Exploring the Best of Seoul Through a Tourist’s Map

Seoul is a captivating and dynamic metropolis, full of culture, history, and natural beauty. As the hub of South Korea, it is a city that is constantly changing and evolving, offering visitors an ever-growing number of activities and attractions to explore. From the historic palaces to the vibrant nightlife, Seoul has something for everyone. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors trying to plan their trip. To help make your planning easier, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to the best attractions and activities in Seoul, along with detailed descriptions and even two popular tours you can book.

A Brief History of Seoul

Seoul has been a major city since the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). During this period, the city was known as Hanyang and served as the country’s capital. The city’s importance only grew over time, especially during the Imperial Japanese occupation in the early 20th century when it was renamed Keijo. After Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule in 1945, the city was renamed Seoul and began to rapidly modernize. In the decades since then, Seoul has become one of Asia’s most vibrant cities.

Today, Seoul is home to an estimated 10 million people, making it the second-largest metropolitan area in the world after Tokyo. It is a global hub for business, finance, and culture, with a thriving economy and a population that is highly educated and tech-savvy. Notable attractions include the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Lotte World amusement park, N Seoul Tower, and Namdaemun Market. The city also boasts world-class museums and galleries, trendy fashion boutiques, lively nightlife scenes, delicious local cuisine, and a host of outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

A Tourist’s Map of Seoul Attractions

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The sprawling Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and grandest of all the Joseon Dynasty palaces. Located in central Seoul near Gwanghwamun Square, the palace is a renowned symbol of Korean history and culture. The palace was built in 1395 to serve as the home of the royal family and was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion in 1592. After restoration work in 1867, it has become a popular destination for visitors from around the world. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can take a guided tour through the main buildings, gardens, and courtyards of the palace. You can also explore the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea located on the palace grounds.

Bukchon Hanok Village

If you’re looking for a glimpse into traditional Korean culture, head to Bukchon Hanok Village in downtown Seoul. This charming village is made up of hundreds of traditional hanok houses – wooden homes with tiled roofs – which were once home to high-ranking government officials during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, these hanok houses have been restored and turned into cozy cafes, teahouses, craft workshops, and souvenir shops. Visitors can stroll through the picturesque streets lined with centuries-old trees or take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of this unique neighborhood.

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower is a must-see for anyone visiting Seoul. This iconic landmark stands atop Namsan Mountain in central Seoul and offers stunning 360-degree views of the cityscape. You can take the cable car up to the top for an unforgettable experience or take the Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus to get there. At the top of N Seoul Tower you can enjoy a meal at one of its many restaurants or take in the panoramic views from its observation deck. There is also an aquarium and wax museum onsite if you’re looking for something different to do.

Lotte World

Lotte World is an indoor/outdoor amusement park located near Jamsil Station in eastern Seoul. It offers an array of thrilling rides, video games, restaurants, shopping centers, and more for visitors of all ages. Start your adventure with one of the many roller coasters or take a leisurely stroll through Magic Island – an outdoor theme park surrounded by a lake – for an unforgettable experience. Shows and parades are also held regularly at Lotte World so make sure to check their schedule before visiting.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest markets in Seoul and one of its most popular destinations for shopping. Located near Namdaemun Gate in central Seoul, this bustling market is lined with hundreds of stores selling everything from clothes and accessories to electronics and home goods. You can also find plenty of street food vendors selling delicious snacks such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and gimbap (Korean sushi rolls). With so much to explore, you could easily spend an entire day at Namdaemun Market!

Popular Tours in Seoul

K-pop Dance Class Tour

If you’re looking for an exciting way to experience Korean culture firsthand, join a K-pop Dance Class tour! This one-of-a-kind tour will help you learn all the moves to your favorite K-pop songs with professional instructors from some of Korea’s top entertainment companies. The tour includes a two-hour dance class with music videos that you can practice with at home as well as a meet-and-greet session with Korean celebrities (subject to availability). Book your spot on this unique tour here to see all that K-pop has to offer!

Seoul Street Food Tour

For a truly authentic South Korean experience, hop on board a Seoul Street Food Tour! You’ll get to explore some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods and sample delicious local dishes as you go. Sample classic dishes such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), gimbap (Korean sushi rolls), mandu (dumplings), and more! The tour also includes helpful tips about where to find the best street food in Seoul as well as an introduction to Korean cuisine and culture from an experienced local guide. Learn more about this unforgettable tour here.

Korean Cooking Class Tour

If you’re a foodie looking for a hands-on introduction to Korean cuisine, then a Korean Cooking Class tour is right up your alley! You’ll learn how to make traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap (Korean fried rice) and kimchi (spicy fermented vegetables) from professional chefs in a traditional hanok house kitchen. The tour also includes helpful tips about where to find ingredients as well as an introduction to Korean cooking techniques from an experienced local guide. Get all the details here.

Conclusion

Seoul is one of Asia’s most vibrant cities with plenty of attractions for visitors from around the world to explore. From its stunning palaces to its lively nightlife scenes, there is something for everyone in this dynamic metropolis. To help make your planning easier, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to Seoul with detailed descriptions of some of its best attractions and activities as well as two popular tours you can book for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for culture or adventure, there is something for everyone in this captivating city!