SOUTH KOREA'S MEGACITY!

34 Best Things To Do In SEOUL Itinerary (3-day+)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Seoul? In this article, we will share the very best activities and locations that we experienced during our 3-day Seoul Itinerary. From palaces, traditional villages, unbelievable viewpoints and more – every type of traveller will find something to love in the things to do in Seoul. Continue reading to find out more!

Seoul, South Korea’s capital, is a mindblowing megacity that is home to nearly half of the country’s population. It is a city of contrasts, where a sea of skyscrapers, modern technology and K-Pop culture meet Buddhist temples, surrounding mountainsides and traditional Hanok villages.

We visited Seoul with apprehension. We didn’t know what to expect from South Korea as its neighbour Japan often steals the tourism spotlight. However, we are happy to announce we fell in love with the unique charm of this city (despite the -10 degree temperatures). 

We were amazed by the stylish side of Seoul, especially the attractive locals dressed in designer gear. We don’t know what’s hotter the people or the food! Oh, did we not mention the food? Surprise surprise, Seoul was easily one of our favourite foodie destinations.

There are so many things to do in Seoul that will make your trip incredible. We hope that our Seoul itinerary will inspire you to visit this amazing city. We guarantee a great time!

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Essential Travel Tools
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner
🚆Transport: 12GoAsia
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com
📸 Tours: Viator/Klook
🚗 Car hire: Discover Cars

Contents

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Best Time to Visit Seoul

Unfortunately, Seoul isn’t a year-round destination. Due to the icy Siberian winds that cut through South Korea, winters are freezing. We visited in mid-December and with our ill-equipped backpacking wardrobes, we were the coldest we have ever been.

Spring (from March to May) and Autumn (from September to November) are usually considered the best times to visit Seoul. Temperatures are mild with little rainfall making it the perfect environment to explore the city or join in with the locals’ favourite pastime of hiking.

We are sure you have heard of the cherry blossoms of Japan, however, did you know you can also see them in South Korea? The pink and white flowers bloom along Yeouiseo Street in Seoul. Cherry blossom season in South Korea is from Late March until early April which would be an incredible bucket list experience.

🎉 Seoul Festivals
Yongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (cherry-blossoms) – April
Jungnang Rose Festival – May
Lotus Lantern Festival- late April/May

How to Get to & Around Seoul

One of the largest, busiest and best airports in the world, Incheon International Airport is Seoul’s primary airport and the one that you will most likely be flying into when visiting South Korea. For the best deals on flights, we recommend that you use Skyscanner.

Getting from Seoul airport to the city centre is a breeze. The Incheon Airport Express Train is the fastest way to get downtown, taking only 43 minutes to get to Seoul Station. You can buy discounted tickets in advance here

Alternatively, you can take the All Stop Train which takes longer but is less expensive and may be more convenient if it connects with the metro station closest to where you are staying in Seoul.

Seoul has one of the best metro services and we highly recommend using it as your primary mode of transport during your visit. Pick up a T-money Card from a convenience store such as 7-Eleven for KRW 2,500 (£1.60) and load that bad boy up at one of the metro ticket machines. You can then use your T-money Card on buses, subways, taxis and even in some stores.

sunset seoul
Skyline at sunset, Seoul

Where to Stay in Seoul

We stayed in Insadong, the best area to stay in Seoul for first-time visitors. It is perfect for short stays as you are within walking distance from most of the best things to do in Seoul such as palaces, temples and traditional villages (more on these below). Away from the main street, Ikseon-dong is a labyrinth of alleyways full of swanky bars and restaurants housed in traditional Hanok buildings.

Myeongdong and Hongdae are the other two areas we enjoyed and would be great places to stay in Seoul. 

Myeongdong is the best central neighbourhood in Seoul and is very convenient for exploring the whole of the city via the metro. It is a main shopping area with lots of restaurants as well as a fantastic street food night market.

If you are looking for a hip area, Hongdae is the most vibrant and youthful part of Seoul. The younger crowd of this university neighbourhood has created an environment of vintage clothing stores, colourful street art and the best nightlife in Seoul. The location is slightly away from the main tourist sights otherwise this would be our pick.

🏨 Seoul Hotels
Luxury: Orakai Insadong Suites
Mid-range: Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong
Budget: City Park Hotel (our pick)
…find more accommodation options here.

Before You Go – Discover Seoul Pass & Apps to Download

Before you visit Seoul it can be highly beneficial to buy yourself the Discover Seoul Pass. This pass includes entrance to the best things to do in Seoul and if utilised correctly can save you a lot of won compared to buying individual tickets. Check the list of benefits to see if the pass is right for you.

Seoul has some of the fastest mobile internet speeds in the world. It is highly convenient to stay connected in a big city so make sure you book your 4G Pocket WiFi in advance to pick up at the airport.
Thanks to their neighbours to the north, Google Maps does not work in Seoul and yes, it does feel like the end of the world. However, there is a South Korean alternative called NAVER Map which isn’t as good but is better than nothing. The most useful app which you need to make sure you download is KakaoMetro which will help you navigate the metro system a lot easier.

Map of The Best Things to Do in Seoul

Save this map for later: Click on the star icon to save the map to your Google Maps Account. You can view the map later by opening Google Maps and navigating to “Your Places/Maps” in the menu.

Best Things to Do in Seoul Itinerary

Day 1 – Culture and History

Day one of this Seoul itinerary guides you through the cultural and historical part of Seoul giving you a flavour of the more traditional side of this advanced city.  

1. Rent a Hanbok

best things to do in seoul itinerary hanbok
Hanbok traditional outfit, Seoul (Photo by Anna Oliinyk on Unsplash)

Price: from 6,500 won (£4.15) – book your rental here 

One of the best things to do in Seoul is to immerse yourself in its traditions by renting a hanbok outfit

Women’s hanbok is made up of a skirt (Chima) and a blouse (jeogori) giving a more fluid silhouette, unlike most traditional clothing across the world. 

For men, the hanbok consists of, a jacket (jeogori), baggy trousers (baji), two vests (baeja and jokki) and an overcoat (durumagi). The clean folds and linear design of the hanbok emulate an origami type of fashion. 

There are many hanbok rental shops near the palaces to choose from, all charging a similar price. Not only is it fun to wear, but you also benefit from free entry into the palaces

2. Bukchon Hanok Village

best things to do in seoul itinerary Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul

Price: Free

Bukchon Hanok Village provides travellers with a glimpse into the traditional side of Seoul. This quaint village is made up of 900 wooden houses dating back almost 600 years. In fact, Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the last remaining places in Korea to see houses of this style. 

Spend the morning following the Bukchon Village Walking Trail. The map route can be found dotted around the village so you can always check you are on the right track. By following this route you will see the best parts of the village including the Main Hall, Bukchon Traditional Culture Center and the Old Fragrance Museum

seoul lottie
Lottie in Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
seoul jack
Jack in Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul

We had a lovely experience in the Village Library where an employee gave us a private tour and showed us the communal veg patch. 

As this is still a residential area, please respect those around you. Don’t make too much noise and if a house has a “no photography” sign, please pay attention to it. Whilst we encourage you to stray away from the walking route to peak up a cute alleyway, make sure you aren’t trespassing in the process. 

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace 

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

Price: 3,000 won (£1.87) per adult (Free if wearing traditional hanbok) or 10,000 won (£6.32) for a ticket to all palaces

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most iconic things to do in Seoul. It is the largest and most beautiful of the five palaces in the city. 

Once the primary residence of royalty, this palace has experienced numerous attacks and restoration attempts, but that does not take away from the grandeur of the complex. Some of our favourite buildings include the Gwanghwamun Gate, the Geunjeongjeon Hall, and the  Hyangwonjeong and Gyeonghoeru Pavilions

Despite being the most popular of the five palaces, it is possible to find a place of serenity within the grounds to really appreciate the experience.

Each day (except Tuesdays) at 10:00 and 14:00, the changing of guard ceremony takes place. Make sure you don’t miss this colourful affair as the guards march and twirl flags to the sound of trumpets before a final thud on a giant drum shudders through the crowd. 

4. Tongin Traditional Market 

Price: 5,000 won (£3.16) for a lunch tray

Nearby to Gyeongbokgung Palace is Tongin Traditional Market. We recommend coming here for a cheap lunch as well as a more authentic market experience. 

To have the best experience, pay 5,000 won (£3.16) at the customer service centre and collect your string of coins (worth 500 won each) and lunch tray. You can then move around the market picking from the range of dishes on offer. This is a great way to sample a variety of Korean dishes on a budget.

5. Changgyeonggung Palace

Price: 1,000 won (£0.62) per adult (Free if wearing traditional hanbok) or 10,000 won (£6.32) for a ticket to all palaces

Next on your Seoul itinerary, make your way to the peaceful Changgyeonggung Palace. If you find crowds overwhelming, visiting Changgyeonggung Palace is one of the best things to do in Seoul for you. 

Originally built in 1418, it served as the royal residence before the Japanese colonisation scandalously turned the palace into a zoo and botanical garden. The zoo has now been relocated but the Great Greenhouse still stands and is a highlight to visit.

The grounds of this palace are beautiful with ponds and gardens. It makes for the perfect place to visit for both the spring cherry blossom and the autumn foliage. 

6. Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

secret garden
Secret Garden, Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul (Photo by Jeanne Rouillard on Unsplash)

Price: 8,000 won (£5) per adult (Free if wearing traditional hanbok) or 10,000 won (£6.32) for a ticket to all palaces

Changdeokgung Palace is the second most popular in Seoul. This is largely due to the wonderful Secret Garden within the palace grounds that is said to be a must-visit during all four seasons. 

The Secret Garden has been designed to be as natural as possible, perfectly integrating into the surrounding landscape, therefore it can only be accessed via a tour. There are 100 tickets per tour and they sell out fast so book ahead to avoid disappointment!

Changdeokgung Palace is the best preserved of all of Seoul’s palaces, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Whilst touring the grounds, soak in the fascinating architecture and the harmonious landscaping. This truly is one of the most interesting things to do in Seoul.

7. Jongmyo Shrine

Price: 1,000 won (£0.62) per adult or 10,000 won (£6.32) for a ticket to all palaces

Next on our cultural things to do in Seoul is Jongmyo Shrine. If this day of your Seoul itinerary falls on a weekday, you will need to participate in a tour, however, on weekends you are free to explore the shrine at your own pace. 

Jongmyo Shrine gives a compelling insight into the purification rituals and preservation processes used throughout South Korea’s history. Savour this cultural and educational site. 

8. Gwangjang Market

best things to do in seoul itinerary noodles
Kalguksu Noodle Stall, Gwangjang Market, Seoul

Price: Free

Featured on Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil” and “Street Food Asia”, Gwangjang Market is somewhere every foodie must include on their Seoul itinerary. Inside the market, you will find the Netflix logo over specific stalls from the various shows. 

The most famous place to eat is the hand-cut noodle (Kalguksu) stall, where the chef skillfully cuts noodles in front of her diners. It’s easy to spot the owner wearing her signature pink apron cooking where a long queue of hungry customers patiently waits. In case you have trouble finding the stall, look for number 70 A. 

The food we ate at this little stall was delicious. The noodles were sublime in a flavoursome broth and the kimchi dumplings were positively moorish. Don’t miss your chance to come here!

9. Ikseondong Hanok Village

Price: Free

Ikseondong Hanok Village is a hip, up-and-coming area of Seoul. Walking through these tiny alleyways amongst the traditional wooden Hanoks feels so far removed from the modern city Seoul has become. 

Whilst the Bakchon Hanok Village feels more like an open-air museum, Ikseondong feels lively and more integrated into city life. Here you will find Hanoks converted into fine dining restaurants, independent boutiques and quaint cafes. Allow yourself to become pleasantly lost in the labyrinth and see what you find.

10. Insadong

Price: Free

Finish day one of your Seoul itinerary by meandering through the alleyways of Insadong. This area is well known as being home to arts and crafts.

Along with galleries and gift shops, you will find Instagrammable museums such as the Colour Pool Museum and Insa 1-gil Culture Space as well as quirky bars, traditional teahouses and fabulous eateries.

Eat at Imun Seolnongtang, the oldest restaurant in Korea serving oxtail soup, Gaeseong Mandu Koong, to sample North Korean Dishes, or 853, for sizzling Korean BBQ.

Day 2 – Shopping and Viewpoints

Day two of this Seoul itinerary focuses on the fun things to do in Seoul that will delight your inner child. It also allows for excellent shopping and a visit to an unmissable sunset spot.

11. Hongdae – Shopping, Arcades and Photobooths

best things to do in seoul itinerary hongdae
A chilly day in Hongdae, Seoul

Price: Free

Hongdae is an incredibly exciting place to visit during your Seoul itinerary. One of our favourite things to do in Seoul was to wander around Hongdae, indulging in some shopping, playing in the arcade and dressing up at the quirky photo booths. 

Hongdae is a university area in Seoul with the main crowd made up of students. Because of this, the area is well-known for being cheap, fun and having excellent shopping. In particular, we loved the vintage shops such as HONGDAE VINTAGE

Stroll down the walking street and colourful Hongdae Shopping Street, bobbing into whatever shop tickles your fancy. The Zzang Games Arcade is an amusing way to pass some time but a real highlight was donning cute animal headwear and posing for pictures in one of the many photo booth shops. 

photobooth
Korean Photobooth, Hongdae, Seoul

12. Themed Cafe

Price: cost of a drink

Amongst the essential things to do in Seoul is visiting a themed cafe. There are many to choose from and luckily most can be found in the Hongdae area. 

From cute characters such as Hello Kitty to animal cafes and film-fanatic bars, you are bound to find something to suit your tastes. 

We recommend 943 King’s Cross, a Harry Potter-themed cafe where you can sip on potions, or Thanks Nature where you can pet sheep whilst enjoying a slice of cake. Greem Cafe is also a must for Instagrammers as this 2D, black and white designed cafe plays with the viewer’s perception. 

13. Cheonggyecheon Stream

Price: Free

Cheonggyecheon Stream, part of a successful urban restoration project, is a lovely revitalised stream. The stream provides the ideal place for a pleasant amble through Seoul.     

Once covered by a ten-lane highway, the restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream has had significant environmental impacts in reducing pollution, traffic and even the temperature in the area. Not only has it attracted more people to the stream, but there is also an increase in the stream’s wildlife from cranes and other birds to fish. 

Saunter along the stream and admire the various murals, rainbow waterfalls and sculptures you come across. 

14. Namsan Cable Car

Price: 11,000 won (£7) one way or 14,000 won (£8.85) round trip

Next on our Seoul itinerary is to head up to arguably the best viewpoint in the city. The journey there is made more attractive by being able to get the Namsan Cable Car up to the top. 

Passengers are captivated by Seoul’s sweeping skyline and the surrounding mountains as they glide up the hill. 

15. N Seoul Tower

best things to do in seoul itinerary n seoul tower
N Seoul Tower, Seoul
seoul tower view
View from the top of Namsan Park, Seoul

Price: Free or 16,000 won (£10) for the observatory – book tickets in advance here

Top of our favourite things to do in Seoul is N Seoul Tower. To reach the tower either take the Namsan Cable Car or hike up the hill through Namsan Park. The hike isn’t too challenging and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the magnificent views.

Whether you stay on the free ground floor platform (as we did) or go up to the observatory, you will be in awe of Seoul’s amazing skyline below. This romantic spot has become popular with hanging colourful love locks. There are also cafes and restaurants inside the tower’s lower floors so grab a Cinnabon and look out across the city.

Arrive in time for sunset to make your trip to N Seoul Tower even more special.

16. Myeongdong Walking Street

Price: Free

From N Seoul Tower, it’s an easy downhill walk to reach Myeongdong.

Myeongdong is a buzzing neighbourhood with some of the best shopping Seoul has to offer. From the many cosmetics shops helping you achieve clear, glowy skin, popular high-street clothing brands and tech accessory stalls, there’s a reason 4 million tourists are drawn to Myeongdong Walking Street each year.

17. Myeondong Night Market

Price: Free

Another of Myeongdong’s crowd-pleasing highlights is the Myeongdong Night Market. It is here that you will find some of Seoul’s best street food. 

The market starts around 16:00 but livens up after 18:00 with delicious sweet and savoury options available. There are also a few stalls selling things like socks, fans, wigs etc but it is the food we recommend coming to this market for. 

The best things to try include Hotteok, a Korean pancake usually filled with sugar that is so satisfying to see made; Tteokbokki chewy, cylindrical rice cakes coated in a spicy sauce; and Eumok/Odeng, skewered fish cakes served with a broth for dipping.

Day 3 – Gangnam

You know the song, but did you know it’s actually named after a district in Seoul? Day three of our Seoul itinerary tours around Gangnam, an area considered high-end and luxurious in Seoul. It’s where the rich and famous frequent and the designer shops can be found.

18. Wander The Streets of Gangnam

Price: Free

Firstly, jump on the metro and make your way over to Gangnam

Gangnam is a huge district in Seoul that is broken down into neighbourhoods. The key areas we think you’ll be interested in are Cheongdam-dong and Samseong-dong where you will find the main attractions of the district. 

Try finding famous Korean graffiti artist Royyal Dog’s mural in Gangnam and strike your best pose with Tupac and Biggy Smalls (Nonhyeon-ro 142-gil 42 ). Alternatively, head to Garosu-gil (translated tree-lined street) and hop between the dessert cafes and cute bars whilst window shopping the trendy designer brands.

19. K Star Street

Price: Free

If you are a fan of K-Pop you will love this part of our Seoul itinerary! 

K Star Street is similar in concept to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here you will find 3m tall bear character statues of famous K Pop groups. This is also a great area to go celebrity-spotting as they live and shop in this area. 

20. Gangnam Style Statue

best things to do in seoul itinerary gangnam style
Gangnam Style Statue, Seoul

Price: Free

There was bound to be a Gangnam Style Statue in Seoul. In fact, there are a couple but the main one is found outside Starfield COEX Mall. 

Cue the music and get your hands up ready to perform the infamous dance in front of the giant golden hands. Who cares if you look silly, there will definitely be others doing the same. 

21. Starfield Library 

best things to do in seoul itinerary library
Starfield Library, Seoul

Price: Free

I (Lottie) love a library. LOVE them. So when one of the best things to do in Seoul turned out to be visiting one, we were all in. 

Starfield Library is one of the most photographed libraries in the world. The two-storey building with 13m towering bookshelves provides an Instagram-worthy aesthetic. We visited during Christmas and its golden Christmas tree was a stunning centrepiece however the centrepiece is known to change from a giant fruit basket to a tower of books. Who knows what it’ll be when you go? 

Travel up and down the escalators to find your perfect angle before having a break at the cake shop to properly take it all in.

22. Starfield COEX Mall

Price: Free

It’s not just the library you’ll find in Starfield COEX Mall. Not only is Starfield COEX Mall the largest underground shopping mall in the world, but it also has an aquarium, cinema, public art exhibitions, and even airport check-in facilities.

You could spend hours shopping, eating and seeing all the attractions in this mall during your Seoul itinerary. The aquarium is one of the largest in Korea. The cinema offers blankets, slippers and alcoholic beverages. There are even two hotels in the mall. This is the perfect place to spend a rainy day in Seoul.

23. Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple

Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple
Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple, Seoul

Price: Free

Over the road from Starfield COEX Mall, you will find the Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple. Its location seems like a bizarre contrast to its ultra-modern surroundings but we think that adds to the temple’s charm. 

The highlight of the temple is a 28-metre stone statue of Maitreya, the Future Buddha which is one of the tallest stone statues in Korea. This statue has watched as the surrounding area transformed from farmland and rice fields to one of the busiest, wealthiest districts in all of Seoul. 

We love the secluded, peaceful feeling that you can still get when roaming the temple grounds. Don’t miss out on these incredible, cultural things to do in Seoul.

Day 4+ – Additional Things to Do in Seoul

If you have any extra time in your Seoul itinerary or just want to swap out some of the other things to do in Seoul, here are some additional attractions we think are worth your time. 

24. The DMZ

Price: from 36,000 won (£22.75) – book your tour here

The DMZ, or Demilitarised Zone, is an area between North and South Korea that is a buffer zone/no man’s land. Going to the DMZ is a popular day trip from Seoul as it allows tourists a slightly closer look at the little-known country of North Korea. 

There’s even one part where you can technically be in North Korea by crossing a line in a meeting room. 

If you visit, make sure to take your passport and abide by the dress-code rules i.e. smart/casual, no sandals, no ripped jeans. Also no pointing and waving when at the North Korean look-out points. This is all to avoid false propaganda being published.  

25. Lotte World

Lotte World
Lotte World, Seoul (Photo by Konrad Ziemlewski on Unsplash)

Price: 59,000 won (£37.20) per adult – book discounted tickets here

Can you imagine my delight when I saw there was a theme park named after me (Lottie)? If you are sick of playing tourist or are just after a full day of fun, get yourself over to Lotte World. 

The Lotte World Amusement Park is made up of two areas, the indoor “Adventure” theme park and the outdoor “Magic Island” theme park that in no way resembles Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom… There are rides for thrill seekers and families in both areas as well as parades that take place each day. 

Download the Lotte World Adventure App for the latest information on ride wait times, closures and show timings. 

26. Lotte World Tower – Seoul Sky

Price: 29,000 won (£18.30) per adult – book discounted tickets here

Lotte World Tower is the world’s fifth tallest building and the tallest building in Korea at a whooping 555m. At the top of the tower, you will find Seoul Sky, the observatory that gives you the highest viewpoint of Seoul. 

Access starts at the 117th floor up to the 123rd floor where there is a fancy VIP Bar. Each floor has a different element whether it be a glass bottom, outdoor veranda, cafe or gift shop. Explore each one to make your visit worthwhile. 

27. Nami Island

Price: 16,000 won (£10) – book your tour here 

Nami Island is a popular day trip from Seoul that has become increasingly popular thanks to the K-Drama “Winter Sonata”. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of the show or not, Nami Island is absolutely worthy of a spot on your Seoul itinerary. 

This is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle and have a breath of fresh air. Along with the many paths named after the tree species lining them, for example, Maple Lane, Weeping Willow Lane, and Pine Tree Lane, you will find other points of interest such as Moon Hill and the Millenium Waterfall.

Popular activities on Nami Island also include cycling and exploring the riverside. 

28. Seoul City Wall Trail

Price: Free

If you don’t fancy going out into the mountains but are still interested in a hike then the Seoul City Wall Trail might be for you. This is an excellent way to explore Seoul’s history and unique geography.

Whilst the mountains surrounding Seoul provided the perfect natural defence, in 1396 the Fortress Wall was built to further protect the city. Nowadays this forms the perfect hike-able path around Seoul. 

The most popular section is the Naksan Mountain Trail starting at Hyehwamun Gate and finishing at Heunginjimun Gate. This 2km stretch passes Jangsu Village, Iwha Mural Village and Naksan Park and should take around an hour to walk.

29. Bukhansan Hiking

Bukhansan Seoul
Bukhansan, Seoul (Photo by Janis Rozenfelds on Unsplash)

Price: Free

Seoul is an incredible hiking destination and Koreans are very enthusiastic about it. One of the best hikes is the Baegundae Peak Trail which is easily accessible by bus from the centre of Seoul. 

The Baegundae Peak Trail is the most popular and probably the most “friendly” trail for novice hikers. Here you will climb to the highest peak in Bukhansan National Park where you can admire the 360° views from 836m high up.

Make sure you wear sensible shoes and take plenty of water and snacks.

Instagram Spots in Seoul

The whole of Seoul feels like an Instagram spot, however here are a few additional places you may want to include to boost your feed. 

30. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Seoul

Price: Free

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is one of the must-see architectural things to do in Seoul. Not only does the atypical nature of the sweeping architecture look awesome, but the DDP hosts various art and design events including Seoul Fashion Week and exhibitions by teamLab. 

Pose in front of the building’s delicate curves, on the lit-up stairways or capture a beautiful angle from the inside. The DDP will allow any photographer’s creative juices to flow. 

31. I SEOUL U Sign

Price: Free

There are a few I SEOUL U signs dotted around Seoul that attract locals and tourists for a speedy snap. Although the meaning behind the city’s slogan is found confusing, it is generally believed to mean there is a “soul between you and I” aka “our soul”. 

Some of the best locations are Yeouido Hangang Park, Seoul Grand Park, DDP and City Hall. Whilst some spots are more popular than others, it is still fun to pop a quick pose with the sign.

32. Ihwa Mural Village

Price: Free

Ihwa Mural Village is a vibrant hillside village that has seen a surge in tourism due to the incredible murals to be found in the area. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets finding magnificent pieces of artwork, sculptures and interactive displays. There are over 70 murals to see so let us know which one is your favourite. 

This is a residential neighbourhood so please be considerate and respectful of those around you. Locals have been known to paint over the most popular murals when the over-tourism became overwhelming. 

33. Haneul Park

best things to do in seoul itinerary haneul park
Haneul Park, Seoul (Photo by Fabio Verhorstert on Unsplash)

Price: Free

We couldn’t believe this place was in the city. Haneul Park is a stunning parkland with beautiful long grass that’s perfect for a photoshoot.

Located in the World Cup Park, Haneul Park offers an ideal place to amble along, have a picnic and visit one of the 22 look-out points. It’s easy to feel peaceful when walking amongst the long grass and flower meadows. For the best colours, visit during autumn. 

34. Hello Beautiful Sign

Price: Free

The pastel rainbow “Hello Beautiful” sign is an absolute must-see of the Instagrammable things to do in Seoul. Just look how pretty it is!

Finding the elusive sign can be quite a challenge. It is located in the Myeongdong District near the Etude flagship store and Adidas shop. This is also a great area to practise some street photography. 

Where to Eat in Seoul

  • 853 – Excellent Korean BBQ restaurant that won’t break the bank
  • Shin Migyeong Hongdae Dakgalbi – Dakgalbi restaurant where you cook your own meal at the table. Choose your spice level carefully… 
  • 943 King’s Cross – Harry Potter-themed cafe/bar
  • Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store – Michelin-star budget-friendly restaurant serving hand-cut noodles and dumplings
  • Kyochon Chicken Hongdae – Popular fried chicken and beer spot in Hongdae
  • Thanks Nature Cafe – Nature-themed cafe with two live sheep 
  • Ddobagi Chicken – Fried chicken spot that featured on Somebody Feed Phil
  • GREEM CAFE, Seoul – Famous black and white Instagram cafe set to look like its 2D 

Seoul Itinerary Conclusion

As you can see there are so many amazing things to do in Seoul that it is hard to fit them all in. You could easily add a few more days to your Seoul itinerary and not get bored.

We loved the variety of attractions that you can see in Seoul. Maybe we were naive but we had no idea just how integrated the city is with the mountains surrounding it. The views across Seoul are something that will stay with us forever, they truly blew us away.  Seoul is picture perfect with everywhere we turned being another photo op.

We’ve not even mentioned the food. Known for being spicy, we were admittedly a bit nervous. But rest assured, we have never eaten so well. Everything was delicious and we just wish we had known about the Korean cuisine beyond kimchi sooner.

This is a perfect travel destination for any type of traveller whether you’re here for shopping, nature or culture. We couldn’t recommend it enough!

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