Lonely PlanetOct 15
20 Best Things to Do in Seoul
The top spots in Seoul transport visitors from ancient palaces all the way up to the latest K-Pop sensations, with serene temples for day and neon nights.
One of Seoul’s five royal palaces.
25 things in this story
- HongdaeNeighborhoodKnown for neon-lit nights and nightlife.
- Bukchon Hanok VillageAttractionHistoric district with hundreds of charming hanok.
- Gwangjang MarketMarketKnown for tteokbokki, mandu, and soju.
- Gyeongbokgung PalaceParkLargest and most elegant of Seoul’s five royal palaces.
- K-Star RoadAttractionDedicated to K-Pop artists with statues of cartoon bears.
- Bukhansan National ParkTrailMost visited national park per unit area.
- DMZSightClosely guarded border between North and South Korea.
- Jogye-saSightA 14th-century temple.
- National Folk Museum of KoreaMuseumFeatures exhibits on traditional Korean culture.
- GwanghwamunTrain stationMain gate where the Royal Guard ceremony takes place.
- GangnamDol HausSightSouvenir shop for mini GangnamDol bears.
- Myeong-dongNeighborhoodFamous shopping district for fashion and cosmetics.
- Myeong-dong Night MarketMarketOffers street food and quirky souvenirs.
- Pink Pool CafeRestaurantConfectionery-colored spot with an ice-cream-parlor vibe.
- Spa LeiPlaceFemale-only bathhouse known for elegant atmosphere.
- War Memorial of KoreaMuseumContextualizes the military conflict of the Korean peninsula.
- ChangdeokgungSightOne of Seoul’s five royal palaces.
- Rakkojae HanokHotelHanok guesthouse with heated floors and courtyards.
- Cheonggye-cheonSightAn 11km oasis waterway through central Seoul.
- DMZ ToursPlaceOutfit that offers day trips to the border area.
- Dora ObservatorySightOffers a glimpse into North Korea from the DMZ.
- Third Infiltration TunnelSightTunnel originally dug by North Korean soldiers.
- Joint Security AreaSightArea where one can step into North Korea.
- noraebangPlacePrivate rooms for singing karaoke.
- Bongeun-saSight8th-century temple with a colossal Buddha statue.