Discover the best things to do in Seoul, where history and modernity seamlessly intertwine. This is exemplified by historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung and modern architectural masterpieces like Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
But as much as these big attractions define the city, different experiences, like jumping headfirst into the K-pop scene, hiking the bastions of the city walls, or exploring art-filled neighborhoods like Ihwa Mural Village, will help you dive deeper into what makes Seoul tick.
Add in some creative energy, fantastic food, plus a friendly populace, and you’ll quickly find out that the South Korean capital is a wonderful place to spend some time.
Experience Gyeongbokgung Palace’s History
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most iconic sites in Korea, is a must-visit. When you rent a hanbok, a traditional Korean style of dress here, you’ll take on the historical spirit of the palace, plus you’ll also get free admission.
This vast place is full of traditional Joseon dynasty architecture. As you wander about, decked out in your colorful hanbok, take in the colorful pageantry of the changing of the guard in front of the main gate; a beautiful and elaborate ritual worthy of lots of photos.
Inside the palace grounds, you can also visit the National Palace Museum, with its large collection of artifacts from the Joseon era. It will provide you with a valuable understanding of the grandeur of Korea’s glorious past.
Sample Street Food at Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is Seoul’s street food hub. A trip to Korea isn’t complete without tasting your way through this lively space.
As one of Korea’s oldest traditional markets, this is the place to try some of the best bindaetteok, or mung bean pancakes, in Seoul. Not to mention chewy tteokbokki—spicy rice cakes—or sundae, Korean-style blood sausage, or perhaps some fermented banchan Korean side dishes or marinated blue crabs.
While indulging your belly and navigating the maze of food stalls, you can also scope out fabrics and vintage clothing or pick up small trinkets and souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Gwangjang Market.
Meditate & Drink Tea at Bongeunsa Temple
Bongeunsa Temple
For a change of pace, enter the tranquil world of Bongeunsa, a Buddhist temple with centuries of history behind it, located in the southern Gangnam district.
During your visit, you can participate in meditation classes or take part in a traditional tea ceremony. For those looking for true inner peace, Bongeunsa even offers temple stays, letting you experience the life of a monk for a day or two.
Whether you opt for a Da-Seon tea ceremony, a meditation workshop focusing on breath work, or a stroll through the serene temple complex, you will be met with gardens, statues, and exquisite architecture. The temple is the perfect place to help you glean a bit more about Korean Buddhism while hopefully putting your body and mind at ease.
Dive into K-Pop Culture
Concert in Seoul
Seoul is the epicenter of K-pop, and the best way to absorb this world is to visit a few K-pop sites. Get started on K-Star Road in Gangnam, which features life-sized statues of some of the biggest groups, depicted as bears.
Next, you can visit the famous Gangnam Style statue, with its large gold-colored hands, and snap a selfie. If you want something more interactive, sign up for a K-pop dance course at one of many of the dance studios in town that teach the moves to the latest K-pop tunes.
Last but not least, if you’re a diehard enthusiast, pay your homage at the home offices of K-pop entertainment conglomerates like SM Town or YG Entertainment, as these spots are full of K-pop-inspired art and adoring K-pop fans..
Shop for Traditional Korean Crafts in Insadong
Insadong
Visit the Insadong neighborhood for traditional Korean wares. This bustling district is filled with shops selling crafts such as handmade pottery, hanji paper goods, and elaborate hanboks ranging from traditional to more contemporary in design.
As you wander, watch artisans making and selling pottery, visit a traditional tea house for Korean teas brewed from herbs and flowers, take in street performances, or visit some modern galleries like the Insa Art Center.
Hike Along Seoul City Wall
Seoul City Wall
Seoul City Wall, built as a Joseon dynasty defensive barrier, with construction starting in 1396, still rings part of the city center. You can hike it today to see dramatically different views of Seoul’s building-packed skyline.
With more than 11 miles of wall to trek, you’ll be treated to forested areas, the remnants of ancient gates and fortifications, plus picturesque spots perfect for photos, where you can also mull over Seoul’s centuries-old defensive ramparts.
If you’re a history buff, ramble along part or all of the Seoul City Wall to enjoy the incredible vistas of the capital of South Korea from its ancient fortress wall.
Experience Parish Life at Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village rolls back time as you stroll between the rows of traditional hanok houses here, offering you glimpses into the once-daily lives of the nobles and royal family members that used to reside here.
The area is centered along narrow stone-paved alleyways, with roadside cultural centers, traditional tea houses, and handicraft workshops sandwiched into the constricted spaces.
As you admire traditional Korean architecture here, note the juxtaposition between the hanok design styles and the modern buildings and skyscrapers surrounding the village.
Bukchon’s panoramic city views make it one of the best things to do in Seoul, especially if you want to take in the capital while immersing yourself in traditional Korean culture.
Explore Ihwa Mural Village
Ihwa Mural Village Photo by William Warby on Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Get off the beaten path and make your way to Ihwa Mural Village, a semi-hidden urban oasis of quirky art scattered along the hilly streets of a neighborhood in northern Seoul that was once slated for demolition.
Instead of demolition, artists came to the rescue, filling the walls and stairways here with creative murals and paintings.
Walk along Ihwa Mural Village’s narrow streets and soak up the whimsical street art on display, which features brightly colored illustrations, plus some delightful views of downtown Seoul.
Seek Thrills at Lotte World
Lotte World
Korea’s largest indoor-outdoor theme park, Lotte World Adventure, is a must for anyone who’s young at heart or bringing their children along for their travels.
Lotte World offers thrill-seekers roller coasters, an indoor balloon ride, and the opportunity to glide smoothly across a massive indoor ice rink. The outdoor portion of the park, built on an artificial island in a lake, links up with the main building via a monorail.
The carousels, live magic shows, and other amusements here will return you to your childhood; Lotte World is fun for young and old alike.
Tour Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a prison-turned-museum. This notorious prison once held Korean independence fighters, who were imprisoned and tortured here during Japan’s occupation of Korea.
A museum visit will provide you with a window into Korea’s painful past through artifacts, personal stories, and a timeline of events compiled from different sources, all designed to create a sobering educational experience.
If you want to learn how it must have felt to be a Korean ruled by Japan between 1910 and 1945 while garnering some insight into the resilience of Koreans, visit Seodaemun Prison History Hall, located in Independence Park. Here, you’ll also find Dongnimmun Gate and other monuments related to Korea’s turbulent past.
Feel Seoul’s Creative Street Vibes at Hongdae
Hongdae
One of the best places to visit in Seoul, Hongdae is the pulsating center of the city’s youth. It has a vibrant arts scene, so if you’re interested in creative street culture, you shouldn’t miss a trip to this electric neighborhood.
Upon arrival, you’ll quickly see that Hongdae is filled with live music, performance artists, and indie art galleries, which display the best of Seoul’s underground spirit. In the evening, the neighborhood transforms into an illuminated nightlife district as the bars and clubs take over.
During the day, check out the hip boutiques and the themed cafés, including animal coffee shops, where you can drink hot beverages while petting cats, dogs, and even lambs; a café decked out in pink; plus other quirky cafés where you can while away your time.
Take an Urban Walk Along Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Enjoy nature in downtown Seoul by taking a stroll along the tranquil, seven-mile Cheonggyecheon Stream, which runs through the heart of the city.
This revitalized waterway will offer you the perfect spot for a scenic walk or a peaceful moment of reflection among pathways bordered by trees, benches, and public art installations.
During the day, it’s fairly quiet, but at night, it takes on another character as LED light installations bathe the area in a kaleidoscope of color.
There are also events held here at certain times of the year, including live performances and art shows. While the stream is serene, there are a few sections where plunging stairways and concrete basins create cascading falls, adding another dimension to this urban waterway.
Sample Itaewon’s Culture Mashup
Itaewon
Itaewon is a brilliant place for a cultural mashup. The neighborhood, once a somewhat seedier district linked to a US military base, is now a vibrant international area with a strong LGBTQ+ presence, plus lots of great food.
The restaurant variety in Itaewon is tremendous, ranging from Middle Eastern and American-style burgers to tacos and fusion cuisine. You’ll be endlessly entertained by Itaewon’s array of cafés, neon lights, and eclectic shops; visiting this area is one of the coolest things to do in Seoul.
Once you’re replete with food and drink, it’s a quick stroll to the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, which hosts classic Korean art and avant-garde modern pieces, offering refined culture in addition to Itaewon’s grittier streetside ambiance.
Study Martial History at the War Memorial of Korea
War Memorial of Korea
If you find military history fascinating, spend several hours studying Korea’s war history at the War Memorial of Korea, a thought-provoking place to visit.
The site, divided into indoor and outdoor areas, covers Korea’s entire military history, from ancient times to the modern era’s Korean War.
The outdoor area is by far the best part for most visitors—you can walk among the military technology on display here, including army tanks, fighter jets, and even naval ships.
Inside, relive the country’s war history through interactive displays. The War Memorial is a well-designed, well-curated space, ideal for history buffs or anyone looking to learn more about Korea’s martial past.
Attend an Exhibition at Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza, designed by superstar architect Zaha Hadid, is a futuristic work of art that has become one of Seoul’s most recognizable landmarks. This fluid, magical building, finished in 2014, is popular with architecture lovers and Instagrammers alike.
Naturally, you can snap some great photos of the building from the outside. Inside, you can check out cutting-edge exhibitions from fashion shows to art installations, which rotate throughout the year.
You can also book an architectural tour of the building, shop for unique Korean art and designs in the Design Store, or simply wander around the sleek passageways to experience some of Seoul’s latest design trends.
Ride the Cable Car to Namsan Seoul Tower
Namsan Seoul Tower
For one of the best views of Seoul, take the cable car up to Namsan Seoul Tower on top of Namsan Mountain. The ride itself will provide you with amazing views, while the vistas from the observation deck make this trip a truly memorable thing to do in Seoul.
You’ll come across different attractions at the tower, including several restaurants, plus some fun exhibits, such as the K-POP Star Photo Booth and the sparkling, LED-lit Tunnel of Love.
Also, make sure you stop at the “love lock” fences where couples place padlocks to symbolize their enduring love. If you have some extra time on your hands, you can also hike up to Namsan Tower, which will afford you spectacular views of downtown Seoul along the way.
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