Top 10 Sights and Attractions in Seoul

The capital of South Korea is Seoul, and it is arguably one of the most amazing cities you could ever hope to see. With so much to see and do, we’ve listed the top 10 sights and attractions for a quintessential Seoul experience!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this bustling city!

ICYMI: Guide to the best neighbourhoods to stay in Seoul 

1) Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Wear a Hanbok (Traditional Korean Dress)

Photo by travelexpert.wiki

Gyeongbokgung Palace was constructed in 1495 for the Joseon Dynasty, but the Japanese invasions caused numerous partial destructions. The most recent renovation was completed in 2007. Nevertheless, you will see an exact replica, so it’s close enough.

I suggest going to see the ceremony of the changing of the guards, which is held every day except Tuesdays at 10 AM and 2 PM, and dressing yourself up in a traditional hanbok.

Pro Tip: If you are wearing a hanbok you will be able to enter all the palaces for free!

Getting there:

• Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3, Exit 5)

2) Visit the Myeongdong Shopping District

Image by tragrpx from Pixabay

You can find anything you desire on the Myeong-dong shopping district, from the newest Korean cosmetic trends to any style of clothing or shoe you can imagine!

There are a variety of retail establishments, family restaurants offering Korean, Western, and Japanese cuisine, and even hair salons.

Some of the cosmetic brands that could be found: Laneige, Sulwhasoo, Nature Republic, The Face Shop, MISSHA

Getting there:

• Myeongdong Station (line 4, exit 5/6/7/8 onto Myeongdong).

• Euljiro1 Station (line 2, exit 5/6). 2 mins walk.

3) Have Endless Fun at South Korea’s Largest Theme Park – Everland

Image from ivisitkorea.com

Just two hours away from Seoul, Everland, also regarded as the biggest theme park in South Korea, is like a little city all by itself. With its intriguing blend of science fiction and fantasy, lofty coasters and slides, and seemingly endless entertainment, Everland Theme Park is like something out of a fairytale.

It’s an attraction that shouldn’t be missed on your vacation to Korea. Especially on their first visit, visitors frequently find themselves staying an entire day at Everland Resort.

Address: 199, Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Get your tickets here starting from KRW 67,500 (SGD$69)!

4) Enjoy a Panoramic view of the City from N Seoul Tower

Image by u_wkx72obn1n from Pixabay

As the nation of Korea’s first integrated transmission tower, Namsan Seoul Tower was constructed in 1969 to transmit radio and television signals throughout the city. It has grown to be a beloved icon in Seoul since it first opened to the public in 1980. The HanCook restaurant, the n.Grill restaurant, the Haneul (Sky) Restroom, a digital observatory, a roof terrace, and multicolored digital art that is projected onto the tower at night are some of the tower’s main attractions. Due to its mountainous surroundings atop Namsan Mountain, Namsan Seoul Tower is a well-liked hangout for both locals and visitors.

The tower’s Digital Observatory provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city and features 32 LCD screens detailing Seoul’s 600-year history.

The Roof Terrace, a large wooden viewing deck located atop the N Plaza, is highly well-liked by lovers due to its unique ambiance. “Locks of Love,” tens of thousands of padlocks tied to the fence by romantic Seoulites as a symbol of their unwavering love, have recently become a popular attraction for courting couples.

Getting there:

• Take Line 3 to Chungmuro Station and exit 2, and then take the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus No. 01 to the tower.

Address: 04340 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea

5) Go Cafe-hopping in Seoul

Let’s talk about the ultimate coffee-loving destination: Korea! Cafe culture here is pure magic. You’ll find one on almost every corner, so why not go on a café-hopping adventure in bustling Seoul? Plus, calling all Sherlock Holmes fans – there’s even a themed café dedicated to the detective himself!

There are many different objects on display at the cafe that were inspired by BBC’s Sherlock and are reminiscent of the well-known TV show. The posh 221 B room has a huge glass mirror, K-pop music playing in the background, and revolving portraits of Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch. Everything at this place is themed around Sherlock, including the coffee mugs and savory biscuits, cakes, and candy. This makes for a really useful souvenir. The food and beverage options are quite standard, but if you’d rather go for something healthy, there are also smoothies and detox juices available. There is definitely a lot to see at the cafe, so take your time!

Address: 3 Nonhyeon-ro 128-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

6) Participate in a Food Challenge and Tour at Gwangjang Market

Image by Joel Marrinan from Pixabay

Gwangjang Market is a historic and vibrant traditional market located in Seoul, South Korea. It is well-known for its varied cuisine selection, which includes authentic Korean street food and snacks. Anyone visiting Seoul should be sure to visit Gwangjang Market because of its vibrant ambiance and cultural value.

So, we welcome you guys to Seoul Gwangjang Market Unique Korean Food Tour! Whoever wants to sample unique Korean foods without ordering a substantial portion should do this tour. Your goal is to successfully eat each dish and earn a stamp on your food challenge list.

The challenge starts with the first dish, and if you successfully eat it, you will receive the first stamp. Then, you can move on to the next dish and repeat the process until you have collected all the stamps. You will receive a little traditional Korean memento as a reward once you have finished the challenge and gathered all the stamps.

Please note that some of the dishes can be very spicy, so be prepared for a challenge! However, we encourage you to try your best and enjoy the experience of trying new and exciting foods from Korea. Good luck, and let the challenge begin!

Address: 03195 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Sign up for the tour here starting from KRW 80,000 (SGD$82)!

7) Go On A Day Trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone

Image by Peter Anta from Pixabay

See the highlights of the DMZ stress-free on a half-day sightseeing tour from Seoul with convenient pickup locations. The tour begins with a visit to Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park and the Bridge of Freedom. Next, you will get to tour the DMZ, Third Tunnel, and Dora Observatory. Your guide will offer thorough commentary throughout to create an engaging and educational experience. Return to Seoul with plenty of time to enjoy the evening as you wish.

Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park

This park was built to console the refugees who left North Korea during the Korean War.

Bridge of Freedom

You will see the Freedom Bridge built to liberate 12,773 prisoners in 1953. The bridge was used by South Koreans returning home from the North. So dive into the cultural and emotional significance of the space by walking in their footsteps decades later! Located against a beautiful natural backdrop, the bridge is a fantastic place for photos, so get inspired and create some memories!

8) Watch Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show

The Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is a night show like no other. It is certainly a show as you can see the fountains change colors as somber music begins to play. The entire nighttime scene will be very lovely with tranquil waters and cool breeze. It truly deserves the title of being Seoul’s most picturesque bridge.

Locals and tourists will tend to purchase street food from adjacent vendors to pack a picnic and enjoy it while they wait for the 20-minute light show, which typically begins at 7:30 p.m. There are still three to four show timings, with the last one ending at 9 p.m., so don’t worry if you miss the first show.

Getting there:

• Take Line 4 to Dongjak Station and transfer to Line 9 to Sinbanpo Station and use Exit 1

Address: 06500 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

9) Discover 40,000 Marine Creatures from 650 Different Species at COEX Aquarium

Image from coexaqua.com

One of Korea’s biggest aquariums is COEX Aquarium. The aquarium holds 3,000 tons of water in its 90 breeding tanks and more than 180 show tanks. Through 14 thematic discovery zones, from the heights of the Andean highlands to the depths of the Amazonian jungle, in environments ranging from rivers and swamps to the deep sea, COEX Aquarium highlights the astounding diversity of aquatic life around the world. Every season, the aquarium offers fresh exhibits and cultural acts, including a unique “sardine performance.”

Admission tickets start from KRW 32,000 (SGD$33) for adults and KRW 28,000 (SGD$29) for children.

Getting there:

– Take Line 2 or 3 to Samseong Station. (Exit 6 and walk for about 5 minutes)

Address: 06164 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

10) Enjoy Traditional and Contemporary Art at Leeum Art Museum

Image by Tom Hill from Pixabay

The Leeum Museum of Art is the ideal location to appreciate traditional and modern works of art made by Korean and foreign artists. The majority of the museum’s exhibits are drawn from the extensive collection of its late creator, the late Lee Byeong-cheol, who served as president of the Samsung Group. The impressive museum complex was designed by Maria Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas, three highly esteemed architects.

The name Leeum is an acronym of the founder’s last name, “Lee,” and the word “um,” which stands for the museum. The museum is made up of three separate structures connected as a single compound. While Museum 2 features dynamic modern and contemporary art by domestic and international artists, this section also includes the Samsung Child Education & Cultural Center, which provides cultural education for kids. Museum 1 features traditional Korean arts and crafts like calligraphy, ceramic arts, and metal craftwork. An underground garden and a gabion wall—a cylindrical metal container stuffed with stones—can be discovered in the museum’s basement. In perfect harmony, nature, architecture, and art all coexist.

You will need to make a reservation to visit the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul, South Korea. Reservations can be made online or by phone. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the last admission is at 5:30 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Getting there:

• Take Line 2 to Samseong Station (Exit 4)

Address: 60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04348 South Korea

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