Seoul blends history, food, shopping and nightlife on an enormous scale. Here are the 20 best things to do, grouped so you can plan by neighbourhood.
Palaces and tradition
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: the grandest of the Joseon palaces. Entry is 3,000 KRW and free in hanbok. See our palaces guide.
- The Changing of the Guard at Gwanghwamun Gate: 10am and 2pm (not on Tuesdays).
- Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden: a UNESCO palace, with timed garden tours.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: hanok alleys with city views. Visit within the allowed hours and keep quiet.
- Insadong: tea houses, galleries and craft shops.
- Jongmyo Shrine: the UNESCO royal ancestral shrine.
- Hanbok rental: wear traditional dress, which also gets you free palace entry.
Food and markets
- Gwangjang Market: bindaetteok, mayak gimbap and yukhoe.
- Myeongdong street food in the evenings, plus K-beauty shopping.
- Korean BBQ with soju, in any neighbourhood.
- Noryangjin Fish Market: pick your seafood and have it cooked upstairs.
Modern Seoul
- N Seoul Tower on Namsan: take the cable car or hike up for sunset.
- Lotte World Tower: one of the world’s tallest buildings, with the Seoul Sky deck.
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza: Zaha Hadid’s futuristic landmark, with night markets.
- Hongdae: street performers, clubs and indie shops.
- Seongsu-dong: warehouse cafés and pop-up stores, Seoul’s “Brooklyn”.
- COEX and the Starfield Library in Gangnam.
Nature and experiences
- The Cheonggyecheon stream: a 10 km walk through the centre.
- Bukhansan National Park: granite peaks reachable by subway and bus.
- A jjimjilbang: the Korean bathhouse experience, open late or 24 hours.
Also popular: the DMZ, by organised tour only. Compare Seoul food tours, DMZ trips and hanbok rentals.
Tips
- Most palaces close one day a week. Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays, and Changdeokgung on Mondays.
- Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for directions.
- Book DMZ tours a few days ahead, and bring your passport.
More Seoul guides
- Seoul travel guide
- Seoul itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Seoul
- Seoul palaces guide
- K-ETA and Korea entry requirements
- Incheon Airport to Seoul
- Best time to visit Seoul
FAQ: Things to do in Seoul
What is Seoul best known for?
Its palaces, street food, K-pop and K-beauty culture, shopping districts and the contrast of old and new.
What can you do for free in Seoul?
You can walk Cheonggyecheon and Bukchon, hike Namsan or Bukhansan, browse the markets, watch the Changing of the Guard, and visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Is 3 days enough for Seoul?
Three days covers the highlights. Four or five days is better. See our Seoul itinerary.
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