80 Top Things to Do in Seoul, Korea
Seoul is said to be one of the world’s most dynamic cities, and it’s easy to see why! The entire city is a glorious mix of old and new, where a simple stroll along the streets will put you among traditional houses juxtaposed against shiny skyscrapers. And don’t even get us started on the food — huddle up in a cosy food tent, dig into a hearty Korean BBQ, or join the locals for their favourite chicken and beer supper.
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Myeongdong
1. Shop till you drop
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organisation - VisitKorea on Facebook
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organisation - VisitKorea on Facebook
Arguably Seoul's most famous shopping street, Myeongdong is a bustling pedestrian zone home to a labyrinth of cosmetic stores, fashion boutiques, shopping malls, and more. You’ll find both local and international brands here, as well as the giant Olive Young flagship store!
2. Try all sorts of street food
At 4pm every day, street food carts start lining the streets. Try all sorts of scrumptious snacks like hotteok (sweet pancakes), gimbap, yangnyeom tongdak (fried chicken), hweori gamja (tornado potato) or, if you’re feeling fancy, even scallops grilled in the shell. Hunt down the best eats on this street food tour, which will bring you to multiple spots across the city.
Hongdae
3. Catch a street performance
Comprising the area around Hongik University (an arts college), the Hongdae district is naturally a popular youth hangout. Soak in the energetic vibe by popping in and out of pubs, karaoke haunts, and budget boutiques — topped off with almost nightly live street performances.
4. Catch the Hongdae Free Market
Held only on Saturdays from March to November, the Hongdae Flea Market is an arts and crafts market. Pick up a one-of-a-kind handcrafted item, join a workshop, and watch performances on an open stage.
5. Go on a pub crawl
Seoul is a city that comes alive once night falls: shops typically only open at 11am, and stay open till the wee hours. Experience the city’s vibrant nightlife on a pub crawl, which packs a punch with complimentary shots or drinks, V.I.P. privileges, plus plenty of discounts.
6. Belt your heart out at a Noraebang
If there’s one thing Koreans love to do, it’d be to sing karaoke. Channel your inner diva at a Noraebang (Korean-style karaoke studio) — at Hongdae, you’ll find these sprawled over multi-storey buildings, some of which even come complete with musical instruments, food, drinks, and elaborate decor.
7. Eat the quintessential KBBQ
What’s a trip to Seoul without a classic meal of Korean BBQ? You’ll find these KBBQ joints in every nook and cranny of the city. If you’re not sure where to start, hit up Yennaljip, where you can dine on oak-charcoal-grilled domestic raw meat.
8. Join the locals for Chimaek
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organisation - VisitKorea on Facebook
The pairing of fried chicken and beer is an institution of its own in Seoul — so much so that it has earned itself the nickname of Chimaek. Dig in!
Yongsan
9. Café-hop at Itaewon
Photo credit: Visit Seoul on Facebook
Known as Seoul’s international neighbourhood, Itaewon is where you’ll find an influx of international restaurants, shops, and more. Don’t miss out on visiting a whole line-up of Instagrammable cafés too, such as Café Tape, Passion 5, and Peach Grey.
10. Visit an antique furniture street
Photo credit: Visit Seoul on Facebook
Back in the 1960s, North American soldiers sold their furniture along a street before returning home. Today, this street is known as the Itaewon Antique Furniture Street, where almost 100 stores are selling and renting vintage furniture.
11. Drop by the National Museum of Korea
The National Museum has something for everyone: history buffs will love marvelling at over 420,000 artefacts, and the little ones will have a blast at the Children’s Museum. Learn more on a drop-in tour, which is held at 10.30am and 1pm every day.
12. Check out the Yongsan Electronics Market
This is for all the inner geeks out there — make a beeline for Yongsan Electronics Market, which houses over 5,000 stores in more than 20 buildings. You’ll find everything electronic here — think: computers, appliances, phones, games, software, and more —, at discounts of up to 20% for local products, and up to a whopping 50% for international brands.
Ewha
13. Marvel at the architecture of Ewha Women’s University
Now, don’t we all wish we studied at a university like this! Ewha Women’s University wows with an ultra-modern facade made out of stainless steel and glass, which descends into a valley before leading out again — forming a stunning tunnel of sorts.
14. Hunt down a bargain at Sinchon
Located near the university, Sinchon is a bustling area filled with affordable cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Spend a delightful afternoon people-watching from a café, and exploring the shop-lined alleys.
Jongno
15. Watch the changing-of-guards ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Home to both the National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-visit when in Seoul. With more than 300 buildings, the palace is especially known for its grand changing-of-guards ceremony held at 10am and 2pm daily.
16. Rent a hanbok
Even better: don a hanbok (a traditional Korean costume), and enjoy free entry into any of Seoul’s major palaces! There are plenty of hanbok rental options available, with the option to add on a photoshoot or hairstyling services.
17. Try the famous Tosokchon Samgyetang
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organisation - VisitKorea on Facebook
Housed in a beautiful traditional house, Tosokchon draws long queues for its steaming Samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup).
18. Discover the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organisation - VisitKorea on Facebook
You’ll only be able to visit the Huwon Secret Garden on a tour, which makes it all the more intriguing. Sprawling over 60% of Changdeokgung Palace’s grounds, the garden charms with a lotus pond, trees that are more than 300 years old, and ornate pavilions.
19. Wander the Bukchon Hanok Village
Dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, Bukchon Hanok Village is lined with around 900 traditional houses (hanok). Some of these hanoks are now guesthouses, restaurants, and teahouses; however, do remain respectful as many of the hanoks still remain residential. Don’t forget to walk to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the sloping roofs.
20. Take lots of pictures at Iwha Mural Village
Created in 2006 by 70 artists, Iwha Mural Village was a valiant attempt to revive a once-dilapidated neighbourhood. Get your cameras ready, and take lots of photos with the colourful murals here!
21. Scale the Seoul City Wall
Spanning a length of 18.6 kilometres, the Seoul City Wall dates back to 1396 — and was built to protect Seoul from attackers during the Joseon Dynasty. Traverse the wall via the Naksan Mountain Trail, a gentle and scenic trail; or the Inwangsan Mountain Trail, which goes up to a height of 338.2 metres.
22. Stroll along the Cheongyecheon stream
Photo credit: Visit Seoul on Facebook
A tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, the Cheongyecheon stream is an 11-kilometre stream that flows alongside a boardwalk. Starting at the Cheongye Plaza, the stream is especially beautiful during the Lotus Lantern Festival (late April to mid-May), the Seoul Lantern Festival (November), or the Seoul Christmas Festival (December).
23. Dig in at Gwangjang Market
Made famous by ‘Running Man’ and Netflix’s ‘Street Food Asia’, Gwangjang Market is a popular foodie’s hideout. Visit the various stores to try bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), gimbap, kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup), tteokbokki (rice cakes), or san-nakji (raw octopus, often served whilst the tentacles are still wriggling). Not sure where to start? Discover the best spots on this market food tour.
24. Visit the Cheongwadae Blue House
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organisation - VisitKorea on Facebook
The Cheongwadae Blue House was the official presidential residence and office for Korean presidents from 1948 to 2022. Feel free to walk the grounds, and view the building through windows. It’s best to visit on a tour, where you can learn all about the history of the building.
25. Curate your own lunch box at Tongin Market
Photo credit: Visit Seoul on Facebook
This is a really fun experience to have! Purchase 10 brass coins for 5,000won (~SGD5), which you can then use to purchase food from participating stores to fill up a plastic lunchbox. Have fun curating your own meal, and enjoy it on the upper floors of the market.
26. Visit Jogyesa Temple
Dating back to 1395, Jogyesa Temple is sandwiched between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces. Time your visit between 18th April and 11th May each year to coincide with the Lotus Lantern Festival, where the temple grounds will be draped with thousands of paper lanterns in celebration of Buddha’s birthday.
27. Have a kimchi and culture experience
Now, this is a fun way to spend an afternoon: learn how to make kimchi — which is one of Korea’s most iconic foods — from professional local chefs, all whilst learning about ancient Korean culture.
28. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony
Seize the chance to dress up in a traditional Korean tea ceremonial robe, and make your own teabags and Korean desserts, before participating in a traditional tea ceremony.
Jung-gu
29. Browse Namdemun Market
Home to more than a staggering 10,000 stalls, Namdemun Market has been in business since 1964. Here you’ll be able to buy basically everything you can think of — tableware, clothing, souvenirs, as well as all types of street food.
30. Enjoy splendid views from N Seoul Tower
Standing at 236 metres tall, the N Seoul Tower is one of Asia’s tallest observation towers. Feast your eyes on panoramic views of the city, or dine with a view at The Place restaurant. Get to the tower via cable car, public bus, or a hiking trail.
31. Lock your love in
Much like Paris’ Pont Neuf Bridge, many couples head to N Seoul Tower to ‘lock their love in’ by fastening a padlock on the tower’s railing.
32. Drop by Deoksugung Palace
Looking for a night activity? Deoksugung Palace stays open till much later as compared to the other palaces, and is known to be especially enchanting at night.
33. Explore Seoullo 7017
Photo credit: Visit Seoul on Facebook
Built on a former highway, Seoullo 7017 is an elevated park that offers some much-needed green respite from the city chaos. The park is lovely both during the day and night, when it is illuminated.
34. Hunt down the hidden gems of Euljiro
Previously an industrial area, Euljiro has now transformed into a hipster enclave. Try the famous Tiger Coffee at Sewoon Arcade, make your way through the bar ‘Mind Your Head’s’ tiny entrance, or visit the retro Binzip Beerhouse.
Insadong
35. Trawl the artsy district of Insadong
Photo credit: Visit Seoul on Facebook
A haven for art and culture buffs, Insadong is a thriving district that’s home to quaint teahouses, over 100 art galleries, and boutique shops. Spend your whole afternoon shopping and eating to your heart's delight!
36. Visit a kimchi museum
Lauded as one of the world’s best 11 food museums, Museum Kimchikan is dedicated to kimchi — the soul food of all Koreans. Learn all about the dish by playing digital games, watching documentaries, and even having the chance to prepare (and taste!) your own kimchi.
37. Have fun at the Alive Museum
Have a blast bending reality at the Alive Museum, where you can take mind-bending photos with multi-dimensional optical illusion backdrops. Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Maze, where you can team up with your friends to solve puzzles and decipher clues to find your way out.
Gangnam
38. Hunt down the Gangnam Style sign
Take an iconic touristy photo at the Gangnam Style sign, which can be found outside exit 11 of Gangnam station.
39. Indulge in some retail therapy
Gangnam is one of Seoul’s most up-market and luxurious districts. Shop all kinds of designer goods at Chenongdam Fashion Street; or opt for a shopping tour with a professional K-fashion stylist.
40. Shop underground at COEX Mall
One of the world’s largest underground shopping arcades, COEX Mall is home to around 250 shops, a movie theatre, an aquarium, and a theatre. Don’t miss out on the mega six-storey SMTown, where you can immerse yourself in the world of K-pop — and even attend a hologram concert.
41. Be awed by the gorgeous Starfield Library
Calling all bookworms: be awestruck by the Starfield Library, which has almost 3,000 books housed on a multi-level bookcase. How gorgeous is that!
42. Have a temple stay at Bongeunsa Temple
If you have the time, take on a temple stay at Bongeunsa Temple. Be immersed in the temple’s daily routine, which includes meditation sessions, morning prayers, and dining on vegetarian fare.
Sinsadong
43. Spend an afternoon at Garosugil Street
Photo credit: Visit Seoul on Facebook
Much like Tokyo’s Omotesando district, Garosugil is a serene tree-lined avenue that’s lined with designer shops, cosmetic stores, cafés, and restaurants. A definite highlight is the must-visit three-storey LINE flagship store.
Dongdaemun
44. Shop till the wee hours of the night
Sporting 26 shopping malls and around 30, 000 shops, Dongdaemun is a shopper’s paradise. Nightowls will love shopping here, where the shops stay open till 5am every day (with some shops even staying open round the clock!).
45. Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Beautifully illuminated at night, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza offers retail stores, exhibition spaces, and even a rooftop park.
46. Try marinated raw crabs
Gejang (marinated raw crabs) is a Korean delicacy that recently grew in popularity due to its savoury and creamy taste. Try it for yourself at Sunmmine Haengbok Gejang, which offers a great value-for-money set.
Gwangjin
47. Soak in the vibes at Common Ground Mall
Photo credit: Visit Seoul on Facebook
You might have seen this place on Instagram: Common Ground Mall is a striking container shopping mall decked out in bright blue. The containers are home to around 200 shops; food-wise, dine at one of the restaurants on the rooftop terrace, or grab some grub from a food truck.
48. Take the little ones to Seoul Children’s Grand Park
This isn’t any normal public park, mind you: Seoul Children’s Grand Park entices the little ones with walking trails, a musical fountain, a playground, an amusement park, and even a mini zoo.
49. Have a family day at the Seoul Children’s Museum
Seoul Children’s Museum offers fun for all ages! Take part in a family cooking class, and have fun at various exhibits that revolve around science, nature, and art.
50. Make your own Makgeolli
For the uninitiated, Makgeolli is a sweet and milky Korean rice wine. Learn how to make your own bottle of Makgeolli and, if you’re staying in Korea for more than seven days (due to the five-day fermentation process), you’ll even get to bring it home.
51. Try traditional Korean folk painting
This is perfect as a rainy day activity! Try your hand at traditional Korean folk painting, where you’ll learn about Korean folk tales, and paint on a hanging scroll.
Mapo-gu
52. Take lots of photos at Haneul Park
Comprising one of five parks in World Cup Park, Haneul Park has charmed many around the world with its idyllic Pampas Grass. Visit before dusk to enjoy a fiery sunset, and climb 291 steps to the top for a scenic view of the Han River.
53. Unwind at Gyeongui Line Forest Park
Need a break from city life? Built on what used to be a railway line, the Gyeongui Line Forest Park now offers a relaxing space with large green spaces, towering Gingko trees, ponds, and streams.
Others
54. Indulge in a feast at Noryangjin Market
If you’re in the mood for seafood, there’s no better place to have a feast than at Noryangin Market, Seoul’s largest fish market! Choose your preferred type of seafood, and have it cooked on the spot.
55. Have a whirl at Lotte World
Have the best time at Lotte World, a mega entertainment complex! Spend the day at an indoor theme park; an outdoor amusement park; a Korean folk museum; a movie theater; and even an aquarium.
56. Step out onto a glass floor at Seoul Sky
Found at Lotte World, Seoul Sky boasts a stunning observation platform with floor-to-ceiling windows to boot. There’s even a glass floor to step out on — if you dare
57. Spend an entire day at Everland
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organisation - VisitKorea on Facebook
Can’t get enough of theme parks? Everland checks all the boxes with five themed areas: Global Fair, American Adventure, Magic Land, Zootopia, and European Adventure. Don’t miss out on the T-Express, which is Korea’s first-ever wooden rollercoaster! There’s even Caribbean Bay, one of the world’s largest water parks.
58. Hike Mt. Bukhansan
Burn off all the calories with a hike up Mt. Bukhansan. Trails vary in difficulty, ranging from one and a half to six hours to complete. If this is your first time climbing a mountain, hire a trusty guide to lead the way, and get all the equipment needed sorted with this rental service.
59. Take a day trip to Nami Island
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organisation - VisitKorea on Facebook
Made famous by the Korean drama ‘Winter Sonata’, Nami Island is a popular day trip to take from Seoul. Reach the island via ferry or zipline, and combine your visit with the nearby Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and the Gangchon Rail Bike.
60. Cruise along the Han River
See the city from a different perspective onboard a Han River Cruise, and see if you can spot landmarks like N Seoul Tower and Jamsil Olympic Tower. Choose to cruise in the day, at sunset, or after dark to enjoy the city lights.
61. Watch the Banpo Fountain show
Photo credit: Visit Seoul on Facebook
The Banpo Bridge is lined with 380 jets, which create a 1.14-kilometre-long curtain of water! Get ready for a spectacular show as the jets of water are illuminated by 200 colour lights, and move in tune to lilting music.
62. Experience a non-verbal show
When in Seoul, you definitely have to catch Nanta — an incredibly entertaining non-verbal show, about a group of chefs, that combines comedy, magical elements, and even some acrobatics. If you can’t get enough, CHEF is another non-verbal show that revolves around K-pop, beatboxing, and breakdancing.
63. Create precious memories with a photoshoot
Immortalise the memories from your trip with a photoshoot. Shoot a family portrait, visit a D.I.Y. photo studio, or top up to get your hair and makeup done. Alternatively, why not go all out by renting Korean school uniforms or retro clothing to look the part?
64. Visit an abandoned theme park
Photo credit: Christian Bolz on Wikimedia Commons
Have the experience of a lifetime at Yongma Land, an 80’s theme park that closed down in 2011. The park has since been abandoned but, for a nominal fee, you can actually go in to snap one-of-a-kind photos with the deserted rides! For extra pizazz, stay till after dark to take some pictures of the illuminated merry-go-round.
65. Participate in a K-pop class
Here’s your chance to be a K-pop star — if only just for a day. Participate in a K-pop class, where you’ll learn beginner-friendly choreography to hit songs. Bring your experience to another level by shooting a music video at this BTS/Blackpink dance class, which is taught by actual backup dancers of both bands.
66. Go wild at a baseball game
Get swept away by the baseball fever in Seoul, and watch how the entire stadium erupts whenever a home run is scored! Experience the unique cheering culture, where each player and team has different types of cheers — which you can listen to beforehand via an app.
67. Make your own perfume
Create your own unique scent that suits your body. Take a simple psychological test conducted by a perfumer, which will then allow you to choose your preferred scent from 150 perfumes and 20 natural flavours.
68. Take a tour of the DMZ
The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is a 250-metre-long buffer area between North Korea and South Korea. Learn about Korean history, and visit the Joint Security Area (JSA) — where you’ll actually be able to step foot into North Korea.
69. Attend a cooking class
Whip up a local meal during a cooking class, and choose from a variety of Korean dishes available. Think: bulgogi, japchae, samgyetang, and bibimbap!
70. Eat at a pojangmacha
It doesn’t get more local than this: have a comforting supper at a pojangmacha, which is a colourful tent selling street food. Dig into dishes like gyeran-mari (egg roll), udon, and tteokbokki; topped off with an ice-cold beer.
71. Spend an afternoon at Seoul Forest
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organisation - VisitKorea on Facebook
Seoul Forest is an attraction that’s beautiful in all seasons, particularly in spring for its copious cherry blossoms, and its Gingko Tree Forest in fall. That’s not all: it’s also home to an insect garden, butterfly garden, as well as an eco forest (with a deer petting and feeding zoo). After spending a few hours at the park, refuel at the adjacent Seoul Forest café street.
72. Transform yourself with a makeover
Beauty is synonymous with Korea — during your trip, why not pamper yourself with a makeover? Look like your favourite K-pop idol with a hair and make-up session, complete with some nail art to boot.
73. Spot the famous gold building
Photo credit: Visit Seoul on Facebook
Have you ever seen a golden building? 63 Building has 63 floors, all of which are decked out in gold-plated glass panels — which reflect stunning colours during sunset. Use the glass elevators to get to the aquarium, more than 70 restaurants, two cinemas, wax museum, and the observatory for magnificent views.
74. Hop on the Wine Train
Say bottoms up onboard the wine train, which departs from Seoul station from Tuesday to Saturday. Enjoy a bout of wine tasting accompanied by cheese and fruit, before visiting Korea’s only winery, and enjoying a wine foot bath.
75. Unwind at a jimjilbang
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organisation - VisitKorea on Facebook
Think of a jimjilbang as a jazzed-up spa — one where you can even stay overnight at if you wish. Unwind at a variety of hot pools and saunas, plus pamper yourself with massage treatments such as a mud spa.
76. Shop at duty-free stores
Go on a shopping spree at giant duty-free stores — the more savings the better, we say! For even more savings, arm yourself with these discount coupons for The Shilla Duty Free store, or Hyundai Department store.
77. Have a BTS Army tour
Hands up if you’re part of the BTS Army! Embark on a BTS pilgrimage by walking in their footsteps at their practice space, favourite restaurant, and more.
78. Explore the hipster Ikseondong district
Ikseondong is a hidden gem that’s packed to the brim with hanok (traditional houses), alleys lined with cafés, and nostalgic shops. Visit the aquatic-themed Cheong Su Dang café; or Nakwon Station café, where a train track runs through its grounds.
79. Take an aesthetic photo at Seoul Book Repository
Occupying a former reservoir warehouse, Seoul Book Repository is South Korea’s first secondhand book centre. The star of the show is the tunnel of books, which is formed by iron arches.
80. Explore Incheon on the way to or from the airport
Many travellers only associate Incheon with the airport, but it’s actually so much more than that! Take the time to explore a vibrant Chinatown, an intriguing Fairytale Village, as well as an idyllic waterfront promenade complete with restaurants and amusement rides.
To gain more insight into the city, join a walking tour, or spice it up with a bike tram tour. To get to the city from Incheon Airport, simply hop onto the AREX Incheon Airport Express, or get all comfortable on the K-Limousine Bus.
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