What to See and Do in Seoul, South Korea: An Absolute Guide

Seoul has long been one of the most popular and fascinating cities in Asia, offering a unique experience for tourists. The vibrant and bustling city offers up an exciting array of things to do and places to see, ranging from its historical sites, cultural attractions, shopping spots, dining venues, and active nightlife. Here’s your ultimate guide to what to see and do in Seoul, South Korea.

Explore the Historical Sites of Seoul

Seoul’s rich history stretches back thousands of years, which is evident in the numerous historical sites scattered throughout the city. For example, you can visit Bukchon Hanok Village, which is a well-preserved Joseon Dynasty village, or head to Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been extremely well-preserved since 1408. Other historical sites that you can explore include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Samcheongdong, Insa-dong, Namsan Tower, and Hongdae Free Market.

Experience Seoul’s Modern Attractions

Seoul is a very modern city, but it’s also home to a variety of modern attractions, such as Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), which is a zinc and glass building designed by Iraqi-British architect Dame Zaha Hadid. It features art galleries and fashion shops and is open until late at night. Another popular modern attraction is the Seoul Sky Observatory at Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain. It’s the highest observatory set in an urban park, with panoramic views of the city that stretch up to 81 kilometers away. You can also order food from different parts of the park, from Korean cuisine to Western dishes. Bring your camera if you plan to go here; the sunsets are particularly beautiful and give you gorgeous photo opportunities.

The City’s Shopping Spots

Seoul is known for its amazing shopping scene – from small boutiques to giant department stores. The most famous shopping areas include Myeongdong, Apgujeong-dong and Gangnam. Here, you’ll find endless beauty shops and local stores selling everything from clothes, accessories and cosmetics to electronics. Another shopping area worth exploring is Dongdaemun Design Plaza; it’s home to more than 20 shopping malls filled with boutique fashion finds and a massive night market full of street food and cheap clothing choices.

Dining Out in Seoul

No trip to Seoul would be complete without sampling some of the delicious food available here. Korean cuisine typically consists of fermented vegetables like kimchi, as well as soups, stews, noodles and rice dishes. Dishes like bibimbap (rice bowl with vegetables and beef), bulgogi (marinated beef), samgyeopsal (pork strips) or boribap (barley rice) are very popular in Seoul. You can also find Western food in Seoul – particularly burgers and sandwiches – as well as Japanese eateries with sushi and ramen. There are plenty of vegan-friendly restaurants as well for those who don’t eat meat.

Head Out for Drinks

Once you’ve had your fill of Korean food, why not head out for drinks? Seoul has plenty of rooftop bars offering stunning views of the city skyline – such as the sparkling skyscrapers of Gangnam – as well as traditional bars serving up delicious local beverages like soju, a clear spirit made from rice or sweet potatoes popular amongst locals. Bars in Hongdae such as Craftworks Taphouse offer craft beer from around the world and live music venues that host local musicians on the weekends.

Visit the Festivals

Seoul also hosts a number of exciting festivals all year round. The most famous is probably Boryeong Mud Festival in July, during which participants can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming in mud pits, mud slides and mud jumps. You can also attend the International Drum Festival at Olympic Stadium in April or the Andong Mask Dance Festival in October. During springtime there’s also the exciting annual Cherry Blossom Festival where visitors can enjoy viewing the beautiful cherry blossom trees in full bloom set against iconic city views like the N Seoul Tower and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Participate in Traditional Korean Activities

As well as checking out some of Seoul’s modern attractions, why not take part in some traditional Korean activities? If you’re feeling brave enough, you can give ice fishing a go at Eagle Lake near Hantangang River or try your hand at archery at Eungbong Archery Field. You can also visit one of the unique traditional Korean tea houses and sip on traditional Korean teas, like ginseng tea or mugwort tea, while taking in a stunning view – many tea houses offer breathtaking views of Mount Subuk and Namsan Mountain.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Seoul. Whether you’re a fan of modern attractions or want to experience traditional Korean culture, there’s something here for everyone. Make sure to explore some of Seoul’s historically significant sites, enjoy the delicious culinary offerings on offer, take part in some exciting traditional activities and spend an evening out drinking with friends.