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There are an array of things to do in South Korea, with Seoul sharing quite a few of those!
Seoul is a city that never sleeps – its vibrant energy pulses through the streets, drawing you in with its colorful lights and lively atmosphere.
It’s a city that’s both modern and steeped in tradition, where you can wander through ancient palaces and temples one minute, and then pop into a trendy cafe or bar the next.
There’s a certain magic in the air in Seoul that makes you feel like anything is possible, and with so many things to do and discover, you’ll be swept up in the excitement in no time.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Seoul:
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a magnificent 14th-century palace located in central Seoul, South Korea. It was once the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.
What to see or do: Explore the vast palace complex, including its stunning halls, gates, and courtyards. Be sure to catch the changing of the guard ceremony to see the guards dressed in traditional attire.
Visit the National Palace Museum of Korea, which showcases historical artifacts from the Joseon dynasty.
Don’t miss: Witness the awe-inspiring architecture of the Geunjeongjeon Hall, where the king conducted official business. Head to the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which served as the site for royal banquets.
Walk along the tranquil Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, located on a small island in a picturesque pond.
Insider travel tips: Consider renting a traditional Korean hanbok to wear while exploring the palace grounds.
2. N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)
An iconic landmark and observation deck located on Namsan Mountain.
What to see or do: Take the elevator up to the observation deck for stunning panoramic views of Seoul. Dine at one of the tower’s restaurants or cafes, or visit the souvenir shops on the ground floor.
Don’t miss: The tower’s famous “Locks of Love” area, where visitors can attach a padlock to a fence as a symbol of their love and commitment.
Insider travel tips: Visit the tower at sunset for breathtaking views of the city as it lights up at night. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike up Namsan Mountain instead of taking the cable car or taxi.
3. Myeong-dong street shopping area
Myeong-dong is a bustling commercial district in Seoul, South Korea, known for its trendy fashion boutiques and cosmetic stores.
What to see or do: Go shopping at the numerous stores and street vendors offering fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and K-pop merchandise.
Take a break and grab a snack from the plentiful food stalls that offer an array of Korean snacks and street food.
Don’t miss: Visit the giant flagship stores of K-beauty brands like Etude House, Innisfree, and Tony Moly for the perfect Korean skincare experience.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, visit early morning or during weekdays. Be sure to bargain with vendors to get the best prices on your favorite merchandise.
Also, try the infamous cream cheese corn dogs sold by various vendors around the area.
4. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a well-preserved traditional Korean village in the heart of Seoul that showcases Korean architecture, culture, and history.
What to see or do: Stroll through the winding alleys and narrow streets lined with over 900 traditional Korean houses (hanoks), many of which are still inhabited by locals, and get a glimpse of what life was like for Koreans during the Joseon Dynasty.
Explore the numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, and participate in traditional Korean activities such as tea ceremonies and handicraft workshops.
Don’t miss: Visiting the Bukchon Observatory to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the village and the surrounding city. Checking out the Gahoe Museum, which displays over 5,000 rare and valuable Korean artifacts, including ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the village has steep and narrow steps that can be quite tiring to walk on. Visit the village early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and get better photo opportunities.
Respect the privacy of the locals living in the village and avoid making too much noise.
5. Changdeokgung Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Five Grand Palaces built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty in South Korea.
What to see or do: Explore the various buildings and gardens that make up the palace complex, including the throne hall, royal residential areas, and the Secret Garden.
Don’t miss: The Secret Garden, which is only accessible through a guided tour. The garden boasts various pavilions, ponds, and a beautiful lotus pond.
Insider travel tips: Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines on the day of your visit. Wear comfortable shoes as the palace grounds are vast and require quite a bit of walking.
Visit in the spring or fall for the best views of the palace gardens.
6. Hongdae (Hongik University) street area
A vibrant and trendy neighborhood in Seoul, known for its youthful energy and artistic atmosphere.
What to see or do: Explore the colorful streets and alleys filled with graffiti, murals, and street performances. Visit the numerous trendy cafes, boutique shops, and galleries.
Catch a live music performance or attend a cultural event at the Hongik University area.
Don’t miss: Hongdae Free Market, where artists and designers showcase their unique creations. Hongdae Walking Street, a pedestrian-only street filled with shops and street food vendors.
Trick Eye Museum, an interactive 3D art museum.
Insider travel tips: Visit Hongdae on weekends when it’s most lively, but be prepared for larger crowds. Try the Korean-style fried chicken at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Take a stroll along the nearby Haneul Park for stunning views of the city skyline.
7. Lotte World Theme Park
Lotte World is a massive indoor and outdoor theme park located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea.
What to see or do: Lotte World offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors of all ages, including thrilling rides, live performances, parades, a folk museum, and an ice rink.
Some of the must-see attractions include the Gyro Drop, Atlantis Adventure, and the Magic Island.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the nightly parade featuring colorful floats, dancers, and music. Also, check out the Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in South Korea, located right next to the theme park.
Insider travel tips: Get to the park early to avoid the crowds and take advantage of shorter lines. Consider purchasing a Magic Pass, which allows you to skip the lines for select attractions.
Don’t forget to try the park’s famous churros and take plenty of photos to capture the memories.
8. Seoul Sky Observatory
Seoul Sky Observatory is located on the upper floors of the Lotte World Tower, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
What to see or do: The observatory offers 360-degree views of Seoul and beyond. There are also interactive exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the city.
Don’t miss: The glass floor section on the 118th floor provides visitors with a thrilling experience of standing on a transparent floor, 478 meters above the ground.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit during sunset for a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Skip the long lines by pre-booking your tickets online.
9. Cheonggyecheon Stream
A 10.9 km long stream that runs through the heart of Seoul, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a stroll along the stream and appreciate the urban design and landscaping alongside the water. There are various performances, art exhibitions, and cultural events hosted along the stream throughout the year.
Don’t miss: The beautiful light and water shows that take place at night, illuminating the stream in a colorful display.
Insider travel tips: Visit Cheonggyecheon Stream during the day to appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the area.
If you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated as it can get quite hot and sunny.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes as there are several walking trails and stairs to climb to see the stream from different angles.
10. Jogyesa Temple
A Buddhist temple located in the heart of Seoul.
What to see or do: Marvel at the vibrant colors of the temple’s exterior and interior. Take a stroll through the peaceful lotus garden.
Witness the daily Buddhist ceremonies and chanting by the monks.
Don’t miss: The annual Lotus Lantern Festival, held in May, which transforms the temple and surrounding streets into a sea of colorful lanterns.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds and experience the temple in a more peaceful setting. Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the temple buildings.
Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of Jogyesa.
11. Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is a large traditional market located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the oldest and most popular markets in the city.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander through the maze of small alleyways and shops selling everything from traditional Korean goods to modern electronics. There are also plenty of street food vendors selling delicious Korean snacks and meals.
Don’t miss: The iconic Namdaemun Gate, also known as Sungnyemun Gate, which was destroyed by a fire in 2008 and subsequently reconstructed. Visitors can admire the gate’s intricate design and take photos in front of it.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds.
12. COEX Mall
COEX Mall is an extensive underground shopping mall complex in the Gangnam district of Seoul.
What to see or do: The mall hosts various shops, including luxury brands, restaurants, a multiplex cinema, and an aquarium.
You can also visit the Kimchi Museum, where you can learn about Korea’s national dish, or attend the K-Pop concert hall, where you can see Korean pop stars perform.
Don’t miss: One of the main highlights of COEX Mall is the Coex Aquarium.
Home to over 40,000 creatures and 650 different species, including penguins and otters, the aquarium offers visitors a chance to experience the marine world up close.
Insider travel tips: Get there early in the day to avoid crowds and a long queue for tickets.
13. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
A futuristic architectural marvel and culture hub in Seoul.
What to see or do: Admire the cutting-edge design and attend art, fashion and design exhibitions, conferences and events.
Don’t miss: The LED rose garden, the rooftop park with panoramic views of the city and the impressive LED facade that comes to life at night.
Insider travel tips: Check out the underground shopping malls for bargain deals and try the street food stalls that pop up outside at night.
14. War Memorial of Korea
The War Memorial of Korea is a large museum and memorial in Seoul that commemorates the military history of Korea and honors the men and women who have served in Korea’s armed forces.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the many exhibits and displays that cover Korea’s military history, from ancient times to the present day. There are also outdoor display areas with tanks, planes, and missiles, as well as impressive statues and monuments.
The museum is divided into several sections, each highlighting a different period of Korean military history.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Memorial Hall, which honors the soldiers who fought and died in Korea’s many wars.
The hall features a large statue of a Korean soldier and a stunning mural that depicts the struggles and sacrifices of the Korean people.
Another highlight is the indoor exhibition devoted to the Korean War, which includes dioramas and artifacts from the conflict.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is open every day except Monday and admission is free.