1. Gyeongbokgung palace
This 14th-Century grand royal palace is one of the most popular places to visit in Seoul and can easily take half a day to explore. There are guided tours (11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm in English) and audio commentary to help you navigate the grounds and buildings.
Address: 161. Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 9am-5pm November – February, 9am-6pm September – October and March – May, 9am-6.30pm June – August. Closed Tuesdays
Tickets: Adults ₩3000, Children ₩1500
2. Myeongdong district
This busy shopping district attracts numbers in the millions every day. There are two main streets with everything from high-end designer stores to department stores and independent boutiques. They sell everything you want to wear, read, listen to and use – including top Korean skin care brands! There’s plenty of restaurants and food stalls to fuel your trip, and it’s easily reached on public transport.
Address: 66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
3. Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
This is by far the best art gallery in Korea. It’s split into two main exhibition spaces – one of which was designed by the architect who created Abu Dhabi’s Louvre museum, Jean Nouvel. The museum has what is arguably the Best collection of Korean art in the country. Other good art galleries in Seoul include the city’s oldest, Gallery Hyundai, and the Samsung Museum of Art.
Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 10.30am-6pm daily, closed Mondays
Tickets: Adults ₩10000, Ages 7 – 24 ₩5000
4. Bukchon Hanok Village
It’s easy to get lost in the skyscrapers in Seoul so if you want to make an effort to see traditional Korean homes – hanok – head to Buckchon Hanok Village. It’s located between Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palace and contains around 900 homes, all of which are still lived in (so keep your voice down when you’re there!) and still have the original tiled roofs.
Address: Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
5. N Seoul Tower (Namsan)
Built in 1972, the N Seoul Tower was and still is a functioning radio tower. It sits on top of the mountain, Namsan, and can be reached via cable car, bus or a walk. It’s a popular meeting place for locals and also home to a rather upmarket cafe and restaurant at the top, which has great views down over the city. It’s open 365 days a year.
6. Take a Seoul Dark Tourism tour
If you want things to do in Seoul that are a little off the beaten track, take a history tour of the city. The Dark Tourism Tour route is organized by city officials and takes you to places such as the Namsan Path of Humiliation and the Seodaemun Prison History Hall. It is aimed at educating visitors about Seoul’s turbulent and often violent past. Click here for more information on the route.
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7. Visit the Noryangjin Fish Market
This is as traditional a Korean market as you’ll get and sells, obviously, lots of fish. It serves restaurants and individuals, and the fish is deliciously fresh. If you want to experience one of the most authentic things to do in Seoul, get up early (very early) and go to the market for the fish auction. It usually starts around 1am but check before you make the journey. If you want to taste its wares yourself, head at a mealtime, buy your fish, then take it to one of the restaurants upstairs to be prepared and cooked for you.
Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak District, Seoul
8. Changdeokgung Palace
While Changdeokgung palace was built as a second royal palace after Gyeongbokgung, it is arguably more beautiful. The complex consists of a a royal family residence building, a public palace area, and secret garden (the Huwon) which is home to a 300-year-old tree. You’ll need to join a guided tour to look around.
Address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
9. Take tea at Suyeonsanbang
This traditional teahouse in Seongbuk-dong is one of the most popular things to do in Seoul for tourists from all over. It’s located at the former home of Korean author Lee Tae-Jun and is run by one of his granddaughters. Favorites from the menu include bamboo shoot rice cakes and shaved ice with red beans (patbingsu) in summer. It’s a very popular establishment so visits are restricted to two hours, FYI.
Address: 8, Seongbuk-ro 26-gil, Seongbuk-dong, Seoul
10. National Museum of Korea
This museum prides itself on being one of the most popular in the world, let alone one of the most popular places to visit in Seoul. You’ll learn everything there is to know about Korean history in its multiple galleries – we recommend downloading the museum’s app and hopping on the free WiFi to get the most from your visit.
Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 10am-6pm weekdays, 10am-9pm Saturday, 10am-7pm Sunday. Closed Monday
Tickets: General entry is free, special exhibitions may charge
*This article was published September 2019. Information and prices correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
