Whether it’s your first time in Seoul or you’re back for more, this guide covers 21 can’t-miss things to do in South Korea’s capital.
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Intro
Seoul is a place where tradition and trend exist side by side. One moment you’re walking through centuries-old palace grounds and the next you’re surrounded by neon lights, street food stalls, and contemporary architecture. This makes the city so worth exploring and if you’re wondering where to start, I gathered a list of 21 things to do in Seoul.
Recommended Seoul Tours & Activities
Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended Seoul tours, activities and attractions:
Seoul Attractions Map
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Seoul post. The points are color-coordinated as:
- Traditional Seoul Attractions → DARK BLUE
- Modern & Trendy Seoul Attractions → LIGHT ORANGE
- Seoul Views → PURPLE
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE SEOUL MAP:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Click a Colored Point of Interest | Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest |
| Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right | Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account |
| On Larger Map view, click the STAR ☆ under “Seoul Attractions“ | Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account to access anytime on Computer* or on Phone App** |
| *On Computer: In your Google Maps, Click “Saved” on left bar → Click “Maps” → Click “Seoul Attractions“ | **On Phone App: In your Google Maps app, Click “You” on bottom bar → Scroll to bottom → Click “Maps” → Click “Seoul Attractions“ |
21 Things to Do in Seoul
Traditional Seoul
Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Zen Buddhism. Even though it’s located downtown, the temple feels both calm and peaceful, a nice contrast to the bustling city of Seoul. Here’s there’s a beautiful ceiling of lanterns, each colored bright and vibrantly, next to a peaceful and serene temple. Before entering the temple, you are required to remove your shoes at the doorway and also absolutely no photos once inside!
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the grandest and most iconic of Seoul’s royal palaces. Here you can wander through the vast courtyards, admire the intricate architecture, and, if timing allows, watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate at 10 AM. It also happens at 2 PM if you prefer to go in the afternoon. It’s important to note that the changing of the guards does not happen on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly!
National Folk Museum of Korea
Located within the palace grounds is the National Folk Museum of Korea, which provides helpful context about traditional Korean life, customs, and history. It’s an easy add-on and worth a short visit.
Gwangjang Market
The Gwangjang Market is one of Seoul’s oldest and most beloved traditional markets. This is the place to try classic Korean street foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteoknokki, and the famous Maya gimbal. The market is lively, bustling and full of local flavors and smells. Definitely a must visit for food lovers. There are also small shops where you can buy some souvenirs.
Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsamgol Hanok Village is a traditional village kept for display with restored traditional homes that show what life was life during the Joseon Dynasty. It is much quieter than Bukchon and you get an amazing view of the Tower from here.
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village e is a trendy neighborhood that blends historic hanok houses with modern cafes, boutique shops, and dessert spots. Here you can wander the narrow alleys, cafe hop, and take a short coffee/tea break.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a popular traditional village with beautifully preserved hanok homes. This area is residential (and therefore quieter) but it does get crowded… So be mindful of noise levels since people do still live here. The streets do close promptly at 5 PM to allow the residents peace and quiet as the sun sets.
Ginseng Center
Visit a traditional ginseng center to learn about Korea’s most famous herbal remedy. While there is a sales aspect, it’s still an interesting cultural insight into Korean wellness traditions. Free samples are provided to help you in any shopping decisions.
Modern & Trendy Seoul
Insadong
Insadong, one of Seoul’s most charming neighborhoods. This area is known for traditional Korean restaurants, teahouses, and souvenir shops. It’s the perfect place to try dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi while soaking up a more traditional atmosphere.
Starfield Library
Starfield Library is located inside COEX Mall, with towering bookshelves, an open design, and is one of Seoul’s most instamous photo spots. Even if you’re not a bookie/reader, I’m sure you’re still going to enjoy this spot!
Starfield Library (Suwon)
If you want to venture out of the city to visit another Starfield library, then check out the Starfield Library in Suwon. This one is a lot farther (outside of Seoul), but is also really beautiful and grandeur.
Gangnam Style Sculpture
A large sculpture that represents the famous Gangnam Style Song by PSY with large hands in the iconic Gangnam Style dance.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
The Dongdaemum Design Plaza is a futuristic landmark designed by Saha Hadid. Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior alone is worth seeing and gawking at (especially for the architecture lovers out there)
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Myeongdong Shopping Street is a lively area is packed with beauty stores (Olivia Young!!!), fashion shops and food street stalls. The streets light up with tall neon lights signs, and is a great place to shop, snack and experience Seoul’s energetic nightlife vibe.
Forest Outings Cafe
Forest Outings is a greenhouse-style cafe just outside central Seoul. It is a bit farther, but I think it’s worth the visit! Inside the cafe is a beautiful indoor forest with cute and whimsical ceiling fixtures that really give this cafe a magical and unique vibe. Not to mention the pastries and coffee were really good too!
Cafe Pokpo
Cafe Pokpo is known for its views of a small waterfall and relaxed atmosphere. It’s worthy of a visit to enjoy some coffee, breakfast, with an amazing waterfall view.
Chasing Views
Bukchon Observatory
While in the Bukchon Hanok Village, visit the Bukchon Observatory, which offers a great viewpoint above the traditional homes where you’ll see rows of tiled hanok rooftops framed by the tall modern building in the distance. The view is especially beautiful during sunset.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream is a peaceful pathway that winds through the city with plenty of people enjoying a stroll and stream-side vibes.
N Seoul Tower
The famous N Seoul Tower is located on Namsan Mountain. You can either take the cable car up or a bus up, but the cable car line was not long at all and is a great way to see Seoul as you ascend up the mountain.
Once at the top of the mountain, there are amazing views of the city, and a wooden walkways where hundreds of love locks were left by couples. You can even purchase or bring your own love lock to put on the fence if you want to leave a mark.
If you want, you can also purchase a ticket to go up the Tower to the observation deck to get an even high view of Seoul. If you time your visit right, you can watch the sunset from up here 🙂
Seoul Sky
Seoul Sky is the observation deck located on Lotte World Tower’s upper floors. From here, you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views across Seoul! Who doesn’t love a good bird’s-eye-view of the city 🙂
Seokchon Lake Park
Seokchon Lake Park wraps around the base of Lotte World Tower. This scenic walking path offers beautiful reflections of the skyscraper on the water and it’s a great spot for photos.
Seoul Forest Park
If you love nature, then head to the Seouls Forest Park. The park is especially stunning during cherry blossom season in spring and golden foliage in autumn.
Where to Stay in Seoul
In Seoul, I stayed at the Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong, which is centrally located and within walking distance to Myeongdong Shopping Street with tons of eating and shopping options right nearby. Book your stay by clicking here, or check availability for your dates below and click “Search”:
South Korea Travel Guides
🗺️ The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary in Seoul
🏮 Review of the “Seoul City Sightseeing Tour” Exploring Seoul
Final Words
These 21 things to do in Seoul lets you mix history, food, nature, and modern city life. No matter how long you stay, you’re going to want to return to Seoul to see and experience something new.
What was your favorite thing to do in Seoul?
Let me know in the comments below!
(korean “thank you!”)
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