For any wanderlust traveler questioning whether a trip to Seoul should be their next stop for a grand, eye-popping, immersive adventure in East Asia, well, if you\u2019re looking for a city loaded with jaw-dropping cityscape views, mouthwatering street snacks, festive cultural celebrations, aesthetically beautiful historical landmarks, endless shopping districts, and electrifying nightlife, then there\u2019s absolutely no reason to believe that a visit to South Korea\u2019s largest metropolis won\u2019t <\/em>be one of the best travel decisions you\u2019ve ever made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But before you pack your bags and get ready for that long-haul flight to Seoul, I\u2019m here to make sure you\u2019ve got the right idea of what to do, where to go, and how to get the best out of your time exploring all the amazing attractions and experiences waiting for you in the land of the morning calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that, check out my list of 10 top things to do in Seoul, and let\u2019s officially kick off your next great adventure in Korea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Seoul at night. Photo: Andre de Santis | Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Start with a Bird\u2019s Eye View of the City at N Seoul Tower<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s the first thing I have to do right after arriving in a new travel destination, especially<\/em> if I\u2019m touring a mega city. Find the highest observatory, pay it a visit, and lay eyes on a sweeping 360-degree panoramic view of the city from hundreds of feet in the air. It offers a great first impression of the region\u2014a solid introduction to the layout of the land you\u2019ll be touring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And thus, welcome to N Seoul Tower, a 777-ft. observation and broadcast tower that sits beautifully atop of Namsen Mountain, an already-860ft-tall sprawling peak riddled with trees, plants, gardens, trails, and cable car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of providing a bird\u2019s eye view of Seoul, visitors can experience French dining on the tower\u2019s 7^{th<\/sup> and highest floor, as well as drinks, cafes, Korean cuisine, an American burger restaurant, and a highly visual art exhibit on the floors below.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n}
Hey, there\u2019s a reason it\u2019s consistently listed as the #1 attraction to visit in Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other observatories to visit in Seoul: 63 Sky Art Observatory and Seoul Sky. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out more on the N Seoul Tower website.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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N Seoul Tower, Seoul, South Korea. Photo: u_wkx72obn1n | Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Unearth Seoul\u2019s Rich History at Gyeongbukgong Palace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Seoul might just become your new favorite city once you\u2019re done exploring its endless ensemble of beautifully crafted, culturally aesthetic historical landmarks. From centuries old gates and fortress walls to grand Buddhist temples and traditional villages\u2014you\u2019ll find plenty worth visiting every few miles. Perhaps the most popular and frequently visited historical landmark in Seoul, though, has to be Gyeongbukgong Palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Built in 1395 during the reign of Korea\u2019s Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbukgong Palace was the largest of the Five Grand Palaces, a group established to house Korea\u2019s influential noblemen and powerful hierarchy. Each contained a number of traditional styled buildings and residences, decorative halls, beautiful pavilions, picturesque gardens, structural gates, and striking religious statues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Gyeongbukgong Palace is one of the most prominent landmarks of Seoul. Visitors have the chance to explore the historical grounds freely or via guided tour, and they may also view the coveted changing of the guard ceremony at its front gate, in addition to attending various concerts and events held at the palace throughout the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plus, learn about the history of the Josean Dynasty and overlook artifacts belonging to the period at the National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum of Korea, which are both located on the premises.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feel free to check out the rest of Seoul\u2019s Five Grand Palaces: Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Gyeonghuigung Palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visit the Gyeongbukgong Palace website.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Gyeongbukgong Palace in Seoul. Photo: Heartywizard | Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Visit an Active War Zone at the DMZ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll often find Korea\u2019s Demilitarized Zone listed across travel articles and Youtube videos as one of the most interesting places to visit in the world. But what exactly is it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DMZ is a 154-mile long, 2.5-mile wide, weapons-free buffer zone\u2014think,<\/em> ceasefire zone\u2014between North and South Korea, established in 1953 at the end of the Korean War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The strip is under constant surveillance by military personnel and is heavily fortified on both sides of the aisle, and a Joint Security Area serves as a meeting place for prisoner exchanges, negotiations, and joint conferences between the two nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strangely enough, err, rather, intriguingly<\/em> enough, foreign tourists are allowed to explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone safely via licensed tour operator, which is why ever since opening its doors to the public, it\u2019s become one of Korea\u2019s most popular attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter which method of transportation you take to reach the DMZ, like hopping aboard the DMZ Peace Train, most of the DMZ can only be accessed via guided tour\u2014many agencies depart directly from Seoul\u2014and there are plenty of options to choose from. You\u2019ll want to visit Imjingak Resort and see the Bridge of Freedom, Peace Park, Camp Greaves, Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station, DMZ Gondola, and JSA if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just remember to book your tour<\/a> of the DMZ far in advance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Demilitarized Zone in Korea. Photo: peteranta | Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Party Like a Rockstar in Gangnam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOppa Gangnam Style!\u201d Remember that worldwide smash hit single by K-pop sensation PSY? It was only the first video to reach a mere 1 billion views on Youtube. So \u2026 maybe you\u2019ve heard of it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gangnam style went immensely viral for a reason\u2014it\u2019s wildly fun, exhilarating energy, and electrifying vibrancy was the perfect exemplification of Gangnam\u2019s bustling shopping, dining, and nightlife scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dubbed the \u201cBeverly Hills of South Korea\u201d, Gangnam is home to endless high-end department stores, malls, and underground shopping centers. One could go from overlooking the city from 123 stories high at Lotte World Tower\u2019s Seoul Sky Observatory to viewing the latest innovative technology at the interactive Samsung D\u2019light Exhibition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll also find Buddhist temples, arcades, a K-Pop Museum, Seoul Olympic Park, and Bamdokkaebi Night Market, where you can taste delectable local street snacks from food trucks, buy handmade accessories, and listen to live music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the more popular reasons to visit Gangnam, though, is for its pulsating nightlife. You\u2019ve got a great mix of top-notch karaoke rooms (noraebangs), bars, and clubs that play everything from EDM to popular Hip-Hop tracks deep into the night. Should you go, make sure to check out Club Octagon, Running Rabbit, and Once in a Blue Moon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Nightlife in Seoul. Photo: Philippe Teuwen | Wikimedia Commons<\/a>
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Wine, Dine, and Party with Foreigners in Itaewon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Should you prefer to wine and dine or bar and club hop in a more foreign-friendly nightlife hub in Seoul, Itaewon is your best bet to have a good time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The district is loaded with international restaurants, boutiques, shops, and nightlife venues that are geared towards the diverse foreign audience in Seoul, which will include everyone from businessmen\/women and English teachers of different nationalities, to diplomats and American soldiers from a nearby base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can find a restaurant for every style of food you\u2019ve missed back home, like tacos, sushi, Indian, Thai, American-style burgers, gyros, and Chinese dumplings.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also worth noting that Itaewon is highly regarded as one of Seoul\u2019s most popular places to drink and party. As for clubs, you\u2019ll want to check out Cakeshop, Venue, and Lucid Dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Itaewon, Seoul. Photo: xiquinhosilva<\/a> | Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Watch a Live Sports Game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t you just love seeing different interpretations of how sports are played around the world? What about discovering a new<\/em> sport that you\u2019ve never even seen? How about discovering which sports are popular in different countries, and even attending a live game?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Korea is big<\/em> on baseball. In fact, baseball and soccer are the region\u2019s two most popular sports. Anyone that\u2019s ever traveled to Seoul and watched a baseball match will tell you that Jamsil Baseball Stadium is the best place to catch a game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go ahead\u2014read up on reviews. Here\u2019s what they\u2019ll mention: Festive atmosphere, highly engaged fans, lots of singing and chanting, cheerleaders, fried chicken and beer (BYOB options, too), great games, and an overall exhilarating atmosphere that puts Korean Baseball scores ahead of America\u2019s MLB!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s nothing like watching live sports in another country, which brings me to my next trip recommendation \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Seoul, South Korea. Photo: Cyberdoomslayer | Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Observe a Live Taekwondo Practice and Demonstration at Kukkiwon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you love martial arts as much as I do\u2014I\u2019m a huge<\/em> UFC fan, by the way\u2014your trip to Seoul won\u2019t be complete without a visit to Kukkiwon, also known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taekwondo originated in Korea thousands of years ago, with modern day techniques, schools, and standardizations having primarily developed since the 1940s. Today, Taekwondo has grown to become one of the most practiced martial arts around the world, with over 90 million practitioners spanning 200+ countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, want to check out high-flying kicks, punches, and jaw-dropping athletic skills? Kukkiwon not only gives visitors the chance to see some authentic, homegrown, live Taekwondo training sessions and demonstrations, but guests also have the opportunity to learn the history of Taekwondo through a collection of audio, photos, and commemorative displays that include uniforms, trophies, magazines, and books, in its museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out the Kukkiwon website<\/a> for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Taekwondo Demonstration at Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Headquarters. Photo: Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han) | Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attend a Cultural Festival and \u2026 Water-Gun Fight?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Seoul\u2019s got plenty of amazing festivals to experience throughout the year, from merry cultural celebrations to large community gatherings devoted to culinary prep of local foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few top festivals to visit in Seoul include Kimchi Festival, a local and foreign-friendly event dedicated to making and sharing Kimchi, a staple food of Korea, with the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Lantern Festival (held in November), and perhaps Seoul\u2019s most popular festival, places hundreds of lanterns of varying shapes, sizes, colors, and designs along Cheonggyecheon Stream for a dazzling display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s Seoul Rose Festival, where you\u2019ll find a 3.2 mile stretch jam packed with thousands of gorgeous roses and flowers in full bloom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And finally, you won\u2019t want to miss Seoul\u2019s annual Water Gun Festival (held in July), featuring water fights, water activities, concerts, and parades. Now tell me that doesn\u2019t sound like fun!?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other festivals in Seoul you may be interested in are the Royal Culture Festival and Seoul Gugak Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Kimchi Festival in Seoul. Photo: Republic of Korea | Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Munch of Tasty Snacks at One of Seoul\u2019s Street Food Markets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Two words: Street food<\/em>. Believe me, Seoul\u2019s got plenty of it. You\u2019ll find street vendors and food trucks dishing up a variety of traditional local snacks, which means everything from rice cakes, fish cakes, kimchi, kimbap, sweet pancakes, and grilled cheese lobster, to scrumptious meat skewers, blood sausage, live octopus, and fried milk, is up for grab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider making Gwangjang Market, one of Korea\u2019s oldest and most popular street food markets, your first stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From there, squeeze in trips to Bamdokkaebi Night Market, Myeongdong Street Food Alley, Common Ground, Dongdaemun and Namdaemun Night Markets, and Tonjin Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, one very important thing to remember: On a fun night out at one of Seoul\u2019s street food markets, as is tradition, don\u2019t forget to wash everything down with some shots of Soju, Korea\u2019s national alcohol. Drink responsibly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ Gwangjiang Market in Seoul. Photo: Tongjeron91 | Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Shop Til\u2019 You Drop Across All of Seoul<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Seoul is a shopper\u2019s paradise. You\u2019ve got department stores, malls, massive underground shopping centers, outdoor markets, boutiques, and entire districts that are primarily known as the go-to centers for a little retail therapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a more high-end, name brand, fashion-tailored shopping experience, head over to Lotte World Tower and Myeongdong, which is considered one of the most popular shopping districts in Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dongdaemun is home to a sprawling collection of boutiques, vendors, specialty shops, and malls, and at Namdaemun, Seoul\u2019s largest and most traditional market, you can find souvenirs, clothes, accessories, electronics, food ingredients, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll find shops geared towards hip college kids and local youth in Hongdae, but if you\u2019re looking for traditional art, crafts, sculptures, and antiques to take home, Insa-dong is where you\u2019ll want to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s something for everybody, everywhere <\/em>in Seoul!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ Myeongdong, Seoul. Photo: Doug Sun Beams | Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So, now that you\u2019ve got a solid idea of top attractions and things to do in Seoul, what\u2019s the next step? Have you considered what to pack and what to wear? How about getting a visa? Or, here\u2019s a thought: Maybe you like my list so much that you\u2019re considering sending me on an all-expense paid invitation to join you on your next grand adventure in Korea. Yep, I like that<\/em> next step best. Safe and happy travels!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Thinking of visiting Seoul? Find out about the best attractions, things to do, and amazing experiences to discover in South Korea’s largest city.\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":3234,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[551,684],"tags":[788,698,789,787],"class_list":{"0":"post-3037","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-south-korea","8":"category-guides","9":"tag-asia","10":"tag-guide","11":"tag-seoul","12":"tag-south-korea","13":"cs-entry","14":"cs-video-wrap"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3037","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3037"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3037\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8517,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3037\/revisions\/8517"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3234"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3037"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3037"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3037"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}