Seoul is a dazzling metropolis where centuries-old palaces meet cutting-edge technology and neon-lit night markets. As the heart of South Korea, it offers a seamless blend of Buddhist temples, futuristic architecture, and a pop-culture scene that has taken the world by storm. You will find endless things to do in Seoul as you navigate its efficient subways and charming neighborhood alleys.
This guide helps you plan your East Asian adventure by highlighting iconic landmarks and local favorites. We provide details on timings, prices, and locations to ensure your visit is smooth and well-organized. Whether you are a fan of K-dramas, a history enthusiast, or a street-food lover, this list covers all the essential experiences in Seoul.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most beautiful of the five royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. With the grand Bugaksan Mountain as its backdrop, this palace serves as a stunning example of traditional Korean architecture. It is the primary priority for things to do in Seoul for tourists.
You can witness the “Changing of the Royal Guard” ceremony at the Gwanghwamun Gate. Many visitors rent a “Hanbok” (traditional Korean dress) to enter the palace grounds for free and take spectacular photos. It remains one of the most essential must see places in Seoul.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Price: Tickets for adults are KRW 3,000/ INR 185 and free for children aged 18 and senior citizens aged 65 and above; set aside 2 – 3 hours to explore the palace
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2. Bukchon Hanok Village
Located between two palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential neighborhood home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses called “hanoks.” Walking through its hilly, narrow streets feels like a trip back to the 14th century. It is a top choice for things to do in Seoul, South Korea, to see living history.
The area is filled with tea houses, craft workshops, and small museums. Because people still live here, it is important to stay quiet while exploring. It is a picturesque highlight of any visit and one of the top things to do in Seoul.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: Gyedong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
- Timings: Daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: Entry is free; set aside at least 2 to 4 hours to explore the village
3. N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)
Standing atop Namsan Mountain, the N Seoul Tower is the city’s most recognizable landmark. It offers 360-degree views of the sprawling metropolis. It is one of the most fun things to do in Seoul, especially for couples who visit the “Locks of Love” fence at the base.
You can reach the tower via a scenic cable car or a brisk hike up the mountain trails. The observatory at the top features high-tech screens and rotating views. It is a staple for things to do in Seoul for tourists seeking a panoramic perspective.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
- Timings: Sunday to Friday 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Price: Ticket prices for adults are KRW 29,000/ INR 1,788, for children and elderly people, the ticket price is KRW 23,000/ INR 1,418; set aside at least 2 – 4 hours to visit the tower
4. Myeongdong Shopping Street
Myeongdong is a high-energy district famous for two things: skincare shops and street food. It is the ultimate destination for things to do in Seoul today if you want to experience the city’s commercial buzz. Every major Korean beauty brand has multiple stores here.
The central street transforms into a giant outdoor food court in the evenings. You can try “Egg Bread,” grilled lobster, and foot-long ice cream cones. It is one of the most fun things to do in Seoul for shoppers and foodies alike.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: Myeong-dong 2(i)-ga, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: Free to explore; pay for shopping and food; plan to spend at least a day to fully explore the entire market
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5. Insadong District
Insadong is the cultural heart of Seoul, where you can find traditional art, calligraphy, and ceramics. The main street is lined with galleries and antique shops. It is a premier spot for things to do in Seoul, South Korea, to buy authentic souvenirs.
The Ssamziegil mall within Insadong is unique for its spiraling walkway that connects all floors. It is a great place to experience a traditional tea ceremony. It remains a “must” for things to do in Seoul for tourists looking for cultural depth.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Shop timings may vary)
- Price: Free to explore; plan to spend a couple of days to fully explore the area
6. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the DDP is a futuristic landmark with silver curves and no straight lines. It serves as a hub for the city’s fashion and design industry. It is one of the most modern must see places in Seoul.
The plaza hosts exhibitions, fashion shows, and a late-night market. The LED Rose Garden (when illuminated) is a favorite for evening walks. It is a striking example of the “New Seoul” and one of the top things to do in Seoul.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Price: Free to walk the grounds; some exhibitions require tickets; set aside 2 to 3 hours to explore the attraction
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7. Lotte World & Lotte World Tower
Lotte World is the world’s largest indoor theme park, complemented by an outdoor park called “Magic Island.” It is a top choice for fun things to do in Seoul for families and thrill-seekers. Nearby, the Lotte World Tower is the world’s 6th-tallest building.
The “Seoul Sky” observatory at the top of the tower features a glass floor 555 meters in the air. This area offers a full day of entertainment, from roller coasters to luxury shopping. It is a highlight of things to do in Seoul, South Korea.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5
- Location: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
- Timings: Monday to Thursday 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday to Sunday 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Price: For adults (19 and up) KRW 64,000/ INR 3,945, for youth (aged 13 – 18) KRW 56,000/ INR 3,453, for children (aged 36 months to 12 years) KRW 48,000/ INR 2,960, and for babies over (12 months to under 36 months) KRW 16,000/ INR 986; plan to spend at least a day in this theme park
8. The War Memorial of Korea
This massive museum and memorial documents the military history of Korea, with a focus on the Korean War. It features six indoor halls and a large outdoor exhibit of tanks, aircraft, and missiles. it is one of the most educational must see places in Seoul.
The museum is incredibly detailed and provides a deep understanding of the country’s divided history. It is a respectful and essential stop for things to do in Seoul for tourists interested in geopolitics.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
- Timings: Daily 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Price: Entry Free; set aside at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the area
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in Seoul for first-time visitors?
Begin your journey at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, where the city’s royal past comes alive through grand architecture and traditional Korean houses. From there, head to N Seoul Tower for panoramic views before ending your day with a street food crawl through bustling Myeongdong. This combination gives you the best things to do in Seoul for tourists seeking history, scenery, and flavor.
What shouldn’t you miss in Seoul?
Gwangjang Market pulls you into a world of sizzling traditional dishes and warm local hospitality that food lovers treasure. The War Memorial of Korea then offers a thoughtful look at the nation’s history through powerful exhibits. Round out your experience with Dongdaemun Design Plaza’s futuristic architecture and Hongdae’s street performances, as these are must see places in Seoul.
What are the best things to do in Seoul during the day?
Morning light makes palace visits and Namsan Mountain hikes particularly rewarding, while a DMZ day trip adds a thought-provoking dimension to your travels. When you need a break, a traditional tea house in Insadong provides the perfect spot to rest and reflect. The National Museum of Korea offers another excellent daytime option, making it one of the fun things to do in Seoul, South Korea.
What are the best things to do in Seoul at night?
As darkness falls, Seoul reveals an entirely different personality that pulses with energy and light. Start your evening watching the rainbow fountain show at Banpo Bridge before making your way to Dongdaemun’s late-night markets. End the night in Hongdae or Itaewon for drinks and dancing, then cap it all off by singing your heart out at a noraebang.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Seoul?
Lotte World welcomes families with thrilling rides both indoors and outdoors that keep children excited throughout the day. The adventure continues at the Children’s Museum of Korea and COEX Aquarium, where interactive exhibits spark curiosity and wonder. Older kids find their own excitement at VR cafes and cat cafes, which rank among the fun things to do in Seoul for families traveling together.
What are the best cultural things to do in Seoul?
Wearing a hanbok while exploring palace grounds transforms a simple visit into a meaningful cultural experience you will cherish. You can deepen this connection through an overnight temple stay or a hands-on kimchi-making class that teaches traditions passed down through generations. A gugak performance at the National Gugak Center completes these top things to do in Seoul for anyone drawn to Korean heritage.
What are the top food experiences in Seoul?
Korean BBQ restaurants invite you to grill samgyeopsal at your table, turning dinner into an interactive experience shared with friends. Beyond the barbecue, dishes like bibimbap, tteokbokki, and crispy fried chicken showcase the country’s rich culinary traditions. For something truly local, find a pojangmacha street stall where snacks and soju flow freely under orange tents.
What are the best shopping areas in Seoul?
Myeongdong draws beauty enthusiasts and fashion lovers to its packed streets filled with Korean cosmetics and trendy clothing stores. If luxury brands call your name, the elegant boutiques of Apgujeong and Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam await your visit. Budget-conscious shoppers will appreciate Ewha Womans University Street and Hongdae, where stylish finds come without the premium price tag.
What’s the best time of year to visit Seoul for sightseeing?
Spring transforms Seoul into a dreamlike setting as cherry blossoms blanket the city in soft pink from April through May. Autumn offers its own magic when red and gold foliage creates stunning backdrops from September through October. Both seasons bring mild temperatures that make walking comfortable, allowing you to enjoy things to do in Seoul at your own relaxed pace.
