The 20 best things to do in Seoul, South Korea

20.11.2024 - 19:35 / lonelyplanet.com

Nov 20, 2024 • 12 min read

For an ultra-modern city filled with sleek high-rises, time-tested palaces, tempting food, vibrant shopping districts and much more, head to Seoul.

From the 14th-century Jogye-sa Temple and picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village to the National Museum of Korea and Gwanghwamun Gate (famous for the changing of guards), there are many things to do in Seoul. With so many must-see attractions, spending three to five days will allow you to fully appreciate the city without rushing anywhere. With this time frame, you’ll also be able to plan a day trip or two. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and historic Suwon (both are roughly a one-hour train trip from Seoul) are among the most popular ones.

Whether you want to see the latest K-Pop sensation, take a late-night food and drink tour, or find serenity in a spa or temple, the city has something to offer 24/7. Here are the best things to do in Seoul.

Street food in Seoul is beloved for its spice, variety and affordability, and there’s no better place to try it than Gwangjang Market. Dating from the early 20th century, this covered market has gained a reputation for having some of the best Korean cuisine.

Planning tip: Start with an order of tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes in a bright orange spicy sauce), followed by a couple of mandu (Korean dumplings) and a pajeon (savory green onion pancake). For dessert, try hotteok (a pancake filled with brown sugar and cinnamon) or bungeoppang (a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste). Then do it all over again.

If you only have time to see one sight in Seoul, make it the splendid architecture, serene pagodas and maze-like grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Originally built during the reign of the powerful Joseon Dynasty in the 14th century, the palace was destroyed during the 16th-century Imjin War and rebuilt in the 18th century. Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most elegant of Seoul’s five royal palaces.

Planning tip: Take in the ceremonial changing of the Royal Guard in front of the massive Gwanghwamun Gate before strolling the grounds to admire striking hip-and-gable buildings, tranquil ponds and delicate cherry trees. Wrap up your visit with a stop at the National Folk Museum of Korea, which sits on the palace grounds and features exhibits on traditional Korean culture.

In the heat of summer, nothing beats a walk along Cheong-gye-cheon Stream. A dazzling oasis that unfurls for nearly 11km (7 miles) through the towers of central Seoul, this picturesque waterway is lined with walking paths, trees and bridges. The original stream was covered with an elevated highway after the Korean War, but in 2005, the city undertook an urban renewal project to refresh the area and reintroduce the stream better