Seoul – South Korea’s Bustling Capital

Seoul is the largest and most populous city in South Korea. The wider Seoul metropolitan area is home to more than half of the country’s population. With so many people, and with a history going back thousands of years, there is a lot to see and do in Seoul. In South Korea’s capital there is something for everyone – historic palaces, shrines and temples, modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, amusement parks and hiking, and of course delicious food, whether from high end restaurants or traditional street markets. Seoul is a must visit destination for any trip to South Korea.

If you will be in Seoul for a longer trip, then it’s also worth checking out the nearby cities of Suwon and Paju.

Things to do in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the main tourist sites in Seoul. This royal palace was constructed in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty, and remains the largest palace in South Korea to this day.

The palace has lots to see, including multiple gates, pavilions, and the throne hall, Geunjeongjeon. One of the highlights for me is the Hyangwonjeong pavilion which is beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond on a sunny day.

Entrance to the palace is only 3,000 won, and you can easily spend half a day exploring the palace. If you opt to wear the traditional hanbok you will get free entry.

Gwanghwamun Square

Gwanghwamun Square is a large public square located in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The main feature of the square is the statue of King Sejong, the king credited with the creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. Located nearby is also a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, famed admiral of the Korean-Japanese Imjin War.

Also located in the square is the US embassy and the National museum of Korean Contemporary History.

The Blue House (Cheongwadae)

The Blue House is the former presidential residence of South Korea. It stopped serving this purpose in 2022 and is now open as a public park. The residence is open for free viewing, so you can walk around inside and take a look around this large house. Remember to bring your passport for visiting this one as foreigners are required to show it at the entrance.

I also recommend climbing the small hill behind the Blue House. From this vantage point you get a great view over Seoul.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional village with lots of houses dating back to the Joseon dynasty. Many of them now serve as guesthouses, restaurants and shops. In this area you’ll see lots of people wearing the traditional hanbok of Korea to take photos, and the most popular photo spots are always crowded.

Starting in November 2024, the Bukchon Hanok Village introduced a curfew on visitors to curb overtourism. Between the hours of 5pm to 10am visitors will not be able to enter the most popular areas of the village, so plan your visit accordingly.

Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace is another royal palace in Seoul. This palace was built by King Sejong in the mid-15th century for his father, King Taejong. The palace is similar to Gyeongbokgung Palace with many gates and pavilions to see. If your time in Seoul is limited I would recommend visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace instead, but if you have longer in Seoul or it’s not your first time in the city then you should also check out Changgyeonggung Palace.

Jongmyo Shrine

The main hall at Jongmyo Shrine.

Jongmyo Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Jongmyo is a Confucian royal shrine where royal ancestral tablets of dead kings and queens are enshrined. Sacrificial rites are still performed for them to this day. The shrine is the oldest royal Confucian shrine that has been preserved.

A pond at Jongmyo Shrine.

You can wander round the gardens to see the halls of the shrine and learn the history of this site. There is a pathway for the spirits that runs from the main gate where guests are encouraged not to walk.

The path of the spirits at Jongmyo Shrine.

There are two large halls that form the shrine. The smaller one is Yeongnyeongjeon Hall on the west side, and the larger main hall, called Jeongjeon to the east. These large halls are impressive, and rituals still take place there to this day.

The smaller Yeongnyeongjeon Hall at Jongmyo Shrine.

War memorial of Korea

The War Memorial of Korea is a museum housing exhibits related to the Korea War. On display are various weapons and equipment used by Korea during the war. There are also memorials to the soldiers and people killed during the war.

Although mainly focusing on the Korean War, the museum also has exhibits for wars dating further back in Korean history. One prominent example is a turtle ship on display.

The exhibits continue to the grounds around the museum where you can find large weapons including tanks, fighter jets and missiles from the Korean War.

DMZ

The DMZ, or demilitarised zone, marks the boundary between North and South Korea, who are still technically at war. You can take a trip to this border area which is one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world. Due to the nature of this area, the only way to access it is by organised tour. You can book a DMZ tour here.

The tour picks you up from Seoul and takes you to Imjingak Park first. Here you can see the Bridge of Freedom as well as a train that used to run between the two Koreas. Also present is a statue commemorating the comfort women – women used by Japan as prostitutes during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the first half of the 20th century. Your tour guide will explain the history of the site and depending on your tour package you may ride the gondola across the river.

After Imjingak Park you’ll cross the fortified Unification Bridge and head into the DMZ proper. On the bridge your tour bus will be stopped and soldiers will board to check everyone’s identity. Bringing your passport is absolutely necessary. Failure to do so will result in the tour being cancelled for everyone.

When you cross the bridge an eerie silence will descend. There are very few people in the area and no vehicles on the road. During my trip into the DMZ we were the only bus on the road, and the only other vehicles we saw were military transportation.

The next stop is the Dora Observatory. This is where you’ll get the best view into North Korea. On the roof there are binoculars where you can look across to the only village located in the DMZ on the North Korean side. Some people on my tour were able to see a North Korean cycling along the road. It feels like treating the North Koreans as zoo animals and is a bizarre experience. You’ll also be able to see the tall North Korean flagpole, one of the tallest flagpoles in the world.

From here you’ll drive to the last stop of the tour, the Third Tunnel. This is an infiltration tunnel that the North Koreans dug, possibly for an invasion, before it was found by South Korea. You can descend into the tunnel by means of a very steep tunnel that was dug to intercept it. At the end is the closest you can get to North Korea, where the tunnel is filled with concrete bar a small window which you can peak through to catch a glimpse of the northern side.

As of 2023 it is unfortunately no longer possible to step inside North Korea as part of the tour. This section of the tour was cancelled indefinitely after an American soldier crossed into the North in July 2023. Tensions between the two Koreas increased throughout 2024, so it is unknown if this part of the tour will ever continue.

Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea and the sixth tallest building in the world as of 2024. At the foot of the building there is a large mall with plenty of shops and restaurants. You can take an elevator up to explore the 117th to 123rd floors, where there is an observation deck, glass floor, cafe, gift shop and bar.

If you can time your visit right, I recommend visiting at sunset as the view from the top is great. You can watch the sun go down over the Han River and Namsan Tower to the west.

Seokchon lake Park

Seokchon Lake Park is located next to Lotte World Tower. The lake is divided into the west side and east side, with the west side being home to the Lotte World amusement park. The east side has a path around the lake, and on the north side there are some cafes and rest facilities. The park is host to various events and festivals throughout the year so be sure to check out what’s on before heading there.

Bongeunsa temple

Bongeunsa Temple is a Buddhist temple in the Gangnam District of Seoul. The temple was founded in 794 during the Silla Kingdom. You can have a look around the various halls of the temple and see the impressive statue of the Bodhisattva Maitreya.

Starfield Coex Mall

The Starfield Coex Mall is the largest underground shopping mall in the world. There are many shops and restaurants to enjoy here, but the highlight of the mall is the Starfield Library. As well as a place to relax and enjoy books, this library has become a major tourist site filled with people wanting to take a photo next to the (almost) floor to ceiling book shelves.

Gangnam Style Sculpture

With over five billion views on YouTube as of 2024, most people have seen the video or heard Psy’s Gangnam Style. Released in 2012, this song became a cultural phenomenon around the world. To pay tribute to this songs massive success in highlighting Korean music on the world stage, a sculpture showing the famous arm gesture in the dance was built outside the Starfield Coex Mall in the Gangnam District of Seoul. Many people go here to take a picture next to the sculpture or make a video doing the dance, while the song plays continuously on a loop.

Bukhansan

Difficulty = Hard

Time = 6 Hours Round Trip

Distance = 11km Round Trip

Bukhansan is a large mountain on the north side of Seoul, with its highest peak, Baegundae, at 836.5 metres. There are various routes to take within Bukhansan National Park with trails to different peaks and temples, so your time and distance hiking may vary considerably from mine.

I wanted to hike to the highest peak, so I took a bus from Seoul to the north west side of the park. I began the hike from Bukhansanseong Park Information Centre, on Daeseomun-gil. I recommend picking up a map of the park from here and getting a recommended route from a member of staff.

The route I took was not the best sign posted. Near the beginning I found myself walking up a dry riverbed before finding the path again. You’ll walk through forests and past temples before reaching part of the Bukhsansanseong Fortress. The hike to Baegundae peak follows the old fortress wall for a while.

The final stretch of this hike is where it becomes quite challenging. You are required to walk along and climb up steep smooth rocks, with the only aid being a small metal railing between you and the valley floor. To reach the summit you’ll need to use this railing to pull yourself up a very steep rock surface.

Despite the challenge the views from Baegundae are worth it. You get a great view of Seoul and the surrounding areas, with beautiful mountains to the north.

Naksan Park and City Wall

The view from Naksan Park over Seoul.

Naksan Park is northeast of Seoul city centre and, being on a hill, it offers great views across the city. Starting from the Central Plaza, there are three observation squares where you can see to Bukhansan in the north all the way round to N Seoul Tower on Namsan in the south.

Seoul city wall with Bukhansan in the distance.
Seoul city wall with Bukhansan in the distance.
The old city wall of Seoul.

From the top of the hill, you can then follow the old city wall south. From here you can get more great views over south and east Seoul. I could just make out Lotte World Tower in the distance but it was a cloudy day. On a clear day you’ll get fantastic views across Seoul.

The view from Seoul City Wall, with Namsan in the distance.

This path by the city wall forms part of a much larger hiking loop that encompasses all the city wall and gates, or at least where they used to be.

The Seoul City Wall hike that encompasses Naksan.

At the end of this stretch of the city wall you’ll come to the Seoul City Wall Museum and Heunginjimun Gate, or the East Gate, of the old city.

Heunginjimun Gate, or the East Gate, of the old city wall, south of Naksan.

Ihwa-Dong Mural Village

A mural at the Ihwa-Dong Mural Village.

The Ihwa-Dong Mural Village is residential area near Naksan Park, home to lots of colourful murals. Set on the hillside by the old city wall, you can find lots of street art and photo spots in the mural village. If you’re passing through on the way to Naksan then it’s worth stopping for a look around, or if photography is your thing then this is a good place to visit.

A mural at the Ihwa-Dong Mural Village.
A mural at the Ihwa-Dong Mural Village.
A mural at the Ihwa-Dong Mural Village.

There is also an art gallery (Gallery Naksan) in the area.

Gallery Naksan at the Ihwa-Dong Mural Village.

Myeongdong

Myeongdong is located in the centre of Seoul and is known for its shops. Myeongdong Street and the surrounding area is pedestrianised, with plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.

Shops in Myeongdong.

In this area you’ll find the large Shinsegae and Lotte department stores, as well as dozens of cafes to take a rest. In the evening the street food vendors come out, offering you a chance to sample some of Korea’s tastiest foods like tteokbokki, eomuk, and bungeoppang.

Street food stalls at Myeongdong.

On the east side of Myeongdong you’ll also find Myeongdong Cathedral. This Gothic style cathedral, built in the late 19th century, is worth seeing when in the area. When there are no services taking place you can take a look inside.

Myeongdong Cathedral in the evening.
Inside Myeongdong Cathedral.

Hongdae

Hongdae (short form of Hongik University in Korean) is a neighbourhood in Seoul famous for its art and cultural scene. In this area you can find many shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. At night you’ll see many young people out enjoying the area. It’s a cool area to explore, whether you want to do some shopping, try some street food, or go clubbing late into the night.

Gwangjang market

Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and biggest markets in South Korea. Here you can find a large variety of goods, from day to day groceries to textiles, souvenirs and more. Most tourists head to this market for the food area, where a large variety of traditional Korean snacks and foods can be found. Now that it has become a major tourist attraction (it even featured in a Netflix show about food) the prices have come to reflect that, though it’s still cheaper than dining in a restaurant and is worth having a look around.  

I recommend buying some grapes here. The grapes in Korea and big and taste great!

Seoul at Christmas

During winter Seoul is lit up for Christmas, New Year, and the Lunar New Year. There are various ways to enjoy Christmas in Seoul despite the freezing weather, and there are more Christmas trees in the city than you can count!

Gwanghwamun Square

This large public square in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace hosts one of the best Christmas attractions in Seoul. Here you’ll find a Christmas market selling homemade goods and Christmas decorations, while one whole section is dedicated to food. There’s a big Christmas tree at one end making the market difficult to miss. Nearby you’ll also find the Christmas tree at City Hall, the Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival, and the Gyeongbokgung Palace Light Show. If you’re lucky you might also spot Santa Claus!

Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival

Cheonggyecheon is a stream that runs through Seoul. Every year the west end of the stream is host to the Lantern Festival. Starting just south of Gwanghwamun Square, the Lantern Festival covers a stretch of the stream roughly half a kilometre long that’ll take you about 20 minutes to walk. Starting from the west end at the festival in 2024 there were Christmas trees and lanterns, then lanterns of warriors and court officials of kingdoms past.

A miniature Eiffel Tower and Big Ben marked the halfway point, before lanterns of fish, children, trains and even ramen filled the second half. The Lantern Festival at Cheonggyecheon is a really cool place to see in the wintry nights of Seoul.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Light Show

At the northern end of Gwanghwamun Square is Gyeongbokgung Palace. While the palace is closed at night, an area opposite the main gate is set up where people can stand to watch the light show. This light show is projected onto the main gate and lasts around 20 minutes. Lights dance across the gate to accompanying music in an impressive show, though wrap up warm as it gets freezing standing still for so long.

Namsan

Difficulty = Easy

Time = 1 Hour Round Trip

Distance = 2km Round Trip

Namsan is a small mountain south of Myeongdong with a peak at 270 metres. Atop the mountain is the N Seoul Tower, a symbol which has come to represent Seoul. Though the mountain and tower can be enjoyed at any time of the year, visiting at Christmas will let you see the Christmas tree display at the base of the tower.

There are multiple ways to climb Namsan. I started at the Seoul Education Research & Information Institute on the north west side. From here the path to the summit is well sign posted and easy to follow. It’s just a series of stairs that will take about 20 minutes to climb. Along the way there are a couple of viewing platforms where you can get a great view of Seoul and Bukhansan to the north.

From the top you’ll get an almost 360-degree view of Seoul. You can see the Christmas tree display at the base of N Seoul Tower and check out the shops and cafes here. You can also go up to the observation deck of N Seoul Tower. I chose not to this time because I’d already been up the taller Lotte World Tower which offers better views on a clear day (you can see Lotte World Tower from Namsan). I came back down the same way to complete the short hike of Namsan.

Shinsegae and Lotte Department Stores

Every mall and shopping area in Seoul is decorated for Christmas, though two of the most famous ones are the Shinsegae and Lotte Department Stores in Myeongdong.

The Shinsegae Department Store has a large screen on the outside that wraps around the corner of the building. Every few minutes the screen displays a Christmas animation that lasts a couple of minutes. You’ll find a crowd on the street opposite watching and taking photos.

At the Lotte Department Store there’s a beautiful Christmas tree outside while the whole building is covered in Christmas lights.

Both department store displays are worth seeing at night, and the stores are great for Christmas shopping.

Recommendations:

For more city hiking, try Busan
For another historic Korean city, try Gyeongju
For another Asian capital, try Tokyo

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