I want to be fully transparent upfront about how this is going to be a little different than my usual posts. I’ve recently hit an unexpectedly long stretch at home that has me traveling vicariously through family and friends. So for the first time, I’m writing about somewhere I haven’t actually been yet myself but is a bucket list trip for me. My mom recently spent 18 days traveling through South Korea, visiting Seoul, Jeju Island, and Busan in the process. A special shoutout to her and her trip crew for all the great photos and letting me pick their brains about the best things to do in Seoul during your first visit. I can’t wait to get over there myself!

First, a little background info on Seoul. It’s the South Korean capital city and cultural hub, with a population of over 9.4 million people. For reference, this is similar in size to London but nearly 3x more densely populated. Around half of South Korea’s total population lives in the Seoul metro area. The city is only about 25 miles south of the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea (approximately an hour and a half drive). Like many other large cities in Asia, Seoul has a major air pollution problem. This is due in part to things like vehicle emissions, production facilities (energy, manufacturing, etc.), and its population density.

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Things to Do in Seoul

While Seoul is known for being a pretty modern city and the tech capital of South Korea, you’ll find plenty of things to do for people of varying interests: history, food, music, shopping, nature, and sweeping city views.

Take a Tour of the Gyeongbokgung Palace Grounds

One of 5 royal palaces that can be found in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace is by far the most famous and popular with tourists. It was built way back in 1395 during the early part of the Joseon dynasty, which lasted for over 500 years! The National Museum of Korea and National Folk Museum are also located on the grounds, so you could easily spend the entire day here! Twice daily at the main Gwanghwamun Gate they hold a reenactment of the changing of the guard ceremony from the Joseon Dynasty (except on Tuesdays when the palace is closed).

General admission for adults into the palace grounds is approximately $2 or 3,000 won (as of May 2025). If you’re interested in further immersing yourself in the culture, you can also opt to rent a traditional Korean hanbok from one of the many shops surrounding the palace! This can range anywhere from 9,000 – 24,000 won (approx. $6.50 – $17.50). How much you’ll end up paying depends on a number of things, like how long you choose (4 hours or a daily rental), if you need a straight or plus size, and any add-ons like hair styling, accessories, or professional photos. Lockers are provided to store your personal items. Your rental fee also includes entry into the palace grounds.

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District

Stroll through Gwanghwamun Square

After exploring the palace and watching the changing of the guard, make your way over to nearby Gwanghwamun Square. Located just south of the gate, this public plaza runs along Sejongno street in the Jongno District of downtown Seoul. Gwanghamun Square was the historical location of the Yukjo geori (Street of Six Ministries), the royal administrative buildings of the Joseon Dynasty. The plaza fell into disrepair over the years and eventually became part of a 16 lane highway. After a major renovation that involved removing a number of these lanes, the new pedestrian-friendly plaza opened in 2009. It was expanded even further in 2020, more than doubling its size.

The plaza is home to the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. These two men are often considered to be arguably the greatest monarch and naval commander, respectively, in Korean history. Just off the southeast corner of the square you’ll find another monument, this one commemorating the 40th Anniversary of King Gojong’s ascension to the throne in 1864.

Regardless of the season, the plaza is a popular relaxation and meeting spot. During the summer you’ll find people relaxing on the Yukjo Yard or kids playing in water features. There is a popular Christmas market in the winter as well as a Lantern Festival in April/May.

172 Sejong-daero, Jongno District

Take in the City Views from N Seoul Tower

Built in 1969, N Seoul Tower (also known as YTN Seoul Tower or the Namsan Tower) was Korea’s first general radio wave tower. 48% of the South Korean population gets their broadcasting through this transmission tower! Standing at just under 72 stories tall, making it the tallest radio tower in South Korea. There are two observation decks with 360° panoramic views of Seoul: one at the base of the tower and a second on the 5th floor. The upper levels of the tower make a complete rotation in a little under 2 hours. You’ll also find multiple dining options within the tower, ranging from snacks and desserts on the first floor to French, Korean, and Italian restaurants across the higher floors. Funny enough, some of the best views for photos can be found in the Sky Restroom on the 4th floor – it has floor to ceiling glass walls!

At the base of the tower you’ll likely notice LOTS of colorful padlocks with names written on them. This is the Love Locks of N Seoul Tower. You can buy a lock, write your loved ones name on it, and then throw away the key! The tower is located at the summit of Namsan Mountain, which is also surrounded by Namsan Mountain Park. This massive public park is full of has hiking trails, picnic areas, cultural sites, and a cable car.

105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District

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Looking for more things to do in Seoul? Check out these great options!

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Explore the Starfield COEX Mall

With over 260 stores, restaurants, and entertainment spaces, Starfield COEX Mall is actually the largest underground shopping mall in all of Asia! It is part of a larger complex with a number of COnvention centers and EXhibition halls, hence the name. Some of the major mall highlights include:

If you’re here researching a trip to South Korea, you’ve likely seen the Starfield Library (also known as the Byeolmadang Library) all over social media – I know that’s how I discovered it! Located in the center of the mall, it’s part library and part book-themed event space – as well as a very popular photo spot.
The mall has a surprisingly large (and beautiful) aquarium inside! COEX Aquarium is home to over 40,000 animals, including a variety of fish, rays, turtles, penguins, and otters, as well as the largest shark habitat in South Korea.
Looking for a sweet treat? Head to Billy Angel Cake Company on the 2nd floor of the library! This South Korean bakery chain is known for their aesthetic decor and wide variety of cake flavors and styles. Make sure to grab yourself a slice of crepe cake!

513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam District

Walk Along K-Star Road

When I saw the first giant bear photo I thought, “this is so random, I love it and need to know more”. K-Star Road is a huge draw for K-pop (Korean pop) fans. Here you’ll find 17 Gangnamdols, life-size art bear statues, dedicated to famous K-pop stars/groups like BTS, EXO, Girls’ Generation, and PSY. It kind of reminds me of the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Many Korean entertainment companies are based in the Gangnam district, so the area is widely considered the birthplace of ‘Korean wave’ – the global rise of k-pop popularity. So even if you’re not a huge K-pop fan it’s a neat (and free!) thing to check out, especially if you’ll already be in the Gangnam district.

517 Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam District

Shop and Eat on Myeongdong Shopping Street

This car-free shopping district is a famous destination for all your cosmetics, souvenirs, snacks, clothing and accessory needs. Along the Myeongdong Shopping Street you’ll find a pretty good mix of both Korean and international brands. Korean skincare products have surged in popularity in the United States over the last few years, so if that’s what you’re in the market for then Myeongdong is the place to go! Some of the most popular Korean skincare brands like Laneige, Etude House, and Innisfree all have stores here.

It’s also a very popular destination for all different kinds of Korean street foods! Be sure to try Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste), Gyeran-ppang (egg bread), and Tanghulu (fruit dipped in sugar syrup). Just a heads up: it gets pretty busy, so if you’re not a fan of weaving through dense crowds this maybe isn’t the place for you!

1-5 Myeong-dong, Jung District

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Relax by the Cheonggyecheon Stream

As someone who loves any fusion of urban planning and green spaces, the Cheonggyecheon Stream is a must-see for me. This nearly 7 mile long stream and ecological park runs through the heart of Seoul and is full of walking paths, water features, marshes, and seating areas. In the late 1970s, the stream was covered over with concrete and turned into an elevated freeway. But as part of an urban renewal project in the early 2000s, the highway was demolished in favor of creating more recreational space for the citizens of Seoul. Along with increased biodiversity in the area (think fish, birds, and plant life), the stream also provides some flood protection and helps to cool the city.

Along Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno District

Cruise along the Han River

The Han River divides Seoul in half, making a cruise a great way to see all the major sites plus the city skyline! There are a number of different cruise options, ranging from 40 to 70 minutes, either during the daytime, sunset, or under the stars. Some even feature a buffet, live music, afternoon tea, or fireworks! (Mom says she enjoyed the nighttime cruise, but she’d probably skip the buffet next time). E-Land Cruise is the major cruise company in the area and has been operating since the late 1980s.

290 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo District

Additional Itinerary Ideas

• Changdeokgung Palace – smaller & less popular with tourists than Gyeongbokgung Palace, but has a Secret Garden that is said to be worth a visit.
• Bukchon Hanok Village – a historic neighborhood known for its preserved traditional Korean homes that people still live in today!
• National Museum of Korea – the largest history and art museum in South Korea.
• Itaewon Market – known for its shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
• Bukhansan National Park – Seoul’s only national park and the most popular hiking destination in South Korea.
• War Memorial of Korea – a museum of Korean military history, located on the former army headquarters site.
• Jogyesa Temple – The main temple for the Jogye order of Korean Buddhism.

There are also plenty of day trips in northern South Korea that can be reached in less than two hours!

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What are your favorite things to do in Seoul? Let me know in the comments!