SEOUL | Korean culture has taken the world by storm over the past decade. K-Pop and K-Dramas are popular all over the world, Korean food is becoming known for much more than just Korean Barbecue, and Korean brands are ubiquitous in many of our lives. As you’d expect, this has led to an increase in tourism to Korea, and in particular, the capital, Seoul.
Seoul is a large city, and there are plenty of things to do for first-time and return visitors alike. The city is relatively affordable compared to other, similar large developed cities, and is full of history and wonder. From traditional to modern architecture, traditional and contemporary food, shopping, natural beauty, and more, Seoul’s diverse neighbourhoods are packed with things to do.
Below, you’ll find my curated list of the best things to do in Seoul to help you make the most of your time in the South Korean capital.
At-A-Glance: Top Seoul Highlights
| Category | Top Recommendation / Highlight |
| Ancient Sites & Architecture | Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Ikseon-dong |
| Neighbourhoods | Gangnam, Seongsu-dong, Hongdae, Itaewon, Jongno-gu |
| Food & Drink | Gwangjang Market, outdoor Korean BBQ, Myeongdong Kyoja |
| Museums | National Museum of Korea, National Museum of Contemporary Art |
| Shopping & Markets | Olive Young cosmetics, Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun |
Admire Traditional Hanok Architecture
Seoul’s unique traditional houses, known as hanoks, are rapidly disappearing from the city as it develops and modernises. Dating back to the 14th century during the Joseon dynasty, hanoks are noted for their use of natural materials like soil, timber, and rock, featuring distinctive curved tiled roofs and exposed wooden beams.
Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential neighbourhood in Seoul that’s popular with visitors for its many restored hanoks. Other areas with great examples of the architecture include Seochon and Ikseon-dong. The latter is my favourite of the three, filled with lots of great little eateries and bars.
Bring Cash
Most of what you’ll want to do in Seoul can be paid for using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or your physical credit card. If you plan to use the (excellent) public transport system though, you’re out of luck. Seoul has only recently started moving towards accepting card payments for public transport, and at the moment it’s restricted to a few specific local bank cards. If you want to top up your “T-money” public transport card, you’ll need cash.
Check Out The City’s Diverse Neighbourhoods
Seoul is a large, very densely populated city without a true centre as such. Most visitors will base themselves in the city’s historic centre, Jongno-gu, or the adjoining retail and entertainment district of Myeong-dong. They’re both great areas for first-time visitors, but be sure not to restrict yourself to this part of town.
Getting around to other neighbourhoods is quick and easy using the metro system. Four of my favourite parts of Seoul are the upscale, fashionable retail, dining, and entertainment district of Gangnam (yes, the one from the song); the youthful, creative, artistic former industrial neighbourhood of Seongsu-dong; the student nightlife area of Hongdae; and the international expat hub of Itaewon. Each one of these neighbourhoods has a distinct vibe, and is well worth a visit.
Download The Naver Maps App
Google Maps exists in Korea, but it’s not particularly useful. For reasons I won’t bore you with, turn-by-turn navigation is essentially useless. On top of that, since it’s mostly Westerners that use the app, you’ll find Google reviews for food venues in particular aren’t reflective of what locals think is good, making them even more unhelpful than usual.
Thankfully, there are English versions of local apps available. Naver and Kakao are the two main Google Maps alternatives in Korea. While the English implementation on both isn’t perfect, Naver is the easier of the two to use for English speakers. You’ll get useful turn-by-turn navigation, and the reviews of food spots are more in line with what locals think is good.
A tip that I found useful was to map all of the places that I wanted to see in a Google Maps list, then when I wanted to visit, copy the Korean translation of the name into Naver Maps.
Eat Outdoor Korean Barbeque
There’s a lot more to Korean cuisine than barbeque, but there’s a reason why Korean barbeque is so popular around the world. It’s communal, fun, delicious, and accessible. You can mix and match ingredients to suit any taste, from marinated meats like bulgogi and galbi to vegetables and assorted banchan (sides) like rice, kimchi, and pickles.
If you want a barbeque experience that’s a bit different from the usual, head to the Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. Here you’ll find a large, open outdoor area with blocked-off roads and side streets, filled with makeshift tables and seats surrounded by people enjoying barbecue. It’s a great vibe.
Enjoy The Region’s Delicious Cuisine
Korean cuisine traditionally centres around rice, vegetables, and seafood. Banchan (side dishes) are also a key component of many Korean meals, alongside a wide variety of soups (guk), stews (jjigae), noodle dishes (guksu), and desserts. From street food to unassuming family-run hole-in-the-wall spots, Michelin-starred restaurants, and World’s 50 Best listed bars, Seoul has something for everyone at all price levels.
A few dishes that I recommend you try, and where to try them, include:
- San-nakji: A Korean delicacy consisting of long-arm octopus served raw. Try it at Hyeongje Yukhoe inside Gwangjang Market. The most popular order is nakji tangtangi, which pairs san-nakji atop yukhoe (beef tartare) and a raw egg yolk, seasoned with sesame seeds, sesame oil, and pine nut powder. It is served with soy-based dipping sauce, a sweet dipping sauce, and a light soup.
- Myeongdong Kyoja: Established in 1966, this spot specialises in dumplings and noodle soup. The four essential dishes to order are:
- Bibimguksu: Mixed noodles with kimchi and soy sauce
- Kalguksu: Knife-cut noodles with chicken broth
- Mandu: Steamed pork, vegetable, and leek dumplings with sesame oil
- Kongguksu: Cold soy milk noodle soup
- Juk (Abalone Porridge): A savoury rice-based porridge similar to Chinese congee. A bowl of the signature abalone juk from popular chain Bonjuk is creamy, relatively unseasoned on its own, and served with a variety of seasonings and sides so you can customise each mouthful. Other options include braised beef, pine mushrooms, and seafood.
- Traditional Set Lunch at Cheonggukjang Bap: Enjoy a hearty, steaming bowl of cheonggukjang (a vegetable, tofu, and fermented soybean stew), vegetable bibimbap, banchan, and your choice of protein. I opted for the spicy-sauced whole-fried mackerel.
- Tteokbokki: Found at Gwangjang Market in a big bubbling vat of red sauce, dense and springy rice cakes are served with crunchy radish and shredded turnip, swimming in sweet and moderately spicy gochujang. Upgrade to include assorted twigims (lightly battered tempura-style bites containing shrimp, gimmari seaweed rolls, and sweet potato) and a serve of deep-fried sundae (Korean blood sausage).
- Jokbal: Slow-cooked pigs’ trotters braised with soy sauce and spices. The meat is super tender with fat that melts in your mouth, combined with soft gelatinous skin. Paired with bossam (slow-cooked pork belly), pickles, and vegetables wrapped in perilla and lettuce leaves, it’s next level. A great place to try it is Manjok Oh Huang Jokbal (I visited the original Hongdae location). The complimentary dumpling soup is top-notch, as is the bibim guksu cold noodle salad side.
- Seolleongtang (설렁탕): A light rice and noodle soup made using ox bones, brisket, and other beef cuts. Try it at the hole-in-the-wall spot Pungnyeonok Seolleongtang, seasoning it at the table with salt and ground black pepper. It’s accompanied by garlicky, spicy kimchi, slow-boiled sliced head meat, and bindae-tteok (fried mung bean pancakes).
Head Out To The DMZ
While not technically in Seoul, the Korean Demilitarised Zone (“DMZ”) is located just a 1 to 1.5-hour drive away depending on traffic and is an essential day trip for first-time visitors. Established as a buffer zone between North and South Korea under the 1953 Armistice Agreement, it runs across the peninsula along the 38th parallel north.
Tours range from half-day to full-day excursions. I joined a DMZ Essential Course (Half Day Tour) departing Seoul at 8:00 am and returning by 2:00 pm.
The tour begins at Imjingak Park, which features monuments, memorials, bullet-riddled closed bridges, and ruined rail lines recalling the lasting impact of the Korean War. Next, you pass through security checkpoints to enter the DMZ proper, walking through a small museum before descending into one of the secret infiltration tunnels dug by North Korea, bringing you within 170 metres of the border. Finally, a short drive leads to the Dora Observatory, where binoculars offer a look across to North Korea’s industrial area and ‘propaganda village’.
Go To A Museum
There are over 100 museums in Seoul, ranging from large institutions with extensive permanent collections to tiny niche galleries.
Established in 1945, the National Museum of Korea is the premier institution for Korean history and art, housed across three floors covering archaeology, history, and fine art. Entry is free, though special exhibits carry a charge.
I am also a big fan of the free-to-visit National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, which explores South Korea’s modern history from the late 19th century to the present across four permanent halls, providing vital context and insight.
For modern and contemporary art, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is a must-visit. Its Seoul location is housed next to and atop the former Military Defense Security Command building. Exhibits trace the evolution of Korean art from the post-war period to the present, connected by thematic threads with exceptionally clear English signage.
Other notable museums include the Seoul Arts Center (focusing on performing arts and calligraphy), the Leeum Museum of Art (housing Samsung’s private collection of traditional and contemporary art), and the Daelim Museum for contemporary photography exhibitions.
See The City From Namsan Mountain
Yes, it’s quite a touristy thing to do, but heading to the top of Namsan Mountain is well worth it for a spectacular view of the city. Namsan Park is Seoul’s largest park. While many visitors head up to the top of N Seoul Tower, the view from the mountain peak itself is more than enough without having to wait in line or pay for tower entry.
You can take a cable car to the top, but lines can get very long. Instead, plan ahead and enjoy a scenic walk up through the park, or catch one of the regular buses heading to the peak.
Stock Up On Korean Cosmetics
Korean skincare and cosmetic products have become a global phenomenon due to their focus on natural ingredients and cutting-edge research. Naturally, Korea is the best place in the world to stock up.
My recommendation is local chain Olive Young. It is Korea’s largest health and beauty retailer with over 1,300 stores. Seemingly everywhere you look in Seoul, there is an Olive Young, making it the most convenient place to find a massive range of products at the best prices.
Stroll Along Cheonggyecheon
Cheonggyecheon is a 10.9km stream and public space running through the heart of Seoul. Once an open sewer in the early 20th century, concreted over in the 1950s, and converted into an elevated highway in the 1970s, the highway was demolished in 2003 in what is now celebrated as one of the world’s most successful urban renewal projects.
Today, the restored stream supports native flora and fauna, art installations, and peaceful public spaces. A standout feature is the Seoul Outdoor Library spanning a section of the stream, where visitors can borrow books in Korean or English, grab a lantern after dark, and unwind.
Visit A Fresh Produce Market
Seoul has numerous fresh produce markets offering exceptional local ingredients alongside cooked meals at humble stalls and eateries. Three of the most popular for first-time visitors are Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Gwangjang.
Gwangjang is Korea’s first permanent market, starting as a small trading hub before expanding to sell almost everything food-related. It is renowned for its bustling street food alleys where you can sample regional delicacies. Come hungry, follow where the locals are eating, and try as much as you can.
Wander Through Gyeongbokgung Palace
Established in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and remains the largest in the country. Having survived immense historical turbulence, 89 of the original 400 buildings were painstakingly restored during the 1990s and 2000s, with plans to rebuild further structures by 2045.
It is one of Korea’s premier tourist attractions, and you should dedicate at least an hour to exploring the expansive grounds, pavilions, and gardens.
Watch A Live Baseball Match
Baseball was introduced to Korea by American missionaries in 1905 and has grown into the country’s most popular professional sport. The season runs from March to October, with Seoul-based teams like the LG Twins and Doosan Bears regularly drawing crowds exceeding 20,000.
The game-day atmosphere is electric, featuring passionate chanting, K-Pop cheerleaders, and classic ballpark snacks. It is an incredible experience regardless of whether you are a sports fan.