There are many things to do in Seoul, Korea’s capital city. There’s something for everyone in Seoul, from exploring ancient palaces and temples to indulging in the latest fashions and trends.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on what to do during your time in this bustling metropolis, read on for our list of the best things to do in Seoul, Korea.
1. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty and is arguably the most beautiful and grandest of them all. The palace grounds are expansive, so give yourself plenty of time to explore.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most grand of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty.
It was constructed in 1395 and served as the main royal palace for about 200 years. The palace complex was destroyed by Japanese forces during the early years of the Japanese occupation (1915-1945) but has since been largely restored to its former glory.
Visitors can explore various parts of the palace, including the main hall, Geunjeongjeon, and see traditional Korean cultural performances.
What are some popular things to do near Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace, there are a number of popular tourist attractions and activities.
Visitors can explore Bukchon Hanok Village, an area of traditional Korean houses, or shop at one of the many markets in the area.
There are also a number of restaurants and cafés where you can try traditional Korean food.
For those interested in Korean culture, there are a number of museums and art galleries in the area.
What is the best time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Gyeongbokgung Palace is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is milder. The palace grounds are especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in April and autumn foliage season in October.
2. Shop at Myeongdong
Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s most popular shopping districts, and it’s easy to see why. The streets are lined with department stores, boutiques, and beauty shops, making it the perfect place to find souvenirs or pick up some new makeup products.
Myeongdong is a bustling shopping district in the heart of Seoul.
The area is teeming with high-end shops, department stores, and international brands, but it’s also home to a number of historical landmarks and cultural attractions.
Myeongdong Cathedral, for example, dates back to 1883 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area.
The Myeongdong Nanta Theatre is another popular spot, offering visitors a unique blend of traditional Korean drumming and comedy.
For those looking to do some serious shopping, Myeondong is the place to be.
Department stores like Lotte Young Plaza and Migliore offer a wide variety of goods, from clothes to cosmetics, while department store basements are a mecca for foodies, with everything from gourmet coffee to imported cheese.
But Myeongdong is more than just a shopping district; it’s also a great place to eat, drink, and people watch.
The area is filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants, many of which offer outdoor seating that’s perfect for people watching.
And when the sun goes down, the area comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene.
So whether you’re looking to shop ’til you drop, or just want to soak up the atmosphere of one of Seoul’s most vibrant neighborhoods, make sure to add Myeongdong to your list of places to visit.
3. Hike Up Bukhansan Mountain
For those who love nature and hiking, Bukhansan Mountain is a must-visit. The mountain offers beautiful views of the city, and there are many trails to choose from, depending on your fitness level.
Bukhansan Mountain is a mountain located in the north of Seoul, South Korea. The mountain is 836.5 meters high and is the third tallest mountain in Seoul.
Bukhansan Mountain has been a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists since the Joseon Dynasty.
There are three main peaks in Bukhansan Mountain: Baegundae Peak (836.5m), Insubong Peak (809.5m), and Mangyeongdae Peak (785m). Baegundae Peak is the highest peak in Bukhansan Mountain and offers views of downtown Seoul.
Insubong Peak is known for its rock formations and views of the cityscape. Mangyeongdae Peak is the lowest of the three peaks but offers views of a valley and a waterfall.
There are over 20 hiking trails in Bukhansan Mountain ranging from easy to difficult. The most popular trails are Gwaneumjeong Trail, Uiamjeong Trail, and Seonjaeilsoo Trail.
Gwaneumjeong Trail leads to Baegundae Peak and is the longest and most difficult trail in Bukhansan Mountain. Uiamjeong Trail leads to Insubong Peak and is shorter and less difficult than Gwaneumjeong Trail.
Seonjaeilsoo Trail is the shortest and easiest trail in Bukhansan Mountain and leads to Mangyeongdae Peak.
Bukhansan Mountain is a great place to hike all year round. In the spring, the mountain is covered in cherry blossoms. In the summer, the mountain is cool and refreshing.
In the fall, the leaves change color and create a beautiful landscape. And in the winter, the mountain is blanketed in snow.
4. Visit Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village that has been preserved for tourists to experience. Visitors can dress up in hanboks (traditional Korean clothing), learn about traditional crafts, and stroll through the picturesque streets.
Namsangol Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located in Nam-san Mountain. The name “Namsangol” comes from the combination of two Korean words – “nam” meaning south and “sangol” meaning forest.
The village was opened to the public in 1998 and since then, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seoul.
The village contains five restored traditional Korean houses which belonged to prominent Joseon-era families. Visitors can enter these houses and learn about the lifestyle of upper-class Joseon citizens.
There are also various cultural activities held at the village such as traditional weddings, music and dance performances, and tea ceremonies. Visitors can also try on hanboks (traditional Korean clothing) and take part in crafts workshops.
5. Explore Insadong
Insadong is a great place to find traditional Korean arts and crafts. The area is filled with art galleries, shops selling calligraphy supplies and handmade paper, and tea houses. It’s also a great place to sample some traditional Korean food.
Insadong was once the center of Seoul’s artistic community. It is still lined with art galleries and traditional craft shops. You can also find street food vendors and tea houses.
Some of the best things to do in Insadong include:
1. Visit an art gallery
Insadong is home to many art galleries, both big and small. There are galleries specializing in traditional Korean art, as well as contemporary art.
2. Browse the shops
There are a variety of shops in Insadong, selling everything from traditional Korean crafts to modern souvenirs.
3. Try some street food
Street food is abundant in Insadong. You can find everything from grilled meats to steamed dumplings.
4. Get a traditional Korean massage
There are several places in Insadong where you can get a traditional Korean massage, or “hwalot.”
5. Drink some tea
Drinking tea is a popular pastime in Korea, and there are many tea houses in Insadong to choose from.
6. Visit a temple
Insadong is home to Jogyesa Temple, the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
7. Take a segway tour
Segway tours are a fun and unique way to see Seoul. You can find several companies offering tours in Insadong.
8. Go on a food tour
If you want to sample some of the best Korean food, a food tour is the way to go. There are several companies that offer food tours in Insadong.
9. Shop for traditional Korean clothes
Insadong is a great place to shop for traditional Korean clothes, known as hanbok.
10. Take a cooking class
If you’re interested in learning how to cook Korean food, there are several cooking classes available in Insadong.
11. Visit an art museum
Insadong is home to several art museums, including the Seoul Museum of Art and the Daehangno Art Museum.
12. Go on a walking tour
There are several companies that offer walking tours of Insadong. This is a great way to see the sights and learn about the history of the area.
13. Take a Korean language class
If you’re interested in learning Korean, there are several language schools in Insadong that offer classes.
14. Shop for Korean souvenirs
Insadong is a great place to shop for Korean souvenirs, such as traditional pottery and jewelry.
15. Drink some soju
Soju is a popular Korean alcoholic beverage, and you can find it being sold at many of the shops in Insadong.
16. Visit a Buddhist temple
Insadong is home to several Buddhist temples, including the Anguk Temple and the Myeongdong Cathedral.
17. Go on a art tour
There are several companies that offer art tours of Insadong. This is a great way to see the sights and learn about the history of the area.
18. Shop for Korean traditional clothes
Insadong is a great place to shop for traditional Korean clothes, known as hanbok.
19. Get a traditional Korean massage
There are several places in Insadong where you can get a traditional Korean massage, or “hwalot.”
20. Drink some tea
Drinking tea is a popular pastime in Korea, and there are many tea houses in Insadong to choose from.
21. Visit a temple
Insadong is home to Jogyesa Temple, the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
22. Take a segway tour
Segway tours are a fun and unique way to see Seoul. You can find several companies offering tours in Insadong.
23. Go on a food tour
If you want to sample some of the best Korean food, a food tour is the way to go. There are several companies that offer food tours in Insadong.
6. Take a Day Trip to Suwon
Suwon is a city just outside of Seoul that is home to Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fortress is an impressive example of 18th-century architecture, and the surrounding city offers a more traditional Korean experience.
Suwon Hwaseong is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo.
It is an example of Joseon-dynasty fortress architecture and engineering, and it was the king’s home for two years while the new capital city of Seoul was being constructed.
The fortress walls are over 5 kilometers long and they are made of brick and stone. There are four main gates, which are each guarded by a watchtower.
Inside the fortress walls, there are many palaces, temples, and other buildings.
One of the best things to do in Suwon is to walk or bike along the top of the fortress walls.
From here, you can get great views of the city. There are also a few museums inside the fortress walls, including the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and the Hwaseong Fortress Museum.
If you’re interested in Korean history, this is a great place to learn more about it.
Just outside the fortress walls, there is a traditional Korean village called Haenggung-dong. This is a great place to try some traditional Korean food and see how people lived in Joseon times.
Suwon Hwaseong is a great place to learn about Korean history and culture. It’s also a beautiful spot for walks and bike rides
7. Visit the N Seoul Tower
The N Seoul Tower is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The tower offers stunning views of the city, and there is also a revolving restaurant and an observation deck.
Namsan, or Seoul Tower, is a communication and observation tower located in central Seoul, South Korea.
The tower was first constructed in 1969 and opened to the public in 1980. At 236 meters (774 feet) high, it is the second tallest structure in Seoul (after 63 Building).
The N Seoul Tower is considered as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. More than 3 million people visit the tower every year.
The N Seoul Tower offers breathtaking views of the cityscape from its observatory decks and restaurants.
It also has several other facilities such as an indoor ice skating rink, a digital Observatory, the Teddy Bear Museum, and much more.
If you’re looking for things to do in Seoul, then a visit to the N Seoul Tower should definitely be on your list.
8. Go to an Outdoor Market
Outdoor markets are a great way to experience Korean culture and try some delicious food. There are many markets to choose from in Seoul, but some of the most popular include Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market.
9. See a show at the Seoul Metropolitan Opera House
The Seoul Metropolitan Opera House is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Shows are held regularly, so check the schedule in advance and make sure to get tickets for a performance during your stay.
The Seoul Metropolitan Opera House is a world-renowned opera house located in the heart of the city.
It was built in 1966 and has since been home to some of the most prestigious operas and ballets from around the world.
The Opera House has a capacity of 2,500 people and features a number of state-of-the-art facilities, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seoul.
10. Visit Lotte World
Lotte World is a huge indoor theme park that is perfect for a rainy day. The park has rides, an ice skating rink, a carnival, and much more.
Lotte World is a large entertainment complex in Seoul, South Korea. It consists of an indoor theme park and an outdoor amusement park called Magic Island. The indoor theme park is the world’s largest indoor theme park, while Magic Island is the world’s third largest outdoor amusement park. Lotte World is operated by the Lotte Group, a Korean conglomerate.
Lotte World was opened on July 12, 1989. The indoor theme park was originally built as an alternative to Disneyland for Koreans who could not afford to travel overseas. The outdoor amusement park was added later on.
Lotte World has over 30 rides and attractions, including a merry-go-round, bumper cars, a roller coaster, and a monorail. It also has a folk museum, a theater, and a cinema.
Lotte World is open all year round and is particularly popular during the holidays. It is located in Seoul’s Jamsil neighborhood, near Jamsil Sports Complex and Lotte Department Store.
Thoughts and Conclusion
There’s no shortage of things to do in Seoul, Korea’s vibrant capital city.
From exploring ancient palaces and temples to shopping at bustling markets and soaking up the nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Seoul.
To help you make the most of your time in this lively city, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Seoul.
So whether you’re looking for culture, history, or just a good time, be sure to check out our list of the best things to do in Seoul.
