15 Best Things to See & Do in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is one of those cities where you can visit more than once and still feel like you've barely scratched the surface. From historic palaces and traditional markets to colourful shopping streets, K-pop culture, cafés, theme parks and incredible food, there really is something for everyone.

I've visited South Korea twice now, and Seoul is still one of my favourite cities to explore. Whether you're visiting for the first time or heading back for another trip, here are 15 of the best things to do in Seoul to add to your itinerary. If you enjoy this blog post and are planning your own trip to Seoul, check out my 10-Day Seoul Itinerary  - a ready-to-use guide to help you plan your South Korea adventure.

1. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace & Rent a Hanbok

📍 Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul

No first trip to Seoul feels complete without visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The palace is one of Seoul's most iconic historical sites, and one of my favourite ways to experience it is by renting a traditional hanbok and exploring the grounds dressed in Korean traditional clothing.

There are plenty of hanbok rental shops around the palace, with everything from simple traditional styles to elaborate, colourful designs.

Tip: Go earlier in the day if you want photos without as many people in the background. My personal recommendation: I've used Daehan Hanbok Rental on both of my trips to Seoul and have had a great experience each time. I also love that they cater to a wide range of body sizes, including plus-size options, so you don't have to miss out on the experience because of your size.

2. Explore Ikseon-dong

📍 Location: Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Ikseon-dong is such a fun area to wander around, especially if you want to experience a mix of traditional Korean architecture and modern Seoul.

The narrow streets are lined with beautifully renovated hanok buildings, now home to cafés, restaurants, boutique shops, bars and unique little stores. It's a great place to slow down, wander through the laneways and see how traditional Korean spaces have been given a modern twist.

It's also one of my favourite areas for café hopping and finding somewhere good to eat, so definitely come with an appetite!

Want to know where to eat in this area? Check out my 6 Restaurants Worth Visiting in South Korea blog, where I've shared some of the restaurants I've personally visited and recommend.

Looking for cafés? Head over to my Cafés Worth Visiting in South Korea blog for more cafés I've visited and recommend around South Korea.

3. Take the Cable Car to N Seoul Tower

📍 Namsan Mountain, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

For one of the best views over Seoul, head up Namsan Mountain to N Seoul Tower.

You can take the Namsan Seoul Tower Cable Car up the mountain and then explore the tower and surrounding area.

And, of course, don't forget the famous love locks! You'll see thousands of locks attached to the fences around Namsan, left by couples from all over the world.

I purchased a lock for myself and my daughters, which was such a cute little memory to have from our trip. We spent some time exploring the area, grabbed some snacks from 7-Eleven, and had dinner up there before taking in the views over Seoul. It's especially beautiful around sunset when you can watch the city light up below you.

Tip: Give yourself a few hours here rather than rushing through. There's plenty to explore around the tower, and it's a lovely place to take your time and enjoy the views.

4. See the Banpo Rainbow Fountain

📍 Location: Banpo Hangang Park, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Head to Banpo Hangang Park and watch the famous Banpo Rainbow Fountain along the Han River. It's especially beautiful once the sun goes down, when the fountain lights up and the show begins.

This is also a really nice picnic idea. Grab some food, find a spot along the river and settle in for the evening. Depending on when you visit, you may also come across singers, performers and other shows happening around the bridge, which adds to the atmosphere.

It's a great way to experience a more relaxed side of Seoul away from the busy shopping streets, and it's something the whole family can enjoy.

Tip: Check the fountain schedule before you go, as operating times can vary depending on the season and weather.

5. Eat Your Way Around Gwangjang Market

📍 Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

If you love food, Gwangjang Market needs to be on your list. This traditional market is packed with Korean street food, snacks and local dishes. Come hungry and be prepared to try a little bit of everything!

We tried the live octopus as well as plenty of other delicious street food, and I loved watching my girls be so adventurous with their choices. They weren't afraid to try the different foods, which made the experience even more fun.

Some popular things to look out for include bindaetteok, gimbap, tteokbokki, dumplings and Korean hot dogs.

And I have to warn you - once you've had gimbap and a Korean hot dog at Gwangjang Market, eating Korean food back home just doesn't hit the same! 

It's busy, noisy and full of people, but that's exactly what makes it such a fun Seoul experience.

Tip: Go hungry and don't be afraid to try something you've never had before. Some of our favourite moments came from simply choosing something that looked interesting and giving it a go.

6. Spend a Day at Lotte World

📍 Location: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

The huge theme park has rides, attractions, performances and both indoor and outdoor areas, making it a great option regardless of the weather.

My children absolutely loved Lotte World! We were lucky enough to visit on a quieter day, so we didn't have to wait too long for most of the rides. On my first visit, though, the lines for some of the most popular rides were very long, so your experience can definitely depend on how busy the park is.

And it's not just about the rides. There are parades, performances, plenty of yummy food and lots to explore, so even if you're waiting for a ride, there's plenty to keep you entertained.

It's easy to spend most of the day here, so I'd give yourself plenty of time rather than trying to squeeze it between other Seoul attractions.

Tip: If you can, try to visit on a weekday or a quieter day and check the expected crowds before you go. It can make a huge difference to how much you can fit in!

7. Explore Myeongdong Shopping Street

📍 Location: Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul

Myeongdong is one of Seoul's most famous shopping areas and is especially popular for Korean skincare, beauty products, fashion and street food. You will find huge beauty stores alongside smaller shops, restaurants and plenty of street food stalls. There is so much to look at that you can easily spend a few hours wandering through the streets.

My children really enjoyed Myeongdong too, especially because they love food and shopping. It's a great area to visit with teenagers because there's a little bit of everything to keep them interested.

It's worth noting that Myeongdong can get very busy, especially with tourists, so be prepared for crowds, particularly during the evening and peak travel periods.

Tip: Come hungry - the street food is half the fun! And if you're shopping for skincare or beauty products, it's worth comparing prices between stores before buying.

8.Experience Hongdae

📍 Location: Hongdae, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hongdae was definitely a vibe! It has street performers, entertainment, cafés, shops and plenty of places to grab Korean fried chicken and beer.

I've been to Hongdae twice now and have really enjoyed my time there. There's always something happening, whether you're wandering through the streets, watching the performers or stopping somewhere for food.

I haven't experienced the famous Hongdae nightlife myself - let's just say I've experienced the PG version with my girls! But even without going out late, there's still so much to see and do. It's a great area for families, teenagers or anyone who just wants to soak up the atmosphere and experience a fun, energetic side of Seoul.

Tip: Head there in the late afternoon or evening when the streets really start to come alive, and leave some time to simply wander around without a set plan.

9. Make Kimchi

📍 Location: Various locations across Seoul

Try a kimchi-making class! I did the Kimchi & Culture Experience in Seoul with Klook and absolutely loved it. The lady who ran the class was so lovely, and it was such a wonderful experience to share with friends.

We got to learn about the process of making kimchi and actually make our own, which made it much more memorable than simply eating it at a restaurant. It was a fun way to experience a little bit of Korean culture and have something we had made ourselves to take home.

My personal recommendation: If you're looking for a kimchi-making experience in Seoul, this is the class I did and really enjoyed: Kimchi & Culture Experience in Seoul with Klook.

Tip: This would be a great activity to do with friends, family or older kids. It's hands-on, fun and gives you a little break from sightseeing while still experiencing Korean culture.

10. Relax Along the Han River

📍 Location: Multiple parks along the Han River — including Yeouido, Banpo and Ttukseom

The Han River is such an important part of Seoul and definitely worth experiencing while you're there. We took a walk along the river and found a spot to have a picnic, which was such a nice way to slow down and enjoy the city without rushing off to the next attraction.

You can walk, cycle, have a picnic or simply sit by the water and take in the views. It's one of those simple experiences that doesn't need a big itinerary - sometimes it's nice to just grab some food, find a spot and enjoy being in Seoul.

Tip: Pick up some snacks or takeaway food before heading to the river and make your own little picnic. It’s a simple experience, but one I really enjoyed doing with my girls.

11. Visit Jongmyo Shrine

📍 Location: 157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

For something a little quieter and more historic, visit Jongmyo Shrine.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dedicated to the royal ancestors of the Joseon Dynasty and is one of the most important Confucian royal shrines in Korea.

We actually visited on a rainy day, and honestly, it turned out to be the perfect weather for it. The rain wasn't heavy, but it gave the grounds a peaceful, almost magical feeling as we walked around and learned more about Korean history.

It was a completely different experience from visiting Seoul's busier attractions, and I really enjoyed taking the time to slow down, explore the grounds and learn about the history behind the site.

Tip: Don't let a little rain put you off! Some of my favourite travel experiences have happened when the weather wasn't perfect - and Jongmyo Shrine was definitely one of them.

12. Wander Through Bukchon Hanok Village

📍 Location: Bukchon, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Bukchon Hanok Village is famous for its traditional Korean houses, known as hanok. The narrow streets and traditional architecture make it one of the most recognisable areas of Seoul and a beautiful place to explore on foot.

It can get quite hot, especially if you're visiting during the warmer months, so take your time and make sure you have some water with you. But most importantly, remember that Bukchon is a residential neighbourhood. People actually live in these homes, so please be mindful of noise, don't block doorways or paths, and be respectful when taking photos. It's a beautiful area to explore, but it's also someone's home - so let's make sure we treat it that way.

Tip: Visit earlier in the day if you can, especially during warmer weather, and take your time wandering through the streets rather than rushing from one photo spot to the next.

13. Explore COEX Mall & Starfield Library

📍 Location: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

For a completely different side of Seoul, head to COEX Mall in Gangnam.

The highlight is Starfield Library, the enormous open library inside the shopping centre. The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves make it one of Seoul's most recognisable modern photo spots.

We spent some time exploring the shops, had dinner and walked around the surrounding area, which made for a really easy and relaxed afternoon and evening.

It's a great place to mix a little shopping and sightseeing, and you can easily spend a few hours exploring COEX and the wider Gangnam area.

Tip: Don't just stop by Starfield Library for a photo and leave - give yourself some time to explore the shops, grab a meal and wander around the area.

14. Visit Lotte World Tower & Seoul Sky Observatory

📍 Location: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

For one of the best views over Seoul, head to Lotte World Tower, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. The Seoul Sky Observatory sits high inside the tower and gives you incredible 360° views across Seoul from one of the highest points in the city. On a clear day, you can see the city stretching out in every direction.

The observatory also has floor-to-ceiling windows and glass-floor sections for those who aren't afraid of heights! You can combine this with a visit to Lotte World or spend some time exploring Lotte World Mall and the surrounding area. Tip: Try to visit around sunset so you can see Seoul during the day before watching the city light up at night.

15. Take a Day Trip From Seoul

📍 Location: Outside Seoul

One of my favourite things about staying in Seoul is how many incredible places you can visit as a day trip.

DMZ Tour

📍 Location: Korean Demilitarized Zone, north of Seoul

A DMZ tour is definitely something I'd recommend if you're interested in Korean history and want to learn more about the division between North and South Korea.

We absolutely loved this day. My girls and I really enjoyed it, and it was such a great experience being able to learn more about the history of the Korean Peninsula, what happened in the past and what is still happening today.

It's one of those experiences that gives you a much better understanding of Korea beyond the usual tourist attractions. Some parts of the tour can feel quite surreal when you realise you're standing in an area connected to such an important part of modern history.

Tip: Make sure you listen carefully to all the rules and instructions during your tour, as there are areas with strict requirements. And most importantly, bring your passport — you'll need it for the DMZ checkpoints.

Nami Island

📍 Location: Chuncheon, Gangwon Province

Nami Island was another wonderful day trip from Seoul. I booked a private tour with friends, and honestly, the whole day went so smoothly. We visited a number of different places throughout the day and really enjoyed being able to get out of the city and experience more of Korea's beautiful nature, food and scenery.

Having friends along made it even more enjoyable, and it was one of those days where we could take our time, explore, eat good food and just enjoy each other's company. If you have a little extra time in your Seoul itinerary, I definitely recommend adding a day trip to Nami Island.

Tip: A private tour is a great option if you're travelling with friends or family, especially if you want to visit multiple places in one day without having to worry about organising all the transport yourself

Suwon

📍 Location: Suwon, Gyeonggi Province

Suwon was honestly one of my favourite days in Korea. 

We met up with a friend who grew up in Suwon, and she took my children and me around to so many different places. Having someone who actually knew the area made the day feel really special, as we got to experience Suwon through the eyes of someone who grew up there rather than simply following a typical tourist itinerary.

We explored Starfield Suwon, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, tried traditional Korean archery, made dalgona and stopped for plenty of food and treats along the way. My kids absolutely loved the archery and making dalgona!

Getting to Suwon was also really easy. My children and I made our own way there from Seoul to meet our friend, and then made our own way back afterwards. It was a really easy day trip and didn't feel difficult at all, even travelling with the kids.

If you're planning a trip to South Korea and have a spare day, I 100% recommend adding Suwon to your itinerary. There's a great mix of history, culture, activities, shopping and food, and it's a nice change of pace from Seoul.

Want to see exactly what we did? I've written a full blog about our day in Suwon, including all the places we visited and our experience travelling there with the kids: A Day in Suwon, South Korea.

Hwadam Forest (Hwadamsup)

📍 Location: Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province

Hwadam Forest was another great experience outside of Seoul. I went on a little road trip with some local friends, and we spent the day exploring the forest, enjoying the scenery and having a picnic together.

We visited before the cherry blossoms had started blooming, so it wasn't particularly busy when we went. The scenery wasn't quite as colourful as it would be during cherry blossom season, but it still had a beautiful wintery feel to it.

We also spent some time at the café and art museum, which were a fun addition to the day and gave us a chance to warm up and explore something different.

I really enjoyed being able to experience Hwadam Forest with local friends and take our time exploring the area without the crowds.

Tip: If you're visiting for the seasonal scenery, check what's blooming before you go. Cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons can be much busier, but visiting outside peak season can give you a much quieter experience.

More Things to Do in Seoul

If you're staying longer, there are plenty more places worth adding to your itinerary:

• Seoul Forest  - Seongdong-gu

• Ikseon-dong - Jongno-gu

• Yeonnam-dong - Mapo-gu

• Gangnam - Gangnam-gu

• Dongdaemun - Jung-gu

• Namdaemun Market - Jung-gu

• Korean baseball game 

• Korean dance class 

• Korean boxing class 

• Korean BBQ 

• Korean fried chicken 

• Noraebang (Korean karaoke) 

• Café hopping 
  

And honestly, one of my favourite things about Seoul is simply wandering. Some of the best cafés, shops and little streets aren't necessarily the ones you'll find on a list.

Final Thoughts

After two trips to South Korea, I still feel like I've only scratched the surface of Seoul.

That's what I love about this city. You can spend one day exploring centuries-old palaces, the next eating street food at a traditional market, and the next wandering through modern shopping districts and cafés.

I hope this list gives you some inspiration for your own trip - but don't feel like you have to see everything. Pick the places that excite you, leave a little room for getting lost, and make the trip your own.

Happy exploring!