Not sure what to do in Seoul? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Check out our expansive list of 99 fantastic things to do in Seoul for anyone looking to have a good time in the metro hub and heartbeat of South Korea. From outdoor activities to all the best museums and markets.
This is your one stop spot for all the best things to do in Seoul by a couple of Korea lovers that called Seoul home for 3 years!
Table of Contents
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- Outdoor Things to do in Seoul
- Historic Things to do in Seoul
- Temples in Seoul
- Museums in Seoul
- Markets in Seoul
- Neighborhoods to explore in Seoul
- Amusement Parks in Seoul
- Interesting Buildings in Seoul
- Entertainment Attractions in Seoul
- The Best Cafes in Seoul
- Truly Unique Things to do in Seoul
- Where to Stay in Seoul
- Transportation in Seoul
- Best Time to Visit Seoul
- Seoul Travel Tips
- What to Pack for Seoul
Outdoor Things to do in Seoul
Bukhansan during the fall
1. Bukhansan National Park
It’s not often a national park is located within a city, in Seoul you can get a break from the crowds and noise by taking a peaceful hike in the mountains of Bukhansan and get incredible views of the city from the different peaks.
Bambi Sighting at Seoul Forest
2. Seoul Forest
Another great thing to do in Seoul if you love the outdoors. Seoul Forest is compromised of five parks in one including a butterfly sanctuary and outdoor art sculptures! The perfect place for a picnic, bike ride or date.
3. Gwanaksan Mountain
See a different side of Seoul from the mountains near Seoul National University on Gwanaksan Mountain.
4. World Cup Stadium
It’s hard to believe that such a big and beautiful park exists in Seoul next to the Han River with a great infinity pool, cute rabbits, and even camping. Great to visit all year round and always hosting fun events like a Shrimp Festival.
Rabbit Park in Seoul
5. Visit Rabbit Park
This amazing park is located in the trendy french neighborhood Seorae Village and is one of our favorite things to do in Seoul. Check out the nearby area for great bakeries, wine bars, and better yet a park filled with friendly rabbits!
6. Hike Ingwansan Mountain
Walk along Seoul’s fortress wall on Mt. Ingwansan just near the heart of Seoul and the government complex of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Presidential Blue House. Don’t forget to bring your passport for identification!
7. Anyang Art Park
Check out this giant park well removed from the city full of art installations and outdoor sculptures.
8. Seokchon Lake
Take a stroll around this park that surrounds Lotte World. Watch people scream on the rides and enjoy the views of Lotte World Tower. This area is extra special during the cherry blossom season!
9. Yeouido Park
Located in the smack center of Seoul on an island in the Han River, Yeouido Park is a great place to rent a bike and cruise along the river, picnic, play catch, or even cool off in the big fountain!
10. Han River
The Han River has become one of the best places to find outdoor things to do in Seoul. Rent bikes, take a cruise, have a picnic or even camp, there are tons of activities to enjoy along the Han River and its no wonder why locals love hanging out here.Every year the Han River hosts its annual massive firework festival.
11. Cheonggycheon Stream
Located in the heart of Seoul this 5km long stream is the perfect place to rest your legs after walking through the most visited area in the city. Cool off your feet in the stream, bring a picnic, enjoy live music, or come for the annual Lantern Festival.
Ihwa Mural Village
12. Ihwa Mural Village
Stroll around this adorable little village of Ihwa up on a hill with a great view of the city. While weaving your way through the alleyways you’ll find street art and murals scattered throughout the area. When you’re ready for a break to check out some of the area’s trendy cafes.
13. Olympic Park
Once where the summer 1988 Olympics were held is now a park frequented by locals for recreation and enjoying the interesting outdoor sculptures.
14. Banpo Bridge
One of the best things to do in Seoul at night is heading on over to the Han River where the Banpo Bridge, the world’s longest fountain bridge. Every night the bridge is illuminated with the colors of the rainbow and a water show.
Historic Things to do in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
15. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Arguably one of the best things to do in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung is the main royal palace out of five in the city. You could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring the inside of the palace’s walls. Check out the free museums inside and don’t forget a camera for some of Seoul’s most iconic spots.
The Secret Garden in Changdeokgong
16. Changdeokgung Palace
One of our favorite things to do in Seoul is strolling through the secret garden and UNESCO World Heritage site Changdeokgung Palace. Another one of the five grand palaces in Seoul, Changdeokgung is the most beautiful during the changing of the leaves in fall and during the cherry blossoms in spring.
17. Deoksugung Palace
Located in one of the busiest intersections in Seoul, Deoksugung Palace is another beautiful spot to enjoy in the city. Much smaller than Gyeongbok and Changdeok palaces, you can enjoy inside Deoksugung palace’s walls in a short period of time. Make sure you check out the changing of the guards here!
18. Changgyeonggung Palace
Another one of Seoul’s main five palaces, Changgyeonggung has an incredibly interesting history as well as a gorgeous botanical garden to enjoy.
19. Gyeonghuigung Palace
The final of the five main palaces in Seoul, Gyeonghuigung is often overlooked by visitors and more of an under the radar spot. The perfect place to go if you want to enjoy an amazing palace without the crowds!
20. Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo Shrine is one of the best things to do in Seoul if you are a UNESCO World Heritage Site hunter! Considered the best preserved Confucian Shrine be sure to come and check out one of the guided tours for only 1,000 KRW!
21. Tapgol Park
Hang out at this public park in the heart of historical Seoul. Enjoy the beautiful Palgakjeong Pavilion and the stone Wongaksa Pagoda.
Namsangol Hanok Village
22. Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village is an open-air museum of traditional Korean homes, live traditional performances, and great views of Namsan Tower. We found this area to be extremely photogenic, especially near the giant time capsule structure!
view of North Korea from Cheorwon Observatory
23. DMZ Train
One of the most popular things to do in Seoul is visiting the DMZ. What better way to visit the 38th parallel than to take the scenic DMZ train? Choose between two different trains that depart daily with different stops including the Cheorwon Tunnel and Observatory.
Korean Traditional Wedding Ceremony at Korean Folk Village
24. Korean Folk Village
Step back in time at the Korean Folk Village in Yongin, just on the outskirts of Seoul. Spend an entire day wandering through the different historical periods of Korea through traditional hanok homes, live performances, activities, kids theme park, and even a traditional Korean wedding if you’re lucky!
You can purchase your tickets in advance for the Korean Folk Village here.
25. Hwaesong Fortress
Technically outside of Seoul located in Suwon you can reach this ancient fortress on the Seoul subway line. Spend an entire day wandering inside the walls of Hwaesong Fortress with a guided tour or on your own. You can even check out live performances here and even participate in fun activities like archery!
Temples in Seoul
26. Bonguensa Temple
Located just next to COEX Mall and Convention Center in Gangnam, Bonguensa Buddhist Temple is most famous for its grand standing Buddha statue.
Jogyesa Temple in Seoul during Buddha’s Birthday
27. Jogyesa Temple
Located in the heart of Seoul next to Insadong and Gyeongbok Palace, Jogyesa is the perfect place to stop if you want to see a peaceful Buddhist temple in the middle of a huge city. It’s incredible how serene Jogyesa is considering it’s located in one of the busiest parts in town.
28. Gungnyeongsa Temple aka The Giant Golden Buddha
One of our favorite things to do in Seoul would be going to Bukhansan National Park to see Gungnyeongsa Temple or the Giant Golden Buddha temple nestled in the mountains. If the impressive giant Buddha isn’t enough for you then perhaps the gorgeous scenery or the 10 minute hike up to the summit with amazing views will suit you!
Museums in Seoul
29. D Museum
Located in Hannam-dong, the D Museum, run by Daelim Museum, offers different temporary exhibits and installations with talented international artists. We really enjoyed when they had the Spatial Illumination 9 lights in 9 rooms exhibits in 2016. (video above)
30. Daelim Museum
Located just a few steps away from Gyeongbokgung Palace in the heart of Seoul the Daelim Museum is famous for hosting modern art exhibits including works from famous photographer-illustrator-director Todd Selby. It’s worth checking out the current exhibits at Daelim for any modern art lover.
31. Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Located in Hannam-dong not far from the D Museum, Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is one of the most popular museums in Seoul hosting traditional Korean art as well as contemporary art.
32. National Museum of Korea
Located in Yongsan, the National Museum of Korea features the country’s history and art with an incredible view of Namsan Tower in the distance
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33. Free Museums in Gwanghwamun
Visiting Gwanghwamun Square? Don’t just walk on the surface, make sure you go below the famous King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun Shin statues for two free museums in the heart of Seoul! Learn the incredible history of King Sejong, the famous king of the Joseon Dynasty and famous Korean war hero Admiral Yi.
34. National Folk Museum of Korea
Located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace and free with your admission to the palace is the National Folk Museum of Korea offering important replicas and artifacts from Korea’s history.
35. Seodaemun Prison
No longer a prison anymore you can tour Seodaemun Prison to learn the history of this spot shedding light on the cruelty that went on during Japanese colonial rule over Korea through 1910-1945. A more of a bleak place to visit but extremely educational and important to Korea’s history and ongoing resentment towards Japan.
36. Haewoojae Toilet Museum
This one is a bit crazy but worth a visit if you’re looking for a museum on the lighter side and enjoy toilet humor. The old mayor of Suwon, aka Mr. Toilet, is responsible for bringing the western toilet to Korea during the World Cup in 2002. He was so proud of his endeavors that he turned his home into a toilet shaped building and opened a museum solely dedicated to the porcelain pot.
Markets in Seoul
37. Namdaemun Market
One of the best things to do in Seoul is visiting Korea’s largest traditional markets located next to Myeongdong. With all sorts of vendors selling all different types of goods this is one place to come if you need to buy anything from electronics to luggage.
38. Gwangjang Market
Korea’s first market famous for its textiles, house ware, and even agriculture products. This is the place to go if you’re looking to design your own or have a great selection of hanbok, traditional Korean clothing. Even if you’re not going to buy anything people flock here for the window shopping and oohing and ahhing at all the different fabrics and colors.
39. Noryangjin Fish Market
This famous fish market is the largest of its kind in the country and offers all sorts of wholesale foods, mostly fish for people looking for the day’s freshest catches. Being here is an experience of its own whether or not you end up picking out a fish to eat or shop. The place is full of energy and worth a visit.
40. Dongdaemun Market
Visiting Dongdaemun Market is one of the best things to do in Seoul if you love clothing. Dongdaemun is Seoul’s fashion center and you can buy everything here from materials to make clothing to shopping centers full of the latest trends and fashion.
41. Underground Shopping in Myeongdong
Some of the best shopping in Seoul can be found in the underground markets in Myeongdong. Full of different products like houseware, clothing, K pop memorabilia, and accessories. Get lost in this underground city of shopping and be sure to practice your bargaining skills to get a good deal!
Neighborhoods to Explore in Seoul
Hanok Island
42. Ikseondong
One of theunder the radar spots in Seoul located in the heart of the city. Ikseondong is a tiny hanok village surrounded by high rises getting the nickname, “hanok island.” Within the hanok homes there are boutiques, cafes, and trendy restaurants.
43. Samcheondong
This cutesy neighborhood is chocked full of boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and magnificent views. Located smack dab in the center between Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village, this is the perfect place to hang out for some lunch while exploring some of the historical sites in Seoul.
44. Insadong
Visiting the fun and lively shopping area of Insadong is one of our favorite things to do in Seoul. Here you can shop for Korean souvenirs, check out cute little boutiques, enjoy tasty desserts, teas houses, cafes, and eat some amazing food. One of our favorite spots within Insadong would be the Ssamziegil shopping center full of fun stores, arts and crafts, tasty treats and even a museum.
45. Buamdong
This ritzy neighborhood in Seoul is another under the radar spot for tourists offering terrific views of Seoul and a great ending spot for the famous Ingwansan Mountain hike along the city’s ancient fortress wall. Check out the cafes with great views, museums, and AMAZING fried chicken joints in this tiny neighborhood. When you’re done you’re only a 5-minute bus ride or 15-minute walk to the Presidential Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Cat Cafe in Hongdae
46. Hongdae
Hongdae never sleeps and is known for its late night partying and food at all hours thanks to the nearby universities. This area is chocked full of restaurants, cafes, activities and plenty of shopping. Check out more of the best things to do in Hongdae.
47. Edae
Located near Hongdae next to Ehwa Women’s University, Edae is a great spot for shopping, beauty, and eating. The university campus is also gorgeous and a great place to take photos.
48. Seorae Village
This adorable area in Seoul is considered the french quarter since it houses a majority of the french expat population in the city. Thanks to the french influence in the area you will be able to find some of the best bakeries and wine bars in the city. Don’t forget to check out Montmartre Park, aka Rabbit Park for some cute rabbits while you relax!
49. Garosugil
This is where Seoul’s elite like to shop, eat, and play. The charming tree lined streets of Garosugil near Gangnam is where you’ll find designer boutiques and Instagram-worthy desserts.
50. Heart of Gangnam
Whether you live or are just visiting, one of the best things to do in Seoul is visiting the heart of Gangnam. Full of fancy skyscrapers with giant tv projections this center of the city is full of life and energy. Come here to shop all day, eat at incredible restaurants, or party all night in the cities best clubs. Gangnam is the part of Seoul that never sleeps.
51. Bukchon Hanok Village
Check out Seoul’s cutest neighborhood full of traditional hanok style homes that people still live in today. Climb the hilly hanok lined streets for great views of the juxtaposition of where old meets the new.
52. Sinsadong
If you love shopping then Sinsa is the place to go. The streets are lined with stores of some of the most famous brands out there and has something for everyone. There are also tons of galleries and international restaurants to enjoy in the area as well.
53. Hyewha
Hyewha is one of the best places to go in Seoul if you are an art and music enthusiast. You can find galleries, cafes, and art exhibits going on regularly in the area. Just a few steps away is Ihwa Mural Village, Naksan Park, and a great selection of restaurants and shopping in the area.
54. Gwanghwamun Square
One of the most iconic and recognizable spots in the city, it’s no doubt that Gwanghwamun Square is one of the best things to do in Seoul. Check out the museums and theatres in the area as well as stroll along the famous walkway with the King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun Shin statues. During the weekends there are often markets or even protesters filling up the square.
55. Itaewon for everything International
Itaewon is where all foreigners, expats, and locals who want a taste of international cuisine go. Located next to a US military base this area quickly became popular for being the spot to get international cuisine at restaurants or grocery stores. If you’re a bigger size you can often find larger clothing and footwear sizes in the area. There are also great options for nightlife in the area.
Amusement Parks in Seoul
Everland
56. Everland Resort
Located just outside of Seoul and an easy bus ride from Gangnam is Korea’s fun amusement park with an entire zoo included. Everland Resort is one of our favorite things to do in Seoul year-round.
Full of rides and seasonal festivities there really is no wrong time of the year to visit. Our favorite ride includes the giant wooden roller coaster the T Express and the crazy over the top parades that take place multiple times a day.
Want to experience Everland yourself? You can buy your tickets in advance online to avoid a long wait!
57. Lotte World
Located in the city of Seoul is the giant indoor/outdoor amusement park Lotte World. Outside is a pretty castle and a few rides but inside is where you will find the most fun.
With over a dozen indoor roller coasters it’s hard to imagine how the heck they fit it all inside one building. Not to mention there is a giant indoor ice skating rink and a huge shopping mall attached, Lotte World will keep you busy for at least a day if not more.
Purchase your Lotte World tickets here in advance to avoid lines.
58. Seoul Grand Park
Another one of our favorite things to do in Seoul was visiting the huge outdoor zoo, gardens, and theme park that make up Seoul Grand Park. This massive park has a chair lift that will take you on the scenic ride up to the top of the park where you can enjoy the zoo animals. Wander through the gardens or scream your pants off on the rides at Seoul land there’s definitely enough to do here that will fill up an entire day if not more.
Buy your tickets in advance for Seoul Land to save time!
Overlooking Seoul from Yongma
59. Visit an Abandoned Amusement Park
Check out Yongma Land, Seoul’s abandoned amusement park for great photo opportunities and to channel your inner K pop or K drama star. Yongma Land has increased with popularity over the years because it has been featured in many films, famous photo shoots, and music videos like Crayon Pop.
Interesting Buildings in Seoul
60. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Designed by famed architect Zaha Hadid, DDP is one of the most unique and interesting buildings we have ever seen. It almost looks like a space ship has landed in the middle of Seoul.
Spend the day shopping inside or enjoying the current exhibits on display in the museum. Come back and night and feel the ambiance of the sounds and lights as they illuminate the area and transform it into an out of this world experience.
61. Lotte World Tower
Lotte World Tower is Seoul’s latest new addition to the city’s skyline and rather impressive as it’s the country’s tallest building clocking in with 123 floors and the 5th tallest building in the world!
You can to look at the building in awe or shop at the incredible mall on the lower levels.
62. 63 Building
You can’t miss this beautiful gold high rise along the Han River on Yeouido. This used to be Korea’s tallest building until Lotte World Tower was built. The 63 Building offers a variety of things to do including the incredible observation deck on the top floors, an aquarium, 3D movie experience, and other exhibits.
Purchase your tickets for the observatory at a discount here.
63. Namsan Tower
One of the best things to do in Seoul would be visiting the iconic Namsan Tower. Namsan Tower can be seen from all over the city and offers incredible 360 views of Seoul once you’re up there.
Take a cable car, bus, or walk on the trails leading up to Namsan. Eat, shop, take a date, or just go for the view. We recommend checking out N.Grill for a sunset dinner, the restaurant is at the top of the tower and revolves slowly in a complete circle while you enjoy a fine dining experience.
You can purchase your tickets for Namsan Tower in advance here.
64. Jeongdong Observatory
Located in the heart of Seoul on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall you can check out the incredible views from Jeongdong Observatory. The highlight would be peering down into the grounds of Deoksugung Palace. Be sure to check the latest hours of business as it changes and is closed on certain holidays.
65. National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
Located in Gwanghwamun Square next to the US Embassy and Gyeongbokgung Palace this museum not only offers interesting exhibits about the history of Korea but also has an incredible outdoor observation deck overlooking Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace. No tripods allowed and guards may not let you take photos facing the palace and presidential Blue House.
Entertainment attractions in Seoul
66. Noraebang
Visiting Korea means you have to check out a noraebang, aka private karaoke rooms. Grab some friends or go solo. You can grab drinks and snacks inside while you belt out your favorite tunes. It’s really a fun experience, we recommend having a few drinks before going to loosen up a bit!
67. Mulitbang
A multibang or game room often includes a karaoke room, movies, and video games. You rent by the hour and can hang out with friends or by yourself. We love coming to multi rooms to play MarioKart and Just Dance on Wii.
68. PC Bang
Are you a big computer gamer? Take advantage of some of the fastest internet in the world at a PC bang or a PC room where you can play your favorite computer games on lightning-speed internet 24 hours a day. They sell basic snacks, ramen, and drinks so you won’t have to leave for hours.
69. Screen Golf
Another one of our favorite things to do in Seoul is late night screen golf. Imagine you are on the course with this interactive screen golf game. Many places let you have drinks and will even order you food and are open 24 hours.
70. Bowling
Another great activity to enjoy in Seoul would be bowling! You can’t miss the giant inflatable bowling pin on top of buildings around Seoul letting you know there’s a bowling alley inside.
These are often open 24 hours and very inexpensive. We found ourselves loving late night bowling with drinks!
71. Check out Jjimjilbang
Check out Korea’s bathhouse scene by visiting a jimjilbang. Sweat it out or soak in therapeutic baths, some infused with things like ginseng or green tea.
Most jimjilbangs are separated by sex meaning you are in the nude hanging out in the sauna. There are areas where men and women can sit in steam rooms together with jimjilbang outfits provided. They seem scary at first but once you get over the initial shock they are really nice!
The ultimate movie experience
72. Luxury Cinemas
We loved the movie theater experience in Korea. One of the best things to do in Seoul would be to take advantage of their luxury cinemas. There are cinema experiences where you can lounge on Tempurpedic beds, relax in recliners with Beats by Dre speakers, and fine dining. Even at the regular CGV cinemas, you can opt for a SweetBox, a little semi-private love seat for you and your friend or just extra space for yourself.
73. Nanta Theatre Show
Nanta live theater is perfect for anyone no matter what language you speak as it’s a nonverbal comedy cooking show. It has rave reviews and has gained alot of popularity over the years.
74. Check out the Casino
Did you know Seoul has a few casinos? Gambling is not legal for Korean citizens so it’s for international guests only. We recommend checking out Walker Hill or Seven Luck casinos if gambling is your thing.
Riding Killer Sharks
75. Trick Eye Museum
Want to fool all your friends into thinking you were at the jaws of a giant crocodile? Or that you were climbing bamboo with adorable panda bears? The Trick Eye Museum is full of art installations where you pose with the scene and become a part of the art. It’s a pretty fun experience full of fun photo opportunities!
76. X Rated Love Museum
CLOSED – womp womp
This one is not for kids or for the faint of heart. The Love Museum is full of x rated art and like the Trick Eye Museum, you can actually pose with some of the displays. You will be shocked, amused, and disgusted as you walk through the entire place. It’s definitely a unique experience!
77. Han River Cruise
Enjoy an incredible view of the city by the Han River on a river cruise! There are different options but we recommend taking a sunset cruise served with dinner to witness the city come to life as the sun goes down.
78. Wine Train
If you’re a wine lover like us you may want to check out the Wine Train in Seoul. Hop on board for wine tasting, movies, and fun stops along the way. The train is decked out with kitschy decor and an experience you won’t forget.
79. Check out a Sporting Event
While you’re in Seoul check out a local sporting event! Our favorite would have to be baseball games. We found Korea’s games to be more lively than baseball games in the US. There are dancers, cheerleaders, and mascots galore to ensure you have a great experience rooting for your favorite team.
The Best Cafes in Seoul
80. Cat Café
If you’re a cat lover like myself then visiting on of the city’s many cat cafes is one of the best things to do in Seoul! Sip on a cup of coffee, grab a toy, and have some new feline friends to hang out with.
81. Dog Café
Some people say they are “dog” people or others like myself love both cats and dogs. Anyways you can also visit a cafe just with dogs! There are playful pups and cuddly pups, hang out with man’s best friend while you enjoy a cup of coffee.
82. Raccoon Café
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Sounds crazy but it’s true! There’s a raccoon cafe in Seoul that lets you hang out with these little ring-tailed bandits. The totally domesticated and lively little creatures are a long way from digging for scraps in the dumpster.
They hang out and play in their jungle gym in the ceiling and run around the place. Less cuddly and more playful it’s an experience you won’t forget!
83. Poop Café
Say what? One of the more quirky and odd things to do in Seoul is visiting the Poop Cafe in the Ssamziegil shopping plaza in Insadong. Sip on a cup of coffee out of a toilet bowl or order spaghetti in a toilet bowl. Either way it’s going to be an expierence unlike any other!
84. Doll Café
Café Blue Fairy in Hongdae stretches wall to wall with glass cases full of dolls. You can actually rent some of the dolls in the café to play with while you drink coffee. You can also bring your own doll and dress it and comb its hair while you enjoy the doll loving atmosphere.
Photo by Travel with Karla
85. Cafe Where you can drink yourself
This one sounds confusing but is exactly how it sounds. CaFace cafe takes a photo and prints the image on the top of your latte for one super personalized cup of joe!
86. Sheep Café
If you’re starting to feel like you’ve heard it all we don’t blame you. There is actually a cafe in Hongdae called Thanks Nature Cafe where you can hang out with sheep while you drink coffee!
87. The Galapagos
Another interesting theme cafe that involves less cuddly critters. Instead, The Galapagos Cafe in Hongdae has tortoises, sugar gliders, and bearded dragons!
88. Sanmotoonge Café
A popular cafe not so easy to find in Buamdong where you are rewarded with excellent views of the Seoul Fortress Wall and the mountains overlooking the city. Sanmotoonge gains it’s popularity not from its epic view but from all the TV shows that have filmed here. Enjoy a cup of coffee on one of their many outdoor terraces or inside with amazing views.
89. Hello Kitty Cafe
Another popular cafe in Seoul is the Hello Kitty Cafe. Over the top pink decorations, kitty faces on your lattes, and Hello Kitty galore.
Truly Unique Things to do in Seoul
90. Convenience Stores
Sounds bizarre but hanging out at the convenience stores is actually one of the coolest things to do in Seoul, its a part of the culture here to have convenient and quick meals. Haha, okay maybe not “cool” but we love the convenience store culture in Korea.
Hang outside with drinks and friends for hours in the night or come and enjoy a quick meal. We love taking advantage of the tables outside for cheap eats and drinks. Plus, there are tons of amazing ramen flavors to choose from!
Great for Hiking
91. Makgeolli on the Mountains
One unique thing about Korea is that the hikers love drinking makgeolli on the mountains. This is something we LOVED as I am a huge makgeolli drinker. Join in on the fun, hike up to a summit in Bukhansan and enjoy some makgeolli with the locals while enjoying the view!
92. Hangout in Seoul in Hanbok
In Seoul near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun, and Buckhon Hanok Village you’ll notice everyone decked out in their hanbok, Korean traditional clothing, having a good time and taking amazing photos. You can rent or buy your very own colorful hanbok.
Photobooth Fun in Korea
93. Fun photo booths
There are literally photo booths all over Seoul, from the subway for passport photos (where I had a crazy experience) to fun photo booths you can take with your friends all over the city. Grab some friends, try on their accessories, and pose!
94. Hangover Ice Cream
Did you know Korea has invented the most unique cure for a hangover? Head on over to any WithMe convenience stores to try out hangover ice cream after a long day of drinking!
95. Shop til you Drop for Cosmetics
You can’t walk on a street in Seoul without seeing tons of cosmetic stores. Korea has made a name for itself for its quality and amazing skin care products. Beauty is very important in the local culture and I ended up loving the abundance and selection for my skincare and makeup collection! Be sure to check out their fun nourishing face masks!
checking the progress of my vision
96. Medical Tourism
Seoul is one of the top plastic surgery capitals in the world! People flock here for medical tourism, mostly cosmetic but other surgeries as well for a fraction of the price at state of the art medical centers with some of the world’s best doctors. I had an incredible experience getting LASEK surgery in Korea.
97. Enjoy KPop Experience
K-pop is one of the biggest crazes in Korea taking the international music scene by storm. Check out a K-pop concert or if you can’t do that you can at least check out the K-Pop interactive experience at Dongdaemun or at Everland Amusement Park!
98. Matching Couple Outfits
Korea has a huge couple culture and it won’t take long for you to notice couples everywhere, even couples wearing matching outfits! Couples like people to know that they are an item so they will often coordinate their clothes. Why not take part of this cute local tradition when in Seoul?
99. Get a Free Massage
This was one thing we took advantage of living in Seoul. There are electronic stores all over the city filled with everything from computers to kitchen appliances. One floor always have these fancy massage chairs that can be yours with a stiff price tag upwards of thousands of dollars. But guess what? You can try them out for free, it’s actually encouraged. You actually may want to buy one after trying it out. Each sample massage usually lasts anywhere from 20-30 minutes and feels just as good as a real therapeutic massage!
Bonus
Chuncheon
Not technically Seoul but still able to reach via the Seoul subway is the gorgeous area of Chuncheon. There is easily a weekend full of activities here and no doubt one of our favorite places to visit just outside of Seoul. Walk or bike around Nami Island, visit Korea’s Petite France, enjoy the beautiful flowers or lighting show at the Garden of Morning Calm, have fun on a giant rail bike track, and eat our favorite Korean dish, dak galbi, the signature dish to this region of Korea!
Take a guided tour to the best spots in the area, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Nami Island in one day. Purchase your tickets at a discount here.
Where to Stay in Seoul
We have an entire guide by neighborhood for where to stay in Seoul depending on the type of traveler you are that we recommend checking out! You can also use the map below to help you book your perfect stay.
Transportation in Seoul
Seoul is one of the easiest cities to get around thanks to the incredible public transportation infrastructure. The most common ways to get around are via the Seoul subway, bus, taxi, and in some cases walking!
First and foremost, if you plan on using any modes of public transportation during your trip you will want to purchase a T Money Card at any convenience store where you can ask them to load it with money with a predetermined amount or you can load in the subway.
You can use a T Money card to pay for the subway, bus, and even Seoul taxi rides!
The other option is to buy single tickets, which you can do with cash in the subway station at the ticket stations. We personally don’t recommend this unless you really only are in Seoul for a day.
Also, be aware the Google Maps is helpful anywhere you travel in the world but not 100% reliable in Korea as they have their own maps run by Naver. Unless you know Korean, Naver isn’t going to be your first choice for navigating.
Google Maps does a pretty decent job, but be prepared for a few hiccups as it’s not what the locals use and isn’t 100% reliable, I’d say its pretty darn close though. We lived in Korea for almost 3 years and still used Google Maps and only ran into a few issues here and there.
If you get lost, don’t worry. You can always call a cab or ask a local, Koreans are SUPER friendly and most speak English and can help.
Seoul Subway
There are over 20 subway lines connecting you from where you stay in Seoul to where you want to go in the city and even to the outskirts of the city where some amazing countryside is! This is our favorite way of getting around Seoul because their subways are NICE, fast, reliable, and convenient.
The fares are incredibly reasonable making Seoul one of the cheapest cities to get around in.
| Single Journey Ticket Fares | T-Money Card Fares | |
| Adult Ticket (19 & Up) ₩1,350 | ₩1,250 | |
| Youth Ticket (13 – 18 ) ₩1,350 | ₩720 | |
| Child Ticket (7 – 12) ₩450 | ₩450 |
Note that the Airport Railroad Line & Sinbundang Line have slightly higher fares!
The Seoul subway operates from 5:30 am to 1:00 am the next day – closing in the wee hours of the morning. However, some close even earlier, so we recommend if you’re planning a late night out not to rely on the subway and get a Seoul taxi!
Also, rush hour in from 4:30 pm to around 8:00 pm, if you’re scared of crowds you might feel a little crammed! However, taking a taxi might be even slower, so just be prepared for heavy congestion during these hours!
Most subway stations have lockers you can pay to use as well as elevators for travelers who need accessibility friendly entrances/exits.
Also, if your transportation route combines subway & bus, you will get a free transfer within 30 minutes of using your T Money card!
Seoul Bus
This mode of transportation is great if you’re a savvy explorer, but it also can be a bit more difficult for most travelers as there are a ton of busses and a lot of time the bus routes are in Korean, so if you’re not familiar with hearing Korean words it could be harder for some and easy to miss stops.
There are a ton of different bus routes and this is another extremely affordable option. If you plug in where you want to go in Google maps, you’ll get some bus route options. Decide if you want to try this, its really not that hard but more difficult than the subway.
Double-check you’re at the right direction of the platform and just watch your stops and be sure to get off at your stop. Luckily, if you miss your bus stop on most center of Seoul busses, you’ll only have a very short walk to get back to where you were supposed to be!
To pay you will need either exact cash or that handy T Money Card we mentioned earlier! If you’re transfering to/from a subway you get a free transfer within 30 minutes. Using a T Money card also gives you fare discounts, much like the subway.
If you want to pay for more than one person with your T Money Card, signal to the driver with your hands how many people and then tap your card.
There are a few different types of buses in Seoul:
- Blue Buses – Run on the main lines within the entire city of Seoul. Single rides cost ₩1,300
- Green Buses – These are short routes between major stations and blue bus routes. Single rides cost ₩1,300
- Yellow Buses – Run through the heart and center of Seoul. Single rides cost ₩1,200
- Red Buses – Run to the outskirts of the city and satellite neighborhoods of Seoul. Single rides cost ₩2,400
- Night Routes “N” – Regular routes that run at night, you’ll see an “N” on the bus
Seoul Taxi
One thing to keep in mind when traveling in Seoul is that while there’s quite a large English speaking population, not all older generations speak English and that goes for taxi drivers as well.
That’s okay though if you know the name of where you’re going they will get you there. Or, if you want to get dropped off at the nearest subway station that also is the easiest way to communicate. You can also show the location on a map if all else fails.
The taxis are very affordable, we’ve gotten all over Seoul in a taxi and rarely spent over $10-15. Meaning you’ll probably spend much less depending on how far of a drive it is. Better yet, they do accept your T Money card for payment in taxis too!
Just note, that during peak rush hour sometimes this isn’t the fastest way to get places as you’ll be stuck in traffic. The subway can be the quickest option during peak traffic hours.
Best Time to Visit Seoul
There is no wrong time to visit Seoul, but there definitely are more ‘comfortable’ times to visit Seoul. Believe it or not Seoul does have all four seasons, however, they are dramatic. From cold and chilly winters to hot and humid summers plus a monsoon season – if you’re finicky with weather or just want the most ideal conditions you’ll want to plan ahead.
- Summer – (July – August) This is actually one of the most difficult times to travel in Seoul and throughout Korea, but a very popular time people book vacations, as its the monsoon season. Expect heavy rains and very hot and humid weather!
- Fall – (September – November) This is one of our favorite times in Seoul and throughout Korea as the weather is very mild, pleasant, and you get to experience the changing of the leaves!
- Winter – December – Mid March) Winter can get VERY cold in Korea but don’t let that fool you, while it ‘can’ get cold, some of the weather isn’t THAT cold and is still manageable. Better yet, this is when you can experience some of the most popular attractions and places without crowds. We loved exploring Seoul and Korea in the winter because of this reason!
- Spring – (Mid March – early June) this is a pretty pleasant time to visit Korea as you are coming out of the coldest months and transitioning into the warmer months. This shoulder season is also when you can experience the splendid cherry blossoms all throughout the country! You’ll want to look at the cherry blossom forecast though as its different dates depending in what part of the country you’re at!
Seoul Travel Tips
One of the best Seoul travel tips is currency exchange! We recommend having a travel credit card and an ATM card that you can withdraw cash easily at foreign ATMs. This will require you, if you’re not already a frequent traveler, to let your bank know your travel plans so they don’t block transactions while you’re abroad.
The local currency is Korean Won, KRW and the best way to get cash is via ATM. We recommend using bank ATMs only though like Citi, KEB, KB, and Woori are the most common.
If you prefer to go to a money changer we recommend doing this only in Myeongdong as this area has the best rates! Do not, I repeat DO NOT exchange money at the airport, you’ll get the worst exchange rates! Save your money for some of the best things to do in Seoul instead.
This next travel tip is important if you want to be connected 100% of the time you’re in Seoul! While you can find wifi all over the city, there are places where the wifi just isn’t great or you won’t be able to find it! What’s great is that Korea has really affordable SIM card options!
Choose from a SIM card that will connect you from as little as a one day visit to a 30 day visit! We actually miss how affordable and FAST Korean service is! You can buy SIM cards in advance here for as little as $5.
What to Pack for Seoul
While Seoul is really safe and crime rates are low, it’s always nice to have This Pacsafe Shoulder Bagfor your travels which slings over your body and is the perfect size to carry your day essentials while exploring Seoul. This lightweight bag has anti-theft features so you can enjoy Seoul with ease of mind with Pacsafe’s anti-theft patent products whether you’re in a crowded area or on the subway.
This Pacsafe Anti-theft Backpack is another essential any city trip. This backpack has a patented anti-theft design with lockable zippers and slash-proof material in this sleek and comfortable designed backpack.
Avoid high tech thieves with this 15 pack of RFID blocking sleeves that doesn’t require you to buy a special travel wallet, you can carry your favorite purse, wallet, or backpack by simply putting your credit cards and sensitive information in these RFID blocking sleeves.
One of the best ways to keep valuables safe when you travel is this Portable Safe by Pacsafe. This is ideal when you’re hotel has a safe that is too small for your belongings, with it’s sleek and compact design so it doesn’t take up much space in your luggage offering maximum security with its stainless steel wire mesh covered in a piece of cut-resistant canvas fabric.
You simply lock this portable safe to a secure fixture in your hotel room when you leave. This is great for travel in general. Korea is very safe, so this is just an essential for travel gear for anywhere you go!
This iPhone crossbody case is perfect for sightseeing as you can easily grab your phone for that perfect photo moment on the fly as well as keep your phone secured to your body.
We recommend Allbirds Women’s Wool Runner as well as the Allbirds Men’s Wool Runner for an everyday walking shoe that’s breathable, comfortable, and feels like you’re walking on clouds. Your back and feet will thank you later, plus they are really popular currently!
A good reusable water bottle is one of the best things you can have in your day bag or on you at all times – cut back on single-use plastic and have a good reusable water bottle for your trip.
Don’t leave on a trip without a good power bank. Don’t spoil your fun exploring all the fun neighborhoods and things to see in Seoul by having your battery die on you. If you’re anything like me you’ll be using your phone to take photos, navigate, and post to social media while you’re exploring.
When it comes to the city, this weather is not forgiving and you don’t want to get caught out and about in the rain without an umbrella, especially in monsoon season. That’s why we recommend this compact wind resistant travel umbrella for what to pack for Seoul.
Are you a sensitive sleeper? A good pair of earplugs are essential for your Seoul or city trip, especially if you’re not from a big city or staying in a more party centric place from our guide picks for where to stay in Seoul.
There you have it, 99 fantastic things to do in Seoul! Let us know your favorite activities to do in Seoul, or let us know if we missed anything! Check out this South Korea bucket list for more amazing things to do.
