25 Best Things To Do In Seoul: Activities & Sights

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and I had the pleasure of staying there for an entire month. In that time I was able to scope out all of the things to do in Seoul. When I say that I fell in love, I am not exaggerating. I quite literally cannot wait to go back. If you read my other post you’ll know that I originally was going to go to Japan for this trip, but due to the beauty craze online I decided to stop in Seoul first for a few weeks. I ended up enjoying my time there so much I extended for the full month. I never made it to Japan, sadly, however it’s definitely still on my list! I hear once you go there, no where else compares. I’m intrigued to say the least.

Since I was able to spend so much time in Seoul, I feel like I truly got to experience city and a lot of what it had to offer. You can never spend enough time in any one place to get to do everything, but I got pretty close! Here I’ll breakdown a list of 25 things for you to do during your trip to Seoul. Hopefully you’ll fall in love like me and come back again and knock off whatever you didn’t get to do the first time round.

If you haven’t read my full guide to Seoul yet, check it out below. I’ve laid out everything there is to know such as how to get around, what areas to stay in, places to stay, things to eat, etc!

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25 Top Things To Do In Seoul

I spent a month here but I was also working, so I was able to do a lot but slowly over a long period of time. And honestly the city is so large I’m sure there’s heaps I missed but of course here all of the things I can think of below! I’d go through and pick what ones to do that align with your timeframe and your personal interests.

There are so many shops to choose from but I recommend renting from a shop that’s a couple streets back from the palace as the ones right in front will charge more. If you’re facing the main palace – I went to a shop that was to the left called Gurumihanbok. There are 3 levels of detail to choose from with varying prices. I went the middle route which was $25 for 4 hours. You can pay less for only 2 hours but I recommend doing 4 so you can go to other places besides just the palace. Honestly I think even 6 would be nice so you don’t feel rushed.

When I returned it at the end of the day, they didn’t check or verify anything either. For the womens hanbok it came with a skirt, a top, a purse, and a head piece. The ladies there help you get dressed and do your hair for you. There is a locker there for you to store your belongings. I can’t say what all the men get but I do know that there is an outfit for them as well. I wouldn’t worry about shoes because the skirt is long enough to cover your feet for the most part.

Now once you are dressed up I’d suggest you to go straight over to the palace. Depending on what time you get there, because there is a free tour you can do which I recommend so you can learn about the fascinating history and understand what you’re looking at, you can either wander around and take your pictures before or after the tour. Once you’re finished at the palace, I recommend you to walk over to the Bukchon Village to explore that area and also take some pics. If you have leftover time you can squeeze in a tea house like we did but in the end we had to rush back as we hadn’t booked enough time.

If you really want an epic souvenir, I’d recommend booking a photography session with your hanbok at the palace. The gowns are beautiful and it’d make for a great photo for the wall at your home or to showcase on your social media. 

2. Explore The City’s Ancient Palaces

There are several royal palaces in Seoul aside from the main one, and if you’ve got extra time, they’re worth adding to your list. That said, they do start to feel a bit similar after a while, so you definitely don’t need to visit all of them unless you’re really into it.

I went to a few of them at the end of October when the leaves were changing to burgundy, yellow, and orange, which made them even more beautiful.

If you have to choose just one, I’d stick with Gyeongbokgung Palace because it’s the highlight of the city. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace

This is the main palace at the heart of the city and is a must-do on your itinerary. There are 5 royal palaces in the city but this is the main one. As I mentioned above, there is a free tour you can take which I highly recommend doing. The tour times are listed at the palace, reference it for the language you need.

If you don’t plan on wearing a traditional hanbok, the entry fee is only $3. There is also a changing of the guard that takes place everyday at 10am and 2pm except Tuesdays when the palace is closed. This is cool to watch and you should arrive early to get a good spot. It’s also really cool to look at the super modern city as the backdrop once you’re inside the castle walls. A really cool juxtaposition of ancient and modern co-existing side by side.

Changdeokgung Palace

This is one of the more popular palaces and is known for its gardens, which are meant to be really nice (especially in autumn). It’s right next to Changgyeonggung, so it’s easy to visit both in one go. I’d recommend doing that if you’re already in the area.

Changgyeonggung Palace

This one is right beside Changdeokgung, so it just made sense to combine them. It felt a bit quieter and less crowded, which I liked. If you don’t want to deal with big crowds, this is a good one to check out.

Deoksugung Palace

This palace is a bit different from the others because it has a mix of traditional Korean and more Western-style architecture. It’s also right in the city, so it feels a bit more modern around it compared to the others. I came here separately and it was worth seeing, especially since it’s easy to fit into your day. There’s a lot of cool old buildings, and if you’d like to get some context behind the history, I’d definitely recommend booking a guided tour. 

Gyeonghuigung Palace

This is probably the least visited out of the main palaces, so if you’re looking for something quieter, this could be a good option. I didn’t end up going here as I felt like I’d seen enough palaces by that point, but it’s there if you want to add another one to your list.

3. Free Walking Tour Or Private Guided Tour

I love doing the free walking tours when I get to a new city. They are a fantastic way to learn the history while also getting a feeling for the place and where things are located. I found this free walking tour with Guruwalk. It was 2 hours and we did a tour around the downtown to some historical sights and learned a lot of the history that I had no idea about.

If you’re looking for a private guided tour so you can have a more intimate setting, ask questions, and not have to be stuffed in a large group straining to hear, you can book with a private guide below.

5. Get Treatments At K-Beauty Clinics

It’s no secret that South Koreans are known for looking their best and having amazing glass skin. How do they do it? With their top of the line beauty clinics. Notice here how I say clinic and not spa. If you’re looking for a relaxing, luxurious moment with dark rooms, and candles, this is not it. The beauty clinics here are more like factory lines. They pump you in and out. You go from room to room to get your treatment done in and open air setting. While it’s not the most relaxing or luxurious, you’re getting these treatments for a fraction of the cost back at home and as a girl who love a bargain, you can count me in!

I went to only one clinic, twice which was Muse in Gangnam. I liked Muse because you can look at their menu and book online. There are so many ones to go to so do your research. A lot of people actually end up trying out different ones for their different treatments if they’re there for a while. The Botox here is incredibly cheap, I’m talking like $20. While I don’t do filler, I know they have that at an incredible price as well. I recommend getting their Aqua Peel Facial which was $50 (also known as a hydrafacial at home and usually run for $150) and picosure toning laser which was also $50 (normally about $350). A lot of the clinics offer consultations so you can book those and discuss your concerns and they’ll put together a package for you.

6. Experience A Head Spa

I’m sure you’ve seen these all over social media. The head treatments where they go in with a microscope to inspect your scalp health and follow it up with a treatment consisting of water coming out like a waterfall over the head and a relaxing scalp massage. Yeah I wanted to do one of those too but when I learned the price was like $160-$200 I was like yeah, no I’m good. BUT leave it to me to find a bargain!

I ended up finding a cheaper no frills version that still got the same results. I booked with Mr. Park’s Headspa Experience through KKDay.com. It was $60 I think. It definitely wasn’t a super nice place but the couple who owns it are extremely sweet.

When you arrive they do an analysis of your scalp with the microscope and show you literally an extremely closeup view of your scalp. They showed me that I had a dry scalp with deadskin cells and buildup. They both got to work on my scalp, doing all kinds of proper scrubbing and treatments in it. There was no waterfall headspa but it was still nice. Once they got my scalp super clean they blew dry my hair for me. Afterwards they put the microscope back onto my scalp and I could see that my scalp was visibly clean as compared to before. It might not have been the try luxury experience you see online but it definitely got the job done.

Very Popular Luxury Head Spa

However if you are looking for that ultimate head spa experience you see online, one of the most popular ones is at EcoJardin and it’s an 18-step stem cell treatment.

Highlights:

• Scalp Health & Regeneration: Restore scalp balance and revitalize hair follicles for healthier growth.
• Prevent Hair Loss & Promote Growth: Strengthen hair, reduce hair loss, and encourage new hair growth.
• Boost Blood Circulation: Enhance scalp circulation for healthier hair and an energized feeling.
• Luxury Salon Experience: Relax in our spacious 105-pyeong salon and enjoy premium care with expert stylists in a comfortable setting.
• Private Room Available: Available upon request, With charge
• Difference in the 18-Step Program : A 3step scalp serum course formulated with patented Korean ingredients is additionally included, allowing you to experience scalp stabilization and maximized visible results.

7. Visit The Markets

There are so many good markets in Seoul, if you have time you should check them all out!

Gwangjang Market:

This is one of the most famous street food markets. Come hungry because here you’ll get to try a lot of delicious food made right in front of you. I think the popular items are Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes), Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes), Mayak Kimbap (Sort of like sushi wrap), Mandu (dumpling – highly recommend the kimchi ones omg so goooood), Bibimbap (Mixed Rice Bowl), Eomuk (Fishcakes), and Soondae (Blood sausage).

Last but not least – You HAVE to try the famous knife-cut noodles from the Netflix series at Cho Yonsoon’s stall. There is usually always a line, but don’t be intimidated by how long it is. It moves surprisingly fast because people sit down, eat, and leave. There’s no sitting around and talking. They were so damn good.

For a full list of everything to eat and try in Seoul, you can check out my guide here. 

If you’re into food, this is actually the best place to do a guided tour, they take you around the market, introduce you to local vendors, and you get to try a mix of authentic dishes along the way. Highly recommend if you have the time and the budget!

Namdaemun Market:

Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, and it definitely feels more local. It’s a bit chaotic in the best way, with narrow alleyways packed with stalls selling everything from clothes to kitchenware to food. There are loads of little food spots tucked inside, and it’s a great place to try more traditional Korean dishes at really affordable prices. It feels a bit less polished than some of the other markets, but that’s kind of what makes it worth visiting. If you’re looking for a special experience, you can get a guided tour through Namdaemun market and discover local food and hidden gems with an experienced guide to show you the ropes.

Dongdaemun Market:

Dongdaemun is more known for shopping than food, but it’s still worth checking out, especially at night. The whole area feels super busy and lively, with big shopping complexes and street vendors everywhere. You can find clothes, accessories, and random bits for really good prices. I came here more for the experience than anything else, just walking around and taking it all in. It’s also one of those places that stays open really late, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for something to do in the evening.

Myeongdong Night Market:

Myeongdong is probably the most touristy out of all of them, but it’s still worth going, especially in the evening when all the street food stalls come out. You’ll find loads of classic Korean street food here, but also some more unique and over-the-top options that you don’t really see elsewhere. It’s definitely more busy and a bit more commercial, but it’s fun to walk through and try a few things as you go. And again, this is the best spot for skincare shopping!

8. Get A Color Analysis & Korean Style Nails

Korean’s are known for their trendy fashion. When you go, you’ll see exactly what I mean. Skin, hair and nails are all on point. They have some of the most elaborate nail designs that you just have to try. A very popular place is Unistella or 5×5 Nails. 

Another popular thing that you have to get done when you go is getting your color analysis done. This is very popular right now amongst the girlies because we should all be dressing in a way that makes our features pop the most! And the best way to do that is finding out which season and subseason you are so you can easily make sure your makeup, jewelry, and clothing is working for your features and not against it.

9. Explore Bukchon Hanok Village

You should do this the same day as renting the hanbok if you choose to do that. This is one of the last remaining traditional neighborhoods in Seoul with a 600 year old history. Most of Seoul was destroyed during the war so here you will find traditional houses here. It has become quite a tourist attraction so you’ll find the streets to be quite busy. You’ll also notice there are “quiet police” who try to ensure that the tourists remain quiet and off people’s property as these are still people’s homes that they live in. There are some shops and tea houses here as well. There is one popular tea house that I really wanted to go to, but both times I was in the area it was completely full. So if you have time maybe you can check it out, the name is Cha Teul. However I just googled it to double check the name and it appears that it has recently closed!!! Not sure if that’s true but worth a check while you’re there.

If you’d like to explore hidden alleys and learn about the history of this area from a local, then you can book a tour of the Bukchon Hanok Village.

10. Explore Ikseon-Dong Hanok Village

This little area is sooo cute to walk through. It’s full of narrow alleyways with traditional hanok-style buildings that have been turned into cafes, shops, and restaurants. It’s a really nice mix of old and new, and one of those places you can just wander around without a plan. I ended up spending a couple hours here just popping in and out of places. This is actually where I came back to eat Korean BBQ, as there were so many spots that were always packed with people which is usually a good sign it’s worth it.

11. Visit The Sky Tower Observatory

This is the tallest building in Seoul, and the world’s 5th tallest! At the top you’ll get breathtaking views of the city from high above. It costs about $20, however there is a ticket that includes the entry and a free drink for like $30 which I would have gotten had I realized it. You can also get a ticket to do the bridge walk that includes a photo op.

Not sure if this is only during the day, but I went at night to see the city lit up. There is a really nice visual display on your way up as you have to wait in a pretty long queue to get to the top. Once at the top there are 360 views through the glass walls and even a section with a glass floor so you can see right below. If you fancy a drink, there’s a pretty nice bar at here top. I will say that it’s a bit disappointing there isn’t an actual outside deck for you to sit at, but perhaps that’s for safety reasons. There is one small section where you can go outside to get a good look.

12. Namsan Tower

This is the famous tower you see overlooking the city, and you can actually hike up to it. I did the walk and it’s not too bad. The path is paved the whole way, but there are a lot of steps, so be prepared for that. You can take breaks as you go, and the views of the city just keep getting better the higher you get. It’s a really nice way to experience it rather than just going straight to the top. I recommend going around sunset so you can see it while it’s daylight but then you can also enjoy the sunset on the city when it starts to set. This place is very busy so expect to be around a lot of people. 

13. Visit The DMZ

Okay, so you can’t come to South Korea without being at least a little curious about North Korea, right? If you want to get up close (or as close as you can), I’d definitely recommend doing a DMZ tour. The DMZ stands for the Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea, and visiting it gives you a really unique perspective on the history between the two.

The tour takes you out to the area and walks you through the history and significance of it all, with stops at different memorials and viewpoints. One of the main highlights is the observation deck, where you can actually look across into North Korea. I was able to see farmers working in the fields, which felt surreal knowing how close you are but how separated everything still is.

You also get to go down into one of the underground tunnels that were discovered crossing from North to South. It’s pretty wild to see in person and gives you a real sense of the tension and history behind the area. There’s a bit of walking involved to get in and out, but it’s definitely worth it.

Another stop on the tour is a suspension bridge, which adds a bit of a different element to the day. It’s a nice break from the heavier history, and you get some great views from up there as well.

I’m not going to lie, hearing some of the history was pretty emotional for me. I think it hit even harder because my mom is a war refugee from Vietnam, so it felt quite personal. If you’re short on time while in Seoul, this is one experience I’d genuinely recommend making space for.

14. Day Trip to Nami Island

Nami Island is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul, and it’s definitely worth doing if you have the time. It’s known for its tree-lined paths, especially in autumn when the leaves change color, it honestly feels like you’re walking through a movie scene. I met a girl at my hostel and we hopped on the idea of being able to get out of the city for the day and see what other scenery there was to offer.

We took the train there, which is pretty straightforward. It took around 1.5–2 hours total, depending on connections. The easiest way is to take the ITX train (or subway + train) to Gapyeong Station, which costs roughly ₩9,000–₩16,000 one way depending on the route.

From there, it’s a short taxi or bus ride to the ferry terminal (about 5 minutes), and then you take a quick ferry over to the island.

To actually get onto Nami Island, you’ll need to buy an entry ticket which includes the round-trip ferry. This costs about ₩19,000 (~$14 USD).

Once you’re there, it’s less about “things to do” and more about just enjoying the atmosphere. You can walk or rent bikes and explore the island, stroll through the famous tree-lined paths, grab food at one of the cafes, and just take your time. It’s a really nice break from the city and feels completely different from Seoul.

If you’re into photography, this place is especially worth it, there are so many spots that look amazing without even trying. 

15. See The Gates

Seoul still has a number of its original city gates, and they’re worth checking out if you’re already nearby. These gates date back to when the city was surrounded by a fortress wall, and it’s pretty cool seeing how they’ve been preserved right in the middle of a modern city.

The most famous one is Namdaemun Gate (Sungnyemun), which is also the largest and sits right near Namdaemun Market, so it’s easy to pair the two together. There’s also Dongdaemun Gate, which you’ll likely pass if you’re in that area exploring or shopping.

You don’t need to go out of your way to see all of them, but if you’re nearby, they’re a nice quick stop and give you a bit more context into the history of the city. I recommend checking them out at night too because they are lit up nicely. 

16. Visit The Shrines

Seoul also has a few traditional shrines that are worth visiting if you’re interested in the history and culture. They feel a lot quieter and more peaceful compared to the palaces, which makes them a nice change of pace.

The most well-known is Jongmyo Shrine, which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s used to honor past kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, and the whole place has a really calm, almost minimal feel to it. It’s not as visually “grand” as the palaces, but that’s kind of what makes it different. It’s a nice stop if you’re already in the area or want to see a different side of Seoul’s history.

17. Visit The Starlink Library

Starfield Library is one of the most photogenic spots in Seoul and definitely worth a quick stop. It’s located inside the COEX Mall in Gangnam and is known for its massive floor-to-ceiling bookshelves—it’s actually really beautiful in person. You don’t need a ton of time here, but it’s a nice place to walk through, take a few photos, and break up your day if you’re in the area. You can get the iconic photo of you on the escalator. 

19. Tea Ceremony at a Tea House

A trip to Seoul wouldn’t feel complete without stopping by a traditional teahouse. The best place to do this is in Insadong, which is known for its more traditional vibe and has loads of teahouses tucked away in little alleyways.

It’s a really nice way to slow things down for a bit, especially after a busy day of exploring. I’d recommend checking out O’Sulloc Tea House if you want something a bit more modern, or Shin Old Tea House for a more traditional experience.

If you’d rather do this as more of an experience, you can also book a guided tea ceremony in Bukchon Hanok Village, which walks you through the traditions and includes tea and dessert.

20. Take a Scenic River Cruise

A river cruise along the Han River is a really nice way to see a different side of Seoul, especially in the evening. You get views of the skyline, bridges, and the city all lit up, which makes it feel a bit more relaxed compared to being in the middle of it all.

I’d recommend doing one of the night cruises as they often have lights and a nicer atmosphere, like this starlight cruise which I’ll link below but there are also daytime options if you prefer seeing everything clearly.

21. Eat Korean BBQ & Korean Fried Chicken

You can’t come to Seoul without trying Korean BBQ and fried chicken. It’s what they’re known for worldwide, and for good reason. Korean BBQ is all about grilling your own meat right at the table, usually with a bunch of sides, and it’s honestly one of the best meals you’ll have. And then there’s Korean fried chicken, which is next level – super crispy, flavorful, and usually covered in sauces like sweet chili or garlic soy.

There are so many places to try it, but a couple popular spots are Maple Tree House for Korean BBQ and BHC Chicken or bb.q Chicken for fried chicken. You really can’t go wrong though, if a place is busy, it’s usually a good sign.

22. Try Michelin-Rated Restaurants

Seoul has so many Michelin-rated restaurants, and the best part is the prices are actually really reasonable compared to other cities. You’ll find everything from more casual spots to higher-end dining, so it’s pretty easy to try something that feels a bit more “special” without spending a fortune.

Even some of the Michelin Bib Gourmand places (which focus on great food at good value) are worth checking out. If you’re into food at all, it’s definitely something I’d recommend fitting into your trip.

You’ll see them scattered all around the city with the sign out front saying: Michelin-Rated. These spots are Michelin-rated rather than starred, like Bib Gourmand listings, which means great food at a more affordable price point. I went to a few of them while here and I can say they were dang good! 

23. Shop, Eat, Party in Hongdae & Itaewon

If you want to experience Seoul’s nightlife and more energetic side, Hongdae and Itaewon are the places to go. Hongdae is known for its younger crowd, street performances, shopping, and a ton of bars and cafes. It’s a really fun area to just wander around in the evening.

Itaewon has a slightly different vibe, a bit more international, with lots of restaurants, bars, and clubs. It’s a good spot if you’re looking for more variety when it comes to food and nightlife. Both are worth checking out depending on what kind of vibe you’re after. I split my time up in Seoul and actually came and stayed in this area for a few days to check out the scene. 

24. Visit Museums

If you’ve got a bit of extra time, Seoul has loads of museums worth checking out. There’s a mix of art, history, and more modern exhibits, so it really depends what you’re into. I visited one that actually had ruins on the bottom level, which was really cool to see and made it feel a bit different from your typical museum.

A couple popular ones to check out are the National Museum of Korea (which is free and definitely worth visiting) and the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art if you’re more into art.

25. Go to a K-Pop Concert

Last but not least, if you’re a K-pop fan, this is one of those bucket list experiences. Seeing a concert in Seoul just hits different: the energy, the crowd, and the whole production is on another level.

Concerts and events are happening all the time, so it’s worth checking what’s on during your trip. A good place to look is Interpark Global, where you can browse upcoming shows, fan meetings, and festivals all in one place. Click here to browse K-pop concerts in Seoul

Just keep in mind that tickets can sell out really fast, especially for bigger groups, so it’s worth checking early. If you can get one while you’re there, it’ll probably end up being one of the highlights of your trip.

Seoul: A City You’ll Want to Come Back To

Whether you’re heading to Seoul for the culture, the ancient history, the food, the skincare, or even your favorite K-pop idols, you’ll quickly fall in love with everything it has to offer. It’s one of those cities that has a bit of everything. From traditional palaces and markets to modern cafes and neighborhoods – and it’s super easy to fill your days without ever getting bored.

If you need help planning your trip to Seoul, be sure to check out my full guide here. 

xx, christine

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