Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, is a vibrant mix of rich history, cutting-edge technology, and irresistible culture. From its ancient palaces to its buzzing street markets and neon-lit nightlife, Seoul has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or exploring for weeks, this guide will show you the 40 best things to do in Seoul, Korea. Get ready to discover hidden gems, must-see landmarks, and local favorites.
Step back in time at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul's five ancient palaces. Explore the architecture and catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Don’t forget to rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) nearby for free palace entry and a fun photo opportunity.
Hours: Closed Tuesdays; Opens at 9:00 AM all other days, closing time varies by season so be sure to check the official website hours page
Cost: ~$2 USD
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Wander through the charming streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional hanok houses line the hilly alleys. This area offers a glimpse into Seoul’s historic past while showcasing breathtaking views of modern skyscrapers in the distance. The combination of historic Seoul with the backdrop of today's modern and high-tech culture makes for a really unique perspective.
Pro tip: Visit Bukchon Hanok Village after you visit Gyeongbokgung Palace but before you return your hanboks. The village streets make for great photos!
Hours: Always open
Cost: Free
Address: Gyedong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
If you're someone who is looking for good shopping in Seoul, Myeongdong is the answer. Not only does it house an endless array of Korean skincare and fashion brands, but it's also packed with street food vendors serving treats like Korean fried chicken and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
Hours: Vary shop to shop
Cost: Free (unless you decide to buy something)
Address: Myeong-dong 2(i)-ga, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Looking for a multi-day adventure? Head to Seoul's City Wall which traces the ancient footsteps of the city's rich history and original fortified boundary. The Naksan Mountain Trail offers breathtaking views of the cityscape, winding through lush greenery and quaint neighborhoods. It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Seoul while enjoying a scenic and fun hike.
Length: 18.6 kilometers | 11.5 miles
Hours: Always open
Cost: Free
Catch panoramic views of the city from Namsan Tower. This is easily Seoul's most iconic building and it offers some truly incredible views. Keep in mind that the observation deck isn't the only point of interest at Seoul Tower; There are also multiple restaurants a gift shop, but make sure you get reservations well in advance.
Hours: Sunday-Friday 10:00 AM-11:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM-12:00 AM
Cost: ~$15 USD
Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
An architectural masterpiece, DDP is a mecca for design enthusiasts. Check out its rotating exhibitions and art installations, and don’t miss the LED rose garden installation at night. Aside from the rotating exhibits, the DDP is photographable and intriguing and of itself!
Hours: Everyday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
We love café hopping when we travel and in Korea and Seoul offers so much by way of craft coffee and beautiful coffee shops. Seoul is a very large city and the best coffee shops are a bit spread out around town making it hard to hit them all up in one day, but it's great that when you're exploring the city you're never too far from a good cup of coffee!
Hours: Hours vary by shop
Cost: Coffee prices vary from shop to shop
Discover Korea’s fascinating history through thousands of artifacts and interactive displays at the National Museum of Korea. From prehistoric pottery to exquisite Buddhist sculptures, this museum is a treasure trove of knowledge. We'd highly recommend visiting this museum and the Korean War Memorial (on the same property) prior to visiting Korea's DMZ. The museum will teach you a lot about the wars and history of Korea which is so important to understand the basics of to truly understand the complexity of Korea's current political climate.
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Wednesday & Saturday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Foodies, this one is for you! Gwangjang Market is THE spot to try the best of Korean food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (addictive seaweed rice rolls). It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.
Hours: Everyday 9:00 AM-10:30 PM
Cost: Free to visit the market, food prices vary by vendor
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul and unwind at Cheonggyecheon Stream. This urban oasis offers a bit of tranquility amidst the city's vibrant energy. Take a leisurely stroll along the beautifully landscaped stream, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque bridges. The soothing sound of flowing water creates a serene ambiance, inviting you to sit back, relax, and soak in the natural beauty.
Hours: Always open
Cost: Free
Address: Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Noryangjin Fish Market is a seafood lover's paradise, where you can witness an incredible variety of fresh catches from the sea. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you navigate the stalls, interact with the friendly vendors, and even have your freshly purchased seafood prepared on-site by local chefs. If you're someone who really likes good seafood then you can't miss this chance to try pick your food and have it prepared onsite!
Hours: Always open, but visiting during the day if you want to pick your seafood and have it prepared on-site
Cost: Free to visit the market, food prices vary by vendor
Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Seoul by visiting Jogyesa Temple. This sacred Buddhist temple stands as a testament to centuries of spiritual tradition and offers a serene retreat from the bustling city. Admire the intricate architecture, explore the tranquil gardens, and witness the vibrant ceremonies that take place within its hallowed halls.
Hours: Everyday 4:00 AM-11:00 PM
Cost: Free
Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Hongdae is Seoul’s youthful, artsy scene, and its night markets are packed with unique handmade goods and performances. Enjoy live music and street eats while soaking up the creative energy of the neighborhood. If you're interested in trying Korean skincare products while you're in Seoul, this is the place to get them!
Hours: Vary shop to shop
Cost: Free
Address: 365-9 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Visit Insadong for its galleries, teahouses, and souvenir shops. This cultural hub is perfect for picking up handcrafted ceramics or trying traditional Korean sweets. Don’t miss out on the Ssamziegil shopping complex, a maze of independent stores and workshops that's a must-visit for any art lover.
Hours: Vary gallery to gallery
Cost: Free
Address: Google Maps
Hop on a bike and cruise along the picturesque Han River. Seoul's Han River features 100 km (60 miles) of trails along its river banks that are reserved for cyclists and pedestrians. As you pedal alongside the river's waters you're able to take in Seoul's cityscape from a slower and different point of view. Rental bikes are available throughout Seoul and along the pathway. Not a fan of cycling? No worries! In fact, I we ran and walked on the Han River pathway system just about everyday when we were in Seoul. It's a great way to get exercise in a busy city!
Hours: Always open
Cost: Free to enjoy the trail but renting a bike will cost
Address: The Han River pedestrian pathway is really long with lots of entry points. Checkout AllTrails to find an entrance close to you.
See what "Gangnam Style" is really all about in the Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul. This neighborhood is best known as an upscale district for luxury shopping, trendy eateries, and stylish nightlife spots. Head to COEX Mall for shopping and visit the Starfield Library for a book-lover’s paradise while you're there. Oh, and don't forget to stop by the Gangnam Style hands statue out in front of the mall for a throwback to 2012.
Hours: Vary shop to shop; The Gangnam Style hand scultpture is always open
Cost: Free
Address: 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Hit the trail for a bit of adventure and time in nature at Bukhansan National Park. With its diverse range of trails catering to all skill levels, Bukhansan offers a hiking experience that caters to both seasoned adventurers and beginners seeking time outdoors. Don't forget to pack a picnic and savor a well-deserved break surrounded by nature while you're there.
Hours: 4:00 AM-5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Address: 262 Bogungmun-ro, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Seoul Forest, a true gem in the heart of the city. This is one of those places we returned to several times during our three weeks in Korea due to its close proximity to our hotel and the element of nature and green space it offered. Wander amidst lush greenery, walking trails, and wildlife (deer are super common in Seoul Forest). Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, a scenic jog, or a delightful picnic spot, Seoul Forest has it all.
Hours: Always open
Cost: Free
Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Treat yourself to some well-earned relaxation at a jjimjilbang! is a top choice for experiencing hot baths, saunas, and Korean scrub. Korea is famous for their self-care and beauty rituals and there's no better way to experience this aspect of Korea culture than at a jjimjilbang.
Hours: Varies by spa location
Cost: Varies by spa location
Itaewon is a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse variety of international food options. Indulge in authentic Mexican street tacos, savor the aromatic spices of Indian curries, or treat yourself to mouthwatering kebabs from the Middle East. From Italian pasta to American-style burgers, you'll find it all in Itaewon's global eateries. While we always prefer and recommend eating like a local when traveling, if you're in Seoul for a long time and are looking to eat something different than Korean cuisine, this is the place to go.
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Varies by location
Address: Google Maps
Board a tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and get a glimpse into Korean history. Stand on the border at the Joint Security Area and learn about the complex history of North and South Korea. Visiting the DMZ is one of the most popular things to do in Seoul and for good reason. It's a fascinating look at history and current events all at the same time. However, we'd highly recommend doing a bit of research and learning as much as you can about the history of the Koreas before visiting the DMZ.
Hours: Tour hours vary
Cost: Cost varies by tour company
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Changdeokgung Palace's Secret Garden. This hidden gem offers a serene escape from the bustling city, with its picturesque landscape and traditional architecture. Take a stroll through its winding paths, admire the pavilions, and appreciate the blend between nature and man-made structures. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking natural beauty in Seoul.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, closed Tuesdays
Cost: $5000 won (~$3.50 USD)
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno District, 율곡로 99번지 | Google Maps
Alright, this is about the last thing I ever imagine myself trying, but I'm putting it on the list because I know there are people out here who would jump at the chance to embrace K-Pop on a whole new level. Several studios in Seoul offer lessons for fans who want to learn choreography to their favorite songs.
Hours: Varied
Cost: Vary class to class but generally around $50 USD per class
Immerse yourself in the flavorful world of Korean cuisine by taking a cooking class in Seoul. From selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the techniques that make Korean dishes come alive. Get your hands dirty and embrace the process of creating your own homemade Korean food and make friends while you do it. We found a kimchi cooking class on Airbnb Experiences where a local woman opened her home and shared her knowledge and passion for Korea cooking with us. It was so much fun and we'd highly recommend it to you!
Hours: Varied
Cost: Varied but our kimchi cooking class cost ~$70 per person
Looking for an easy day of planning but still loaded with fun? Head to Lotte World! Lotte World is Korea's take on Disney World but different. From roller coasters to whimsical fairy tale experiences, Lotte World has something for everyone. Keep in mind that the park isn't just for kids, adults will enjoy it, too.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:30 AM-8:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 10:30 AM-8:30 PM
Cost: ~$28 USD per adult
Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Head up Namsan Mountain via the Namsan Cable Car to see one of the best views of Seoul's seemingly endless skyline. Visitors will enjoy views on the way up and down the mountain, a perfect opportunity for photos and/or for taking a slow moment to enjoy Seoul at a more relaxed pace. If you're someone who doesn't like heights, this might not be for you. However, the cable car is a really smooth ride and very relaxing.
Hours: Everyday 10:00 AM-11:00 PM
Cost: ~$10 USD per adult (roundtrip)
Address: 83 Sopa-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea | Google Maps
Spend an afternoon enjoyuing modern art at the renowned Leeum Art Museum. With its striking contemporary architecture and an outstanding collection from both local and international artists, this museum is a haven for art enthusiasts and curious souls alike.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, closed Mondays
Cost: Permanent exhibit is free, if you'd like to see all rotating exhibits then tickets are ~$10 USD per adult
Seoul is a traveler’s dream, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you're fascinated by history, obsessed with food, or looking to immerse yourself in K-pop culture, Seoul is waiting to welcome you. Start planning your trip to Seoul today and enjoy the best this vibrant city has to offer. Bookmark this guide or save it on Pinterest for your next trip, or share it with your travel friends who need some Seoul inspiration!
