Top Things to Do in Seoul: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Seoul is one of those cities that gets you hooked. First, you arrive thinking of K‑pop and neon lights and, before you realise it, you’re planning what to do in Seoul day by day to make the absolute most of it.

Amid restored royal palaces, viewpoints like the N Seoul Tower, and lively neighbourhoods such as Gangnam, the best things to do in Seoul blend history, shopping, cute cafés, and plenty of street life.

Beyond the best places to visit in Seoul—its temples, markets and unmissable areas—at Trip.com we recommend you keep reading to discover itineraries, key neighbourhoods and activities to suit every taste.

🗓️ What to Do in Seoul Based on Your Stay

The number of days you need to explore Seoul really depends on your travel style. Some opt for a whistle-stop visit with 1 day in Seoul, others prefer a 3-day Seoul itinerary to see the essentials without rushing, and then there are those who savour a 5- or 7-day Seoul itinerary to mix temples, cafés and modern neighbourhoods.

Here’s a table to guide you based on the type of trip you’re looking for:

🔥 Must-Visit Districts in Seoul

Seoul is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, almost like little versions of the city within the city. Each area has its own character: shop-till-you-drop, K-pop on every corner, nightlife, traditional temples, or that alternative vibe that hooks you from the first step.

The best bit is that, whatever you’re looking for, there’s always a neighbourhood that suits you. Below, you’ll find a selection of the best neighbourhoods in Seoul and the areas to visit in Seoul to enjoy.

Myeongdong: Seoul’s best shopping district for shopping and street food

Myeongdong is Korea’s ultimate shopping mecca. Perfumeries, Korean cosmetics, clothing, gadgets, and an atmosphere that becomes even more lively when evening falls. The charm lies in wandering among the street-food stalls: spicy skewers, honey-filled hotteok, or spiral potatoes you see everywhere.

Heads up: this neighbourhood was, for decades, the epicentre of youth fashion in the city, and it’s still one of the most visited spots for Asian travellers.

If you love mixing a bit of shopping with tasty bites, you’ll have a brilliant time here.

Hongdae (Mapo-gu): Seoul’s arts district and K-pop neighbourhood

Hongdae is pure creative energy. Murals, geeky shops, themed cafés and live music everywhere.

It's Seoul's K-pop neighbourhood, where young artists put on their own mini street concerts and where you'll always stumble upon something quirky without even trying.

Plus, it’s Seoul’s party district for many university students, so after dark it completely changes its vibe. Did you know several Korean stars started performing here before they became famous?

Gangnam: Seoul’s fashion and business district

Gangnam is the city's most polished side. Enormous shopping centres, luxury boutiques, corporate tech, and an upmarket lifestyle that's evident even in the cafés.

Here, everything seems designed to stay one step ahead, from futuristic canopies to the medical and beauty clinics that fill the district. If you’re interested in Seoul’s fashion district, this is the place for you.

Did you know that PSY’s famous song Gangnam Style was inspired by this region?

Jung-gu and Insadong: the historic heart and cultural things to do in Seoul

Jung-gu and Insadong capture the most traditional essence of Seoul. Narrow streets brimming with craft shops, temples that appear almost by surprise, beautiful hanok houses, and museums that help you understand how the city has changed.

It’s a neighbourhood to wander through without rushing, taking in the details: a hand-carved stamp, a traditional tea stall, a corner hung with lanterns.

It’s also one of the city’s most important cultural hubs.

Itaewon and the surrounding area: Seoul’s gay neighbourhood and international nightlife

Itaewon is probably Seoul’s most diverse neighbourhood. International restaurants, bars that are very different from one another, small galleries, and a social scene that never sleeps—even on weekdays.

By the way, Seoul’s gay neighbourhood is also located here, with lively venues and a safe, welcoming atmosphere. Did you know that, thanks to its cultural mix, many expatriates choose to live in this area?

If you fancy a lively night out with people from all over the world, Itaewon is a safe bet.

🎼 Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Seoul

There are countless ways to explore Seoul, but these five capture the spirit of the city beautifully. They’re a mix of urban icons, green spaces and family-friendly experiences that are ideal whether you’re taking it slow or looking for fun things to do in Seoul.

Below, we’re sharing some of the best places to visit in Seoul and a handful of interesting things to do in Seoul—without overthinking it.

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower is one of those places that surprises you even when you arrive with high expectations. You go up and, suddenly, the city unfurls in every direction: skyscrapers, neighbourhoods, mountains… all in a single glance.

A handy tip is to head there at sunset, when the sky changes colour and the lights begin to switch on little by little.

Namsan Mountain Park

Namsan Park is the tranquil counterpoint to the tower. Here, the ideal thing to do is to wander the trails at a relaxed pace and let the surroundings work their magic. You’ll find gentle climbs, hidden viewpoints, and spots where you can breathe plenty of peace, despite being right in the middle of the city.

By the way, when the weather’s fine, the path that loops around the mountain fills with locals heading out for an after-work walk.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung is the quintessential palace: majestic, elegant, and filled with nooks that feel like they’re from another era.

Watching the changing of the guard is one of those subtle details that offer plenty of photo opportunities, especially if you’ve got your camera handy. And if you fancy getting into the spirit even more, you can rent a hanbok and get in for free, which always has its charm.

LEGOLAND® Korea Resort

If you’re travelling with kids (or fancy bringing out your inner child), LEGOLAND® Korea is one of those days out that never fails.

The park is very well organised and has attractions for different ages, so you don't have to improvise all the time.

What's more, the curious thing is that many areas are built from thousands of LEGO bricks and, sometimes, you find yourself gazing at the details for a while without meaning to.

Myeongdong Nanta

Nanta is one of Seoul’s most fun shows. You don’t need to understand Korean, because it’s all about rhythm, physical humour and a staging that blends cooking, percussion and a few eccentric touches that work surprisingly well.

Before you head in, have a look at the schedule because there are several shows and they sell out quickly.

🎵 Seoul, the Capital of K-pop and Korean Pop Culture

Seoul has been setting trends for years without trying too hard. From music and TV series to fashion and themed cafés that look like film sets, the city has become a magnet for fans from all over the world.

And the interesting thing is that, beyond the touristy stuff, there are loads of geeky things to do in Seoul, unique nooks and cafés to visit in Seoul that reveal a more creative side of the city. Now, if you fancy something more alternative, there are also non-touristy things to do in Seoul that fit perfectly with this pop vibe.

⭐ K-pop routes in Seoul: shops, studios and iconic areas

K-pop routes are pretty much a must-do if you’re even slightly interested in Korean culture. Every neighbourhood has its own “ecosystem”, and if you venture out a bit, you’ll end up discovering studios, idol cafés and shops hiding real treasures.

• Hongdae: street performances, photocard shops, and venues where rookie groups put on mini shows. Sometimes you’ll bump into fans waiting for a trainee to come out.
• Gangnam: recording studios, famous agencies such as SM or JYP in the neighbourhood, and cafés frequented by idols. Everything here has a more 'pro' vibe.
• Myeongdong: album shops, collectables and official merchandise. It’s easy to lose track of time browsing shelves with albums by BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids or NewJeans.

By the way, if you're into photos, there are several murals dedicated to well-known bands that are perfect for Instagram.

☕ Themed cafés and geeky things to do in Seoul

Themed cafés are a world of their own. Stepping into many of them feels like walking into a scene from a drama or a manga panel. Some are elegant, others are pure fantasy, and others, quite frankly, leave you wondering whether you’re in a café or a museum of Korean aesthetics.

• Beautifully designed cafés: minimalist, light-filled, serving smooth coffee and perfect pastries (Seongsu and Ikseon-dong are brimming with them).
• Animal cafés: cats, dogs and even fennec foxes in some. Ideal if you fancy a quiet, different experience.
• Cafés inspired by dramas or manga: themed décor, photo sets and character-inspired drinks.
• Amusement arcades and gaming centres: perfect for a rainy afternoon. Rhythm games, dance machines, and classics that never go out of fashion.

If you have time, try combining some café-hopping with a stroll around Hongdae.

It’s one of those neighbourhoods where, without looking for anything in particular, you end up finding something that puts a smile on your face.

🌡️ Best Time to Visit Seoul

Seoul is a city that changes dramatically with the seasons, almost as if it had four distinct personalities. Some people prefer the colourful charm of spring, others revel in the vibrant summer atmosphere, and many visit in autumn because everything comes together.

That said, even in the depths of winter, you’ll find things to do in Seoul in winter that are worth your while.

Here’s a quick guide to help you get your bearings:

Book activities and experiences in Seoul all year round with Trip.com.

🚄 Best Day Trips from Seoul

One of Seoul’s perks is that, as soon as you venture a little beyond the centre, the atmosphere changes in an instant. Suddenly you go from skyscrapers and neon to peaceful mountains, traditional villages and coastal areas where life moves at a much slower pace.

And the great thing is that all these getaways work just as well for trips of every kind: on your own, as a couple, with the family, or with friends who want to see a little more of the country.

Paju and the DMZ: recent history and wide-open landscapes

It’s an intriguing day out, as it blends nature with one of the most delicate episodes in Korean history. The journey isn’t long—about an hour or so depending on the route—and the visit leaves very different impressions depending on what interests you.

• Average travel time: 60–90 minutes
• Transport: official bus tour or Gyeongui–Jungang Line to Imjingang Station + shuttle

Unmissable:

• Dora Observatory, with views that will amaze you at how close everything appears.
• The Third Infiltration Tunnel, probably the most striking part of the tour.
• The Freedom Bridge, filled with messages and ribbons bearing wishes for reunification.
• Heyri Art Valley, a very tranquil artists' village; pop into any gallery and you'll notice everything has an experimental feel that's quite different from what you find in Seoul.

Suwon: temples, fortresses and tradition

Suwon is one of those places where you can easily while away half a day without glancing at the time. It’s steeped in history, dotted with temples, and has that irresistible blend of a modern city and a historic heart that always draws travellers in.

• Average journey time: 40–60 minutes
• Transport: Metro Line 1 or ITX Saemaeul train

Unmissable:

• Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for an unhurried stroll along its walls.
• Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, with spacious courtyards and halls where the courtly life of the era still lingers in the air.
• The traditional streets of the historic centre, perfect for sampling Korean sweets that don’t usually feature in the guidebooks.

Incheon and Wolmido: sea, seafront promenade and a relaxed atmosphere

When you fancy seeing the sea without going too far, Incheon is the simplest option. What’s more, Wolmido has that slightly retro beach vibe that pleasantly surprises many people.

• Average journey time: about 60 minutes
• Transport: Metro Line 1 or Airport Railroad Express (AREX)

Unmissable:

• Wolmido’s seaside promenade is a very pleasant place for a walk, with boats entering and leaving the harbour.
• Wolmi Theme Park, small but spot-on if you’re travelling with kids or want to hop on a couple of rides without any fuss.
• Seafront cafés where you can while away half an hour watching people go by.
• Incheon’s Chinatown, boasting a culinary scene that’s a complete departure from what you usually find in Seoul.

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