offers a rare chance to see some of the city’s most innovative and boundary-pushing art being created today. In addition to its cutting-edge exhibitions, ALT1 Gallery has a vibrant program of events, talks, and workshops, making it a unique cultural hub.

Address: 6F, 108 Yeoui-daero, Yeoui-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu

Museum Hours: 10:30am to 8pm (Monday – Thursday); 10:30am to 8:30pm (Friday – Sunday)

Admission: Beyond the Road Exhibition: 20,000 won

The LOTTE Museum of Art is one of Seoul’s most popular tourist destinations. The museum is home to a collection of over 200,000 artworks, making it one of the largest art museums in the world. Visitors can explore the collection through a variety of interactive exhibitions and programs. In addition, the museum offers a range of educational resources, including workshops and lectures. The museum is also home to a cafe, restaurant, and gift shop.

The LOTTE Museum of Art opened on the 7th floor of the LOTTE World Tower in January 2018. LOTTE Museum of Art introduces new waves of modern art around the world. You can find art sculptures outside the tower on your way to the museum. There is the “ Possibility ” by Jaume Plensa, “ Life as Marshmallows ” by Joon, and the “ Light Forest ” by Kim Joo-hyun. 

Address: 7th floor, 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu

Museum Hours: 10:30 am-7 pm

Admission: dreamer, 3:45 am: 18,000 won (19 and over), 15,000 won (13-18), 10,000 won (4-12), Free for children under 4. 

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is one of the oldest museums in Seoul. It was opened in 1969 and offered a wide selection of Korean art. The museum houses a collection of over 150,000 works of art, ranging from traditional Korean paintings to contemporary installations. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also features a range of temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of both emerging and established artists. The museum is also home to a research center, library, and auditorium, making it ideal for scholars and casual visitors. 

It is considered the representative institution of modern Korean art. Furthermore, the museum offers a beautiful natural landscape that surrounds the site. Their focus moving forward will be to introduce global contemporary art. In addition, they have other locations located in Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju. Therefore, through its various locations, MMCA intends to function as a cultural platform that encourages various disciplines of contemporary art from art, science, and humanities. 

Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jeong-dong, Jung-gu

Museum Hours: 10 am-7 pm

Admission: 4,000 won (entry is free on the last Wednesday of each month), and there is a 20% discount for groups of 10 or more. 

Free admission for:

• Students under 24 and teachers
• Seniors over 65
• Disabled and caretaker
• Members of the MMCA

The Ilmin Museum of Art is one of the most important museums in Korea. Founded in 1969, it holds a collection of over 100,000 items that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The museum is located in the heart of downtown Seoul, and it is easy to get to by public transportation. The museum is open every day except Monday, and admission is free for everyone. The Ilmin Museum of Art is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Korea. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more.

The Ilmin Museum of Art has three exhibition halls, one for each floor. In addition, there are lecture halls and documentary archives. Therefore, the museum is known for holding lectures by art professionals. There are even special screenings that showcase their achieved images. In addition, they also have a bookshop, art shop, and coffee shop on the first floor. 

Address: 152 Sejongdaero, Jongno-gu

Museum Hours: Tue.-Sun: 11am-7pm

Admission: 7,000 won, Students 5,000 won and Seniors (over 65) 3,500 won)

The Daelim Museum is located near Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is considered South Korea’s first photography museum. However, these days the museum also showcases designs of all forms. Therefore, their exhibitions showcase new lifestyles, which shed new light on the value of everyday objects. 

The museum houses an impressive collection of Korean art and artifacts from over 5,000 years. Visitors can view pottery, painting, sculpture, and other works of art from various periods and styles. In addition, the museum offers several interactive exhibits and educational programs that provide insight into Korean culture and history. The Daelim Museum is also home to a cafe and a shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs. With its convenient location and wide range of facilities, the Daelim Museum is an ideal destination for travelers interested in learning about Korea’s rich cultural heritage.

Address: 21, Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu

Museum Hours: Tue/Wed/Fri/Sun: 10 am-6 pm; Thu/Sat: 10 am-8 pm

Admission: 8,000 won; Under 19 years old 3,000 won, Children: 2,000 won. Discount for Seniors and disabled. 

D Museum is located near Seoul Forest, near Seoul Forest Station. It is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of Seoul. The museum is home to many artifacts, from ancient pottery to modern art, that provides insight into the city’s past. The museum also hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, making it an ideal place to learn about the latest Korean art and cultural trends. 

It has an underground entrance that connects straight to the subway station. Moreover, it also holds two exhibition halls, one performance hall, a rooftop, an education center, and a museum shop in the five-story building. The whole building is covered with transparent glass, so you can see not only Seoul Forest from inside but also the Han River. In addition, they provided online content through their official YouTube channel during COVID-19. 

Address: 83-21, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu

Museum hours: 10 am-6 pm

Admission: (5-15,000 won based on exhibition)

The Amorepacific Museum of Art (APMA) started with the private art collection of the founder and former CEO, Suh Sungwhan. The museum was established in 1979 and was called the Pacific Museum. It was renamed the Amorepacific Museum of Art in 2009. The museum houses a comprehensive collection of Korean art spanning many periods and styles. Highlights include traditional paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and contemporary works by leading Korean artists. In addition to the artwork on display, the museum offers a variety of educational programs, including guided tours and hands-on workshops.

The galleries are on the basement level, and Atrium is a space that goes from the first floor to the third floor. Furthermore, once you enter the Amorepacific Museum of Art, there is a lobby and shop, an exhibition space, and a library called the Amorepacific Library of Art Project. 

Address: 100 Han River Boulevard, Yongsan-gu

Museum Hours: (Tues-Sun: 10 am-6 pm)

Admission: Free (Exhibitions may charge)

MY ART MUSEUM is located in the center of Seoul. Located in the heart of Seoul, MY ART MUSEUM is one of the city’s premier cultural institutions. Housed in a beautifully restored building, the museum features a wide range of exhibitions, from traditional Korean art to contemporary works by leading international artists. In addition to its world-class collections, the museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events, making it the perfect place to learn about Korea’s rich cultural heritage. 

If you are in Gangnam, you won’t have to go far. It holds exhibitions of various high-quality works of art that transcend time and genre. Therefore, they offer exhibitions of famous Western paintings, fashion, architectural design, and decorative art exhibitions throughout the year. In addition to the exhibition hall, there is a lobby lounge, art shop, coffee shop , seminar room, open salon, culture salon, gallery, restaurant, and educational space. 

Address: Textile Center Building B1, 518, Teheran-ro, Daechi 2(i)-dong, Gangnam-gu

Museum hours: 10 am-8 pm

The Oil Tank Culture Park is located near World Cup Stadium. It was originally an oil depot that stored over 69 million liters of oil after the oil crisis of 1973. However, South Korea turned the oil tanks into a cultural space thanks to the help of ideas citizens. Seoul’s Oil Tank Culture Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in the city’s rich history and culture. It is now an eco-friendly, complex cultural space with its original spatial properties of oil tanks intact. The five tanks were turned into performance venues, exhibition halls, and a multi-purpose pavilion. Moreover, there is even a newly built tank that has become a community center with a cafeteria. 

The park, built on the site of an old oil refinery, features a variety of interactive exhibits and installations that tell the story of Seoul’s development from a small trading town to a major metropolis. Visitors can also explore the city’s heart through a series of walking trails or take panoramic views of Seoul from the park’s observatory deck. 

Address: 87 Jeungsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Museum hours: 24/7

Admission: Free

Those looking to see Korean urban street art can do so at Urban Break , which is held in Seoul annually.

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The ultimate Seoul itinerary for 3-7 days (2024 edition)

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

Are you looking for the perfect Seoul itinerary but not sure what to do while you’re there? Don’t worry, we have got you covered.

Seoul represents the futuristic race South Korea has run over the past years. 

The city was mostly flattened after the Korean War, and the pace at which this city has been undergoing development since then is just phenomenal. 

The few historical buildings that survived the war are now surrounded by modern skyscrapers.

In this Seoul travel blog post, we share an epic Seoul itinerary for 3 to 7 days.

We completely updated this Seoul itinerary in January 2023.

Table of Contents

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

South Korea Essentials

• We have always found the best flights to Seoul on Momondo . You also have Skyscanner and recently WayAway , a new and promising travel aggregator, has popped up. It may be worthwhile to compare these three sites.
• Looking for more inspiration for your South Korea trip? Here are all our Korean posts.
• Use this step-by-step guide to plan your trip to South Korea.
• Looking for the perfect itinerary? Check out our 1 week Korea itinerary and 2-week Korea itinerary .
• Since foreign credit and debit cards don’t always work, we advise that you bring some spare cash.
• Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your Korea travel sim or portable WiFi device in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.
• Consider getting the  Discover Seoul Pass  which covers 65 of Seoul’s best tourist attractions. It also has a T-money function that will save you ₩2,500 from buying a separate T-Money card. As an extra benefit, you get one free one-way A’rex Express train ride.
• Note that the Discover Seoul Pass is not always available. If it isn’t, you can see if they have the BTS edition. It’s a 24hr edition of the Discover Seoul Pass without the T-money option. Instead, you get a Korea Tour T-money Card as a bonus. The BTS edition covers the same attractions as the regular Discover Seoul Pass. Here is more information about this pass and other Seoul discount passes.
• Visiting the DMZ is on the bucket list of many travelers. Check out the  best DMZ tours  here.
• Looking for accommodation? Look at this list of highly-rated boutique hotels or this list of cool hotels in Seoul . We also have a selection of Airbnb’s in Seoul . Accommodation posts for other places in South Korea are here .
• Here is a post with more travel tips for Korea.
• Last but not least, make sure you have travel insurance .

Seoul E-Guide

For the price of a single cup of coffee, you can get this Seoul itinerary as a nicely formatted PDF document.

It contains all the information in this post.

You can print it or store it on your phone so you can access it anytime during your visit to Seoul.

Have a look here for more information and a preview.  

Seoul Travel Itinerary

Here we share our recommended Seoul travel itinerary for 3-7 days.

The map below shows all the places you visit during these 7 days. Read on to discover which places you absolutely need to visit in Seoul.

Seoul Trip Itinerary 3 Days – What To Do in Seoul For 3 days

Brace yourself, this will be three thrilling days filled with amazing sights and activities.

After these 3 days in Seoul, you will have already seen many of the highlights of this fantastic city.

However, fear not. There is still more than enough to do during the remaining days.

Day 1: Discover The Palaces, Bukchon Hannok village, And Insadong

The palaces in seoul.

The Joseon Dynasty was the last kingdom in Korea.  

Over the reign of this dynasty, Seoul became the capital city and center of state affairs.

Throughout the years, the kings had many grand palaces built here. 

5 of them are currently open to the public.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

If you can only go to one palace during your Seoul trip, I suggest you visit   Gyeongbokgung Palace ,   because it is the main royal palace and also the largest of the 5.

It’s also the most popular and often regarded as the most beautiful as well.

Try to be there during Royal guard Changing Ceremonies.

The Royal Guard ( Sumunjang ) changing ceremony can be seen for free on weekdays, except on Tuesdays, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM in front of Gwanghwamun.  This is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

If these time slots don’t work for you, you can also witness a shorter Guard-on-Duty Performance at the Gwanghwamun gate at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekends.

The Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Military Training at the Hyeopsaengmun Gate at 09:35 AM and 1:35 PM is temporarily canceled.

Here’s the latest schedule with all the details about the above ceremonies.

There is a free guided tour of the Palace building in English at 11.00 AM, 1.30 PM and 3.30 PM.  Check the schedule on the official website to make sure the hours are still correct.

₩3,000 or included in the combined Four Palaces ticket (see below). 

Free entrance if you’re wearing a complete and correct Hanbok .  (see the explanation on the website of what exactly qualifies)  Free entrance with the Discover Seoul Pass .

Here you can rent a hanbok.

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung was the second royal villa built after the construction of Gyeongbokgung was completed in 1405.

It was the main palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining palaces.

It has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997.

The  “Secret Garden” (Huwon)  in Changdeokgung, one of the  most beautiful places in Korea,  remains a little bit mysterious up until today because there are only a limited number of people admitted each day.

The secret garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond, and a pavilion.

It’s a beautiful place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Be sure to reserve your tour online well in advance  if you want to visit the garden. (click on tour reservation on top of the page)

There is a free guided tour of the Palace building in English at 10.15 AM and 1.15 PM.  Check the schedule on the official website to make sure the hours are still correct.

₩3,000 for the palace building or ₩8,000 for the palace building area including the Secret garden.  Access to both is included in the combined Four Palaces ticket (see below). 

Free entrance to the palace building if you’re wearing a Hanbok.  Free entrance with the Discover Seoul Pass.

Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace is located at the corner of Seoul’s busiest downtown intersection and is famous for its elegant stone-walled road.

The palace is also worth a visit because it is the only palace that sits alongside a series of western style buildings that contribute to the uniqueness of the surrounding scenery.

Deoksugung Palace has its own Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony. It is held at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM except on Mondays.  Due to another event, the ceremonies on Saturday afternoon are often canceled.

Once the ongoing construction is completed the ceremony at 3:30 PM will be resumed.

There is a free guided tour in English at 10.45 AM and 1.30 PM.  Check the schedule on the official website to make sure the hours are still correct.

₩1,000 or included in the combined Four Palaces ticket (see below).  Free entrance if you’re wearing a Hanbok. Free entrance with the Discover Seoul Pass.

Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgun Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace is located in the heart of Seoul. It is located next to Changdeokgun. 

Both palaces used to share the rear garden and were commonly known as the East palaces as they are located East of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The palace was often used as residential quarters for queens and concubines.

During the Japanese colonial rule, it became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden.

In 1983 the government of Korea decided to remove the zoo and began working on the restoration of the palace. 

The botanical garden was preserved and gradually the palace is regaining its old glory.

₩1,000 or included in the combined Four Palaces ticket (see below).  Free entrance if you’re wearing a Hanbok.  Free entrance with the Discover Seoul Pass .

Gyeonghuigung Palace

Gyeonghuigung Palace   is located Southwest of Gyeongbokgung Palace and towards Deoksugung Palace.

Gyeonghuigung Palace served as the secondary palace for the king in the latter half of the Joseon period.

The secondary palace is there where the King would move in case of an emergency.  The palace was also called Seogwol which means ” a palace of the west”, as at that time it was located on the west side of Seoul.

Unhyeongung

You can also choose to visit the 6th palace,  Unhyeongung .

It’s one of Seoul’s smaller and less touristic palaces and is located near Bukchon.  

A visit is therefore easy to combine with a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village.

If you plan on visiting all the palaces you can save by buying the Four Palaces ticket which grants you access to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyenggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and the Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Shrine for ₩10,000.

The ticket can be bought at any of these locations and is valid for 3 months from the date of purchase.

Bukchon Hanok Village

From Unhyeoungung you can make your way to  Bukchon   to stroll between  the traditional Hanok houses. 

This district is composed of many streets and alleys. You’re free to wander around and explore the cozy inner courtyards as long as you respect the privacy of the people who live there.  

Some of the beautiful traditional Korean Houses that you will pass date back to around 600 years ago. All of them have been renovated with great respect for the cultural heritage.

There are many small alleyways and long roads for great pictures.

Bukchon lies on a hill, so there will be some uphill climbing involved.

If you want to spend the night in one of the hanok houses, check out this post in which we share an overview of the best hanoks in Seoul.

  Nearest subway station: Anguk Station, Exit #2

Bukchon it’s not far from  Insadong , one of the most traditional and cultural districts in Seoul.

It is one of those places you absolutely must visit while you are in Seoul. It’s full of coffee shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

A great place for lunch and for souvenir buying.

If you like to spoil yourself with a good brunch, take a look at the best places to brunch in Seoul.

Best Things To Do in Insadong

Make sure to drop by the beautifully decorated Jogyesa temple , one of the most famous temples in Seoul.

Noteworthy museums are  the Kimchi Museum  (Renamed to Museum Kimchikan in 2015) and The Alive Museum.   Museum Kimchikan is situated in the center of the cultural street of Insa-Dong on the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors of the Insa-dong Maru building.

It was named one of the top 11 best food museums by CNN in 2015 .

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish and often recognized as one of the healthiest foods in the world.  Koreans eat Kimchi with almost every meal but only recently does it start to appear on tables outside the Korean borders.

A little bit further out and technically not in Insadong, but worth the detour is  Gwangjang market.

This is a traditional street market where you can mingle with the Koreans to taste some of the local street-food delicacies.

Have a look at the stalls that sell San-nakji which is a raw octopus that is killed by cutting it in pieces on your plate so that the tentacles are still moving while it is served. 

I can assure you that we did not try this either but there’s a lot more you can enjoy like the Soonday (blood sausage), different kinds of rice rolls, and bindaetteok, a kind of pancake.

Nearest subway station: Anguk Station, Exit #6

If you only have 1 day in Seoul, check out our Seoul 1 day itinerary post.

Day 2: Namsan Park, Seoul tower, Myeongdong, and Hongdae

Visit namsan park and n seoul tower.

Mt. Namsan – Namsan Park is a symbolic place in the center of Seoul.

It is the largest park in Seoul attracting over 20,000 people a day.  

Most visitors come to this park to enjoy nature, see the city skyline, or hike one of the trails.

A number of events take place at the park and one of the biggest is the annual cherry blossom festival in April. The Cherry Blossom Path in Namsan Park is the longest trail of cherry trees anywhere in the city and is spectacular in full bloom.

Discover all the things Seoul is famous for.

To get up the mountain you can ride the Namsan cable car or take the Yellow Bus. 

To get to the base station of the Cable car you take the metro to Myeongdong Station where you take exit 3 and head South. 

The cable car is probably the most convenient option to reach the top. 

The Yellow bus stops at Exit 2 of Chungmuro Station or Exit 6 of Dongguk University Station.

Alternatively, you can also just simply walk to the top of the mountain. 

There is a pedestrian walkway that starts about 50 meters from the parking lot of the Namsan Cable Car.  If you keep a steady pace you only need 30 minutes to reach the foot of the N Seoul Tower.

At the bottom of N Seoul Tower, you have some dramatic views of the Skyline of Seoul and the surrounding area.  Better yet are the vistas from the viewing platform of the N Seoul Tower.

Since 1980, the N Seoul Tower has been a landmark of the skyline of downtown. It’s also the first tower-type tourism spot in South Korea.  Rising at almost 480m above sea level, it is one of the tallest towers in Asia.

The great vistas of Seoul from Mt. Namsan are completely free if you walk to the top, you have to buy a ticket for the cable car or bus.

Check prices and availability: Seoul Tower Tickets

Shop till you drop in the  Myeongdong district which is situated at the foot of Mt. Namsan. 

This is a good place for shopping in Seoul. Here you will find everything you want from skincare to makeup, clothes, and more!

Starting at 4 PM vendors will get their carts in place and it becomes one of the best places to try the delicious Korean street food.

You will be surprised by the huge variety of sweet to spicy snacks that you can buy.

In Myeongdong you can feast on grilled lobster, tteokgalbi meatballs, and other delicacies in addition to the classics like bungeoppang (fish shaped waffle), gyerranppang (waffle with egg on top), and gimbap (Korean version of sushi).

A great place to get a snack after you come down from Mt. Namsan.

Make sure you have some spare cash for the street food as credit cards are usually not accepted.

Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station

Its location near a few of Seoul’s colleges makes Hongdae  the mecca of nightlife, shopping, cafes, and activities.

It’s also home to one of the funniest museums in Seoul,  the Trick Eye Museum.

The Trick Eye Museum is an interactive museum that gives off impressive optical illusions.

A trip to Hongdae will also be incomplete without taking a look at the colorful collection of street art in the area.

Every Saturday from March to November, there is  the Hongdae Free market where you will find an array of local artists’ work.

Free admission to the Trickeye museum with the Discover Seoul Pass  or you can buy discounted tickets on Klook .

Nearest subway station: Hongik University Station, Exit #9

Day 3 Visit DMZ

Tours to the DMZ have restarted, but the JSA still cannot be visited. The JSA is the actual border post pictured above. The JSA is a highlight of this tour, but even without this stop, the DMZ tour remains an informative and fascinating trip where you will learn a lot about this unique border area.

A visit to the  DMZ  is a must-do when you’re in South Korea.  The DMZ area is located around 60 km up north of Seoul and can only be visited with a guided tour. 

Make sure to book your tour well in advance as they are often sold out. Tours to the DMZ, including the JSA,  run Tuesday to Friday. The regular DMZ tours continue over the weekend.

We recommend booking a full-day tour that includes the  JSA , the Joint Security Area.  This is the official building with the conference room where the leaders of both countries meet. 

The conference room is built on the border and you can step across the room, passing the border, to spend a few minutes in North Korea. Don’t forget your passport on the day of the excursion!

Here is an overview of the tours that can be booked today.

Check prices and availability: Overview DMZ tours

Or you can read our full guide about the best DMZ tours.

Seoul Itinerary 4 days – 4 Days in Seoul

Day 4:  go hiking in bukhansan national park.

If you are like us and you like nature you should definitely spend a day at Bukhansan National Park . Bukhansan National Park borders Seoul in the north.

It’s the perfect place to unwind after some busy days in the city.

Things To Do At Bukhansan National Park

There are several walks of varying lengths. You should be able to find a hike in line with the time you want to spend in the park.

We hiked up Munsubong peak to  the Bogungmun gate. 

The climb is strenuous and demanding but the view from the top is awesome.

I dare to say this might have been the best view on Seoul we had.

At the top can either follow the old city enclosures further to the North or to the South.  We continued our way south and continued to follow the ramparts to get one beautiful vista after another on the skyline of Seoul below us.

Once we got to the Daeseongmun gate we descended back towards the entrance of the park. 

This loop took us approximately 2.5 hours with the occasional stop to take pictures and enjoy the magnificent views.

This is just one of the many hikes that you can do. 

On  the National Park’s website , you will find much more hikes along with their start locations and their difficulty grade. You can get a map that shows all trails at the visitor centers.

How To Get To Bukhansan National Park

The park is quite large and has 10 different entrances. 

We started our hike at the Jeongneung Visitor Center as we came by car and this is one of the few entrances with a parking lot. 

By Public Transportation

It may not be the best entrance if you use public transportation. 

In that case, you might opt for the Weondobong entrance further north at the Bukhansan National Park Dobong office . 

Nearest subway station: The Dobongson metro station (Line 1 or 7, exit 1) is just 10 minutes walking from this entrance. 

You should be able to follow the Koreans in their colorful hiking clothes to the entrance, hiking is very popular in Korea.

Directions to all entrances are very well explained on the National Park’s website .

Check out this alternative 4-day Seoul itinerary to get an even better idea about all the things that you can do in this amazing city.

Seoul Itinerary 5 Days – 5 Days In Seoul

Day 5: gangnam.

If you are 5 days in Seoul, you definitely should visit Gangnam.

Gangnam is very known from  Psy’s song Gangnam style .

Gangnam literally means ‘south of the river,’ the neighborhood borders the southern banks of the Han river.

It’s a district where many wealthy South Koreans live. You should reserve a day to explore this exclusive upscale district.

Fun Things To Do In Gangnam

Shop til you drop.

The Gangnam district is one of the most popular districts to go shopping.  It counts many shopping malls and department stores.  They are spread out across various areas in this district.

The main areas are Apgujeong, Garosugil, COEX , and Gangnam Station.  

At Gangnam station, there is a large underground shopping center with loads of stalls with affordable clothing, fashion items, shoes, etc. 

The mall is mainly aimed at millennials and is a great place to keep up with the so-called “Gangnam Style”.

The underground shopping center below Gangnam station is your best bet to shop if you are looking for bargains in the chic Gangnam District.

Stroll Along The Streets Of Gangnam

As we walked along the wide boulevards that traverse Gangnam we felt like actors playing a role in a futuristic movie.

It seemed like any minute we could expect a flying car to pass buzzing above our heads.

Nothing as futuristic as that happened but those flying cars wouldn’t be out of place in the pictures of this district. 

The huge boulevards are lined with skyscrapers and are best enjoyed after dark when Gangnam comes alive and the huge billboards lighten up the neighborhood.

We enjoyed discovering this neighborhood and admired the classy architecture and the shiny cars that are parked in front of the exclusive bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

Visit The Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple

Bongeunsa is a Buddhist Temple in the center of Gangnam.  

The moment you cross the doorstep of the temple you leave the bustle of the city behind and you will find yourself surrounded by the serenity of the Buddhist mantras and the peaceful landscape of the temple’s gardens.

The  Bongeunsa Temple features a more secluded and quieter atmosphere than Jogyesa Temple in Insadong .  The various buildings of the temple complex are spread out on a forested hillside.

Twice a day, at 4:10 PM and 6:40 PM, a percussion ceremony using four instruments is performed by the monks of the temple.

This ceremony is meant to save and awaken beings on the ground using the drum, beings underwater using the wooden fish, beings in the sky using the cloud drum, and beings under the ground using the gong.

Take Subway Line 9 to Bongeunsa Temple Station (Exit 1) 

COEX – Shopping Mall And Aquarium

The COEX shopping mall is located underneath the Korea World Trade Center and is one of the largest underground shopping centers in South Korea. 

It underwent a complete renovation in 2014. 

It is a shopping mecca for international brand name stores but besides stores, it also contains a movie theater, a concert hall, an aquarium, and an extensive food court just as well as several fine dining restaurants.

Note that the Kimchi museum used to be located in the COEX mall but has moved to Insa-Dong in 2015. (see higher)

Take Subway Line 2 to Samseong Station (Exit 6) or Subway Line 7 to Cheongdam Station (Exit 2).

Seoul Olympic Park

Seoul Olympic Park, often referred to as Olpark, is absolutely enormous and a popular date spot for Seoul residents.  

It’s also popular with families with small children, people playing sports, and couples strolling. 

There are bikes, kites, balls, and skates, all of which visitors can rent at a low price. It costs about 15,000 won to rent the bike for an hour.

The park is divided into several zones and houses impressive leisure facilities legacy of the 1988 games. But besides the 6 sports stadiums that are all still in use, you also find a large collection of art and sculptures. 

At the entrance of the park, near the peace square, is the winged world peace gate that symbolizes the ability of the Korean people and peace and harmony.

Recent efforts have also succeeded in re-introducing animals like raccoons, ducks, woodpeckers, pheasants, and many more.

The vast area covers approximately 1.4 million square meters and it takes about 3 hours to explore the park completely.

Jamsil (Green Line 2, Pink Line 8) and Mongchontoseong (Olympic Park) Station (Purple Line 5)

Samsung D’light

Samsung D’light is a global promotional and exhibition center that showcases the latest technology founded by Samsung.

The name is derived from the company’s vision of being a guiding light in the digital world’. 

The center occupies three floors in the Samsung Electronics building.

The first floor is an exhibition space for Samsung’s technology and devices.

The second floor is a showcase of the possibilities of the future with Samsung solutions.

The basement floor houses Samsung’s flagship store.

All Samsung devices are available for purchase but ironically foreigners can often find Samsung devices cheaper in their home countries.

Line 2 Gangnam Station (subway line 2, Shinbundang Line) exit 8

Lotte World Adventure, Magic Island & Aquarium

Lotte World Adventure in Jamsil , just outside Gangnam, is the world’s largest indoor amusement park. 

It’s a Korean version of Disneyland and a great place to go if you’re traveling with kids. 

The park can get crowded, certainly during holidays and on weekends when you may have to queue for 90 to 120 minutes for some of the popular attractions.

Next door is Lotte World Magic Island (entrance is included with your ticket for Lotte World Adventure) with many outside attractions.  The magic castle on the magic island looks like an exact copy of Disney’s castle. 

On the opposite side of the road is the Lotte World Mall which houses the Lotte World Aquarium.

You can buy a combi-ticket to visit all three parks on the same day but in Lotte World Adventure and Magic Island you can easily spend a day.

Check prices and availability: Dicount and combi tickets for Lotte World

Nearest subway station: Jamsil (Green Line 2, Pink Line 8) Exit 4

Here is a list of more fun theme parks in and around Seoul.

Seoul Sky @ Lotte World Tower

The Lotte World Tower completed in 2017 is Seoul’s tallest tower and is ranked as the 5th tallest building in the world.

The top floors of this 123-floor skyscraper house Seoul Sky, the highest observation platform in Seoul which is also the world’s highest glass-floored observation deck.

Tickets are not cheap but worth every cent as Seoul Sky offers a great experience and a fantastic view over Seoul.

Check prices and availability: Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky admission

Nearest subway station: Jamsil (Green Line 2, Pink Line 8) Exit 1,2,10 or 11

Seoul Itinerary 7 Days

If you have 7 days in Seoul we recommend taking some day trips from Seoul.

One of the highlights of our Seoul trip was a day trip to Seoraksan National Park .

Day 6- 7: Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park lies in the Northeast of Korea.

It offers some of the most beautiful sceneries of Korea and is a must-visit if you are 7 days in Seoul.

What To Do In Seoraksan National Park

You can choose from a whole selection of hikes, the shortest hikes take just a few hours the longest treks take 3 days. 

We hiked to the top of  the Ulsanbawi Rock , it took us somewhere between 3 to 4 hours. 

This is seen as the best hike if you don’t want to camp overnight in the park.

The description on the national park’s website lists 2 hours and 20 minutes but that’s quite a challenge knowing that the last kilometer of the hike is one giant flight of stairs that takes you steeply uphill along the mountainside.

Although it’s possible to get an impression of the park in one (long) day.

The interesting and impressive hikes will probably all take you up rocks or mountains and will require at least 4 hours. 

That’s why we recommend spending the night in Sokcho so that you don’t need to rush and instead enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the park.

How To Get To Seoraksan National Park

The easiest way to reach Seoraksan National Park is by car or with an organized day trip from Seoul .

If you have a car, it’s a 3h easy drive to the Park along the Yeongdong Highway ( road 50). 

It’s very easy to do a road trip in South Korea, we wrote an article about hiring a car and driving in South Korea in which we share some useful tips.

By Public Transport

It’s quite a hassle to reach the park from Seoul by public transport.

You would first need to take a bus from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho from where you continue your trip to the park with bus number 7 or 7-1. 

The first part from Seoul to Sokcho takes 2 hours and a half and it takes an additional 45 minutes to get from Sokcho to the park.

Where To Stay in Seoraksan

Ramada gangwon sokcho hotel.

We stayed in  the Ramada Sokcho hotel.  From here it was a 30-minute drive to the park. 

We had a big comfortable room with a balcony where we could see how the boats sailed in and out of the harbor.

We liked the extensive breakfast buffet although the restaurant isn’t really cozy.

A great place to stay if you like seafood.  It’s right next to the harbor. Boats arriving at the port drop their catch at one of the many seafood restaurants along the pier.

Check prices and availability:

Booking.com

General Information About Seoul

Here we answer some general questions you may have about your trip to Seoul.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Seoul In South Korea? 

Seoul can be visited all year round. But some seasons are better than others especially if you don’t like hot and humid summers or cold winters. 

Spring 

Mid-March to May is a great period to visit South Korea’s capital. After a cold winter, the weather starts to warm up.

This is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Seoul.

Around the beginning of April, the cherry blossoms start to bloom making this a great time to visit Seoul. May until the beginning of June brings warmer weather.  These months are some of the most popular as well as the busiest months to visit Seoul.

Summer 

July to August brings rainy and humid summers. There is also a risk of typhoons. 

The typhoon season starts around the end of June and lasts until the end of September. 

Although this is not our favorite season to travel to Seoul due to the weather, the many festivals that are organized at this time of year can partly make up for it.

Late September until November is one of the best times to visit Seoul.

This time of the year brings mild temperatures and low rainfall. Fall is also a great time to admire the beautiful colorful foliage in Bukhansan and other parks.

Winter is also the low season in Seoul, which means fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs.

It’s a great time to visit Seoul if you don’t mind the cold or if you like to do some winter sports such as skiing.

How Many Days in Seoul?

How many days do you need to visit Seoul?

The highlights of Seoul can be visited in a few days but you will need weeks to discover all areas of this stretched-out megapolis.

3 days ( 72 hours in Seoul) is a good amount of time to visit the highlights of the city.

4 to 7 days will give you the time to go hiking, visit more of-the-beaten-path attractions, or take a few day trips from Seoul. 

South Korea Visa Requirements

We didn’t need a visa and you probably won’t either except if you’re living in Africa or Asia.

Here you can check if you need a visa. 

K-ETA South Korea

If your country is part of Korea’s Visa Waiver program you won’t need a visa but you will need to apply for a K-ETA, a Korea Electron ic Travel Authorization . Do this at least 72 hours before your flight, the approval process can take this long and you will need to show the approved K-ETA to board your flight.

Make sure to enter all information exactly as it appears in your passport. The travel authorization will usually be valid for 2 years or until the expiry date of your passport if that expires earlier.

The K-ETA costs 10,000KRW (approx. $10 USD) at the time of writing.

The application can be done on the official site , if you feel uncertain about the process or want help with the paperwork you can use a visa agency like  iVisa  which will take care of everything for you.

Cheap Flights To Seoul

  Skyscanner and Momondo are both good sites to check for cheap flights. 

Read our full review of 10 booking sites here or check out this  post where we review 10 booking sites. 

How to Get From Incheon Airport to Seoul

Most international passengers will arrive at Incheon International Airport.

South Korea’s largest airport is 47km from Seoul Station , which is considered to be the center of Seoul.  The airport is well-connected to this station.

Some hotels have courtesy shuttles to Seoul station but if they don’t you could continue your journey with the subway, the train, the limousine bus, or organize a private transfer.

The A’REX Airport Express

The fastest and cheapest way to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station is using the A’REX Airport Express.

If you don’t have the Discover Seoul Pass, you can purchase your A’rex Airport Express tickets in advance here: A’rex Incheon Airport Express train tickets

Take The Limousine Bus

Another option is taking the limousine bus. There are 4 lines that stop at various places in Seoul.

• 6701 Airport: Seoul City Hall
• 6702 Airport: Dongdaemun/Namsan
• 6703 Airport: Gangnam/COEX
• 6705 Airport: Jamsil/East Seoul Bus Terminal

The buses run from early in the morning until 9 or 10 PM. Each bus has a slightly different schedule so definitely check the bus hours before booking a ticket.

Please refer to the Klook page to see which hotels are served by which bus.

How To Get Around Seoul? 

The easiest way to travel around Seoul is to use   the subway. 

Seoul’s subway is well-connected and quite cheap.

Single ride cards can be purchased on vending machines with coins and bills, credit cards are not accepted.

To avoid the hassle of buying tickets for each and every ride you can opt for the T-money recharge card .

T-Money Recharge Card

The card can be used on subways, buses, and taxis and you will save ₩100 on each subway and bus ride if you pay with this card. (not all taxis accept T-money, look for the T-money or Cashbee symbol or check with the driver before you get in)

The card can be recharged at the vending machines with coins and bills, credit cards are not accepted.

The card costs ₩2500 and this fee is not refundable. Cards can be bought in convenience stores a

At the end of your trip, you can get a refund of the funds that are still on the card minus a transaction fee of ₩500.

In addition to the regular T-money cards, there’re also some special editions that are exclusively available to tourists. We mention the most popular ones below.

Korea Tour Card

The Korea Tour card is a T-money card that can be used in the whole of Korea.

In addition to the comfort of just having to tap the card whenever you use public transportation, you also get discounts at a number of popular attractions, including Lotte World, Everland, and several more.

The Korea Tour card can also be bought in convenience stores and in a limited number of subway stations (at the airports and at Seoul Station).

The card costs ₩4000.

Users of Android phones can also use a digital version of the T-money card. It offers the same benefits. To pay for transportation you just tap your phone. NFC needs to be enabled and you need to have a data connection.

To top up the card you use the app on your phone. All major credit cards are accepted. Refunds can also be arranged in the app.

This card is a great deal as it is even cheaper than a regular T-money card. It costs ₩6000 and has a ₩5000 value that can be used towards rides.

Check prices and availability: Digital T-Money Tour Card ( Android Only)

Korail RailPlus Transport Card

In addition to the subway and busses, this card can also be used on Korail’s intercity trains, including the fast KTX trains. Some taxis also accept the Rail+ card and you can also pay your highway toll fees with this card.

You need to top up the card before you can use it. This can be done at the train and subway stations or in convenience stores. If you don’t want to use cash to add money to your card you can use the Rail Money App.

The card costs ₩2500.

Know that this card is not a T-money card. We’ve included it in our overview because it serves the same purpose and we particularly like it because you can use it to pay your highway tolls. It also offers a ₩100 discount on subways and busses (similar to T-money). You may never notice the difference with an actual T-money card but there can be instances where T-money cards are accepted but the Rail+ card isn’t.

At the end of your trip, you can go to a Korail station or eMart24 convenience store to have your remaining balance refunded.

Check prices and availability: RailPlus Card

M-pass card

During our first trip to Seoul, we used an M-pass card.

This is a transportation card exclusively for international tourists traveling in the Seoul metropolitan area.

M-PASS comes in five different durations: 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day passes. 

For the duration of the pass, you can do 20 free rides a day on the subway, and on the bus, and also the all-stop A’rex airport express is covered. 

You will only benefit from this card if you will be using public transport a lot, that’s also the reason we only got it once.

20 rides a day is normally more than enough but you can load extra funds on the card if needed as it basically is just another T-money card.  It cannot be used to pay for taxis though.

Discover Seoul Pass

If you plan to visit a lot of Seoul’s tourist attractions then the  Discover Seoul Pass is your ideal travel companion. 

The pass has a 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day variant and gives you discounted or free access to many top tourist destinations.

It also has a T-money function that will save you ₩2,500 of buying a separate T-Money card. As an extra benefit, you get one free one-way A’rex Express train ride.

Check prices and availability: Discover Seoul Pass

Discover Seoul Pass BTS

The Discover Seoul Pass is not always available. If it isn’t, you can see if they have the BTS edition.

It’s a 24hr edition of the Discover Seoul Pass without the T-money option. Instead, you get a Korea Tour T-money Card as a bonus.

The BTS edition covers the same attractions as the regular Discover Seoul Pass.

Check prices and availability: Discover Seoul Pass (24h+Korea Tour Card)

Hop-On-Hop-off Bus

If you don’t feel at ease using the subway, you can always jump on one of the hop-on-hop-off buses to see the highlights of Seoul.

They also have a special night tour where you drive along the river with the illuminated bridges and have beautiful views of the illuminated skyline of the city. Discover Seoul by night on a bus.

Where To Stay In Seoul

Seoul is a large city with lots of districts each with its own atmosphere and attractions.

Here we share the best places to stay for tourists and first-timers based on our own experience.

Myeongdong – City Center

Myeongdong  is right in the heart of Seoul’s city center.  This is one of the most popular places to stay. 

The Metro hotel is a good choice in Myeongdong. It is within walking distance of shopping areas, street food, and public transportation.

Insa-Dong – Palace Quarter

Insa-dong  is one of the most traditional and cultural districts in Seoul and a very touristy district.  The streets are lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and tea houses.  You are within walking distance of most palaces, the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, Bukchon Hanok village, and Gwanghwamum square

The Sunbee hotel lies in an excellent location for sightseeing. It is close to 2 subway stations, the Bukchon Hanok village, and the Seoul city center. You will also find many nice restaurants, tea houses, and cafes in the area.

For an overview of more amazing hotels in Seoul, check out the following posts:

• Where to stay in Seoul: Our ultimate guide that explains all areas in detail.
• 16 best hanok stays in Seoul: For those that one to experience a traditional stay.
• Cool hotels in Seoul: For those that are looking for a cool and comfortable hotel
• Best boutique hotels in Seoul : For those that are looking for a quintessential holiday experience in Seoul.
• Best Airbnbs in Seoul: For those that are looking for a list of vacation homes.

Organized Seoul tours

Here is an overview of the best-organized tours in Seoul. 

An organized tour saves you time and, moreover, the tour guide will enlighten you about the different sights you visit.

We selected 3 great tours in Seoul just for you.

• The DMZ: A visit to the Demilitarized zone is a must-do when visiting Seoul. Read more here.
• Seoul City Bus Tour : For those that want to comfortably discover the highlights of Seoul in a short amount of time.
• Nanta Show: For those that are looking for a fun night out in Seoul this nonverbal Nanta show is perfect for you. 

Internet in Seoul

The internet in Seoul is super-fast and many places offer free WiFi.

We don’t know why, but often our phones wouldn’t connect to these WiFi hotspots.

We, therefore, advise you to buy a local SIM card.

Another option is bringing or renting a Pocket Wifi Device.

Cash Is King for Visitors

Bring some cash money.

Koreans can swipe their cards everywhere but foreign cards are not always accepted.

We were surprised by the number of ATMs at Incheon airport, and even more surprised by the number of ATMs that didn’t accept our cards. 

We have been trying different machines for at least an hour before we found one that worked for us. 

Once we had left the airport things didn’t get better. 

It was always a hit or miss with the ATMs we tried.  There was no particular bank where we could say with certainty that our card would work.

The majority of times it wouldn’t work but luckily every once in a while the machine would start counting bills, a noise that made us very happy at that time. 🙂

We, therefore, advise strongly you to bring some cash money.

On the other hand, we had no problem at all using our cards for payments. Restaurants and shops would all accept our cards. We could also use it in hotels and for the deposit of our rental cars. The only place it wasn’t accepted was the highway toll booths, be sure to have some spare cash for those.

Handy Seoul Apps

• Korea Seoul Metro Navi will guide you quickly and efficiently through Seoul’s extended subway network.  The app calculates the fastest route to your destination.

Available on: Google Play – Apple

• Mangoplate is a good app to check for restaurant reviews and the best places to eat.

Do I Need Travel Insurance For Seoul

Flights are usually one of the most expensive and least flexible items in your travel expenses. 

To find a good deal on airfares you usually need to book a few months in advance and when you want a flexible rate you need to pay two- or threefold of the normal fares. 

Compare that with hotel bookings which you can book a few weeks in advance and where you only need to add a few euros to get the flexibility to cancel for free on the same day or one or two days in advance.

It would be a shame to lose this investment in a beautiful holiday through a stupid accident. 

Believe me, many things can happen in the run-up to your vacation. 

We once broke our leg in the last weeks before our vacation and had to cancel our travel plans.  

That’s why we always get travel insurance .

Travel insurance is much cheaper than paying for flexible airline tickets and protects you from any losses in case you need to cancel or change your plans. 

In addition, it covers a whole range of other things. 

Seoul is an amazing city where modern life and traditions go hand in hand.

We hope this itinerary for Seoul will help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Enjoy your trip!

Monday 3rd of June 2019

Help! We are going to Seoul in a week and im still not quite organized with our itinerary. We are planning to visit the Gyeongbokgung , Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village , Namsan Tower , MBC World, SM Town Theater, Trickeye Museum , Figure Museum , Grevin Living Museum and we only have a full 2 days to do this. Pls help me maximize our time, i tried to google which one is closest to one tourist destination but getting confused. We are planning to take train and will be staying in Myeongdong. Thanks

Tuesday 18th of June 2019

I'm sorry, we were traveling ourselves so we just saw your message now. Hopefully, it turned out fine and you had a wonderful time in Seoul.

Best regards,

Thursday 28th of March 2019

This is the best- by far- guide I've seen online. I am planning to visit South Korea in December (by myself). So, for a first timer like me, this is very helpful! :) Thank you!

Thanks a lot for your kind words. We do our best to provide in-depth information. We are happy you appreciate it.

Wednesday 20th of February 2019

Great post! It is so in-depth, and I really appreciate that. I completely agree with you that having 5-7 (or more) days in Seoul is best for exploring the city. There is so much to see and so many different neighbourhoods that having only 3 days would be so hectic. I was there for a week my first visit and 5 days my second visit and still feel like there is so much more to see. Yes to your suggestion to bring cash. I thought I could take cash out of an ATM on my first trip and was horribly wrong. It was incredibly stressful, and I ended up paying a large fee to take cash from my credit card because it was the only thing that worked. Cash really is king!

Thursday 21st of February 2019

Thanks for your nice comment.

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11 Famous Streets in Seoul You Must Visit (2024)

Seoul, South Korea, is one of the most vibrant, captivating, and modern cities in the world, with the perfect blend of age-old and futuristic locations. There are thousands of streets in this beautiful city, but some surely stand out more from the rest. 

There are many must-visit streets in Seoul that are simply iconic. These include Myeongdong Shopping Street, Ikseondong Culture Street, Daehakro Entertainment Street, Gangnam Shopping Street, Itaewon Food Street, and more.

While some of the streets are hidden gems, others are buzzing with popularity. In this article, we will guide you about the Seoul streets you absolutely need to visit when you’re in South Korea. 

Famous Seoul Streets To Visit:

1) myeongdong shopping street.

Full of life, lights, and people, this is an extremely famous street in the heart of the city. It is a popular tourist spot because there are so many shopping and eating places here. 

If you’re someone who loves Korean beauty and fashion, you need to go to Myeongdong and take a look at the luxury stores on this street. Lotte and Shinsaegae also have massive stores here. Plus, the food carts have a variety of delicacies at affordable prices. A must-try is their popular French-fry coated corndog.

You can also get a taste of rich history by visiting the Myeongdong Cathedral nearby. The street is perfect for an afternoon or night visit. However, the only catch is that it is an extremely busy and crowded place.

Location: Take Myeongdong Subway station on Seoul Subway Line No. 4, then get out on Exit 6/7. Or, you can take Euljiro 1-ga Station on Seoul Subway line No. 2 and then get out on Exit 5/6.

2) Ikseondong Culture Street

Another unique street area that deserves a visit from any tourist in the capital of South Korea is Ikseondong. If you want to take a ride through history and tradition, this hanok neighborhood has just the right architecture. But what makes these streets truly stand out is the enchanting fusion of modern and ancient.

In fact, it is also a super hip neighborhood with stores offering contemporary Korean fashion. You can also visit the street to try out some of the best international cuisines in Seoul. This area is on the pricey side, so you should have plenty of cash if you’re planning to drink or dine here. 

There is so much to see in Ikseondong because of the fascinating concepts in the cafes and restaurants. You’ll find indoor lakes, stepping stones on water, and even an indoor shooting range. Many of the artsy designs are made by young artists. 

It is also a great place to capture Instagrammable moments as there are colorful shops and alleys known as “photo zones” in this cultural street. 

Location: 6 min walk from the Jongno District

3) Namdaemun Market Street

Namdaemun is the largest market in the city of Seoul. It is a traditional yet modernized market with almost every type of item available. Whether its clothes, purses, shoes, souvenirs, or food supplies, you will find everything here. And the best part? You can purchase inexpensive yet high-quality merchandise from this particular market. 

Another great aspect of Namdaemun is how tourist-friendly it is. You can easily find vendors who can understand and even speak English. Plus, there are helpful attendants to assist you with money conversions or directions. 

If you visit this lively marketplace, some foods you must try include Japchae Hotteok Pancakes, Mandu, Dakkochi, Bungeo-ppang, and Kalguksu. 

Location: Namdaemun Market is a short walk from the Hoehyeon Station. Take Subway Line 4, and take Exit 5.

4) Daehakro Entertainment Street

This is a hidden gem adored by the locals and often unknown to tourists in Seoul. This underrated yet charming place is always full of life and people no matter what time it is. The street is a perfect spot for youngsters as there is so much to do here. 

Daehakro can also be a perfect date night destination or a romantic stroll at night. You will find concerts, plays, and musicals happening on the street side. Or you can head over to the local cafes and restaurants and try out local or international cuisine.

If you step away from the shops and cafes, you can visit the Ihwa mural village nearby. Here, you will find old, rustic buildings painted with vivid colors and quirky images.

Overall, Daehakro has a chill, laid-back vibe that makes it distinct from other streets in Seoul. 

Location: Located directly outside Exit no. 4 of Hyehwa Station in Jongno-gu.

5) Cheonggyecheon Stream Street

Another picturesque concept in Seoul is the stream in Cheonggyecheon with paths on the sides. This natural walkway is ideal for a soothing stroll with lovely lighting, sitting areas, and gorgeous views. Tourists, couples, families, and even office workers often take a “nature break” at Cheonggyecheon Stream. 

After the famous Han River, this is the second-most popular water attraction in Seoul. You can visit the eastern end of the stream for a walk, while the Dongdaemun and Gwangwhamun sides have different offerings. 

On the Gwangwhamun part, you will find lots of bars, cafes, and restaurants with views of the stream. Whereas the Dongdaemun side has the main market and you can easily access large malls from here. 

At night, the colorful lights make the stream glitter in its full glory. This is one spot every tourist must visit when in Seoul.

Location: You can take Subway Line 5 that goes to Gwanghwamun Station and then Exit 5. Alternatively, you can take Seoul Subway Line 1 or 2 heading to City Hall Station and Exit 4. These stations are near the Cheonggye Plaza, located at the starting point of the Cheonggyecheon Stream.  

6) Garosugil Luxury Shopping Street

If you’re someone who loves fancy, luxurious vibes then this street is the one you need to visit. Garosugil Street is situated in one of the richest neighborhoods of Seoul. The moment you take a glimpse of it, you just know that this place has a vibe of its own. 

This upscale street is located in Southern Seoul , in Sinsa-Dong. It is the go-to shopping place for fashion enthusiasts and even celebrities, so you will also have a chance of bumping into your favorite K-pop star. 

The sides of the street are lined with well-maintained trees and greenery, adding to its lush look. In fact, Garosugil literally means “Gingko tree-lined street”. There are boutiques, shops with large windows, and fancy cafes for visitors. But one of the best sights here is the fashion-savvy crowd in eye-catching dresses!

You should also know that the only Apple Store in Seoul is also situated on this street. Plus, there are lots of designers and luxury stores as well as vintage ones, selling classic second-hand pieces.

Location: The street runs from the Sinsa Station (Subway Line 3) all the way to Hyeondae high school. Taking the subway is recommended as it can easily get you there. 

7) Bukchon Hanok Street

This street is home to a historical village located on top of a hill between Changdeok Palace, Gyeongbok Palace, and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the most famous areas in South Korea and is super popular for its cute, old-school feel and sweeping views.

Dating all the way back to the Joseon dynasty, the village is lined with hundreds of hanok (traditional Korean) houses. Many of these hanoks are now open to visitors who want to learn about and experience the traditions and old Korean way of living.

You can visit the Bukchon Hanok street in the village and stop by at the tea houses and guesthouses here. Tourists can also try on historic Korean dresses and get their photos taken. 

As this is a residential area, visitors are advised to stay respectful and avoid creating a disturbance. 

Location: You can reach the Bukchon Hanok Village by taking the subway to Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3). Then, take Exit 3 and head to your right. 

8) Hongdae Party Street

Are you looking for food, drinks, partying, and nightlife in Seoul ? You need to head over to Hongdae Street. This is a hotspot for the youngsters in Seoul and has tons of fun activities to offer. Among the three famous nightlife districts in Seoul, this one also happens to be the most affordable.

There are clubs, restaurants, and lots of shopping centers in Hongdae. As the street mostly caters to the younger lot, you can easily find the latest tech, accessories, and fashion here. Plus, there are some unique cafes like the Akdong Healing Cafe with live raccoons and cute animals to play with. 

It is recommended to visit Hongdae street in the evening as the place comes to life once the sun sets. You will come across street acts, performers, and all types of entertainment. And of course, lots and lots of partying.

However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, visiting in the morning or early afternoon is a better idea. 

Location: The street is situated right in front of Hongik University.

9) Itaewon Food Street

Are you a foodie looking to try delicacies from every corner of the world? Itaewon food street offers Indian, Mexican, Brazilian, Italian, and all kinds of Korean food all in one place. However, it is mainly people who want to have international cuisine who visit this street the most. 

One of the best aspects of Itaewon food street is its diversity. The amalgam of cultures and people from different places makes it an experience of its own kind.

In the spring and autumn season, you will enjoy the fresh night breeze, the gleaming ambiance from neon lights, and people enjoying their food on outdoor tables or simply walking around. And the sound of music is the cherry on top.

Some of the most loved restaurants here include Cleo, Privilege Bar, Blind Spot, Braai Republic, Jonny Dumpling, and Petra.

Location: You can simply take the subway from the Seoul Station to Samgakji Station 4. Or, you can take the subway (Line 6) from the Samgakji Station to Itaewon Station 6.

10) Gangnam Shopping Street

Oppa Gangnam Style? Yes, the smash-hit song refers to this buzzing area in Seoul. In fact, this may be the “most famous” street in Seoul as it has been featured in several international music videos as well. 

This shopping street offers the latest in Korean fashion , technology, and beauty. You’ll find local as well as international brands like Zara, Etude House, Under Armour, Innisfree, MUJI, INDIBRAND, Nike, and ABC-Mart. 

You can stop here to enjoy drinks in the evening or have a scrumptious meal at one of the cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of mouthwatering options and familiar names like Shake Shack, Starbucks, The Brasserie, and Line Friends Cafe. 

The main street consists of upper-end and luxury stores, whereas the backside portion has more interesting offerings. The area comes alive once the darkness sets in and people visit Gangnam to party.

Although this area is quite popular among the youth, you can expect to see older audiences and people in their late 20s and up. 

Location: Take line 2/Sinbundang, Exit 10/11 from Gangnam Station. Then, exit directly to  Gangnam-daero. Or take Line 9, Exit 5/6 from Sinnonhyeon Station, and exit to Gangnam-daero.

11) Mangwon-dong Cafe Street

The Mangwon-dong neighborhood has many layers to it; with Han River park on one end and the Mangwon market on the other. There was a time when this was the “poor area” of Seoul. However, it is now one of the cutest, most Insta-worthy streets with so much to offer. 

It is a place you can head to when you want to have a relaxing time, indulge in sweet desserts, and have fun photo sessions with your friends.

If you’re an Instagram lover, some of the best places to visit here include Coffe Shop Dongkyung, Founyard Bakeshop, and Atmosphere. Another famous place is Cafe Zapangi which has an adorable pink vending machine as its entrance. 

Although the main appeal of Mangwon-dong is the cafes, you can also find vegan and vegetarian food places and luxurious restaurants here. 

Overall, the prices are on the higher side compared to other standard streets of Seoul. Still, it is a place absolutely worth exploring for its trendiness.

Location: You can reach Mangwon-dong by getting off from Mangwon Station and taking Exit 2. Now head to the residential area on the West.

Wrapping things up…

The streets of Seoul are filled with wonder, imagination, art, and history that visitors love to take in. There are places that represent tradition, and others that ooze luxury and a modern lifestyle. 

Our top 11 picks for Seoul streets to visit will add a whole array of experiences to your trip. With delicious food, designer clothes, art galleries, photography spots, and places with lovely views, you will have so much to do in the capital of South Korea. 

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .