For those who assume Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is all about neon lights and Okay-pop, assume once more. Certain, this metropolis is aware of how you can flip up the amount, nevertheless it’s additionally residence to serene temples, charming hanok (conventional structure) villages, and among the most mouthwatering Korean meals you’ll ever eat.
Whether or not you’re soaking in skyline views from N Seoul Tower, feasting upon late-night Korean barbecue, or choosing up distinctive bargains in Dongdaemun, the listing of enjoyable issues to do in Seoul is one which simply retains on rising. Able to uncover the finest issues to do within the South Korea‘s greatest metropolis? This information to the highest issues to do in Seoul is full of every thing you want for an unforgettable journey to Korea, irrespective of your journey fashion.
Discover the Nationwide Museum of Korea
The Nationwide Museum of Korea is within the coronary heart of Seoul. The biggest museum in South Korea, it is also probably the most distinguished cultural establishments in Asia. Give your self loads of time to discover — it is residence to greater than 220,000 artifacts that span hundreds of years of Korean historical past, from prehistoric occasions by way of to the fashionable period. The museum design can be putting, set inside Yongsan Household Park and with a beautiful backdrop of Mt Namsan. The museum places on seasonal occasions all year long, from reside music to pop-up exhibitions.
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Catch the skyline at N Seoul Tower
It is truthful to say the N Seoul Tower is a must-visit landmark in Seoul when you’re trying to snap an excellent photograph of town. This cultural hub sits atop Namsan Mountain and is residence to statement decks, a revolving restaurant, and a digital observatory. When you can go to year-round, you may get the clearest views between September and November or cherry blossom views throughout Namsan Park between April and June. Add it to the start or the top of your day’s itinerary: early morning is finest for fewer vacationers, however the sundown views of the glittering skyline are fairly particular.
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Wander by way of Changdeokgung Palace
UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace was in-built 1405 throughout the Joseon Dynasty. Whereas it is nonetheless thought of a royal constructing, you may most likely discover that it seems a bit of completely different from the usual palace. It was impressed by nature and designed to circulation with its environment. Try the Secret Backyard (Huwon), a shocking 31.5-hectare (78-acre) space with lotus ponds, pavilions, and historic bushes. You must also go to Geumcheongyo Bridge, the oldest surviving stone bridge in Seoul, in addition to the attractive Injeongjeon Corridor.
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Store and snack in Myeongdong
A visit to South Korea is not full with out some (accountable) bank card harm, and the place higher to kickstart issues than Myeongdong? This ever-busy purchasing district is well-loved for its spectacular mixture of magnificence, style, and road meals stalls. For those who’re trying to top off on Korean magnificence, it’s additionally a sizzling spot for cosmetics fans, with loads of free samples on supply. For those who’ve bought spare time, get misplaced among the many crisscrossing streets to dig into some severely cool native boutiques.
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Hike in Bukhansan Nationwide Park
Simply outdoors Seoul, Bukhansan Nationwide Park is a must-visit spot. Often called one of many most-visited nationwide parks globally, it is simply as lovely for a leisurely stroll as it’s for an intensive mountain climbing journey. For the previous, the Baegundae Peak Path is about 2km (1.2 mi) every method and results in the very best peak with unimaginable panoramic views of Seoul. For seasoned hikers, the Obong Path stretches simply over 6.5km (4 mi) and has cascading waterfalls and 5 majestic peaks alongside the way in which. It’s also possible to keep the evening on the temples or hermitages right here, though you may need an early begin to arrive earlier than it will get darkish.
Go to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably essentially the most iconic of Seoul’s 5 grand palaces and a must-do in terms of Seoul points of interest. This 14th-century palace as soon as served as the first residence for the Joseon Dynasty. Stroll by way of the grand Gwanghwamun Gate to step right into a world of historic traditions and monumental historical past. The Throne Corridor is one other must-see, with vivid colors and complex designs. You may discover that a number of folks costume up in hanbok garments outdoors: conventional, vibrant two-piece outfits full with intricate hair and make-up. For those who’re , retailers close by can get you outfitted. The Korea Tourism Group promotes this exercise, so don’t be concerned about any unintended cultural appropriation.
High tip: when you’re wearing hanbok, all 5 of Seoul’s royal palaces waive their admission charges.
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Stroll Gwanghwamun Sq.
Amongst all of those energetic issues to do in Seoul, you’ll most likely need a bit of time to loosen up. Head to Gwanghwamun Sq., which is superb for people-watching. What was once a busy 16-lane street was reworked right into a pedestrian-friendly space full with traditionally vital statues and a beautiful mountainous backdrop. Count on reside music, road distributors, photograph alternatives, espresso retailers, and the occasional market. The fountains are lovely throughout the daytime, whereas the lights and ambiance supply an excellent backdrop for a calming night.
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Pay your respects on the Warfare Memorial
You do not have to be an skilled to know that Korea’s historical past has a fairly vibrant previous. Some of the vital locations to find out about historical past is the Warfare Memorial of Korea in Seoul. This website honours the sacrifices of Korean troopers and commemorates the advanced navy historical past of the area. Established in 1994, it initially targeted on the Korean Warfare however has since expanded to incorporate different exhibitions overlaying historic conflicts, the Joseon Dynasty, and the fashionable navy of the nation. Whereas it is a conventional museum, it additionally has cool high-tech exhibitions, together with digital actuality simulations.
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Discover Bukchon Hanok Village
Interested in Korea’s conventional heritage? Bukchon Hanok Village ought to undoubtedly be in your listing. Whereas it is situated close to the extra modernized elements of town, this space preserves about 900 hanok-style homes and is exclusive for its slender alleyways and picket houses that stay comparatively untouched by trendy improvement. This can be a place that gives an genuine glimpse into Korean life because it as soon as was, full with conventional tea ceremonies and small guesthouses the place you possibly can spend the evening. Except for cultural experiences, Bukchon has some gorgeous viewpoints. Gahoe-dong and Samcheong-dong are two of the very best, with mesmerizing views over the rooftops to town.
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Tour DMZ Korea
It would seem to be an odd place to go to, however travellers study loads on the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea. The DMZ serves as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea and is the location of great historic landmarks and countless tales of resilience and division through the years. If you wish to get a more in-depth take a look at North Korea, head to the Dora Observatory, the place you may spot the “Peace Village” of Kijong-Dong with its towering flagpole, one of many tallest on the earth.
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Feast at Namdaemun Market
Advance warning: you may wish to give your self a minimum of just a few hours to correctly discover Namdaemun Market. One among Seoul’s most iconic and largest conventional markets, it dates from 1414 and has greater than 10,000 distributors. Count on a full of life ambiance and a whole rainbow’s price of clothes, souvenirs, and artwork provides. Change your cash with the “grannies” within the centre for the very best charges, and go to round 10am when you favor a barely extra low-key ambiance. Among the evening markets keep open till the early hours, so it can be an excellent spot for a late-night snacky dinner.
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Dance and dine in Hongdae
Youthful, energetic, artistic, and a bit of eclectic are the very best phrases to summarize Hongdae. This distinctive district is one you may keep in mind lengthy after you wave goodbye to South Korea and is price dedicating a night to for simply wandering round. Close to Hongik College, you may discover road performances showcasing every thing from Okay-pop covers to bop teams and reside music. For those who’re into classic style, Hongdae is a treasure trove for distinctive shops. Try Ropa Usada whilst you’re right here. Hungry? Hongdae can be a sizzling spot for foodies, from Korean barbecue to traditional road meals like tteokbokki (rice desserts in spicy sauce) and hotteok (stuffed pancake).
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Loosen up alongside Cheonggyecheon Stream
Visiting a stream could not seem to be one thing that ought to take precedence in terms of issues to do in Seoul, however we promise that Cheonggyecheon is way extra spectacular than it sounds. This serene spot spans 11km (18 mi), beginning near Gwanghwamun Sq.. Alongside the way in which, you may spot the rainbow lights of the close by waterfall (proper on the entrance), in addition to just a few essential bridges dotted all through. Gwangtonggyo Bridge is essentially the most well-known. For those who can, time your go to for the Seoul Lantern Pageant in November, one of many finest occasions to go to South Korea, while you’ll see a magical show every night, in addition to vibrant leaves reflecting on the water.
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Sip tea in Seoul’s conventional teahouses
Seoul’s teahouses are a quintessential a part of South Korean life, and you will find a lot to dip into. They provide an ideal setting to pause, loosen up, and sip on Korea’s wealthy tea heritage. We love Dawon (certainly one of Seoul’s oldest teahouses, full of fascinating artwork and spectacular historical past), Tteuran Tea Home (overlooking a picturesque backyard — strive the signature omijacha, a berry tea), and Tea Remedy Haengrang, led by an East Asian physician who recommends teas to every buyer individually.
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Marvel at Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is Seoul’s cutting-edge hub for artwork and tradition and likewise performs host to Seoul Trend Week. Designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, this futuristic house is residence to undulating curves and glowing LED lights that make it a magnet for photographers. It is also full of a always evolving array of immersive artwork installations, design exhibitions, and pop-up occasions showcasing the very best of Korean and international creativity.
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Discover Garosu-gil’s cafés
Also called “Tree-Lined Avenue,” Garosu-gil is a trendy district in Seoul that is excellent for a leisurely stroll. Situated in Sinsa-dong, this space is finest recognized for its mixture of high-end style boutiques, quirky impartial shops, and Instagram-worthy cafés. Sip on fantastically crafted lattes in minimalist cafés or browse racks of distinctive clothes. Do not sleep on the dessert spots for matcha-infused treats and artisanal gelato.
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Go Gangnam fashion
Not only a hit tune, Gangnam is certainly one of Seoul’s coolest neighbourhoods, with high-end purchasing, historic sights, and numerous eating choices. A preferred spot for Seoul karaoke, this space is the place the evening comes alive. Though there are countless issues to do in Gangnam, Seoul, there’s one you undoubtedly can’t skip: visiting certainly one of Gangnam’s iconic noraebangs (karaoke rooms) to belt out ballads or dance to Okay-pop hits. This neighborhood can be nice for nightlife in Seoul. Pair your night with late-night bites from stylish rooftop bars or informal road meals joints.
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