40 Best Things To Do in Seoul South Korea 2025

40 Best Things To Do in Seoul South Korea was updated January 2025. 

Planning on visiting the Korean peninsula and wondering where to visit in Seoul? With 9.7 people living in the capital of South Korea, there are endless possibilities.

I lived in Korea for almost six years, so I am your Korea travel expert. What’s more, is I have a local’s perspective on the country, the city, and the culture.

Check out my Ultimate 5-Day Seoul Itinerary for a completely done-for-you Seoul travel guide.

1. Namsan Seoul Tower

Every Seoul trip needs a visit to N Seoul Tower. You will undoubtedly have seen this famous Seoul landmark in the film franchise To All The Boys: Always and Forever.

It’s also been featured in countless Korean dramas, and if you’d like to have your own experience, book a table at The Place Restaurant or at HanCOOK Restaurant. Their observation deck is especially great! 

Every traveler needs to come here for the panoramic views of the city and to leave a lock of love with their lover or friends. Did you know the different colors of the tower have meaning? The air quality is amazing if the tower is blue (aka no yellow dust). 

2. Namsangol Hanok Village

Namsangol Hanok Village is one of the lesser-known villages. Here, you can see Hanok, which is a traditional Korean house.

It’s not as crowded as Bukchon, and you can leisurely explore the traditional grounds with a stunning view of the Namsan Tower. Occasionally, they have traditional performances and classes on sword fighting.

3. Stay at Seoul Banyan Tree Hotel

Banyan Tree is my favorite luxury hotel in Seoul. It’s located on Namsan Mountain and is meant for relaxation and healing. You’ll get amazing views of Namsan Tower plus Seoul City.

4. Go on a Night Tour

Seoul at night has a completely different vibe. The way the city comes alive with all its bright and neon lights is incredible.

Koreans are night owls, and watching the city light up as the sun goes down is one of my favorite things to do. You’ll especially love the night cruise on the Han River.

Many restaurants open late at night, so try the Seoul Night Market Food Tour and the Euljiro Night Food Tour to taste Korean street food and other traditional dishes. 

Dongdaemun Market, Gwangjang Market, and Namdaemun Market are also great places to visit at night and have some pretty tasty food stalls.

5. Rent a Hanbok

One of the best things to do in Seoul is to rent a hanbok. I have an entire guide dedicated to my favorite hanbok rental shops and how to rent hanbok.

Rent hanbok for the day so you don’t have to feel so rushed when taking pictures and exploring. Plus, you get FREE entry into all of Korea’s grand palaces.

Pro Tip: I also recommend using the Discover Seoul Pass because it includes a hanbok rental at Hanboknam. It also doubles as a T-money card.

6. Gyeongbokgung Palace

One of the top things to do in Seoul is to visit Gyeongbokgung, which was one of the main royal palaces during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s one of the five grand palaces and you can watch the changing of the guards.

7. National Folk Museum of Korea

Located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace’s grounds is the National Museum of Korea. You can learn about Korea’s history from the 14th century up until the early 20th century. 

8. Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo Shrine houses spirit tablets of the former kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. It was designated by UNESCO as a world cultural asset in 1995.

9. Bukhansan National Park

I have summited Bukhansan before and while it was hard as shit… The views were definitely worth it! With about five million visitors each year, Bukhansan National Park is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “Most Visited National Park per Unit Area”.

10. Changdeokgung Palace

Did you know Changdeokgung is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Seoul? Although it has fewer buildings than Gyeongbokgung, it is the biggest palace. It is considered one of Seoul’s five grand palaces and worth the visit because of the Secret Garden.

11. Secret Garden

The Changdeokgung Secret Garden is one of the prettiest places to see in Seoul. The most popular times of year to visit are during spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for the foliage. To enter, you must go on a guided tour.

12. Bukchon Hanok Village

The picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village is great for a walking tour and feels like you’re stepping into a time frame. Traditional Korean culture is on display here, contrasting the modern city behind it.

Fun fact: You can even take a Kimchi Making Class or a Mother of Pearl DIY class in the traditional Hanok houses. People still live in this area, so please be respectful by being quiet.

If you want to get a shot like mine with no people, go super early in the morning because it gets crowded fast. One Day Hanbok is also located at the heart of this district, so it’s easy to rent a traditional Korean dress.

13. Green Mile Coffee

Green Mile Coffee is great for photos since it is positioned against the backdrop of all traditional Korean homes. Their green tea and coffee lattes are heavenly!

14. Eat Korean BBQ

If you want to eat good Korean food in Seoul, definitely start with Korean barbecue. One of my top picks for trying this dish is Jamsugyo-jip.

15. Take a Traditional Korean Class

One of the best ways to get into your Korea trip is by taking a traditional Korean class. You can learn so much about the culture by participating in everything that makes it so beautiful. 

My favorite is this traditional Korean dessert-making experience where you can enjoy tasty treats. I also recommend trying a Korean pottery class or a Korean folk painting class. 

16. Insadong

Located in the center of Seoul, Insadong is a great place to try traditional Korean food and sweets. It’s also one of the best places to shop for Korean souvenirs.

It’s the only street in Seoul where you’ll find Korean-only signs and not a trace of English. While there, try stopping by the Color Pool Museum and try a Korean rice wine (makgeolli) tasting tour. 

17. Ikseondong Hanok Village

Ikseondong Hanok Village is one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods in Seoul. It has the trendiest boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

While there, try the Ikseondong walking food tour to all the best places!

18. Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is one of the most popular temples. It is especially vibrant during Buddha’s birthday when Jogyesa becomes alight with colorful lanterns and parades to celebrate this divine ruler.

19. Shopping in Myeongdong

Shop till you drop has an entirely new meaning because Koreans take it to an entirely different level. You’ll be enticed by makeup, skincare, food, clothes, and beautiful flashing lights and music displays to get your attention.

Many of the department stores in the area are also duty-free, so save your receipts to get a tax refund at Incheon International Airport.

K-drama fans and K-pop lovers will enjoy unofficial idol merchandise in the underground shopping station. Myeongdong has some of the most amazing light displays during Christmas in Korea. 

20. See a Nanta Show

Nanta is probably one of the most entertaining shows I’ve ever been to. The performance is completely nonverbal and is very easy to understand. The show combines food, traditional Korean music, and artistry for an incredible experience.

21. Dongdaemun Design Plaza

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza or DDP is a unique display of architectural style. This is where Seoul Fashion Week takes place and traveling art galleries are held.

22. Have a Drink at Art Monster

Another must-do in Seoul is to have a drink or three at Art Monster. This is a Hong Kong Alley-inspired restaurant in the middle of Gangnam.

They offer craft beer and food. You get a bracelet and pay for what you drink while here. It’s fun and a great place to hang out with friends or pregame before entering the Gangnam clubs. 

23. K-Star Road

K-pop fans will absolutely love the K-Star Road. This street features teddy bear statues with the most famous K-pop groups to ever grace the Korean and world stage.

24. Get on The Tubester

The Tubester is one of Seoul’s most unique experiences. It is a small motorized tube with a cover that floats around the Banpo Floating Island on the Han River. To fully enjoy the experience, grab five friends, food, and beer and go during sunset in late spring or summer.

25. CoEx Starfield Library

The Coex Mall has a library with a large selection of free books in English and Korean. The outdoor grounds routinely host beer festivals, food festivals, and rallies.

26. Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple located right across the street from the Coex Starfield Library. If you’re lucky to roam the grounds in the late afternoon, you’ll also hear the monks singing and the bells ringing.

27. Lotte World

If you like theme parks, you definitely want to give Lotte World a chance. They even have a German beer garden.

Plus, it’s also one of the most famous amusement parks around the world because it’s the biggest indoor one. 

You can even see their outdoor Magic Island with the Lotte World castle. The easiest way to get there is by the Seoul Subway stations, Jamsil Saenae and Jamsil Station.

28. Seoul Sky at Lotte Tower

Lotte Tower is the 6th tallest building in the world, standing at 555 meters. When the skies are clear, the Seoul Sky view is breathtaking, and you can even enjoy a bar and dining experience. 

29. Olympic Park

Every season brings special things to do in Seoul, like ice skating at Olympic Park during winter or walking amongst the cosmos flowers during autumn.

You can rent double bikes and ride around the lake. It’s a popular spot for a picnic.

Many events are held there like celebrity meetings and concerts. Sports buffs will not want to miss a nice place for Olympic History. 

30. Record Your Own Song

Ever dreamed of being a famous singer? You can book your studio space and have a professional sound engineer record your tune! It’s so damn cool and I really enjoyed my experience at King’s Studio.

31. Visit Ihwa Mural Village

Located near Naksan Park, this village has street art everywhere you look. You can even rent an old-style Korean school uniform. There’s a cool Seoul By Foot Tour where they take you to the Seoul City Wall and among the best murals in Iwha Mural Village.

32. Naksan Mountain Trail

You can do this great Seoul City Wall Hike right after the Ihwa Mural Village. Since it’s right smack dab in the middle of Seoul, you can get great views of both the Lotte World Tower and the Namsan Tower.

33. Have a Picnic At the Han River

The Han River is one of the most popular places to be when the weather is good, especially during summer in Seoul. All you have to do is grab a picnic blanket, some friends, food, and a beer, and you’ll be entertained for hours.

During the summer, they have free pools and free movie screenings. You can even enjoy a Mangwon Han River Retro Picnic. 

Pro Tip: Many people stop by convenience stores to pick up food and drinks. 

34. Go on a Han River Cruise

The Han River is my favorite tourist attraction. I highly recommend going on the Han River sunset cruise as you get a fun drink with your purchase.

There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset and then the city sparkle at night before your eyes. 

35. Go on a BTS Tour

Love them or hate them, BTS is dominating the world music charts. If you’re an ARMY, there is an amazing Seoul BTS tour tailored just for you!

This tour will take you to the filming locations of their iconic music videos. You’ll also be taken to their favorite haunts in Gangnam as well as restaurants they have been spotted at.

36. Visit Uniques Cafes in Seoul

There’s so much stuff to do in Korea! I have a list of my favorite Instagrammable Cafes in Seoul. If you’re looking for aesthetics and views, then you HAVE to visit the ones on my list. Koreans are obsessed with coffee, and quite frankly, so am I. 

1. Harry Potter Cafe in Hongdae
2. Thanks Nature Sheep Cafe
3. Meerkat Cafe in Seoul
4. Princess Diary Cafe
5. Jade Mug and Yumi’s Dress Room

37. Take a Day Trip From Seoul

Korea is so much more than Seoul. Many people head to Seoul Station to take the high-speed train to Busan or Gyeongju.

Bus tours are among the most popular ways to escape the city limits. I also have a master list of the best day trips from Seoul so you can enjoy every bit of your Korea trip. 

Demilitarized Zone + JSA Tour

I highly recommend visiting the DMZ and JSA. Technically, the Korean War never ended; therefore, both North and South Korea are still at war via a ceasefire.

You can visit the tunnels, learn about the history, and even take a peek into North Korea. My favorite part is the Joint Security Area or the JSA, where you can stand in North Korea and see where former President Moon Jae In shook hands with Kim Jeong Eun.

Everland

Everland is the biggest outdoor Korean amusement park. I recommend booking round trip transport tickets to Everland because getting to Yongin is a bitch.

​The best times to visit are during the changing of the seasons, Halloween, and Christmas.

Garden of The Morning Calm & Nami Island

Some of my first day trips from Seoul were Garden of the Morning Calm and Nami Island. Both are great at any time of year. GMOC is especially beautiful during winter for its illuminations and spring when the flowers bloom.

Gyeongju

One of the best times to visit Gyeongju is in autumn, but it is pretty great in spring too. If you’re planning a visit to the old capital of the Silla Dynasty, I have a guide to Gyeongju, Korea.

If you want everything done for you, this Seoul to Gyeongju tour will take you to UNESCO World Heritage sites and top five historical places. They will also provide a professional tour guide.

Jeonju

The Jeonju Hanok Village is a charming historical neighborhood showcasing well-preserved traditional Korean houses. It’s also best to visit during autumn because their street food is divine. This one-day Seoul to Jeonju tour is great for immersing yourself in Korean culture. 

38. Go on a Seoul Food Tour

Wondering what to eat in Seoul? Korean food is the Seoul food of Asia. See what I did there? 😉

I recommend trying the Noryangjin Fish Market dinner and Seoul street food tours.

39. Take a Cooking Class

Want a way to keep a piece of Korea with you always? Cooking classes are delightful and helped me cook my favorite Korean dishes.

Now I can cook them wherever I am, and I want that for you too. Try the traditional Korean tea ceremony and tea cookie making class and the Korean home cooking class with a local. 

40. Go on a Seoul Alcohol Tour

Koreans absolutely love to drink! There are many different alcohols to try, and many come from different provinces around Korea. 

This is a great way to make friends while traveling. I recommend the traditional Korean alcohol and food pairing tour as well as the makgeolli making class. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Things To Do in Seoul South Korea

My list barely scraped the surface, but hopefully, you will now know what to do in South Korea’s capital. You now have a better list of must-sees in Seoul. It’s almost impossible to get through everything from all the delicious Korean food to Korean culture.

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