The 9 Best Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea

Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or a shopaholic, Seoul has something for everyone. It remains one of our favourite capital cities in the world, and for good reason! From its delicious food and  easy-to-use public transport, to its stunning palaces and rich history, there’s just SO MUCH to enjoy about it! Let’s dive into the top 9 things you absolutely must do when visiting this amazing city:

1. Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace

The majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) is the biggest and most famous of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and is well worth a visit.

Plan a minimum of 1-2 hours to get the most out of your visit as you explore the beautiful palace, the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion (향원정) at the back of the palace and all of the grounds. The National Folk Museum and the National Palace Museum of Korea are also within its premises, so add on a bit of time to see those too if you’re interested.

Opening Hours

• The palace is closed on Tuesdays, open every other day.
• When a public holiday falls on a Tuesday, the palace will be open and instead close the day after.

Admission Fee

• Free: aged 18 and below, seniors (aged 65 and over), those wearing a Hanbok, Culture Day (the last Wednesday of every month).

Free Guided Tours

To get the most out of your visit, why not take advantage of the FREE guided tours operating in 4 languages across most days. Having someone knowledgeable that can tell you all about the history and culture and what you’re looking at makes the experience much more immersive and enjoyable.

• Tours last around 1-1.5 hours.
• Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation in advance.
• The total number of participants in a group is limited to 30.
• Tour starts in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace Information Center inside the Heungnyemun Gate.

2. Stroll Through Bukchon Hanok Village

Wander through Bukchon Hanok Village and discover traditional Korean houses (hanoks) that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. This picturesque area offers a glimpse into Korea’s past and provides plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

Many hanoks today serve as cultural hubs, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in traditional Korean life through accommodations, dining, and cultural experiences.

Remember: Bukchon Hanok Village is an actual neighbourhood where locals live, so please be respectful at all times while you are looking around and keep noise to a minimum.

3. Shop (& Eat) in Myeongdong

Myeongdong is a shopper’s paradise, boasting a whole range of high-end department stores, trendy boutiques, and cosmetic shops.

But it’s not just about shopping; the area is a foodie’s dream too, with countless restaurants offering everything from traditional Korean cuisine to international fare, with a daily street food night market adding to its lively atmosphere.

If you crave a mix of convenience, culture, and culinary delights, Myeongdong is the place to be.

4. Explore Two of Seoul’s Best Districts: Insa-dong and Ikseon-dong

Packed with cool shops and vintage finds, Insa-dong is a great neighbourhood to explore. Wander through the alleyways to the side of the main street where you might stumble upon hidden galleries or rare finds on your day out.

Ikseon-dong is around the corner – this historic neighbourhood has been completely transformed into a cafe and bar lover’s dream. You’ll be blown away by the insane level of cuteness and creativity in these places.

Get lost in the charming alleyways, and be sure to try everything from craft beer to traditional tea. It’s a foodie and explorer’s heaven!

5. Relax in Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden

The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁) is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Found at the back of the impressive palace, this hidden gem was once permitted only to the king. It’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nowadays, the colourful pagodas and lush green gardens are visited by thousands of visitors looking to enjoy the natural scenery.

Don’t miss next-door’s Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁), another of the Five Grand Palaces, to admire the amazing architecture and history.

Opening Hours

• The gardens are closed on Mondays, open every other day.
• When a public holiday falls on a Monday, the palace will be open and instead close the day after.

Admission Fee

6. Experience the Atmosphere of a Korean Baseball Game

Getting to experience a Korean baseball game is like a full-on party! The atmosphere is awesome – think crazy cheers, loud music, plenty of beer and snacks, all amongst a sea of people going wild. It’s an unforgettable experience!

Baseball season is from March to September, so plan your trip accordingly if this sounds like a bit of you. Jamsil Stadium is the biggest arena, but there are other stadiums around the city too.

Trying to get tickets online can be a headache – especially in English, so your best bet is to be spontaneous and head to the stadium (see the schedule here) a few hours before the game. They usually sell tickets there, but don’t get your hopes up, especially for popular teams. We went to Jamsil aiming to get tickets to the LOTTE vs DOOSAN game, but were told it was completely sold out. We just hopped on the metro and went to Gocheosky Stadium for the SSG vs KIWOOM game instead, where there were loads of seats available. Our advice is to be flexible!!

It’s a bit of a gamble, but if you manage to score tickets, you’re in for a treat. PLAAAY BAAALL!

7. Enjoy Nature at Bukhansan National Park

For the outdoor enthusiasts, head to Bukhansan National Park (북한산국립공원)! There’s tonnes of hiking trails with stunning views of Seoul and the surrounding mountains. With its cool geology and interesting landmarks – think pagodas, temples, etc – it’s a fantastic way to get some exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of South Korea.

Since you’re there, you could also check out Eunpyeong Hanok Village (은평한옥마을) for a much quieter hanok experience than the popular and often-crowded Bukchon Hanok Village. Jingwansa Temple (진관사) is a beautiful temple around the corner from the hanoks, heading into the park.

Opening Hours

• Hiking at night is prohibited

8. Dance The Night Away at a K-Pop Concert

Seoul is at the very centre of the K-Pop universe, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the culture than by attending a concert. There’s always a performance of some sort or another going on, from legendary groups to rising stars. One of the things that really sets K-POP apart from other genres is the emphasis on dance choreography.

The energy the stars bring to the stage and the atmosphere from the fans combine together for an epic experience.

9. Indulge in Korean Cuisine at Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. It’s a food paradise where you can sample everything from bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) to mayak gimbap (addictive mini seaweed rice rolls). It even attracts high profile celebs, like Gordon Ramsey, with stall owners taking great pride in their food being tried by them – you’ll see plenty of printed pictures of celebs you know all over!

Once you’re done stuffing your face like we did (we like to say “let’s try just one more” a lot), take a stroll along the tranquil Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천). It’s a pleasant way to spend an evening, and helps burn off all those calories you just consumed!

Opening Hours

Seoul’s a city that’ll keep you buzzing – there’s just so much to see and do!

From ancient palaces brimming with history to neon-lit markets overflowing with street food delights, it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.

Ready to dive in? We’ve got you covered. Check out our full South Korea itinerary to craft your perfect adventure, whether you’re craving delicious food, fascinating history, K-Pop thrills, or a taste of everything in between!

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