50 Seoul Attractions to Add to Your Bucket List
Seoul is an incredible city with amazing views and endless places to visit.
I’ve been so Seoul seven times now, and there’s always things to do, whether with a group or solo.
These Seoul attractions are some of my favorites in Asia. I personally visited all of these, many multiple times.
Here are 50 Seoul Attractions to visit, split by categories:
- 10 Shopping & Cultural Districts
- 5 Traditional Sites
- 4 Book-Themed Places
- 6 Architectural Sites
- 5 Historic Attractions
- 6 Palaces
- 14 Parks & Green Spaces
If it’s your first time visiting, make sure to read my travel guide to South Korea.
🛍 Shopping & Cultural Districts
1. Insadong Shopping Street
Insadong Shopping Street is located in the northern-central Jong district and is a long street of local shops and restaurants.
You can find a lot of traditional Korean souvenirs here.
🎨 Insadong Gift Idea: Make your own custom stamp
Insadong is where you’ll also see two unique multi-level shopping malls:
Ssamzigil Mall has four floors of more than 70 shops selling mostly arts and crafts items, souvenirs, and traditional Korean fashion items:
Annyeong Insadong, a 6-story mall is also inside Insadong Shopping Street, and is a more modern cultural shopping and entertainment complex.
There’s lots of cafes, restaurants, shops, and exhibitions that showcase South Korea’s traditional and current pop culture:
2. Ikseondong Hanok Village
Ikseondong Hanok Village is about a 10-minute walk from Insadong.
This area is a hidden gem of alleyways of traditional Korean houses converted into charming shops and cafes, each beautifully-decorated.
3. Myeongdong
Myeongdong is probably the most popular area in Seoul for shopping and street food.
You can go to the fashion, music, beauty, and souvenir shops and visit the street food stalls in the evening.
It is tourist-y and usually packed, but I still love coming back here.
Make sure to visit the underground shopping center at the Myeongdong subway station for inexpensive shopping.
✍🏻 Take a Korean-style caricature drawing class in Myeongdong
4. Hongdae
Hongdae is known as the indie music and youth district of Seoul.
Hongdae has many streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, plus live performances during the day and night.
5. Itaewon
Itaewon is the most popular area for nightlife in Seoul, for both locals and foreigners.
There’s restaurants, bars, and shops. People are still partying til the early morning on weekdays.
🍶 Something fun: Join the Seoul pub crawl
6. Samcheong-dong Street
Another popular walking street during especially during autumn in Seoul is Samcheong-dong, where the Bukchon Hanok Village is located.
You’ll see streets lined with with aesthetic cafes and shops.
I also visited here when it snows to see the artsy and traditional cafes decorated with snow.
7. Gangnam
Gangnam is Seoul’s upscale shopping hub, home to Apgujeong Rodeo Street for luxury brands, Garosu-gil for trendy boutiques.
Plus a lot of streets for night life and restaurants.
8. Lotte World Mall
Lotte World Mall is a large shopping and entertainment complex.
It features luxury and retail stores, a cinema, and the iconic Seoul Sky Observatory in Lotte World Tower. The mall is connected to Lotte World Theme Park.
go up to the Lotte Tower at Seoul Sky for a panoramic night view of Seoul.
You’ll need a ticket to go up Seoul Sky.
9. Jonggak Avenue of Youth
The Jonggak Avenue of Youth is located in the Jongno district and right across the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
There’s lots of bars, karaoke rooms, restaurants, and neon street signs.
10. Gamgodang-gil & Yunboseon-gil
Gamgodang-gil and Yunboseon-gil in the Jongno district are alleys adjacent to each other.
They’re near Insadong and Samcheong-dong and known for their stone and brick walls, hanok buildings, cafés, and galleries.
If you’re a kdrama fan, you’ll recognize it as a backdrop to many shops like Love Next Door.
🏯 Traditional Sites
11. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a village of 900+ traditional Korean houses designed with nature and weather in mind.
I’ve visited in summer and during the winter. Each season is beautiful.
Reminder that people still live here, so try not to be the typical loud tourist. 😉
🔗 Book a Seoul tour that includes Hanok Village.
12. Bongeunsa Temple
Bongeunsa Temple is a Buddhist temple founded in 794 for its large standing Buddha statue and peaceful atmosphere.
It’s located right across the COEX Mall and entrance is free.
13. Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple near Insadong is a center of Korean Zen Buddhism.
It’s known for its colorful lanterns and ancient trees and hosts Buddhist ceremonies and events year-round.
14. Ihwa Village
Ihwa Mural Village is a hillside neighborhood known for its colorful street art with murals, sculptures, and art installations.
It’s located near Naksan Park so you can combine sites in one visit.
15. Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village featuring restored Joseon-era hanok houses, a pavilion, and a time capsule.
There’s also nice views of Namsan Tower from here. Admission is free.
📚 For Book Lovers
16. Starfield Library
Starfield COEX Mall is the largest underground mall in Asia and offers a diverse range of shopping and entertainment options.
This is where you’ll find the famous Starfield Library.
Fair warning: it is smaller in person than it’s portrayed online!
During wintertime, it will be decorated with Christmas decorations and lights.
17. ARC·N·BOOK
ARC·N·BOOK is a bookstore located on the 4th floor of Lotte World Mall.
It’s known for its colorful arched bookshelves and reading areas. There are books in Korean and English, stationary and souvenirs.
18. Songpa Book Museum
Songpa Book Museum is a public library and cultural space with interactive exhibits, beautiful reading areas, and a collection of books in Korean.
19. Han River Book
Along the Han River right before Nanji Hangang Park is a mini community library where you can sit overlooking the river.
This is also right across Moonboon Forest, a memorial space for the late kpop idol from Astro.
🏛 Architectural Sites
20. DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)
DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) is a large futuristic hub of art, design, and culture.
You can explore galleries, shops, and restaurants, and look at the many art installations.
I recommend visiting at night too when it’s illumanated.
21. Yonsei University
Yonsei University is a beautiful campus with buildings covered in leaves in different seasons.
It’s a private university but open to visitors.
It’s also been used as a filming site for various Korean dramas like True Beauty and Reply 1994.
22. City Hall
City Hall is a big modern building in Seoul’s central district.
Inside, there’s a library, exhibition halls, and cultural center.
Outside you can stroll around the large square.
Central Seoul is my favorite area to stay as a tourist.
23. Digital Media City
Digital Media City is a hub of entertainment networks and shows, including popular kpop programs like Idol Radio and The Show.
🎵 My favorite kpop experience in Seoul? Attending a recording of The Show!
24. Munhwa Pedestrian Bridge
The Munhwa Pedestrian Bridge is a pedestrian bridge near Yeouido Park.
It’s one of the most beautiful bridges I’ve visited in Seoul, and has incredible views of nearby nature, especially during autumn in Seoul.
25. Seonyugyo Bridge
Seonyugyo Bridge is a pedestrian bridge connecting Seonyudo Island to the Yanghwa area over the Hangang River.
It provides access to Seonyudo Park, an ecological park in the middle of Han River that I recommend visiting too.
The National Museum of Korea is one of the best museums I’ve visited and has three floors to explore.
I spent three hours here, and it’s free! The museum even provides descriptions in braille.
Outside the museum, you’ll get a stunning view and Yongsan Park is just a short walk away:
27. War Memorial of Korea
The War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan is a museum and memorial dedicated to Korea’s military history.
It features indoor and outdoor exhibits, including war artifacts, aircraft, tanks, and monuments honoring fallen soldiers. Admission is free.
28. Gwanghwamun Square
Gwanghwamun Square is a public square located in the center of Seoul and right across Gyeongbokgung Palace.
It features a large statue of King Sejong the Great, who is credited to creating the Korean alphabet, and another statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a celebrated naval commander.
29. Heunginjimun Park
Heunginjimun Park is a small park surrounding Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun Gate), one of Seoul’s historic fortress gates.
It’s especially beautiful at night and is located right next to Naksan Park.
30. Sungnyemun Gate
A few blocks from City Hall is where you’ll also see the iconic Sungnyemun Gate, also known as Namdaemun Gate.
It served as the main southern gate of the city’s fortress wall.
👑 Palaces in Seoul
31. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most popular and grandest palace in Seoul.
It was the main palace during the Joseon dynasty, first built in 1395, and spans over 400,000 sq. meters.
Entrance costs 3,000 won ($2.30 USD).
You can watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony daily at 10am and 2pm (closed on Tuesdays).
Read my full blog post on Gyeongbokgung Palace (Top things to do + how to get there)
32. Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace was built in the 1400’s and has the most greenery of all the palaces in Seoul.
Admission to this palace costs just 77 cents (1,000 won).
🌌 See Changgyeonggung Palace at night with a walking tour
33. Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace is located in the heart of downtown and is the smallest palace in Seoul, built in the 20th century.
The Seokjojeon western-style building within the palace was used by the king for sleeping quarters and other royal functions.
🎟️ Join a Deoksugung Palace half-day walking tour
34. Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden
Changdeokgung Palace was designed in harmony with the natural landscape, with the popular Secret Garden that served as a retreat for the royal family.
I re-visited during autumn in Seoul, and fall foliage is most seen in the Secret Garden.
You have to purchase separate tickets to the Secret Garden, which are limited daily, so best to book ahead online.
35. Gyeonghuigung Palace
Gyeonghuigung Palace, the Western Palace, was built in the 1600s and served as a secondary palace and governmental center.
It is the least crowded of all palaces in Seoul and translates to the “Palace of Serene Harmony.” Entrance is free.
36. Unhyeongung Palace
Unhyeongung Palace was originally built in the late 14th century and served as the residence for Heungseon Daewongun, a prince regent of Korea, and father of Emperor Gojong.
It’s technically not one of the five main royal palaces of Seoul, but I happened to run across it on my first trip to Seoul.
🔗 Save for later: Best Palaces of Seoul to Visit + All You Need to Know
🌳 Parks & Green Spaces
37. Seoul Forest
Seoul Forest is one of my favorite parks in Seoul and is a perfect place to visit during any season. During fall, you’ll see lots of yellow leaves.
The park is divided into four different areas: Culture & Art Park, Eco-Forest, Education Park, and Riverside Park.
You can have a picnic and there’s plenty of benches to sit on and relax.
38. Yeouido Hangang Park
Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the most popular Han River parks, especially in the evening.
Sit on the cement steps and grass areas, or have a picnic and late-night ramen.
You can also rent a bike and bike along the river, or do a sunset Han River cruise.
39. Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream is a 7-mile (11 km) public stream running through downtown Seoul, open 24/7 except during rain for safety.
The stream is a great spot for a daytime walk or nighttime stroll, and there are light shows to enjoy after dark.
I always make sure to visit this place each time I’m in Seoul.
🌌 Join a night tour in Seoul of Cheonggyecheon Stream and royal palaces
40. Olympic Park
Olympic Park was built to host the 1988 Summer Olympic Games.
It’s a massive green park, and perfect for a walk. Check out the Flag Plaza at the west end of the park, where you’ll find flags of countries that participated in the 1988 games.
41. Seokchon Lake
Seokchon Lake is surrounded by a walking path and good place to visit in Seoul during the evening too when it’s lit up.
It’s right next to the Lotte World Mall so you’ll get views of Lotte Tower.
It’s especially beautiful during fall and when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
42. Namsan Park (N. Seoul Tower)
Namsan Park is Seoul’s largest park, and at the top is the Observatory with the famous N. Seoul Tower and Locks of Love, where thousands of locks are placed.
The Observatory has amazing views of the city during the day and night.
Get to Namsan Park by bus, taxi, cable car, or by walking.
43. Seonyudo Park
Seonyudo Park is a hidden local gem, and one of the most beautiful places I visited during Seoul in autumn.
This ecological park sits on an island in the middle of Han River.
There’s lots of diverse flora and trees during every season, as well as benches and resting areas to see views of Han River.
44. Naksan Park
Naksan Park is famous for its Seoul City Wall trails and views of the city during the day and night.
It’s a must-visit place in Seoul especially during autumn. The park has multiple viewpoints of the city.
If you’re kdrama fan, you’ll recognize the backdrop of many filming sites.
I stayed in the evening when the fortress is lit up. Highly recommend visiting at night too!
45. Haneul Park
Haneul Park is one of the five parks located within the World Cup Park area in Mapo-gu. It’s located on top of a hill along the Han River.
It’s most worth visiting during autumn to see the silver and kochia grass, but in other seasons you can still see the art displays, sunset views, and backdrops of the Han River and city lights.
➡️ Read my full guide to visiting Haneul Park.
46. Oil Tank Culture Park
Located across Haneul Park is the Oil Tank Culture Park.
The area used to be an oil tank reservoir and is now a renovated park and cultural complex with cafes, exhibits, and halls.
To get to the Oil Tank Culture Park, walk through the Maebongsan Forest Walkway:
47. Baekbeom Square
Baekbeom Square is located right next to Namsan Park and is the closest Seoul City Wall fortress trail.
There’s a big plaza as well as historic statues throughout the park. I visited again at night and the night views are just as good.
➡️ 21 Popular Places to Visit in Seoul at Night
48. Banpo Hangang Park
Banpo Hangang Park is especially popular during the summer when there’s light shows.
You can bike, picnic, jog, or attend a market with food stalls on the famous Some Sevit, the artificial floating island.
When I went, I walked under the walkable bridge where you can see the water spraying out.
➡️ Related: 7 Bridges in Seoul Worth Visiting (+Best Night Views)
49. Yeouido Park
Yeouido Park is located on a vertical strip right before Yeouido Hangang Park.
This park is a popular area for workers in nearby buildings like KBS. I visited during autumn in Seoul and it was one of the most vibrant foliage I saw.
You’ll also see a statue of King Sejong the Great:
🏞️ Save for later: 7 best parks to visit in Seoul.
50. Peace Park
Peace Park (Pyeonghwa Park in Korean) in Mapo-gu is part of World Cup Park, located next to World Cup Stadium.
It has lakes, walking trails, open green spaces, art installations, and seasonal flowers.
I visited during autumn and there was foliage everywhere.
More South Korea Guides
There’s lots of Seoul attractions to see. You’ll never get bored!
I made 16 other Seoul travel vlogs on South Korea that you can check out, including videos and blogs on my side trips to Busan, Suwon, Jeju Island, Pohang, and Gyeongju.
📚 Read all my South Korea blogs here.
Hope this list of Seoul attractions was helpful! There’s always so many places to visit in Seoul.
Have a great time!
Book before you visit Seoul:
- Ride from the airport: schedule a pickup | airport bus | express train
- Book discounted hotels in Seoul (what I use)
- Most popular day tours in Seoul
- Best local Korea sim card (200k booked) or eSIM card
More Seoul Posts
- Where to Stay in Seoul Based on Your Interests
- The Best 5 Days Seoul Itinerary for First Timers
- Best One Day in Seoul Itineraries (+ Hour Breakdown)
- 7 Essential Seoul Travel Tips for First-Timers (+ everything I wished I knew)
- 21 Popular Things to Do in Seoul at Night
- 7 Best Parks in Seoul to Visit – Don’t Skip These!
- Best Palaces of Seoul to Visit + All You Need to Know
- 7 Bridges in Seoul Worth Visiting (+Best Night Views)
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