Things to do in Seoul: Recommended 20+ Places to Visit & Experiences
Seoul is a huge city with something new around every corner. From ornate palaces and traditional neighborhoods to bustling night markets and a lively nightlife, there are seemingly endless things to do in Seoul.
I’ve visited Seoul several times now, and each trip has given me a chance to see more of the city and experience something different. On my recent visit, I returned to some of my favorite places and discovered new attractions.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite things to do and experiences I’ve had in Seoul that I personally recommend. From attractions you should not miss to day trips that are absolutely worth it.
This guide is perfect for first time visitors to Seoul or those like me that have been here multiple times. I want to help you make the most of your time in South Korea’s capital city.
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| Experience | Why Visit | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | Historical Seoul | 2-3 Hours |
| Bukchon Hanok Village | Traditional Korea | 1-2 Hours |
| Gwangjang Market | Korean Food | 1-3 Hours |
| Lotte Tower | Seoul Views | 2 Hours |
| Myeongdong | Shopping & Food | 2-4 Hours |
| Hongdae | Nightlife | 2-4 Hours |
| DMZ | Historical | 7+ Hours |
| Changdeokgung Palace | History & Architecture | 2 Hours |
| Starfield Library | Shopping & Photography | 2 Hours |
Seoul, being the largest and most populated city in South Korea has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy nightlife and food or are like me and enjoy seeing cultural and historical sites, Seoul has plenty to offer.
If you are a family looking for the best things to do in Seoul or a solo traveler interested in fun things to do, I highly recommend Seoul as a destination.
My first time visiting South Korea (2017), I spent two weeks in Seoul and have been back several time since. Each time, I visit some of my favorite places, explore new areas, and even take day trips.
I am continuously adding to my list of things to do in Seoul, to help you better prepare your Seoul itinerary, I am listing my recommended attractions and experiences in Seoul by category.
Historic Seoul
One of my favorite things about Seoul is how modern the city is but you can also find amazing historical sites scattered throughout the city. Throughout Seoul, you’ll find beautiful royal palaces, Hanok neighborhoods, and temples.
If you are visiting Seoul for the first time, exploring its historic side is a great way to better understand its history and culture. Here are my recommended historic sites to visit around Seoul.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
If there is one palace I recommend visiting in Seoul, it would have to be Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s the largest and most iconic of Seoul’s royal palaces.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty.
Today, visitors can tour the palace, walk the grounds, and even enter some of the buildings.
You can easily spend at least 2-3 hours visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s the big.
If you are short on time or looking for a must-see places in Seoul, I highly recommend moving Gyeongbokgung Palace to the top of your itinerary.
Interested in learning more about Seoul’s Royal Palaces?
For more information and entrance prices, visit my post on Seoul’s Royal Palaces.
2. Changdeokgung Palace
In my opinion, one of the most beautiful palaces in Seoul is Changdeokgung Palace. Constructed in 1405 originally, it was completely destroyed by fire in the late 1500’s and restored in 1610.
Changdeokgung Palace was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is known for its harmonious design that blends with the surrounds nature.
Each time I visited Changdeokgung Palace, I walked here from Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s easy to get to on foot or with public transportation.
3. Jongmyo Shrine
Located just to the south of Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine is a historic Confucian shrine and another one of Seoul’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Jongmyo Shrine was built during the Joseon Dynasty and used for royal ceremonies. To this day, it remains an important example of Korea’s traditional architecture.
Although not as exciting as some of Korea’s royal palaces, it’s significance and peaceful atmosphere is why I recommend visiting Jongmyo Shrine.
4. Bukchon Hanok Village
If you are looking for free things to do in Seoul, I highly recommend wandering the traditional neighborhood of Bukchon Hanok Village.
This traditional village is made up of hundreds of homes and narrow alleyways. Of course, there are cute shops located throughout the village and a few places where you can sit down and have a drink or bite to eat.
Jill and I found a traditional tea house that provided a great break to sit down, drink tea, and escape the heat of the day.
5. Namsangol Hanok Village
If you want to visit a Hanok Village without the crowds, I highly recommend Namsangol Hanok Village.
Namsangol Hanok Village is another free site to visit in Seoul and provides an outlook of what a traditional Korean village would have looked like in the past.
I walked to Namsangol Hanok Village from Myeongdong Station and spent about an hour at the site.
Food & Drink in Seoul
Food should be a major part of your Seoul itinerary. In fact, I base a lot of my plans on food, restaurants, and markets. Seoul is one of the best food destinations in the world.
The craft beer scene is alive and well, so of course, I prioritize trying new beers. But I also discovered new drinks like Makgeolli which is a sparkling rice wine.
I’ll cover some of my favorite markets in Seoul, food tours I’ve been on, and nightlife scene.
6. Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is one of my favorite places to try Korean dishes. This lively market was featured in Netflix’s Street Food: Asia and the most popular vendor here is Gohyang Kalguksu.
There are a lot of vendors here that sell dishes like Tteokbokki and Mayak Kimbap. There are also a lot of sit down establishments and places to drink.
Beyond food, Gwangjang Market is full of specialty shops. You can buy or rent Hanbok, which is traditional clothing, these are popular around the palaces.
Join a Food Tour!
I joined a Food Tour at Gwangjang Market and was glad I did, sampled 14 different dishes and drinks.
7. Myeongdong Market
Another one of my favorite markets to try food is Myeongdong Market. It’s a popular market, honestly it’s full of tourists, but I love it and all the food I’ve tried is delicious.
Sure it’s a tad more expensive, but I always leave here full and happy. Try the egg bread, chicken on a stick, kimchi wrapped in bacon, or bowls of sweet & sour chicken.
Myeongdong Market is an active area and popular throughout the day. Here you can find shops like HBAF and Olive Young.
8. Craft Beer
Seoul has a growing craft beer scene, with local breweries and taprooms popping up all over the city.
I’ve found everything from Belgium triples to hoppy IPAs.
Convenience stores in South Korea also have a lot of fun craft beers to try.
9. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken is a must-try when visiting Seoul. It’s up there with my favorite style of chicken, it’s incredible!
Korean fried chicken is known for its crispy coating and flavorful sauces. It comes in many varieties from spicy to soy garlic.
Pair it with a cold beer for the classic Korean combination known as chimaek. I hear this is a popular thing to do in Seoul, especially along the Cheonggyecheon Riverwalk.
10. Bibimbap
There is so much food to try in Korea but one of my favorite comfort foods has to be Bibimbap. After all, it is one of Korea’s most famous dishes.
Bibimbap is found in markets, restaurants, even at small pop-up restaurants along hiking trails. It’s a dish cooked in a earthenware bowl, served pipping hot and consists of rice, vegetables, meat, and sometimes a fried egg.
I love to mix all the ingredients together and scrape the burnt rice on the bottom. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to find!
11. HBAF
HBAF, also known as “Healthy But Awesome Flavors,” “Honey Butter Almond Flavors,” or “Honey Butter Almond & Friends,” is a popular Korean snack that is known for their delicious flavored almonds.
You’ll see bags of HBAF at local stores, Incheon Airport, or huge HBAF shops in popular tourist areas like Myeongdong.
I recommend going to one of the main shops, many times they have samples. You can try flavors like wasabi, garlic bread, carrot cake, tteokbokki, and many others.
HBAF makes for great souvenirs from Seoul to take back home.
12. Soju
Another classic is Soju. This is Korea’s most famous alcoholic drink and you can’t visit without trying it.
Soju is a clear, mild spirit that is enjoyed alongside Korean barbecue, fried chicken, or other shared dishes. To me, it tastes like a watered down vodka.
It’s very cheap and can be found in convenience stores, supermarkets, and many restaurants.
13. Breakfast at Paris Baguette or Ediya Coffee
The perfect travel day to me always starts off with a good coffee and pastry.
Thankfully, there are quite a few bakeries around Seoul that offer just that. I prefer Paris Baguette or Ediya Coffee to satisfy my coffee and sweet treat cravings.
Paris Baguette is your typical bakery that has both sweet and savory baked goods. Ediya Coffee is more about the coffee then the food but they offer pastries and other breakfast treats.
Attractions in Seoul
Seoul has so much to offer, from historical attractions to modern day museums, you can spend days in Seoul jumping from attraction to attraction.
Every time I visit Seoul, I try and see a couple new attractions, My last visit to Seoul, I finally made it to the Lotte World Tower. For first-time visitors to Seoul, I still recommend starting off with historical attractions like the palaces.
14. Lotte World Tower
At 555 meters high and 123-stories, the Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in Korea and and 6th tallest building in the world.
I had absolutely no plans to visit the Lotte World Tower during my latest trip to Seoul, but I walked right by it and could not resist going to the Sky Observatory.
I didn’t make a reservation to visit the Lotte World Tour or anything, I simply walked in, paid for the entrance ticket and took the elevator to the observation deck. I was rewarded with panoramic views of Seoul.
The tower is also connected to the Lotte World Mall, making it easy to combine this attraction with shopping, restaurants, and other entertainment.
15. Starfield Library
Starfield Library inside the Starfield Coex Mall in Seoul is one of the most impressive libraries I’ve seen in person. If you are looking for an Instagram-worthy attraction that is indoors, do not miss Starfield Library.
The library itself is located on two levels with book shelves from floor to ceiling hosting an impressive collection of books, approximately 70,000.
Even if you are not a big reader, visiting the Starfield Library is a must-visit just to admire the unique design.
16. Seoullo 7017
Another great free thing to do in Seoul is Seoullo 7017. This elevated walkway or “Sky Garden,” is a beautifully designed pedestrian walkway.
There are various access points to enter Seoullo 7017. The walkway is lined with vegetation and places to relax. There are even shelters scattered throughout in case you need a break from the heat.
I find Seoullo 7017 to be a great escape and place to rest and take in a little nature in the heart of Seoul.
It benefits the city as healthy vegetation provides cleaner air, limits urban heat island affects, and provides a nature escape for both humans and animals.
17. Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream, a peaceful oasis running through the heart of Seoul, is a stream lined with walking paths, bridges, and small waterfalls, making it a great place to take a break while sightseeing.
In my opinion, one of the best times to enjoy Cheonggyecheon Stream is at night. You’ll see people here all day, but at night, it seems to come alive.
Grab a soju, some chicken, sit for a while and enjoy the peaceful oasis in the heart of Seoul.
18. Cat Cafés
Often times, us animal lovers miss our fury friends back at home while we are off traveling. Thankfully, Seoul has numerous Cat Cafés that welcome people like me to pet and play with the cats.
My first visit to Seoul, I went to Yeonnamdong Cat Café. I also stumbled upon a cute one in the Myeongdong area called Cat Café Roof.
Day Trips from Seoul
If you are staying in Seoul for several days, I highly recommend taking a day trip outside the city to experience a different side of South Korea.
Depending on your interests, you can rent a bike in Seoul and cycle the paths to somewhere new, or hop on a train and take it to a mountain palace.
I’ve done a few Seoul day trips now and they are all so different, I don’t have one in particular I recommend, but listed below are a few I went on and can personally recommend.
19. Cycle to Chuncheon
Seoul is probably one of the best cities I’ve been to for cycling. South Korea in general has amazing trails that are well planned specifically for pedestrians and cyclists.
The first time I went to South Korea, I rent a bike and cycled 75 kilometers to Chuncheon. Most of the trail was a designated cycle path that went along beautiful rivers, small towns, and lakeside areas.
Cycling from Seoul to Chuncheon is just one route to take, there are many more. I know people who rode bikes from Seoul to Busan all on trails.
20. Bukhansan National Park
Seoul is surrounded by mountainous nature, meaning great hiking!
One of my all time favorite hikes in South Korea is right outside the city, Bukhansan National Park, it’s both spectacular and challenging.
For visitors without a car, Bukhansan National Park can be reached by bus.
I recommend planning for a half day to full day hike, so bring decent hiking shoes, water, and any other hiking accessories used to protect against the elements.
21. Namhansanseong Fortress
On my most recent trip to Seoul, I visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Namhansanseong Fortress.
It took me around 1 – 1.5 hours to get here using public transportation from the Myeongdong area.
Visiting Namhansanseong Fortress was a great escape from Seoul, the mountain scenery, fortress walls, and historic temples. You can easily spend a half day to full day at Namhansanseong Fortress.
22. DMZ Tour
A day trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone is one of the most unique experiences you can have while visiting Seoul.
You have to take a tour to visit the DMZ, but it’s absolutely worth it.
You get a chance to learn more about the history of the Korean War and see several sites like the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and got to attend a live talk with a North Korean Defector.
A Day Trip to the DMZ is an Surreal Experience
The DMZ Tour is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul. It’s an interesting tour, recommended.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Seoul
After visiting Seoul several times now, I continue to find new places, experiences, and reasons to enjoy this incredible city. From historic palaces and traditional neighborhoods to markets, Korean food, and modern attractions.
There are so many things to do in Seoul, it’s impossible to tackle this list in one trip.
If you are visiting Seoul for the first time, I’d recommend mixing famous attractions with a few experiences and a day trip or two.
Have you been to Seoul? If so, what was your thoughts? Any recommendations or other things to do that I should check out? Please leave a comment! Safe Travels!
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Everything You Need for Your South Korea Trip
From where you sleep to what you do — these are the platforms I use and trust when planning every trip.
Tours & Tickets
Book your south korea tour
Through Get Your Guide, you can browse the many tours from the DMZ to food tours.
Hotels in Seoul
Find Your Stay on Booking.com
Best rates in Seoul – stay close to Myeongdong or splurge elsewhere in the city.
Alternative Stays
Search on Agoda
Great for comparing boutique hotels, B&Bs, and apartments. Often uncovers deals Booking.com misses.
Activities & Day Trips
The exact tour i took
I booked this food tour through Viator and highly recommend it.
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4 Comments
Steve Rohan
I’ve only passed through Seoul on my way from Incheon to Busan, but would love to go back and explore. Bukhansan National Park looks amazing. Great photos as always, keep up the good work!
zimminaround
Steve,
Thanks! Hiking Bukhansan NP is one of my favorite things to do around Seoul. The nature there is beautiful!
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