18 Best Things to Do in Seoul
What is Seoul Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Seoul draw inquisitive travelers from all over the world. Home to sleek skyscrapers and shopping malls, as well as well-preserved royal palaces and Buddhist temples, the South Korean capital is teeming with unique culture and modern comforts.
Seoul has an extensive subway system, where notable landmarks are usually a few stops away from each other. There are also many bustling shopping districts with dining, retail, and nightlife opportunities for visitors of all ages. Exploring this massive city can be understandably daunting for first-timers, so we’ve compiled a rundown of Seoul’s most popular attractions to fit into your travel itinerary.
What are the best things to do in Seoul?
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
A unique former royal palace
Categoría: Historia, Foto, Económico
The stunning Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 by King Taejo. It’s the largest and most striking of the 5 grand palaces built during the Joseon dynasty. You can explore more than 300 buildings, The National Folk Museum and The National Palace Museum. This complex is a must see for history buffs.
Remnants of the Joseon Dynasty such as the Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion, Hyangwonjeong Pond and sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) remain relatively intact within the palace grounds. Free tours in English are available daily and no reservation is needed. Más información
Ubicación: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-3700-3900
Gyeongbokgung Palace
2. N Seoul Tower
A versatile hub for urban explorers
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Foto
Standing at 237 metres above the ground, N Seoul Tower is the number 1 spot in Seoul to enjoy panoramic views over the city from its stunning observatory. This stunning tower is located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul. Inside, you’ll also find a digital observatory as well as plenty of souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes.
The terrace on the 1st floor of N Seoul Tower is a popular spot for couples for attaching padlocks and love notes to the fence as a symbol of love. Its outdoor stage hosts traditional performances and exhibitions year-round. Más información
Ubicación: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Horarios: Monday–Friday and Sunday from 10 am to 11 pm, Saturday from 10 am to midnight
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-3455-9277
N Seoul Tower
3. Lotte World
An indoor theme park like no other
Categoría: Familias, De aventura
Lotte World, located in central Seoul, is one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks. It has plenty of thrilling rides, films, an ice-skating rink, lively parades and laser shows for visitors of all ages. You can also visit an onsite folk museum, which displays miniature villages and artifacts that are more than 5,000 years old.
Admission fees for Lotte World vary according to time of entry. The ticket gives you access to Lotte World’s folk museum, Adventure and Magic Island. Más información
Ubicación: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
Horarios: Monday–Thursday from 10.30 am to 8 pm, Friday–Sunday from 10.30 am to 8.30 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-1661-2000
Lotte World
4. Myeongdong Market
A shopping heaven
Categoría: Económico, Ir de compras
Myeongdong Market is the place to go if you’re planning to hit the shops during your stay in the capital. One of South Korea’s prime shopping districts, it has dozens of department stores, shopping centres and street side shops. Popular items include high-street clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry and handbags from local and international brands. There are over 1,000 outlets selling Korean cosmetic and skincare.
Unlike other shopping districts In Seoul, Myeongdong Market also has sightseeing spots. Iconic landmarks include the Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral and the gothic-style Myeongdong Theatre. Más información
Ubicación: 17 Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Myeongdong Market
5. Changdeokgung Palace
A magnificent piece of Korean history, surrounded by an amazing garden
Categoría: Historia, Foto
Changdeokgung Palace is the most well-preserved of the 5 remaining royal palaces in South Korea. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it’s located at the foot of Mount Baegaksan’s Ungbong Peak. The area consists of a public palace area, a paved courtyard, open corridors and the royal family’s residence.
One of the most photographed spots at Changdeokgung Palace is the Huwon garden. Enjoy views of a lily pond and elegant pavilions surrounded by colourful flowers. Guided tours are available in English, Chinese and Japanese. Más información
Ubicación: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Horarios: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-762-8261
Changdeokgung Palace
6. Bongeunsa Temple
A Buddhist temple with diverse activities
Categoría: Historia, Foto, Económico
Bongeunsa Temple offers cultural events for those looking to learn about traditional Korean Buddhist practices. Surrounded by lush greenery, the atmosphere here is very quiet and tranquil. Artifacts such as woodblock carvings of Buddhist sutras and Korea’s tallest statue of Maitreya Buddha dot the temple grounds.
Bongeunsa Temple hosts temple stay programs where you can experience the life of a Buddhist monk. Guided tours (in English, Japanese and Chinese), dawn services, lotus lantern making and tea ceremonies are among the many activities you can enjoy during your visit. Más información
Ubicación: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
Horarios: Daily from 3 am to 10 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-3218-4800
Bongeunsa Temple
7. Jongmyo Shrine
Where to learn about Confucian practices
Categoría: Historia, Foto
Jongmyo Shrine is a Confucian royal shrine for memorial services during the Joseon Dynasty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses the spirit tablets of the former kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Cultural heritage festivals such as the Korean Royal Palace Culture Festival are also held in Jongmyo Shrine every year.
You’re only allowed to enter the Jongmyo Shrine’s heritage area via guided tours, while access to the shrine itself is strictly prohibited. Jongmyo Shrine is a 5-minute walk of the Jongno-sam-ga subway station. Más información
Ubicación: 157 Jong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-765-0195
Jongmyo Shrine
8. Dongdaemun Market
A sprawling shopping area and the epicenter of Korean street food
Categoría: Ir de compras, Gastronomía en , Vida nocturna
Dongdaemun Market is one of South Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping districts. It has around 26 shopping centres, 30,000 specialty shops and 50,000 manufacturers. Items range from textiles, clothes, shoes and jewellery, to leather goods, toys, electronics and office supplies.
Dongdaemun Market attracts foodies with Mukja Golmok, an alley dedicated to Korean street food and snacks. The shopping district stays busy well into the night, with festivities, fashion shows, music and dance performances taking place after the sun sets in Seoul. Más información
Ubicación: Euljiro 6(yuk)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Dongdaemun Market
9. Bukchon Hanok Village
A picturesque neighbourhood with traditional Korean houses
Categoría: Historia, Foto
Bukchon Hanok Village houses hundreds of hanok (traditional Korean homes) that have stood the test of time since the Joseon dynasty. It’s known as Seoul’s most beautiful historical district, where many of these buildings operate as cultural centres, guesthouses, restaurants and teahouses.
While entry to Bukchon Hanok Village is free of charge, you can purchase the ‘Bukchon Museum Freedom Pass’ to visit museums within the village. For curious history and art buffs, we recommend Gahoe Museum, Han Sangsu Embroidery Museum and the Museum of Korean Art. Más información
Ubicación: Gyedong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-2133-1371
Bukchon Hanok Village
10. Bugaksan Mountain
Majestic vistas from historic mountain trails
Categoría: Foto, Económico, De aventura
Bugaksan Mountain is the highest peak in Seoul, at over 335 metres above sea level. Also known as Baekaksan, there are scenic trails that take you through the city’s 15th-century gates and along ancient fortress walls. It takes about 2 hours to reach the top, where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and N Seoul Tower.
Along the way, you’ll pass through historical landmarks such as Seoul Fortress Wall, Bugak Pavilion and Samcheong Park. Remember to bring your passport as you will need to present it to the authorities to gain entry to the trails.
Bugaksan Mountain
11. 63 SQUARE
Mesmerising Seoul sceneries and shopping extravaganza
Categoría: Gastronomía en , Foto, Ir de compras
63 SQUARE (or 63 Building) hails from the majestic height of 264 metres and is one of Seoul’s tallest skyscrapers. The top floor, you’ll find the 63 Art Gallery and an observation deck known as the 63 Golden Tower. The view over downtown Seoul and Han River as well as the Bugaksan, Namsan and Gwanaksan Mountains are breathtaking and the perfect backdrop for stunning holiday photos. On a clear day, you might even see as far as Incheon.
The 59th floor features an upscale international restaurant while the 58th floor boasts family-friendly eateries. The lower floors are home to a shopping centre that features plenty of opportunities for retail therapy and an IMAX theater.
Ubicación: 50 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-789-5663
63 SQUARE
12. Insa-dong
A lively and artsy neighbourhood
Categoría: Ir de compras, Gastronomía en
Insa-dong is a vibrant district with dozens of antique shops, traditional teahouses and bookshops along its alleys. There are around 100 art galleries, attracting those interested in traditional Korean fine art.
Popular spots include Hakgojae Gallery, which displays folk art, and Gana Art Gallery, where you get to see works by up-and-coming artists from across the country. Every weekend, Insa-dong’s main street becomes a pedestrian-friendly space. Enjoy classical concerts, art exhibits and Korean street food during your visit in Insa-dong.
Insa-dong
13. Lotte World Tower
Amazing views and stellar shopping and dining
Categoría: Ir de compras, Foto, Gastronomía en
Lotte World Tower is a modern 555-metre skyscraper that offers 360° views of Seoul from the observation deck. You can visit a concert hall and cinema or indulge yourself in shopping and dining, all in one place. It’s perfect for spending a rainy day indoor or escaping the Seoul sun in the summer.
The shopping mall features luxury brands and the all essential Korean beauty products. At the Lotte Museum, you’ll get to marvel spectacular contemporary art. The top floor offers unforgettable dining above the clouds.
Ubicación: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
Lotte World Tower
14. Korean Folk Village
A museum village showcasing traditional Korean homes and customs
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Foto
The Korean Folk Village is where visitors can relive the old days of Seoul, before urbanisation took over the city. This quaint town has people performing folk art, cultural workshops that you can take part in, and a modern theme park to keep the kids busy.
Popular spots within the Korean Folk Village are the World Folklore Museum, Pottery Exhibition Hall and the Korean Folk Museum. Visit the village’s performance area to catch acrobatics on a tightrope, equestrian shows and farmer’s music and dance concerts.
Ubicación: #90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Seoul, South Korea
Horarios: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, Friday–Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)31-288-0000
Korean Folk Village
15. Namsan Park
The lungs of Seoul with iconic landmarks
Categoría: Económico, Foto
Namsan Park is a recreational spot on Mount Namsan, located in the centre of Seoul. You can choose to travel by cable car or climb a stone stairway to the Palgakjeong Pavilion, an octagonal pavilion with views of the city.
The park has plenty of sightseeing spots, including An Jung-geun Memorial Hall, Namsan Library and N Seoul Tower. If you’re visiting Namsan Park in the early mornings, you’ll often see locals jogging along the pathways or practicing tai chi at several open spaces.
Ubicación: 231 Samil-daero, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-3783-5900
Namsan Park
16. The War Memorial of Korea
Museum charting Korea’s conflicts
Categoría: Historia, Foto, Económico
The War Memorial of Korea was built to commemorate lives lost during the Korean War (1950 - 1953). Located in Itaewon, the imposing museum has a virtual combat experience room and 6 indoor exhibition halls displaying historical relics and battle records.
A vast outdoor exhibition center showcases 13,000 war memorabilia, military equipment and memorial statues. Entrance to The War Memorial of Korea is free of charge. The nearest subway station is Samgakji Station on Lines 4 and 6, only a 5-minute-walk away from the memorial. Más información
Ubicación: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Horarios: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-709-3114
The War Memorial of Korea
17. Olympic Park and Stadium
Where to find sports and culture
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Foto
The Olympic Park and Stadium is a recreational centre for fitness-minded visitors in Seoul. It was built to host Seoul’s Olympics games in 1988. Athletic competitions, concerts and large-scale events take place at the stadium year-round.
There’s also an Olympic Museum, Mongchon Fortress and the World Peace Gate. The Olympic Park has paved pathways that lead to a sculpture park, where you can see around 200 art installations. The stadium’s tennis courts, gymnasium, fencing court and indoor Olympic pool are all open to the public.
Ubicación: 25 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-410-1114
Olympic Park and Stadium
18. National Museum of Korea
A free museum featuring a massive permanent collection
Categoría: Historia, Foto
The National Museum of Korea has over 15,000 pieces in its collection of Buddhist sculptures, metalwork and ceramics. You’ll also find a fine arts gallery with paintings from Indonesia, Central Asia, Japan and China.
The 1st floor has relics dating from prehistoric times to the Chosun dynasty, while the 2nd floor houses calligraphy, paintings and wooden crafts. Families will enjoy Yongsan Family Park, a grassy field with a pond and natural education center. The park is home to various species of birds, including pigeons and wild pheasants. There’s free admission to the museum, but special exhibits might be ticketed.
Ubicación: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Horarios: Monday–Tuesday, Thursday–Friday, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday, Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-2077-9000
National Museum of Korea
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