Seoul Guide: Itinerary and Top Attractions

Seoul is the capital of South Korea, located in the northwest part of the country along the Han River. It’s the political, economic, and cultural heart of Korea, and one of Asia’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.

(You can find information about transportation between Seoul and Busan in the Busan travel guide.)

Seoul perfectly blends tradition and modernity — you’ll find ancient palaces and temples standing next to futuristic skyscrapers and trendy shopping districts. From bustling markets and K-pop culture to peaceful parks and riverside walks, the city offers an energetic yet balanced urban experience.
Photo By (っ◔◡◔)っ Clement | Xuedi Liu | Yu Kato

Where to Stay in Seoul？

If it’s your first time visiting Seoul, here are some recommended areas to stay:

L7 MYEONGDONG by LOTTE HOTELS
Located at Exit 9 of Myeongdong Station.
★★★★ Location 9.7 | Facilities 8.8 | Value for money 8.4

L’Escape Hotel
Located at Exit 6&7 of Hoehyeon Station. Direct by Airport Bus.
★★★★ Location 9.6 | Facilities 9.4 | Value for money 9.1

Stanford Hotel Myeongdong
Located at Exit 6 of Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station.
★★★ Location 9.6 | Facilities 8.7 | Value for money 8.4

Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong
3-minute walk from Exit 6 of Anguk Station.
★★★★ Location 9.5 | Facilities 8.7 | Value for money 8.4

Amid Hotel Seoul
3-minute walk from Exit 3-1 of Jong-Gag Station.
★★★★ Location 9.6 | Facilities 9.0 | Value for money 8.8

Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun
5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Jong-Gag Station.
★★★★ Location 9.2 | Facilities 8.1 | Value for money 7.8

L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELS
Located at Exit 1 of Hongik Univ. Station.
★★★★ Location 9.6 | Facilities 8.6 | Value for money 8.1

RYSE, Autograph Collection by Marriott
3-minute walk from Exit 9 Hongik Univ. Station.
★★★★ Location 9.5 | Facilities 9.1 | Value for money 8.3

L7 GANGNAM by LOTTE HOTELS
3-minute walk from Exit 10 Seonleung Station.
★★★★ Location 9.1 | Facilities 8.7 | Value for money 8.3

Hotel Uri&
2-minute walk from COEX Airport Bus Terminal.
★★★★ Location 9.2 | Facilities 8.2 | Value for money 8.0

Shilla Stay Samsung COEX Center
Located at Exit 7 of Samseong Station. ★★★★ Location 9.0 | Facilities 8.1 | Value for money 7.8

AWIK Hanok Stay
Location 9.2 | Facilities 8.5 | Value for money 8.2

Hanok Hotel DAAM Seoul
Location 9.4 | Facilities 9.2 | Value for money 8.7

Airports in Seoul

Seoul has two main airports:

• Incheon International Airport (ICN): Korea’s primary international airport and most travelers’ first stop in the country. It’s located about 50–60 km west of downtown Seoul.
• Gimpo International Airport (GMP): It mainly serves domestic and short-haul East Asian routes. It’s closer to the city center, about 20–25 km west of downtown.

Getting from Incheon Airport to the City

Taking the train is usually more punctual, but you’ll need to transfer to the subway while carrying your luggage. Airport limousine buses, on the other hand, have many routes and stops, often going directly to major hotels — no need to drag your bags around. However, traffic can be unpredictable, so it’s best to allow extra time for possible delays. Which option to choose depends on your preferences and where you’re staying.

Download the Naver Map App in Advance

Use Korea’s local navigation app Naver Map to check routes — it’s more accurate than Google Maps and even shows public transport fares.

AREX Express Train

• Official site / Timetable: https://www.airportrailroad.com
• Route: Connects Incheon Airport T2, T1, and Seoul Station directly with no stops in between. You can transfer to the subway afterward to reach your hotel.
• Duration: About 51 minutes from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station, and 43 minutes from Terminal 1.
• Fare: 13,000 KRW for adults, 9,500 KRW for children (ages 6–12).
• Frequency: about every 40 minutes
• At the airport: First, follow the Airport Railroad signs, then head toward the Express Train direction marked with orange signs.
• Transportation cards: T-Money Card and Climate Card are not accepted.
• How to Buy Tickets: Official site, or KLOOK, or self-service ticket machines

AREX All Stop Train

• Official site / Timetable: https://www.airportrailroad.com
• Route: Connects Incheon Airport T2, T1, and Seoul Station, with stops along the way.
• Duration & Fare: From Terminal 2 to Seoul Station, about 66 minutes, 5,350 KRW; from Terminal 1 to Seoul Station, about 59 minutes, 4,750 KRW.
• Children’s Fare: Ages 6–13 pay half the adult fare; under 6 years old ride for free.
• Frequency: Every 5–10 minutes.
• At the airport: First, follow the Airport Railroad signs, then head toward the Express Train direction marked with blue signs.
• Transportation Cards: T-money Card is accepted. Climate Card cannot be used from the airport to the city, but it can be used from the city to the airport.
• How to Buy Tickets: (Before reading this section, it’s recommended to check the Transportation Cards part below.) You can simply use a T-money Card to board the train. If you don’t plan to buy one, you can purchase a single-journey ticket from the ticket machine. Enter the subway station near your hotel as your destination — this will combine the All Stop Train + subway fare into one cheaper ticket (cash only). Note that a 500 KRW deposit is required for single-journey tickets, which you can get back at the refund machine after exiting the subway.
• Tip for Hongik Univ. Station: If you plan to stay in Hongdae, it’s recommended to get off early at Hongik Univ. Station. The ride takes 58 minutes from T2 (KRW5,350) and 52 minutes from T1 (KRW4,650).

Airport Bus

• Duration & Fare: Taking the airport limousine bus to most downtown destinations takes about 1.5 hours. Fares are around ₩17,000–18,000 for adults and ₩12,000 for children.
• How to find the right bus: You can use Naver Map or Google Maps to check airport bus routes and find the stop nearest to your hotel (e.g., Myeongdong, Gangnam COEX). At the airport bus ticket machine, enter your destination — it will show the most suitable and earliest departing route. You can also simply ask the staff at the ticket counter for help.
• How to buy tickets: From the airport to the city, purchase your ticket at a self-service machine or ticket counter. From the city to the airport, if you can’t find a ticket machine or counter, you can tap your T-money Card or pay the driver in cash (exact amount only, no change).
• Popular Route / Schedule / Frequency:
  Bus 6001: KRW17,000, about 1.5hrs to Myeongdong or Dongdaemun. Check the timetable. Runs 3–5 times per hour.
  Bus 6002: KRW17,000, about 1hr to Hongdae, about 1.5 hrs to Jong-ro(Jongno / Insadong). Check the timetable. Runs 3–5 times per hour.
  Bus 6015: KRW17,000, about 1.5hrs to Myeongdong. Check the timetable. Runs 3–5 times per hour.
  Bus 6701: KRW18,000, about 1.5hrs to Myeongdong. Check the timetable. Runs every 25–35 minutes.
  Bus 6703: KRW18,000, about 1 hr 40 mins to Gangnam COEX Mall. Check the timetable. One bus per hour.
  Bus 6103: KRW18,000, about 1–1.5 hrs to Gangnam COEX Mall, non-stop. Check the timetable. Runs every 30 minutes.

Taxi or Uber

• A taxi ride from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul costs around KRW 70,000–90,000.
• You can also use Uber or the local app Kakao T.

Getting from Gimpo Airport to the City

Gimpo Airport is well connected to downtown Seoul by Subway Lines 5, 9, and the AREX All Stop Train, making it very convenient to reach the city.

Both T-money Card and Climate Card can be used on all subway and rail lines connecting Gimpo Airport and downtown Seoul.

Below are the travel times and fares for some popular destinations.

• Hongdae: Direct by AREX All Stop Train, 15 mins, KRW1,650.
• Gwanghwamun: Direct by Line 5, 40 mins, KRW1,750.
• Jongno / Insadong: Transfer required, 55 mins, KRW1,750.
• Myeongdong: Transfer required, 45 mins–1 hr, KRW1,750–1,850.
• Gangnam COEX: Direct via Line 9, 40 mins–1 hr, KRW1,950.

Getting Around Seoul by Public Transport

Seoul Subway Fare: Basic Fare (within 10km) 1,550 KRW.
+100 KRW for every 5km between 10–50km.
+100 KRW for every 8km beyond 50km.

How to Check Routes & Fares: Download Naver Map (better than Google Maps in Korea). It shows detailed routes and exact fares for public transport.

How to Pay: You can use two types of transportation cards — T-Money Card and Climate Card.

T-Money Card: A rechargeable transportation card valid across South Korea. You can use it for subways, buses, taxis, and even at convenience stores. It’s available at subway ticket machines and convenience stores, costing 3,000–5,000 KRW depending on the design (you can even find K-pop or Line Friends editions). Recharge with cash at machines or convenience stores. After your trip, you can refund the remaining balance at a subway self-service machine (note: the card fee is non-refundable). Recommended if you plan to visit multiple cities in Korea.

Climate Card: A Seoul-only transportation pass offering unlimited subway and bus rides within the city. It cannot be used outside Seoul or for single stored-value trips. If you’re staying only in Seoul and plan to take the subway frequently (about 3–4 rides a day already make it worth it), the Climate Card is a very cost-effective choice. You can buy the Climate Card at convenience stores or subway ticket machines. The card fee is 3,000KRW. You can then load a day pass onto the card at the self-service machine.

1-day pass: 5,000 KRW
2-day pass: 8,000 KRW
3-day pass: 10,000 KRW
5-day pass: 15,000 KRW
7-day pass: 20,000 KRW

If you plan to stay in Seoul for a longer period, you can check the official website for more discounts. The site also shows the subway lines and areas where the Climate Card can be used. Common restrictions include that the Climate Card cannot be used on airport buses or the Incheon Airport AREX Express Train. For the AREX All Stop Train, the Climate Card cannot be used from the airport to the city, but it can be used from the city to the airport.

Single-use Ticket: If you don’t want to get a T-Money or Climate Card, you can buy a single-use ticket. Subway fares are 100 KRW higher than using a T-Money Card, and there’s an additional 500 KRW deposit. You can refund the deposit at the single-use ticket return machine when exiting the subway. Note: single-use tickets cannot be used on buses.

Seoul Buses: You can use a T-Money Card or Climate Card on Seoul buses. Note that you need to tap your card both when getting on and getting off. If your transfer between subway and bus is within 30 minutes, using a T-Money Card gives you a transfer discount.

Seoul Itinerary

If it’s your first time in Seoul, plan to stay for 2–3 days. If you’re interested in the DMZ between South and North Korea, consider adding an extra day for a one-day tour from Seoul.

Easy 3-Day Plan

Day 1

• Morning: Watch the royal guard changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun, then explore Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• Afternoon: Visit Bukchon Hanok Village, then head to Gwangjang Market to try traditional Korean street food.
• Evening: Take a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, and visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) to admire its stunning architecture.

Day 2

• Morning: Head to Gangnam’s COEX Mall and visit the Starfield Library.
• Afternoon: Take a stroll around Myeongdong, then head to Namsan and N Seoul Tower for city views.
• Evening: Experience Seoul’s nightlife in Itaewon.

Day 3

• Daytime: Join a DMZ day tour from Seoul.
• Evening: Relax at one of the Han River parks.
• Night: Head to Hongdae to enjoy lively K-pop street performances.

If you have more time, you can also visit:

• Lotte Tower: The tallest building in Korea, with an observation deck at the top.
• Museums: The War Memorial of Korea and the National Museum of Korea.

Top Attractions in Seoul

Gwanghwamun

Gwanghwamun is the main south gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395. Over the centuries it was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The current gate was restored in 2006 and reopened in 2010. It’s the main entrance to the palace.

Getting There: Take Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 9.
Admission: Free.
Photo by Tancheonman

When you come out of the station, you’ll first see the bronze statue of King Sejong the Great (in the left photo below). He was the 4th king of the Joseon Dynasty and reigned from 1418 to 1450, widely regarded as one of its greatest rulers.
Photo by Dave Weatherall | flyhigh2007

Every day at 10am and 2pm (except Tuesdays), you can watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony between Gwanghwamun and Heungnyemun (Gyeongbokgung Palace Ticket Gate). The Ceremony lasts about 20 minutes, with English explanation, and it’s free to watch.
Photo by Richard Fisher | Frank Schulenburg

Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, means “Palace of Great Blessings.” It was the main royal palace of Seoul and the first palace of the Joseon Dynasty, symbolizing royal authority and the center of the nation. Inside the palace grounds are important buildings such as Geunjeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, showing the beauty of traditional Korean architecture. Although destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, most of the palace has been restored and is now open to the public, making it one of the must-visit sites in Seoul.

Official Site: https://royal.khs.go.kr/ENG/main/index.do
Recommended Visit Time: 1.5–2 hours
Open: November to February 9am-5pm, March to May and September to October 9am-6pm, June to August 9am-6.30pm. Last admission is one hour before closing.
Close: The palace is closed on Tuesdays. If Tuesday falls on a public holiday, it will remain open and close the next day instead.

Admission: Adult 3000KRW
Free: Free admission for visitors under 18, over 65, wearing hanbok (traditional Korean dress). It is also free for all visitors on the last Wednesday of every month.

Getting There: Take Line 5 and get off at Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 9. You can also admire the statue of King Sejong, then walk for 10 minutes to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Alternatively, take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 4. There are several hanbok rental shops near the exit, and it’s a 6-minute walk to the palace.

Tips:

• No need to book tickets in advance.
• The ticket counter is located between Gwanghwamun and Heungnyemun.
• Visitors wearing hanbok can enter Gyeongbokgung Palace for free.
• Hanbok rental is reasonably priced.
• It’s recommended to book hanbok in advance on KLOOK.
• Free English guided tours are available every day at 11am, 1.30pm, and 3.30pm.
• The tours gather at Heungnyemun and last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Photo by 서울관광 아카이브

Left (below): Heungnyemun – The name “Heungnyemun” means “Prospering Rituals,” symbolizing the prosperity of the nation and the dignity of its ceremonies.
Right (below): Geunjeongmun – The name “Geunjeongmun” means “Governing Diligently Gate,” reflecting the king’s dedication to governing the country. Photo by MINSUN KIM | yeojin yun

Below is Geunjeongjeon, the main building of Gyeongbokgung Palace, also known as “Governing Diligently Hall.” It was used for important ceremonies and the issuing of royal decrees.
Photo by Daniel Bernard

Left (below):Wearing hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace is not only a way to experience traditional Korean culture but also a chance to create wonderful memories.
Right (below):The interior of Geunjeongjeon (Governing Diligently Hall).
Photo by Bee Bum | David Ford

Left (below): Gyeonghoeru, “Virtuous Meeting Building,” sits on an island in an artificial pond and was used for hosting banquets and welcoming important guests.
Right (below): Hyangwonjeong, “Far-spreading Fragrance Pavilion,” was a royal leisure spot. The wooden bridge connecting the pavilion was the longest wooden bridge built over a pond during the Joseon Dynasty.
Photo by Yena Kwon | 대정 김

Below is the National Folk Museum of Korea, located at the northeast corner of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1945, its main building is a beautiful 5-story tower.
Photo by Paul Bill | Marius Mann

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean residential area located east of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Once home to high-ranking government officials and nobility, it offers a glimpse into Korea’s past. The village features traditional Korean-style architecture and is set on a hill, providing beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Open: 10am-5pm
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours
Getting There: A 15-minute walk from the north gate of Gyeongbokgung.

Tips:

• Bukchon Hanok Village remains a residential area for many locals, so please keep noise to a minimum while touring.
• The village is an open area, but to respect local residents’ privacy, visitors are allowed to freely enter between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.
• Tourists staying at hotels within the Bukchon Hanok Village area are exempt from this restriction.
• This area has many stairs and slopes, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
• It’s best to explore from north to south, as the downhill route is easier.
• Bukchon Hanok Village also features many small shops and cafes with traditional Korean style.
• Recommended cafes: Cafe Onion Anguk, Chatteul (차마시는뜰).
• For the best photo spots, navigate to 한옥에세이 가회.

Photo By (っ◔◡◔)っ Clement | Domenico Convertini

Photo By Vishnu Murali | Huy Phan

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Korea, originally known as Dongdaemun Market. Initially, it only sold agricultural products and seafood, but over time it has expanded to include shops selling clothing, textiles, handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food. Covering an area of 42,000 square meters with over 5,000 stores, Gwangjang Market attracts about 65,000 visitors daily. If you’re looking to try authentic Korean traditional food, Gwangjang Market is a must-visit.

Official Site: http://www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr/en/
Open: Food Street 9am-11pm（The other parts of the market are closed on Sundays.
Getting There: Take Line 1 to Jongno 5-ga Station, then exit through Exit 7 or 8. The market is just a 3-minute walk from there. Or take Line 2 or Line 5 to Euljiro 4-ga Station and exit through Exit 4. The market is about a 5-minute walk from the station.
Photo By Bgag

Photo By (っ◔◡◔)っ Clement

Photo By (っ◔◡◔)っ Clement | (っ◔◡◔)っ Clement

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon is an 10.9km stream that runs through central Seoul. Long ago, it was just a drainage channel, later covered with concrete and even topped with a highway in the 1960s. In the 2000s, the highway was removed and the stream was beautifully restored with walking paths and greenery. Today, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and a great example of modern urban planning in Seoul.

The most popular spot of Cheonggyecheon is Cheonggye Plaza, located at the western end near Gwanghwamun Station. It often hosts cultural events like outdoor libraries, light shows, and the traditional Lantern Festival. Besides official events, you’ll often see street performances along the stream. The water is clean, so many locals and visitors cool off by dipping their feet in it. If you enjoy city walks, you can simply pick any section and stroll along to enjoy the atmosphere.
Photo By Sandi Benedicta

Photo By jieun kim | Ethan Brooke

Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower

Namsan is a 270-meter hill located in the center of Seoul, with the N Seoul Tower standing at its peak. Namsan Park is a popular spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy hiking and city views. There are three ways to reach the top — by cable car, bus, or hiking.
Photo By Oat Appleseed

Taking the Cable Car to the Top of Namsan
The Namsan Cable Car, built in 1962, is the first commercial cable car line in Korea. It runs 605 meters, with each cabin accommodating up to 48 passengers, and takes about 3 minutes to reach the top. During holidays and peak travel seasons, you may need to wait in a long line for the Namsan Cable Car.

Getting There: Take Line 4 to Myeongdong Station and walk about 15 minutes to reach the cable car station. The route includes an uphill walk. To save some effort, exit from Exit 4 of Myeongdong Station, walk for about 10 minutes to the N Seoul Tower Orrmi Elevator, take the free elevator ride, and you’ll arrive at the Namsan Cable Car Station. Or you can also take the free shuttle bus to the cable car station from Myeongdong Station or Seoul Station. However, the shuttle bus doesn’t run very frequently.

Official Site: http://www.cablecar.co.kr/eng/
Open: 10am-11pm
Round trip Admission: 15,000 KRW for adults / 11,500 KRW for children (ages 3–12) and seniors (65+).
One Way Admission: 12,000 KRW for adults / 9,000 KRW for children and seniors.
Photo By Winged Jedi | İrem Çilingir

Taking the Cable Car to the Top of Namsan
Buses 01A and 01B connect the base of Namsan Mountain to the top. The bus stop at the top is just a 5-minute walk from Namsan Seoul Tower. Buses 01A and 01B follow a circular route around Namsan in a clockwise direction, passing by many stops. You can check the route map, but the most convenient and straightforward boarding point is from the Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Parking Lot.

Getting There: Take Line 4 to Myeongdong Station and exit from Exit 1. It’s a 5-minute walk to the Namsan Yejang Bus Transfer Parking Lot.
Ticket: 1400KRW (Transportation Card Only - such as T-money card)

Bus Ride Time: 15 minutes
Open: 6.30am-11pm
Frequency: 01A runs every 7-10 minutes, with more stops.01B runs every 15-18 minutes, with fewer stops.

Hiking to the Top of Namsan
There are many hiking routes leading to the top of Namsan. You can start from areas like Myeongdong, Itaewon, or Seoul Station—each route has its own charm. If it’s your first time in Seoul and you’re not sure which one to take, the route starting from Baekbeom Square is highly recommended. Take Line 4 to Hoehyeon Station, exit from Exit 4, and walk about 5 minutes to the trail entrance.

This route follows the Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) all the way up, with N Seoul Tower right in front of you the entire time. The scenery is beautiful, and you can also learn about Seoul’s history from the information boards along the way. The hike takes about 30–40 minutes. Once you reach the tower, you can take a bus, cable car, or another trail to go back down. (Click here to check out the full high-resolution English map of Namsan.)

Left (below): The hiking trail along the Seoul City Wall.
Right (below): The scenery near the bus stop at the top of the mountain.
Photo By A Win | Dmitry Voronov

Reaching the Top of N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower, was built in 1969. Standing at 262 meters, it is the second tallest building in Seoul and serves as a communication and observation tower.

The view from the top of Namsan is already amazing, and many visitors choose not to go up to the N Seoul Tower itself. However, if you’re still interested in visiting the tower, here’s the information:

Official Site: https://www.nseoultower.co.kr/
Open: Weekday 10am-10.30pm. Weekends/Holidays 10am-11pm
Admission: The full ticket is 26,000 KRW, while tickets for children (ages 3–12) and seniors (65+) are 20,000 KRW.
Photo By u_wkx72obn1n

Myeong-dong

Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts, famous for its mix of global brands and local shops. It’s a haven for food lovers, offering countless street food stalls and trendy cafes. The area is especially lively at night, making it a must-visit spot for both shopping and dining.

Getting There: Take Line 4 and get off at Myeongdong Station.

Most of the shopping area in Myeongdong is located north of the subway station.
Photo By changhui lee | Cait Ellis

The Myeongdong Night Market offers a variety of Korean street food and is open daily from 5 pm to 1 am.
Photo By Ammar Zainal | kblong

South of the subway station, you’ll find a charming Fun Road, where local artists have painted cute murals along both sides of the path.
Photo By Xuedi Liu | Kelvin Zyteng

Itaewon

Itaewon is located north of Namsan Park, with some areas on the slopes of the mountain. The neighborhood has a strong cultural vibe, with many chill bars and unique shops to explore. For those interested in art and music, Leeum Museum and the Hyundai Card Music Library are also nearby, offering a chance to enjoy art and vinyl records.

Getting There: Take Line 6 and get off at Itaewon Station. Photo By kallerna

Photo By Aatu Dorochenko

Leeum Museum Official Site: https://www.leeumhoam.org/leeum
Photo By tomchill | Costa Karabelas

Music Library Official Site: https://dive.hyundaicard.com Photo By kallerna | kallerna

Gangnam

Gangnam is one of Seoul’s most famous districts, known for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also a hub for technology and business, attracting many young professionals. With its trendy cafes, high-end boutiques, and the iconic “Gangnam Style,” it perfectly blends tradition and modernity.

Gangnam is a large area, and if it’s your first time visiting, I highly recommend checking out COEX Mall. Right at the entrance, you’ll find the iconic Gangnam Style statue, and inside, you can explore Starfield Library, one of Seoul’s most popular bookstores.

Getting There: Take Line 9 and get off at Bongeunsa Station, then exit from Exit 7.
Photo By Floren Irah | Bundo Kim

North of COEX Mall, you’ll find a small Korean Buddhist temple called Bongeunsa, established in 794. Despite being located in the bustling Gangnam area, this beautiful temple offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Getting There: Take Line 9 and get off at Bongeunsa Station, then exit from Exit 1. Alternatively, you can cross the street from the north side of COEX Mall to reach Bongeunsa Temple.
Admission: Free
Open: 5am-10pm
Photo By kallerna | DoomWarrior

Photo By Fili Santillán

If you’re looking to buy luxury goods or explore Seoul’s trendiest shops, head to Apgujeong. Even if you don’t plan to shop, the stylish architecture in the area is sure to be a feast for your eyes.

Getting There: Take the Bundang Line to Apgujeong Rodeo Station
Photo By Seoul Institute

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is an iconic landmark and cultural hub in Seoul, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Its futuristic, spaceship-like design features smooth curves and a metallic sheen, with twinkling lights illuminating the building at night. The structure has three underground floors and four above-ground levels, housing various functional spaces. If you’re interested in design, feel free to visit the design museum and design stores inside—both are free to enter.

Getting There: Take Line 2 or Line 4 and get off at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, then exit from Exit 1.
Official Site: https://ddp.or.kr/
Photo By euijeong Lee

Photo By Andrea De Santis | Afham Hamsyari

Photo By Haley Truong | jet dela cruz

Hongdae

Hongdae is a vibrant area next to Hongik University, known for its youthful energy and lively atmosphere. The area is full of trendy shops, restaurants, and cafes that attract a young crowd. You can often see amazing street performances, like K-pop dances and live music performances, especially in the evenings from Thursday to Sunday. The energy here makes it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the heart of Seoul’s creative culture.

Play: HONGDAE K-POP GROUP BUSKING
Getting There: Take Line 2 and get off at Hongik Univ. Station, then exit from Exit 9. Walk to H&M Hongdae, which is located near the most popular performance spot. After that, you can stroll along Hongdae Street, where you’ll find plenty of performances throughout the area.

Photo By Patrick | Luke Ow

Yeouido Hangang Park & Banpo Hangang Park

The Han River flows through the heart of Seoul, offering scenic views and a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to relax, bike, and enjoy picnics along the riverbanks. The parks along the river also host various outdoor activities, making it a vibrant part of the city’s landscape.

If it’s your first time in Seoul and you want to explore the Han River, I recommend visiting these two parks:

Yeouido Hangang Park
Yeouido Hangang Park is located on Yeouido Island, easily accessible by subway. The park offers stunning views of the city skyline and features the iconic I Seoul U landmark. Locals love using the riverside instant noodle machines to cook noodles or grabbing fried chicken from nearby stores for a casual riverside picnic. The park is especially beautiful in the evening, when you might catch a gorgeous sunset over the Han River.

Getting There: Take Line 5 and get off at Yeouinaru Station, then exit from Exit 2 or Exit 3. The park will be within walking distance. Photo By Geonhee Lee | Wonder KIM

Banpo Hangang Park
If you’re visiting Seoul between April and October, you can head to Banpo Hangang Park in the evening to enjoy the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain.

The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is the world’s longest bridge fountain. It features a stunning light and water show, with colorful lights and music.

Official Site: https://hangang.seoul.go.kr/www/contents/856.do?mid=849
Time: During the off-season (April to June, September to October), the fountain runs at 12:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, and 21:00. In the peak season (July to August), it operates at 12:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00, and 21:30. Each show lasts 20 minutes.

Getting There: Take Line 9 or Line 3 and get off at Express Bus Terminal Station. Exit from Exit 8-1, then walk for about 12 to 20 minutes to reach Banpo Hangang Park and the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain.
Photo By Gije Cho

Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in Korea and the sixth tallest in the world, with 123 floors and a height of 556 meters. Floors 117 to 121 are home to Seoul Sky, the third highest observation deck in the world.

Official Site: https://seoulsky.lotteworld.com/
Open: Check the official website for details.
Admission: The full ticket is 31,000 KRW, and tickets for children (ages 3–12) are 27,000 KRW.
Getting There: Take Line 2 or Line 8 and get off at Jamsil Station, then exit from Exit 1 or Exit 2.
Photo By nguyenhoangloc | OfficialSite

Photo By kallerna

War Memorial of Korea

The War Memorial of Korea in Seoul is a museum dedicated to honoring those who fought and sacrificed during the Korean War. It features a vast collection of military artifacts, historical exhibits, and outdoor displays of aircraft and vehicles, offering a deep insight into Korea’s military history.

Official Site: https://www.warmemo.or.kr
Open: 9.30am-6pm. Closed every Monday
Admission: Free
Getting There: Take the subway to Samgakji Station on Line 4 or Line 6 and use Exit 1 or 12 for a short walk.
Photo By Matt Kieffer

National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea in Seoul is the country’s largest and most comprehensive museum, housing a vast collection of artifacts from Korea’s rich history and culture. It features impressive exhibitions of ancient artifacts, ceramics, paintings, and sculptures, offering visitors a deep dive into Korean heritage.

Official Site: https://www.museum.go.kr
Open: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun 10am-6pm. Wed/Sat 10am-9pm
Admission: Free
Getting There: Take Line 4 and get off at Ichon Station, then exit from Exit 2.
Photo By Ethan Doyle White

DMZ Day Tour

You can easily take a DMZ Day Tour from Seoul to visit one of the most significant historical sites in Korea. The tour typically departs from central Seoul and takes you to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where you can explore key sites like the Dora Observatory, Third Tunnel, and the Joint Security Area (JSA). This day trip offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and tensions between North and South Korea, all while enjoying the scenic views and informative tours provided. Most tours last about 6-8 hours, with transportation, guides, and entrance fees included.
Photo By Christopher Pap de Pestény

Photo By Tim Winkler | Christopher Pap de Pestény

Hope you enjoy your Seoul adventure!
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