Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is among the most captivating cities in Asia to discover. The city showcases an impressive blend of historical and contemporary elements that is remarkable to witness. Moreover, one cannot overlook the delectable South Korean cuisine and the various attractions spread throughout Seoul.

Prior to my visit, I held an impression of Seoul as a gleaming city, somewhat sterile in appearance. While this does hold true for certain areas, the essence of Seoul extends far beyond such superficial impressions!

Seoul possesses a vast array of historical sites, temples, and attractions that are simply essential to explore.

This inspires me to present some of the key activities to undertake during your next visit to Seoul. Whether your stay is briefly or spans several weeks, I trust you will find valuable insights into the best experiences the city has to offer.

Explore the following recommendations for engaging activities in Seoul:

1.) Explore the Korea Furniture Museum

Surprisingly, the Korea Furniture Museum may not come to mind when considering attractions in Seoul, but it is more intriguing than one might expect. This location is one of the notable experiences in Seoul for those interested in South Korea’s heritage and culture.

With over 2,000 pieces of traditional furniture, the museum also features 10 authentic Korean houses, providing a deeper understanding of South Korean lifestyles and traditions. However, access to these houses requires a reservation, so ensure that you secure your admission in advance.

If history is not your preference, you might want to consider participating in a guided tour to the DMZ (the border with North Korea). This unique excursion offers a chance to view the Infiltration Tunnels and other passages that were constructed for access into South Korea.

This tour is an extraordinary experience, yet it is advisable to reserve your place ahead of time, as tickets can sell out rapidly during peak periods.

2.) Wander through Insadong

Exploring Insadong offers another excellent opportunity to gain insight into South Korean culture while navigating one of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Insadong is filled with numerous shops, charming teahouses, and market stalls offering a plethora of unique items.

In addition to over 100 art galleries, visitors are sure to discover a few distinctive mementos to take home. While visiting, don’t miss the chance to browse through traditional garments, handmade papers, and pottery available locally.

3.) Candlelight Concert

Seoul is a vibrant hub for theater, performances, and arts across the city, catering to a wide range of tastes. If you are struggling to choose just one performance, consider attending a Candlelight Concert in Seoul.

You have the option to enjoy performances, such as “Best of Joe Hisaishi” by candlelight on an E-Land Cruise. This event not only allows you to witness an exquisite show but also offers the chance to cruise along the waterways of Seoul. It is truly astonishing, with shows typically lasting around 90 minutes. This is undoubtedly one of the premier activities to experience in Seoul.

Bear in mind that tickets can sell out during peak times, so plan to arrange your attendance in advance. You would not want to miss this experience!

4.) Experience Bongeunsa

Bongeunsa Temple is a surprisingly serene location nestled amid the bustling city of Seoul. This sanctuary provides a peaceful respite, a stark contrast to the surrounding urban activity.

Upon arrival, visitors can explore the grandeur of 1,400-year-old structures commissioned by Yeon-hoe, the leading monk of the area.

Situated in the Gangnam district, near CoEx, it offers a remarkable view of the juxtaposition between Seoul’s historical and modern districts.

Furthermore, do not overlook the monumental stone statue, which is recognized as the largest Maitreya in South Korea.

5.) Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace stands as the most prominent of the grand palaces and is undoubtedly among the top attractions in Seoul.

With a sprawling area, visitors should allocate ample time to adequately explore its grounds, particularly if you have a keen interest in the history of Seoul.

The intricate design and picturesque gardens are sure to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, if you wish to enter the palace at no cost, consider arriving in traditional Korean attire.

6.) Gorge in Seoul

Undoubtedly, Korean cuisine is exceptional!

The culinary reputation of Korea extends globally, making indulging in local dishes one of the premium experiences in Seoul.

For authentic flavors, ensure you sample traditional Korean fare. The Korean BBQ and fried chicken are must-tries (the latter being a notable cultural staple). It’s important to note that Koreans take their fried chicken seriously; simplicity often belies the undeniable deliciousness.

For an enjoyable experience, consider joining a food tour that lets you explore while sampling local flavors in Seoul, particularly those hidden gems favored by locals.

7.) Visit the Jogyesa Temple

Amidst the towering skyscrapers lies the exquisite Jogyesa Temple, a delightful representation of Korea’s Buddhist heritage. A visit to this temple is an essential component if you aim to delve into the city’s historical narrative.

Recognized as a cornerstone of Korean Buddhism, the temple is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Seoul.

The temple is known for hosting various festivals, with the Lantern Festival being a particularly celebrated event worth experiencing.

8.) Stroll through Myeongdong

As one of the top retail districts in Seoul, Myeongdong presents an ideal setting for an evening filled with shopping, dining, and nightlife exploration.

Half the enjoyment of exploring such markets lies in the surprise of discovering intriguing items. Arrive with an open mind, ready to explore, and a willingness to indulge in potential purchases.

Our stroll through the area was delightful, culminating in an assortment of unique finds.

9.) See the views from N Seoul Tower

An elevated view of Seoul is always captivating, particularly when experienced from N Seoul Tower.

Observing the city transition from sunlight to darkness is truly mesmerizing, especially in a vibrant metropolis like Seoul.

For an optimal experience, it is advisable to visit prior to sunset, although it may become crowded. Note that if you choose to arrive via cable car, the fee does not cover the tower’s entrance, which is an additional cost.

In the event of inclement weather, particularly fog, consider postponing your visit.

10.) Wander Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village represents a traditional Korean village, providing an opportunity to step back in time and experience South Korea’s heritage as it was centuries ago. This site is undeniably one of the highlights of Seoul, and I have a particular fondness for it.

Moreover, you can enter several of the houses for a closer glimpse (at no cost). Additionally, there are charming tea houses where you can enjoy traditional rice tea, providing a beautiful cultural experience.

If tea is not to your taste, you will also discover many unique shops and stalls scattered throughout the alleys and streets of this area.

Geographically, it is situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Changdeokgung Palace, making it a convenient addition to your itinerary while touring these magnificent places.

11.) Find Changdeokgung Palace

Speaking of Changdeokgung Palace, it stands as one of the most significant sites to visit in Seoul, having been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Changdeokgung Palace retains aspects from the Three Kingdoms of Korea and was favored by Korean royalty, which adds to its allure. Be sure to witness the changing of the guards, a captivating sight.

As you visit, don’t miss Huwon (The Secret Garden), which is beautifully serene. Note that you must join a guided tour to access Huwon, so be sure to incorporate that into your travel plans.

Entry on certain public holidays is free, a delightful bonus for visitors!

12.) Chill at Hangang Park

Situated along the banks of the Hangang River, Hangang Park offers a different experience within the city to discover.

The park features an open pathway for biking or leisurely strolls, a refreshing change from the urban rush. It is an ideal spot to unwind and perhaps enjoy some people-watching.

This park is perfect for relaxation after a day exploring the myriad attractions of Seoul.

13.) Discover Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace is another remarkable one of the five grand palaces, historically serving as a residence for the Korean royal family until the Japanese occupation.

Although it is smaller than the other palaces, its beauty is captivating. Open later than most, it is particularly enchanting to visit in the evening when many attractions are closed.

The changing of the guard occurs here around 11 am, and it is definitely worth attending if you are nearby. The traditional attire worn during this ceremony is quite a sight to behold.

14.) Take a boat on the Hangang River

The Hangang River is pleasant to admire from its banks, but if you are feeling fatigued after a day of exploration, consider boarding one of the cruise boats for a leisurely journey down the river itself.

If you find yourself with some spare time in the city, embarking on a boat is an excellent way to appreciate the landscape from a unique vantage point. It is important to bear in mind, however, that this mode of exploration offers a distinctly relaxed pace compared to other activities.

15.) Scream at Everland

The importance of theme parks in South Korea cannot be overstated, and Everland is recognized as one of the most renowned amusement parks in Asia.

It serves as a pivotal experience in Seoul for thrill-seekers. Traveling here typically takes about 30 minutes by train or 45 minutes by bus, rendering it easily accessible from central Seoul.

The rides here are notably thrilling, especially the wooden roller-coaster, hence visitors should take this into consideration prior to arrival. Visitors who are not fond of amusement rides may want to reconsider their plans regarding this destination.