You might be surprised that Seoul has not only one, but five main palaces. Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most important of them all. Often compared to the Forbidden City in Beijing, Gyeongbokgung is a large palace complex that also houses the National Folk Museum of Korea. If you wear a traditional hanbok dress, which you can rent around town, you get free admission!
161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
© Laura Manglier/Culture Trip
This lovely square is located in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The square features a large statue of King Sejong The Great, the inventor of Korea’s Hangul alphabet, as well as statues of some of his other inventions.
The second largest palace in Seoul is Changdeokgung. This palace is especially popular because it has a large ‘secret garden’ with countless temples, pavilions and exotic flora and fauna. Changdeokgung is especially popular during spring with the many cherry blossoms, and in the fall with colorful foliage.
99 Yulgok-ro, Gwonnong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Laura Manglier © Culture Trip
Laura Manglier © Culture Trip
In between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung lies a picturesque village featuring over 400 traditional Korean houses, called hanok. The village features small cafes, restaurants, and shops offering handmade crafts and souvenirs. You can also find a couple of traditional teahouses in this area.
Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Laura Manglier © Culture Trip
This 10-kilometer-long stream in the middle of the city is an outdoor exhibition and festival area. Especially during Christmas, and holidays like Buddha’s Birthday and the Lantern Festival, the stream is decorated with light arrangements and art pieces.
Cheonggyecheon-ro, Sangwangsimni-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Laura Manglier © Culture Trip
Located on Namsan Mountain, the N Seoul Tower is Seoul’s second highest point, with a total height of 236m. Take in breathtaking views during the day, as well as at night from the tower. Couples also like to leave love locks up on the tower to signify the long-lasting promise of their relationship.
105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul’s bustling shopping district of Myeongdong is an absolute must if you are looking to pick up trendy Korean fashion and skincare to take home. Myeongdong is also the place to go to find quirky themed cafes, such as the Hello Kitty Cafe or various cat and dog cafes.
Lotte World is Seoul’s largest recreation complex with the world’s largest indoor theme park, and an outdoor amusement park called ‘Magic Island,’ an artificial island inside a lake linked by a monorail and shopping malls. Lotte World also has a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports facilities, and movie theaters. If you’re looking for first-class entertainment, this is the place to go.
240 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 3(sam)-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea, +82 1661 2000
Laura Manglier © Culture Trip
The chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Jogyesa Temple is one of the most important in the country. The temple was founded in 1395, at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty. Visit this temple during Buddha’s birthday in May and you can take part in the local festivities.
55 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Laura Manglier © Culture Trip
Thanks to Psy’s viral single ‘Gangnam Style,’ the neighborhood has probably become Seoul’s most famous part of town. A visit to Seoul would be incomplete without taking a photo in front of the ‘Gangnam Style’ statue in front of COEX Mall.
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Laura Manglier © Culture Trip
Covering an area of about 154,000 square meters, COEX Mall is the world’s largest underground shopping mall. The mall houses hundreds of shops with two food courts, a Megabox movie theater, the COEX Aquarium and a large bookstore.
513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Laura Manglier © Culture Trip
Laura Manglier © Culture Trip
The DMZ is one of those attractions that makes one shiver and think at the same time. Being the border between North and South Korea, the DMZ is a place where the cold war is still very much existent. Take a glimpse of North Korea when you tour this part of the country.
One of The Eight Gates of Seoul in the fortress wall of the city is Heunginjimun. It literally translates to ‘Gate of Rising Benevolence’ and is located in Seoul’s Dongdaemun district. The gate was first constructed in 1398, showing a strong architectural style of the late Joseon period.
288 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Laura Manglier © Culture Trip