Explore the Sights and Sounds
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a fast-paced, modern metropolis with interesting cultural heritage and centuries of history just under the surface. We’ve outlined some of the top things to do in Seoul so you can get a taste of this amazing city.
Hike up Namsan Mountain
Namsan is Seoul’s largest park and is quite a popular place to visit for locals and tourists alike. The park contains Namsan Mountain with its hiking trails, numerous tourist attractions and some of the best views of downtown Seoul you can find.
It’s a great place to head if you are craving nature but don’t want to leave the city. You can hike from the base of the mountain to the top, which features an observation tower called N. Seoul Tower. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy great views on the way up, or aren’t up for huffing it, there’s a cable car available.
If you are heading there for the views, the peak of the mountain or the top of N. Seoul Tower are the best places to head. Up top you’re bound to run into several couples sharing a romantic evening and possibly placing a love lock on the railings as visiting the mountain is a popular date night destination for young Seoulites.
There are several restaurants at the top including a revolving restaurant with great views. You’ll also find numerous photo op locations and other interesting attractions. Sunset is a great time to visit but it’s beautiful any time you go.
Explore a Royal Palace
Among the many Seoul attractions, the various historic palaces are some of the most popular points of interest. There are four main palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung, as well as a shrine known as the Jongmyo Shrine that houses the ancestral tablets of Seoul’s ancient Joseon dynasty kings and queens.
If you only have time to visit one of the palaces, the two most popular are Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Gyeongbokgung is the oldest of Seoul’s Joseon palaces and perhaps the most representative of the dynasty. Nearby Changdeokgung Palace is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is notable for the amount of nature that you’ll see throughout.
You’ll want to make sure to get there in time to participate in a tour of the palace’s Secret Garden. The tours are offered several times daily in both English and Korean and are only available with a guide and separate ticket (palace entry is required).
A combination ticket is available if you wish to visit all four palaces and the Jongmyo Shrine during your trip to Seoul, so check that out if you want to save a bit of money.
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Enjoy Seoul’s World-Class Shopping
Seoul is known around the world for offering amazing shopping opportunities. A variety of shopping experiences, including markets and luxury malls, are available all over the city. Myeongdong is an eclectic shopping area with high-end luxury shopping where you’ll find top-of-the-line fashion brands from around the world and more Korean cosmetics than you could ever find use for. You’ll also find lots of street stalls selling trendy street snacks.
If it’s more traditional goods you are after, Insadong is a great area with a nice pedestrian street. The handmade hanji paper is a popular item to pick up here, and you’ll also find beautiful Korean art for purchase. Make sure to relax awhile in one of the many teahouses lining the main street, or enjoy a traditional Korean meal in one of the Korean restaurants found here.
Namdaemun Market is one one of the best places to head for market shopping. The market is the largest and oldest in Korea, and was established way back in 1414. Many of the stalls are outside, but there are also many shops lining the narrow streets. Namdaemun is a great place to shop for traditional goods, souvenirs and housewares.
Experience Traditional Korean Village Life at Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located near the other main Seoul points of interest. The village can be found on the top of a hill near the Gyeongbok Palace, Changdoek Palace and Jongmyo Shrine. The village features a network of winding alleys, hanoks — traditional Korean village homes — and more that is preserved much as it was centuries ago.
Spending a day wandering around the village is a great way to experience traditional Korean culture and arts. There are a variety of museums, craft workshops and historical landmarks to keep you occupied. The Bukchon Traditional Cultural Center is a good place to start your visit as you can experience traditional cultural workshops such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies and musical storytelling here.
For an even more in-depth experience, you can book a hanok stay and spend the night (or a few) sleeping on a traditional floor bed in a traditional hanok. We did a hanok homestay a few years ago in Seoul and had a great time. You can read about it here.
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Visit a Fascinating Museum
Korea is home to several nicely curated, modern and interesting museums. The National Folk Museum of Korea is an older museum (founded in the 1940s), and remains one of the best if you are looking to learn about the history and culture of Korea.
The newer National Museum houses many cultural artifacts, significant art and a variety of military items. The War Memorial of Korea is a nicely done tribute to Korea’s conflicts, most notably what is called “The Korean War” in the United States, but what Korea calls “Six-Two-Five,” referencing the date it started. The museum has a number of interesting indoor exhibits and a large collection of military vehicles outside.
If you are traveling with kids, the Seoul Children’s Museum in the Children’s Grand Park is quite fun. After you’ve exhausted all the fun options inside the museum, you can take a walk through the park’s free zoo and other attractions.