Seoul

Top Attractions in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, its representative highlights include the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM in front of Gwanghwamun Gate and the reflection on the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion pond. It is a popular commemorative photo course for families and groups with Geunjeongjeon Hall in the background, especially since entry is free if you wear a Hanbok. Please note it is closed every Tuesday.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) 1Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) 2Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) 3Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) 4Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) 5

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

Located on a hill between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, this is Seoul's representative traditional Hanok residential area with a 600-year history. You can find photo zones where tiled roofs overlap with N Seoul Tower in the background, making it a perfect urban heritage course for a walk in Hanbok.

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을) 1Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을) 2Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을) 3Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을) 4Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을) 5

N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)

A 236.7m tall observatory tower rising from the peak of Namsan Mountain in the center of Seoul, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The railing photo zone where lovers hang 'love locks' and the night lighting are particularly beautiful. It is an essential Seoul night view spot accessible comfortably via cable car.

N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워) 1N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워) 2N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워) 3N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워) 4N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워) 5

Myeongdong (명동)

Located in Jung-gu, Seoul, this is Korea's representative shopping and tourism street, crowded with cosmetic road shops, fashion stores, and various street foods. It also offers sights like the Gothic architecture of Myeongdong Cathedral and the nearby Nanta Theater, making it the most visited urban shopping course by international tourists.

Myeongdong (명동) 1Myeongdong (명동) 2Myeongdong (명동) 3Myeongdong (명동) 4Myeongdong (명동) 5

Ikseon-dong Hanok Cafe Street (익선동 한옥카페거리)

Narrow alleys filled with Hanoks built in the 1920s have been transformed into a trendy area packed with emotional cafes, traditional dessert shops, and unique prop stores. The tea time enjoyed on floor-seated Ondol seats under tiled roofs and the photo zones throughout the alleys make it a great course for a slow walk.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Cafe Street (익선동 한옥카페거리) 1Ikseon-dong Hanok Cafe Street (익선동 한옥카페거리) 2Ikseon-dong Hanok Cafe Street (익선동 한옥카페거리) 3Ikseon-dong Hanok Cafe Street (익선동 한옥카페거리) 4Ikseon-dong Hanok Cafe Street (익선동 한옥카페거리) 5

Gwangjang Market (광장시장)

Established in 1905 as Korea's first permanent market, its center is filled with famous food alleys serving Mungbean Pancakes (Bindaetteok), Mayak Kimbap, and Beef Tartare (Yukhoe). It has become so famous that it attracts over 2 million international tourists annually; sitting on a stool and eating among locals is a highlight of Seoul's culinary scene.

Gwangjang Market (광장시장) 1Gwangjang Market (광장시장) 2Gwangjang Market (광장시장) 3Gwangjang Market (광장시장) 4Gwangjang Market (광장시장) 5

Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕)

Opened in 1983, this 400-seat Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) specialty restaurant is known as a 'Presidential favorite.' It features a thick broth brewed with ten oriental medicinal ingredients including ginseng and dates. Located just a 5-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung, it is a natural group dining course after touring the palace.

Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕) 1Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕) 2Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕) 3Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕) 4Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕) 5

Seongsu-dong (성수동)

Once an alley of old shoe factories and printing houses, it has been transformed into a top 'hot place' for the youth, dubbed the 'Brooklyn of Seoul,' with sensible cafes, select shops, and global brand flagship stores. Walking through the pop-up stores and large murals in every alley makes a day feel short.

Seongsu-dong (성수동) 1Seongsu-dong (성수동) 2Seongsu-dong (성수동) 3Seongsu-dong (성수동) 4Seongsu-dong (성수동) 5

Everland (에버랜드)

Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, this is Korea's largest theme park, boasting year-round attractions from the thrilling T-Express rollercoaster and wildlife safari experiences at Safari World to the Rose Garden in full bloom during spring. It is a representative amusement park loved by families, couples, and friends alike.

Everland (에버랜드) 1Everland (에버랜드) 2Everland (에버랜드) 3Everland (에버랜드) 4Everland (에버랜드) 5

Lotte World (롯데월드)

Located in the heart of Jamsil, this urban amusement park features both the indoor Adventure and outdoor Magic Island, allowing for all-day enjoyment regardless of the weather. In the evening, colorful parades and firework events take place along with the night view of Seokchon Lake, ensuring high satisfaction even for night visits.

Lotte World (롯데월드) 1Lotte World (롯데월드) 2Lotte World (롯데월드) 3Lotte World (롯데월드) 4Lotte World (롯데월드) 5

Itaewon (이태원)

A representative multicultural street in Seoul that grew near the Yongsan US military base. Centered around the Seoul Central Mosque built in 1976, it is packed with international restaurants and unique cafes. After sunset, the alleys light up with an international bar and pub culture. It's great to explore along with Gyeongnidan-gil and Haebangchon starting from Itaewon Station.

Itaewon (이태원) 1Itaewon (이태원) 2Itaewon (이태원) 3Itaewon (이태원) 4Itaewon (이태원) 5

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자)

An atypical building designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid that opened in 2014. Its curved exterior made of thousands of different-sized aluminum panels is impressive. The night view where the exterior and the 'LED Rose Garden' on the side hill light up together is particularly famous. Design markets and exhibitions are held regularly, allowing for shopping and viewing simultaneously.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자) 1Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자) 2Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자) 3Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자) 4

Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장)

A symbolic square in Seoul located in front of Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, where statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin face each other. Reborn as an open space with increased grass yards and fountains after reorganization in 2022, it also features the Story of Sejong and Story of Admiral Yi exhibition halls underground behind the statues, which can be viewed for free.

Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장) 1Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장) 2Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장) 3Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장) 4Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장) 5

Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원)

A public park on the southern bank of the Han River in Yeouido. It is a hotspot for crowds during the Yunjun-ro Cherry Blossom Road in spring and the Seoul International Fireworks Festival in autumn. With bicycle rental shops and convenience stores everywhere, it's great for enjoying 'Hangang Ramen' on a mat. It is also popular for its sunset and night views of the 63 Building and Mapo Bridge.

Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원) 1Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원) 2Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원) 3Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원) 4

Lotte World Aquarium (롯데월드 아쿠아리움)

A representative urban aquarium located in the basement of Lotte World Mall, home to over 650 species of marine life including Belugas (white whales), sharks, and rays. Large tanks and undersea tunnels allow for close observation, making it popular with families. It is connected to Lotte World Tower and Lotte World Adventure for easy combined touring.

Lotte World Aquarium (롯데월드 아쿠아리움) 1Lotte World Aquarium (롯데월드 아쿠아리움) 2Lotte World Aquarium (롯데월드 아쿠아리움) 3Lotte World Aquarium (롯데월드 아쿠아리움) 4

Changdeokgung Palace (Secret Garden) (창덕궁 후원)

The Secret Garden (Huwon) of Changdeokgung, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the highlight of Joseon royal gardens, preserved with its natural topography rather than being artificially manicured. The scenery of ponds like Buyongji and pavilions like Juhamru is beautiful throughout the year. Unlike other palace tours, the garden is only accessible at set times with a guide and limited capacity, so online reservation is mandatory. Reservations during autumn foliage season are particularly competitive.

Changdeokgung Palace (Secret Garden) (창덕궁 후원) 1Changdeokgung Palace (Secret Garden) (창덕궁 후원) 2Changdeokgung Palace (Secret Garden) (창덕궁 후원) 3

Insadong Traditional Culture Street (인사동 전통문화거리)

Insadong is Seoul's representative traditional culture street crowded with galleries, traditional teahouses, antique shops, and craft workshops. It is a great place to enjoy souvenir shopping while feeling the old charm of Korea. Traditional craft shops continue along the main Insadong-gil and through every alley like Ssamziegil. It is operated as a car-free street on weekends and can be visited freely without reservations.

Insadong Traditional Culture Street (인사동 전통문화거리) 1Insadong Traditional Culture Street (인사동 전통문화거리) 2Insadong Traditional Culture Street (인사동 전통문화거리) 3Insadong Traditional Culture Street (인사동 전통문화거리) 4

Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky (롯데월드타워 서울스카이)

Seoul Sky is an observatory located on floors 117-123 of Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in Korea at 555m with 123 floors. The glass floor observatory (Sky Deck) at 478m high is listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest glass floor observatory in the world. On clear days, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul, the Han River, and N Seoul Tower. Advance online booking is recommended for weekends and sunset times.

Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky (롯데월드타워 서울스카이) 1Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky (롯데월드타워 서울스카이) 2Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky (롯데월드타워 서울스카이) 3Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky (롯데월드타워 서울스카이) 4

Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)

Cheonggyecheon is a restored urban stream running through the heart of downtown Seoul, once buried under a highway and now reborn as a peaceful walking path. Follow the water from Gwanghwamun toward Dongdaemun, cross the stepping stones, and enjoy a quiet stroll in the middle of the city. It's just a short walk from Insadong and Jongno, lights up beautifully in the evening, and can be visited freely with no admission fee or reservation needed.

Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천) 1Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천) 2Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천) 3

Recommended Routes in Seoul

Seoul Palaces & Hanok Village Day Course

Start the day at Gwanghwamun Square, then visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and stroll the alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. Browse souvenirs and traditional teahouses at Insadong, take a relaxing walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, enjoy shopping and street food in Myeongdong, and end the day with the night view from N Seoul Tower.

  1. 1Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장)
  2. 2Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  3. 3Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
  4. 4Insadong Traditional Culture Street (인사동 전통문화거리)
  5. 5Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)
  6. 6Myeongdong (명동)
  7. 7N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)

Seoul Traditional Market Gourmet Course

Enjoy tea at an emotional Hanok cafe, fill up on Bindaetteok and Mayak Kimbap at Gwangjang Market, and finish with a royal Samgyetang dinner.

  1. 1Ikseon-dong Hanok Cafe Street (익선동 한옥카페거리)
  2. 2Gwangjang Market (광장시장)
  3. 3Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕)

Everland Theme Park Day Course

A full day at Korea's largest theme park, from rollercoasters and safaris to seasonal flower festivals.

  1. 1Everland (에버랜드)

Lotte World Theme Park Day Course

An urban theme park course in the heart of Jamsil with indoor/outdoor rides, ending with a parade and the night view of Seokchon Lake.

  1. 1Lotte World (롯데월드)
  2. 2Lotte World Aquarium (롯데월드 아쿠아리움)
  3. 3Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky (롯데월드타워 서울스카이)

Seoul Seongsu-dong Hip Place Course

Explore the 'Brooklyn of Seoul,' where old shoe factories have turned into trendy cafes and pop-up stores.

  1. 1Seongsu-dong (성수동)

Seoul Shopping Course

From K-beauty in Myeongdong and local food at Gwangjang Market to trendy flagship stores in Seongsu-dong.

  1. 1Myeongdong (명동)
  2. 2Gwangjang Market (광장시장)
  3. 3Seongsu-dong (성수동)

Seoul Modern Architecture & Multicultural Course

Explore the futuristic DDP and enjoy the multicultural food and international bar scene in Itaewon.

  1. 1Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자)
  2. 2Itaewon (이태원)

Seoul Han River Night View Course

Watch the sunset at Yeouido Hangang Park and end with the romantic night panorama from N Seoul Tower.

  1. 1Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원)
  2. 2N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)