- Last Updated: March 9, 2025
From the historical places like the Hanok Village and Bongeunsa Temple to the bustling markets and nightlife districts, Seoul’s diversity ensures that every visitor finds something to love. Besides, their widespread 5G connectivity, modern technological infrastructure, and vibrant digital nomad community attract digital nomads and remote workers.
If you are coming to Seoul and wondering what the must-visit places are, stick with us! In this guide, we’ll take you through the 21 best things to do in Seoul. So let’s land into the city of K-pop music without any further ado!
21 Best Things to Do in Seoul
1. Explore Myeongdong
You probably heard of Myeongdong! It is undoubtedly the most happening place in Seoul. Located in the heart of Seoul, this place is famous for shopping, street food, and vibrant atmosphere.
Myeongdong was once a residential area in the Joseon dynasty. Slowly, it transformed into a commercial hub in the early 20th century. Being one of the busiest areas in Seoul, you’ll find busy shopping areas with a lot of varieties. If you love shopping, this place takes the lead, where you can find high-end products to streetwear. Besides, there are lots of vendors selling souvenirs, apparel, and accessories on the street.
Apart from shopping, you can experience famous street food options like Croissant Taiyaki, Lamb Skewer, and Nutella Banana Crepe. I personally loved the Souffle that comes with strawberry jam! This place is like heaven for all non-veg food lovers. So, don’t miss this place at all!
2. Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace
If you ask me to suggest only three places to visit in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace has to be one of them. It is the most famous historical landmark here in Seoul. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, this palace has become the largest and most iconic of the Five Grand Palaces.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was basically the home for the royal family. There were multiple halls that served different purposes. These are the royal residence, a gatehouse, and a beautiful pavilion on an artificial island in the middle of the palace. There’s a throne hall also where the king used to formally grant audiences to his officials.
Apart from that, there are many museums and gardens. The National Palace Museum of Korea is located here. You will see tourists in traditional dresses of the Joseon Dynasty. Also, witness the colorful changing of the guard ceremony.
There is an entrance fee, which costs around 3,000 won (around $2). As most of the time it remains crowded, especially during the spring and fall seasons, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
There are just lots of things to see in Seoul as well as in this palace. So, have enough time to explore this beautiful place. This is one of the major things to see in Seoul.
3. Walk Along Bukchon Hanok Village
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle culture of the modern Seoul city and relax in a chill-traditional area, visit the Bukchon Hanok Village. It’s a historic neighborhood of Seoul City. Here, “Hanok” means traditional Korean houses. You’ll see beautiful traditional houses, unlike the modern Seoul city.
Walk around the alleyways, cultural center, and museums. This place is so picturesque, and there are photo spots where you can take beautiful pictures. Indeed, a great place for Instagrammers.
There are also shops selling Korean crafts, apparel, and souvenirs. You will also find stores that are selling scents and perfumes as well. So, take your time and pay a visit to this wonderful place. However, plan to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
4. Experience Lotte World
Lotte World is a massive tower that is basically an entertainment complex. It is a 123-story gigantic tower standing over 18,821 feet tall. This tower includes a theme park, live indoor shows, and a large shopping mall. Besides, there is a magic island where you can experience Gyro Swing and Bungee Drop.
You can also enjoy skating in a large indoor indoor ice rink. Apart from rides, visit the Lotte World Folk Museum and learn about Korean history and culture. If you love marine life, there is also the Lotte World Aquarium.
In the iconic Lotte World Tower, you can go to the top and enjoy 360° views of Seoul from the observatory. You can even try the “Sky Bridge Tour” on the rooftop. However, the standard ticket price is 29,000 won for an adult. You need to pay 10,000 won on top of that if you want to get access to the lounge on the top floor. This is one of the must do things in Seoul.
5. Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza
On our list of must do things in Seoul is exploring the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). It is an architectural landmark known for its futuristic design, exhibitions, and shopping. This marveoulus building was built in 2014 by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. It also attracts people due to its very unique and curvy structure.
You can see four remaining preserved sites of the old Dongdaemun stadium and fortress wall from the Joseon Dynasty. Besides, you will learn about the history and take a look at the preserved floodgate Yigansumun by visiting the Dongdaemun History Museum.
Inside the massive building, there are cafes, cultural center, and research laboratories. Also, there is a variety of shops selling items like Korean crafts, fashion items, and souvenirs. Besides, this plaza hosts lots of exhibitions throughout the year. You can attend live shows and festivals over there.
This plaza glows differently at night due to its pretty lighting. If you are a fashion lover, you are gonna definitely love this place!
6. Hike Up Namsan and Visit N Seoul Tower
No trip to Seoul would be complete without visiting the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower. The 408-meter-tall tower attracts almost 8.4 million visitors every year. There is an observatory from where you can watch the panoramic view of Seoul.
To reach the Namsan Tower, you can use various means of transport. I prefer hiking up to Namsan Mountain, which was an incredible experience for me. Apart from that, you can also take a cable car ride or use a convenient shuttle bus to visit this tower.
The tower was completed in December 1971. Back then, it was just a broadcast tower, but now it has turned into a must-visit tourist destination in Seoul. In today’s time, there are cafes, restaurants, and an art museum named “Alive Museum,” where you will see optical illusions and 3D art.
Namsan Tower is also famous for its love locks. You can leave a padlock at the designated area near the tower. It’s been a wonderful experience for me. However, there is a ticket price to visit the tower. It costs around 16,000 won or 11 USD per person.
7. Visit Gwanghwamun Square
Another place you can visit is the Gwanghwamun Square. It located near to the Gyeongbokgung Palace. In this square, you will see the statue of King Sejong, the Great, who invented the Korean alphabet, aka Hangul. Also, there is another statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who was a naval commander and led Korea to victory against Japan in the 16th century. Besides, there is this famous water fountain called “12.13 Fountain” in front of this statue to honor the achievements of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
Gwanghwamun Square was once the site of royal administration buildings during the Joseon Dynasty. But now it has become a popular spot for helding various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. So, while visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace you should also visit this beautiful square too.
8. Discover the Korean War Museum
The Korean War Museum is a must-visit place for travelers interested in learning about the Korean War. It showcases the history and the sacrifices made by the people during the war.
This war museum is located in Yongsan-dong, Yongsan-gu, in Seoul. After being opened in 1994, it has developed with more historical collection and infrastructure development. Now, it contains an exhaustive collection of artifacts, particularly from the Korean War. There are rooms like the Korean war room, the armed forces room, and the war history room.
There are also guided tours and educational programs that you can participate in as well. The programs include history lessons via multimedia presentations and film screenings. However, admission to the museum is completely free!
9. Hike in Bukhansan National Park
One of the best things to do in Seoul is to hike in Bukhansan National Park. For nature lovers who want to escape from the bustling city life, this one is highly recommended. It is also home to the tallest mountain (Baegundae) of Seoul, even taller than the Lotte World Tower!
Last spring, when I hiked up to this park, went through the craziest trails, and watched the sunset from the top, I immediately came to know that it was going to be a memorable one. This was one of the coolest yet craziest hikes I’ve done before. So worth a visit? 100 %!
10. Take a Day Trip to the DMZ
While your time in Seoul, you can take a day trip to Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). As this place is located about 50 kilometers north of Seoul, you need to dedicate at least a day to visit this place.
The DMZ is the buffer zone between North and South Korea. After being established in 1953, it remains one of the world’s most heavily guarded boundaries. It represents both division and hope for reunification.
You may start with Imjingak Park, a park that features monuments like the Wall of Rememberance and the Freedom Bridge. Also there’s a place in the DMZ, called “Dora Observatory” from where you can have a look into North Korea using binoculars.
11. Relax at Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon is a 10.84km long stream that flows from Gwanghwamun to Dongdaemun through downtown Seoul. After wandering around the city spontaneously, you may want to relax and enjoy the calming nature. Which is why this stream is a great place to go and relax.
Cheonggyecheon Stream was once encased in concrete and covered by an elevated expressway. However, now that it is accessible, people from all over the city frequently visit this location. There’s also an 11-km-long pedestrian walkway around the stream. The local government is taking great initiatives to make this stream better and better as it has an impact on flood protection too.
12. Visit K-Star Road if You Are a K-Pop Fan
South Korea is home to the world-shaking K-pop music. And Seoul is the main place for k-pop genre. The global sensations like BTS, Blackpink, and Twice were originated from here. Here the massive digital screen displays music videos and advertisements featuring your favorite idols.
Apart from k-pop music, k-pop culture, TV shows, and movie shows are streamlined here. You can shop at the Ktown4u store, where you can buy genre-dedicated records and merchandise and attend live shows. There’s also this famous “Gangnam-style statue,” inspired by the iconic song “Gangnam Style.” You may take pictures in front of it with that iconic dance move.
13. Visit Bongeunsa Temple
Take a break from city life and visit one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Seoul—the Bongeunsa Temple. This temple has a thousand years of history. It was founded back in 794 during the reign of King Weongseong.
The temple is located in Samseong-dong in Gangnam. It features traditional pagodas, colorful lanterns, and a Giant Buddha statue. This is indeed a historical and cultural landmark in Seoul. Definitely worth a visit.
14. Try Out Korean Cuisine
Now let’s talk about the world-famous Korean cuisine. Seoul is basically a food lover’s paradise, and you can try out all the Korean dishes here. Try out Kimchi, a staple Korean food that comes with a spicy and sour flavor. It is served with various seasonings, including spring onions, gochugaru, and garlic.
Don’t forget to try out Pumpkin Taffy too. It’s a Korean traditional food that is great for digestion. Also, have dishes like Bibimbap, Korean BBQ, Kalguksu (a warm noodling chicken dish), and Bulgogi. If you are in a restaurant, order Jeongol, a Korean hotpot, which is basically a bubbling cauldron served with sea food.
While shopping or roaming around places like Myeongdong or Gwangjang Market, you must try out street food. My favorite street foods were egg trap and fermented quail. Also, taste Tteokbokki, a must-have street food in Seoul.
If you come to the drinks, Korean cuisine is greatly popular for their soup. They have the traditional Korean drinks like Soju and Makgeolli. Also, a cup of Korean tea is something you’d love to taste for sure. So, don’t forget to have a sip on these drinks.
One of the best things to do in Seoul is explore the Korean cuisine in different places. Try out dishes from fancy restaurants to street vendors and have a distinct taste of the Korean food lifestyle. These are must things to do in Seoul!
15. Discover Cafe Streets
There are some of the best cafes in Seoul. Here you can taste some of the best coffees in the world and do your remote work. This is a great thing for digital nomads and remote workers to get their job done while having Korean coffees.
You can discover cafe streets around Seoul and find yourself a good coffee spot. But I will recommend to visit Ikseondong Hanok Village and Seoul Forest Café Street. They have got a whole different vibe over there.
In Ikseondang, you will find artsy cafés, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants. This place is perfect for digital nomads looking for a quiet yet great place to work while enjoying a cup of coffee. It’s also one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seoul.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more modern and nature-filled cafe experience, head to Seoul Forest Café Street. They have got minimalist cafes and eco-friendly coffee shops in a greenery and quiet ambience.
Read also: 10 Best Cafes in Cape Town for Remote Work
16. Ride the Seoul Metro
Coming to the transportation, I found out Seoul Metro is the most efficient and cost-effective way to save money on moving. It is well connected and spread out all around the city. In fact, Seoul metro is one of the most cleanest and convenient subway systems in the world.
After arriving in Seoul, purchase a metro card or T card at a convenience store in 711. The day pass costs around 5,000 KRW. You can add money to it to use for fares on the subway and other public transportation. On a side note, you should buy a local SIM with a data plan if you are planning to stay longer. These are just some must things to do in Seoul to spend your time smoothly.
Read also: Best Transport Apps for Travelers in 2025
17. Visit Starfield Library
Those of you who are into books should definitely check out Starfield Library. It is located inside COEX Mall, which is one of the largest underground malls in Asia. Yes, you’ve heard it right. This entire library is situated in the underground.
Starfield Library is a massive library where the bookshelves are around 13 meters high. It’s stunning interior is great enough to pull one’s attention even if he or she isn’t that fond of books. However, there are approximately 70,000 books in those shelves. You will find almost every genres from novel to fiction to self improvement to read.
There is also no entrance fee. So, this place is open to all. You can just come and read whatever book you want to read. Also, there is a quiet reading space where you can read a book peacefully. If you are thinking what to do in Seoul in free time, you should definitely come here.
18. Explore Han River (Hangang) Parks and Bridge Walks
Han River that flows over Seoul has a great impact on Seoul’s economy, culture, and history. This river is, in fact one of the largest rivers in Asia. On the southern part of the river, there’s a park where you can relax or take part in activities.
You can watch the sunset and have a great dusk time over there. There’s also a bridge where you can take a walk. You will see an island there where you can ride on cruise ship. Have a great afternoon over there. Seagulls over there just make the ambience way better. You can even buy food and feed them.
In the nighttime, Han River glows up in different shades. It’s always nice to be along the riverfront and relax. Besides, you can do shopping as there are many popular markets nearby. Often times, you will see people chilling around, having picnics, or simply enjoying moonlit nights in the riverfront.
19. Hongdae’s Street Performances & Indie Scene
If you’re looking for what to do in Seoul that catches the city’s youthful energy, head towards Hongdaw. This place is basically the heart of Seoul’s indie music and street performance scene. People around the city come to this place and enjoy a youthful time here.
You will find talented musicians busking on the streets and helping people enjoy their time. Also, many people engage in different cultural activities like dancing, showing magic, and doing street performances.
Hongdae has a great nightlife. Apart from watching live street performances, you can also go to restaurants, as there are so many of them. I would definitely recommend visiting here.
20. Explore the Night Market
At night, one of the things to do in Seoul South Korea, is to explore the night market. Whether you’re a foodie, a shopper, or simply searching for a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, Seoul’s night markets have it all covered!
Myeongdong Night Market is a top spot for street food lovers. As mentioned earlier, you will find varieties of street food options including Tteokbokki, Gyeranbbang (egg bread), Hotteok (sweet pancakes), and grilled skewers.
For a more traditional experience, visit Gwangjang Market. This is one of the oldest markets in Seoul. This is the place to try authentic Korean dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap.
If you’re looking for a riverside setting, Bamdokkaebi Night Market at the Han River is a must-visit. Open on weekends, it features food trucks, craft stalls, and live music performances.
Overall, these markets have so much more to offer. Try to explore these places on your own and find out what are the things they’re offering for the best value for money.
21. Nightlife in Seoul
Seoul has one of the best nightlifes in Asia. Major areas like Hongdae or Itaewon have vibrant life, including Seoul pub crawls, excellent arcade bars, fancy cocktail bars, music festivals, and excellent dating spots.
There are so many active pubs and bars. You’ll find unique photo booths everywhere in Seoul which is quite famous in South Korea. Besides, the food and drinks also ain’t that expensive compared to many other cities.
However, there are mainly 3 major nightlife districts in Seoul: Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam. If you are wondering what to do in Seoul at night, head towards these places and make a fun way to spend your time. In Hongdae, you’ll get to see vibrant shopping areas, live shows, and bars at night. The roads are also quite big, so you won’t feel overwhelmed with crowds that much. Besides, there are these famous karaoke bars where you can sing your heart out. Totally recommend it.
Itaewon is relatively smaller than Hongdae. Still, it has quite vibrant nightlife. Located near the military base, the area has a mix of hip-hop clubs and underground bars and got this international vibe. Popular spots like B One, Fountain, and Cakeshop always seem to be happening at night. Besides, Itaewon is famous for its themed bars and casual pubs too.
Known for its luxurious nightclubs, Gangnam is a great place to be in for Seoul’s elite nightlife. Here, you’ll find lots of upscaled bars and lounges. It had some of the best nightclubs once, but now most of them have shut down. So, I personally prefer to stay in either Hongdae or Itaewon for the maximum amount of nightlife.
Wrap Up
Seoul has become a cultural superpower. From the trendy K-pop music scene to K-dramas, it has gained worldwide popularity. The government is also spending more money to promote their culture. Besides, the traditional Korean culture and places are there to remind you of their history and tradition.
Apart from this, South Korea’s economy is growing rapidly. So, the infrastructure is developing and more foreign people are coming to this place whether to travel or work. If you are a digital nomad, you won’t feel lonely as you’ll find vibrant digital nomad community here.
So as you can see, there are so many things to do in Seoul. To be honest, Seoul has so much to do that I can’t even discover everything if I visit there 2 or 3 times more. Here, I just shared my favorite things to do in Seoul in brief. And I can say that I really enjoyed my time in Seoul.
Thank you for sticking with us! We’d greatly appreciate it if you could share this article with your friends and family. Don’t forget to comment below on the best things to do in Seoul!
Check this out: The 15 Best Things to Do in Medellin (and some Don’ts!)
FAQs
21 Best Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea:
1. Explore Myeongdong
2. Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace
3. Walk Along Bukchon Hanok Village
4. Experience Lotte World
5. Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza
6. Hike Up Namsan and Visit N Seoul Tower
7. Visit Gwanghwamun Square
8. Discover the Korean War Museum
9. Hike in Bukhansan National Park
10. Take a Day Trip to the DMZ…
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Seoul. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the city is adorned with cherry blossoms or colorful autumn foliage.
Yes, 3 days in Seoul is enough to experience the city’s major attractions, but it will be a fast-paced trip. You can cover major things to see in Seoul like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, N Seoul Tower, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, along with exploring Korean street food and nightlife.
If you want a deeper experience, 5-7 days would be ideal. However, 3 days is great for a first visit if you plan well!
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