Things to do in Seoul may not be the same things to do in Paris or New York. Seoul is a city of eating and shopping to be sure. But it is also a city of palaces, living history, and strange obsessions with animal cafes (meerkats anyone?). The city is a MICE destinations with global meetings taking advantage of Seoul’s plethora of business hotels and its gleaming convention center. It is a city of monks who still practice in Buddhist retreats around the city. And Seoul is a young city with plenty of energy that comes out in street shows, street art, crowded night markets, a global K-pop music tsunami and award-winning films (Squid Game anyone?)
So here is a tight compendium of things to do in Seoul, and then some…
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Of all the attractions and things to do in Seoul, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is the oldest and most well-known. The royal family’s main house was this palace, which was constructed in the fourteenth century. The complex is spectacular, towering over Gwanghwamun Square and framed by the mountains to the north.
Gyeongbokgung is also the largest and most lavish of the palaces, giving visitors plenty of halls to explore, a museum, and fantastic photo possibilities. The ceremonial of the changing of the guard can also be seen by visitors in the central courtyard.
Hours of operation are 9 AM to 5 PM, with Tuesdays off. Admission is $2.30 for adults (3,000 won), or free for those who are 65 or older or under the age of 18. Note: One hour prior to closing, entrance is closed. Hanbok rentals can range in price from $15 to $30.
Photo: IlenePerlman.com
Bukchon Hanok Village: Things to do in Seoul
The town has a close connection to the palaces nearby since during the Joseon Dynasty, aristocracy and high-ranking officials formerly lived there. A 600-year-old Korean village with meandering passageways and hanok, traditional homes, may be seen in Bukchon Hanok.
Additionally visitors can meander the passageways and even take a free tour of a hanok in this popular tourist destination in Seoul. The village is a wonderful location for taking pictures of stunning buildings and experiencing traditional Korean culture. Visitors can visit teahouses, cultural centers, and museums while on a free walking tour.
Changdeokgung Palace: Things to do in Seoul
The Changdeokgung Palace is another striking Seoul site and a must for things to do in Seoul. Changdeokgung, a haven buried in the modernism of Seoul, was created to incorporate nature into the elaborate palace grounds. This structure, which was surrounded by streams, trees, and flowers, served as the royal residence of Joseon from the 17th to the 19th century.
The palace, known for its Huwon, or Secret Garden, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the garden, which is on a separate, timed tour ticket, visitors should get there early to avoid crowds, particularly during the spring or fall leaf seasons.
Daily hours are 9 AM to 5:30 PM, with Mondays off. Hidden Garden hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM; closed on Mondays. Especially general entrance is $2.30 per adult (3,000 won), while the Secret Garden tour costs $6 per adult (8,000 won). Note: The 1.5-hour Secret Garden tour can be accessed through the “T-Money” transportation card. Visitors can bypass the line and enter the palaces as if boarding a subway ride.
Myeong-Dong Street
The ultra-modern side of Seoul can be experienced in a dizzying fashion by strolling down Myeong-Dong Shopping Street. Travelers are guided through this renowned shopping center by bright advertisements and neon. The pedestrianized area is a must for things to do in Seoul as it is replete with shops, department stores, restaurants, and street food vendors where shoppers can discover upscale stores as well as local and foreign brands. Myeong-Dong Street is also a major tourist hub with lodgings, money exchange offices, and visitor information centers.
N Seoul Tower
The N Seoul Tower brings breathtaking views of Seoul. On top of Nam Mountain, south of the Old City, the 775-foot-tall local monument towers above the city and pans all vantages. Comparatively visitors can take an elevator to the top floors for the observation deck’s jaw-dropping sights or the revolving restaurant’s lunch with views. The tower is surrounded by Namsam Park for views of the tower from below. Hanbok rental shops within the tower allow for an instagrammable hour of dress-up with views.
Afterward hours of operation are 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM; weekends and holidays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Admission is $12 for adults (16,000 won), $9 for youth (3–12) and seniors (65+), and $12 for students (under 18).
Korean National Museum: Things to do in Seoul
The National Museum of Korea should be high on the things to do in Seoul list for its history and comprehensive cultural immersions. Altogether On three floors, the main Korean Museum of Art and History houses more than 4,000 artworks. Prehistoric antiquities, delicate paintings and calligraphy, and Buddhist sculptures and crafts are all on display in the exhibitions. The museum also showcases some of Korea’s National Treasures, such as a ten-story pagoda, a bronze Bodhisattva from the seventh century, and a golden crown from the fifth. Daily hours are 10 AM to 6 PM; on Wednesdays and Saturdays, they are 10 AM. to 9 PM. There is no admission charge.
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang, one of Seoul’s oldest and most well-established marketplaces, with over 5,000 businesses and draws some 65,000 tourists and locals each day. The market offers an unending variety of goods for browsers, including fruits, seafood, baked goods, apparel, souvenirs, and clothing. As one of the more enjoyable things to do in Seoul, amblers can punctuate their shopping venture by dining at restaurants or street booths on traditional Korean food. Daily market hours are 9 AM to 11 PM.
Photo: Ilene Perlman.com
Seoul Food
In Seoul, there are countless places to dine. Tourists can sample a fascinating variety of fresh and intriguing Korean cuisine in what could be considered culinary wonderland. Eating well is one of the top things to do in Seoul and it is very affordable. In addition, most Korean food establishments serve free-flowing side dishes like spicy kimchi.
Moreover try grilled meats, noodles, and fried vegetables from street sellers, marketplaces, and tented street restaurants – these are the best ways to discover new sensations in Seoul. Finally Don’t miss trying the feast that is the traditional Korean barbeque. Other faves: Bibimbap, bulgogi, and Korean fried chicken are some additional traditional Korean dishes to sample in Seoul.
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