These Are The Best Things To Do In Seoul 2024

We can all agree Seoul is unique. It is a huge city with vibrant marketplaces, interesting eateries, and stunning historic buildings. K-Pop, Netflix successes, and Oscar-winning films have helped Korea have its international moment.

Seoul has always been cool, despite your ignorance. Amazingly cool. Cool, you’ll need time to take it all in. Chic, arty neighborhoods with vintage businesses meet lush green settings and little tea houses hidden in woodlands. This city must be seen to be believed. Find the greatest Seoul attractions here.

1. Gwangjang Market

One of Seoul’s oldest and largest traditional marketplaces, best known for its street food market, which sells a wide variety of Korean foods.

It’s the most convenient venue to try a variety of Korean dishes, including tteokboki (sweet and spicy rice cakes), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and mayak gimbap (seaweed rolls). Remember to wash it all down with some makgeolli (rice wine).

2. Changdeokgung Palace

This spectacular palace complex (a Unesco World Heritage Site) functioned as the primary royal residence for more than 200 years and is the best maintained of Seoul’s five extant Joseon palaces.

Aside from the palace and administrative buildings, Changdeokgung boasts a stunning secret garden complete with groomed grass, clarify shelters and a lotus pond. Continue your cultural tour of the area by visiting the quaint Bukchon Hanok Village and the lovely Jogyesa Temple.

3. N Seoul Tower

If you don’t want to exhaust your legs climbing the – admittedly gorgeous – Bukhansan mountain, the 480-meter-tall N Seoul Tower also provides breathtaking views of Seoul.

Everyone knows that the greatest way to get your bearings in a city is to climb to the nearest really, very tall structure and take it all in. The N Seoul Tower stands hundreds of meters above sea level and resembles a rocket taking off from the top of Namsan mountain. Its views of Seoul are unparalleled, and owing to a lift and cable car, your legs will be energized for the rest of your stay.

4. Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Leeum houses a major collection of traditional Korean art, as well as modern and contemporary works by local and foreign artists. The art is displayed in three structures constructed by architectural geniuses Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas.

There is something for every art fan, whether you are interested in Korean national treasures or modern painters. Don’t forget to see the work of art in the garden.

5. Insa-dong

Insa-dong, located in Jongno-gu’s historic district, is an artistic neighborhood that combines traditional and modern elements. This is the ideal area to take a quick pause between traveling activities, thanks to its availability of galleries.

Insadong-gil, the neighborhood’s main street, is an excellent spot to purchase traditional Korean items, especially during the monthly Saturday market. Make time to visit Ssamziegil, a multi-story shopping complex with over 70 shops, galleries, and cafés.

6. Ihwa Mural Village

This hillside community, which was originally scheduled for demolition, was renovated as part of a government revitalization initiative and has now become a tourist destination. Remember, this is a town, not a theme park, and homeowners have already complained about noisy and disruptive guests.

Do it for Social. But seriously, Ihwa is a wonderful spot to visit if you enjoy photography or street art. The views from the summit of Naksan Mountain are stunning (even if the walk is a little difficult).

7. Hongdae

The vibrant region surrounding Hongik University, where all of Seoul’s tastemakers congregate. Hongdae is recognized as the city’s youth culture hub, with a thriving independent music and nightlife scene, as well as a weekly arts and crafts market.

Aside from the hipper-than-thou street style stores and artisanal cafés, Hongdae’s main street, Hongik-ro, is lined with bars and clubs where you can dance the night away. Fill your appetite at the nearest Oksang Dalbit with delicious garlic pepper chicken.

8. Dongdaemun

The vibrating heart of Seoul’s free shopping culture. It features a 24-hour shopping complex, wholesale businesses, an underground shopping mall, and a bulbous, space-age silver cultural hub built by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

Many businesses in Seoul and neighboring countries obtain their inventory from Dongdaemun, making it a treasure trove for inexpensive, fashion-conscious shoppers. Everything you need can be found off the main retail route, Eulji-ro, including pojangmacha (street stalls) that sell food and soju.

9. Common Ground

This brightly colored building, spanning 5,300 square metres, is the world’s largest shipping container mall. The complex includes a market hall and a street market that surrounds a central space use for weekend markets, entertainment, and events.

It’s an easy location to identify and support small businesses, whether you’re interested in fashion, art, or cosmetics. You’ll also have plenty of culinary alternatives, ranging from traditional local fare to international cuisines and even food trucks.

10. Gyeongui Line Forest Park

A 6.3-kilometre park that connects Gajwa Station to Hyochang Park Station, going through the trendy Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong neighborhoods.

Peaceful green spaces in towns are always appreciated, but Gyeongui Line Forest Park stands out for its attractive row of independent bookstores on the appropriately called Gyeongui Line Book Street.

11. Suyeonsanbang Tea House

Suyeonsanbang means “a small home in the forest where writers gather” in English, which is an appropriate title for this peaceful traditional teahouse that previously housed late Korean novelist Lee Tae-jun.

Located near the idyllic Bukhansan National Park, Suyeonsanbang feels like a mountain lodge far away from the city. It’s a wonderfully tranquil space with a rich literary history, extensive tea menu, and seasonal shaved ice.

12. Myeongdong

Myeongdong, sometimes known as a shopper’s paradise, is a renowned tourist destination in Seoul. Myeongdong offers a more traditional shopping experience than Dongdaemun, with popular retail chains, department stores, and family restaurants dotting the streets.

Myeongdong-gil, the main retail street, is a dream come true for everyone who loves Korean fashion and beauty. If all that shopping has you hungry, Myeongdong Kyoja’s knife-cut noodles are always a hit.

13. Korea Furniture Museum

Situated on a picturesque hillside in the historic Seongbuk-dong district, this sprawling complex is brimming with historical relics from the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897). Walk-ins are not permitted, so you must book the trip in advance.

The landscapes and architecture alone are worth a visit, but the real draw is the museum’s 500-piece collection of Joseon furniture, which is displayed in meticulous replicas of old Korean residences. Visitors frequently refer to this museum as Seoul’s best-kept secret because of its unique perspective on Korean history.

14. Seoullo 7017

Seoul’s response to New York’s High Line. This eco-friendly, multi-purpose pedestrian bridge built on a former highway above Seoul Station features a sky garden, cafés, and even a small pool where you may cool down.

Seoullo 7017 has a lot to offer, from ‘peeping pots’ that play sounds and videos of Seoul, to the kids’ trampolines, modern art at Seoullo Gallery, and Yunseul – a trippy, immersive public art project.