Things to Do in Seoul
Seoul Things to do
Have the time of your life at Lotte World, Buy cosmetics at Myeongdong, Explore Bukchon Hanok Village, Catch the guard changing ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Take the cable car up Mount Namsan and many more.The myriad of fascinating things to do in Seoul will offer you a flamboyant holidaying experience wrapped up in the rooted culture and glamorous modernity of this Korean cityscape. From sightseeing and pub crawling to food touring and heritage walks, Seoul allows you to engage in umpteen activities to make sure you enjoy an uncompromising, action-packed holiday and in the process learn about the past and present of the quaint and dazzling capital city.
No matter if you are in search of romance, adventure, peace, or culture, you can find many exciting versatile activities to do in Seoul. While the shoppaholics can shop their heart out at Myeongdong Night Market & Coex, photo fanatics can go take their best shots at Common Ground & Ihwa Mural Village. Couples can enjoy a romantic time taking boat rides on Namiseom Island or enjoying city views from the Namsan Tower, while culture buffs can take heritage walks through Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village.
If you are still in a dilemma, trying to figure out what to do in Seoul, here is a suggested list of the most recommended things you can do on your trip to this ever-charming Korean land.
As it is now a major tourist spot, it has innumerable cafes and restaurants around it which allow the people to enjoy their meals with a spectacular view. As the sun sets, the place is lit up in multiple colours, which makes it even more romantic and attractive at night.
Location: 105 Namsangongwon-Gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
The walking tour across the whole place takes about 3 hr - 3 hr 30 min and is a round trip that begins from the Anguk station. The reservations should be made at least three days prior to the trip as it is one of most famous places to visit in Seoul.
Location: 37, Gyedong-Gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM every day
It has four major exhibition halls which talk about the prelude, foundation, development and modernization of the Republic of Korea respectively. The national museum is not only a place for adults, it keeps in mind the interests of children and features a hands-on program for them under the Korean history dream village, giving them an opportunity to learn about modern history.
Location: 198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Timing: 10 AM to 6 PM on days except Wednesday and Saturday. Wednesday and Saturday - 10 AM to 9 PM
The ideal duration one requires to see this palace is anywhere between 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. The palace has parking and restroom facilities.
Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Timings: The palace is open for visitors all year round, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.
Entry Fee: The admission fees vary as per age & group and the maximum goes up to 3,000 won.
You reach the top of the world by taking the Sky shuttle, a double-deck elevator. The place is beautiful during both day and night and the place is open for visitors of all age groups, all round the year.
Location: 300 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 6(yuk)-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Timing : 11 AM to 9 PM and 11 AM to 10 PM on Friday, Saturday and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Regular admissions to the theme part cost 36,000 won for adults and 29,000 won for children.
Another famous part of this place is the antique furniture street, which got its importance due to its role in the war with America.
Location: 177, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu 1B, Seoul 04350 South Korea
Also known as Cheong Wa Dae it comprises the Main Office, the State Guest House, the Spring and Autumn Hall, Nokjiwon Garden, Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Hill, and Chilgung Palace. All the buildings are beautifully constructed in the traditional Korean style and the hall is open and free to all the visitors.
Location: 45, Hyoja-ro 13-Gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Timings: Closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.
Time Slots of batches - 10 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, 3 PM
One of the exhibition halls is a permanent collection exhibition of the works of the famous Korean artist Chun Kyung Ja. SeMA has international exhibitions twice a year, making it an interactive place for the locals as well as international visitors.
Location: 61, Deoksugung-Gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Timings: Closed on Mondays and New years
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The architecture of the temple tells the tales of ancient times and thus makes the place historically rich and appealing. A trip to this temple can be combined with some time spent at Bukhansan National park.
Location: 73 Jingwan-gil, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Timing: 4 PM to 9 PM
It has an unstable history that has been put up on display at the Cheonggyecheon Museum along with pictorial evidence that allows the visitors to learn about how it evolved over time.
Location: 1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
The design plaza is a hub for the city’s artists as there are many exhibition malls, museums, cafes etc. The major five parts of the place are the Art Hall, Museum, Design Lab, Design Market and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. With so many facilities in the same area, a person can never get bored of this place and thus the plaza fits perfectly in the town which is known to be a town that never sleeps.
Location: 281 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 7(chil)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Here, visitors can choose to be a part of simple Buddhist practices such as the daily dawn service, Korean Zen meditation, Dado (a tea-drinking ceremony), and Balwoogongyang (a Buddhist meal with traditional bowls). Every May on Buddha's birthday, Bongeunsa holds the Lotus Lantern Festival. A visit on this day is culturally rich and very unique for outsiders to experience.
Location: 531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Timing: Open all round the year
Insadong
A place where you can enjoy the cosy cafes that serve delicious Korean eateries and where you can shop traditional handmade stuff like pottery, hanji paper, tea and so much more. It has a colourful and vibrant vibe throughout!
Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Every Sunday from March to October a flea market takes place on the Gwanghwamun Square. The vendors offer a wide range of goods at a bargain and there are innumerable food stalls that serve cuisines from around the world. It is a local but very fun marketplace and has something for everyone!
Location: Gwanghwamun market, Seoul, South Korea
OME Cooking Lab in Seoul offers a culinary journey into the heart of Korean cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques. Led by acclaimed chef Jeong Kwan, renowned for her appearances on Netflix's "Chef's Table," OME Cooking Lab provides an immersive experience for food enthusiasts. The lab's ethos emphasizes mindfulness and harmony, using locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that tantalize the senses and nourish the soul. Participants engage in hands-on cooking classes, learning age-old recipes passed down through generations while gaining insights into Korean culture and philosophy. OME Cooking Lab is a haven for those seeking to deepen their appreciation for Korean gastronomy.
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The Smurfs Magic Forest Gangnam is an enchanting theme park located in the bustling Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea. This magical attraction brings the beloved blue characters from the classic Smurfs series to life, offering a whimsical escape for visitors of all ages. Nestled amidst a lush, forested setting, the park features a variety of Smurf-themed rides, interactive exhibits, and charming recreational areas that capture the essence of the Smurfs' enchanting world.
Starfield COEX Mall, located in the vibrant district of Gangnam in Seoul, South Korea, is one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia. This sprawling complex offers an extensive range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The mall is home to a diverse array of retail stores, including international luxury brands, trendy fashion boutiques, and specialty shops, ensuring a delightful shopping experience for visitors of all tastes.
Starfield Library in Seoul is a stunning public space located in COEX Mall. Featuring over 50,000 books, the library's towering shelves and open design create an inviting atmosphere for readers and visitors alike. It's a must-visit for book lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the city.
Nestled in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, Changdeokgung Palace stands as a timeless testament to Korea's rich cultural heritage. Built during the Joseon Dynasty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site exudes an aura of grandeur and elegance.
Nestled in the vibrant and modern district of Gangnam in Seoul, South Korea, stands an iconic symbol of global pop culture: the Statue of Gangnam Style. This statue celebrates the world-renowned song "Gangnam Style" by South Korean musician Psy, which took the world by storm in 2012 with its catchy tune and unforgettable dance moves. The statue not only immortalizes the song's success but also serves as a testament to the global influence of K-pop and South Korea's cultural impact.
Located near the COEX Mall, one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia, the Statue of Gangnam Style is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. The statue features two large bronze hands forming the signature dance move from the song, inviting visitors to strike a pose and take photos. The dynamic design of the statue captures the playful and energetic spirit of the song, making it a must-visit spot for fans of K-pop and anyone looking to experience a piece of modern Korean culture.
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Which are the best things to do in Seoul?
1. Have the time of your life at Lotte World: One of the best things to do in Seoul for fun seekers is to head to the largest indoor amusement park of the world, the Lotte World and enjoy it to the fullest. You can enjoy the exhilarating rides in the indoor theme park and the outdoor amusement park.
You can witness the unique exhibits at the Korean folk Museum and enjoy a movie at the theatre. You can also listen to themed musicals at the Lotte World Garden Stage and witness local Korean celebrities showcased at the Lotte World Star Avenue.
Location: 240 Olympic-ro Songpa-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. Buy cosmetics at Myeongdong: If you are a shoppaholics and enjoy makeup, shopping cosmetics at Myeongdong is one of the most recommended activities to do in Seoul for you. You can find a myriad of famous Korean cosmetics brands here, including Etude House, MISSHA, Innisfree, and Tony Moly and shop your heart out for your favorite beauty products.
You can also find a lot of offers and discounts going on here from time to time. You can even collect free samples of your much-needed products from the brands you want.
Location: 66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
3. Explore Bukchon Hanok Village: One of the favorite things to do in Seoul among shutterbugs is to click some great pictures at the very popular and postcard-perfect Bukchon Hanok Village. You can enjoy shooting pictures against the traditional hanok houses that date back to the age-old Joseon Dynasty with locals still residing in them.
You will find the picturesque residential complex of Bukchon Hanok Village nestled between the Changdeokgung Palace and the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Location: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno-gu, Gahoe-dong, ??? 37
4. Catch the guard changing ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace: If you want to experience a bit of culture and tradition, heading to the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and witnessing the iconic Royal Guard Changing Ceremony live will definitely be one of the most suggested activities to do in Seoul.
You can watch this ceremony every day between 10 AM to 2 PM at the palace, except on Tuesdays. You can also get dressed up in the traditional hanbok and click some great pictures in this colourful Korean attire at the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. Put a gatekeeper costume on at Gyeongbokgung Palace: One of the best ways to enjoy a heritage tour at the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace is by dressing up in a gatekeeper costume and walking around the monument.
You can get the costume for free and dress up at the Sumunjangcheong Building, which lies right behind the Gwanghwamun Gate. Also remember to click some beautiful selfies in this unique outfit.
Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
6. Ride the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster at Everland: If you are a daredevil at heart, one of the most adrenaline-fueled things to do in Seoul will be to enjoy riding on the steepest wooden roller coaster of the world at Everland.
Head to Everland, which is the largest outdoor theme park in South Korea and take a safari on this unique roller coaster and soak in the magical views of this gorgeous place as you enjoy your crazy, wild ride. You can also enjoy other exhilarating rides, which are spread across five distinct zones.
Location: 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Gyeonggi province, Seoul, South Korea
7. Take the cable car up Mount Namsan: One of the most adventurous activities to do in Seoul for people of all ages is taking a mind-boggling cable car ride to Mount Namsan, which is perched at an elevation of around 262 meters above sea level. Mt. Namsan offers excellent hiking opportunities, but not all are fond of climbing.
For the non-hikers to enjoy a journey up the mountain, there is an opportunity to take a cable car to the top and soak in the breathtaking panoramic city views.
Location: Mt. Namsan, Jung-gu district, Seoul, South Korea
8. Indulge in delicious street food: If you are a foodie by heart and still having a hard time wondering what to do in Seoul, you don’t have to think any further, but head to hog the delectable authentic street food of the capital city. Seoul has plenty of drool-worthy street delicacies for you, including hotteok, tteokbokki, chicken skewers, Eomuk, Jeon, Soondae, Hodo Kwaja, Shikhye, and kimbap.
Some of the best places to relish street food in Seoul include Gwangjang Market, Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market, Myeongdong Street Food Alley, Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town, and Common Ground.
9. Have a photo-shoot at Common Ground: Head to Common Ground, the first pop-up store in Korea made up of shipping containers and enjoy shooting pictures like never before. This flamboyant multi-purpose complex is packed with a myriad of stylish mid-sized shops, food trucks, and a courtyard and never falls short of photogenic points.
You can also enjoy the outdoor dining experience here and click some great pictures of the street food available here, if you are into food blogging.
Location: 200 Achasan-ro, Jayang 4(sa)-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
10. Enjoy a hilarious non-verbal performance: You must be aware of the non-verbal Nanta shows, which are too much fun to watch with loved ones. The good news is that you can enjoy these hilarious performances at the NANTA Theatre in Seoul.
With a melodious musical setting and a culinary themed comic performance, featuring fascinating acrobatic moves, this show is sure to make you roll with laughter.
Location: South Korea, Seoul, Jung-gu, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Myeongdong-gil
What are the things to do in Seoul at Night?
1. Enjoy Food Touring at Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market: One of the best things to do in Seoul at night for foodies is to relish some Koreanized tacos, Cuban sandwiches, and lobster rolls at the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market.
2. Watch the Sunset at the Bongeunsa Temple: Enjoy the beautiful sunset at Bongeunsa Temple, famous for its Maitreya Buddha statue and witness the whole shrine come to life with lights and lanterns.
3. Take a Pub Crawl Tour: One of the most tempting things to do in Seoul at night is to enjoy pub crawling at the huge party areas of the city, including Itaewon and Hongdae.
4. Experience Night Cruising on the Han River: Enjoy cruising on the picturesque Han River and relish lavish Korena dinner as you soak in the glamorous city lights.
5. Go Shopping at Myeongdong Night Market: Take a shopping spree at the famous Myeongdong Night Market and shop your heart out for cool souvenirs, branded cosmetics, and umpteen varieties of steamed and fried snacks.
What are the most romantic things to do in Seoul?
1. Spend a Day Out at the Seoul Forest: Take your beloved on an inexpensive date to the Seoul Forest and spend time cycling together, strolling through the butterfly garden, and feeding the animals at the ecology park.
2. Take a Shopping Spree around Ssamziegil: Go shopping around Ssamziegil, buying souvenirs from the local boutiques and relishing delectable street snacks.
3. Walk Hand-in-Hand through Ihwa Mural Village: If you are wondering what to do in Seoul with your sweetheart, take a walk through Ihwa Mural Village, enjoying the city views, clicking pictures, and sharing some coffee on the way.
4. Enjoy the Sunset at Namsan Tower: Soak in the breathtaking sunset and the panoramic city views from the iconic Namsan Tower, enjoying a romantic sunset meal at N.Grille, located at the top of this tower.
5. Experience an Intimate Time at Namiseom Island: One of the most romantic things to do in Seoul is enjoying an intimate day out on Namiseom Island, taking bike rides, riding a swan boat, and spotting ostriches.
What are the best adventure activities in Seoul?
1. Zipline to Nami Island: One of the most thrilling things to do in Seoul is enjoying a thrilling 940 meters ziplining, at a speed of 56 km/h across the Han River towards the Nami island.
2. Bungee Jumping at Gapyeong Top Land: One of the simple yet adventure things to do in Seoul is bungee jumping at Gapyeong Top Land, while soaking in the breathtaking views of the serene Bukhan River.
3. Paragliding at Yangpyeong Paragliding Park: One of the best ways to experience the Korean mountains is by paragliding at Yangpyeong Paragliding Park. While you glide across the skyline, you can also spot the convergence point of the South and North Han Rivers.
4. Hiking Mount Bukhansan: Take a hiking tour to Mount Bukhansan, which is the highest mountain in Seoul, perched at an elevation of around 836 meters above sea level.
5. Rail-Biking at Gangchon Rail Park: As you go rail-biking through the age-old railroad tracks at Gangchon Rail Park, enjoy scenic views of the Bukhangang River & the pop music inside the tunnel.
What is the best time to visit Seoul?
The most ideal time for visiting Seoul is during the spring season, between the months of April and June and the autumn season, between the months of September and November. During these periods of the year, Seoul experiences warm and dry weather, which is very comforting for enjoying outdoor activities.
What should I do in Seoul in 3 days?
Day 1: Spend this day exploring the heritage sites and royalty of Seoul. Cover top heritage landmarks of the capital city, including:
- National Palace Museum of Korea
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace
- Jongmyo Shrine
- Bukchon Hanok Village
Day 2: Reserve this day to witness the merge of tradition and modernity in Seoul, covering unique destinations, including:
- Namsangol Hanok Village
- Namsan Mountain
- Namdaemun Market
- N Seoul Tower
Day 3: Head to explore important attractions dotting the south bank of the Han River, including:
- Lotte World Tower
- Apgujeong-dong
- Olympic Park
- Bongeunsa Temple
What is Seoul famous for?
Seoul is known popularly for its magnificent palaces, snow-clad mountains, flamboyant open-air markets, delicious street food, intriguing museums, and rich culture.
What else is there to do in Seoul?
- Pay a visit to DMZ
- Enjoy a photoshoot in front of the “I-Seoul-U” sign
- Marvel at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Explore the secret garden at Changdeokgung palace
- Shop at Asia’s largest underground mall, Coex.
What should I wear in Seoul?
During Winters: Pack a warm jacket, sweaters, long sleeve t-shirts, long trousers, woollen socks, waterproof footwear, scarf, and gloves.
During Spring: Pack a light jacket, t-shirts, a light sweater, long trousers, and sneakers.
During Summer: Pack t-shirts, skirts/shorts, swimsuits, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sandals.
During Autumn: Pack long sleeve tops, t-shirts, a light jacket, warm socks, sneakers, trousers, and scarf/hat
How many days do you need to visit Seoul?
You need at least 3 days to visit Seoul. In the course of your 3-day tour to the capital city, you can enjoy exploring the prime attractions of Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Palace Museum of Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village, Bongeunsa Temple, Lotte World, Seoul Tower, and Namdaemun Market.
What should I not miss in Seoul?
- The spellbinding panoramic view from N Seoul Tower
- Magnets and keychains from Namdaemun Market
- The delicious and authentic Korean BBQ
- The art and craft workshops at Bukchon Hanok Village