Must See Places In Seoul

Seoul is the vibrant capital of South Korea and a bustling metropolis with a lot to offer for visitors. It’s a city that never stops, with exciting sights and sounds around every corner. A city of contrasts, Seoul is both ancient and modern, traditional and hip, and always buzzing with energy. For first-time visitors, it can be an overwhelming experience, but with a bit of planning, it’s easy to make the most of your visit. From iconic historical sites to futuristic architecture, from traditional markets to sleek shopping malls, from unassuming street food to world-class restaurants, Seoul has something for everyone.

History Of Seoul

Seoul has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Its modern history began in 1394 when the Yi dynasty moved its capital to the city. Over the centuries, Seoul has served as the capital of several dynasties, including the Joseon dynasty, which lasted until 1910. During this time, Seoul was transformed into a bustling metropolis. After the Korean War (1950-1953), it was rebuilt and modernized into the vibrant city it is today.

Seoul is now the political, economic, and cultural center of South Korea. It is home to more than 10 million people and has one of the highest population densities in the world. The city is divided into 25 districts, each with its own unique character and attractions.

Iconic Sights

Seoul is full of iconic sights that are sure to captivate visitors. The most famous is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395, it’s a grand complex of ornate buildings surrounded by majestic gardens. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination, where visitors can learn about its history and watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Other important historical sites include Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Jogyesa Temple.

The city is also home to some of Asia’s most impressive modern architecture. The iconic 63 Building is a landmark skyscraper at Yeouido Park, and Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea. For an unforgettable view of Seoul, head to Namsan Tower or N Seoul Tower. The observation deck offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Markets & Shopping

Seoul is a shopper’s paradise, with endless retail options. The city’s traditional markets are always bustling with activity and are a great place to get a taste of local culture. Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in Seoul, with over 10,000 shops selling everything from clothes and accessories to traditional snacks and souvenirs. Other popular markets include Dongdaemun Market and Insadong Antique Market.

Modern shoppers will be spoilt for choice with the city’s array of shopping malls and department stores. Myeongdong is one of the most popular shopping areas in Seoul, with streets full of shops selling clothing, cosmetics, and accessories. Other notable malls include Lotte World Mall, COEX Mall, and Times Square Mall.

Street Food & Restaurants

Seoul’s street food scene is legendary, with vendors selling all sorts of delicious snacks from carts or small stalls around the city. The most popular street foods include tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), mandu (dumplings), and odeng (fish cakes). Delicious restaurants are also plentiful in Seoul, offering everything from traditional Korean fare to international cuisine. Popular restaurants include Gomaeul Korean BBQ Restaurant, Kko Kko Nara Chicken Restaurant, and Bulgogi Brothers.

Unique Experiences

Seoul offers plenty of unique experiences that can’t be found elsewhere. For an authentic Korean experience, head to an outdoor bathhouse (jimjilbang) where you can soak in hot baths and saunas or get a massage or other treatment. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try hanbok wearing? This traditional Korean dress is perfect for exploring traditional sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace or Deoksugung Palace. For an up-close look at Korean pop culture, visit one of Seoul’s many K-pop cafes or music shows. And for something truly unique, check out Robot Restaurant or VR Theme Park for virtual reality experiences like no other.

A Sample Tour: Traditional Korean Cuisine Cooking Class

For those looking to get an immersive experience of Seoul’s culture, a cooking class is a great way to do so. A traditional Korean cuisine cooking class will take you through all the steps of making delicious Korean dishes from scratch. You’ll learn about the basics of Korean cooking and have the chance to try your hand at making popular dishes like bibimbap and kimchi. You’ll also get to experience traditional ingredients like red pepper paste (gochujang) and sesame oil as well as learn about unique cooking methods such as stone pot cooking (dolsotbap). After your class, you can take home all the recipes you’ve learned so you can recreate your favorite dishes at home!

Book a Traditional Korean Cuisine Cooking Class here.

A Sample Tour: Hiking Bukhansan National Park

For nature lovers, hiking Bukhansan National Park is a must-do activity in Seoul. This incredible mountain park just outside the city is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life and take in some fresh air and stunning views. The park features a variety of trails for hikers of all levels, ranging from easy strolls through pine forests to more challenging climbs up rocky peaks. You’ll have the chance to see beautiful temples and monasteries as well as explore hidden caves and waterfalls along the way. With luck you may even spot some wildlife such as wild boar or eagles!

Book a Hiking Bukhansan National Park tour here.

Conclusion

Seoul is an incredible city that has something for everyone – from ancient temples to trendy shopping malls, from delicious street food to world-class restaurants, and from traditional markets to modern skyscrapers. It’s a city that never sleeps and always surprises visitors with its energy and diversity. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or staying for longer, there are countless must-see places in Seoul that will make your trip unforgettable. So why not book your next holiday to Seoul today?