I can help you with some of the best places to visit in Seoul, if you have a trip planned!
As someone who loves South Korea and has been there a few times, let me tell you that you are in for a beautiful and wholesome vacation.
From royal palaces to neon-lit streets, there is so much variety here. It feels like you are living a K-drama in real life.
When I planned my Seoul itinerary for the first time, I was overwhelmed because there’s just so much to see, eat, and experience.
So I’ve put together this detailed guide on the 15 Best Things to do in Seoul to help you plan your trip easily.
Where is Seoul?
Seoul is the capital city of South Korea and is located in the northwestern part of the country along the Han River.
The city is surrounded by small mountains, so you get an urban and nature feel in a single location.
Plus, thanks to Incheon International Airport, it’s extremely well-connected internationally.
Check: Incheon Airport: Traveler SIM & T-money Transportation Card
Things To Do in Seoul: What Not To Miss (Seriously)
Explore Seoul’s Historic Palaces
If you are looking for the best places to see in Seoul, then start with the five grand palaces here.
Don’t have time for all the palaces? Then, you can skip all except Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most iconic, and if you time it right, you can catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
It is such a fun experience, especially if you’ve never seen anything like it.
Changdeokgung, on the other hand, has the famous Secret Garden. It honestly feels like stepping into a peaceful sanctuary.
I also love how calming the atmosphere is with the palace architecture, ponds, little bridges, and pavilions.
You can also rent a hanbok (traditional Korean outfit) and get free palace entry!
Check: Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace, Bukchon Village, and Gwangjang Tour
Check: Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm opt Railbike
Wander Through Bukchon Hanok Village
One of the top things to do in Seoul is to visit the Bukchon Hanok Village.
It is a living neighbourhood filled with traditional Korean houses called hanoks.
What I love most about this place is how it blends the old and new.
You will still find locals living here along with craft shops, tea houses, and small museums in the alleys.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit if you want softer light and fewer crowds.
Check: Gyeongbok Palace and Bukchon Hanok Walking Tour
Explore Seoul’s Food Markets
Of course, when you are visiting Seoul, you cannot miss out on trying the epic food markets here.
I love Gwangjang Market, where you can smell the sizzling jeon (Korean pancakes), eat steaming dumplings, and spicy tteokbokki.
If you love street food, this is where you’ll find some of the best things to eat in Seoul.
You will find here fresh food, friendly vendors, and a chaotic atmosphere, which further adds to your Seoul experience.
If you want to try other food markets, Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong Night Market are also worth visiting.
Check: Seoul: Night Market Food Tour with Local Guide
Check: Seoul: History & Market Food Tour with 11+ Local Tastings
Enjoy the Views From N Seoul Tower
For amazing panoramic views of the city, N Seoul Tower is one of the top places to visit in Seoul.
The tower sits on top of Namsan Mountain, which you can reach either by cable car (for a small fee) or by hiking.
It is an additional fee to ride to the top of Namsam Tower, but not necessary if you are on a budget. Views from its base are equally impressive.
If you go at sunset, you’ll see the city turn from golden to a sparkling web of lights, which is a surreal experience.
Trust me, one of the best things to do in Seoul is watching the sunset from the N Seoul Tower.
Check: Seoul: N Seoul Tower Observatory & Cable Car Combo Ticket
Things to Do in Seoul: Experience Seoul’s Café Culture
If you love cafés the way I do, Seoul might be your heaven on earth.
They take coffee culture quite seriously here.
Each cafe is unique. Some feel like art galleries, while others are located inside hanok buildings.
If you want to go cafe-hopping, then Insang-dong is a great place to explore, along with Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong.
Don’t miss trying the fluffy jiggly pancakes and dalgona latte, which are quite famous in Seoul.
Check: Seoul: NANTA Show Ticket at Myeongdong or Hongdae Theater
Check: Seoul: ARMY Must Visit BTS Tour
Shop the Best of K-Beauty and Fashion
Okay, you cannot go to Seoul and not shop.
Myeongdong is the hotspot for K-beauty. It is packed with skincare brands, sheet mask walls, makeup shops, and testers everywhere.
For something more premium, visit Gangnam for designer stores and fashion boutiques.
Shopping tip: Korean skincare is cheaper in Seoul than almost anywhere else.
Do Not Miss Thrift Stores in Seoul
Second-hand shops abound in Seoul. Do not be afraid to explore them. Chic shops such as Gugus offer authenticity guarantees for their bags, shoes, clothes, and accessories.
It seems there is a thrift store on every corner if you keep an eye out, mostly owned and run by young Seoulites concerned about waste and the environment.
Do your research on authenticity before buying at a smaller independent store.
I have purchased luxury items in Seoul that I never would have been able to afford, if not for the robust interest in second-hand shopping.
Visit Seoul’s Museums and Art Spaces
One of the top places to see in Seoul is the War Memorial of Korea. This is the perfect place to learn the history of Korea.
Another great choice is the National Museum of Korea, which houses centuries of artifacts and art.
On my last trip to Seoul, I visited here. I spent a lovely afternoon and did not even scratch the surface of the articles displayed.
For contemporary art, the Seoul Museum of Art and Leeum Samsung Museum of Art are a must-visit.
Check: Seoul: Korean Traditional Music Museum & Live Concert Tour
Check: Seoul: War Memorial of Korea Guided Museum Tour
Relax Along the Han River
Are you looking for some relaxing attractions in Seoul?
Then, the Han River is the perfect escape.
You will find locals come here for a picnic with instant ramen bowls from convenience stores, bikes, longboards, and more.
Basically, it is where the locals chill.
You can rent a bike, take a riverside walk, or even go on a cruise.
Check: Seoul: Yeouido Eland Han River Cruise
Explore Hongdae and Itaewon for Nightlife
Due to Hongik University, Hongdae has a youthful vibe with indie music, dance performances, street artists, clubs, and fun bars.
For something more international and eclectic, check out Itaewon.
Here, you can get diverse food options, stylish lounges, rooftop bars, and a more global crowd.
Trust me, both these areas are perfect for experiencing Seoul’s nightlife!
Check: Seoul: Pub Crawl
Check: Seoul: Soju Tasting at Distillery
Day Trip From Seoul: Take a Tour of the DMZ
If you are looking for eye-opening places to visit in Seoul, then you should visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).
This is the best place to learn about the ongoing armistice between North and South Korea and the history behind it.
You can join a tour that will include visiting a tunnel, observation decks, old rail tracks, and viewpoints where you can literally see into North Korea.
While technically not in Seoul, this is one of the most memorable things I did when visiting Seoul. Twice.
Check: Seoul: DMZ, 3rd Tunnel and Optional Suspension Bridge Tour
Check: DMZ with Optional Suspension Bridge, North Korea View
Things To Do in Seoul: Try a Korean BBQ Meal
Of course, one of the most amazing things to do in Seoul is enjoying a Korean BBQ
You choose your meat, grill it at your table, wrap it in lettuce with sauces and garlic, and enjoy endless side dishes (banchan).
I would advise you to pair it with Soju or Makgeolli to get the full local experience.
There are plenty of BBQ places to try in Seoul; make sure to go for the no-frill ones rather than fancy restaurants.
During my 2025 trip to Seoul I discovered more restaurants offering vegan/vegetarian menus containing Korean food.
Check: Seoul: Taste of Korea, Authentic Home Style Cooking Class
Go on a Day Trip from Seoul
One of the things I love most about Seoul is how easy it is to escape into nature or smaller towns for a quick day trip.
You can head to Bukhansan National Park for amazing hikes with city views or Nami Island for scenic and peaceful environment.
If you are interested in history, you can visit Suwon Fortress, a UNESCO site.
Check: Seoul: Mt Seorak Hike with Naksansa Temple or Nami Island
Check: Seoul: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & Korean Folk Village Tour
Explore Seoul’s Parks and Green Spaces
Seoul is home to some of the most incredible parks, such as Namsan Park and Seoul Forest.
These are the best places to see in Seoul if you are a nature lover.
You can enjoy a picnic, go hiking, or relax in these parks.
For hiking enthusiasts, Bukhansan is the ultimate adventure. There are multiple trails and incredible viewpoints to enjoy here.
Check: Seoul: BTS K-Pop Star Footsteps Journey ARMY Fan Day Tour
Things To Do In Seoul: See the Starfield Library
For book lovers, one of the best things to do in Seoul is to visit the Starfield Library.
It feels like stepping into a real-life book heaven!
There are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, warm lighting, and an open layout making it one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
Even if you’re not a big reader, it’s such a calming and beautiful place to walk around.
Check: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Starfield Library & Temple
Check: Seoul Temple & Starfield Library Gangnam K-BBQ
Traveling to South Korea: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when visiting South Korean beaches!
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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How to Travel in Seoul
If you are traveling to Seoul for the first time, let me tell you that getting around Seoul is unbelievably easy.
To use public transport such as buses and subways, you will need a T-money card.
You can also use the Seoul Metro, which is clean, fast, affordable, and takes you almost everywhere.
It’s the best and most efficient way to travel, especially for sightseeing.
If you want to reach Seoul attractions quickly, you can always hire an Uber taxi through the Uber app.
Yes, it is more expensive, but I have not yet mastered Seoul’s public transportation!
And I use this option all the time.
Walking is my preferred way to explore neighbourhoods like Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Insadong.
For other places, public transport works great. You don’t need to rent a car or take taxis to explore Seoul.
Where to Stay in Seoul
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam – Josun Palace is a 5-star luxury hotel in Gangnam which features city-view rooms, an indoor pool, high-end amenities, and impeccable service.
LE SEOUL HOTEL – If you want a good hotel with easy access to attractions in Seoul, then Le Seoul Hotel is the perfect choice.
This 4-star hotel is in the central Jung-Gu district, within walking distance to Myeongdong, Namdaemun Market, and key subway stations.
Plus, you get spacious rooms in the heart of Seoul.
Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall – Another great choice is Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall, offering free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, and a mini-fridge in each room.
The best thing about this hotel is that it is close to both sightseeing places to visit in Seoul and shopping outlets.
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