Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is one of Asia’s coolest cities to explore. It’s got a proper amazing mix of old and new that is amazing to see. Oh, and that’s without even remembering the delicious South Korean food and the best things to do in Seoul that are dotted all across the city.
Before visiting Seoul, I (like a lot of travellers out there) had this preconceived notion of Seoul being this shiny city, almost clinical, if you will. And, whilst that is true in some parts, Seoul is so much more than that!
Seoul has a huge amount of history, temples and sites that you can’t miss.
This is the reason why I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Seoul on your next trip. It doesn’t matter if it’s a short hop, a long weekend or a few weeks, hopefully, I can share some of the best things to do in Seoul.
Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Seoul.
1.) Explore the Korea Furniture Museum
So, not the first thing you think of when you think of Seoul attractions, but the Korea Furniture Museum is more interesting than you’d expect (so give it a chance). It’s one of the best things to do in Seoul if you’re interested in the culture and heritage of South Korea.
Filled with over 2,000 pieces of traditional furniture, the museum also boasts 10 traditional Korean houses for you to get a real insight into South Korean lifestyles and culture. Just remember, that this part is accessible by reservation only so get your tickets in advance of visiting.
That being said, if you’re not into this type of history, you might want to book this tour to the DMZ (border with North Korea). On this incredible guided tour, you’ll get to see some of the Infiltration Tunnels and other tunnels that were built to get into South Korea.
It’s an incredible tour to experience, but make sure to book this ticket in advance. Tickets do sell out at peak times.
Read more: The best places to visit in South Korea
2.) Wander through Insadong
Visiting Insadong is also another great way to get an insight into South Korean culture and explore one of the neighbourhoods of Seoul. Now, Insadong itself is home to shed loads of shops, pretty little teahouses and market stalls selling everything you could imagine.
Also, with over 100 art galleries, you are bound to find a unique souvenir or two to take back home with you. Whilst here, make sure to check out the traditional clothing, papers (it’s a thing here), and pottery for sale in the area.
Oh yes, and if you’re struggling to get from the airport, book this private airport transfer for when you land in Seoul. This way, you can swiftly leave Incheon Airport and head right into the centre of Seoul.
3.) Experience Bongeunsa
The Temple of Bongeunsa is a surprisingly tranquil place smack in the middle of Seoul. It’s the kinda place that you wouldn’t even think could be so quiet in the bustling heart of Seoul.
Once you’re here, you’ll be able to wander around the 1,400-year-old buildings that were commissioned by Yeon-hoe (the most important monk in the region).
Located in the Gangnam district, pretty close to the CoEx it’s a pretty impressive place to see the contrasting views of Seoul’s old and new districts.
Oh, and don’t forget to see the huge stone monument that is considered to be the biggest Maitreya in all of South Korea.
Read more: Best dishes to eat in South Korea
4.) Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbukgung Palace is the largest of the grand palaces and one of the best things to do in Seoul.
The Palace spans quite a considerable amount of space so it’s worth leaving a few hours to explore properly, especially if you love the history of Seoul.
The intricate design and picturesque gardens will leave you pretty impressed, I’m sure. Oh, and if you want free entry into the palace, you should arrive in traditional Korean dress codes.
5.) Gorge in Seoul
Hands down, Korean food is delicious!
Korean food has a reputation around the globe and is easily up there as one of the best things to do in Seoul.
For some yummy foods, make sure to try some classic Korean dishes. We loved the Korean BBQ and fried chicken (which is something of an institution in Korea). Trust me when I say, Koreans take their fried chicken seriously. It’s nothing fancy at all, but the chicken is delicious.
To make things easier, book this Seoul food tour that’s perfect for walking around the city. It’s a great way to get some local flavours in Seoul; especially the hidden gems that all the locals know about.
Read more: Best dishes to eat in South Korea
6.) Visit the Jogyesa Temple
Nestled among the skyscrapers is the beautiful little Buddhist gem of the Jogyesa Temple. It’s easily up there as one of the best things to do in Seoul if you want to explore the city’s history.
Often thought of as one of the pillars of Korean Buddhism, it’s an easy spot to find if you’re in downtown Seoul.
The temple itself hosts loads of different festivals, with the Lantern Festival being a firm favourite you should see.
7.) Stroll through Myeongdong
Known as one of the best shopping streets in Seoul, Myeongdong is one of the best things to do in Seoul if you want an evening of shopping, bars and food.
Half the fun of visiting markets like this is not knowing what you’ll find here so arrive with an open mind, an open wallet (obviously) and a penchant for a fantastic bargain.
We had the best time strolling around before dinner and ended up with all manner of purchases.
Read more: The best places to visit in South Korea
8.) See the views from N Seoul Tower
An aerial view of Seoul is almost always an easy ‘Yes’, especially when it comes to the N Seoul Tower.
Watching the city transform from day to night is always an amazing perspective, especially over glittering cities like Seoul.
For me, I’d always recommend visiting before sunset, though, it can get busy then. Just one thing to remember, if you do arrive at the tower by cable car, remember that the fee doesn’t include entry to the tower itself and that will need to be paid for separately.
Oh, and, if the skies are gloomy or foggy, give this one a miss.
9.) Wander Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village and a great way to take a step back in time and see what South Korea would have been like centuries ago. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Seoul and an area I love.
Also, you can pop into some of the houses here to see them a lot closer up (and for free too). Best yet, you can even pop into one of the local tea houses for a spot of rice tea that’s made traditionally. Honestly, the tea houses are beautiful experiences to have here.
If tea isn’t your thing, this area is also home to quite loads of quirky shops and stalls that are all through the alleys and streets.
Location-wise, this is in between Gyeongbukgung Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage Changdeokgung Palace so a trip here is an easy addition to your day trip to these.
10.) Find Changdeokgung Palace
Speaking of Changdeokgung Palace, this is one of the best things to do in Seoul, so much so that it’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage.
Changdeokgung Palace still has elements from the Three Kingdoms of Korea and was the favourite of Korean princes which is so interesting to see. Don’t forget to watch out for the changing of the guards, too.
When you arrive here, be sure to check out Huwon (The Secret Garden), which is idyllic. Also, it’s worth remembering, that you have to book a tour to visit Huwon and can only visit with the tour so be sure to factor that in during your trip.
Also, entry during certain public holidays is free. Yippee!
Read more: Best places to visit in South Korea
11.) Chill at Hangang Park
Located along the banks of Hangang River (hence its name), Hangang Park is another slightly different part of the city to explore.
The park has an open pathway for visitors to head out biking or just go for a stroll in the park. A visit to the park makes for a change of pace from being in the busy city and is a great spot to chill and perhaps even indulge in a spot of people-watching.
This is a great place to chill out after a day exploring Seoul.
Read more: Best dishes to eat in South Korea
12.) Discover Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace is another one of the five grand palaces and was home to the Korean royal family until the colonisation of Korea by Japan all those years ago.
Now, this is one of the smaller palaces to visit in Seoul, but don’t let that put you off. It’s gorgeous to see. Open until much later than the other palaces, it’s worth visiting in the evening when most of the other sights have closed.
Also, the changing of the guards happens here around 11 am and is well worth seeing if you’re in the area. It lasts around fifteen minutes and is so nice to see the traditional dress, too.
Read more: The best places to visit in South Korea
13.) Take a boat on the Hangang River
The Hangang River is lovely from its banks, but if you’ve got some weary feet (after a day of exploring), hop on board one of the cruise boats that’ll whisk you down the river itself.
If you find yourself with some free time in the city, hop aboard a boat here and see the city from a different perspective. That being said, it’s a much slower pace of exploring a city (if you’re short on time).
Read more: Best places to visit in South Korea
14.) Scream at Everland
Okay, so theme parks are a big deal in South Korea and Everland is one of the most popular in all of Asia.
It’s easily one of the best things to do in Seoul if you’re something of a thrill-seeker. Now, to get here, it’ll take you about 30 minutes by train or 45 minutes by bus. Best of all, it’s easily reached from downtown Seoul.
Now, the rides are pretty intense, especially with the wooden roller-coaster, so consider that before your visit. If you don’t like rides, you’ll likely hate this place.
Read more: Best places to visit in South Korea
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