Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is filled with beautiful modern skyscrapers, enriching culture, and bustling markets of all sorts. Here is my take on the 14 best places to visit in one of the most intriguing and lively cities in the world.
Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌 한옥 마을)
Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village in Seoul that is located near Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. With its long historical history, this traditional village is composed of lots of winding alleyways and hanoks (traditional Korean houses) that have been preserved to show over 600-years of urban life. A must-see while in Seoul!
N Seoul Tower (N서울타워)
The N Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower (Officially the YTN Seoul Tower) is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul, South Korea. The tower is the second-highest point in Seoul (at 236 metres) that offers a great view for any tourist attempting to get those magical cityscape photographs.
Insa-dong (인사동)
One of the best parts of Insadong is its main pedestrianized street that is filled with fantastic teahouses, cozy cafes, and Korean eateries. The streets are also brimming with unique shops selling traditional goods like pottery, tea and handmade hanji paper. The perfect place to spend your afternoon and buy a few souvenirs while you’re at it.
Hongdae (홍대)
Hongdae is famous for its upbeat student nightlife with karaoke lounges, dance clubs and never-ending live music and performances by local professionals. You can also find amazing shops, cafes and restaurants opened late into the night serving famous Korean fried chicken and Kimchi stew.
Lotte World (롯데월드)
Lotte World is a major amusement park found in Seoul that is quickly brought to life with its lively atmosphere. It holds the world’s largest indoor theme park, an additional outdoor amusement park called Magic Island and endless shopping malls, a luxury hotel and even a few movie theatres sprinkled throughout the land.
Seokchon Lake Park (석촌호수공원)
Seokchon Lake Park in Songpa District, Seoul includes Seokchon Lake and Lotte World’s Magic Island right at the centre of it all. This beautiful park is surrounded by blossoming trees and also offers delicious restaurants and cafes for anyone passing through. The perfect relaxing escape for anyone needing a break from the busy city life.
Gwanghwamun (광화문)
Gwanghwamun is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. This beautifully crafted gate is located at a three-way intersection at the northern end of Sejongno. This is a major landmark for Seoul and is considered a monumental symbol of the long history of Seoul as the capital of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. This should definitely be on your must-see list if you visit Seoul.
63 Building (63빌딩)
The 63 Building, officially called 63 SQUARE, is a 24-carat gold-plated skyscraper standing at 249 meters high on Yeouido island, overlooking the Han River. The building’s beautiful glass elevator is the perfect place to observe the bustling city as you speed into the clouds within 25 seconds. Along with the view, the building is also considered a leisure complex filled with an aquarium, IMAX cinema and a performance hall.
Myeongdong (명동)
The Myeong-dong area is a famous shopping district in Seoul that is packed with international fashion brands, luxury department stores and homegrown cosmetics shops. It is one of the main epicentres for beauty that is a must-see for any makeup or fashion lover.
Yeouido Park (여의도 공원)
Yeouido Park is a magical park in Yeouido-dong, Seoul that runs northeast-southwest through the centre of the beautiful island. This is a popular spot for friends to simply hang out near the water and enjoy Korea’s famous chicken and beer combo. There are also endless paths for bicyclists, runners and skateboarders to enjoy the trees and seasonal flowers.
Coex Aquarium (코엑스 아쿠아리움)
“The COEX Aquarium in Gangnam district, Seoul, is one of South Korea’s largest aquariums with over 40,000 creatures from over 650 species on display. The COEX Aquarium features 90 exhibition tanks grouped in fourteen “discovery zones”, including six themed areas.” The aquarium is a beautiful spot to spend your afternoon and see the wonders of the sea.
Shilla hotel (신라호텔)
The Shilla Hotel is a South Korean luxury hotel that is famous worldwide for its duty-free shops, all-day buffets and famous Mango Bingsu dessert. During the summer, tourists wait for hours to taste the delicious foods that the hotel offers in their amazing restaurants. You may even have to book a reservation a month or two in advance before your trip, but definitely worth the wait!
Starfield Library (별다방도서관) in JamSil.
This beautiful library is located in the center of COEX Mall that is an open public space where anyone can freely come to sit down, take a break, and immerse themselves in over 50 000 books. One of the best libraries in the world that is a must-see on your next trip to Seoul.
Everland (에버랜드)
Lastly, Everland is South Korea’s largest theme park that is located in Yongin, a city in Gyeonggi-do (approx. 1 hour from downtown Seoul). The amusement park offers unique rides and attractions including the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster and South Korea’s only safari! If you get the chance to visit, make sure you go as early as possible as the theme park becomes packed with locals and tourists within hours.
I hope that these suggestions lead you to amazing adventures and memories while you’re in Seoul. Have fun!
Safe Travels,
Carina
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I’ve always wanted to go to Seoul and this just reinforced my desires to go. Thank you for all the great suggestions!