Seoul is pretty hard to miss when you’re in Asia. Standing proudly as South Korea’s capital, Seoul offers everything for every kind of traveler. Here you can find UNESCO World Heritage Sites and busy traditional markets, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and state-of-the-art structures living harmoniously with each other. With these many attractions, you won’t have a hard time looking for things to do in Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the Five Grand Palaces constructed during the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395, the majestic residence became home to many royal families throughout the years. Although it suffered from many destructions, the local government was able to rebuild and preserve it to what it is today. When visiting, make sure to allow enough time to explore its many courts, pavilions, and bridges. A day here also wouldn’t be complete without catching the changing of the guards or renting a Hanbok, Korea’s traditional dress.
Perched at the top of Namsan Mountain, and you’ll find the N Seoul Tower. Also called the Namsan Tower, the communication and observation tower stands at 236m, making it one of the highest points in the city. If you’re looking for things to do in Seoul at night, make sure to add N Seoul Tower to your list. You can catch a cable car ride going up and see the city light up from above once the sun is out! Just schedule your visit during weekdays for a hassle-free time.
There are plenty of free things to do in Seoul, and one of which is Hangang Park. This green space made up of 12 parks is teeming with tourist attractions! Many locals head here to relax, spend time with nature, play sports, or even admire the many art displays around the area. Some of the must-see sites here include the Banpo Bridge, the 63 Building, and Sebitseom. Come by in summer, and you can catch the Hangang Summer Festival or drop by during spring and witness the Hangang Spring Flower Festival!
Nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung is Bukchon Hanok Village. This lovely neighborhood comprising over 900 hanok or traditional Korean houses, will take you back to the city’s Joseon era. You’ll find yourself amazed by the beautifully-preserved homes as you get lost in its many alleyways. To make your stroll even more memorable, you can also opt to rent a hanbok or traditional Korean attire for some incredible photos! Since Bukchon Hanok is a popular spot in Seoul, visiting early in the morning is still advisable to beat the crowd.
If you’re looking to dive into Seoul’s nightlife festivities, then visiting or even staying in Itaewon-dong should be part of your itinerary. It is the city’s international district that’s famous for being a residential area for foreigners as well as home to cosmopolitan eateries that serve dishes from various cuisines across the world, lively clubs with bopping music, and chill bars. Foodies and party heads will enjoy spending their time in Itaewon-dong, especially at night when it is most vibrant.
If you’re looking for things to do in Seoul that both adults and kids will enjoy, then a day at Lotte World should be part of your visit. This colossal entertainment hub opened in 1989 and is home to the world’s largest indoor theme park, outdoor amusement park, shopping malls, an ice-skating rink, a cinema multiplex, and a Korean folk museum, and more! To maximize your visit, come as early as soon as the gates open and schedule it on a weekday to avoid long queues.
Cheonggyecheon is a 10.9km-long public space that was once an unattended stream covered by an elevated highway. After an expensive makeover, it’s now a cherished escape of locals after a long day of work. If you’re looking for things to do in Seoul in summer, you can head here and join the many city-dwellers that dip their feet in its refreshing waters. Make sure to stop by both day and night and see the modern oasis transform before your eyes.
Standing mightily in northern Seoul, and you’ll find Bukhan Mountain or Bukhansan. It’s a popular natural attraction in the city, attracting over 5 million visitors every year. You can choose between three major peaks and different hiking courses, whichever will suit you best. Once at the top, you’ll be surrounded by lush greeneries and a stunning view of Seoul. If you’re planning to climb Bukhansan, make it a weekday hike to avoid the surge of hikers on weekends.
One of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul is Gwangjang Market. Previously known as Dongdaemun Market, it houses over 5,000 shops selling everything from textiles to fresh produce and savory local food. Some of the must-try items here include mandu (Korean dumplings), soondae (blood sausage), and bindaetteok (mung bean pancake). Gwangjang is busiest at night, so best to visit here in the afternoon if you prefer a less crowded experience.
Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil is a picturesque shopping destination in Seoul. The street is lined with charming ginkgo trees that turn gold once the autumn season sets in. Aside from these photo-worthy natural shades, many locals flock to Sinsa-dong for its high-end fashion stores, one-of-a-kind coffee shops, and homegrown cosmetic boutiques. The area is also a well-known filming location for a lot of Korean dramas and movies, so don’t be surprised if you see one during your visit.
Seoul is known for its century-old traditional palaces, most of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bustling markets, and unique structures. Fans of the Hallyu or the Korean Wave, also visit the city to experience firsthand Korea’s culture, from their delicious food to catchy K-pop music.
The best time to visit Seoul is during spring, between March to May, and autumn season, between September to November. Spring is when cherry blossoms in Seoul are in full bloom, while in autumn, all trees turn into gold. During these seasons, the weather is also nice and comfortable, and the hotels are at their lowest rates.
There are plenty of neighborhoods in Seoul, each with its own personality! If you prefer to stay at the heart of the city, you can head to Insadong as it is close to many major attractions. Myeongdong, on the other hand, is perfect for young tourists who want to experience modern Seoul. Lastly, you can also consider Gangnam, a stylish district dubbed as Korea’s Beverly Hills.