Seoul has a rich history, and the list of things to see in Seoul is equally extensive. We introduce you to places you must visit. Let's take a look at the various aspects of Seoul, from the past to the present.
Keeping the history of the Joseon Dynasty
Gyeongbokgung Palace
During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal palace was Gyeongbokgung Palace. The buildings are symmetrical and blend in with the surrounding environment, including Gwanghwamun Gate and Bukaksan Mountain, displaying distinct scenic beauty throughout the year. The ponds of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, in particular, have been preserved as they were during the Joseon Dynasty. We recommend that you allow plenty of time to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is the largest of Korea's five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty.
Useful tips!
Admission is free for Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) wearers, and there are scheduled guided tours in various languages.
A panoramic view of Seoul
N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower is a comprehensive communication tower in the heart of Seoul and a city landmark. With a 360º view, you can admire the entire Seoul cityscape in one glance. Not only is the view of Seoul from N Seoul Tower breathtaking but enjoying the tower view from the surrounding area is also a unique way to appreciate the tower. Couples visit the tower and exchange love locks, which appear in various K-dramas.
The shopping hub
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a shopping hub with a diverse selection of fashion labels, department stores, and traditional markets. With a diverse range of shopping options, various types of products with varying price ranges are available. Myeongdong is an excellent location for purchasing K-beauty items and clothing. On the main shopping street of Myeongdong, you can find a variety of street foods and popular Korean snacks. Myeongdong is also well-known for its popular restaurants, including Myeongdong Tonkatsu and Myeongdong Kyoja.
The popular hangout for young people
Streets of Hongdae
Hongdae is known as the gathering place of youths. It's teeming with cool concept stores, accessory shops, cafes, and restaurants. There are also numerous bars and clubs, making it a neighborhood that never sleeps. It transforms into a lively and passionate neighborhood on weekends, complete with flea markets and busking performances. If you want to experience a slightly quieter youthfulness, we recommend Yeonhui-dong, which is near the Gyeongui Line Forest Park. It's an excellent location for exploring the park's unique cafes and restaurants.
Covering business to culture
COEX
COEX has a total exhibition hall, which serves as a venue for international exhibitions and conferences, as well as Starfield, a versatile cultural hub. There are a variety of fashionable boutiques, beauty outlets, and lifestyle stores at Starfield, as well as engaging cultural spaces such as an aquarium, a theater, and the Starfield Library. COEX Aquarium boasts the largest population of sharks and the highest variety of shark species in Korea, as well as being home to three generations of penguin families.
Historical upper-class neighborhood
Bukchon Hanok (traditional Korean houses) Village
This is a traditional residential area with a 600-year history in Seoul. It is located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace and preserves traditional Joseon Dynasty tiled-roof houses. It was primarily inhabited by high-ranking officials and members of the royal family, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon era indirectly. We ask that you explore the area quietly because people still live in these houses.
Dongdaemun Complex Cultural Space
Dongdaemun Market / DDP
Dongdaemun Market and DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) are two of the most popular attractions at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. Dongdaemun Market is a well-known clothing wholesale market in Korea, bustling with fashion industry people from early morning until late at night. DDP is a complex cultural space best known for its architecture by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Every year, during fashion weeks, the building is adorned with illuminated lights, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
Iconic location to unwind in Seoul
Hangang Park
Major parks along the Hangang River include Banpo, Yeouido, and Ttukseom Hangang Park. The parks, which are among Seoul's most popular leisure destinations, are ideal for a picnic. Yeouido Hangang Park is well-known for its cherry blossoms, and Banpo Hangang Park is a wonderful place to spend a cool summer evening watching the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. When visiting the Hangang River, we recommend delivering chicken like the locals or trying Ramyeon (instant noodles) from the Ramyeon vending machines located at convenience stores along the river.
Useful tips!
At Hangang Park, picnic mats can be purchased from convenience stores or street vendors. You can also rent picnic tables and chairs from the park's rental stores.
Traveling back in time
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Ikseon-dong is a small neighborhood where alleyways and Hanok blend together, giving the impression of being on a film set. Ikseon-dong's retro and unique atmosphere is created by the traditional Korean atmosphere of the Hanok, as well as modern fashion accessory stores and unique restaurants. It appeals to people of all ages because it incorporates both trendy and traditional elements. On weekends, all of its alleys are packed with people.
Famous for its food market
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is a traditional market with a history dating back over a century. Clothing stores and food stalls are particularly popular with tourists. You can admire the beauty of Hanbok at clothing stores and buy vintage clothing at a reasonable price. Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Gimbap (rice rolled in seaweed), Kkwabaegi-bbang (twisted doughnut), Sundae (Korean blood sausage), and Hotteok (griddlecake with sugar filling) are among the dishes available at the food stalls. You should also try live octopus Yukhoe (beef tartare), Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), and Gwangjang Market Gimbap.