43 Must-Visit Attractions in Seoul
With a fizzing K-Pop scene, cut-price beauty emporiums and late-night norebang (karaoke) bars, the capital of South Korea is one of the most exciting cities in Asia. Come for a few days at least and you will find a mix of traditional and modern thrills with countless attractions and sites to explore. Here are the top must-visit attractions in Seoul.
Bukhansan National Park
Park
Gyeongbokgung
Park
Gwanghwamun Square
Architectural Landmark
This new public square lies in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate to the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace. The square features a statue of King Sejong the Great, the inventor of Korea’s Hangul alphabet. Visit on a sunny day and you can enjoy the view of the soaring green hills beyond Seoul’s skyscrapers. Most city tours of Seoul will include a photo op at Gwanghwamun Gate.
Changdeokgung
Building
Bukchon Hanok Village
Archaeological site
Cheonggyecheon stream
Natural Feature
N Seoul Tower
Building
Myeongdong
Shop
Lotte World
Amusement Park
Seoul’s largest recreation complex is home to the world’s biggest indoor theme park as well as an outdoor amusement park called Magic Island, all linked by a monorail. Lotte World, which is to the southeast of the city centre, has a luxury hotel, a national folk museum, sport facilities and cinemas. To add life and Seoul to your trip, make your way here.
Jogyesa Temple
Buddhist Temple
This will probably be the most colourful temple you will ever see – the exterior is bright red, jade, blue and yellow. Inside are three golden Buddhas. As the visual fanfare suggests, the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism is one of the most important in the country. It was founded at the start of the Joseon Dynasty in 1395. Visit during Buddha’s birthday in May and you can join Korean visitors taking part in the festivities. We recommend checking out the temple when lit by lanterns on an atmospheric nighttime tour of Seoul.
Jongmyo Shrine
Shrine
Gangnam
Shopping Mall
COEX Mall
Shopping Mall
Demilitarised Zone
Historical Landmark
This strip of land will make you shiver… and think. The DMZ divides the Korean peninsula and is the border between North and South Korea. Created in 1953 as a buffer between communism and capitalism, it is a surviving slice of the Cold War. It’s just 48km (30mi) north of Seoul and there are observation towers from which to peek into North Korea. It can only be visited on an organised tour. Luckily, you can visit the DMZ on Culture Trip’s 10-day trip to South Korea. Alternatively, book one of many day trip tours departing from Seoul.
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Museum, Building
Heunginjimun
Building
Soigné
Restaurant, Contemporary
One of Seoul’s most reputed contemporary dining restaurants, Soigné is situated in a quiet nook of Seorae Maeul. The open kitchen, referred to as “The Stage” by owner and head chef Jun Lee, allows diners to watch the chefs elaborately create their meals. The menu rotates every few months and incorporates themes that vary from movies to seasons. For the full experience, try the full course dinner, which stretches out over a leisurely two to three hours. Recommended by Mimsie Ladner.
Jazz Story
Bar, Pub Grub, Korean, Fusion
At the heart of Seoul’s lively Hyehwa district is one of its best-kept secrets — Jazz Story, a unique live music bar that is spacious enough so visitors never feel cramped, even when at full capacity. Here, patrons can relax in an eclectic interior bedecked with items such as a hand-crafted airplane that hangs suspended over the stage. Otherworldly figures and contraptions adorn the exposed rebar and broken concrete walls, adding to the atmosphere. The wine, beer and cocktails on offer are varied to please just about any taste, but the house jazz band, which plays daily and takes requests, is the real draw here. Recommended by Mimsie Ladner.
Maple Tree House
Restaurant, Korean, BBQ
For those wishing to sample the best Korean barbecue food, a visit to the Maple Tree is a must. The restaurant is well-renowned for serving high-quality meat in a spacious setting that is decked with polished brass tables and modern interiors. Book a food tour of the city for an even more comprehensive culinary deep-dive. Recommended by Naintara Gurung.
War Memorial of Korea
Building, Memorial
Buam-dong
Architectural Landmark
Nestled between Inwang and Bugak mountains, Buam-dong is a tranquil neighborhood situated in the middle of the city, but shielded by nature from the concrete that makes up the remainder of the metropolis. Untainted by retail franchisees or coffee chains, the area retains a quiet residential vibe. Boasting only a single bus stop, it is certainly not the most convenient place to visit, but its quaint galleries, beautiful nature trails and unique charm make it well worth the trek. The area even features on a tour of the filming locations from the global filmic phenomenon that was Parasite (2019). Recommended by Mimsie Ladner.
Korea Furniture Museum
Museum
National Museum of Korea
Museum
Five Unusual Things to Do in Seoul
Recommended by Linda Dunsmore.
Korean alcohol-tasting classes
Bar, Cocktails
One of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Korea is a type of rice wine called makgeolli. The Korea Tourism Organization even claims that makgeolli sales overseas have increased by 20–25% in recent years. Baesangmyeonjuga, a liquor company well-known for producing a wide selection of Korean drinks, hosts lessons on how to make makgeolli. Classes are held in Korean and take place every Saturday, and the first and third Friday of each month. There are also plenty of classes (as well as drink tours) held in English through Viator.
Seoul fashion week
Building, Architectural Landmark, Shop
Singing rooms (Noraebang)
Music Venue
If you want to explore Seoul like a local, you should visit a singing room (Noraebang). Private rooms of different sizes come equipped with high-tech karaoke facilities, and are available for groups of friends, families or even colleagues. Going out to sing songs and drink is a common pastime for many Koreans. Don’t know any K-Pop? No problem. Every Noraebang offers a wide selection of popular English hits.
Korean bathhouses
Spa, Swimming Pool
The Best Markets in Seoul
Noryangjin Fish Wholesale Market
Market, Seafood
Namdaemun Market
Market
Gwangjang Market
Market
Dongdaemun Market
Market, Bazaar
Hongdae Free Market
Market
Every Saturday from March to November, local artists, performers, and even musicians get together to form this unique market, offering handmade arts and crafts and unique entertainment performances to the crowd. The best part about Hongdae Free market is the relaxed atmosphere that lets visitors engage with the local vendors and performers and get to know their stories and the background of their products.
Yangjae Flower Market
Market
Yangjae Flower Market is one of those hidden attractions in the city not many people know about. The market first opened in 1991 and started out selling cut flowers. Today, it is the largest flower market in South Korea and carries flowers and plants of all varieties. The market also sells gardening related items.
Tongin Market
Market
Just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, you will find Tongin Market. While it might seem ordinary at a first glance, the market is actually a hotspot for the popular Korean dish tteokbokki, chewy rice cakes in a spicy chili sauce. The market is also a piece of Korean history in itself, as it was created for Japanese residents in 1941 when Korea was under Japanese rule.
The Most Scenic Outdoor Spots in and Around Seoul
Recommended by Rose Munday.
Seoraksan National Park
Natural Feature
Two hours from the capital by bus is Seoraksan National Park, home to Korea’s third tallest mountain and various scenic hiking trails. The most popular is the steep climb to Daecheongbong Peak, a dramatic granite cliff overlooking the park. While a trip to Seokransan National Park is possible during a day trip from Seoul, it’s advisable to spend a night nearby in Sokcho city. The park is home to 1,562 animal species, as well as Buddhist temples and impressive caves, so you won’t run out of ways to fill the time. Book a guided hike to make sure you see the very best of the park in just one day.
Nami Island
Natural Feature
The tiny landmass of Nami Island was accidentally formed when the waters of the Han River rose around it during the 1940s. Now, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Seoul, home to a dense redwood forest and the idyllic-sounding Garden of Morning Calm. If that all sounds a little too zen, why not turn up the adrenaline and zip-wire onto Nami Island from an 80-metre (262-foot) tower on the mainland? Guests can zip beside each other on twin cables reaching speeds of 55kph (35mph). Nami island is a one-hour drive from Seoul by car or bus, but you might want to ease the planning stress by booking a day tour with pick-up from the city.
Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort
Ski Resort
While Japan probably springs to mind as a ski destination before South Korea, there are some excellent slopes on the mountains that surround Seoul. Elysian Gangchon Resort (open November to March) can be reached by subway in just one hour from Seoul, making it a popular option for outdoor adventurers on a budget. The resort spans more than 200,000 square metres (50 acres) and has slopes for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Catch the Gyeongchun Line from Seoul’s Cheongnyangni Station to Baegyang-ri Station, or book a day tour from Seoul with Viator.
The City Walls (Hanyangdoseong)
Archaeological site
For an outdoor activity in Seoul with unrivalled views, the City Walls could be classed as either a history lesson or a hike. Hanyangdoseong measures 18 kilometres (11 miles) in length, built in 1396 to protect the city from encroaching enemies. Travelling between Seoul’s four main mountains, Inwangsan, Naksan, Bugaksan and Namsan, the City Walls pass by new and old: 600-year-old turrets looking out over gleaming skyscrapers. Take the one-hour Naksan Mountain Trail between Heunginjimun Gate and Hyehwamun Gate for a gentle hike, or the three-hour Baegak Trail between Changuiman Gate and Hyehwamun Gate. As this section passes the Blue House (the residence of the President of South Korea), you must bring your passport for identification.
Guui Park
Park
If you’re short on time and unable to hike one of the mountains on the outskirts of Seoul, then an outing to Guui Park should not be overlooked. Located across the street from both Dong Seoul bus terminal and the vast TechnoMart electronics building, Guui Park is filled with exercise enthusiasts during the evening making their umpteenth lap around the track, couples canoodling on park benches and rowdy youngsters climbing the jungle gym equipment. It’s best to visit in the morning hours to enjoy the park’s ambience. Recommended by Rebecca Biage.
Romantic Date Ideas in Seoul
Recommended by Mimsie Ladner.
Marvel at a light and water show on Banpo Bridge
Bridge
Enjoy the view from Seoul Dream Forest
Park
There’s nothing more romantic than looking out on a glistening city of lights from a towering observation deck, and while there are plenty of places to make this rom-com-worthy date happen, most charge a hefty admission. But what many don’t realize, however, is that the 139-meter-high observatory at Seoul Dream Forest is both free and offers stunning panoramic views of the metropolis. The park’s Moon Reflecting Pond and Lawn Plaza are just as idyllic and make a great setting for an evening stroll.
Bike along the Han River
Park
Get artsy at Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Building, Architectural Landmark, Shop