From ancient trees to contemporary and urban markets, the Special City of Seoul is the most fun place to be at. Anything in excess is not good and this place reminds you of the balance that you need to have in your life. From pubs, markets that are open all night, to the temples that allow a night stay, nothing beats a journey to this very famous metropolis in Korea.
It lives up to the expectation of being the capital city f Korea as it has skyscrapers and other wonderful and modern infrastructures that world-famous. Let us read about some of these famous places that are a must-visit during the onset of your journey to Seoul.
Things to do in Seoul for a Memorable Vacation
1. N Seoul Tour:
Reach atop this tower through a cable car and get the most breathtaking view of Seoul. This observation deck is 480 m above sea level and appears to be touching the sky.
If you like hiking and wish to do some, the stairs to reach this tower would give you the same adventure that hiking provides. While you climb up, you also get to pass the beautiful trails surrounding the stairway.
Best Time to visit: Any time round the year is perfect to be here. However, if you want to avoid queues, you must visit on the weekdays. Even though, the weekdays are also crowded around the sunset, but far better than what you will observe on the weekends.
How to reach: Bus No. 2, 3, and 5 can take you to the tower. All these buses depart from different stations. Alternatively, you can take subway line 4 (light blue) to the Myeongdong station. Take exit 7 or 8. When you exit, you will be in front of an office building/bank and there will be a bus stop with a bus shelter in front of the building.
Top Attraction: The love lock is something that most people visit this place other than the panoramic view of the city.
Interesting Facts: It was built in 1969 as the first radio wave tower in South Korea. It is now the second-highest point n Seoul.
Where To Stay: K-POP hotel Seoul Tower, Namsan Forest in Mmyeongdong, Namsan Gill House, and the Myeongdong Rooftop Hostel are some of the budgeted as well as luxury places for a comfortable stay.
Things to do: Around this place you can visit a few others, Hello Kitty Island, Love Padlocks Area, Wishing Pond are among the popular ones.
2. Changdeokgung Palace:
A palace where nature bestows its beauty with many gardens within the premises is a must-watch in any season. When here, you will realize the charisma of the culture of South Korea which this palace embraces within its premises. You will observe many temples and lots of flora and fauna that are beguiling.
Best Time to visit: November is marked as the best month to be here. Alternatively, the spring season is nice if you like cherry blossoming. If you visit during the autumn months, you will be welcomed with various colorful foliage.
How to reach: Just take the Anguk Subway and take the 3rd exit. Walk straight for a couple of blocks, and the palace will appear on your left side. You can also take the Jongno 3-ga Station inline 1, 3, 5, and take the 6th exit.
Top Attraction: The palace and the Bukhansan National Park are beautiful places that will take away your heart.
Interesting Facts: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where To Stay: Hotel Icon, Doo Guesthouse, Hostel Korea, Hi Guesthouse are some of the places where you can stay when in Seoul
Things to do: You must take the walking tour to Bukchon Hanon Village to see nature spread its wings.
3. Lotte World:
Enjoy with your family at this Magical place, also called Magic Island. With more than rides around the place, there is a lot more than you can thoroughly entertain yourself with. Go on a shopping spree, or enjoy the lake, you have more than what you can think of as the avenues to enjoy and amuse yourself are umpteen. The place has an indoor as well as an outdoor amusement park for everyone’s delight.
Best Time to visit: Weekdays are strongly recommended, especially Monday through Thursday.
How to reach: Take the Seoul Subway to Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2,8) and take exit 4. As you exit, you will find that Lotte World is connected to the station
Top Attraction: Some rides are very popular and often people visit this place to enjoy them. These rides are Gyro Swing, French Revolution, Camelot Carousel, and Flume Ride.
Interesting Facts: This place is home to the World’s Largest indoor theme park
Where To Stay: Lotte Hotel World, Rosana Boutique Hotel, and a lot more places can be checked for a comfortable stay.
Things to do: Other than rides, you can visit the Charlotte Theatre and enjoy some movies, You can also visit the Lotte World Folk Museum. if you are a nature lover you may also go to Seokchon lake.
4. Myeongdong:
Spend your afternoon in Meeongdong and stay there until late evening. With a number of shopping avenues, you are bound to come again to this awesome place to splurge on some cosmetic and skincare products. You can buy many brands ranging from Tony Moly, MISSHA, and Etude House, which is in house brand.
Best Time to visit: Afternoons are the best as the shopping sprees would extend to late evening up to 10:00 p.m. The market opens at 10:00 a.m.
How to reach: Take the AREX train or Seoul Subway to get to Myeongdong from Incheon International Airport.
Top Attraction: Fashion stores, cosmetic shops, and many department stores are the highlights of this area in Seoul
Interesting Facts: This place was initially a residential area and was known as Myeongryebang
Where To Stay: Arttravel Myeongdong, Philstay Myeongdong Station, Myeongdong Rooftop, and Step in Myeongdong1.
Things to do: Other than shopping and enjoying delicacies you can also visit the Myeongdong Nanta Theatre and Myeong-dong Cathedral that features a Gothic-style bell tower.
5. Gwangjang Market:
If you are a foodie and love experimenting with food, Do try some very delectable Korean food at this traditional market in Korea. Numerous varieties of rice and dishes made from rice would steal your heart. It is here you can try a wine that is made from rice and catalyzes digestion.
Other than this, you will often find people who are about to get married shopping here as you get everything under one roof at this amazing market in Seoul, from furniture to bedsheets, to absolutely everything related to household.
Best Time to visit: Any day between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. is great, especially on the weekdays
How to reach: The cheapest way to get to Gwangjang Market from the Seoul Station is through a bus ride. This is via Ehwadong and costs ₩700. Total time taken in about 31 minutes. Alternatively, if you wish to spend more and do not have much time, you can also take a taxi from Seoul Station to Gwangjang Market. Taxi takes about 4 to 5 minutes and costs ₩6,500 – ₩8,500.
Top Attraction: Spicy Rice cakes, and other dishes too. Besides that, you can also indulge in shopping bed sheets made from Silk, Satin, and linen.
Interesting Facts: The place houses more than 5000 shops and has 20,000 employees all in an area of 42,000 square meters. This was previously known as Dongdaemun Market.
Where To Stay: Nine Tree Premier Hotel, Amiga Inn Hotel Seoul, Star Hostel Seoul, and Hotel Atrium is where you can seek accommodation when near this destination.
Things to do: You can visit the National Museum of Korea, The war Memorial of Korea, Insadong, and a few other museums that are within the periphery.
6. Leeum Samsung Museum of Art:
For all art lovers and admirers, this place is supremely creative. It is here you can witness the most creative and beautiful Korean Art. Not just traditional, but also some contemporary design forms and artworks of international artists are placed at this Museum of art. The museum is divided into three structures each designed by mega stars called Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas.
Best Time to visit: The museum is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How to reach: Take the Seoul Subway Line 6, Exit 1. This is called Hangangjin Station. From exit 1 walk straight for 100m in the direction of Itaewon. Go into the first alley to the right. You will observe a signpost directing you to the museum. 5 minutes uphill walk and you will be at your destination.
Top Attraction: All three divisions of the museum are categorically done for people of various interests. All three are a must-visit, and if you are with kids, Do visit the Samsung Museum that offers cultural education.
Interesting Facts: Most of the display’s large collection are of the founder, the late Lee Byeong-cheol who was once the president of the Samsung Group
Where To Stay: Itaewon Inn, Xeromine Guesthouse, IP Boutique, Itaewon Crown Tourist Hotel are some of the places that you will enjoy your stay at.
Things to do: Visit the sculpture garden to imbibe more goodness and innovation into your mind.
7. Common Ground:
Who would have thought a container park would become a popular place for clicking pictures. This place called ‘Common Ground’ is nothing but a container park and a shopping place for trendy stuff. This has transformed into a destination for hip photoshoots for all kinds of the crowd.
Best Time to visit: The market is open from 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m., you can visit between these hours and enjoy a perfect day in Seoul
How to reach: Take the subway to Konkuk Station on Line 2 or Line 7. Watch for Exit 6 and walk straight. From here, the common ground is about 250 meters which you can walk
Top Attraction: The shopping places made in shipping containers is worth a watch, along with gourmet food that is a highlight of this place
Interesting Facts: The entire place is converted into a blended market using shipping containers
Where To Stay: Namasan Gil House, Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun, Ekonomy Hotel Myeongdong Premier and the Hanok 24 Guesthouse Gyeongbukgung
Things to do: Enjoy the flea market shopping. If you are hungry, either dine at the 3rd level and enjoy the terrace too, or taste the food from the trucks.
8. Cat Cafes:
Not one, not two, you will find such cat cafes at many popular and bustling places in Seoul. You will be lured to visit them all as the cats are really cute and the cafes offer a good eating experience too. These kinds of cafes are a hit among solo travelers and kids as they enjoy a cup of coffee in the company of these little and innocent feline creatures while the kids can play and click pictures with them to make awesome memories.
Best Time to visit: Anytime when you have traveled enough and wish to take a break, enter these cafes that mostly open between 1:00 to 10:00 p.m.
How to reach: Although there are more than 10 cat cafes in Seoul, here we are directing you to a place called Cat Cafe in Seocho-daero. The quickest way to get from Seoul Station is by taking a taxi that costs ₩11,000 – ₩14,000 and takes approximately 8 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train too that arrives at Dongjak Station which is within walking distance to your destination.
Top Attraction: The cats after the coffee are the best things here
Interesting Facts: Each cafe owner makes sure that the cafes are free from any cat odor and are very neat and clean.
Where To Stay: Dormy Inn Seoul, Shilla Stay Seocho, Ocloud Hotel, Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam Hotel and many more places that are luxurious.
Things to do: Read about the cats and some facts that most owners have put as information. Stroll in the nearby areas to enjoy the culture.
9. Seoul Alive Illusion Museum:
The visitors can witness 4D optical illusions here and feel every action being performed. Each picture tells a story and is almost alive, this experience is pleasant and jittery at the same time. Some pictures are thrilling too that allow you to experience everything with a worm’s eye view. Enjoy your time with kids and relive your childhood too!
Best Time to visit: It is open between 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
How to reach: A direct train departing from City Hall Station station can be taken. This arrives at Jonggak Station and departs every 30 minutes, every day. It is about 2 minutes from here.
Top Attraction: Check out the Dynamic Maze, Trickeye Museum Seoul, and enjoy your day.
Interesting Facts: There are more than 100 exhibits here that every visitor can enjoy
Where To Stay: ibis Styles, Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong, Fairfield by Marriott Seoul, Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun, and Nine Tree Hotel are som eof the places offering a lavish accommodation in the lap of luxury.
Things to do: You can create customized artworks through your body and facial expressions. Digital technology comes as a big aid in this. Also, watch Disney movies showcasing Frozen and Cinderella to relive your childhood.
10. Jongmyo Shrine:
When you plan to visit the highlights of Seoul, add the name of this World Heritage Site. A dedication to the deceased kings and queens of Korea, this royal Confucian Shrine is a must-visit. Here you can behold the traditions that were set in the 14th Century being relentlessly perpetuated. The reason why this place was chosen as the memorial site for the deceased was the fact that it was earlier used as place of worship by the kings and queens.
Best Time to visit: You can visit every day of the week between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It remains closed on Tuesday and timings change according to the season. Also, if you are particular about language and require a guide, you need to check with the locals to know the time for guidance in your preferred language.
How to reach: Reach and take a metro from Jongno3(sam)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 3, 5) and Exit 11 Take any bus numbered 111, 201, 260, 262, 270, 271, 721, N15, N62 or 9301 and get off at Jongno 4(sa)-ga to be at the Jongmyo Shrine Bus Stop.
Top Attraction: Jongno Jewelry Shopping Street and Jongno Catholic Church are the top attractions
Interesting Facts: The monument was declared as the oldest preserved royal Confucian shrine by UNESCO in the year 1995
Where To Stay: Hostel Korea, Makers Hotel, Hostel Tommy, Amiga Inn Seoul Hotel are some of the popular places to stay near the shrine.
Things to do: Hop around in the markets like the Kwangjang Market, Jongmyo Square Park, and the Ikseon-Dong Hanok Street
11. Cheonggyecheon Stream:
A stream amidst the city life is a retreat we all succumb to and look forward to. This stream defines shade and coolness on a warm sunny day. As a traveler with family including kids, you can also walk down the stream length and enjoy meandering along the path to check out nearby attractions too. The length of the stream is 10.9 Kilometers.
Best Time to visit: Although all through the day you can be here, if you are looking for a post-dinner romantic walk, then you will be mesmerized. The stream is all lit up enhancing the love in the air.
How to reach: You can take Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station and then exit 5. If you are planning to come from Seoul Subway, then Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station can be taken where you can take exit 4.
Top Attraction: While tramping your way along the stream, you will be allured with unicorn horn standing tall, along with the very informative Cheonggyecheon museum on the way are great places to visit.
Interesting Facts: This place was earlier a sewer during the Joseon Dynasty reign
Where To Stay: Best Western New Seoul Hotel, Step Inn Myeongdong, Art Travel Myeongdong, and the New Kukje Hotel are lavish places to splurge during your stay in Seoul
Things to do: While you are here you will feel mother nature around so just retreat. If you like action, you may witness the 20,000 wishes around the stream and also attend the Hi Seoul Festival.
12. Gyeongui Line Forest Park:
A green area in the city is gratifying and this forest park provides a green area that not just the tourists but also the locals enjoy each day. There is a lake within the park that makes the place a cool one. Enjoy the days and nights strolling around the park and soak up the great weather.
Best Time to visit: Although the park is open throughout the day, crowds begin to come here after 7:00 p.m. So if you wish to enjoy the nightlife, the best time would be to come after that.
How to reach: From the Hongik Subway Station, take exit number 3. Move into the right direction just outside the station and walk straight to be at your destination
Top Attraction: The parts of the park are themed which are a delight to observe.
Interesting Facts: The Gyeongui railway line is almost 100 years old and once ran where the Gyeongui Line Forest Park now sits.
Where To Stay: Daol Guesthouse, Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, Y’s house in Hongdae, Dabin Stay are some of the places to enjoy your stay at.
Things to do: Stroll around the greenery, and experience the nightlife people here enjoy. You may also plan a picnic here
13. Banpo Bridge:
This bridge is special as it is marked as the world’s longest bridge fountain connecting Seocho and Yongsan districts. You will enjoy the moonlit waters. Also, the place is eco-friendly as the water of the fountain drops back into the river maintaining its water level.
Best Time to visit: There are shows that begin on the bridge each day. On weekdays the shows begin at noon. The last show begins at 9:00 PM. On the weekends and other holidays, you can watch the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain at noon, and every half hour from 7:30 – 9:30 PM
How to reach: The nearest subway station at the bridge is the Express Bus Terminal Station. Take Exit 8-1 and then walk straight to the major cross junction with a flyover bridge.
Top Attraction: The moonlight is the top attraction of this bridge, so it is recommended that you visit the place towards the end of the day.
Interesting Facts: The bridge draws 190 tons of water every minute from the river.
Where To Stay: Itaewon Inn, Itaewon Crown Tourist Hotel, Xeromine Guesthouse, The Riverside Hotel
Things to do: Spend some time at the river Han while you enjoy the rainbow fountain bridge.
14. Gangnam:
A popular song by Psy made this place as famous as the song itself. Most travelers come here to get a picture clicked in front of the ‘Gangnam Style Statue’. The statue marks the success of the Korean Song and is now a very fascinating landmark for travelers.
Best Time to visit: Any time of the day and year is great to visit Gangnam.
How to reach: Take a subway to Samseoung Station. As soon as you come out, you will see COEX Mall and a pair of hands that are rather iconic.
Top Attraction: The large hands overlapped like the horse riding move is the only, but indeed a most fascinating thing to watch.
Interesting Facts: The place got its popularity after the single hit by singer PSY.
Where To Stay: Gangnam Style Residence, Gangnam Stay Tourist, Dormy Inn Seoul Gangnam are some places near the place where you enjoy your stay.
Things to do: Visit the COEX Mall, and enjoy the Kimchi Field Museum located nearby.
15. COEX Mall:
Shopping on your mind? Enter this underground mall and shop like never before. It houses not just shopping areas, big brands, but also convention centers, and exhibition halls. The mall has an area of about 154,000 square meters of which 144,000 are on a single underground floor.
Best Time to visit: The mall is open between 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
How to reach: Located on Starfield, you can take a subway to Samseoung Station. As soon as you come out, you will see the COEX Mall
Top Attraction: The Megabox Coex and the Department Store Coex are something you will be lured by
Interesting Facts: It is Asia’s largest underground mall
Where To Stay: InterContinental Seoul, Glad Gangnam COEX Center, ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Gangnam, Ramada Hotel Seoul are some of the luxurious places to stay
Things to do: Visit the Aquarium n COEX and allow your children to have some fun, You can explore K-POP at SM Town COEX Atrium and even enjoy the bookstore within the mall.
16. War Memorial of Korea:
The Military of any country and the soldiers are its pride and to commemorate the same, the War Memorial of Korea opened in 1994. The place was established on the former site of the army headquarters and is now a very popular site for travelers who admire history.
Best Time to visit: The place is open between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How to reach: Take the Subway Line 4 to the Samgakji Station and then exit 12 or take the Subway Line 1 to Namyeong Station and then exit 1.
Top Attraction: The six indoor exhibits, as well as an outdoor exhibitions center displaying military equipment and war memorabilia.
Interesting Facts: The 19 stainless steel soldiers are over seven feet tall and each soldier weighs nearly 1000 pounds
Where To Stay: Four Points by Sheraton Namsan, YaKorea Hostel, Itaewon Inn are some wonderful places to stay near this lovely place.
Things to do: After you are done visiting this place, enjoy the Seoul Pub Crawl and take the Zen Kimchi Korean Food Tours
17. Korean Buddhist Temple:
Mediation is the key to a cool mind and a healthy body. After a lot of travel, you are going to need this. It is very important to unwind and the best place to do so is at the Korean Buddhist Temple. One such temple is Jogyesa Temple where you will enjoy the day and the night as well.
Best Time to visit: Visit the temple and stay overnight there if you wish. The temple is open between 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
How to reach: Take Jonggak Station Line 1, Exit 2. From the exit walk straight for about 70 meters then cross the street. Then go 100 meters more to reach the road leading to the temple. You can also take Anguk Station Line 3, Exit 6
Top Attraction: The main attraction is the night stay at the temple where you experience calmness and a real sense of spirituality.
Interesting Facts: There are three enormous Buddha Statues and a spacious wooden hall
Where To Stay: Insta Hotel, Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun, Hostel Korea, and Aventree Hotel are some of the best places near the place.
Things to do: Watch the Beaksong and the Brahma Bell Pavilion. Enjoy the one pillar gate too
18. Dongdaemun:
If you are a shopaholic you will never cease to love this place. The busiest shopping complex that is open for 24 hours is a must-visit when in Seoul. It is the hub of raw material where numerous people from nearby boutiques source their raw material from. Enjoy the great pricing at this wholesale market and look ravishing.
Best Time to visit: Enjoy the market and the crowds at night. The weekends are bustling with people.
How to reach: Take the subway Line 2, 4, 5 to get to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station and then take exit 1.
Top Attraction: It is a gold mine for shoppers who prefer to be in vogue.
Interesting Facts: It is designed by a famous world architect called Zaha Hadid.
Where To Stay: Seoul N Hotel Dongdaemun, Golden City Hotel, Hostel Korea and Dongdaemun House are budgeted places to stay near the market.
Things to do: Reach the Ihwa Mural village and enjoy some cultural things there, along with the massive shopping that you will thoroughly enjoy.
19. Seshin (full body scrub) at a jjimjilbang (bathhouse):
A trip usually transforms you with new thoughts and sometimes a new body too. In Seoul, the thought and body transformation is possible after a Seshin and jjimjilbang session. Where jjimjilbang is a sauna bath, the seshin is the highlight here that will scrub your body and give it a new look
Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the day and year is perfect. Usually, as a traveler you can visit between 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How to reach: There are numerous places offering these beauty services, do check at the place where you are staying
Top Attraction: The scrub is perfect and exfoliates your body completely
Interesting Facts: The scrub is rather painful and you have to have some nerves to do it.
Where To Stay: From luxury to budgeted places, every place has its own set of facilities. Some of the suggestions are K-POP Hotel, Seoul Datbit DDP Guesthouse, Namsan Gil House,
Things to do: Just enjoy the hours’ session and return back as a completely rejuvenated person
20. Insa-Dong:
Get to the root of Korea, its art, food, and museum and the famous tea, that will take your heart away at this very beautiful and buzzing place. The heart of Korea and the cluster of tea houses is where you can end your day and talk your heart out with your friend or your companion traveler.
Best Time to visit: Weekends are the best time to visit the place, the place is open from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sundays
How to reach: Subway station to Ssamziegil Mall (Center of Insadong) is Anguk Station. You can get on the subway which is connected to Line 3 and then ride to Anguk Station. Thereafter leave the station from Exit 6 . A 5 minutes walk can lead you to the Insadong
Top Attraction: The tea houses, museums, and an array of shops are something you will enjoy here
Interesting Facts: This is one of the oldest markets in Korea
Where To Stay: ibis Ambassador Seoul, Hotel Kuretakeso Insadong, Orakai Insadong Suites, Nine Tree Premier Hotel are the hotels near the place
Things to do: Enjoy the tea house especially the Shin Old Tea House, you can also try and wear the Hanbok, and enjoy the Tapgol Park
The love for the city will only enhance as you alight your journey back. You will miss the tea houses and the cat cafes where you could have perhaps spent more time and enjoyed the long conversations. This is the heart of every traveler! But there is always room to come back and enjoy the springs under the cherry blossoms that are Seoul’s hallmark along with the winter skating on the icy grounds. Until you visit again!