Things to do in Seoul
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Top 10 attractions in Seoul
Namsan Mountain Park
Namsan Park is a landmark in Seoul, and N Seoul Tower is located here. Located on the top of a mountain 265 meters above sea level, this is a popular place for people to take in the surrounding scenery and get some fresh air. Take the Namsan Cable Car or walk to the top of the mountain. Namsan's scenery is beautiful all year round, but is especially spectacular when cherry blossoms and autumn leaves change. Korean dramas “My Name is Kim Sam-soon,” “Boys Over Flowers,” and “Rooftop Prince” were filmed right here. In addition, there is a 7km long walking trail around Namsan Park, filled with flowers and trees such as cherry blossoms, hollyhocks, magnolias, and azaleas.Seoul · 2.1km from downtown
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a classic traditional residential area in Seoul. The houses are all perfectly preserved blue-spring houses of the Joseson era. In addition to traditional Hanok, Korean restaurants, hanbok stores, and traditional handicraft workshops, the area now includes a number of cafes, Western restaurants, clothing shops and galleries in traditional Korean houses. Visitors can choose to either visit the North Village, or stay in Hanok. The eight villages in Kitamura are a famous attraction in the Bukchon Hanok Village. These scenes highlight the architectural charm of the Hanok houses, some artistic and others rich in the flavor of the daily life of local residents.Seoul · 1.8km from downtown
Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong is a well-known commercial district in Korea that combines food and beverage all kinds of entertainment. It includes a wide variety of brand-name stores with small vendors selling small commodities and food on either side of the street. The Myeong-dong Festival is held here in the spring and autumn, as well as the Miss Myeong-dong Pageant, folk games, traditional wedding ceremonies, fashion shows and plenty of other attractions.Seoul · 1km from downtown
Insa-dong
Insadong, located in the bustling city center, retains the authentic charm of a traditional Korean commercial street. It's lined with galleries, traditional craft shops, and art stores. Traditional teahouses and restaurants are also attractive, and you can write your wishes on the Ssamziegil (a symbol of Insadong) wishing wall. Insadong is a combination of the names of two places: Gwaninbang and Daesadong. Today, Insadong Street refers to the area from Jongno 2-ga through Insadong to the Anguk-dong intersection north of Gwanhun-dong. Centered around Jungangdae (Central Street), Insadong is surrounded by numerous and densely packed alleyways, resembling a spider web. Many famous places in Insadong are hidden within these alleyways. To find these hidden gems, try to pick up a map of Insadong at the beginning, end, and tourist information center of Jungangdae. Similarly, you can now find volunteers wearing red sashes at many famous tourist attractions and shopping spots in Seoul. Many of them are Chinese students or Koreans who speak Chinese; feel free to approach them for help. Visiting Insadong allows you to experience Korean culture. 40% of Korea's antiques are concentrated in Insadong, offering a feast for the eyes and a wide selection. In addition, various lacquer carvings, calligraphy works, ancient paintings, handicrafts, and high-priced furniture are also available. Furthermore, art galleries are a valuable pillar of Insadong's economy, with over 100 galleries where visitors can appreciate various exhibitions of Korean paintings, woodblock prints, sculptures, and more. Important galleries such as "Hakgojae" are located here. Another enjoyable aspect of exploring Insadong is the traditional Korean restaurants and teahouses tucked away in the alleyways. These establishments retain a distinctive Korean style and atmosphere, making them popular with both locals and foreign tourists. A representative example is the traditional teahouse "Gwicheon." "Guitian" is a small shop opened by the wife of the late poet Chun Sang-byeong, but it displays his books and photographs. Actually, you don't need much planning in Insadong. Just wander around, sample the street food, and take pictures of the local life. Just go with the flow.Seoul · 994m from downtown
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is one of Seoul's most representative traditional markets, founded in 1905 by private merchants. At a time when many markets only opened on specific days, this market operated as a permanent market from its inception and continues to retain a strong local atmosphere today. The market has numerous stalls, offering a full range of goods such as fruits and vegetables, seafood, dried goods, and daily necessities. Hanbok shops, fabric stores, and silk shops are also concentrated here. Due to its tradition of wholesaling, it attracts many locals who come to purchase fabric and make clothing. The food street within the market is a major highlight. Stalls selling traditional snacks like mung bean pancakes, mini gimbap, beef tartare, sundae, tteokbokki, and fish cakes are concentrated here, allowing visitors to taste a variety of Korean dishes in the lively alleys. Visitors and locals often sit together to eat in front of the food stalls, showcasing the unique local vibe of a traditional market. Thanks to its rich variety of food and traditional market atmosphere, it has appeared in many programs and documentaries, and today it still attracts numerous visitors every day. Crowds are more concentrated on weekends and during meal times; to explore more leisurely, you may choose to visit outside of peak hours.Seoul · 1.9km from downtown
National Museum of Korea
National Museum of Korea is an important institution for the collection and display of historical and artistic artifacts in South Korea. Established in 1945, it moved to its current premises in Yongsan, Seoul, and officially opened in 2005. The museum houses a vast collection of cultural heritage from South Korea and Asia, with exhibits spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era, covering fields such as archaeology, history, calligraphy and painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. Artifacts in the permanent exhibition halls are also adjusted based on their preservation status and exhibition schedules. Visits can begin at the central hall, and the museum features multiple permanent exhibition areas organized by era and theme. The first floor mainly displays artifacts related to prehistoric and ancient culture; the second floor houses exhibition halls for medieval and early modern history, calligraphy, and painting; and the third floor focuses on sculpture, crafts, and Asian culture. The museum exhibits representative artifacts including stone pagodas, gold crowns, celadon, and white porcelain, with different halls presenting the development of South Korean history and art. The museum also features a children's museum, special exhibition halls, and outdoor exhibition areas, with stone artifacts such as pagodas and stone lanterns displayed in the garden. The overall museum complex is large and the permanent exhibitions are rich in content; you can plan your visit according to your interests and check current exhibition information in advance.Seoul · 4.8km from downtown
Hongdae Shopping Street
Hongdae Shopping Street is a commercial district that developed around Hongik University in Mapo-gu, Seoul, and has formed a unique cultural atmosphere thanks to this art and design university. Murals and street art created by students adorn street corners and walls, giving the area a lasting, young, and free artistic vibe, with the mural street and graffiti wall being popular photo spots for tourists. The "Red Road" within the district is a concentrated area for street cultural activities, often featuring street performances such as singing, dancing, and bands. Since the 1990s, this area has been closely linked to South Korea's indie music culture, with many small performance venues located nearby. Continuing to explore along the streets and alleys, you can see independent designer brand stores, vintage shops, accessory shops, beauty stores, and various specialty restaurants, with snack stalls and themed cafes also scattered throughout. After sunset, the district's commercial and entertainment atmosphere becomes even more vibrant, making it perfect for experiencing the local youth culture while strolling around. If you want to take a break, the nearby Gyeongui Line Forest Park, which was transformed from an old railway space, is also a great choice for a walk and some relaxation.Seoul · 5.1km from downtown
Starfield Library
Starfield Library is located in the basement of COEX Mall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a public reading space that opened in 2017 after the renovation of the mall's central plaza. Its Korean name, "Byeolmadang," means "Star Yard," which echoes the space's transparent design. It is famous for its open reading environment and giant bookshelf design, making it a popular cultural space in Seoul. The most striking feature inside is the large bookshelf reaching 13 m in height, complemented by approx. 50,000 books, over 600 types of South Korean and international magazines, and e-reading facilities, creating a spacious reading atmosphere. Books here are available for on-site reading but cannot be borrowed; please return them to their original place after reading. The library also features different reading areas, such as a foreign language book section and an e-book section. The library is equipped with various seats and reading areas with power outlets, where visitors can read, rest, or use electronic devices. Cultural events such as author talks and concerts are also held in the space from time to time. Whether you are visiting specifically to experience the reading atmosphere or stopping by briefly while shopping, you can enjoy the unique spatial features here.Seoul · 9.6km from downtown
Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun)
Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun) is the eastern gate of Hanyang (modern-day Seoul), the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. Originally named "Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun)," it was first built in 1396 during the construction of the city wall. After undergoing multiple renovations, the existing gate tower was rebuilt in 1869. Together with Sungnyemun Gate, Donuimun Gate, and Sukjeongmun Gate, it is known as one of the Four Great Gates of Seoul. The characters "Ren" (benevolence), "Yi" (righteousness), "Li" (propriety), and "Zhi" (wisdom) in the gate names reflect the influence of Confucianism. Legend has it that because the terrain in the east was considered weak in the past, the character "zhi" was added to "Heunginmun" to strengthen its presence, resulting in the current four-character name. The barbican in front of the gate is an important structure that distinguishes this gate from others in Seoul. As this area has lower terrain, people in the past built a semicircular defensive wall outside the gate to strengthen protection, which is also a unique form among the existing gates in Seoul. The current gate tower is a two-story structure with five bays in the front and two on the sides, and decorations such as bracket sets showcase the architectural characteristics of the late Joseon period. Today, there is a plaza around the gate, and roads bypass it on both sides, allowing visitors to get a close-up view of the stone gate arch and the barbican structure. Illuminated at night, the ancient architecture complements the surrounding city view. The area connects to traditional commercial districts and historical and cultural spaces, allowing visitors to experience both the charm of historical architecture and the atmosphere of a modern city.Seoul · 2.8km from downtown
Itaewon-dong
Itaewon-dong is one of Seoul's representative multicultural neighborhoods. It developed early on due to its proximity to the Yongsan Garrison and has long attracted people from different countries. Signs in foreign languages, international restaurants, and specialty shops can be seen throughout the neighborhood, creating an international atmosphere that is distinct from other parts of Seoul. After the hit drama "Itaewon Class" aired, it also became a popular destination for fans to visit. The neighborhood centers around its main street and surrounding alleys, gathering various commercial facilities such as clothing stores, leather shops, antique furniture stores, restaurants, and hotels. Custom clothing and leather goods here have been a long-standing specialty, while the World Food Street brings together cuisine from different countries, allowing visitors to experience a diverse culinary culture within the neighborhood. Walking up the slope, you can also see the Seoul Central Mosque and the surrounding specialty dining area. The Global Village Festival, held every fall, features cultural performances and food stalls from various countries, showcasing the neighborhood's diverse character. After dark, bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues come alive, making it a great time to experience the local international atmosphere.Seoul · 3.4km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Seoul
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Free things to do in Seoul
Namsan Mountain Park
Seoul · 2.1km from downtownBukchon Hanok Village
Seoul · 1.8km from downtownMyeong-dong
Seoul · 1km from downtownInsa-dong
Seoul · 994m from downtownGwangjang Market
Seoul · 1.9km from downtownNational Museum of Korea
Seoul · 4.8km from downtownHongdae Shopping Street
Seoul · 5.1km from downtownStarfield Library
Seoul · 9.6km from downtownHeunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun)
Seoul · 2.8km from downtownItaewon-dong
Seoul · 3.4km from downtown
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What travellers say about Seoul
木木的大妞樱5 September 2026
5.0
In the height of summer, Seoul Tower is more tiring with its uphill climb, but less of a hassle waiting for the cable car. It's a must-see attraction for first-time visitors. You can choose whether or not to go up the tower at your own expense; it's similar to the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai. The all-glass bathrooms inside the tower are a major highlight! 😂
Namsan Mountain Park
yeohaengilgi6 October 2026
5.0
It's a very nice place, and I like that Koreans preserve their history, preserve their houses, and live in them. I recommend not lingering on the main street, but rather, going deeper into the area where you'll find museums and more unique, less touristy places you can stop in and stroll around. But be polite and don't make noise, because that's where people live.
Bukchon Hanok Village
AdelineP20 July 2026
5.0
Reasons to Recommend:1. Lively street throughout the night2. Shops are open till 12am which makes it convenient for people to shop for skincare, cosmetics, food3. Bus stop and subway stations are everywhere
Myeong-dong
_TI***6l3 September 2026
5.0
Insadong (Insa-dong) is one of Seoul’s most famous cultural districts, known for its traditional tea houses, antique shops, art galleries, and vibrant street life. It’s a must-visit for travelers seeking authentic Korean heritage and crafts
Insa-dong
Meyrisazhanglisha1 July 2026
4.0
Surganya makanan camilan dan lokasi juga dekat daerah dongdaemun.. sebenarnya terlalu ramai dan touristy banget, dan harganya walaupun pasar tapi tidak murah, namun sangat tetap harus ke sini terutama kalo kamu first timer ke korea
Gwangjang Market
Janibek776 August 2026
5.0
One of the best museums of the world! The way they have meticulously organized the artifacts and lighting, everything is perfect. I really enjoyed this experience.
National Museum of Korea
Marieta Du Toit4 October 2025
4.0
We went here in the afternoon and went back in the evening. It really lit up at night. I would recommend visiting at night. Many restaurants that are authentic with Korean BBQ. Such a vibrant atmosphere.
Hongdae Shopping Street
Ekaterina___st24 September 2026
5.0
Beautiful and definitely worth seeing if you are already visiting COEX or Gangnam. The huge bookshelves and open space are genuinely impressive in person, and entrance is completely free. 📚✨However, I wouldn’t come across Seoul just for the library. It gets very crowded, with many visitors mainly taking photos, so it doesn’t really feel like a quiet traditional library. Finding a seat can also be difficult during busy hours.Still, it’s a unique place to walk around, take photos, browse some books or magazines, have a coffee, or simply take a break while shopping. I especially liked that it feels like a public cultural space rather than just another attraction inside a mall. Worth a stop, but keep your expectations realistic!
Starfield Library
Jonssang68331 March 2025
4.0
this place is beautiful located in the heart of Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul City Wall, Sparex Spa and Naksan Park. I recommended to visit if you go to seoul
Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun)
Bekie30 December 2024
5.0
Itaewon is one of the most international neighborhoods in Seoul, famous for its multiculturalism and rich nightlife. It is home to restaurants, bars and independent shops from all over the world, whether you want to taste exotic cuisine or find unique niche products. Itaewon is even more lively at night, with all kinds of music, lights and crowds, especially suitable for tourists who like partying and socializing. However, since the epidemic and accidents, the flow of tourists here has decreased, and some businesses have also transformed or closed, but the overall atmosphere is still full of vitality. If you like to explore the exotic customs in the city, Itaewon is an experience that cannot be missed.
Itaewon-dong
