50 Things to Do in Seoul
Seoul pulsates with an electrifying energy, a fascinating metropolis where ancient palaces stand proudly amidst futuristic skyscrapers and K-Pop rhythms echo through bustling shopping districts. This dynamic capital of South Korea offers an incredible blend of history, culture, cutting-edge technology, and mouth-watering cuisine, with plenty of amazing free things to do in Seoul, like exploring vibrant neighborhoods or relaxing by the Han River. From serene temples to neon-lit nights, Seoul promises an unforgettable journey.
This guide presents fifty distinct ways to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Seoul, covering iconic landmarks, hidden gems, essential eats, and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re seeking historical insights, modern marvels, artistic inspiration, or simply want to soak up the energetic atmosphere, these suggestions will help you navigate the best of this incredible city. Prepare to be captivated by Seoul’s unique charm and endless discoveries.
Palaces & Historic Charm
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Explore the largest and arguably most beautiful of Seoul’s five grand palaces, witnessing the changing of the royal guard ceremony. Renting a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) nearby grants free palace admission.
Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its harmonious integration with nature, especially the beautiful Huwon (Secret Garden). Booking a guided Secret Garden tour in advance is essential.
Deoksugung Palace: Admire the unique blend of traditional Korean and Western-style architecture within this palace complex located downtown. Look for the changing of the royal guard ceremony here as well, offering a different perspective than Gyeongbokgung.
Changgyeonggung Palace: Explore this serene palace, often less crowded than others, featuring beautiful gardens and a large greenhouse. It offers a peaceful retreat with historical significance.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Wander through the charming narrow alleys lined with hundreds of traditional Korean houses (hanoks) nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Enjoy picturesque views and respect the residents by keeping noise levels low.
Jongmyo Shrine: Visit the UNESCO-listed royal shrine dedicated to the spirits of kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Experience the solemn atmosphere and witness traditional rituals performed periodically, reflecting Confucian traditions.
Unhyeongung Palace: Explore the former residence of Prince Regent Heungseon Daewongun, offering a glimpse into the life of royalty during the late Joseon Dynasty. It’s smaller and often less crowded, providing an intimate historical setting.
Modern Marvels & Views
N Seoul Tower: Ride the cable car up Namsan Mountain and ascend the iconic tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape. Lock a padlock on the terrace fences as a symbol of love, a popular activity for couples.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): Marvel at the futuristic, spaceship-like architecture designed by Zaha Hadid, housing exhibition spaces, shops, and event venues. Explore the unique design and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, especially at night.
Lotte World Tower & Seoul Sky: Ascend South Korea’s tallest building for stunning 360-degree views from the Seoul Sky observation deck, featuring glass floors. The sheer height offers an unforgettable perspective over the city and surrounding areas.
COEX Starfield Library: Admire the stunning floor-to-ceiling bookshelves packed with thousands of books in this beautiful public library located within the COEX Mall. It’s a highly photogenic spot perfect for book lovers and architecture fans.
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain: Witness the spectacular water and light show (check seasonal schedules, typically Apr-Oct evenings) where water shoots out from the sides of the Banpo Bridge over the Han River. Find a spot in the nearby park for the best views.
Vibrant Shopping & Markets
Myeongdong Shopping Street: Immerse yourself in the bustling hub of Korean fashion, cosmetics, and street food. Explore countless shops selling K-beauty products and trendy clothes, enjoying the energetic atmosphere day and night.
Insadong: Stroll through this charming neighborhood known for its traditional crafts, tea houses, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Explore Ssamziegil complex for unique handmade goods and experience Korean traditional culture.
Gangnam Style Horse Dance Statue: Snap a photo with the large statue commemorating Psy’s global hit song, located outside the COEX East Gate. It’s a fun, quirky landmark representing modern Korean pop culture.
Namdaemun Market: Explore Korea’s largest traditional market, a sprawling maze of vendors selling everything from clothing and accessories to housewares and street food. Experience the bustling energy and haggle for bargains.
Gwangjang Market: Dive into one of Seoul’s oldest and largest traditional markets, especially famous for its incredible food section. Sample authentic Korean street foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap in a lively setting.
Dongdaemun Market: Discover a massive complex of wholesale and retail shopping malls, many open late into the night. Find everything from fashion and fabrics to toys and electronics in this epicenter of late-night shopping.
Hongdae Area: Explore the vibrant neighborhood surrounding Hongik University, known for its indie music scene, street performers, trendy fashion boutiques, unique cafes, and lively nightlife. It’s a hub for youth culture and creativity.
Cultural Immersion & Arts
National Museum of Korea: Explore extensive collections covering Korean history and art from ancient times to the modern era. Admission to the permanent collection is free, offering a fantastic overview of the nation’s heritage.
War Memorial of Korea: Learn about the Korean War and the country’s military history through informative exhibits and outdoor displays of military equipment. It provides a poignant and educational experience.
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art: Discover a world-class collection encompassing traditional Korean art, modern/contemporary art, and international works housed in architecturally stunning buildings. Admire masterpieces in a sophisticated setting.
MMCA Seoul (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art): Explore diverse exhibitions of modern and contemporary art from Korea and around the world, located near Gyeongbokgung Palace. Check their schedule for cutting-edge shows.
Nanta Theatre Performance: Enjoy a non-verbal comedic performance blending traditional samul nori percussion with hilarious kitchen antics. It’s an energetic and entertaining show suitable for all ages and language backgrounds.
Experience a Jimjilbang (Korean Spa): Relax and rejuvenate at a traditional Korean public bathhouse featuring hot tubs, saunas, massage areas, and communal relaxation rooms. It’s a unique cultural experience focused on wellness and community.
Visit a Noraebang (Karaoke Room): Sing your heart out with friends in a private karaoke room, a hugely popular pastime in Korea. Find noraebangs easily in entertainment districts like Hongdae or Gangnam for hours of musical fun.
Cheonggyecheon Stream: Stroll along the revitalized stream flowing through downtown Seoul, offering a peaceful urban oasis below street level. Enjoy the waterfalls, bridges, and seasonal decorations along this popular walking path.
Nature Escapes & Parks
Namsan Park: Hike or walk the trails surrounding N Seoul Tower, enjoying beautiful city views and nature right in the heart of Seoul. The park offers various paths leading up to the iconic tower.
Olympic Park: Explore the vast park built for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, featuring sports facilities, museums (like SOMA), walking trails, gardens, and the iconic World Peace Gate. It offers ample space for recreation and relaxation.
Seoul Forest: Enjoy this large urban park offering diverse themed areas, including a deer enclosure, insect garden, cultural art park, and beautiful walking paths. It’s a great place for families and nature lovers seeking a city escape.
Bukhansan National Park: Go hiking on trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs within this stunning national park located on the northern edge of Seoul. Enjoy incredible views, granite peaks, and historic temples nestled in the mountain scenery.
Han River Parks (Yeouido/Banpo Hangang): Relax, rent bikes, have a picnic, or order delivery chicken and beer by the Han River at one of its many parks. Yeouido Park is famous for cherry blossoms, while Banpo offers views of the Rainbow Bridge Fountain.
Essential Food Experiences
Korean BBQ (Gogi-gui): Grill marinated meats like bulgogi or galbi right at your table, enjoying them with various side dishes (banchan). Experiencing K-BBQ is a must-do communal dining adventure.
Try Kimchi Jjigae: Savor this classic hearty and spicy stew made with fermented kimchi, tofu, and often pork or tuna. It’s a staple comfort food found in many Korean restaurants.
Eat Bibimbap: Enjoy this iconic mixed rice dish topped with assorted vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce. Mix everything together for a flavorful and balanced meal.
Sample Street Food: Indulge in popular street snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), odeng (fish cakes on skewers), gyeranppang (egg bread), and hotteok (sweet pancakes). Find vendors easily in areas like Myeongdong and Gwangjang Market.
Drink Makgeolli: Try this traditional unfiltered Korean rice wine, often slightly sweet and milky, typically enjoyed with savory pancakes (pajeon). Find traditional pubs or restaurants serving various types of makgeolli.
Visit a Themed Cafe: Explore Seoul’s unique cafe culture by visiting themed cafes dedicated to characters (like Hello Kitty), animals (cats, raccoons, sheep), or specific concepts. They offer fun photo ops and creative beverages.
Have Chimaek: Participate in the popular Korean pairing of fried chicken (chikin) and beer (maekju). Find numerous chicken restaurants offering crispy chicken perfect for enjoying with a cold local beer.
Unique Seoul Adventures
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour: Take a guided tour to the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea. Visit the Joint Security Area (JSA, if permitted) and observation points for a sobering look at the divided peninsula (requires booking through approved tour operators).
Explore Ihwa Mural Village: Wander through this hillside neighborhood near Naksan Park, known for its colorful murals and art installations (be mindful of residents). It offers charming views and artistic discoveries around every corner.
Lotte World: Spend a day at this major recreation complex featuring indoor and outdoor theme parks, shopping malls, a luxury hotel, and Korean folk village. It offers rides and entertainment for all ages year-round.
Gangchon Rail Bike Park (Day Trip): Enjoy a scenic rail bike ride along old train tracks through tunnels and countryside just outside Seoul. It’s a fun outdoor activity offering beautiful natural views.
Bukchon Traditional Craft Experience Center: Try hands-on traditional crafts like knot tying or natural dyeing in the Bukchon Hanok Village area. It offers a chance to engage directly with Korean artistic heritage.
Trickeye Museum & Ice Museum: Have fun taking photos within optical illusion art exhibits at the Trickeye Museum and explore ice sculptures in the adjacent Ice Museum in Hongdae. It’s an interactive and playful museum experience.
Seoullo 7017: Walk along the elevated park built on a former highway overpass near Seoul Station, featuring gardens, cafes, and city views. This “skygarden” provides a unique urban pedestrian pathway.
Dragon Hill Spa & Resort: Experience a large, elaborate jimjilbang complex offering various themed saunas, baths, swimming pools, entertainment zones, and restaurants. It’s a destination spa providing extensive relaxation options.
