30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL [KOREA GUIDE]

WHAT TO DO IN SEOUL? WHICH DISTRICTS ARE WORTH VISITING? WHERE SHOULD I STAY DURING MY TRIP TO SEOUL?

Welcome to Seoul, the dynamic and bustling capital of South Korea.

This vibrant city seamlessly blends rich history and culture with modernity and technological advancements.

From ancient palaces to bustling markets, and serene temples to lively neighborhoods, Seoul offers a wide array of experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests.

ALSO READ: 99 THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTH KOREA

Highlights of a Visit to Seoul

– Expect K-Pop, K-Drama, delicious food (with lots of kimchi), Soju (loads of it) and so much more. It is a fun city to discover! We lived there for 3 years and had the chance of being immersed in this amazing culture.
– The Korean capital is a fascinating blend of history and modernity, also blending the culture and values of the country. Seoul will surprise you even more when you think that it was completely wiped out after the devastating Korean War just a few decades ago.
– The largest city in South Korea has nothing but great things to offer.

Let’s start with some beautiful impressions of Seoul

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL?

1. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the best things to see in Seoul

Best things to see in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung palace

Like most palaces in Korea, their names are unpronounceable for non-Korean speakers. Well, try at least to remember Gyeongbokgung, as this is the main palace in Seoul. There are 5 main Royale Palaces in Seoul (more info here).

Gyeongbokgung Palace is truly stunning. This is probably what most tourists visit at first in Seoul. It is located in the center of the city, at the end of the main avenue (Gwanghwamun Square) where you will come across the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and of King Sejong, two famous figures in the history of South Korea.

As for the palace, it is gigantic and it will take you about 2 hours to visit.

The architecture of the buildings is just magnificent and they are all very well preserved. The palace was built in 1395 and it has been destroyed many times, notably by various Japanese invasions. Its name literally means “the palace of resplendent happiness”.

2. Visit Changdeokgung Palace and the secret garden, another beautiful place in Seoul

This is one of our favorite palaces in Seoul! It was also the favorite palace of many kings of Korea! Changdeokgung is a one of the main places in Seoul.

Surrounded by mountains and hills the site offers a beautiful harmony with nature. It was once a privileged resort for the kings and their subjects.

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE SECRET GARDEN

The main sight of Changdeokgung, is the Huwon Garden, also called Secret Garden. The Huwon Garden can be visited by booking in advance with a guide. Reservations can be made online or directly on-site (but be aware that it can be fully booked).

Additionally, you can enjoy a palace tour, titled ‘Changdeokgung by Moonlight’, during fall and spring from Donhwamun Gate. We highly recommend this tour by the way. It is absolutely magical to visit the temple at night. You can book a full guided tour in English here.

3. Head to the Namsan Tower for the best view of Seoul

Korea does not have many distinctive monuments such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore or the Pisa Tower in Rome. However, standing at 480m above sea level, the Namsan Tower has an observation deck at the very top for stunning 360 views of the city.

This is probably the most recognizable monument in Seoul. We wrote a full post here for more info.

You can access the park on a nice walk through Namsan Park. You can start from the Grand Hyatt, a majestic hotel located at the bottom of the park.

If you want to experience something even more fun, we recommend that you take the cable car which makes it a fun activity and it’s an unusual way to see the city.

Here is our local tip

Head there just before sunset to catch one of the best sunset lookouts in the city! Truly breathtaking. At night the vista is even more impressive with the millions of lights around the city. It’s a romantic area, which is really worth a visit.

4. Wander in Insadong, one of the most traditional neighborhoods in Seoul

Insadong is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Seoul, South Korea. If you travel to Seoul, visiting Insadong is a must.

Immerse yourself in the traditional charm of Insadong, a neighborhood renowned for its cultural heritage and artistic atmosphere.

Stroll along the main street, lined with galleries, antique shops, and traditional teahouses.

Browse through an array of Korean handicrafts, calligraphy brushes, and traditional artwork at the street market. Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony or savor authentic Korean cuisine at one of the traditional restaurants.

Insa-dong (인사동), located in the middle of the city of Seoul, is an important place where old traditional and precious objects are exposed. The district is composed of a main street, Insadong-gil, which connects many alleys with Hanok (traditional Korean houses), where many galleries, restaurants, cafes, and traditional tea rooms are located.

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR A VISIT OF INSADONG IN SEOUL

5. Stroll in Ikseon-Dong, the cutest area of Seoul

Ikseon-Dong (not to be confused with Insadong) is a district slightly east of Insadong.

It’s a neighborhood with the cutest little alleys with many Hanoks, trendy boutiques, amazing cafes, and great restaurants. Some call Ikseon-Dong the hipster place of Seoul. It is certainly one of the trendiest and most up-and-coming neighborhoods in Seoul. We simply love it!

Ikseon-dong is becoming a trendy hangout for locals. You will feel back in the 1920s while walking down the narrow alleys. There the Hanoks have been revamped to become trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants. This should be on your to-do list while in Seoul (Trust us, this is our best local tip).

Visiting Ikseon-dong is one of the best things to see in Seoul. Don’t miss it!

READ: VISIT IKSEON DONG THE CUTEST NEIGHBOURHOOD IN SEOUL

6. Party hard in Itaewon, the best nightlife in Seoul

It is well known, Koreans like to drink and like to drink a lot! Korea is the country where people drink the most in Asia.

In Seoul and especially Itaewon, you can enjoy the ultimate nightlife experience and dance until sunrise as most bars stay open till late.

So head to Itaweon at night, and go with the flow. You may try the Korean local alcohol; Soju (which tastes a bit like vodka but much lighter).

Itaewon is the neighborhood where you will see most foreigners. It is also well known for restaurants from all over the world and shopping.

A trip to Itaewon at night is one of the best things to do in Seoul! Put it on the bucket list of the best things to do in Seoul!

READ ALSO: BEST IDEAS FOR A DATE IN SEOUL

7. Hike the Bukhansan National Park, the most beautiful mountains in Seoul

After partying in the city, take some fresh air at the Bukhansan National Park. It is located in the northern part of Seoul. It is a real hiker paradise with many trails.

The changing seasons make the surrounding nature even more beautiful and constantly changing.

With a large majority of the South Korean landscape being mountainous, it is not surprising that rock climbing is an extremely popular sport for Koreans.

While the most famous peaks and mountain ranges lie outside of Seoul (such as Seoraksan), the capital has Bukhansan (or “Mount Bukhan”) which is the highest peak in Seoul, reaching 836.5 meters above sea level. It is a difficult but rewarding climb.

The breathtaking views of Seoul and the surrounding area are an experience in itself. Beyond the superb panorama, it is an opportunity to meet very friendly Koreans on the roads and share a snack with them along the paths. Remember to take lots of water and put on your hiking shoes.

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR HIKING AT THE BUKHANSAN NATIONAL PARK

8. Shop crazy in Myeongdong, the best shopping area in Seoul

The first time we went to Myeongdong, it was at night and we were truly amazed by literally everything:

Millions of lights everywhere, loud music, hundreds of shops, tall buildings, and great street food. We were not disappointed with our first experience in Myeongdong. It’s a shopping paradise for fashion and beauty, where you will find most of the brands you are looking for.

Visiting Myeongdong is one of the best things to see in Seoul!

Going there at night is even more fun, with all the street food vendors, loud music, and thousands of people wandering through the streets of Myeongdong. A unique experience, which we put as the top 10 things to do in Seoul.

Read more about Myeongdong in this guide.

9. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village, the most traditional part of Seoul

Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional district in Seoul where many old Korean-style houses (Hanoks) have been renovated. You can even sleep in one of the traditional houses, for an amazing Korean experience like the stunning Bonum 1957 Hanok and Boutique.

Bukchon Hanok Village is also a place where visitors dress in traditional clothes (Hanbok) to tour the neighborhood. It reminded us a bit of Kyoto’s Gion district with travelers dressed in kimono. A visit to Bukchon is was really exceptional and one of the best things to do in Seoul!

After visiting head to Samcheong-dong a charming neighborhood at the bottom of Bukchon Village, with plenty of unique shops and great restaurants. The area is very arty, with great cafes and a good vibe overall.

Bukchon Hanok Village is located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, hence you can combine your visit in 1 day, all within walking distance.

10. Relax at Cheonggyecheon stream and visit Gwanghwamun Square

Cheonggyecheon is a long water stream that runs through the city. The stream offers a peaceful oasis in Seoul.

It is nice to walk along the stream during the day or at night. Usually, there are many events with light shows and markets during the year. This offers a great and relaxing break from the busy city.

At the end of the stream, you can directly walk to Gangwhahmun Square, which is one of the main avenues located at the heart of Seoul.

You will see two very big statues. 1 of King Sejong, the most respected king of the Joseon Dynasty and inventor of the Hangeul (Korean alphabet). The 2nd statue is Admiral Yi Sun-shin, a naval commander who won many battles against the Japanese navy during the Japanese war in the 16th century.

Both are key figures of Korean history.

11. Enjoy some Korean street food at Gwangjang market, the liveliest market in Seoul

Built at the very beginning of the 20th century, the traditional Gwangjang market has around 5,000 independent shops and boutiques selling everything, including high-quality hanboks (traditional Korean costumes). You can get lost in the labyrinth of shops and alleys.

At the market, you can taste many local specialties such as bindaeddeok, a kind of savory pancake. Enjoy this with makgeolli , a rice alcohol drink. Everything is very authentic there and the atmosphere is really unique!

Don’t try to resist, just sit in one of the many little hawkers and pick what you want to eat directly from the stand. This is a unique experience that will immerse you a bit more in the fascinating culture of this country.

Visit Gwangjang market is one of the best things to do in Seoul!

12. Go on a cruise on the Han River in the heart of Seoul

One of the best ways to enjoy the famous Hangang River “Han River” is to cruise it and enjoy the scenic views and fresh air.

There are about seven different piers to embark on and these cruises have different themes.

During the cruise, you can admire many iconic landmarks, such as the N Seoul Tower, and famous tourist attractions such as Jeoldusan Park and the 63 City Building.

We recommend joining the cruise at night, as this is when the city is even more magical.

>> CHECK OUT THE AVAILABILITY HERE <<

13. Visit the Namsangol Hanok Village, to step in Seoul’s past!

Namsangol Hanok village is located in the north side of Namsan in Seoul. It is the perfect place to discover more about the history of the Joseon period. Namsangol is famous for its preservation of Hanoks. These are traditional Korean houses.

Five of these Hanoks in Namsangol were located in separate villages and then later brought back together to form the Namsangol in 1998. The objective was to develop the Namsangol Hanok village as a cultural garden in the middle of Seoul.

It shows the lifestyles of Koreans in ancient times from farmers to kings.

Hanok houses are a source of fascination for all tourists who visit South Korea. At least for us, we found the architecture so beautiful and couldn’t wait to visit more of these Hanoks when we arrived in Seoul. With their wooden construction, underfloor heating system, historic furniture, and beautiful fireplaces, they are simply exceptional.

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING NAMSANGOL IN SEOUL

14. Visit the modern Gangnam area, the birthplace of Gangnam style!

Gangnam is located south of the Han River. Gangnam is considered one of the richest and the most hype districts of Seoul. There are many things to do in Gangnam but one of the principal activities is to go shopping. If you don’t feel like going to a mall, head to Garosu-gil aka the K-Pop Road.

Head to the Gangnam Station area to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city. Near exit 5 is a tribute to ‘Gangnam Style’ by PSY, the most popular song in the world.

Here, tourists and locals can dance the Gangnam style and record themselves A must-see if you are in Gangnam and one of the best things to see in Seoul!

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR A VISIT TO GANGNAM IN SEOUL

YOU CAN ALSO VISIT BONGEUNSA TEMPLE IN GANGNAM

If shopping or singing Gangnam style is not your thing, head to Bongeunsa Buddhist temple. This temple contrasts the modern district of Gangnam.

Bongeunsa temple is also a symbol of Seoul because it mixes both the traditional side of Buddhism and buildings, with that of modernity, near the tall buildings of Gangnam.

It includes a large Buddha statue which is reflected on the ground, as well as pretty views of Seoul due to its hillside location.

15. Hangout in Hongdae, the student district of Seoul

Hongdae is known for being the student district and one of the best party areas in Seoul. It has a unique atmosphere in the Korean capital. Between arts and street food, bars, discos, music, and original museums, the visit of this picturesque place reveals a dynamic and alternative culture. It is therefore a must-see when you visit Seoul.

Hongdae is the most famous of all of Seoul’s student districts, and it’s hard to overlook it. It is located at the junction of three major universities: Hongik, Yonsei, and Ehwa.

At night you should come and enjoy its festive and lively atmosphere. In short, there is always something going on in Hongdae. If you’re curious, this is where you can take the pulse of Seoul’s youth.

We absolutely love Hongdae. This is one of our favorite districts in Seoul! We even lived there for a while. If you are moving to Seoul, check out the best neighborhoods to live.

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING HONGDAE

16. Visit Ihwa Mural Village, a unique place in Seoul

Things to do in Seoul: Ihwa Mural Village

Ihwa Mural Village is a unique place in Seoul, completely devoted to Street Art. The walls of Ihwa village have been completely taken over by artists over the years.

Street Art in Seoul is filled with joy and color. Everything is fresh, delicate and so cute, a real pleasure for the eyes. And we must admit that despite the dozens of visitors who roam the place, we would love to live in such a cute neighborhood.

Ihwa is actually a village that was meant to disappear. But a project implemented at the instigation of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism changed the destiny of this place.

The “Ihwa-dong Naksan Project” began in 2006 and took place over approximately 6 months. More than 70 artists have made their contribution and have thus created unique, varied works of all kinds: paintings, sculptures, installations, etc.

Artists who were supported by some locals as well as university students who volunteered. They decided to rehabilitate this place to an art place and encourage visitors to come and discover this almost abandoned place before that.

READ: CHECK OUR IHWA MURAL VILLAGE, ONE OF THE BEST THINGS TO SEE IN SEOUL

17. Visit Namdaemun the largest market in Seoul

Namdaemun is Korea’s largest and oldest market. It is a fantastic place to discover in Seoul.

A visit to Namdaemun is a must while in South Korea. It is considered a National Treasure.

Covering more than 66 hectares and with more than 10,000 stores and stalls, Namdaemun Market plays an important role in determining Seoul’s consumer price.

Namdaemun Market handles more than 1,700 different types of goods, including everyday consumer goods such as clothing, kitchenware, stationeries, flowers, accessories, food, seafood, and agricultural products as well as household items. folk art, local products, and imported goods. It is said in Seoul, “There is nothing you cannot find in Namdaemun”.

If you are visiting Seoul, Namdaemun is a great place to buy souvenirs. It is also a great place to eat delicious Korean traditional food.

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING NAMDAEMUN MARKET IN SEOUL

18. Changgyeonggung Palace our favorite one in Seoul

Changgyeonggung is our favorite palace in Seoul. It is located in Jongno-gu district, in the heart of Seoul. Changgyeonggung is known to hold the oldest throne room in Korea.

Seoul has 5 Grand Palaces. To know more about them, you can check out our post here.

Changgyeonggung is not as important as the main Palace: Gyeongbokgung Palace. However, we always enjoyed visiting Changgyeonggung each season, as for us it is the most charming one and has a beautiful garden. It is also the very first palace we visited when moving to South Korea.

Changgyeonggung is different to the others as there is a big a space devoted to the daily life of the family which is much larger than the space devoted to political affairs.

The site thus contains many more personal stories about the royal family, love and hatred between the king and the prince or even the tensions between the queen and the servants of the court.

READ: ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR A VISIT TO CHANGGYEONGGUNG IN SEOUL

19. Deoksugung Palace, the most modern one

Deoksugung is one of five royal palaces located in Seoul. Its name can be translated as the palace of virtuous longevity.

One of the specifics of Deoksugung Palace is that it is the only royal Palace housing both buildings in the traditional Korean style but also buildings in Western architecture.

As Deoksugung Palace stays open until 9 pm, it is best to visit the Palace at night. At least we enjoyed it much more with all the beautiful lights inside the palace and surrounded by the city lights from the surrounding skyscrapers of Seoul. The contrasts of both make it a unique sight.

READ: DISCOVER DEOKSUGUNG IN SEOUL

20. Visit Seoul – DDP Center (Dongdaemun Design Plaza), the most futuristic place in Seoul!

DDP are the initials of Dongdaemun Design Plaza which is a truly amazing building.

It was designed by Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid who is a very big name in architecture. She sadly died in 2016.

The DDP was built in 2014 and quickly became one of the symbols of the city of Seoul. It is now more and more visited by tourists who discover the urban and futuristic side of the city of Seoul.

The best time to visit the DDP is probably late afternoon to see the lights on. As for the interior, it matches the exterior aspect of the building with all-white hallways and staircases with surreal shapes and without pillars! A true work of art.

As for the types of stores you will find there, there are restaurants, clothing stores with many independent designer brands and a lot of other things. In a nutshell, go ahead, you will love it. For us, the DDP is one of the best things to see in Seoul!

21. Shop Till You Drop at Dongdaemun Market

Calling all shopaholics! Dongdaemun Market, a shopping mecca that never sleeps, awaits you.

This sprawling complex houses a plethora of shopping malls, department stores, and wholesale markets.

Explore the trendy fashion boutiques, browse through the latest K-pop merchandise, and hunt for bargains at the wholesale markets.

The shops are located all around Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

22. Go to the top of the tallest Tower in Seoul: Lotte Tower

This skyscraper is quite simply the tallest in the city but also in the country. The Lotte Tower is one of the 10 tallest buildings in the world with a height of 555 meters. The building is also called Lotte World Tower. Book online to skip the queue (here).

Since its opening in 2017, it has been possible to go to the Lotte Tower Observatory to enjoy the impressive panorama over the entire city.

The skyscraper is located in the south-east of the city. It’s a great spot during sunset with the Han River, the city but also the surrounding mountains. Make sure to visit the Sky Bar at the top!

23. Unwind at one of the many beautiful parks in Seoul

Seoul is an urban jungle. Concrete, homes, shops and skyscrapers are stretched out over an area of approximately 605 km2.

Yet in the midst of this ocean of buildings and vehicles hide some unexpected pieces of gorgeous nature: parks scattered across the city.

Whether they are tucked away in the bend of a street, perched on top of a mountain, or along the Han River, each offers its share of activities and secrets to discover.

Here are the 10 best parks in Seoul:

NAMSAN PARK
YEOUIDO PARK
TTUKSEOM PARK
SEOUL FOREST
HANEUL PARK
ICHON HANGANG PARK
OLYMPIC PARK
GYEONGCHUN LINE FOREST PARK
BANPO PARK
YONGSAN FAMILY PARK

24. Spend the night in a temple

The templestay program allows you to stay in a Buddhist temple in South Korea, for one night or more. This experience is clearly one of our favorites in the country. More information here. Here are some of our recommended temples:

Gilsangsa Temple in Seoul

You can spend 24 hours (or more) living with the temple monks and most importantly, to the rhythm of the temple. This would certainly be one of your most memorable experiences in South Korea. In the heart of Seoul, Gilsangsa Temple is in the perfect location for a convenient stay during your trip to Seoul. You can stay in the city and still experience the temple way of life.

Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul

Bongeunsa is another famous temple in Seoul. This temple located in the middle of the city, contrasts magically with the modernity of Seoul. We highly recommend a stay there too.

To learn more about Templestay in South Korea, you can visit the Templestay website here.

25. Go on a day trip to the DMZ

If you want to see North Korea up close, join a day tour at the DMZ. The 235-kilometer demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates the two countries has become a tourist attraction, especially as this No Man’s Land has been colonized by flora and fauna of great interest.

It is however only possible to access it by an organized excursion, which will take you to visit the key points along the area.

From the observatories, you may have the chance to observe deer, which take advantage of this natural environment.

There is also a more comprehensive tour, which includes the UN-managed JSA (Joint Security Area) which takes you inside the area. You can get there by bus from Seoul, it’s a full day trip.

You can book directly here.

26. Visit the biggest fish market in Seoul: Noryangjin

The incredible Noryangjin Fish Market is not only the biggest fish market in Seoul but certainly one of the oldest covered markets in South Korea! Indeed, it has existed since 1927.

The atmosphere of Noryangjin Market is quite special. Here you can discover hundreds of different fishes!

You can find other types of seafood such as octopus, clams, rays, anchovies, blue crab, mussels, shrimp, sea cucumbers… More than 830 species in fact!

Another particularity of this market which brings together several thousand tourists each year. You can buy your food from a merchant and go directly to a restaurant in the Noryangin Market, upstairs. They will grill it for you with rice or prepare it in sashimi…

It’s a fantastic experience in Seoul not to be missed!

Location: here

27. Explore Suwon with its amazing fortress just outside Seoul

Suwon is the capital of Gyeonggi province. The city is very close to Seoul, about thirty kilometers to the south. In addition, it is very easy to get there by public transport: less than an hour by metro by taking line 1.

Suwon is best known for the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But there are several other places to see in the city including the royal tombs of Yungneung and Geolleung. You can also take wonderful walks on the city walls.

Spending more than a day here is better for getting a good feel of the city.

28. Enjoy a trip to the famous Nami Island not far from Seoul

Name island is a small and charming island near Seoul.

Nami became famous thanks to a drama, released in the early 2000s, part of it was filmed on the island.

Following the success of the show, the island became a popular destination for drama fans who still travel to this day from all over the world. There is also a dedicated trail for fans where they can retrace the highlights of the drama.

However, for nature lovers, Nami Island is the perfect escape from Seoul (more info on the best day trips from Seoul here)

Nami is especially a magical place in the fall, whose blazing trees offer a colorful spectacle. We loved the field of red, pink and orange maples. As is the golden yellow ginko alley.

29. Relax at a Korean sauna, Jjimjilbang

These famous Korean saunas can be found on almost every street corner. They are usually very cheap (KRW 5,000 to KRW 10,000 per day). These saunas called jjimjilbang, are open 24/7 every day. At night people are even sleeping there.

What you should know is that in addition to saunas and hammams, many services are also offered within the Jjimjilbang: oxygen cellar, cold room, caldarium, and other rooms with different themes such as lounges for sleeping, TV room, gym, computer room and video games, etc.

The two most famous Jjimjilbang in Seoul are the Dragon Hill Spa and Siloam. We also recommend Aquafield in Starfiled Hannam-Dong, for a more modern setup. Check out their website here.

READ: FUN THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL DURING WEEKENDS

30. Visit one of the many museums in Seoul

Seoul is full of interesting museums! Whether you like art, history or science, there is something for everyone in the Korean capital.

From the history of Korea, which is so rich, to modern art and even a museum on Kimchi! Here are the top 7 museums in Seoul that we deemed unmissable:

The Korean War Memorial: It is certainly one of the most touching museums in Seoul. It immerses us in the history of the war between the two Koreas which began in 1950. (website)
Seoul History Museum: Located a few minutes from Gwanghuamun Square, there are temporary exhibitions that are also worth seeing. Discover the history of Seoul for free as well as a nice model of the city. (website)
The National Palace Museum of Korea: Accessible from Gyeongbokgung Palace, this museum reveals a historical part of Korea, that of the Joseon period. Drop by when you visit the palace, it is right at the entrance.
The Kimchi Museum: How can you come to Korea without eating Kimchi, Korea’s national dish? From storage jars to various video documentaries and even Kimchi samples, you’ll know everything about Kimchi! The museum is located in Insadong. (website)
The National Museum of Korea: this museum has many historical treasures dating back to prehistoric times. It is the largest museum in Korea! (website)
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: One of our favorite museums! If you want to get acquainted with contemporary Korean and international artists, this is definitely the place to visit! (website)
LEEUM Museum of Art: this is our #1 Museum in Korea. If you like modern art, this one will really impress you! (website)

WHERE TO STAY IN SEOUL?

his question torments many tourists looking for a comfortable and well-located hotel in the Korean capital. And it is not so easy to answer, because Seoul is so vast and visitors’s tastes can be so different.

For instance, Gangnam is nothing like Bukchon, and the vitality of Myeongdong contrasts with the relative calm of the banks of the Han River…

WE RECOMMEND STAYING IN JONGNO DISTRICT

To make it convenient during your stay in Seoul, we highly recommend that you choose a place in Jongno.

Jongno is the district that represents the historic center of Seoul and the Capital of the Joseon dynasty for more than 600 years, it shelters three of the five royal palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung).

It’s a bit like Seoul’s postcard, where you can admire the imposing statue of Admiral Lee Sun-Shin against the backdrop of Gyeongbok Palace and Bukhansan Mountain in the background. A place where political history continues to play out, since it is also here that Cheongwadae was built, the Blue House (today the main residence of the Korean President).

Insadong, the main pedestrian street in Jongno, is the ideal place to find local craft shops, antique dealers, and even ceramicists. The Ssamzie- shopping center, the O’Sulloc tea house as well as the numerous cafes and art galleries give a more contemporary atmosphere to this tourist spot.

A little further, the Jogyesa Buddhist temple and the Jongmyo shrine in the east will fulfill your search for spirituality.

BEST HOTELS IN JONGNO

1. Bukchon Bonum 1957 Hanok Hotel for a unique experience in a Hanok (Korean traditional wooden house) with a garden. All rooms have heated floor and comes with traditional bedding. You will also have your private bathroom and a breakfast is served daily. It is a beautiful place which we highly recommend for your stay in Seoul. Book here.

2. Four Seasons: if you are not on a budget, then Four Season is a stunning hotel located right at Gwanghwamun Plaza, which makes it a perfect starting point for all your sightseeing. With many different cuisines, a sauna, state of the state-of-the-art gym, Four Seasons is a beautiful place to stay. You can book here.

3. Aloft Seoul Myeongdong: At Aloft Seoul, you will be located at the heart of Seoul in the shopping district of Myeongdong. The hotel is modern and serves a yummy breakfast. If shopping is your thing, then don’t wait any longer, book your stay here.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP TO SEOUL

1. Getting your flight ticket

To get there you can opt for various airlines. However, we highly recommend Korean Air or Asiana Airlines as they offer outstanding service and good value for money. If you want to compare different flights and get the best deals, click here.

Note that there are 2 airports in Seoul. The main international hub is Incheon Airport (Incheon is actually a city close to the capital). The second airport, Gimpo International Airport, is used more for domestic flights although there are international flights arriving/departing from this airport. Both are served by train/bus.

2. Visa requirements

Visa for Korea is not necessary for most countries to stay 90 days (more info here). During your flight, you will be given 2 forms to fill out (one for immigration and one for customs). The passage through immigration/customs depends on traffic at the airport but is generally fast.

If you don’t get the forms on the plane, don’t panic, you can get them at the airport, just before going through immigration. Whether at Seoul International Airport or elsewhere at the country’s international airports.

3. Renting a car in Korea

Renting a car as a foreigner can be very complicated in Korea. That’s why we highly recommend booking with Trazy here, for the best rate and specialized for foreigners.

4. Get a Sim Card or eSim Card

We highly recommend getting a sim card to connect to the internet when visiting Seoul. This would be much easier when navigating through the city than having to translate things with Google Translate. You can buy very cheap sim card here.

5. What to book in advance?

Apart from your hotel of course, we recommend booking for certain activities ahead of time, as it can get very busy.

Reservation for the visit of the DMZ. This is a great activity in Seoul, however, it requires that you book in advance. You can do so here.

Book your Lotte Tower Observatory ticket here. It is the tallest skyscraper and the view of the city is impressive

BEST TIME TO VISIT SEOUL?

The best time to visit Seoul and South Korea are April, May, June, September, October, and early November.

Spring and autumn are the two best seasons to go to Seoul and South Korea.

The summer can be extremely hot and unpleasant to explore the city in such heat. In Winter it gets very cold in Seoul, as the city is frosted by Siberian winds!

READ MORE: THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SOUTH KOREA

IN CONCLUSION ABOUT THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL

Best Things to do in Seoul: 5 Grand Palaces

Seoul, with its harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, offers a captivating journey filled with rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, delectable cuisine, and cutting-edge technology.

Whether you find yourself immersed in the grandeur of palaces, navigating the bustling markets, or exploring the city’s natural beauty, Seoul promises an unforgettable experience.

We lived in Seoul for more than 3 years and kept on discovering new places! In just a few days you won’t be able to cover everything but you will get a glimpse of how exciting is this city!

We wrote many posts about Seoul and South Korea in general. You can find them all here

If you have any questions about your trip to Seoul, drop a comment below, we usually answer within 1 day.