The Best Places To Visit In Seoul

As one of the world’s most populous cities and the economic and cultural hub of South Korea, Seoul is a city overflowing with energy and excitement. Located in the northwest of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul is home to nearly 10 million people who live in a vibrant mix of traditional and modern cultures, making it one of the most exciting places to visit in Asia.

From ancient palaces to cutting-edge technology, Seoul offers something for everyone. With its stunning skyline, bustling nightlife, and endless attractions, it’s easy to see why millions of people travel to this vibrant city each year. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking to relax and explore, here are the best places to visit in Seoul.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most famous palace in Seoul. Built by the Joseon Dynasty in 1395, the palace was once the home of the royal family and served as the center of politics and diplomacy during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it is one of Seoul’s most popular tourist attractions, where visitors can explore the beautiful grounds, watch traditional performances, and enjoy a glimpse into Korea’s past.

The palace complex consists of several buildings, including the Geunjeongjeon throne hall, the Gyeonghoeru pavilion, and the Naeuiwon secret garden. Visitors can also explore the palace museum and take part in a guided tour that highlights some of the most interesting parts of the palace. The complex also offers a variety of traditional Korean restaurants and souvenir shops.

Myeongdong Shopping District

Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s most popular shopping districts and a great place for visitors to explore. The area is filled with a variety of shops selling everything from clothes and accessories to cosmetics and electronics. The streets are always bustling with locals and tourists alike, and there are plenty of street food vendors offering delicious snacks.

In addition to its shopping appeal, Myeongdong is also home to several popular attractions, including Myeongdong Cathedral, Namsan Park, Lotte World Tower, and Myeongdong Theater. There are also plenty of restaurants serving up local favorites like bibimbap and kimchi stew. At night, Myeongdong transforms into a vibrant nightlife district with bars and clubs playing music until late.

Insadong

Insadong is a popular shopping district in Seoul known for its traditional markets and street food vendors. It’s a great place to explore Korean culture, with its many shops selling traditional crafts such as pottery, lacquerware, paintings, calligraphy supplies, and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). In addition to shopping for souvenirs, visitors can also explore Insadong’s many street food vendors offering up delicious snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).

Insadong is also home to several cultural attractions such as the Jongmyo Shrine and the Gyeongbokgung Palace Museum. On weekends, street performers often put on shows while local merchants sell their wares at the Insadong Street Market.

Namsan Park

Namsan Park is one of Seoul’s most popular parks and a great place to escape the busy city streets. Located on a mountain near downtown Seoul, the park offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and is home to several attractions including Namsan Tower, an iconic landmark that offers panoramic views from its observation deck. The park also features hiking trails, a botanical garden, a lake, and several statues and monuments.

On weekends, Namsan Park transforms into an outdoor market full of street food vendors offering up delicious snacks like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and odeng (fish cake skewers). Visitors can also take part in a variety of activities such as archery classes, bike rentals, and yoga classes.

Hongdae

Hongdae is one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods and a great place to explore Korean culture. The area is filled with trendy shops selling everything from clothes and accessories to vintage items. The streets are often filled with street performers playing music or dancing, while local vendors sell their wares at nearby markets.

Hongdae is also home to several popular attractions including Hongik University Street, Trick Eye Museum (an interactive museum featuring 3D artworks), Hongik Children’s Grand Park (a children’s amusement park), and Hongdae Playground (an outdoor space filled with art installations). In addition to its attractions, Hongdae is also known for its nightlife scene with bars and clubs open until late.

Example Tour 1: Traditional Korean Food Tour

Experience traditional Korean food as you explore some of Seoul’s best restaurants with a local guide leading the way! This half-day tour will take you through some of Seoul’s most iconic neighborhoods where you will experience traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables), kimchi stew, samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), and much more. Your guide will also provide background information about each dish as you eat your way through some of Seoul’s best restaurants.

This tour is perfect for anyone looking to experience traditional Korean cuisine in an authentic setting. The tour includes a private guide who will provide detailed information about each dish as well as stories about Korean culture. Tour participants should bring comfortable walking shoes and an appetite for delicious food! Book a Traditional Korean Food Tour in Seoul here.

Example Tour 2: DMZ Tour

Experience one of South Korea’s most iconic sights on this full-day tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The DMZ is an area that has been sealed off between North and South Korea since 1953 when an armistice was signed at the end of the Korean War. On this tour you will explore some of the area’s most fascinating sights including Imjingak Park (where you will see relics from the war), the Freedom Bridge (which was used by prisoners of war), Dorasan Station (the last train station before the DMZ), and Dora Observatory (where you can look out into North Korea).

This tour is perfect for anyone looking to experience one of South Korea’s most iconic sights firsthand. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Seoul to the DMZ as well as entrance fees for all attractions. Tour participants should bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera for capturing memories! Book a DMZ Tour in Seoul here.

Example Tour 3: Nami Island Bike Tour

Explore one of South Korea’s most beautiful islands on this half-day bike tour! This tour will take you to Nami Island where you will pedal your way through its lush forests and peaceful countryside while learning about its fascinating history from your local guide. Along the way you will stop at some of Nami Island’s most interesting sights including Petite France Village (a French-style village), Metasequoia Lane (a path lined with beautiful trees), Oksu-ri Dongmur Village (an old fishing village), and more.

This tour is perfect for anyone looking to experience one of South Korea’s most beautiful islands firsthand. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Seoul to Nami Island as well as bicycle rental fees. Tour participants should bring comfortable clothing and shoes for biking as well as a camera for capturing memories! Book a Nami Island Bike Tour in Seoul here.