Seoul Travel Guide: Top 10 Things to Do in Seoul

Seoul is a captivating destination that offers a mix of ancient and modern attractions. Whether you're looking for culture, cuisine, shopping or nature, you'll find it in Seoul. Seoul is a city that never sleeps and always surprises. It's a city that you'll want to visit again and again. In this article, we'll show you the top 10 things to do in Seoul for your next trip.

Seoul Travel Guide: Top 10 Things to Do in Seoul

• Food
• Shopping
• Culture
• Nature

Food

Seoul is a foodie's paradise, with a variety of dishes to suit every taste and budget. Whether you crave spicy, sweet, savory or sour, you'll find it in Seoul.

Street food in Gwangjang Market

One of the best ways to experience the local cuisine in Seoul is to try the street food in Gwangjang Market. This is one of the oldest and largest markets in Seoul, where you can find hundreds of stalls selling delicious snacks and specialties. You can sample tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes in a spicy sauce), mandu (Korean dumplings), pajeon (green onion pancake), hotteok (sweet pancake) and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry) among others. This is also a great place to try some exotic dishes like live octopus or pig's feet. 

Korean barbecue

Korean barbecue is a must-try dish when you visit Seoul. This is a popular social activity where you grill thin slices of meat (usually beef or pork) over charcoal or gas at your table. You can dip the meat in various sauces and wrap it in lettuce leaves with garlic, kimchi and other side dishes. Some of the best places to enjoy Korean barbecue are in Hongdae and Itaewon, where you can also find lively nightlife and entertainment.

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a signature Korean dish that literally means "mixed rice". It consists of a bowl of rice topped with assorted vegetables, meat, egg and gochujang (red chili paste). You can mix everything together before eating or enjoy each ingredient separately. Bibimbap is a healthy and satisfying meal that can be customized to your liking. You can find bibimbap in many restaurants around Seoul, but one of the most famous places is Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan in Myeongdong.

Shopping

Seoul is a shopper's paradise, with a variety of options to suit every style and budget. Whether you're looking for high-end fashion, trendy streetwear, traditional crafts or quirky souvenirs, you'll find it in Seoul.

Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Market is the largest and most famous shopping area in Seoul. It operates 24/7 and consists of 26 shopping malls and 30,000 specialty stores where you can buy almost anything. You can find clothes, accessories, fabrics, electronics, stationery, toys and more at bargain prices. Dongdaemun Market is also a hub for independent Korean designers and emerging fashion trends. Don't miss the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic building designed by Zaha Hadid that hosts exhibitions, events and shows.

Myeongdong

Myeongdong is the ultimate destination for cosmetics and beauty products in Seoul. This bustling district is filled with hundreds of shops selling local and international brands of skincare, makeup, haircare and more. You can also find high street stores like H&M, Zara and Uniqlo, as well as Seoul beauty treatments like nail salons, hair salons and massage parlors. Myeongdong is also a great place to sample street food like gyeranppang (egg bread), odeng (fish cake) and tteokbokki.

Insadong:

Insadong is the best place to shop for traditional Korean handicrafts, souvenirs and antiques. You can find shops selling hanbok (traditional Korean costume), tea sets, pottery, calligraphy, masks, fans and more. You can also visit art galleries, museums and cultural centers that showcase Korea's heritage. Insadong is also known for its quirky cafes, such as the poop-themed Ddo-Ong Cafe or the cat-themed Godabang Cafe.

Culture

Seoul is a city that embraces both its ancient heritage and its modern trends. You can immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of Korea, as well as explore the vibrant pop culture and art scene.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most impressive and elegant of Seoul's five royal palaces. It was built during the Joseon Dynasty in the 14th century and was restored in the 18th century after being destroyed by war. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a stunning example of Korean architecture and design, with beautiful buildings, pagodas, ponds and gardens. You can also witness the changing of the Royal Guard ceremony at the main gate, which is a colorful spectacle of costumes and music.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a charming neighborhood that preserves the traditional Korean houses called hanok. These wooden structures feature curved roofs, paper windows and heated floors. You can wander through the narrow alleys and admire the contrast between the old-fashioned houses and the modern skyscrapers behind them. Some of the hanok are open to visitors as museums, galleries, cafes or guesthouses. You can also rent a hanbok (traditional Korean costume) and take photos in front of the picturesque backdrop.

K-pop culture

Seoul is the birthplace and epicenter of K-pop, the global phenomenon that combines catchy music, flashy choreography and colorful fashion. If you're a fan of K-pop or curious about it, you can experience it firsthand in Seoul. You can watch live performances at venues like MBC World or Klive Hologram Hall, visit themed cafes dedicated to your favorite idols, or join a dance class to learn some moves from professional instructors. You can also check out the headquarters of some of the biggest entertainment companies in the industry, such as SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment, where you might catch a glimpse of your favorite stars. For a deeper dive into the history and culture of K-pop, you can visit the K-Style Hub or the K-Star Road.

Nature

Seoul may be a concrete jungle, but it also has plenty of green spaces and natural attractions to enjoy. You can escape the city noise and relax in one of the many parks, gardens or mountains that surround Seoul.

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower is a landmark of Seoul that offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The tower stands on top of Namsan Mountain, which is a popular spot for hiking, biking and picnicking. You can reach the tower by cable car or by walking up the scenic Namsan Park. At the base of the tower, you can see thousands of love locks left by couples as a symbol of their romance.

Bukhansan National Park

Bukhansan National Park is a natural oasis that covers more than 80 square kilometers of mountains, forests and temples. It's located just north of Seoul and is easily accessible by public transportation. You can hike one of the many trails that lead to scenic peaks, valleys and waterfalls. You can also visit historic sites like Bukhansanseong Fortress, Doseonsa Temple and Seunggasa Temple.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream is a picturesque waterway that runs for nearly 11 kilometers through the center of Seoul. It was once covered by an elevated highway but was restored in 2005 as part of an urban renewal project. Now it's a popular spot for locals and tourists to walk, bike or relax along its banks. The stream is lined with trees, bridges, sculptures and fountains. It also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.

Conclusion

Seoul is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in food, culture, shopping or nature, you'll find it in Seoul. Seoul is a city that never sleeps and always surprises. It's a city that you'll want to experience again and again.

If you're ready to plan your trip to Seoul, check out our website for more tips and guides on how to make the most of your Seoul travel. You can also book your tours with us and save money and time. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the amazing attractions of Seoul.