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Seoul, South Korea

Destination Guide

Seoul

South Korea

Best things to do in Seoul

42 curated attractions in Seoul, South Korea. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

13°C/55°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Seoul

Seoul, a sprawling metropolis, is defined by its blend of ancient tradition and rapid modernization, with a history that stretches back over two thousand years. The city features a striking contrast of skyscrapers and historic sites like Changdeokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, showcasing the coexistence of past and present. districts like Hongdae Street are packed with nightlife and fashion, while cultural hotspots such as the National Museum of Korea and Jogyesa Temple offer a glimpse into the country's rich heritage. Seoul's public transport is impressively efficient, making it easy to navigate this city of over ten million people. People visit for the food culture, which is a dizzying array of flavors available at every corner, from street vendors to high-end restaurants.

Who it's for

Food lovers and culture seekers will find plenty to enjoy. Those looking for a laid-back pace might be frustrated by the intensity of crowds and the city’s pace. If you seek tranquil parks or quiet neighborhoods, Seoul’s energy may feel overwhelming.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The subway system is fast and covers most of the city efficiently, with signs in English
  • Walking around the main areas can take about 30 minutes to an hour depending on your destination
  • Incheon International Airport is about an hour away from downtown by express train
  • Taxis are plentiful but to be avoided during rush hours
Gangnam District

Gangnam District

Shopping
Namsan Park

Namsan Park

City parks
Han River Boardwalk

Han River Boardwalk

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Itaewon

Itaewon

Urban Attractions
Mangwon Market

Mangwon Market

Food
Myeong-dong

Myeong-dong

Shopping
Myeongdong Night Market

Myeongdong Night Market

Food
Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga

Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga

Cultural
Insadong

Insadong

Streets & neighbourhoods
Nodeul Island

Nodeul Island

Islands
Starfield Library

Starfield Library

Cultural
Eunpyeong Hanok Village

Eunpyeong Hanok Village

Cultural
Apgujeong

Apgujeong

Shopping and Markets
Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

History museums
National Museum of Korea

National Museum of Korea

History museums
Sejong Statue

Sejong Statue

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Han River

Han River

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Ewha Womans University Campus

Ewha Womans University Campus

Historic libraries & universities
Bukhansan National Park

Bukhansan National Park

National parks & nature reserves
War Memorial of Korea

War Memorial of Korea

History museums
Hongdae Street

Hongdae Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Seoul Forest

Seoul Forest

City parks
Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace

Castles & palaces
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Castles & palaces
Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Gyeongui Line Forest Park

Gyeongui Line Forest Park

Nature
N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower

Observation decks & city views
Hangang Park

Hangang Park

City parks
Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Korea Furniture Museum

Korea Furniture Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Dongdaemun Gate

Dongdaemun Gate

Forts & citadels
Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village

Traditional villages
Jeongneungcheon Stream

Jeongneungcheon Stream

Nature
Insadong Cultural Street

Insadong Cultural Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Myeongdong Shopping Street

Myeongdong Shopping Street

Shopping streets & districts
Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
COEX Mall

COEX Mall

Malls & department stores
Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market

Street food & night markets
Lotte Supermarket

Lotte Supermarket

Shopping and Markets
Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market

Local & craft markets

Where to eat in Seoul

The places worth planning a meal around.

Cafe Onion

Cafe Onion

Korean Bakery · $10–$20

★ 4.2 · 4,662 reviews

Nuldam Space

Nuldam Space

Contemporary Korean · $20–$40

★ 4.4 · 306 reviews

Sim Coffee

Sim Coffee

Korean Coffeehouse · $5–$15

★ 4.9 · 247 reviews

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