15 Things To Do In Seoul: Seoul Travel Guide

Seoul is a dynamic city that is gradually evolving into a complete international metropolis in South Korea. There are distinctive architectural forms here, from palaces of Korea to high-tech buildings of the 21st century. For various reasons, Seoul continues to be an interesting destination for all lovers of food, history, and music. When you are planning your vacation, you will want to go around famous attractions, and tourist attractions, and even create a cornucopia of experiences. Here you will find 15 Things To Do In Seoul : Seoul Travel Guide  together with practical tips and honest recommendations from an insider, as well as low-cost advice to have a great time.

Seoul Map

Here are 15 Things To Do In Seoul : Seoul Travel Guide

🏯 1. Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace

Kyeongbok Palace was the first royal palace built in 1395 during the reign of the Joseon Dynasty and is still known as Seoul’s largest royal palace. The name Gyeongbokgung translating to ‘Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven’ isn’t misleading; this palace is something fantastic.

When you enter through Gwanghwamun Gate, you have a large palace site with palaces particularly Geunjeongjeon Hall and the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion; this is over a pond. Another benefit of the palace grounds is available with stunning gardens, ornate carvings, and rich photo zones reflecting traditional Korea.

Key Highlights to Explore:

• Changing of the Guard Ceremony: Dancing performs daily except Tuesday at both, 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM in front of the Gwanghwamun Gate. In many ways, it is a constant and vivid show the royal etiquette.
• Hyangwonjeong Pavilion: There is a nice place next to the lotus pond and is ideal for taking photos.
• The National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum: Both situated inside the palace premises giving visitors a glimpse of factually based Korean culture and tradition.

Insider Tips:

• Rent a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing): Many shops sell both rentals and purchased hanbok and when in a hanbok one gets to freely enter the palace for free.
• Best Time to Visit: This is a park and the best time to visit should be at the break of the day or later in the evening when most probable visitors have dispersed and intense rays of light when trying to capture the beauty of a place through a lens are extremely rewarding.
• Closed on Tuesdays: It is therefore important to plan the program well.

Budget-Friendly Details:

• Entry Fee: ₩3,000 ($2.30) for an adult and ₩1,500 ($1.15) for children.
• Combo Ticket: Admission to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung Palaces, and the Jongmyo Shrine costs ₩10,000 ($7.60) — which is convenient if traveling by train because places are nearby.

Kyeongbok Palace is a place not to miss when in Korea not only because of its historical importance but for its stunning architecture and experience of Korea’s royal history.

🏙️ 2. Visit N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower (or called Namsan Tower) is one of the symbols of Seoul city. Located at the peak of Namsan Mountain the communicating tower rises to a height of 236 meters allowing for a complete view of the city. It Is advisable to visit the great lakes at night or even during the day the view is exceptional. And when it is evening, the city becomes a beautiful, light landscape, which is perfect for couples’ dates and interesting for lone travelers and families.

It is composed of multiple floors, in which the observation decks, the restaurants, the gift shops the míllemial digital art are located. Undoubtedly the practice of writing mini notes with lovers ‘ vows on paper and placing them into the small crevices is the most visited one, while the new trend is to put a lock of the lovers on the railing of the terrace of the tower.

How to Get There:

• Hiking: If you want another cost-effective and gorgeous recommendation, you can also try going to Namsan Mountain where you walk approximately 30-40 minutes of trail. The paths are smooth and tenerGetComponent such that the trees are planted to offer shade during a walkthrough.
• Cable Car: If you don’t fancy walking, there are other faster ways; the Namsan Cable Car operates round-trip tickets for about 9500krw ($730). To make it clear, the cable car ride itself provides stunning views of the area surrounding it.

Key Highlights:

• Observation Deck: At KRW 16,000 ($12) for adults, this deck provides an opportunity to enjoy great views of the city and is equipped with touch screens containing information about all Seoul attractions.
• Love Locks Terrace: Oh, hundreds of beautiful locks of hair are here, and here you can take a beautiful photo.
• Lighting Displays: In the evening the tower shines different colors to tell about air quality — it is special and rather picturesque.

Insider Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when there is still some light from the sun as well as a good time at night with the city lights. Midweek days are less busy than the Weekend days.
• Photography Tip: To get the most detailed views of the city, look through the ‘digital telescope’ on the top observation deck; for shots of the tower, it’s better to start from the foot of Namsan Mountain.
• Discounts: There is always a promotion of discounted tickets or ticket bundles with other attractions online.

Budget-Friendly Details:

• Hiking: Free
• Cable Car: ₩9,500 ($7.30) round trip
• Observation Deck: ₩16,000 for adults ₩12,000 for children Aged 7-12 years and ₩ 7,000 for children aged 3-6 years.

But N Seoul Tower is not only the place to watch the view – it is one of the biggest attractions of Seoul which combines history, love, and stunning sceneries in one place.

🛍️ 3. Shop at Myeongdong

Myeongdong is Seoul’s biggest shopping area, teeming with life, light, and both youthful and classic South Korean vibe. It proudly serves as a hub for K-beauty products, fashion enthusiasts with myriad street fashion styles, and mouth-watering street food lovers and counts millions visitors annually. For the beauty products, fashionable clothes, souvenir and etc, Myeongdong would likely to be a right destination for any type of shopper.

What to Buy:

• K-Beauty Products: Target store such as Innisfree, Etude House, and Olive Young have all forms ranging from the masks to serums available.
• Trendy Fashion: Check trendy outfits on the streets in Korean boutiques and mainstream shops Such as ZARA and Stylenanda.
• Souvenirs & Accessories: Cute stationery, wristbands, posters,CDs and many other products; Korean pop merchandise; fashion accessories for both male and female.

Don’t Miss the Street Food:

While shopping, indulge in iconic street snacks such as:

• Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes
• Egg Bread: Warm and fluffy
• Grilled Lobster Tail: Served with melted cheese
• Hotteok: Sweet Korean pancakes

Budget Tip: Some shops do not require paying taxes on the purchases made by tourists, and free tasting is a usual thing in beauty shops. Be sure to negotiate the prices at all the stalls on the streets!

🍜 4. Experience Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market – Jongno is being claimed to be one of the oldest and most popular traditional markets in Seoul well-known for its food. Founded in 1905 this market currently has stores selling food and fruits, electronics, Hanbok, souvenirs and many other products. Instead it is the stunnin gstreet food for which people throng in thousands from nearby places and from other tourist places.

Must-Try Foods:

• Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake): It is a dish of crispy outside and sumptuous inside which are made to be fried immediately before serving.
• Mayak Kimbap (Addictive Seaweed Rolls): Voracious means a small roll with rice, vegetables and a few drops of sesame oil; apparently the word means ‘delicious’ and indeed it so is.
• Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage): Accompanied by salt and pepper, the dish has a different taste and a more interesting, in my opinion, structure.
• Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare): A specialty to those daring enough to consume raw protein, it comes in fresh form accompanied with raw egg yolk and pear pieces.

Insider Tips:

• Budget-Friendly: These are priced from ₩2,000 to ₩5,000 ($1.5 to 4) for most dishes so one can try many dishes at a go.
• Best Time to Visit: Mornings for less people crowding around or evenings if you would want an active life.
• Bring Cash: Some of the other vendors do not accept card payments.

The Gwangjang Market is a place that can truly give you an idea of how a typical South Korean market is like while not burning your pockets!

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🎨 5. Discover Bukchon Hanok Village

Located between two palaces, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village today is home to numerous restored hanoks, which give Seoul a touch of the old times. This quaint area began in the Joseon Period and has now turned into a hot spot for stunning old and New Korean architecture, history, and tourists who want a perfect photo spot.

Cutting through the twisted lanes and corridors of Bukchon, one may be greeted by rebuilt tiled roofs, elaborated wooden carvings and stony fences. Thus, many of them remain personal homes, and some are used as museums, coffee shops, galleries, and hotels. There is such a place called Bukchon Traditional Culture Center where you can come being enlightened about the history of the area and perhaps take a few classes in crafting Korean artifacts.

Top Things to Do:

• Photography: The alleys themselves are picturesque; Gahoe-dong and Changdeokgung 1-gil are great places for taking pictures.
• Explore Hanok Cafés: He also took a hanok-style tea houses where serving traditional Korean teas and snacks.
• Wear a Hanbok: Most visitors hire hanboks to be able to experience the entire atmosphere of the Korea of the dead.

Insider Tip:

There will be no or few people and the light from the sun will be perfect for a good shot.
Respect the Residents: Be quiet, as some individuals carry out their activities in the vicinity.
Anyway, please claim that there is nothing better than visiting Bukchon Hanok Village which recreates now matured Seoul and becomes a perfect attraction for any fan of history and culture!

💡 6. Tour the War Memorial of Korea

The War Memorial of Korea is a place that everyone should visit to get acquainted with the host country’s history and the path to the present. This large museum and memorial started in 1994 and concentrates on the Korean War, 1950-53 and other conflicts involving soldiers from Korea. The museum is located on vast territories and now there are statues, monuments, as well as aviation and military equipment, such as aircraft, tanks, and ships.

Key Highlights:

• Exhibition Halls: The museum has the following indoor halls: two halls of historical exposited, two multimedia halls, two diorama halls and one photo-hall. These include such as antecedent wars, current warfare, and international peacekeeping.
• Combat Equipment Displays: There are more than thirteen thousands of specimens of military equipment beyond the museum’s fence: fighters, transport helicopters, and armored vehicles.
• Children’s Experience Center: A playground where children can learn as much about the history of Korea as possible through games and interaction.

Insider Tips:

• Budget-Friendly: Admission is free, making it arguably the best place for tourists who are jealous of their wallets.
• Time Needed: It is recommended to spend not less than 2-3 hours to be able to analytically study all the exhibits.
• Guided Tours: There are guided tours in English with a fixed schedule.

Patriotism and the sufferings and losses of the people of Korea has been well portrayed in gift about the War Memorial of Korea.

🌳 7. Relax at Seoul Forest

Seoul forest is one of the most recent and natural reserves in the middle of the heavily dominated city of Seoul. Measuring more than 1.1 msqm, this park is just the right place for a relaxing walk in the park or a fun day out with the family children, or complete solitude. Seoul Forest is divided into 5 zones: Ecological Forest, Culture and Art Park, and Nature Experiencing Study Field, this parks provide different activities for children and adults.

This haunt has many tourist attractions such as the deer park where you enjoy a fun filled excitement of taking pictures and even feeding the friendly deers. The animals found in the Ecological Forest are ducks, squirrels and rabbits. Yes, if you are fond of photography, you should not waste your chance to shoot the Ginkgo Tree Path in autumn when all the trees are painted in gold.

Things to Do:

• Rent a Bike: Bike around the beautiful trail ways for ₩3,000 ($2.30) per hour.
• Art Installations: Give the kids a scavenger hunt to search for fun artistic pieces placed throughout the park.
• Picnic Spots: Grab a sandwich and sit back under a tree with excellent scenery.

Insider Tip: It is recommended to come to the country in spring to enjoy the cherry blossoms or in autumn to view splendid foliage. This means people can gain free access to the beautiful environments that nature paints in Seoul.

🏛️ 8. Visit the National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea is one of the biggest museums in Korea with collections of Cultural Property of South Korea. Established in 1945 at Rajarata, Madawala Area, Mahawilachchiya, it contains more than forty-two thousand and four hundred archeological treasures belong to the prehistoric period to the present yesteryear. The outlook of this spectacular museum seems almost new boasting about six stories accommodating detailed information about Korea’s history that should interest every traveler little or more into the past about Korea.

Highlights of the Collection:

• Silla Gold Crowns: Some great gold works of Silla Dynasty, which has very wonderful image engraving.
• Baekje Incense Burner: An important work that gives the glimpse of sophisticated craftsmanship of the Golden Baekje Kingdom.
• Buddhist Relics: Discover the ways in which Buddhists have expressed themselves through gesture and image over the past thousand years: how Far Eastern sculpture evolved from the Northern Wei dynasty to the Tang and Liao dynasties; what the differences between Indian and Far Eastern sculptural techniques are; how the ways in which Buddhists depicted the human figure differ from the techniques of religious sculptors in the West; the Far Eastern Buddhist painting tradition of Kashmir; how the Buddhist tradition of
• The museum is divided into three main floors: The first is devoted to prehistoric and ancient history, the second to medieval and early modern history, and the third to Asian Art and donating collections. There are also other display areas which feature different works from time to time.

Insider Tips:

• Free Admission: Of course, just like most museums, general entry is free, though there may be charges for special exhibitions.
• Guided Tours: Additional information in English concerning the exhibits is provided.
  Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds.

National museum of Korea has a wealth of knowledge, history, and numerous experience that makes it convenient to tell the story of Korea.

📸 9. Take Pictures at Ihwa Mural Village

Ihwa Mural Village is a brightly colored art district at the foot of the Naksan Mountain. This used to be a hidden gem that nobody paid much attention to, but its beautiful display of graffiti and murals have attracted residents, and visitors alike. The paintings were initially drawn to help with the revitalization of the area and were created by local artists to call attention to the neighborhood.

In the narrow streets and numerous steps alongside a maze of alley, there art full of vibrant murals, playfully designed sculpture and amazing installations. That is why the artwork is often based on Korean motives but still also contains elements of both modern and classic design. Most of them features the following; Natural flowers stairs, the portrait murals and the most favorite, the cat mural where everybody takes photo shoots.

Things to Do:

• Photography: This is one of the most Insta-friendly places in Seoul, so do not forget about your camera and take colorful pictures.
• Explore Naksan Park: Visit the murals and then take a short climb up to Naksan Park to have a view of the city.
• Visit Cafés and Shops: As for eating places, the village has quite a few small-delicatessen cafés where it will be pleasant to have a cup of coffee and watch the surrounding.

Insider Tips:

• Respect the Residents: Just bear in mind that this is an active community and that there reside real people in that area.
• Best Time to Visit: Go early in the morning to avoid hordes of tourists, and of course, the sun will be perfect for excellent pictures.

Ihwa Mural Village is an interesting combination of the street art and conventional Korean elements that makes it a perfect place for artistic and photography lovers.

🎵 10. Explore K-Pop Culture in Gangnam

Gangnam as one of Seoul’s fashionable district not only for shopping and nightlife, and delicious foods but it is also famous for K-pop music. Starting from luxurious entertainment companies, cafes and stores that are based on K-pop, Gangnam is a great place for a K-pop fan. Regardless of your interest in K Pop or not, this district is loaded with things to see if you are a fan or if you want to know more about Korea’s global music influence.

Key K-Pop Highlights in Gangnam:

• SM Entertainment Headquarters: Go to the SM TOWN in Coex Mall where one of Korea’s largest entertainment companies is located, it lists K-pop idols such as EXO, Red Velvet, and NCT among their talents. This is the greatest site for fashionistas who want to buy trendy clothes and take a picture with the life size posters of your favorite idols.
• K-Pop Themed Cafes and Stores: There are places like SMTOWN Café and K-Star Road where people can eat themed cafe food and drinks with images associated with favourite K-pop stars. So also shop at the various K-pop merchandise stores because these include CDs and physical copy of albums, posters, and trinkets.
• K-Pop Dance Classes: Learn Korean by enrolling at a language school or in an online language course or try dancing by enrolling in classes into K-pop dancing. Some of the dance studios in Gangnam allow visitors to attend classes in which they can practice choreographed from the new dance songs of Korea.

Insider Tip:

• Visit the K-Star Road: That place is very famous among K-pop fans, there are statues in the sizes of the real performers and souvenir shops There are sculptures of 12 feet tall idols which will be perfect for a photo via your favorite star.

Gangnam district has become a birthplace of K-pop, and visiting Seoul without seeing K-pop sights is impossible.

🌊 11. Stroll Along the Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream has now become one of Seoul’s most popular spots for recreation as well as representing one of the city’s natural resources. The Cheonggyecheon-stream is a stream that stretches for 11 Kilometers and is located in the centre of Seoul and has a colourful background. Formerly a highway overpass, this stretch was reopened early this decade as an active and dynamic landscape combining elements of natural and built environment.

Things to Do Along the Stream:

• Take a Leisurely Walk: It has walking tours along its side and the stream is connected by pedestrian bridges which is quite nice for a walk. You will walk through gentle landscaping, moving water, pieces of art among others as you take the tour.
• Enjoy the Night Lights: The Cheonggyecheon Stream looks most beautiful in the night when the skyline is blinded by lanterns of all colours and beautiful art installations to boot!
• Visit the Cheonggyecheon Museum: You can watch at the beginning of the stream Cheonggyecheon Museum, which will tell you about the history of the stream and its reconstruction.

Insider Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: That is why the early morning or late in the evening is the best time to go for a walk to minimize people’s interference.
• Seasonal Events: Depending on your travels in the warm months, you can go to the lantern festivals and water culture and art shows performances.

Cheonggyecheon Stream is a nice place for resting with stunning water stream and historical significance in the middle of the city.

🎭 12. Watch a Nanta Show

Nanta Show is a non-verbal performance which is highly charged and amusing energetic show based on the traditional music of Korean drumming accompanied by dance and dramatics related to cooking. Staged as the first non-verbal performance the JW Theater in Korea, Nanta has made its mark in today’s worldwide showbiz industry. Taking place in a young, haphazard, actual kitchen: cooks are preparing for a certain banquet, while the performers transform the stove into a music instruments, knives, a chopping board, and even pots – the actions in the sketches turn into comedy and ridiculous situations.

What Makes Nanta Special:

• Non-Verbal Comedy: Nanta does not need verbal language and can be performed anywhere around the world because of that. Jokes are seen, and bodily; it is full of gags and tricks.
• Incredible Percussion: The performers are professional, and most of the interesting beats are made using ordinary utensils from a kitchen. The rhythms can be-soar and the audience starts to sway along with the beat.
• Interactive Experience: This show will involve the audience! Nanta then performs around the crowd, while some of the audience goes backstage, it appeared more fun and humorous.

Insider Tips:

• Best Time to Go: The shows are held several times a day, however the hustle of shows is most during the evening.
• Location: It is possible to watch Nanta shows at one of the Nanta theaters, Myeongdong Nanta Theatre or Hongdae Nanta Theatre.

Attending a Nanta Show is a “have-to-do” thing for those, who are on a visit to Seoul – It is a perfect combination of tradition, music, and comedy that will make you smirk long after the performance.

🏢 13. Check Out Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza or DDP which stands for ‘Design, Demonstration, Dissemination’ is another architectural icon, which today gives Seoul its face. What is more, the DDP has an aggravatingly mordant look with the curvilinear shapes characteristic of the constructor, Zaha Hadid. Located in Dongdaemun district, this cultural hub is the venue for exhibitions, fashion shows, design events and others providing an opportunity to choose between art, design and technology.

Things to See and Do at DDP:

• Exhibitions and Events: The DDP is always involved with and has organised lots of contemporary art exhibitions, design fairs and fashion shows. Therefore, make sure that you check the schedule to find out what is on during your visit.
• LED Rose Garden: Rather, another most favorite attraction is the LED Rose Garden which the thousands of glowing roses illuminate the darkness of the night. And it becomes even prettier at night!
• Design Shops: Look through the shops in the DDP which sells exclusive designers’ clothing, shoes, accessories, and contemporary products from local designers.

Insider Tip:

Best Time to Visit: The DDP has been designed to remain open for public viewing during a day, but the night view of the building having been wrapped in lights is spectacular. Another thing is that the noise level is less throughout the week.

Today, Dongdaemun Design Plaza could be best described as a paradise for fans of contemporary architecture and officially welcomed its visitors, having become both an arts and a cultural center that serves as an excellent source of creative and visual inspiration.

🌆 14. Enjoy Hongdae’s Nightlife

Hongdae is one of the liveliest and fashionable neighborhoods in Seoul, it is famous for its nightlife. This place is centred around the Hongik University and is famous for youth, artists and musicians, where you might find the melancholic mood of underground music, trendy bar, artistic clubs and so on. No matter you are here for the nightlife and crazy dancing, live music, or just feeling the atmosphere of the night city, you will find it here at Hongdae.

Things to Do at Night in Hongdae:

• Live Music Bars: Hongdae is widely known for its live performances featuring indie bands, rap singers, DJs and many other bands that nightlife bars and clubs in the Hongdae area boast of. To get a feel of the local music scene visit Club FF, The Jazz Lounge or Muzie.
• Nightclubs and K-pop Dance Floors: Apart from clubs, if the local music is not your taste, NB2 or Club Aura will offer you an excellent chance to dance to K-pop tracks and enjoy a vibrant audience.
• Street Performances: So to everybody is interested, there is always something to see on the streets, even loud speakers and street artists. There are also spontaneous break dancing, paintings on the street that enhance the feel of Hongdae’s streets and tunes from live bands.

Insider Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Hongdae starts having the most activities after 9 PM and is most packed on Friday and Saturday.
• Dress Comfortably: Most events are informal but make sure you want dance or stand for extended periods depending on the event.

Entertainment in the night is extremely lively in Hongdae with live performances, lively nightclubs hence young people should make this place their destination in Seoul.

⛪ 15. Visit the Jogyesa Temple

Jogyosan temple is also Buddhism temple of Seoul, one of the most famous Buddhist temple where a number of people can visit this temple without being distracted by the busy city life. As a temple which stands in the middle of Insadong, Jogyesa Temple is the head temple of the Jogye order and an important facility in the religious belief of Korean Zen Buddhism and the cultural resources as well. The temple has some intricate carvings with a calm atmosphere and a large array of trees and sized trees.

Things to See and Do at Jogyesa Temple:

• Main Hall (Daeungjeon): This is the holiest section of the temple in which people can come and pay their respect to Buddha statue. The hall itself is very nice decorated with wooden carving and painting that gives story of the Buddhism.
• The Ancient Trees: The temple also boasts two huge trees: a hundred-year-old pine tree and a baeksong, or a ‘strong tree’ that is thought to remind Buddhists about the lessons on strength.

Temple Stay Program: Armed with Buddhist meditation experiences of a lifetime, learn about the temple life by choosing to take part in a Temple Stay program.

Insider Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: If you don’t mind pictures, avoid going there in the peak tourist hours which is usually mid-morning.
• Cultural Events: Do not afford to miss the Buddha’s birthday usually held in April or May when the temple is decorated with lanterns.

As Jogyesa Temple can be a nice opportunity to plunge into the spiritual interior of Seoul and get better acquainted with Korean Buddhism as well as to have a good rest in a quiet and antique atmosphere.

Cost estimates for a 3 day trip to Seoul

• Accommodation (Hostels/Guesthouses): ₩30,000–₩50,000/night (US $23 – $38)
• Meals (Street Food and Casual Dining): ₩10,000–₩20,000/day ($8–$15)
• Transportation (Public Transit): ₩5,000/day ($4)
• Attractions: ₩10,000–₩30,000/day ($8–$23)
• Estimated Daily Budget: ₩55,000–₩90,000 ($42–$68)

Down to Earth Travel Tips for When You’re Touring Seoul

• It is recommended that one to obtain a T-money Card to enable them travel on public transport systems.
• Aiming at making a better trip, learn some basic Korean phrases.
• Look for more free programmes organised by the Seoul cultural centres at the tourist information offices.
• There are two ways to get connected: renting a pocket Wi-Fi or getting a SIM card.
  Seoul is a kind of city appropriate for any type of traveler starting from the lovers of the historical past up to lovers of the modern life. You should always plan for something and be ready to be flexible because you are certainly going to fall in love with this active city!