Best Places to Visit in Seoul

Seoul is a vibrant and diverse city that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or modernity, you will find plenty of places to explore and enjoy in Seoul. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best places to visit in Seoul, divided into three categories: historical sites, cultural attractions, and modern landmarks. You will also learn some tips and details for each place, such as location, opening hours, admission fees. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of how to plan your trip to Seoul and discover its wonders and charms.

MAIN CONTENT OVERVIEW

• Historical Sites
• Cultural Attractions
• Modern Landmarks
• Conclusion

Historical Sites

Seoul has a rich and long history that dates back to more than 2,000 years ago. The city has witnessed many changes and events throughout the centuries, and has preserved many of its historical and cultural heritage. If you want to learn more about the history of Seoul and Korea, you should visit some of these historical sites:

Gyeongbokgung Palace: This is the largest and most impressive of the five royal palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It was the main residence and seat of power of the kings and their families. The palace complex consists of hundreds of buildings, pavilions, gardens, and gates, each with its own architectural and artistic style. You can admire the beauty and grandeur of the palace, watch the changing of the guard ceremony, and wear a traditional hanbok (Korean dress) for a memorable photo opportunity.

• Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (or 5:00 p.m. in winter) from Wednesday to Sunday
• Admission fees: 3,000 won (about $2.5) for adults, 1,500 won (about $1.3) for students, and free for children under 6 years old

Bukchon Hanok Village: This is a charming neighborhood that showcases the traditional Korean houses called hanok. These houses are characterized by their curved roofs, wooden structures, and courtyard gardens. You can stroll around the narrow alleys and admire the different types of hanok, some of which are open to the public as museums, galleries, cafes, or guesthouses. You can also experience the traditional Korean lifestyle and culture by taking a class on tea ceremony, calligraphy, or pottery.

• Location: 37 Gyedong-gil, Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: All year round, but some individual hanok may have different opening hours
• Admission fees: Free to enter, but some individual hanok may charge a fee for admission or activities

Jongmyo Shrine: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in 1394 as the ancestral shrine of the Joseon Dynasty. It is where the royal ancestors were enshrined and worshipped with elaborate rituals and ceremonies. The shrine complex consists of several halls, gates, and stone tablets that bear the names and titles of the deceased kings and queens. The shrine is also known for its harmonious and elegant architecture that reflects the Confucian values and aesthetics of the Joseon Dynasty.

• Location: 157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (or 5:30 p.m. in winter) from Wednesday to Monday
• Admission fees: 1,000 won (about $0.8) for adults, 500 won (about $0.4) for students, and free for children under 6 years old

Cultural Attractions

Seoul is not only a city of history but also a city of culture. The city has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene that reflects its creativity and dynamism. You can find many places to enjoy various forms of art, music, entertainment, and cuisine in Seoul. Here are some of the cultural attractions that you should not miss:

Myeongdong: This is one of the most popular shopping districts in Seoul that attracts millions of visitors every year. You can find everything from fashion items, cosmetics, accessories, souvenirs, to street food in Myeongdong. You can also enjoy various performances by street artists, such as singers, dancers, magicians, and mime artists. Myeongdong is a great place to experience the lively and trendy atmosphere of Seoul.

• Location: Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: All year round, but some shops may have different opening hours
• Admission fees: Free to enter, but some shops may charge a fee for goods or services

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower): This is a 236-meter-high tower that stands on top of Namsan Mountain, which is the highest point in central Seoul. The tower offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. You can also find many attractions and facilities at the tower, such as an observatory, a revolving restaurant, a cable car, a teddy bear museum, and a love lock fence. Namsan Tower is a romantic and scenic spot that is especially beautiful at night when the tower and the city are illuminated by colorful lights.

• Location: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

• Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (or 12:00 a.m. on weekends) all year round

• Admission fees: 10,000 won (about $8.3) for adults, 8,000 won (about $6.6) for students, and 6,000 won (about $5) for children for the observatory ticket. The cable car costs 9,500 won (about $7.9) for adults, 7,000 won (about $5.8) for students, and 5,500 won (about $4.6) for children for a round trip ticket.

Hongdae: This is a neighborhood that is famous for its youthful and artistic vibe. It is home to many universities, cafes, bars, clubs, galleries, and shops that cater to the young and creative crowd. You can find many street art pieces and murals that decorate the walls and alleys of Hongdae. You can also enjoy various events and festivals that take place in Hongdae, such as the Hongdae Music Festival, the Hongdae Street Art Festival, and the Hongdae Free Market. Hongdae is a place to have fun and express yourself.

• Location: Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: All year round, but some cafes, bars, clubs, and shops may have different opening hours
• Admission fees: Free to enter, but some cafes, bars, clubs, and shops may charge a fee for goods or services

Modern Landmarks

Seoul is not only a city of history and culture but also a city of modernity. The city has many modern landmarks that showcase its innovation and development. You can find many places to admire the architecture, technology, and design of Seoul. Here are some of the modern landmarks that you should check out:

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): This is a futuristic building that was designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. It is a multi-purpose complex that hosts various exhibitions, events, shows, and programs related to design, art, fashion, and culture. The building itself is a stunning piece of architecture that features a curved and metallic surface that resembles a spaceship. You can explore the different sections of the DDP, such as the Design Museum , the Design Lab , the Art Hall , and the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park . You can also enjoy the LED rose garden that lights up at night with thousands of artificial roses.

• Location: 281 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 7(chil)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (or 9:00 p.m. on weekends) all year round
• Admission fees: Free to enter, but some exhibitions or events may charge a fee for admission or participation

Lotte World Tower: This is the tallest building in Korea and the fifth tallest in the world. It is a 555-meter-high skyscraper that consists of 123 floors. It houses various facilities and attractions, such as a luxury hotel, a shopping mall, an aquarium, a concert hall, an observation deck, and a skywalk. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of Seoul from the top floors of the tower, or experience the thrill of walking on a glass floor that is 478 meters above the ground. Lotte World Tower is a symbol of Seoul's ambition and achievement.

• Location: 300 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 6(yuk)-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul

• Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (or 11:00 p.m. on weekends) all year round

• Admission fees: 27,000 won (about $22.5) for adults, 24,000 won (about $20) for students, and 20,000 won (about $16.7) for children for the observation deck ticket. The skywalk costs an additional 50,000 won (about $41.7) for adults, 45,000 won (about $37.5) for students, and 40,000 won (about $33.3) for children for a 15-minute experience.

Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain: This is a spectacular fountain that is installed on both sides of Banpo Bridge, which crosses over the Han River. The fountain shoots out water jets that are synchronized with music and lights, creating a colorful and dazzling show. The fountain operates from April to October, and has different schedules depending on the day and season. You can watch the fountain show from various spots along the river, or from a cruise boat that sails on the river. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain is a beautiful and romantic attraction that adds charm to Seoul's nightscape.

• Location: Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: Different operating hours depending on the day and season, but generally starts from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Admission fees: Free to watch

Conclusion

In this article, we have introduced you to some of the best places to visit in Seoul, divided into three categories: historical sites, cultural attractions, and modern landmarks. We have also provided you with some tips and details for each place, such as location, opening hours, admission fees. We hope that this article has inspired you to plan your trip to Seoul and discover its wonders and charms. 

Seoul is a city that will surprise you and delight you with its diversity and beauty. Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world. Book your trip to Seoul today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!