1. Try local food at Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is home to over 100 food stalls and is the best place to try local food in Seoul! Here, you can munch on Korean corn dogs, savor delicious dumplings, sample homemade kimchi, and devour Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), Tteokbokki (sticky rice cakes), Kimbap (bite-size dried seaweed rolls), fresh seafood, and so much more.
The market opens at 8:30 AM and stays open late until 11 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore and enjoy all the delicious food you want.
Getting to Gwangjang Market is easy by bus or metro:
🚉 Jongno 5-ga Station (line 1, exit 7/8)
🚉 Euljiro 4-ga Station (line 2/5, exit 4)
Don’t be discouraged by the crowds or local vendors who might not speak English. They are welcoming and will use hands and pictures to help you order exactly what you want.
Not sure where to start? Here are some of the Best food we ate at Gwangjang Market.
2. Visit Ikseondong Hanok Village
Ikseondong Hanok Village is the oldest village in Seoul, featuring traditional Korean houses known as hanoks. With over 100 hanoks, Ikseondong is a true hidden gem, popular mainly with locals. This charming neighborhood, with its narrow streets filled with hip cafes, restaurants, and pubs, offers something for everyone.
Perfectly located, Ikseondong Hanok Village is surrounded by royal palaces and the bustling Insadong shopping street. It’s easily accessible by metro:
🚉 Jongno 3-ga Station (line 5, exit 4)
🚉 Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1/3, exit 6)
3. Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream flows through the heart of Seoul, stretching 11 kilometers from Gwanghwamun to Dongdaemun. This historic stream dates back to the 14th century, but it was covered with a highway during the war. Thankfully, it has been restored as part of an urban renewal project.
Walking along Cheonggyecheon Stream is the perfect way to relax and enjoy beautiful scenery. As it flows below the streets, it provides a quiet and peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Cheonggyecheon Stream passes close to many top tourist attractions, including Dongdaemun, Gwangjang Market, and Gyeongbokgung Palace. You can walk along the stream any time of day, even at night when it’s beautifully illuminated.
Cheonggyecheon Stream changes its theme with the seasons, so don’t miss it in spring when it’s in full blossom, autumn when the leaves turn vibrant colors, or during special events like the Lantern Festival (Late April to Mid-May), Seoul Lantern Festival (November), and Christmas Festival (December).
4. Stroll around Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses, known as hanoks, that date back to the Joseon dynasty. This makes the village over 600 years old. During this period, royal families, wealthy citizens, and government officials lived here. Today, many of these hanoks have been transformed into cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses.
The best way to experience Bukchon Hanok Village is to get lost in its charming streets and explore the alleyways. “Bukchon” translates to “northern village,” and its location on higher ground offers stunning views of the entire city.
Just keep in mind that Bukchon Hanok Village is a living neighborhood with actual residents, so please be respectful and keep noise to a minimum. You will see signs and people enforcing this to maintain the tranquility for residents.
Bukchon Hanok Village is the perfect place to stay if you want to experience living in a traditional Korean house.
🚉 Anguk Station (line 3, exit 2). 10-minute walk.
5. Rent a Hanbok and dress as in the olden days
When in South Korea, you must try dressing in their traditional clothes, known as Hanbok! This is something even locals do for fun, and they are more than welcoming when tourists wear Hanbok, seeing it as a sign of respect rather than an insult.
Women’s Hanbok includes a wide skirt with many layers underneath and crinoline, paired with a crop body top with long sleeves and a long ribbon. Men’s Hanbok features loose-fitting pants with a top and a waistcoat.
Renting a Hanbok is very easy, with rental shops conveniently located all around Seoul, especially near popular attractions. Plus, when you’re dressed in Hanbok, you can enjoy free entry to some of these attractions!
Rent a Hanbok in Seoul
Experience traditional Korean style and visit the palaces in a beautiful Hanbok outfit. A must-do for amazing photos!
Book Now6. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, built over 600 years ago, served as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty. It is not only the most beautiful but also the largest of the five palaces in Seoul.
One of the main highlights of visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, held daily at 10 AM and 2 PM. If you want to beat the crowds, the best time to visit is around 9 AM. The palace grounds are huge, so plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring.
Admission is 3,000 KRW per adult, but here’s a tip: if you dress in a Hanbok, you get in for free!
Opening hours:
Nov-Feb: 9:00-17:00
Mar-May, Sep-Oct: 9:00-18:00
Jun-Aug: 9:00-18:30 Last admission is 1 hour before closing. The palace is closed on Tuesdays.
You can reach Gyeongbokgung Palace easily:
🚉 Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3, exit 5). 3-minute walk
🚉 Gwanghwamun Station (line 5, exit 2). 7-minute walk
There are four entrances to the palace: Gwanghwamun Gate (main gate) on the south, Yongchumun Gate on the west, Sinmumun Gate on the north, and the National Folk Museum of Korea entrance on the east.
7. Visit Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces.
With its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, it’s easy to see why Changdeokgung Palace and its complex were recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Exploring this palace feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into Korea’s royal history.
Opening hours:
Feb-May, Sep-Oct: 9:00-18:00
Jun-Aug: 9:00-18:30
Nov-Jan: 9:00-17:30 Last admission is 1 hour before closing. The palace is closed on Mondays.
🚉 Anguk Station (line 3, exit 3). 6 mins walk
🚉 Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1, 3 or 5, exit 6). 10 mins walk
8. Climb the N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower, originally established as a broadcast tower in 1969 to send out TV and radio signals, now serves as an observatory offering an unobstructed view of the entire city. It has become one of the top attractions in Seoul, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Ticket prices for adults are 16,000 won.
Observatory is open daily – 10:30-22:00 (weekdays), 10:00-23:00
To reach N Seoul Tower, you can take a bus and then a cable car, or, if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike to the top!
One of the unique attractions at N Seoul Tower is the tradition of couples attaching locks to the fences as a symbol of their everlasting love. It’s a beautiful sight and a great spot for photos.
Additionally, there are several restaurants at the tower where you can enjoy lunch or a quick snack while taking in the panoramic views.
9. COEX Starfield Library
In the center of COEX Mall, you’ll find one of the most picturesque libraries in the world: Starfield Library. With over 50,000 books available, this library is an open public space where anyone can come to sit down, relax, and read for free.
Right next to the library is a Starbucks where you can grab a refreshment while you enjoy your book.
Starfield Library is a beautiful photo spot, so be sure to bring your camera. It’s truly one of the most unique libraries in the world, offering a wonderful sight with its wide selection of books and magazines. Cannot imagine the librarian having to upkeep the place.
The library is free and open daily from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Keep in mind that this is a public space, so please be considerate of others while you visit.
🚉 Subway Line 2, Samseong Station, Exits 5 & 6
🚉 Subway Line 9, Bongeunsa Station, Exits 1/6/7
🚉 Subway Line 7, Cheongdam Station, Exit 2
10. Gangnam Style Hands
This iconic installation is located right in front of the east gate of COEX Mall in the Gangnam-gu district. The statue was created to honor the 2012 mega-hit song “Gangnam Style” by PSY, which had everyone doing the horse dance.
When you step onto the stage beneath the statue’s hands, the song “Gangnam Style” will play, inviting you to kick out your best dance moves. That’s a fun and nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages and a perfect spot to capture those hilarious photos and videos.
The Gangnam Style statue is a popular tourist attraction and a must-see for fans of K-pop and anyone who remembers the days when this song was playing everywhere (and couldn’t get it out of your head). After your impromptu dance session, you can explore the nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants in the vibrant Gangnam district.
11. K-Star Road
Calling all K-Pop lovers! K-Pop has taken over the whole world, and K-Star Road is dedicated to the artists who made it happen. If you’ve ever found yourself singing along to your favorite K-Pop hits, K-Star Road in Seoul is the place for you.
There are 17 art toy statues celebrating some of the biggest names in K-Pop:
① 4Minute
② Super Junior
③ 2PM
④ FT Island
⑤ SHINee
⑥ Miss A
⑦ CNBLUE
⑧ TVXQ!
⑨ Girls’ Generation
⑩ EXO
⑪ AOA
⑫ BTS
⑬ B1A4
⑭ VIXX
⑮ INFINITE
⑯ KARA
⑰ Block B
Take a stroll down this vibrant street and snap selfies with your favorite K-Pop idols in art toy form.
K-Star Road in Seoul is a must-visit for any K-Pop fan. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the K-Pop craze, this colorful and fun street is an experience you won’t want to miss. Just remember, fangirling (or fanboying) is totally acceptable here!
12. Lotte Adventure Park & Seokchon Lake
You can’t visit Seoul without heading to the Disneyland of Korea – Lotte World! This incredible attraction has everything: indoor and outdoor adventure rides, an aquarium, an ice skating rink, a shopping mall, and even the 5th tallest building in the world!
Lotte World is divided into two main areas: Lotte World Adventure, an indoor themed area, and Magic Island, an outdoor themed area. Each offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors of all ages.
When visiting, be sure to take a stroll around Seokchon Lake, located directly behind Lotte World. The view of Lotte World from the lake is absolutely fairytale-like!
10:00-21:00
🚉 Jamsil Station (line 2/8, exit 4)
13. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) stands for Dream, Design, and Play. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, a world-renowned architect, DDP is a multi-cultural complex aimed at promoting culture, design, and fashion in South Korea.
This architectural marvel is stunning both day and night, featuring beautiful light installations that make it a must-see attraction.
🚉 Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station (line 2/4/5, exit 1 to arrive right next to DDP)
🚉 Dongdaemun Station (line 1/4, exit 7). 5 mins walk.
14. Myeongdong Night Market
Myeongdong is not only a perfect place for shopping, but it also offers a vibrant dining scene with numerous restaurants and street food stalls. The area comes alive at night, making it a must-visit spot in Seoul!
Myeongdong boasts a wide array of street food options, but keep in mind that these vendors only take cash. We tried a lot of delicious treats here, but if you’re unsure where to start, here are a few recommendations:
- Hweori Gamja (Tornado potato)
- Rice Cakes
- Stuffed Sweet Potato
- Coin Bread
- Sugared Fruit Skewers
- Korean Fried Chicken
- Korean Hot Dog
In addition to street food, Myeongdong is home to some of the best restaurants in Seoul, including one of our favorite spots for Korean BBQ – INSERT NAME.
This is the perfect place to go on a food tour! Book your Myeongdong Food Tour here!
🚉 Myeongdong Station (line 4, exit 5/6/7/8 onto Myeongdong)
🚉 Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (line 2, exit 5/6). 2 mins walk.
15. Sing your soul at karaoke
When in South Korea, karaoke is a must-do activity! It’s not just for tourists; locals absolutely love their karaoke, too. And why wouldn’t they? It’s incredibly fun! Most karaoke spots are open 24/7 and offer an amazing selection of English songs. You can choose between karaoke in a bar with a live audience or a private room just for your group.
We visited a karaoke room in Myeongdong called INSERT NAME, and we had the time of our lives! We sang our hearts out for 60 minutes and lost our voices, but it was totally worth it. We highly recommend it for an unforgettable experience!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to the 15 top things to do in Seoul! From exploring historic palaces and vibrant markets to experiencing the thrill of karaoke and the serenity of beautiful parks, Seoul truly offers something for everyone. If you want to be extra prepared, here are Things you should know before visiting South Korea to make your trip ultra smooth.
Seoul is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a K-Pop fan, or just looking to soak in the culture, Seoul has it all. So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Until next time, be mesmerized! 🧡
