Things to Do in Seoul: Popular Attractions & Fun Activities

What to do in Seoul isn’t an easily answered question. South Korea’s capital city is always shining with colorful vibrancy from the Old-Meets-New charms in both historical and modern landmarks that attract visitors around the world all year round.

It contains sacred shrines and royal palaces built centuries ago, and it’s also home to magnificent modern structures and a bustling contemporary cultural element. The city’s historical heart beats strongly through its five grand palaces, each with its own distinct character and stories to tell. Changdeokgung Palace, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that enchants with its Secret Garden. Deoksugung Palace uniquely showcases a blend of Korean and Western architectural styles, a reflection of a pivotal period in Korean history. Beyond these iconic landmarks, the National Museum of Korea houses an extensive collection of artifacts, offering deep insights into the peninsula’s rich heritage, from prehistoric times to the modern era.

Speaking of the modern era, the South Korean capital has Myeongdong that exudes the energy of K-beauty and fashion trends, a haven for shoppers and street food enthusiasts. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza stands as a symbol of Seoul’s forward-thinking design aesthetic and serves as a hub for fashion events and exhibitions. Exploring the diverse neighborhoods, from the artistic vibes of Hongdae to the upscale boutiques of Cheongdam-dong, reveals the multifaceted personality of this dynamic capital city. Seoul truly offers a journey through time and innovation, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Both sides of Seoul’s equations are essential to explore, and there are several examples of each that help bring the city’s melange of old-school and new-school to vibrant life. We’ve given you a head-start on your itinerary planning by offering up 12 essential activities that must be done during your Seoul vacation. From exploring internationally protected symbols of dynasties past to reveling in the hustle and bustle of modern street markets, you’ll be able to enjoy everything this remarkable city has to offer.

1. See Namsan Park’s Nature with a Trip in the Namsan Cable Car

It’s no secret that travelers and Seoulites like to visit Namsan Park for the view. After all, the sprawling park is home to N Seoul Tower and its observation tower. However, taking in a bird’s eye view of Seoul and the park itself can begin with a three-minute ride in the Namsan Cable Car. The funicular has been in operation since 1962, and takes some 50,000 people from the base of Namsan Mountain to N Seoul Tower every month. The current fleet of cars have been in use since 2008 and can fit up to 48 passengers and has glass on all four sides, giving you a breathtaking panoramic view of the park and Seoul and the regardless of where you’re standing.

The best time to ride the Namsan Cable Car is in late afternoon. That way, you can see the sun shine on the city as you ascend, explore N Seoul Tower for a couple of hours, then see the city’s night skyline as you make your way down. If you want to experience the view in peace, your best bet is to take a ride in the morning when it’s less crowded.

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2. Explore Living History in Bukchon Hanok Village

The “hanok” in Bukchon Hanok Village refers to the traditional Korean homes found within this northern Seoul neighborhood. There are roughly 900 of them, and their construction took place around 600 years ago, during the Joseon Dynasty. A healthy chunk of the properties within Bukchon Hanok Village have transformed into guesthouses, shops, cultural centers, tea houses, restaurants, and crafts venues, so there’s plenty to explore.

Bukchon Hanok Village is free to visit, and you can sign up for a walking tour if you don’t’ want to explore on your own. The tour lasts about 2 ½ hours and takes you to some of the village’s key points of interest like Bukchon Culture Centre. A handful of shops rent traditional Korean costumes to wear around the village.Some of the hanoks are still private residences, so be respectful of the people that live here if you come here at night.

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3. Explore the Grounds of Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung-Palace offers the best-preserved glimpse of Seoul’s royal past. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the palace was built in 1412 and has survived fires and military insurgencies to remain a breathtaking study in Korea’s royal heritage. When you visit, you’ll find a public touring area, a royal residential building, and an exquisite section of greenery known as the Huwon Secret Garden. You’ll also find Mount Bugakasan providing a dramatic backdrop, further adding to Changdeokgung-Palace’s must-see beauty.

Palace tours are offered throughout the year. Guided tours of Huwon Secret Garden’s 78 acres are also offered, although you’ll need to buy an extra ticket to visit the garden if you only have a general admission ticket to the palace. You can, however, visit both if you have an Integrated Ticket of Palaces; a special ticket that grants you access to Seoul’s other royal palaces like Gyeongbokgung-Palace. If you visit the garden, keep an eye out for a large 300-year-old-tree. The palace grounds are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

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4. See the Changing of the Guards at Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung-Palace is the oldest royal palace in Seoul. It’s also home to one of the city’s purest expressions of traditional pomp and circumstance. The ceremonial changing of the guard is a relatively new tradition – the re-enactment made its debut in 1996 – but the combined pageantry of colorful royal uniforms, traditional weaponry and instruments, and location in front of the Gyeongbokgung-Palace’s main gate makes it a prestigious event that’s not to be missed.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens at the top of the hour between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The only day it doesn’t take place is Tuesdays due to Gyeongbokgung-Palace being closed. You can make the most of your visit by taking a free guided tour of the palace grounds or visiting the National Folk Museum of Korea or the National Palace Museum of Korea, which are both located on the palace grounds.

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5. Hang with the Cool Kids in Hongdae

The Hongdae District may be the hippest neighborhood in Seoul. Located near Hongik University, this vibrant district is a popular hangout for young Seoulites. Their presence creates a dynamic energy that often manifests itself in creativity. Expect to see artistic expression at every turn, from indie music bands jamming on Hongdae Walking Street to the brilliant street art lining the walls of Hongdae Mural Street (aka “Picasso’s Street). You’ll also encounter art galleries, clubs, gourmet restaurants, and quirky spots like the Trick Eye Museum, a unique space whose use of optical illusions can make you part of a painting.

The best way to experience the full ambiance of the Hongdae District is on a Friday night, when Hongdae Walking Street is at its busiest. If you’re in Seoul between March and November, you can drop by the Hongdae Free Market and peruse handcrafted items made by local artisans.

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6. Shoot an Arrow at Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress is a massive stone and brick structure located about 19 miles south of Seoul. The UNESCO World Heritage site is mostly intact, and its sprawling 3 ½ mile-long wall is still intimidating. It’s impressive piece of history that you can bring to life by participating in an archery lesson during your visit. These bow-and-arrow sessions allow you to don traditional military attire and shoot targets on the same grounds that were used to train military back in the day.

While visiting Hwaseong Fortress is free, there is an admission fee to participate in archery. When you’re finished shooting, you can also try your hand at ringing the fortress’ giant bell or take in a traditional performance program.

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7. Enjoy Tranquility at Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is considered the epicenter of Korean Buddhism. The sacred place’s roots stretch back to the late 14th century, and it offers a peaceful respite from Seoul’s bustle even if you’re not a practicing Buddhist. This is no small feat, considering the temple’s in the middle of the city’s lively Insadong district.

The temple is still home to Buddhist monks, and you can catch them engaging in traditional ceremonies throughout the day. You can also wander around the property and check out ornate gates, sacred monuments, and trees nearly 500 years old. If you’re in Seoul on the fourth Friday and Saturday of the month, you can participate in Jogyesa Temple’s temple stay program and engage in a host of special activities, such as having tea with a monk.

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8. Get Lost in the National Museum of Korea

When you’re ready to experience Seoul culture in a contemporary setting, head over to the modern and massive National Museum of Korea. The sleek building is about 3.1 million square feet, a size that makes it the world’s sixth largest museum. The space is not wasted: some 15,000 artifacts are spread out over three stories, and they collectively tell the story of Korea’s colorful history.

There’s no charge to visit the National Museum of Korea permanent collection, although there is a fee to check out the rotating exhibitions that are periodically welcomed in the space. There’s also an on-site Children’s Museum to explore if you’re traveling with kids. While this special museum is free, tickets are required to enter, and visits are limited to one hour and twenty-minute sessions.

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9. Go Cosmetics Shopping in Myeongdong

Shopping districts are a big deal in Seoul, and Myeongdong is the biggest of them all. It’s estimated that 2 million people pass through the district every day. While some of this traffic is due to Myeongdong being Seoul’s contemporary commerce hub, a healthy chunk of the crowd is here for shopping. One of the reasons so many folks come here is due to its reputation for being a haven for Korean cosmetic brands. You can load up your bags with popular brands like Etude House, MISSHA, and Innisfree. Some stores and vendors also offer free samples and “buy one, get one free” promotions, which can help your bottom line. Of course, if you really want to splurge on your Myeongdong visit, you can also drop by the district’s luxury retail outposts like Lotte Department Store.

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10. Look Out at Seoul from N Seoul Tower’s Observation Deck

Also known as Namsam Tower, N Seoul Tower is arguably Seoul’s most famous modern-day landmark. Built as a TV tower, this point of interest has been a popular destination for Seoulites and travelers alike since it opened its doors in 1980. While N Seoul Tower is home to several museums and an eclectic batch of restaurants, its main draw is its observation deck, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

N Seoul Tower’s tower is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily except Saturdays, when its open until midnight. There is a fee to enter the observation deck, but this fee is waived if you book an advanced reservation at the tower’s upscale French restaurant, N Grill. The final admission to the tower takes place 30 minutes before closing.

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11. Explore Modern Wartime Artifacts at the War Memorial of Korea

The story of the Korean War is told through the carefully curated exhibits found at the The War Memorial of Korea. Opened in 1994, the museum is home to about 33,000 artifacts directly related to the Korean War, with about 10,000 on display at any given time. While the The War Memorial of Korea emphasizes the Korean War, its exhibits also pay homage to other military conflicts the country has experienced over its long history.

The War Memorial of Korea is free and open every day except Monday. English language tours are available at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and they typically last two hours. Prepare to spend some time at The Large Military Equipment Exhibit, an outdoor exhibition hall that’s home to tanks, planes, and large-scale weaponry. The museum also offers several interactive educational programs and cultural events throughout the day.

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12. Indulge in Street Food at the massive Namdaemun Market

Seoul’s street food scene is legendary, and the best ones are typically linked to lively outdoor markets. A trip to the enormous 16-acre Namdaemun Market provides the city’s best example of this. You can pretty much buy anything from the market’s approximately 10,000 vendors, from kitchenware and furniture to fabrics and outdoor gear. Exploring the massive market is bound to make you hungry. Fortunately, there are several street food vendors on hand serving up scores of traditional deliciousness.

The vendors selling the street food tend to congregate around the Hoehyeon Subway Station. There are plenty of classics to be had here, like noodles, dumplings, and steamed fish cakes known alternatively as odeng or eomuk. Adventurous bites like pig’s feet or blood sausage are also served up for hardcore foodies. Namdaemun Market is open 24 hours a day, but you should note that most of the vendors don’t open their shops on Sundays.

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