Seoul: what's actually worth it
Seoul’s modern pulse beats where Joseon Dynasty palaces once stood, a testament to resilience that transformed war-torn ruins into a global tech hub. Walking through Gwanghwamun Square feels like stepping into a living paradox where ancient hanok roofs jostle against neon-lit skyscrapers, creating an energetic, fast-paced atmosphere that never truly sleeps. This is a city of seamless contrasts, offering travelers not just a destination, but an immersive experience where deep-rooted tradition dances effortlessly with cutting-edge innovation in every bustling alleyway and quiet temple garden.
Top things to do in Seoul
N Seoul Tower
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.5 (67,662 reviews)
Opened in 1980, this iconic tower offers panoramic views of the city & a revolving restaurant.
Check tours & tickets →Gyeongbokgung Palace
Cultural landmark · ★ 4.6 (46,645 reviews)
Free guided tours are offered of this large 14th-century royal palace with a museum & gardens.
Check tours & tickets →National Museum of Korea
Museum · ★ 4.7 (28,828 reviews)
Major building opened in 2005 to house the country's cultural & military artifacts & artworks.
Check tours & tickets →Lotte World
Amusement Center · ★ 4.3 (52,581 reviews)
Theme park rides, water flumes & marine life exhibits in a family centred 3-in-1 adventure park.
Check tours & tickets →Deoksugung Palace
Cultural landmark · ★ 4.6 (20,326 reviews)
Historic palace in the heart of Seoul offering a popular Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony.
Check tours & tickets →War Memorial of Korea
Museum · ★ 4.6 (18,131 reviews)
Museum charting Korea's conflicts, with exhibition rooms, monuments & an outdoor vehicle display.
Check tours & tickets →Gwangjang Market
Market · ★ 4.2 (44,136 reviews)
Bustling shopping area offering a wide array of traditional food items, plus clothing & souvenirs.
Check tours & tickets →Bukchon Hanok Village
Landmark · ★ 4.4 (24,301 reviews)
Village dating to the 14th century filled with narrow streets lined with restored traditional homes.
Check tours & tickets →Yeouido Hangang Park
Park · ★ 4.5 (18,279 reviews)
Large, popular park on the river featuring scenic views, plus running paths & a swimming pool.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Gwangjang Market
Market · ★ 4.2 (44,136 reviews)
Bustling shopping area offering a wide array of traditional food items, plus clothing & souvenirs.
Website →Odarijip Ganjang Gejang
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (6,855 reviews)
Website →Myeongdong Korean BBQ Mongvely
Korean Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (5,026 reviews)
Website →Myeongdong Kyoja
Dumpling Restaurant · ★ 4.2 (14,661 reviews)
Website →bogwangjung
Korean Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (3,294 reviews)
Website →Kampungku Restaurant
Halal Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (3,757 reviews)
Website →Seowonjuk
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (2,838 reviews)
Website →Wangbijib Myeongdong Central
Korean Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (2,843 reviews)
Tours worth booking ahead
Cheonggyecheon
Park · ★ 4.6 (10,896 reviews)
Recreational area constructed around a revived stream with walkways, bridges & greenery.
Check tours & tickets →Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.5 (5,252 reviews)
1,140-m. fountain alongside a bridge, with regular shows of colored lights in spring & summer.
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Yeouido Hangang Park
Park · ★ 4.5 (18,279 reviews)
Large, popular park on the river featuring scenic views, plus running paths & a swimming pool.
Website →Haneul Park
Park · ★ 4.5 (8,290 reviews)
Picturesque landscape featuring paths through tall, lush grass to a hilltop with sweeping vistas.
Naksan Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (6,104 reviews)
Hilltop green space with exercise paths & a few observation decks for day & night city views.
Website →Banpo Hangang Park
Park · ★ 4.4 (7,913 reviews)
Relaxed park for riverside walks, bike rides & sports, plus views of an illuminated bridge fountain.
Website →Dream Forest
Park · ★ 4.5 (4,783 reviews)
Densely wooded city park with cherry blossoms, maple trees, a pond, waterfall & art center.
Website →After dark
THE SEOUL PUB CRAWL
Services · ★ 4.9 (566 reviews)
Website →ZEST SEOUL
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.8 (525 reviews)
Website →찰스 H. Charles H. (H. Bar)
Bar · ★ 4.6 (604 reviews)
Website →Southside Parlor
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.6 (598 reviews)
Website →More guides
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