Top 34 Must-See Attractions in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, a bustling metropolis in South Korea, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Explore the city’s best attractions with our guide.

Nearly half of South Korea’s population resides in the Seoul Capital Area, which is the fifth largest conurbation globally.

The epicenter is a vibrant city divided by the Han River, surrounded by mountains that create a spectacular skyline.

Seoul has grown significantly since the mid-20th century, continually evolving with new projects each year, including the impressive 555-meter Lotte World Tower inaugurated in 2017 and Zaha Hadid’s remarkable Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Nevertheless, the city has preserved its historical essence, having weathered invasions by Japan.

Visitors should seek out Joseon Dynasty palaces, Buddhist temples, and traditional neighborhoods like Bukchon, a maze of hanoks—traditional wooden homes characterized by their curved roofs.

To truly immerse in the life of a Seoulite, one must experience the authentic flavor of Korean BBQ or indulge in the city’s rich street food culture at bustling markets.

Now, let’s navigate through the

top attractions in Seoul

:

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace

The first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty was constructed in 1395 and served as the nucleus of the capital, which was then known as Hanyang.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul, features hundreds of structures.

This significant site has experienced extensive destruction, particularly during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598) and during the 20th-century occupation.

A comprehensive restoration project, initiated in 1989, is currently underway and is expected to last 40 years. Two magnificent structures—the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond—have withstood this tumultuous history and remain essential visits alongside the Geunjeongjeon (Throne Hall), Gangnyeongjeon (King’s Quarters), Gyotaejeon (Queen’s Quarters), and Jibokjae, the library of King Gojong (1852-1919). At Gwanghwamun, the main southern gate of the palace complex, visitors can observe the dignified changing of the guard ceremony held at the start of every hour between 10:00 and 15:00. Adjacent to the palace grounds are the Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum.

2. N Seoul Tower

Upon its completion in the early 1970s, N Seoul Tower became South Korea’s inaugural general broadcasting tower.

This futuristic structure, located at the summit of Namsan Mountain, stands more than 236 meters high, reaching approximately 480 meters above sea level.

The plaza below houses gift shops and dining establishments, where couples express their love by attaching padlocks to the railings at the base of the tower.

Above the plaza are four floors, featuring a restaurant (T1), wishing pond, observatory, café, and photo studio (T2); a “digital observatory” equipped with advanced telescopes and 32 LED screens detailing Korea’s history (T3); and a revolving French restaurant that completes a rotation every 48 minutes on T5 (Korean buildings typically omit a fourth floor as it is associated with bad luck). A night visit offers breathtaking views of the sprawling city illuminated by millions of lights.

3. Changdeokgung Palace

Located to the east of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung Palace (Palace of Prospering Virtue) was constructed in the early 15th century.

Regarded as the best-preserved among Seoul’s remaining Joseon palaces, it was founded by King Taejong, the fifth son of the dynasty’s inaugural monarch, Taejo.

Amidst the Strife of Princes in the late 1390s, Taejong (formerly known as Yi Bangwon) eliminated his half-brothers and any claimants to the throne, subsequently relocating the royal palace for strategic purposes.

As the longest-serving royal palace, Changdeokgung’s layout is less formal compared to Gyeongbokgung and harmonizes more with the surrounding natural environment.

The royal enclave is protected within several layers of administrative structures and offices to ensure its safety from potential breaches.

Noteworthy landmarks include the Throne Hall (Injeongjeon), a National Treasure dating back to 1405 and reconstructed in 1610; Geumcheongyo, the oldest remaining bridge in Seoul, built in 1411; and Donhwamun, a gate erected in 1412 and restored in the 17th century.

Huwon, the palace’s private garden, is unmissable and will be discussed further below.

4. National Museum of Korea

As the largest museum in the nation, and among the largest in Asia, the National Museum of Korea spans three floors and showcases a vast array of artifacts dating back to prehistory.

The collection features invaluable calligraphy, celadon and buncheong ceramics, sculptures, and paintings, so extensive that it’s impossible to view it all in one day.

For those with limited time, several must-see exhibits highlight Korea’s National Treasures.

The standout piece is the Gilt-bronze Maitreya in Meditation (No. 83), an iconic treasure from the Silla era dated to the early 7th century, depicted with one leg crossed and a hand thoughtfully drawn to the chin.

Another significant item is the 5th-century Gold Crown (No. 191) retrieved from the tomb of Hwangnamdaechong in Gyeongju.

A monumental artifact, the 14th-century Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, stands ten levels high and is prominently displayed in one of the main halls, while the second floor features the Album of Genre Painting by the 18th-century artist Donwon in the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery.

The museum’s outdoor area is particularly delightful during pleasant weather, decorated with pagodas, indigenous gardens, lanterns, steles, waterfalls, and pools.

5. Namsan Park

N Seoul Tower’s mountain locale has much more to offer, including scenic trails, remnants of Seoul’s 14th-century walls, an underground Maritime Aquarium, a cable car (from Hoehyeon-dong), and a small village of traditional houses, all of which we will explore in greater detail later.

During the reign of Taejo, the first king of the Joseon Dynasty in the early 15th century, Namsan Mountain was regarded as a sacred shamanistic site, serving as a smoke beacon (Mongmyeoksan Bongsudae) to send signals to the city from this elevated position.

Near the tower’s base, visitors can find another captivating viewpoint from Namsan Palgakjeong, a quaint octagonal pavilion.

6. Lotte World

This expansive complex in Sincheon-dong houses the largest indoor amusement park in the world, interconnected by a monorail to an outdoor amusement park situated on a man-made island, complete with a luxury hotel, shopping malls, cinemas, an ice skating rink, and a folk museum detailing 5,000 years of Korean history.

The stunning indoor amusement park, located under a glass dome, spans four floors, with each section themed to different regions of the world (e.g., a European-style village, Arabian courtyard, jungle). There are a total of 22 rides, complemented by constant parades, performances, and seasonal festivals.

This folk museum, located on Adventure 3F, is a significant highlight, while the French Revolution 2 VR was Korea’s first roller coaster to incorporate virtual reality technology, revamped in 2017. During pleasant weather, guests can cross the bridge to reach Magic Island, featuring a Disney-like fairy tale castle and thrilling rides such as the Atlantis Adventure steel roller coaster and Gyro Drop, an adrenaline-inducing drop ride that also utilizes VR technology.

7. Bukhansan National Park

As one of South Korea’s 22 national parks, Bukhansan National Park is conveniently located within the Seoul metropolitan area and is a perfect destination for hiking excursions.

Covering just over 30 square miles, the park features granite peaks (three exceeding 800 meters), the historic Bukhansanseong Fortress, over 100 temples, gorges, and lush woodlands.

The park can be easily accessed via metro, roughly 25 minutes from Seoul Station. Disembark at Gireum Station at the southern edge of the park, where you’ll find the Bogukmun Course, a 2.4-kilometer path running through oak trees, waterfalls, and crystalline streams.

For breathtaking vistas on clear days, scale Baegundae (836.5m) via the challenging Bukhansanseong Course, which leads to the bare granite peak.

The 120-room Bukhansanseong Fortress, perched on the ridgeline leading to Baegundae, served as a safe haven for Joseon kings during emergencies, protected by walls measuring up to seven meters high over the course of eight kilometers.

This remarkable fortress is open to the public free of charge and is particularly stunning in autumn when the leaves change color.

8. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Defying conventional description, DDP is an extraordinary urban landmark comprised of curvaceous structures that resemble massive blobs of molten metal, all envisioned by architect Zaha Hadid.

This site serves as a cultural center, state-of-the-art shopping destination, and essential component of Dongdaemun, Korea’s largest fashion district, seamlessly integrated with the Seoul Metro System and featuring a walkable park on its roof.

As a catalyst for South Korea’s creative industries, DDP hosts design-related exhibitions, forums, K-Pop concerts, fashion shows, and conferences. It includes spaces such as an Art Hall, Museum Hall, Design Market, Design Lab, and the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.

Outside sits the history park, which recounts the area’s past as a military training ground during the Joseon Dynasty, preserving remnants of traditional hanoks and the foundations of Seoul’s Fortress Wall.

Visitors are encouraged to return at night to enjoy the DDP’s illuminated displays and visit the beautiful LED rose garden.

9. National Folk Museum of Korea

Situated on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, this museum focuses on three main themes: the history of the Korean people to 1910, traditional village life, and Korea’s ancient relations with Confucianism, explaining how this ideology continues to shape modern customs.

Each theme is explored in dedicated halls, which house over 100,000 artifacts.

Notable exhibits include kimchi pot-making pits, rice storage facilities, musical instruments, spiritual artifacts, and cairns.

The architecture of the building is also notable, featuring a traditional multi-story design crowned with a pagoda.

Guided tours are available by reservation, alongside a program of short-term exhibitions, seminars, workshops, concerts, and various performing arts.

10. War Memorial of Korea

With both indoor and outdoor exhibits, the War Memorial of Korea commemorates the Korean War (1950-1953) from a South Korean perspective while documenting Korea’s broader military history.

Established in Yongsan-gu in the early 1990s on the grounds of a former military base, the museum showcases approximately 10,000 artifacts from a collection of over 30,000. Inside, there are six halls: the Expeditionary Forces Room, War History Room, Development Hall, Patriotic Memorial Room, 6·25 Korean War Room, and Large Machinery Room.

Exhibits feature a range of historical weapons and equipment dating back to prehistory, as well as aircraft, battlefield artwork, and memorials dedicated to significant figures, such as An Jung-geun, a Korean independence activist who assassinated Prince Itō Hirobumi in 1909.

The surrounding lawns host an impressive collection of heavy equipment, including jets, helicopters, tanks, artillery, and missiles.

11. Lotte World Tower

During the 2010s, Lotte World Tower emerged as the fifth tallest building in the world, situated over Lotte World in Songpa-gu.

Its design draws inspiration from traditional Korean ceramics and calligraphy brushes, reaching a height of 555 meters.

This structure encompasses offices, luxury apartments, and a hotel (floors 76-101), forming part of the Lotte World Mall complex, which features an array of fashion stores and the largest duty-free shop in Korea.

Within its premises, the building also houses an aquarium, the largest multiplex cinema in Asia, and a concert hall.

Levels 117-123 are dedicated to Seoul Sky, which includes a lounge bar, cafes, and a “Photozone.” The 117th floor hosts a thrilling glass observatory, claimed to be the highest of its kind globally at the time of the tower’s completion in 2017.

12. Seoul Arts Center

Korea’s national performing arts center is located within a vast complex in Seocho-gu, built in anticipation of the Seoul Olympics, and hosted various performances during the event.

The Seoul Arts Center is the venue for prestigious national ensembles, including the Korea National Opera, the Korea National Ballet, and the Korean Symphony Orchestra.

If you observe that the opera house resembles a hat potentially worn on your head, it is indeed designed to evoke the shape of the gat, a traditional Korean bamboo hat.

In addition to the main auditorium, the center boasts two more auditoriums, the Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum, the Hangaram Art Museum, an amphitheater, and the Hangaram Design Museum.

The complex features spacious outdoor areas, including the Umyeonji (Korean Pond) and Jangteo (Market), which also hosts performances during the summer months.

Visitors can enjoy large-scale opera performances, Broadway-style musicals, choral recitals, and exhibitions featuring significant artistic works, including those from cubist artists and Frida Kahlo.

Even a brief visit merits attention for the complex’s distinctive architecture.

13. Hangang Park

The bustling streets of Seoul can become overwhelming, but nearby lies the serene banks of the Han River, where a continuous series of parks (12 in total) grace both sides, equipped with riverside trails, sports venues, boat piers, and outdoor swimming facilities.

This expanse was opened in the years leading up to the Olympics, with the most breathtaking views accessible from the parks on the southern bank.

Biking is an available option here, along with diverse water activities during the summer at Ttukseom Hangang Park, Yeouido Hangang Park, and Jamwon Hangang Park, such as calm rowing, kayaking, water skiing, and windsurfing.

As of 2019, Hangang Park began a regeneration project set to conclude in 2030, which will transform the parks into cultural and leisure hotspots while integrating riverside communities.

14. Dongdaemun Market

Understanding the magnitude of this commercial district surrounding Heunginjimun (the east gate on Seoul Fortress’s outer wall) can be challenging.

Within Dongdaemun Market, there are 26 malls, over 30,000 specialty shops, and 50,000 manufacturers vying for space.

A quick visit may suffice for some, but dedicated fashion enthusiasts could easily spend an entire day searching for bargains, as many outlets cater specifically to the youth market.

Meokja Golmok, a food alley within Dongdaemun Market, is a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts wishing to experience authentic Korean cuisine.

Alongside quaint benches, vendors offer an array of choices, including mandu (dumplings), gimbap (Korean sushi rolls), bibimbap (mixed rice dishes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), dak hanmari (chicken soup), Dakgangjeong (sticky fried chicken), kalmandu (noodles in broth), and naengmyeon (cold North Korean noodles, often served with kimchi).

15. Hongdae

The rise of Hongdae as a trendy neighborhood was no coincidence.

Located directly in front of Hongik University, renowned for its art program, this area saw young graduates establishing their studios in the 1980s and 1990s due to its affordability at the time.

Although Hongdae has evolved beyond its original appeal, it continues to embody its creative spirit through its vibrant indie music scene, fashionable shops, cafés, galleries, clubs, and trendy dining options.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor stages showcasing live music, admire street art along Hongdae Mural Street, and explore a free market held every Saturday from March to November at the university’s main entrance.

Consider trying noraebang, Korea’s version of karaoke in private booths, visiting the Zzang Games video arcade, sampling delectable street food, or even encountering sheep at Thanks Nature Cafe.

16. Bukchon Hanok Village

For a picturesque step back in time, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood filled with narrow alleys adorned with traditional wooden houses, known as hanoks.

Situated ten minutes north of Anguk Station, this area boasts nearly 900 buildings featuring characteristic grey “giwa” roof tiles with gracefully curved eaves.

Bukchon represents one of the last remaining enclaves preserving this architectural style in Korea, safeguarded through local residents’ efforts during reconstruction in the 1960s.

Historically, these homes accommodated royal families, affluent merchants, and government officials during the Joseon Dynasty; today, they host teahouses, restaurants, specialty shops, studios, cultural centers, and guesthouses.

One of the most elegant hanoks has been transformed into a public museum as part of the Seoul Museum of History since 2015.

17. Cheonggyecheon Stream

This creek flows west to east for over five miles through downtown Seoul, originally encased in concrete for transportation infrastructure during the rapid post-war development, known as the Miracle on the Han River.

Cheonggyecheon Stream resurfaced after a $900 million urban renewal initiative completed in 2005, boosting air quality and creating a clean natural habitat for fish and birds while cooling the adjacent neighborhoods by up to 3.6 °C.

Your exploration may commence at the stunning Cheonggye Plaza, designed with inspiration drawn from traditional Korean wrapping cloth, bojagi.

Here, you can observe a model of the stream, which illustrates the massive engineering project required for its restoration and check out plaques detailing the 22 bridges that now traverse the stream.

Just off the plaza is a remarkable feature of the stream: the Candlelight Fountain, a two-tiered waterfall that marks the stream’s beginning as it flows toward the Hangang, particularly magnificent at night with its vibrant illuminations.

18. Gwanghwamun Square

Adjacent to Gwanghwamun Gate, once the principal entrance to Gyeongbokgung, Gwanghwamun Square is a remarkable open space that was established in the 2000s, replacing what had previously been a bustling 16-lane roadway.

Historically, this area was the heart of Hanyang, the capital during the Joseon Dynasty.

Opened to the public in 2009, the square is distinguished by statues of Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598), a naval commander celebrated for his victories during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598), and Sejong the Great (1397-1450), the most revered king of the Joseon Dynasty. Beneath both monuments lie small underground exhibits detailing their historical significance.

Surrounded by government edifices, the square features numerous interesting details including the Yeoksamulgil (historical waterway), a sculpture of Haechi (the symbol of Seoul), and the 12.23 Fountain behind the statue of Yi Sun-shin, commemorating the 23 battles he engaged in across 12 warships.

19. Namdaemun Gate

Recognized as the first National Treasure of South Korea, Namdaemun serves as the southern entrance to the Fortress Wall of Seoul, constructed at the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty in the 14th century.

This historic monument, built from stone and crowned with a two-tiered pagoda, once served as the primary gateway for foreign representatives entering the city.

Like other components of the fortification system, it historically functioned to deter Siberian tigers, which posed a genuine threat until they were hunted to extinction during the 20th century.

After being ravaged by arson in 2008, before which it held the title of the oldest wooden structure in Seoul, Namdaemun was revitalized by 2013. Surrounding the gate lies Namdaemun Market, Korea’s oldest and largest market, with a history dating back to the early 15th century.

The market operates wholesale, with vendors being the manufacturers themselves, enabling customers to compare prices across a vast array of goods, including toys, hanbok attire (traditional Korean dress), stationery, fashion accessories, hiking gear, and fishing equipment.

The street food is exceptional, with tempting aromas from hotteok (sweet pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) wafting through the air.

20. Insa-dong

Insa-dong serves as the focal point of Seoul’s antiques trade, characterized by a main street intersected by a multitude of vibrant alleys.

Exploring these streets, you will discover nearly a hundred galleries intermingled with cafés, traditional Korean dining establishments, and tea houses.

Insa-dong is home to numerous galleries dedicated to various facets of Korean fine art, sculpture, and ceramics.

The Hakgojae Gallery serves as the center for folk art, while the Gana Art Gallery and Art Center showcase emerging talents.

Every Saturday, from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street transitions into a pedestrian area, fostering cultural exploration.

Visitors might encounter street performances, parades, fortune-telling booths, the opportunity to sample pajeon (green onion pancakes), and traditional Korean candies, while shops set up outdoor displays to promote their merchandise.

21. Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

This museum features traditional Korean art alongside contemporary pieces by both Korean and international artists, divided into two principal sections.

Museum 1, designed by Mario Botta, focuses on an extensive collection of Korean art and artifacts, with 36 of them designated as National Treasures.

This includes celadon and buncheong ceramics, historical daggers from the 1300s, crowns, landscape paintings, portraits, and Buddhist manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures.

Located in the same underground lobby, Museum 2, envisioned by Jean Nouvel, houses a rich permanent collection that includes notable works from Yves Klein, Damien Hirst, Rothko, and Andy Warhol.

The museum’s master plan is the result of Rem Koolhaas’s design, who also created the Samsung Child Education & Cultural Center, a space meant to inspire future generations of artists.

22. Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple stands as a symbol and primary temple of Korean Buddhism, located in Insa-dong, close to Gyeongbokgung.

As the main temple of the Jogye Order, which dates back 1,200 years to Master Doui, who introduced Zen Buddhism to Korea from China in the 9th century, it serves a vital spiritual role.

This sacred site was founded at the end of the 14th century at the outset of the Joseon Dynasty and became a stronghold against the suppression of Korean Buddhism during the Japanese colonial era from 1910 to 1945.

The Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall), constructed in 1938 utilizing timber from Baekdu Mountain, resonates with chanting throughout the year.

In the temple’s courtyard stand two trees, a 500-year-old white pine, and a Japanese pagoda tree.

Open year-round for free visits, it serves as one of two principal sites for celebrating Buddha’s Birthday, typically occurring in late April or May.

Through a daily templestay program, visitors can explore the traditions of the Jogye Order by learning temple etiquette, creating a mandala, participating in tea ceremonies, and experiencing Zen meditation.

23. Namsangol Hanok Village

If Bukchon Hanok Village intrigued you, Namsangol Hanok Village offers a smaller yet equally stunning collection of traditional dwellings, situated on the north slope of Namsan Mountain.

Established in 1998, Namsangol features five hanoks relocated from various locations in the city, providing valuable insight into the lifestyle of people from different social strata.

This area is home to significant historical figures, including the parents of Queen Yun, consort to King Sunjong, the 27th monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, and Lee Seungeop, who oversaw the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Visitors can explore the cozy residences and their accompanying pavilion, performance stage, traditional garden, and a plaza containing a time capsule buried to be unearthed in 2394.

24. Bongeunsa

Bongeunsa Temple, nestled on the slope of Mount Sudo, traces its origins back to the late 8th century during the Silla Kingdom.

Over the years, Buddhism was suppressed during the Joseon Dynasty, resulting in the temple’s destruction.

This prohibition was lifted by Queen Munjeong (1501-1565), leading to Bongeunsa becoming the principal temple for the Zen sect from 1551 until 1936. The temple houses thousands of Buddhist scriptures, including those created by the 19th-century scholar Gim Jeong-hui.

For those seeking deeper immersion in Korean Buddhist culture, a templestay program is offered, allowing participants to engage in rituals such as the dawn service, Korean Zen meditation, tea ceremonies, and traditional meals.

Every September 9th of the lunar calendar, a ceremony called Jeongdaebulsa occurs, wherein monks carry scriptures on their heads and perform Buddhist rites.

25. Seoul Grand Park

Located in the picturesque region around Cheonggyesan Mountain, to the south of Seoul via Line 4 of the Seoul Metro lies a vast park complex offering a variety of attractions.

Seoul Grand Park features Korea’s largest zoo and botanical garden and includes a theme park, Seoul Land, mentioned further below.

The Seoul Grand Park zoo, relocated to this site in 1984, ranks as the tenth largest zoological park globally, housing nearly 3,000 animals from 350 different species, including Asiatic black bears, Siberian tigers, rhinoceroses, and lions.

At the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain, the Botanical Garden showcases desert and tropical plants within its greenhouse, as well as carnivorous plants and orchids.

Families with children will enjoy the Children’s Grand Park, which features its own zoo, botanical garden, amusement rides, and other attractions within a refreshing green landscape.

26. Gwangjang Market

Korea’s first permanent market traces its origins back to the end of the Joseon Dynasty and was established in 1905. Located a short walk west of Dongdaemun Market, Gwangjang Market is renowned for its fabrics, particularly evident in the abundance of silk, satin, and linen shops on the second floor.

These materials are sold directly from the producers, and while they may not bear brand names, their quality is exceptional given the price.

The market’s food alley is a significant draw, featuring numerous vendors offering delectable authentic street food.

Be sure to sample yukhoe (a Korean-style steak tartare), sashimi, jeon (fried pancakes), bindatteok (mung bean pancakes), bibimbap (mixed rice), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

27. Seoul Forest

Accessible via Subway Line 2, the 300-acre Seoul Forest opened in 2005 on land previously used as a hunting ground for Joseon Dynasty monarchs.

The park, divided into five distinct public parks, features over 400,000 trees, providing ample green space in this densely populated city.

At the heart lies the Culture and Arts Park, surrounding the Seoul Forest Square, which contains flowerbeds, play areas, a visitor center, a skate park, outdoor stage, and a restaurant.

The northern bank of the Han River features a Riverside Park planted with 40 rose species, along with beautiful natural areas such as the Marsh Plants Garden and the Eco Forest, which is home to various deer, elk, mandarin ducks, and spot-billed ducks, complete with an observatory for observing this wildlife.

Lastly, the Experiential Learning Park, located where a water treatment facility once stood, boasts an ecological playground, botanical garden, wetland flower garden, and bird observatory.

28. South Korea Demilitarised Zone Half & Full Day Tour

The no-man’s land between North and South Korea is a day-trip from Seoul and is an experience not to be missed.

Various tours are available; one popular option is the half-day or full-day tour, which includes hotel pick-up from major central hotels.

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), spanning 2.5 miles (1.25 miles on each side of the border), extends for 155 miles along the 38th Parallel across the Korean Peninsula, established at the conclusion of the Korean War in 1953 through an agreement between the People’s Republic of China and United Nations Command.

During your visit, you will enter the one-mile-long Third Tunnel, secretly excavated by the North to facilitate a potential invasion.

At the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, you can learn about the tunnel’s story and its discovery in 1978 after a tip-off from a defector from the North.

From Mount Dora, enjoy a sweeping view across the 38th Parallel to the north at the Dora Observatory, and visit Dorasan Station, which was built to connect the rail network to the North should the border ever open again.

29. Seoul Metro

The intricately designed Seoul Metropolitan Subway system, with its 22 lines and 716 stations, is a point of pride for locals and considerably easier to navigate than expected.

This extensive network reaches far beyond the metropolitan area to Incheon and includes regional lines extending as far as 100 kilometers from central Seoul, serving towns like Suwon.

Despite its vastness, the Seoul Metro is recognized as one of the most efficient in the world, boasting Wi-Fi and 4G/5G service onboard, screen doors on platforms, and an extraordinary level of cleanliness.

The metro system is most convenient with a rechargeable Tmoney or Cashbee card, obtainable at the airport upon arrival.

Signage is available in English, and arriving trains are announced with a cheerful musical tone on the platform.

30. Seodaemun Prison

Seodaemun Prison, a poignant reminder of the Japanese colonial period from 1910 to 1945, is nestled within Seodaemun Independence Park.

Founded at the tail end of the Joseon Dynasty, the prison became infamous during the Japanese occupation, known for the torture and execution of Korean dissidents.

Notable inmates included Kim Koo, who later became Premier of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, and Ryu Gwansun, a critical figure in the March 1st independence movement who tragically died here due to torture in 1920. The prison operated as a detention center until 1987 and has since transformed into a memorial museum showcasing thought-provoking exhibits concerning this dark chapter in Korean history.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore seven prison cells, watchtowers, the execution chamber, hospital facilities, a central exhibition hall, a tunnel used for transporting corpses, and the specific cell where Ryu Gwansun perished.

31. 63 Building

Easily recognizable amongst the towering structures on Yeouido Island due to its gold cladding, the 63 Building was once the tallest skyscraper outside North America at 250 meters when it was completed in the mid-1980s.

Designed as a monument for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, it serves as the headquarters for several prominent financial institutions, including Korea Life Insurance.

The lower floors house approximately 90 retail outlets, an aquarium, banquet hall, and a convention center.

Visitors can ride the glass-panelled elevator to the 60th floor, the Sky Deck, recently redeveloped into a venue for art exhibitions (the highest gallery of its kind) and performances including magic shows.

From this vantage point, enjoy views of Seoul’s mountains, the Han River, and extend your gaze westward towards Incheon on the coast when the weather permits.

32. Huwon Garden

For those with ample time, it is advisable to schedule a guided tour of Huwon Garden when visiting Changdeokgung Palace.

Spanning 78 acres, this serene garden is accessible only through guided tours, as it was originally designed exclusively for the royal family and the gungnyeo (female officers of the royal court). The garden is adorned with manicured lawns, pavilions, a lotus pond, and boasts over 26,000 trees representing 100 species, some over 300 years old.

Huwon Garden is affectionately referred to as Buwon (Secret Garden) due to the prohibition against entry for even the highest-ranking officials.

An especially enchanting feature is the Ongnyucheon (Jade Stream), a U-shaped water channel from the 17th century, complete with a small waterfall and a boulder inscribed with a poem.

33. Seoul Color Park (Yeouido Hangang Park)

Do not confuse this park with the nearby Yeouido Park; Seoul Color Park is located along the southern bank of the Han River, situated beneath the Mapo Bridge in Yeouido.

As Seoul’s financial and political hub, this location attracts a diverse mix of office workers, local families, and tourists who gather on its verdant banks to reflect upon the city’s beauty.

The park showcases numerous public art installations, including an impressive wave-form sculpture and multicolored benches that symbolize various aspects of Seoul’s culture.

For instance, green symbolizes Namsan Mountain, dark grey stands for traditional giwa roof tiles, and red represents the dancheong patterns found in traditional architecture.

Seoul Color Park is adorned with a variety of water features, including new installations such as the Water Light Square and Waterfalls of Light that appear annually.

The park plays host to the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, and it serves as a prime viewing spot for the World Fireworks Festival in autumn.

34. Jongmyo Shrine

In contrast to the extravagant royal palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dedicated to performing ancestral rites for the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty.

The original structures were erected at the close of the 14th century but required rebuilding following the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598). The shrine houses tablets inscribed with the teachings of members of this former royal family, and centuries-old rituals involving court music and dance continue at this sacred site, maintaining a tradition that has expanded over 600 years.

The group of understated buildings has remained largely unchanged since the late 16th century, comprising the Jeongjeon (main hall), Yeongnyeongjeon (hall of eternal peace), and various auxiliary structures.

Jeongjeon is an architectural marvel, recognized as the longest freestanding wooden structure in the world, measuring 109 meters in length.