26 Best Things To Do In Seoul, South Korea – First Timers Guide (+ map)

So you’ve booked your trip to Seoul, South Korea and now trying to plan an epic itinerary? There are so many fun things to do in Seoul for first timers, that it can actually feel a little overwhelming when planning your trip. This list is full of my favourite things to do here.

Seoul is the biggest city in Korea, it is futuristic, clean, safe and has a sense of fun that is contagious. It is spread out with no distinctive centre, instead there are a number of districts each with their own character. For anyone visiting Seoul for the first time this can sometimes feel like a nightmare where planning your perfect trip. This Seoul guide has the best attractions, what to eat, the best cafes, where to stay, day trips and handy tips, so you can plan your trip with ease.

I spent 1 month exploring all the corners of this city, finding out what’s actually worth visiting, especially when you might only have a couple of days. This guide is everything I wish I’d had before my trip. Not a generic list of 50+ attractions, just the things that genuinely made my time in Seoul memorable, with honest advice on what to skip, what to prioritise and how to actually make each one work logistically.

Post updated April 2026.

Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Is Seoul Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, but it helps to know what you’re signing up for. Seoul isn’t a beach holiday or a “sit by the pool and relax” destination. It’s a city you explore with your feet, your stomach and your curiosity.

You’ll eat street food under neon signs at 10pm, then walk five minutes to a 600-year-old temple in complete silence. You’ll ride one of the world’s cleanest subway systems, then climb a mountain trail that feels like wilderness but still inside the city limits.

If you love food, Seoul is arguably one of the best food cities in Asia. If you love hiking, there are trails everywhere. If you love nightlife, entire districts come alive after midnight. And if you love shopping, cafes, or K-culture, you already know this is the place.

The one thing Seoul isn’t great for: eating healthy on a budget. Most affordable meals are carb-heavy, fried, or both. Delicious, but after a week your body might be craving a salad.

When To Visit Seoul

Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–November) are the best months to visit Seoul. Cherry blossoms arrive in early April and transform the city. Autumn brings golden foliage to Bukhansan and Namsan Park. Temperatures sit comfortably in the 15–22°C range.

Summer (June–August) is hot, humid, and rainy which is not ideal for hiking or long days on your feet. Winter (December–February) is properly cold, often dropping below -10°C, but Seoul looks beautiful in the snow and the crowds thin out significantly.

If you can only choose one month: April. Cherry blossoms, comfortable weather, and the city at its most photogenic.

How To Get Around Seoul

The most efficient mode of transport in Seoul is the metro. The stations are easy to navigate, the trains are clean, comfortable and fast. To use the metro you need a t-money card, these can be purchased at the airport or prior to departing. You just load the card with money at machines in stations or at the cash register in convenience stores.

The subways are not 24-hour, they typically run from 5:30 am until midnight, which makes getting home after a night out tricky. We got stuck in town twice, waiting it out for hours in KFC is just not a vibe. There is a night bus system with 14 routes that operate between 00:30 and 03:30.

Where To Stay In Seoul

The most central areas for first time visitors to stay in Seoul are Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Insadong. As Seoul is so spread out, it can take some time to travel between each area. For example Hongdae to Gangnam takes 1 hour with two different subway lines.

One key thing to note is that the subways all stop running at 12 am. If you plan to go to bars and clubs then it would be less stressful to stay in a nightlife area such as Hongdae.

Myeongdong centrally located, famous for food, shopping and at the foot of North Seoul Tower, Myeongdong is a great all-rounder for first-time visitors to Seoul.

Hongdae is hip and trendy, it generally draws a younger crowd due to its proximity to a University. There are incredible restaurants and cafe options, along with shopping and a small amount of street food.

Insadong is a great choice for travellers looking for traditional food and art The area is known for tea rooms and craft boutiques, it is within walking distance to Gyeongbokgung. Although it gets quiet at night Eujliro 3 is a short walk away, which has lots of trendy and lively bars.

Best Hotels In Seoul

• RYSE: luxury in the heart of Hongdae. Features a gym and rooftop bar.
• Oasis Hongdae City View: spacious suites perfect for families and longer stays.
• L’Escape Hotel: award winning Parisian style boutique hotel. Would make for a romantic stay for couples in Seoul.
• Nine Tree by Parnas: budget friendly rooms close to Seoul Tower. Complimentary coffee in the 11th floor restaurant is a nice touch.
• DAAM: stay in a traditional hanok in Insadong. Breakfast is included in all rates, this hotel features a hot tub and self serve laundry facilities.

Map Of What To Do In Seoul

26 Things To Do In Seoul For First-Timers

1. Namsan Tower and Park

Seoul’s famous Namsan Tower (also called N Seoul Tower) is a must see while in the city. At 279 metres (915 feet) you can spot the tower around various parts of the city. The tower itself has 360 views across the city.

Getting to the tower is an adventure in itself, you can either do a short hike or jump on a cable car.

The walk involves climbing up lots of steps for 15 – 20 minutes. The route is well marked out with plenty of resting points along the way, making it suitable for most individuals. At the top is the tower, a temple, love lock fences and many cafes/restaurants.

I recommend taking some time to explore Namsan Park. There are various trials, the pine trial was my personal favourite. We loved it so much we did it twice.

Alternatively, the cable car is a 3 minute journey in a glass carriage. I would suggest the cable car for anyone short on time or with accessibility issues.

Tickets for both observatory & cable car can be purchased here.

2. Bukchon Hanok Village

Ever dreamed of stepping back in time, will in Bukchon Hanok Village you can kind of do this. Here you’ll find a traditional Korean village, where the houses (called hanoks) have been preserved from the Joseon Dynasty dating back to 1392.

The village is characterised by its steep narrow alleys and distinctive gabled roof houses. The hanoks are built with a strong wooden frame with the walls consisting of hanjeong, a combination of natural materials like clay and sand to insulate.

It’s an incredibly scenic but can get very busy, especially on the popular Bukchon-ro 11-gil. I advise getting here early if you would prefer a more peaceful experience. However, if you arrive later in the day there are many alleyways without crowds, you will just have to wander a bit to find them.

I found the village very similar to Kyoto, with so many people taking photos and expensive food. However, it really is a beautiful place, that I don’t think you should miss out on.

Bukchon Hanok Village is mostly residential, although it is packed full of tourists, people call this place home. Please be mindful to keep the noise low and to not block anyone’s door.

Here are just some things you can do at Bukchon Hanok Village:

• Rent a traditional hanbok (traditional dress)
• Take part in a tea ceremony
• Learn how to make delicious kimchi at this kimchi masterclass
• Browse the boutiques of Samcheong-dong
• Visit the house of Baek Inje, the doctor who founded Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital.
• Explore the cafes along Bukchon-ro. I recommend Cafe Onion Anguk.

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Originally built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace has been destroyed and rebuilt twice over the years. Firstly during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, and then again during a fire in 1876 but it was not properly restored until 2007. The palace that stands today is identical to the original in 1395.

The grounds are massive, there is so much to see. I would give yourself 2 – 3 hours to see it all.

The main highlights are Gwanghwamun Gate, Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and the changing of the guards ceremony which occurs twice a day (10 am and 2 pm ) at Gwanghwamun Gate.

Many people wear a hanbok here, not only will you end up with amazing photos but you can also enter all the palaces for free. Solo travellers might like to book a photoshoot at the palace with a professional photographer.

Entry costs ₩3,000 (free if you’re wearing a hanbok and yes, this applies to tourists, not just Koreans). The palace is closed on Tuesdays. If you only have time for one palace in Seoul, make it this one. Arrive by 9:30am to beat the crowds and catch the 10am changing of the guards, it lasts about 20 minutes and is genuinely impressive, not a token ceremony.

4. Gwangjang Market

Another must not miss foodie experience in Seoul. Gwangjang Market is a traditional Korean market, selling textiles, clothing, fruit, eg and most importantly an awesome food market.

If you only have time to go to one food market in Seoul I recommend Gwangjang Market to all first-timers.

This market is full of zesty vendors cooking up a storm, you won’t have trouble finding a place to eat, but you’ll have trouble deciding what, there is just so much on offer! Although it is a touristy place it still draws in the locals giving it an authentic feel.

Start with bindaetteok (crispy mung bean pancakes, around ₩5,000) watch them fry them fresh in front of you. Next, try the hand-pulled knife-cut noodles (kalguksu, ₩7,000–8,000), which come in a rich anchovy broth. Mayak kimbap (₩3,000) are tiny, addictive rice rolls nicknamed “drug kimbap” because you can’t stop eating them. Finish with tteokbokki from one of the stalls near the centre of the market. The stalls mostly sell the same dishes, so don’t stress about finding the “best” one, just sit wherever has a spot and enjoy the atmosphere. The market is busiest (and most fun) between 6pm and 9pm.

5. Korean BBQ

All of this is for me? What do I do? Do I grab those leaves? Can I turn the meat? These are some of the many questions I had during my first Korean Barbeque. At first, it might seem intimidating as it is a totally different dining experience but it is straightforward and highly enjoyable. Visiting a Korean Barbeque although delicious is not just about the food, it gives travellers an insight into the communal dining culture in Korea.

You will be seated at a table with a built-in grill, you choose your meats, once the waiter takes your order they will bring you down a variety of side dishes called banchan that will be placed in the middle of the table to share. Banchan is different in each restaurant so you never know what you are going to get, usually it is 5 – 7 dishes of kimchi, japchae, namul, and dubu jori. Each dish is distinct and compliments the meats, you can typically ask for a refill. Condiments like pepper, gochujang and oil will also be placed on your table.

Then the meat comes, some places will grill the meat for you at your table, and other places will leave it up to you. We generally let the waiter start the process and then take over ourselves. When the meat is cooked you assemble an assam with the leaves you should have been given (if not, there will be a counter where you can take it yourself). An Assam is a piece of meat wrapped in a perilla leaf with vegetables and sauce, it’s so delicious!

Without a doubt, a trip to a Korean barbecue is a must for your first time in Seoul.

Don’t know where to go? Pig Company and ungteori saenggogi in Hongdae, ZIU in Myeongdong and JD BBQ in Itaewon are all fab!

6. Myeongdong Food Street

Myeongdong is a buzzing area with many shops and bars, but the spotlight is on the food stalls that line its pavements. Although open throughout the day, this street comes alive at night.

At about 5 pm the street gets crowded with locals and tourists looking to eat some delicious street food. It is such a vibe under the neon lights of Myeongdongs shops, watching the vendors cook up a storm of Korean dishes.

The type of food you can find here is egg bread, k-dogs, deep-fried crab, hotteok, spicy fish cakes, Korean savoury pancakes, gooey cheese coins and so much more. Spending an evening eating around the streets of Myeongyong is one of the best things to do for a first timer in Seoul.

Most items cost between ₩3,000–₩6,000. Come hungry around 6pm and plan to spend a couple of hours grazing. The egg bread (gyeran-bbang, ₩2,000) is a must-try it’s warm, fluffy and has a whole egg baked inside.

7. Cafe Hop Around Hongdae

Seoul has got to be the world’s unofficial capital of cafes. Every few steps is an aesthetic cafe with the cutest cakes and desserts. I found Hongdae to have the most “wow” cafes, it was like stepping into a K-Drama with all the cute couples sharing a cake and coffee.

Koreans are known to cafe hop, I come from Ireland where we bar hop and I didn’t think the concept could be applied to anything but a bar, I was wrong! Basically, you spend the day going from cafe to cafe and eventually end up with a twitchy eye from all the caffeine. It is the best way to experience the different cafes in a short space of time. Although I don’t expect you to spend a whole day in cafes I recommend 2 to 3 hours.

There are so many amazing cafes, I don’t think you could really choose wrong. I loved Pie In The Shop, MintChoco World and Coffee Libre.

Yeonnamdong is a cute area with small boutiques and many dining options. I recommend Yeonnamdong Kombucha for a healthy and refreshing pick me up.

8. Jogyesa Temple

Often considered Korea’s most important temple, Jogyesa is a free thing to do in Seoul. Once the headquarters for the Jogye Order, the largest branch of Korean Buddhism, the temple dates back to 1395.

Despite its location in the bustling Insa-dong district, frequented by both tourists and locals, Jogyesa remains a calm and relaxing space. You can pray in the main hall or sit and watch others pray.

The temple acts as a venue for many Buddhist events, if you visit during the week leading up to Buddha’s birthday, you’ll be treated to a spectacular sight: the temple is adorned with numerous hanging lanterns around the courtyard’s giant Chinese Scholar Tree that is 450 years old.

Entry is free and it’s open daily from 4am to 9pm. Try to visit during a weekday morning for the most peaceful experience.

9. Seoul City Wall

As cosmopolitan as Seoul is, you’re never far from nature. The Seoul City Wall is a 19km stretch across four mountains originally built as a defence system during the Joseon Dynasty, with only two of the original four gates still standing in their original form.

You don’t have to walk the full 19km. There are six routes ranging from easy 2km strolls to challenging 5km climbs. If you only have a few hours, I’d recommend the Naksan route it starts at Heunginjimun Gate and finishes at Hyehwamun Gate, taking about 2 hours. It’s steep in sections but manageable, and the views of Seoul from the wall are stunning.

You can either walk the full 19 km or choose from the following six routes:

1. Inwangsan: difficult; 4km
2. Sungnyemun: easy; 2km
3. Namsan: moderate; 4km
4. Haeunginjimun: easy; 2km
5. Naksan: easy; 2km
6. Baegak: hard; 5km

The best part: this route takes you directly through Ihwa Mural Village. Once a low-income textile workers’ neighbourhood slated for demolition, local artists transformed it with murals and installations. It’s quieter than you’d expect we visited on a Sunday and were surprised by the lack of tourists. The famous fish stairs have been painted over, but the village still has a charming, understated artsy feel with rooftop cafes that have incredible sunset views.

10. Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Located close to Ihwa Mural Village (you can easily combine them), the Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a Zaha Hadid-designed building that looks like it landed from another planet. The curved, glitzy grey exterior genuinely resembles a spaceship no one could blame you for doing a double take.

Inside there are shops, restaurants, and rotating exhibitions (check their website for what’s on during your visit). You won’t spend long here, maybe 30–45 minutes but it’s worth the stop just to see the architecture. It’s even more impressive at night when the building is lit up against the Seoul skyline.

11. Starfield Library / COEX Mall

Far from the quiet lifeless rooms and dusty shelves of most libraries (at least the ones I have been to) is Starfield Library. Instead, this unique library is a colourful display of floor to ceiling books, illuminated by a large glass roof. The shelves go to a height of 134 metres (440 ft), and there is an escalator beside the largest shelf which helps you reach the books at the top, however this is an extremely popular photo spot so expect a backlog of people.

The selection of books is enormous with almost 70,000 books to choose from. The books are mostly in Korean but there are a few English books, you can check the information kiosks for where the English books are located. Anyone can grab a book from the shelf to read, you don’t need a membership but you do need to stay within the library. Along with books there are also magazines and ereaders.

There are many seats to relax in, however, it gets very busy and therefore noisy so it can be a bit difficult to concentrate on a book. There are nice cafes upstairs and also on the ground floor around the corner. Billy Angel (upstairs) has delicious cakes.

Aside from the library, COEX mall is worth a look around. It is a massive mall, it has the title of the largest underground shopping centre in Asia. I don’t recommend spending all day here unless you want to shop, but there are some cool things you can find here like the COEX Aquarium with 650 different sea species across 183 tanks.

12. Gangnam Style Statue

“Oppa Gangnam Style”… I challenge you to not get that jingle stuck in your head visiting this attraction.

If you are like me, Gangnam was brought to your attention from Psy’s 2011 hit, Gangnam Style. His song is an ode to the trendy and hip culture of Gangnam. The area of Gangnam is modern, and glamorous with towering skyscrapers and a feisty nightlife scene.

Located beside the COEX mall is a statue dedicated to this song that catapulted Gangnam to an international audience. Make sure to snap a photo in front of it doing the classic Gangnam hands for the ultimate throwback!

14. Gangnam Streets

Don’t just go to COEX and tick Gangnam off your list, there is much more to see and do in this part of Seoul. If you are looking for something a little boujee then head to Garosu-gil & Apgujeong for some upmarket shopping and high end dining.

Garosu-gil Street

This is an upscale and fashionable tree-lined street with mostly high-end boutiques and trendy restaurants.

If you are a BTS fan you might want to head to Yoojung Sikdang, the BTS cafe. The boyband used to visit here during their early days as trainee idols. The walls are covered in posters of the band.

Apgujeong Rodeo

Another upscale area with mainly flagship designer shops. Close by is K-Star Road with bears representing K-Pop idols.

15. DIY At Art Monster

Another Ganagnam haunt, beer lovers must add this to their Seoul itinerary. Although I don’t really enjoy beer, Art Monster ended up being my favourite bar in the city.

This bar is self-serve, you get a bracelet when you enter and use that to pour at each beer tap. You can pour as much or as little as you would like which makes it the perfect place for beer tasting. For non-beer drinkers, the sour blueberry flavour is delicious, it tastes more like a cider than a beer.

There are two other Art Monsters in Seoul, each has a different theme. The branch in Gangnam has a super cool design, it is based on nights in Hong Kong. The entrance is dramatic with bright neon signs which area a fun backdrop for photos. I have never been to a bar with such a cool exterior, these guys really brought Hong Kong to Seoul.

16. Spend a Day (and Night) in Itaewon

Known as the expat area of Seoul, Itaewon is a vibrant and diverse district that you must visit in Seoul. It is generally an affordable area making it attractive for international workers to stay. The international influence is evident just a few minutes after stepping out of the subway station, the streets have many kebab shops and Western restaurants, and the manhole covers even have countries from around the world engraved on them.

During the day

Antique Shopping Street

A laidback strip of shops selling mainly antique furniture with a mix of Asian and Western styles. Fun to browse even if you’re not buying haggling is accepted if something catches your eye.

108 Heaven Stairway

Built in 1945 during the Japanese occupation as a path to a Shinto shrine, these stairs carry heavy history. The Japanese forced Koreans to attend daily rituals here. After liberation, the shrine was destroyed but the stairs remained. Today a funicular helps visitors reach the top, where the views are worth the trip.

Yongsan Haebangchon Village

Translated as “Liberation Village,” this hillside neighbourhood is full of traditional and renovated hanoks, independent boutiques, and rooftop cafes. It’s very steep wear comfortable shoes. The alleyway wandering here is some of the best in Seoul.

Seoul Central Mosque

South Korea’s first mosque, with a striking Turkish-style blue tile exterior. Non-Muslims are welcome to enter but be respectful of prayers.

At Night

Itaewon is most famed for its wild nightlife, although the area is not AS busy as before the Halloween tragedy of 2021 it is still a lively spot for a memorable night. Popular bars are the multi level Fountain and the tiki bar MAHALO. I also have to shout out to the Craic House, a welcoming, energetic and cosy Irish bar with delicious shepherd’s pie, it was just what we needed after 4 months away from home.

17. Drinks On Euljiro Nogari Alley

We stumbled onto this alleyway after climbing Namsan Park. Still in my hiking gear, I felt completely underdressed compared to Seoul’s stylish twenty-somethings but I didn’t care, because the vibe was electric.

Euljiro is Seoul’s trending nightlife area, popular with locals rather than tourists. Trendy bars spill out onto the narrow streets, creating an energy that felt more authentic than Itaewon or Hongdae. We ended up coming back another night specifically for this, and I preferred it to both of those more famous nightlife districts.

The anchor of the street is Manseon Hof, a mammoth chicken-and-beer establishment that dominates the alley. But don’t just stick to one bar the beauty of Euljiro is wandering between the tiny venues and seeing what catches your eye.

18. Insadong Culture Street

Insadong is a neighbourhood known for its arts and culture. The streets have galleries, tea houses, craft shops and small shops selling traditional Korean goods. It is a peaceful area, much quieter than the nearby Myeongdong, with a more slow-paced traditional vibe. Many of the cafes here are designed to look like a traditional hanok, which gives the whole area a timeless vibe.

Some things you should not miss in Insadong:

• Ssamziegil – mall with a quirky design, it is full of artisan boutiques. It’s more interesting architecturally than what’s inside, but worth the walk up.
• Ddong Café – poop themed cafe, silly and oddly delicious
• Visit a traditional teahouse such as Dalsaeneun Dalman Saenggak Handa or Namusae Tea house.The experience of drinking traditional Korean tea in a hanok setting is one of those quiet moments that stays with you.

19. Bukhansan National Park

You need to add Bukhansan National Park to your list of coolest things to do in Seoul! It is considered one of the world’s most popular parks with an estimated 5 million visitors each year.

Bukhansan National Park is actually home to two mountains, Bukhansan and Dobongsan. The highest peak is Baegundae Peak at 836 metres and the second peak Dobongsan is 740 metres (2,428 feet).

The most popular trail is the Bukhansanseong Course which takes you to the Baegundae Peak where you’ll have incredible views of the Seoul skyline, it will leave you speechless.

The trail is roughly 7 kilometres (4.2 miles), and has a gradual incline with a well-marked trail making it suitable for most fitness levels. But, that doesn’t mean it’s easy, picture large narrow rocks with just a rope to hang onto, it’s exciting and at times a little bit scary. It can take 4 – 6 hours to complete so don’t forget to bring some gimbap with you.

The mountain is very busy and safe to hike alone, but if you would prefer a guide you can find one here.

The easiest way to get here is to take the metro to Gupabal Station (Exit 1) and then transfer to Bus 704, 34, or 8772, 20 – 30 minutes to the parks entrance: Bukhansanseong Fortress.

20. Baseball Game at Jamsil Stadium

Even if you couldn’t care less about baseball, this was one of the most fun things I did in Seoul. Korean baseball is a spectacle, it’s less about the sport and more about the atmosphere.

Jamsil Stadium is Korea’s largest, home to the Doosan Bears and LG Twins. The crowd energy is unlike anything I’ve experienced at a sporting event. In the cheering zones, organised chants roll through the stands nonstop, each player has their own song. You won’t understand a word, but you’ll be singing along within minutes.

The stadium sells beer, fried chicken, and snacks throughout the game. Many fans bring their own food too, stopping at a convenience store beforehand for snacks and drinks is common and accepted

The ticket situation: You cannot buy tickets online without a Korean credit card. Your options are: buy at the stadium box office 1–2 hours before the game starts (risky for popular matchups), or ask your hotel/Airbnb host to purchase tickets for you online a few days in advance. Most hosts are happy to help. Aim for seats in the cheering section for the full experience, it’s louder but infinitely more fun.

Practical details: Season runs March to October. Games typically start at 6:30pm on weekdays, 5pm on weekends. Ticket prices range from ₩8,000 to ₩30,000 depending on the section.

21. Gangchon Railway Park

Looking for something different to do for half a day? Gangchon Railway Park is a fun half day trip outside of Seoul city centre. Feel like you are in your own K-Drama by pedalling along an old railway on a pedal vehicle with the beautiful Korean countryside in the background.

The course passes through fields, a lake and 4 tunnels. The tunnels each have a theme with music and lights, it is very immersive. At the end, you will take the appropriately named “romantic train” along the stunning Bukhan River.

Although you need to pedal, most of the track is slightly downhill so it requires little effort, it is the most relaxing cycle I have ever been on. The bikes come in two sizes; 2 seater or 4 seater. This is a popular attraction in Seoul, it’s best to book in advance to secure a slot.

It takes about 2 hours on the train to reach this park, but it is a scenic ride passing Nami Island so the time goes by fast.For the full breakdown including how to book, what to expect, and whether it’s worth the 2-hour train ride, read my complete Gangchon Rail Park guide.

22. Namdaemun Market

If Gwangjang Market is the foodie market, Namdaemun is the everything market. This is chaotic, crowded Seoul at its most authentic with a maze of tiny streets crammed with clothes, suitcases, jewellery, skincare, electronics and food stalls selling everything from hotteok to dumplings.

It’s popular with both locals and tourists, and the haggling culture is alive here. Don’t accept the first price on anything. The whole place buzzes with energy.

Namdaemun is best visited in the morning or early afternoon when all the stalls are open and the crowds haven’t peaked yet. For food, the vegetable hotteok (sweet fried pancakes) near Gate 2 always has a queue of locals (that’s your signal it’s good).

23. Seoul’s Best Museums

Seoul has two museums that are genuinely worth your time, and both are free.

National Museum Of Korea

This museum focuses on 400+ years of Korean history, from the Joseon Dynasty to modern Korea. Pick up a free audio guide at the information desk without context, some exhibits won’t mean much, but with it, the history comes alive. The highlight is a miniature model of Seoul at night at the end of the exhibition. Allow 2–3 hours.

War Memorial Of Korea

I’d prioritise this museum if you can only visit one. It covers South Korea’s fight for liberation from the Japanese invasions (1592–1598), through the brutal Japanese occupation (1910–1945), to the Korean War (1950–1953) that cost approximately 1.3 million South Korean lives.

The outdoor exhibition space has planes, ships, and tanks from these conflicts, and there’s a sombre tribute wall with names of fallen soldiers that puts the scale of sacrifice into perspective. It’s heavy but essential for understanding modern Korea. Allow 2–3 hours.

24. Quirky Seoul Experiences

Some of the best things about Seoul aren’t major attractions, they’re the random, uniquely Korean experiences you stumble into between the big-ticket sights.

Chicken + Beer Street

Chimac, fried chicken and beer, a combination direct from heaven.

It is easy to get your chimac fix in Seoul, but one place is ALL about the chimac, that’s chicken and beer street, no its not something from a man’s dream, it’s real! In Myeongdong dreams become a reality! Not quite a full street, more like a complex of 5 – 6 chicken restaurants that spill out onto the road creating a lively atmosphere.

BHC is hands down the best, I love the red hot cheese flavour, Daily Beer is also very nice.

Photobooths

I am obsessed with the photobooth culture in Korea, it is so much fun and you get a lifelong souvenir to remember it by. I found it difficult walking by one and not going in.

The photobooths have different themes like this train one BYTP Station and props such as sun glasses, hats, and costumes. There is at least one on almost every street so pick a few at random for an unforgettable experience.

The photos come out as high-quality polaroids, usually 4 different photos but you can typically change this and you can receive a digital print. You can choose a filter but I found the “no filter” option smoothed my skin. Some photobooth allow you to alter your eyes, lips and nose, similar to facetune.

Video Arcades

Arcades in Korea are more fun than competitive, I’m looking at you Japan! They are usually easy to spot with floor-to-ceiling glass and a pink LED light running the edge of the building.

Games include Mario Kart, Dance Dance Revolution, darts and claw machines. The claw machines are not too challenging like the ones in Japan so you can usually win something. This is something to do during a rainy day in Seoul.

There are many arcades all around Seoul, Zzang and G-Plex are popular chains. They are open late, typically until 12 am.

I won a really nice pair of fluffy slippers that were not only cute but super comfy.

25. DMZ

Just 50km from futuristic Seoul sits one of the most sobering places on earth. The Demilitarised Zone is a 4km-wide buffer between North and South Korea, established in 1953 at the end of the Korean War. It’s the most heavily militarised border in the world and standing there knowing that on the other side is a country where citizens have been executed for listening to K-Pop is an experience that puts everything else on your trip into perspective.

You cannot visit the DMZ independently. The easiest option is booking a day tour from Seoul, which typically includes the Freedom Bridge, Dora Observatory (where you can peer into North Korea through binoculars), the Third Tunnel of Aggression (a tunnel North Korea dug to infiltrate the South) and the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge.

Most tours run from early morning and return by early afternoon, making it easy to combine with other Seoul activities the same day. Book at least a few days in advance as tours fill up, and bring your passport it’s required for entry to the DMZ area.

Half-day tours cost ₩50,000–70,000 and include transport from central Seoul. Full-day tours that include the JSA (Joint Security Area, where soldiers from both sides stand face-to-face) cost more and require booking further in advance. The JSA has stricter dress codes with no flip-flops, ripped jeans or sleeveless tops.

26. Seoul Cheonggyecheon Ruins

Covered with concrete and made into the Cheonggye Expressway in the 20th Century, this almost wasn’t part of the city. Thankfully in the later 80’s the Seoul government restored this area to a scenic and peaceful man-made stream.

The total length is 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) of walking and cycling paths alongside a quiet stream that is surrounded by Seoul’s skyline. It is a unique city walk that is sometimes surreal, so quiet and relaxing with trees and wildlife but look up and you see skyscrapers. That is what I adore about Seoul, so many pockets of nature, free to visit but well maintained.

In addition to a peaceful walk, it is also a photographer’s dream, the sunset here is so pretty.

pro tip: order some tasty tacos to go from Oldies Tacos, a few metres away, eat them along the stream. This place is so good!

Seoul FAQ

How many days is enough in Seoul?

There is so much to do in Seoul, the city has enough activities to keep you busy for weeks. To see the highlights 5 days is a good amount of time, this allows for a day trip such as the DMZ. For the ultimate trip, 10 days in Seoul will allow you to see everything.

3 days: Enough to hit the highlights, a palace, a market, Korean BBQ, Namsan Tower, and one neighbourhood deep-dive. You’ll feel rushed but satisfied.

5 days: The sweet spot for most first-timers. Enough time to explore 4–5 districts properly, do a hike, take a day trip (DMZ or Gangchon), and have breathing room to stumble into things you didn’t plan.

7–10 days: What I’d recommend if you have the time. Seoul rewards slow exploration, the best moments tend to happen when you’re wandering without a plan. A full week also lets you revisit places you loved rather than treating everything as a one-and-done.

I wouldn’t recommend less than 3 full days. Any shorter and you’ll spend more time on the subway than actually experiencing the city.

Can I speak English in Seoul?

You can get by with English, especially in tourist areas. Subway signs are bilingual, most restaurants have English menus or picture menus, and younger Koreans generally understand basic English even if they’re shy about speaking it. Learn a handful of Korean phrases: hello (annyeonghaseyo), thank you (gamsahamnida), how much (eolmayeyo), and you’ll be fine. When all else fails, Google Translate or the Papago app work well.

Is Korean food healthy?

It depends what you choose. Much of the food you’ll encounter as a tourist, fried chicken, tteokbokki, hotteok, K-dogs is delicious but heavy on carbs, sugar, and oil. I found it difficult to eat healthily unless I was cooking. For healthier options, go for bibimbap, kimchi, haejang-guk (hangover stew), or Korean BBQ where the vegetable sides balance out the meat.

Do you tip in Korea?

No. Tipping is not customary and can even cause confusion. Some people round up, but in general, just pay the listed price.

Is Seoul walkable?

Absolutely! Seoul is the perfect city to walk around, it’s pedestrian-friendly with interesting alleys to wander down. It’s a large city, therefore to see it all transportation is required.

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