Discovering the most amazing things to do in Seoul is an absolute must during your vacation and exploring the city will take you to another universe. Seoul is a unique and vibrant city full of attractions, attractions to explore, and culture to discover.
I went to South Korea in September when the weather was still good but not too hot and that was great for me to enjoy my time in Seoul.
I had the chance to stay in the city for a week but I would say that a few days only are enough to see the main spots in Seoul. Whether you’re getting prepared to explore the city for the first time or to see more of Seoul, you’re in the right place.
From cultural places with unique architecture to the most impressive parts of the city, I got you covered.
Where to Stay in Seoul?
As an amazing city to visit, knowing where to stay in Seoul is extremely important. The city has nearly 10 Million inhabitants and choosing the area where to stay will make or break your vacation.
I personally stayed in Jongno-nu and loved it, as it’s close to the business district and full of activities. In addition, it’s close to Bukchon Hanok Village and the main things to do in Seoul.
The best districts to stay in Seoul apart from Jongno-nu are:
- Myeongdong – For shopping lovers, close to the Seoul N Tower and full of modernity
- Hongdae – A vibrant university neighborhood popular for bars and restaurants
- Gangnam – For the Luxury lovers and high rollers
How to Get Around Seoul?
Getting around Seoul is certainly not the easiest task, but it’s far from impossible. When I first went there, it was a bit of a nightmare, to be honest with you.
I got to Seoul central station and tried to get a taxi to my hotel, and no driver wanted to take me, simply because they didn’t know my hotel.
First of all, Google Maps is not available in South Korea, so you should download Naver Maps (available in English). This is the best option to go around by yourself, although not the most intuitive, as everything is written in Korean only.
Secondly, buy a Seoul City Pass Card to use public transportation up to 20 times a day and get good discounts. Also, you could also purchase a T Money Card, which you can load and use for public transportation. While the T Money Card also offers discounts, I’d highly recommend choosing the Seoul City Pass.
Lastly, the most convenient way to get around is to book a Uber, which is what I personally recommend.
Sim Card for South Korea
When traveling around Seoul, you’ll want to stay connected. While many people speak English, taxi drivers generally don’t, and you’ll want to have access to Google Translate!
Check out this guide about getting a sim card in Korea, with the best providers and offers that you should know before coming.
Top Things to Do in Seoul
Explore the Unique Gyeongbokgung Palace
The Gyeongbokbung Palace is one of most impressive and beautiful buildings in Seoul and should definitely be on your list. The palace got destructed many times due to the Japanese invasions and its last reconstruction finished in 2007 which explains the reason why it looks so modern and well preserved.
Other than wandering around the palace, there are 2 unmissable things to do inside. First of all, you should witness the changing of the guards’ ceremony that takes place at 10 am and 2 pm daily except Tuesdays.
Secondly, you should also rent and wear a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress for both men and women. Renting it will only cost you 5000KRW and you’ll be able to enter the palace FOR FREE, rather than paying 3000KRW for the entrance
Wander around Bukchon Hanok Village
The Bukchon Hanok Village should on top of your list of things to do in Seoul for quite some obvious reasons.
You’ll be able to wander around visiting the tiny alleys with locals and tourists wearing the traditional Hanbok taking selfies and feeding their Instagram.
The Hanbok can be rented for as short as 30 minutes costing 5000KRW, and different rentals are available up to a full day. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had in Seoul and I HIGHLY recommend renting one.
The village is actually a residential area and we’re supposed to go around quiet not to disturb the locals, so be respectful, and don’t shout around!
If you’re traveling by yourself, make sure to book a personal photoshoot to take amazing pictures. In fact, this will be one of the best memories to bring back home (it certainly was for me!). Lastly, I’d recommend renting it for a few hours and getting to Gyeongbokbung Palace as you’d get to enter for free!
Risk it at the DMZ (Best thing to do in Seoul to know more about Korea)
There’s probably no need to mention that the Demilitarized Military Zone dividing North and South Korea is (ironically for its name) one of the most heavily militarized places in the entire world. This is not only a very unique area but also a very interesting place to visit.
You’ll need to join a tour from Seoul to visit the DMZ and you’ll see tickets advertised in every hotel so buying a ticket will be quite an easy task.
Note that the DMZ might close in some periods and they might, therefore, not accept any tourists. You will visit the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory, and Dorasan Train Station. The visit only lasts half a day and I’d definitely recommending joining a tour.
In addition to the DMZ, you also have the option to join a tour to the Joint Security Area where you’ll officially step foot in North Korea for a few minutes before heading back to Seoul. This tour is ONLY available a few times a year and you’ll need to book at least a month in advance.
Admire the View From the N Seoul Tower
The Seoul N is a 480m tower that can be seen from afar and that you certainly can’t miss. The view from above the city is nice and definitely deserves its spot in the best things to do in Seoul. However, don’t expect anything impressive if you’ve been to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai or to the KL Tower in Malaysia.
I’d recommend getting there during the week, as it can get pretty crowded during the weekend. Another pro-tip is to buy your ticket in advance to skip the line and get a discount, which is always cool.
HOW TO GET TO THE SEOUL N TOWER:
1. Take the cable car Myeong-dong Station. The ride takes a few minutes and costs 7,000 KRW for a one-way ticket (US$6)
2. Take the bus (No.02, No.03, or No.05 lines). The cost for a one-way ticket is 1,200 KRW (US$1)
3. Take the touristic bus and get off at the Seoul N Tower and get back with the same bus – Price $15
Opening Times: 10am to 11pm daily
Entrance Fee: 11,000KRW at the desk, or 8,600KRW.
Chill at the Cheonggyecheon Stream
The Cheonggyecheon Stream is certainly a place not to be missed during your trip to South Korea. While its central location could make you think that’s not a relaxing place, it is nonetheless an amazing thing to do in Seoul. The stream length is an impressive 11km where you’ll see beautiful trees, rocks separating its 2 sides, and locals relaxing while people watching.
Visit Gangnam District
The Gangnam District is famous for the one and only Oppa Gangnam Style song from Psy that got popular all around the world. Other than that, it is also the 3rd biggest district in Seoul so, needless to say, you’ll have endless activities in the area!
Note that the district has become one of the most popular districts in Seoul and therefore hotel and restaurant prices have remarkably increased in the past years. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend staying there, but rather get a hotel in Yongsan-nu or in Seongdong-gu which are fairly close.
Try Some Korean Barbecues
South Korea is not only famous for its modernity and architecture but also (and mainly) for its barbecues. In Seoul, they’re literally everywhere, and finding one you’ll like won’t probably be an issue.
These barbecues are mainly composed of meat, kimchi, salad, spicy sauces, and much more. I would say these restaurants are not for everyone’s liking as I find the meat to be quite fattening, however, the salad balances it up a little.
The best barbecue restaurants I’ve experienced in Seoul were Wangbijib and Mapo Sutbul Galbi. Both had fairly decent prices, good service, and the meat quality was excellent.
Get Lost in Jongno-gu
Jongno-gu was the first place I saw when I arrived in Seoul. In fact, my hotel was located there (and it turned out to be a love hotel) and the area was vibrant and full of activities.
Eat a Live Octopus
South Korea is full of strange street foods to eat and this is one of the most peculiar of them. However, eating alive octopus (called Sannakji) is considered a delicacy all around the country, and you should taste to have a proper Korean experience!
One of the best places in Seoul to eat one is at the Noryangjin Fish Market and that will cost you around 5,000KRW. The octopus is dipped into sesame sauce which adds some delicious flavor to it.
Last but not least, don’t think that eating Sannakji is cruel, that’s actually the opposite! The octopus is actually already dead and chopped into small pieces.
Shop Clothes and Souvenirs at Namdaemun Market
The Namdaemun Market is one of things to do in Seoul that you shouldn’t miss at any cost. In fact, it is the largest traditional market in South Korea. It does, therefore, sell many goods from clothes, toys, stationery, and imported goods.
With over 10,000 stores, the Namdaemun Market is open from 7am to 5pm and most retailers accept credit cards. In addition, restaurants will still be open after that time, until midnight.
Buy Cosmetics and Makeup at Myeongdong
Whether you’re a lady willing to buy excellent makeup or a man looking for moisturizing cosmetics, Myeongdong is the right place for you. In fact, this area is filled with many shops choose from and you’ll find samples and products to suit any budget and almost all skin types.
Other than that, I’d also suggest visiting the Ehwa Women’s University Fashion Street, which is amazing to buy women’s clothes and accessories.
Enjoy Your Time at Lotte World (Best thing to do in Seoul for families)
Lotte World is the Korean version of Disneyland and that’s definitely one of the most amazing things to do in Seoul.
Lotte World Adventure is the largest indoor amusement park in the world. The Folk Museum is also one of the most popular museums among international visitors. Folk cultural items on display date back 5,000 years in Korean history. The museum also features miniature villages and a playground. The museum layout was arranged to attract visitors’ attention and the displays are easily understandable.
Opening times: 10am to 9pm
Entrance fee: 59,000KRW – 50,000KRW for teenagers – 46,000KRW for for children – Free for kids up to 3 years
Take the Cable Car up to Mount Namsan
The cable car that takes you up to Mount Namsan is the same as the one that takes you to the Seoul N Tower. While I personally recommend going to the tower taking the touristic bus, the cable car is also a great and original option. Once on top, you’ll be able to do some hiking, have a picnic and admire the views of downtown Seoul’s skyline.
Opening times: From 10am to 10pm daily
Entrance fee: 7000KRW One-way /9,500KRW Round-trip
Shop at Common Ground Shopping Mall
The Common Ground shopping mall is one of the most original things to do in Seoul, and for different reasons. Common Ground was built with 200 shipping containers which made it the first and biggest container mall complex in the world. You’ll be able to find anything here from cafes, clothing brands, food trucks, souvenirs, and much more.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm daily
Eat a 32cm Ice Cream in Myeon-Dong
Seoul is full of amazing and funny things to do all, and this is one that you’ll probably never forget! There are many places that sell that original ice cream all around Myeon-dong.
Let me be clear about that ice cream, though. While it’s certainly delicious and ice cream is a treat, it’s just a regular dessert mixed with the seller’s AMAZING pouring skills.
It comes in different flavors such as green tea and chocolate, and at an incredibly affordable price of 2000KRW.
Moreover, my 2 pro-tips would be to go with an empty stomach and to eat it fast! It can be very heavy (calling the lactose intolerants here) and it will certainly melt faster than you’ll ever be able to eat it.
