Seoul is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, combining fascinating ancient history with glittering skyscrapers, lively pop culture, and top-class dining experiences. You can explore historic sites like the Gyeongbokgung Palace and neighbourhoods like the Bukchon Hanok Village. Conversely, there are street markets, night dining and ample entertainment for K-pop fans.
An efficient transit system helps you get around conveniently, while the city is recognised as clean, safe and easy to navigate for global tourists. While exploring like a local is the preferred experience for many travellers, Seoul still has several touristy things that are worth doing (especially if you’re a first-timer). Let us look at some of them below.
Best Touristy Activities in Seoul that You Shouldn’t Miss
Once you’ve booked your furnished short-term accommodation in Seoul or arranged a longer stay, the next step is planning how to make the most of your time in the city, from iconic landmarks to cultural experiences, here are 9 touristy things in Seoul that are still well worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (in a Hanbok) Tour
No visit to Seoul is complete without a tour of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the biggest royal palace linked to the Joseon Dynasty. Note that it’s only possible to gain entry if you’re wearing the traditional Korean dress, or Hanbok. This adds a special touch to the experience. Arrive early to beat the crowds and tour buses, while exploring the throne halls and majestic gates to your heart’s content.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village Exploration
You should not miss exploring this charming and historic neighbourhood in Seoul. The star attraction here is the hundreds of traditional wooden houses or Hanoks. It’s always worth it, since you’ll find how interestingly the curving rooftops of these heritage homes stand out against the otherwise gleaming and modern city skyline. You can consider walking early in the morning to explore the peaceful alleys and feel the old-world charm like never before.
3. Gwangjang Market Stroll
Gwangjang Market is an institution in itself. Your Seoul visit should ideally include a touristy stop in this bustling, vibrant, and traditional street food market. You will love how the knife-cut noodles are made and served here, along with trying the fantastic mung-bean pancakes (bindaetteok). These are arguably two of the most famous treats in Seoul. Sit down at one of the food stalls and eat with the locals for an incredible experience.
4. N Seoul Tower Views
If you’re looking to enjoy some of the best views of the massive city, this is the place to be! It’s a leading communication tower that’s right on top of Namsan Mountain. All you need to do is take the exciting cable car to the top for some amazing views that you will remember for a lifetime. The night views over the glittering city are simply fabulous, to say the least!
5. Ikseon-dong Hanok Village Tour
Don’t miss exploring this unique maze of small and historic alleyways (going back centuries). You will find several hidden cafes here, along with delightful craft shops. One of the things that makes this spot stand out is how it fuses the ancient structures with modern and trendy elements. The latter includes shops like Mil Toast Café and others, which are truly interesting for connoisseurs.
6. Cheonggyecheon Stream Visit
One of the most popular touristy things to do when you’re in Seoul is paying a visit to this interesting 11-kilometre public recreational space that goes through downtown. It’s just below the street level, making it a quieter and cooler getaway. Take a walk in the evening with the tiny waterfalls, soft lighting, and peaceful environment.
7. Hangang Park (Han River) Excursion
Seoul is famous for its huge park system that runs along both sides of the pristine Han River. You can feast on instant ramen from 24-hour convenience stores and have a picnic here. Trying the noodles by the water at sunset is a popular local ritual. You can also rent a bike to explore the vast space.
8. Starfield Library (COEX Mall) Exploration
Imagine a two-storied, vast and open public library that’s got huge bookshelves for you to dig into. What you get is the Starfield Library within the large COEX complex, with imposing 13-metre-high book columns. Along with the photo opportunities, it’s also free to enter and read for visitors shopping at the mall. And if you’re a bookworm, it’s sheer bliss indeed!
9. Traditional Korean Spa (Jjimjilbang) Experience
This is the perfect way to round off your Seoul trip. Visit the traditional public bathhouse cum sauna complex. Embrace the local culture of self-care, soaking in the warm mineral pools and wearing comfortable spa pyjamas for relaxing treatments later on. Relaxing in the floor-heated rooms is an experience in itself.
Bonus Touristy Attractions in Seoul
Here are some additional touristy things that you can also do in Seoul if you have time at hand.
- Myeongdong: A shopaholic/foodie delight, it’s home to countless stores for K-beauty offerings, cosmetics, street food, and more.
- Insadong/Jongno: If you love culture and history, explore this stretch with its galleries, teahouses, antique stores, and other landmarks.
- Hongdae: The neighbourhood is hip and artistic, housing a renowned university, quirky clubs, and charming cafes. You will love the independent music and street performances here.
- Gangnam: A premium neighbourhood, it is synonymous with the headquarters of top K-pop entertainment brands, gleaming towers and high-end retail.
- Seongsu-dong: An industrial-chic neighbourhood, it has transformed into a major hub for artisanal coffee stores, pop-up exhibits and concept stores in recent times. The place is quieter at night, while being home to more local serviced apartments and vacation rentals. The Seoul Forest is also nearby.
Make the Most of Your Seoul Trip
Seoul offers a rewarding mix of historic landmarks, traditional culture, modern attractions and vibrant neighbourhoods, making it a city worth exploring at your own pace. Once you’ve planned the experiences you want to include, choosing well-located serviced apartments can make it easier to reach the city’s major attractions while giving you the comfort and flexibility of a home-like stay. Plan your itinerary around your interests and leave some time to discover the local side of Seoul beyond its famous tourist spots.
