Thinking about what to do in Seoul? And maybe what to skip?
Living in Seoul gave me unique insights and the chance to visit areas multiple times.
This is how I was able to make this list of the best and most fun things to do in Seoul (that aren’t Myeongdong or Hongdae!) and, maybe just as important, what to skip so you can make the most of your trip!
Key Takeaways – What to do in Seoul + What to Skip
- Unique activities: Moon of Seoul, Audeum Museum, Hannam-dong, Bukhansan Starbucks, and Changing of the Guards Ceremonies
- Add some flexibility to your itinerary due to busy traffic
What To Do in Seoul
Seoul has a lot to offer, from palaces to unique cafes.
Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace
Welcome to the Royal Palace! Of course, the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace should be on the list. It’s probably on every “what to do in Seoul list” or itinerary, but it truly is a must-visit!
Tired of fighting crowds at Seoul’s palaces? I’ll show you the insider route that lets you experience all the beauty without the chaos. Watch this complete 31-minute walking tour to see exactly when and where to go:
This walking tour reveals the optimal route through Gyeongbokgung Palace, including, secret photo spots, and how to avoid tour group congestion. The guide below covers practical details like tickets, ceremonies, and seasonal tips.
What makes this place extra special is that many visitors wear traditional Korean Hanbok outfits. It’s a spectacular sight. The palace is the place where I took one of my favorite photos I made in Seoul, seen here below of two visitors in Hanbok Clothing.
Travel tip: Make sure to visit the palace on a day when it is not raining, as not many will be wearing traditional outfits then. It sounds obvious, but it would be a shame to miss that!
Spring, summer, and winter are actually all good times to visit the palace. During winter, people wear the ‘winter edition’ of the Hanbok clothes. It always reminds me of a Korean version of the movie Frozen; it’s a lovely sight to see!
My least favorite time to visit the palace is end of July/August when it’s hot and crazy humid, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. It’s not unbearable but just make sure to take it slow!
Gyeongbokgung Palace isn’t the only palace in Seoul; of course, there are quite a few. They are all quite similar, to be honest, but the changing of the guard’s ceremony is different at various palaces. For instance, I prefer the changing of the guard’s ceremony at Deoksugung Palace.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: Changing of the guard time.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: Gyeongbokgung Palace Location
Deoksugung Palace. is where I took these epic shots:
Best Hotels near the Royal Gyeongbokgung Palace 🛏️
Staying in a hotel near the palace is a smart choice; it’s in the heart of the city, easy to access with many subway lines, and there are lots of things to do and see in the area called Gwanghwamun.
Tip: Hover with your mouse over a hotel in the map below, to see the walking distance and route to the entrance of the palace, the Gwanghwamun Gate.
Travel Tip: Traveling with kids? or as a couple? Find out which area is best for every traveler in my complete where to stay in Seoul guide.
Bukhansan Branch Starbucks
Coffee and cake at the most beautiful Starbucks in Seoul!
I’m always for supporting your locals, but Starbucks is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine…
It’s a bit further outside the city, but the Starbucks Bukhansan Branch is, from what I’ve seen, the most epic Starbucks in Seoul. The location, right at the foot of mountain Bukhansan, is amazing.
Although it’s not very local and Korean, this Starbucks is worth the trip and you do get an amazing view of the Korean landscape.
They even serve drinks and dessert in mountain style!
How to get there?
You can take a taxi to the Starbucks the Bukhansan Branch 📍.
Or, take the subway to Gupabal Station, and from there hop on a bus. Exit at Bukhansanseong Busstop. The trip will be around an hour and 15 minutes so I would advise you to take a taxi.
Travel Tip: If you want to burn off some of those Starbucks calories, walk to the Jingwansa Temple 📍close by.
Stroll Through Bukchon Hanok Village
After visiting the palace, you can walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, which is not that far away. It’s probably the most famous Seoul area, but it is still worth visiting. Make sure to go early (or perhaps on a snowy or rainy day) when it’s not too busy…
The neighborhood is filled with traditional Korean houses. Many of the Hanok houses have been changed into galleries, tea houses, and guesthouses, giving you a chance to experience the local culture. It’s a great spot for photography, so be sure to bring your camera to capture the Korean scenes of this historical village.
Be sure to come either early or in the afternoon on a weekday. This is a very popular spot. I also found it very quiet right after some rain, so if you can plan it after the rain…
The view from Bukchon Hanok Village on the Namsan Tower is also pretty spectacular.
Eunpyong Hanok Village
After (or before) visiting the Starbucks, the Eunpyong Hanok Village 📍 is super close by.
This area is rather unknown but it’s a beautiful place, and you will not see many people there, which makes it a great place to wander around quietly. The Hanok houses are really cool to see and there is a nice cafe for some coffee (how much coffee can you drink in a day…)
Hiking in the Mountains of Seoul
Mountains, hills, and amazing hiking trails surround Seoul. If you’re up for the challenge, take the subway to one of the stations below and embark on a hike to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view.
See which stations fit best in your itinerary:
- Sadang Station 📍
- Gwan-Agsan Station 📍
- Gwangmyeong Sageori Station 📍
- Hyehwa Station 📍 : Close to Naksan Park where you can walk along the famous City Wall
Discover more hiking trails at All Trails.
Travel tip: If you have enough time or are a hiking enthusiast, there are countless more hiking trails further outside the city such as at the well known Woraksan mountain, seen here below.
As you can see, hiking is like a national sport in Korea!
Hike Up Namsan & Visit N Seoul Tower
Namsan tower, including the area on top of the mountains and entire park around it is one of my favorite places in Seoul. The view is spectacular, it’s not as crowded as many other areas, and every time you’ll see something new.
On one side, you can see the Lotte tower and Gangnam, and on the other side, you’ll see more of the mountains.
Below the Namsan tower is Namsan Park, where there are lots of hiking trails. It’s a nice and quiet area, though the road uphill can be tough and steep at times.
On the mountain, at the foot of the tower there is the famous bridge with heart locks, quite an endearing thing to see! There are also several restaurants and shops.
Moon of Seoul
The Moon of Seoul is a unique hot air balloon attached to a rope of 150 meters (!) that ascends throughout the entire day and night! If you’re not afraid of heights, this is a fantastic thing to do in Seoul. The view is quite spectacular; in autumn, you will see all the yellow leaves, and during the night, seeing the city light up is really cool.
You can find more info on the Moon of Seoul official website. However, the website is a bit vague about buying tickets. I bought my tickets at the location itself. We had to wait one 15-minute balloon trip during the afternoon, so that was totally fine.
After this little adventure, walking around Yeouido Park is quite nice. You can even walk all the way to the Han River, where many people will be picnicking and enjoying the outdoors.
Seongsu-dong
This neighborhood is perhaps the most trendy (and also not so touristy) area I know. Because of its vibe and brick-style houses, it is called the Brooklyn of Seoul.
I could recommend some places to have coffee, but the area is so vibrant and diverse and changes quite often that you just need to experience it and explore.
Travel tip: If Seongsu is too crowded, walking to Seoul Forest, not far from it, might be worth the trip. It's a nice park, and you will also find more cafes and local shops there.
Itaewon & Hannam-dong – Maxim Plant
Spending an afternoon in Itaewon, followed by Hannam-dong, is definitely worth the visit. Itaewon is less traditional Korean, but it is another side of Seoul that is part of the culture. Hannam-dong is a more fancy and fashionable area, and it is great to have coffee and a snack at one of the many bakeries.
Places to visit in Hannam-dong:
- Maxim Plant: a 4-story coffee shop with lots of different flavors and a beautiful terrace with a view on the top floor. It can be crowded in the weekends, an afternoon during the week should be totally fine
When visiting Itaewon, skip the main street, go to the street right parallel to it and wander around through the alleys.
Read my full Itaewon travel guide for all the best spots.
Best Hotels in Itaewon 🛏️
Hamilton Hotel is a popular hotel, not too fancy but right at the center of Itaewon and next to the Subway station.
Visit Insadong and Ikseon-dong
Insadong is a well-known and perhaps a touristy area, but you have to look further than the main street. There are several alleys to go into, with local shops, a Miffy museum with activities (our little one loves that), self-made products by locals, art and art galleries, and vintage clothes stores.
During the evening, Insadong becomes quite busy; I prefer to go during the day.
From Insadong it is a short walk to Ikseon-dong which is why I’ll name them both here. It’s actually called Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. It’s an area with very narrow streets with traditional Hanok houses. There are a lot of cafes, restaurants and some bars. This area is a bit more fun in the evening in my opinion.
Namdaemun Market
Of all the markets in Seoul, Namdaemun is my favorite. Every time I go, I discover new shops.
This market is one of the oldest in South Korea and has a huge variety of stuff. You’ll find everything here, including traditional Korean things, snacks, lots of children’s clothes ( we buy almost everything here for our son), and lots of ‘fake’ but high-quality clothes as well.
It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture while picking up some unique items or presents for family to take home.
The market is close to the Sungnyemun Gate.
Best Hotels in Namdaemun 🛏️
Make sure to book early, it’s a popular area any many hotels can be fully booked pretty fast in this area.
L’Escape Hotel: A hotel with a totally different vibe than others!
Cheonggyecheon city river
Walking along the Cheonggyecheon River in the city might not be an activity worth visiting just for that, but it is worth the small detour when you are in the city center. The river stretches throughout the city, and the landscape changes every 100 meters or so.
It’s such a nice and calming walk along slow-streaming water. In the summer, many people dip their toes in it to cool off a bit. A city trip doesn’t always have to be running from one activity to another; taking it slow is also important, and this river is the perfect spot for that.
Audeum Museum
This museum is quite incredible. I’m not really a museum guy, and I was a bit hesitant at first; who wants to see some old audio speakers, right? But it’s truly a unique experience. It shows the revolution of sound and music. They showcase gigantic speakers from many years ago, when the first one was invented, and how they changed over time.
Travel tip: The tour is in Korean, but there is an English tour guide present as well, at least there was when I was visiting.
Vist the museum’s official website for more info
What to Skip in Seoul
When planning your itinerary and deciding what to do in Seoul, consider skipping certain activities that may not be worth the trip.
Starfield Library
I’ve seen the Starfield Library being hyped a lot on social media. I’ve been there, and it was the most underwhelming experience in Seoul (I don’t have this often!). In photos, the library looks impressive, but in real life, it is not as big as you think it is by a long shot. Besides that, most of the books aren’t real, the mall is not as fun as other malls, and there is just not much to do.
If you’re looking for a nice mall, skip the Starfield Library and visit Hyundai Mall or the iPark Mall. Hyundai Mall is especially close to Yeoudi Park, where you can take a hot air balloon ride, which I highly recommend!
Lotte Tower
It’s the highest building in South Korea and the fifth highest in the world! But! Although the building is pretty cool, the view is not that great, in my opinion. You’re behind glass, which isn’t ideal for taking good photos, and being so high makes it hard to appreciate the view fully.
In my honest opinion, the view from Namsan Tower is much more fulfilling. Overall, Namsan is just a better experience. You can walk outside, not behind glass, and explore the area to see the city from different sides.
Moreover, you’ll have a much better view of the changing landscape during spring and autumn, which you can’t really experience from Lotte Tower. So my advice would be, if you’re looking for an awesome view, go to Namsan Tower and skip Lotte Tower.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
The outside round structure of the museum at Dongdaemun Design is pretty cool to see in itself. It takes about 10 minutes to have a walk there, but there is not much to do in the area.
In my perhaps unpopular opinion, Dongdaemun is not really worth the trip.
There are several malls in the area, but they are very outdated. Some of them are wholesale markets for clothing.
If you’re looking for nice malls for shopping, visit Ipark Mall or Hyundai Mall, which are close to Yoeido Park.
Lotte World
Lotte World is also a pretty underwhelming experience. The theme park is outdated, and if you’ve ever been to Disneyland or Universal Studios, it’s not as big as that and fun by a long shot. However, price tickets are quite affordable compared to many other theme parks.
Travel Tip: Find out the best ways to save money and travel on a budget in Seoul.
Best Hotels in Seoul 🛏️
Where to stay in Seoul depends on your itinerary and preferences. But, honestly, the hotel doesn’t matter much because you’ll likely spend most of your time exploring the city of Seoul or the surrounding mountains.
Travel Tip: Check if the breakfast is good, because that will save you time and leave more time to explore.
Here are my favorite hotels that have the best location in their area:
- City Center Gwanghwamun: Koreana Hotel
- Seoul Station: Seoullo Inn
- Insadong: Orakai Suites
- Itaewon: Hamilton Hotel or Mondrian Hotel (Hamilton can be noizy because of the clubs close by, Mondrian Hotel is 5 minutes walking from the center, but overall it’s a better hotel)
- Gangnam: Personally, I wouldn’t book a hotel in Gangnam. It sure is a nice area to visit, but most of the things to do are on the north side of the river. It’s better to take the subway for a day to visit Gangnam than to stay there the entire trip. The same goes for Yeouido Park.
Travel Tip: Traveling with kids? or as a couple? Find out which area is best for every type of traveler in my complete where to stay in Seoul guide.
Tours & Things To Do in Seoul
Discover epic activities in Seoul through Viator.
Tips for getting around in Seoul
Here are several tips when embarking on your Korean adventure:
Buying Subway Tickets
Buying subway tickets in Seoul is easy. You can purchase single-journey tickets or get a rechargeable T-money card at any station. The T-money card can be used for buses and taxis as well, so it’s great to explore different parts of the city. When entering and exiting, just tap your card on the reader, even in a taxi, and you’re good to go! You can recharge it at any convenience store or subway station.
Add Flexibility to Your Itinerary
Traffic is quite busy many times of the day. Even a short distance of 3km through the city can take 30 or 40 minutes easily. While the subway might seem fast, you’ll likely have to walk a long distance when transferring to another line, making the trip longer. Many trips with the subway, even short, will also take about 30 minutes because of the long walking distance and the vastness of the stations. So, just make sure to add some more time and flexibility for getting around in Seoul to your itinerary.
Claim Your Ticket Deposit
When you travel by subway and buy a ticket for every trip, you can get your deposit back (500 won). This is very easy to do. Behind every exit, when you’ve scanned your ticket, you’ll see a small deposit machine. Just put in your ticket, and you’ll get 500 won back.
Designated Seats
There are subway seats for the elderly and pregnant women. If you’re not in one of these groups, avoiding sitting in these seats is best. It’s considered disrespectful to sit there, and there’s a chance someone may kindly remind you of that.
How Many Days in Seoul?
Spending 5 to 7 days is enough to see most of Seoul’s attractions. Then, you’ll have plenty of time to see cultural sights, explore one of the mountains, and try different Korean food. In my opinion, a weekend will be too short: getting around in Seoul can take longer than expected, and there are just lots of things to do!
What to do in Seoul for a day?
When you have only one day to spend in Seoul, time is of the essence! The best route you can take is as follows:
- Start early at Gwanghwamun and walk to the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
- Walk to the Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Walk downhill to the city, to Insadong.
- Followed by Ikseon-dong.
- Walk to Deoksugung Palace for change of the guards at 15:30
- And then have dinner at a Korean BBQ.
This would be an optimal route for seeing as much of Korean culture as possible and what Seoul has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jack, what’s the currency used in Seoul?
I’ll tell you my friend, the currency is the South Korean Won (KRW). 10.000 Won is around 7 American Dollars.
Can I drink tap water in Seoul?
Tap water is safe for cooking, but for drinking, I use a special tap-water filter machine in the kitchen.
Is there really Wi-Fi in The city?
Yes, Seoul has free public Wi-Fi in many areas, like cafes, subway stations, and parks.
Do I need a visa to visit Seoul?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check with the Korean embassy or consulate before traveling.
Are there any free museums I can visit in Seoul?
Yes! Seoul has several free museums that are worth checking out. The National Museum is free. The Audeum Museum about the revolution of sound is also free.
What’s a great spot for night views in Seoul?
Noksapyeong Pedestrian Bridge near Itaewon is a fantastic place to enjoy the view on the Namsan Tower. After visiting Itaewon walk back to Noksapyeong station and you will pass the bridge.
Is Seoul Safe?
Seoul is a very safe city. Read my full safety guide.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Seoul? Let me know below!
