40 Best Things To Do in Seoul Korea For First Timers (2024)

Wondering where to visit in Seoul? Or perhaps what is in Seoul? With 9.7 people living in the capital of South Korea, there’s endless possibilities. In fact, there are so many incredible things to do in Seoul Korea, it’s super hard to get to all of them. Whatever your flavor is, Seoul is definitely one of the best Asian cities.

I lived in Korea for almost six years, so I am your Korea travel expert. I know ALL of the best things to do. I’m not your average run of the mill tourist who went for a month or so and considers themself an expert. I know the country, the city, and the culture. I travel like a local so you can too. If you’re planning on visiting Seoul, I also recommend checking out my Ultimate 5 Day Seoul Itinerary for a completely done for you guide.

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Get Travel Insurance 

A common question I get is what do I need to travel to South Korea? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:

1. Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
2. Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
3. Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
4. Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
5. Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.

If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different travel insurance plans World Nomads offers here.

How To Get Around 

The best way to get around Korea is by public transportation. You can purchase a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. You can also purchase the mobile version via Klook and get a 5,000 won top off coupon to use with your purchase.

I also recommend getting the Discover Seoul Pass so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72 hours. 

How To Stay Connected 

Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer wifi for free and you can connect to various free spots around the city. However, if you don’t want to be reliant on that, you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone.

Seoul FAQ

1. When is the best time to visit Seoul?

Korea has four distinct seasons and depending on what you like is when you should visit. I personally think that visiting in the spring, early summer, and Autumn are the perfect times to come to South Korea. From December to the end of February it’s very cold and dry and I find my skin cracking and being a bit miserable during these times.

2. What month is the cheapest to fly to Korea?

The month of March is the cheapest to fly to Korea especially since the school year starts and all the kids are back in school.

3. Is South Korea expensive?

Absolutely not. You can get a lot for very little money. In fact, I challenge you to try spending $50 a day in Seoul. You can have a great time for super cheap. A traditional Korean meal with side dishes will cost you 7,000 won and if you eat the bbq, the most you will spend is 15,000 won.

I also suggest getting the most win for your won by getting the Discover Seoul Pass. Starting at 36,000 won you can get entrance to all the palaces, a hanbok rental, entry to MBC World, and even a spa experience. The card also doubles as a T-Money Card for public transport.

4. How much money should I bring to South Korea?

It depends on how long you stay. If you plan on staying 1-2 weeks, I recommend you bring about $2000, but I honestly don’t think you will spend that much.

5. Is Seoul safe?

Absolutely! Korea has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. You can leave your valuables on the table and no one will take them. In addition, there’s CCTV everywhere. Check out my Ultimate Guide for Solo Female Travel in Seoul for more information.

6. What is there to do in Seoul?/ What to do at Seoul?

For a list of even more incredible and fun things to do in Seoul, check out my guide on 50 Amazing Things To Do in Seoul. Seoul has everything you can think of… unique experiences, shopping, beauty, clubbing, and so much more. I promise you will never be bored with the endless entertainment Seoul Korea offers.

What To Pack For Korea

I highly recommend packing as light as possible so that way when you buy all of your favorite Korean products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis. I’m obsessed with their weekender bag, carryon, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.

Travel essentials for what to pack to Korea:

• Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. You’re going to need a travel adapter to charge your electronics. If you forget, you can easily find some at Daiso for 5,000 won.
• Unlocked phone – You can book a sim card here. Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can also use this portable wifi router.
• Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
• Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens. 
• Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
• Credit/Debit Cards – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.
• Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.

What To Wear in Korea

Eastern fashion is vastly different from what we see in the West and you can find some pretty fun pieces in Hongdae. Ladies, if you’re all about skirts, mini dresses and shorts, then Korea is the place for you! In Korea, there’s a different definition of dressing conservatively for women. Shoulders and showing backs are a big no-no, but recently I have seen Korean women who give zero fucks walk around wearing what they damn well please. #queen

That being said, it’s all about dressing up and wearing cute clothes. Seoul’s underground subway stations post a lot of cheap clothing options so you can get the latest fashion for a bargain price! I also have an ultimate guide on what to pack to Korea in every season.

P.s. It’s totally acceptable to wear your dirty sneakers with a cute outfit.

1. Namsan Seoul Tower

Every Seoul Korea trip needs a visit to the ever iconic Namsan Tower. So what exactly is it? The N Seoul Tower is an observation tower. You will have undoubtedly seen this Seoul landmark in the famous film franchise To All The Boys: Always and Forever.

The Namsan Tower observation deck should be high on your list for Seoul stuff to do. Every traveler needs to come here for the panoramic views of Seoul and to leave a lock of love with their lover or friends. Did you know the different colors of the tower have meaning? If the tower is blue, the air quality is amazing (aka no yellow dust).

• Namsan Tower Round Trip Cable Car Ticket
• The Place Restaurat at Namsan Tower
• HanCOOK Restaurant at Namsan Tower

2. Namsangol Hanok Village

Visiting the Namsangol Hanok Village is one of the lesser known things to do Seoul Korea. It’s not as crowded as Bukchon and you can really have a great look around the traditional grounds with a stunning view of the Namsan Tower. Occasionally, they also have traditional performances and classes on traditional sword or spear fighting.

3. Stay at Seoul Banyan Tree Hotel

The Banyan Tree is my favorite luxury hotel in Seoul. I recommend Banyan Tree as one of the best things to do Seoul South Korea. I love how it’s located on Namsan Mountain and is meant for relaxation and healing. You’ll get amazing views of Namsan Tower plus Seoul City.

This is the best staycation in Seoul. Click here to book your stay at the Banyan Tree Seoul. If you’d like to know more about this epic property, check out my review of the Banyan Tree Seoul here.

4. Go on a Night Tour

I personally love seeing Seoul at night. Night time is when there are the most interesting things to do in Korea Seoul. The way the city comes alive with all its bright and neon lights is incredible. It’s one of the most beautiful sights, but not quite as beautiful as Chicago (I’m biased, of course). Koreans are night owls and there’s so many things to see in Seoul Korea when the sun goes down. Here are some of the Seoul night tours I recommend.

• Haunted Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Tour
• Seoul Night Market Food Tour
• Seoul Euljiro Night Food Tour
• Night Cruise Han River Tour

5. Rent a Hanbok

What to do in Seoul? One of my highest recommendation is to rent a hanbok. If you’re interested, I have an entire guide dedicated on my favorite hanbok rental shops and how to rent hanbok in Seoul. Most shops give you the option of renting fo four hours and renting for the day. I recommend doing the day option as 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. I also recommend using the Discover Seoul Pass because it includes a hanbok rental at Hanboknam.

• Hanbok That Day
• One Day Hanbok
• Hanboknam

6. Gyeongbokgung Palace

One of the top things to do in Seoul is to visit Gyeongbokgung which is one of the main royal palaces during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s one of the five grand palaces and has so much history. I recommend visiting so you can watch a changing of the guard show. The grounds are huge and you can spend an entire afternoon walking around. For a first time Korea tourist, the grand palaces are among the best things to do in Seoul South Korea.

7. National Folk Museum of Korea

While traversing the Gyeongbokgung palace grounds, I recommend stopping by the National Museum of Korea. It’s free to go into while you’re visiting Gyeongbokgung and great for learning about Korean culture and history. You can also see Korean traditional houses.

8. Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo is a shrine that houses spirit tablets of the former kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. It was designated by UNESCO as 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

Wondering what to see in Seoul Korea? Did you know Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Seoul? Although Changdeokgung main palace doesn’t have as many buildings as Gyeongbokgung, it is the biggest palace. It is considered one of the five grand palaces of Seoul and definitely worth the visit.

It’s also not as crowded as the popular Gyeongbokgung. What makes this palace so grand is the Secret Garden is the main attraction. Changdeokgung is one of the best places to see in Seoul Korea.

11. Secret Garden

What to do in Seoul? The Changdeokgung Secret Garden is one of the pretties places to see in Seoul. Though obviously not a secret anymore because it’s open to the public. Honestly, I would consider these beautiful gardens one of the top 10 things to do in Seoul Korea.

The most popular timesof year is during spring and autumn and you have to do a guided tour. If you want tickets, go right when the ticket counter opens at 9am. My favorite tidbit was how royalty entertained themselves with drinking games. After all, running a country is hard work, amirite?

12. Bukchon Hanok Village

Need a little more culture in a big city? See how the people of the Joseon era lived and the style of homes. Some offer lessons on how to make traditional lanterns or wind chimes. This is a residential area and people do live here so please be quiet and do not disturb others.

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.

• Bukchon Hanok Village Walking Tour
• Kimchi Making Class in Bukchon Hanok Village
• Mother of Pearl DIY Class in Bukchon Hanok Village

13. Green Mile Coffee

Green Mile Coffee is a great themed café in Seoul because of how the cafe is positioned against the backdrop of all the traditional Korean homes called hanok. It’s great to take a break after walking all over Bukchon Hanok Village. Their green tea and coffee lattes are heavenly! Grabbing coffee and chilling at a cafe is one of the most Seoul things to do.

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. For more information on damn delicious Korean foods you should eat in Seoul click here.

14. Take a Traditional Korean Class

 Need more of what to do Seoul Korea? 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. It’s one of the best things to do in Korea if you want to make lasting memories and have great souvenirs.

• Traditional Korean Dessert Making Class
• Traditional Korean Folk Painting Class
• Traditional Korean Name Stamp Making Class
• Traditional Korean Pottery Class

15. Insadong

This is the place where tourists go and you’re in luck because it’s right outside of Gyeongbokgung. It’s a great place to try traditional Korean food and sweets. It’s also one of the best places to go shopping for Korean souvenirs. Fun fact, it’s the only street in Seoul where you’ll find Korean only signs and not a trace of English. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see cultural street performances.

• Color Pool Museum
• Korean Rice Wine (Makgeolli) Tasting Tour
• Insadong Half Day Food Walking Tour

16. Ikseondong Hanok Village

Ikseondong Hanok Village is one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods in Seoul. Because I love this hidden gem in Seoul so much, I don’t want to gate keep and share it with all of you. It has the trendiest boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. If anything make Ikseon-dong top your Seoul South Korea things to do itinerary. Check out my ultimate guide to Ikseon dong Hanok Village here.

• Insadong & Ikseondong Makgeolli Tasting Tour
• Ikseondong Walking Food Tour

17. Jogyesa Temple

One of the most popular temples in the Seoul area, it’s especially vibrant during Buddha’s birthday. The temple becomes alight with colorful lanterns and parades to celebrate this divine ruler. The Jogyesa Temple should be on your Seoul what to do list especially during spring.

18. 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 displays of flashing lights and music to get your attention. One of the main tourist attractions in Myeongdong is to try the street food. Also, there’s a bunch of unofficial Kpop merchandise you can find in the underground shopping station. Not to mention during Christmas in Korea, Myeongdong has some of the most amazing Christmas light displays.

19. See a Nanta Show

What to see in Seoul South Korea? Nanta is probably one of the most entertaining shows I’ve ever been to. The performance is completely non verbal and is very easy to understand. The show combines food, traditional Korean music, and artistry for an incredible experience. The Nanta Show is definitely one of the most must see things in Seoul.

20. Dongdaemun Design Plaza

If you’re wondering what to do in Seoul South Korea, then the Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a great place to see daily life. Us locals call it the DDP and it is a cultural center in Seoul. This is where Seoul Fashion week takes place. The DDP is one of the most modern beautiful buildings.

21. 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 really fun and a great place to hang out with friends or pregame before going out to Gangnam clubs.

22. 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.

23. Get on The Tubester

The Tubester on the Han River one of the most unique experiences in Seoul. Basically it’s all in the name. 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. It seriously doesn’t get any better than this.

24. CoEx Starfield Library

When visiting Seoul South Korea, you HAVE to pay a visit to the most beautiful library in Asia. Koreans love shopping just as much as they love hiking. The CoEX library has a huge selection of free books in English and Korean you can read there. The outdoor grounds routinely host beer festivals, food festivals and rallies. The CoEX Library is one of the best things to see in Seoul for bibliophiles.

25. Bongeunsa Temple

Another bit of culture takes its stand in the city as it is famous for Temple stays. You’ll get to experience a vegetarian and meditative life. If you’re lucky to roam the grounds in the late afternoon, you’ll also hear the monks drumming and the bells ringing. The Bongeunsa Temple is one of my favorite sites to see in Seoul South Korea because it is so calm.

26. Lotte World

If you’re an amusement park fanatic, you definitely want to give this a chance. Lotte World is the largest indoor amusement park and even has a small outdoor portion. I think it’s especially beautiful around spring with Seokchon Lake becomes alive with cherry blossoms. You can book your Lotte World tickets here at a special discount for foreign visitors.

27. Lotte World Aquarium

The Lotte World Aquarium features 650 species of 55,000 marine life forms up close. If you find yourself with a bad weather day in Seoul, you should definitely check out this aquarium. You can get your Lotte World Day Pass and Lotte World Aquarium tickets here.

28. Seoul Sky at Lotte Tower

Wanna get high? And no, weirdo, I’m not talking about that kind of high! I’m talking about the 6th tallest building in the world standing at 555 meters. You’ll get a panoramic view of Seoul and it’s pretty incredible. When the skies are clear, the view is very breath taking and the Instagram photos are worth it. Seoul Sky is an incredible experience because they offer a bar and dining experience. Walk on the glass floor for a thrill. For the dare devils this is one of the most fun things to do in South Korea Seoul.

29. Olympic Park

Living pretty close to Olympic Park has its perks. Every season brings special things to do in Seoul like ice skating at Olympic Park during winter. If you’re looking for what to see in Seoul, you can’t miss the Cosmos flowers either.

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 one of the best places to see in Seoul South Korea for Olympic History.

30. Record Your Own Song

Ever dreamed of being a famous singer? Well, now you can book your own studio space for an hour or two and have a professional sound engineer record your own 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. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon taking photos and enjoying yourself. You can even rent an old style Korean school uniform. If you enjoy street art, this is one of the best things to do in Korea. I visited this cute village with a tour guide from Oh My Oppa (they no longer exist). But now 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

This is a great Seoul City Wall Hike you can do 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

This is probably one of the most popular places to be when the weather is good and especially during the summertime. 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 screens where they play movies. You can even book a Mangwon Han River Retro Picnic here for a Seoul best things to do.

34. Go on a Han River Cruise

The Han River is one of the most notable landmarks in Korea and literally where all life is centered. One of my most favorite experiences has to do with going on a boat and having the time of my life. I highly recommend going on the Han River sunset cruise as you get a fun drink with your purchase. The sunset cruise is a Seoul must see because 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 then there is an amazing Seoul BTS tour that is 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. For a die hard BTS fan, K Avenue is a must see in Seoul.

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 aesthetic and for views, then you HAVE to visit the ones on my list. Koreans are obsessed with coffee and quite frankly, so am I thanks to them.

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. Day Trips From Seoul

Had enough of the big city and need out? Sometimes the hustle and bustle is too much for some and you need to escape for less people and more fun. For a complete list of the best day trips to take from Seoul click here.

DMZ + JSA Tour

If you’re looking for things to do near Seoul, then I recommend going to visit the demilitarized zone. For a small crash course on Korean history, technically the Korean War never ended; therefore both North and South Korea are technically still at war. You can visit the tunnels, learn about the history, and even take a peak 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 fat ass dictator asshole extraordinaire Kim Jeong Eun. You can book the DMZ + JSA Tour here.

Everland

Everland is the biggest outdoor Korean amusement park. It is located in Yongin which is a pretty good hike away. I recommend booking round trip transport tickets to Everland here. I love going there during the holidays… particularly Halloween and Christmas because they have so many special events. Book your tickets to the Everland Theme Park here.

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 their illuminations and spring when the flowers bloom. Book your day trip to the Garden of the Morning Calm and Nami Island here.

Gyeongju

I think one of the best times to visit Gyeongju is in autumn, but its pretty great in spring too. If you’re planning a visit to the old capital of the Silla Dynasty, I have a done for you guide to Gyeongju Korea here. If you don’t feel that confident, you can book a tour. This tour will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the top five historical places, and provide a professional tour guide to tell you about the history. Book your one day trip from Seoul to Gyeongju Korea here.

Jeonju

Jeonju Hanok Village is a charming historical neighborhood showcasing well-preserved traditional Korean houses. It’s also best to visit during autumn and their street food is divine. This is another great Seoul day trip and great for immersing yourself in Korean culture. Book your one day trip to Jeonju Korea from Seoul here.

38. Go on a Seoul Food Tour

What is there to do in Seoul Korea? Wondering what to eat in Seoul? Korean food is the Seoul food of Asia. See what I did there? It’s the most flavorful and delectable delights that will fill your palate with a culinary delight. Let’s have a look at the cool food tours that will give you a taste of Seoul’s culinary scene. Also, for a complete list of all the damn delicious Korean foods you should try in Seoul, click here.

• Seoul Euljiro Night Food Tour
• Seoul Street Food Tour
• Noryangjin Fish Market and Dinner Tour
• Seoul Night Market Food Tour
• Seoul Food and Night Life Gangnam Tour

39. Take a Cooking Class

Knowledge is power and what better way to keep a piece of Korea with you always? Before I moved to Asia, I was a pretty poor cook (although I still am in many aspects). Over my time here, I found these cooking classes were insanely fun and also helped me cook my favorite Korean dishes. Now I can cook them wherever I am.

• Traditional Korean Tea Ceremony and Tea Cookie Making Class
• Korean Food Class: Japchae and Tteokbokki Soup Class
• Korean Home Cooking Class With a Local

40. Go on a Seoul Alcohol Tour

• Korean Traditional Alcohol and Food Pairing Tour
• Traditional Korean Makgeolli Making Class

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 see in Seoul Korea and things to do in Seoul Korea. From all the delicious Korean food to Korean culture, it’s almost impossible to get through everything.

Before I leave you, I will give two tales of caution. First, beware the ajhussi smell. You will find the stench very prominent as it’s mixed with kimchi, soju and cigarettes. Alas, nothing beats a whiff of au de ajhussi on line 2 when coming back hungover from a night of drinking. Second, beware the ajhumma. These little orks will happily elbow you right where it hurts to get a seat on the train or wherever it is they have to go. And… now you’re ready to go for your travel to Asia’s incredible city!

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