Disclosure: if you make a purchase through any affiliate links on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

50 Epic Seoul Attractions to Add to Your Bucket List

ByRoseanne Ducut

Seoul is one of my favorite cities in Asia, with a mix of modern landmarks, cultural sites, and peaceful green spaces.

After visiting eight times, I’ve explored nearly every corner of the city—and there’s always new things to do in Seoul.

If you’re planning your trip and looking for the best Seoul attractions, this list covers the top places to visit in Seoul for first-time and repeat travelers.

I’ve personally visited all of these spots—many more than once—and each shows a different side of the city.

If it’s your first time visiting, make sure to read my travel guide to South Korea.

🛍 Shopping & Cultural Districts

1. Insadong Shopping Street

A long walking street surrounded by small shops and restaurants with tourists walking at Insadong Shopping Street - in top Seoul attractions and places to visit in Seoul

Insadong Shopping Street is located in the northern-central Jong district and is a long street of local shops and restaurants and one of my most-visited Seoul attraction.

You can find many 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.

Colorful multi-level outdoor shopping mall courtyard with vendors and shoppers, modern architecture, vibrant artwork, and retail shops, ideal for shopping and leisure activities.

2. Ikseondong Hanok Village

A charming alleyway in Ikseondong Hanok Village, Seoul, brought to life with a vibrant array of suspended umbrellas in a multitude of colors, as people with umbrellas walk below during a rainy evening, reflecting the area's blend of tradition and modernity

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 in Seoul transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered streets, neon-lit storefronts, and pedestrians carrying umbrellas under softly falling flakes.

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

Night city street bustling with people and vibrant neon lights at Hey Roseanne venue, lively nightlife scene, downtown entertainment district, evening crowd in urban setting.

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 throughout the day and evening.

5. Itaewon

Itaewon Class (kdrama) Bar Sign on a large green bar in 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. Gangnam

A lively night scene in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea, featuring a street lined with colorful neon signs advertising various businesses, including restaurants, bars, and shops. Pedestrians stroll along the road, enjoying the bustling nightlife. Overhead, power lines crisscross the sky, adding to the urban atmosphere.

Gangnam is Seoul’s upscale shopping hub, home to Apgujeong Rodeo Street for luxury brands, Garosu-gil for trendy boutiques.

There’s plenty of streets for night life and restaurants open late.

7. Lotte World Mall

A nighttime view of Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea, illuminated against the dark sky. The towering skyscraper reflects its lights onto the nearby Seokchon Lake. In the foreground, a digital weather display shows the temperature at 8.8°C and humidity at 47%, while autumn foliage and city buildings add depth to the scene.

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.

8. Gamgodang-gil & Yunboseon-gil

Yunboseon-gil Street in Seoul is lined with snow-covered trees arching over a narrow road with stone walls on both sides. The sidewalk has stone benches, and a few pedestrians are visible in the distance walking along the slushy path. Traditional Korean roof tiles top the walls, and a blue information banner hangs on the left side near the entrance. The sky is overcast, and fresh snow clings to the branches, creating a white canopy over the street.

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 shows like Love Next Door and True Beauty.

🏯 Traditional Sites

9. Bukchon Hanok Village

A neighborhood of brown and red traditional Korean houses at Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul

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.

And make sure to stop by Samcheong-dong next door, where see streets lined with with aesthetic cafes, art work, and shops in traditional buildings.

10. Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul features traditional wooden buildings with curved tiled roofs and ornate eaves, set against a backdrop of modern high-rises. Rows of white paper lanterns hang overhead, creating a pattern of light and shadow on the stone pathways. The temple grounds include prayer halls, a large Buddha statue, and landscaped gardens.

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.

11. Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple in Seoul has three large inflatable monk figures dressed in yellow robes sitting in a meditation pose with cheerful expressions. They are surrounded by flower beds filled with yellow and purple chrysanthemums, with a backdrop of a traditional temple building featuring wooden pillars and a curved tiled roof. A rainbow-colored fabric arch extends from the right side of the scene, adding a festive atmosphere to the temple grounds.

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.

Displays will vary by season and holidays.

12. Ihwa Village

Ihwa Mural Village in Seoul features a hillside neighborhood with stacked houses in mixed brick and concrete, some with rooftop terraces. A narrow road at the base of the hill has yellow traffic markings and a few parked motorcycles, leading to small cafes and shops with signs and murals. The scene captures the blend of old and modern architecture in this well-known artsy district.

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.

Make sure to visit the cafe area in between both sites, right below the southern end of Naksan Park:

Collage of steep hillside stairways in Seoul South Korea showing a narrow lane lined with neon green and stone walled houses benches potted plants and hanging shop signs leading up long steps. The lower panel looks downhill over rooftops railings.

13. Namsangol Hanok Village

Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul showcases traditional Korean houses with dark tiled roofs and white walls, enclosed by stone and mud walls. A dirt pathway winds through the village, leading past wooden structures with intricate eaves, while modern high-rise buildings stand in the background. The view is framed by the wooden beams of a traditional roof

Namsangol Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village featuring restored Joseon-era hanok houses, a pavilion, and a time capsule.

You’ll also see nice views of Namsan Tower from here. Admission is free.

14. Eunpyeong Hanok Village

Collage of a hanok village in Seoul South Korea with wooden homes and black tiled roofs beside a field of red and white flowers.

Eunpyeong Hanok Village in located at the base of Bukhansan Mountain, featuring over 150 modern hanok homes built in traditional style.

It’s a bit farther from city center, but I found it worth visiting.

While there, take a 10-minute walk to the historic Jingwansa Temple:

Collage of a temple complex in Seoul South Korea showing wooden halls with teal tiled roofs stone lanterns and vivid dancheong patterns under tall pines. Side views reveal an arched stone bridge over a rocky stream and a courtyard draped in rows of pink and multicolor prayer lanterns.

🏛 Architectural Sites

15. DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul is a futuristic structure with smooth metallic curves and illuminated windows. The night view highlights the building’s reflective panels, casting purple and blue hues across its surface. A long staircase features an interactive red heart-shaped light display, while arched walkways lead visitors through the complex.

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.

It’s one of my favorite Seoul attractions to visit at night when it’s illuminated.

16. Starfield Library

COEX Starfield Library in Seoul features towering floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with colorful books, curving around the open space. The library is decorated with golden holiday lights, suspended star ornaments, and a tall, shimmering Christmas tree topped with a golden star. The high glass ceiling allows natural light to illuminate the festive decorations.

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. Yonsei University

Historic stone campus building with mullioned windows stands behind manicured hedges and a statue on a pedestal. People walk along curving paths and take photos under umbrellas amid autumn foliage in gold and rust tones.

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 one of my favorite places to visit in Seoul during summer and autumn.

It’s also been used as a filming site for various Korean dramas like True Beauty and Reply 1994.

18. Seoul Station and Seoullo 7017

Collage of Seoul Station at night shows the historic red brick building glowing with green domes and streetlamps as pedestrians cross the plaza. Aerial view below captures the busy intersection with green and blue buses streaming past the illuminated station and mall across the road.

View of Seoul Station at night from Seoullo 7017, an elevated walkway and skygarden right next to the station, with over 24,000 plants in large planters.

Make sure to visit in the evening!

19. City Hall

Vibrant cityscape with modern architecture and lush green trees in front of a contemporary glass building.

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.

20. Digital Media City

This image depicts an evening view in Digital Media City, Seoul, South Korea. In the foreground, there's a plaza with trees and seating areas, and in the background stands a futuristic building with a unique, curvilinear design, illuminated with ambient lighting. To the right, there's a highlighted digital artwork of two human figures, adding a modern touch to the scene.

Digital Media City is a hub of entertainment networks and shows, including popular kpop programs like Idol Radio and The Show.

You’ll see many large futuristic sculptures scattered throughout the area.

🎵 My favorite kpop experience in Seoul? Attending a recording of The Show!

21. Munhwa Pedestrian Bridge

Munhwa Pedestrian Bridge in Seoul is a modern cable-stayed bridge with a sleek white pylon and steel cables stretching over a green park. The curved walkway is lined with metal railings and a red pedestrian path. The bridge offers a view of high-rise residential and office buildings in the background, contrasting with the dense trees below.

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.

22. Gwanghwamun Square

A bronze statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin on a cement placer in Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at night

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.

I like to visit in the evening too, when it’s illuminated. Note all of the lights turn off at 11pm!

23. Heunginjimun Park

A beautifully illuminated traditional Korean gate, Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun), stands against the backdrop of modern high-rise buildings at night. The warm golden lighting highlights the historic stone walls and intricate wooden eaves, contrasting with the cool city lights. In the foreground, tall ornamental grasses sway gently, adding a natural texture to the urban landscape.

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.

24. Sungnyemun Gate

Sungnyemun Gate in Seoul is a historic stone and wooden structure with a large arched entrance at its base. The upper level has a traditional Korean tiled roof with ornate wooden eaves, painted in green and gold patterns. Surrounding the gate is a modern urban landscape with glass office buildings, green lawns, and pedestrian walkways.

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

25. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Guard soldiers standing at attention under a stone archway at a traditional palace gate with a mountain in the background.

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)

26. Changgyeonggung Palace

A large courtyard with a traditional Korean palace building surrounded by green trees at Changgyeonggung Palace in Seoul

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

27. Deoksugung Palace

A large white western-style building with pillars with a green front yard and teal pool - Seogjojeon Building at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul

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

28. Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

Visitors wearing traditional hanbok exploring Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden in autumn, Seoul, Korea, with colorful foliage and traditional architecture.

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.

29. Gyeonghuigung Palace

Two individuals seated in quiet contemplation in the shadow of Gyeonghuigung Palace's vibrantly painted eaves, with intricate patterns and green wooden doors, under a clear blue sky in Seoul, South Korea

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.

30. Unhyeongung Palace

A dark wooden traditional Korean hall at Unhyeongung Royal Residence Palace in Seoul

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

31. Seoul Forest

Pathway in Seoul Forest during autumn with a mix of green and yellow foliage, and a person sitting on a bench in the distance.

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 gingko trees.

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.

32. Yeouido Hangang Park

I Seoul You Sign Courtyard at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul Korea

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.

33. Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream during the Day, Seoul, South Korea: A bright daytime view of Cheonggyecheon Stream, an urban waterway running through downtown Seoul. People stroll along the stream's well-maintained paths, with some sitting on the steps by the water, enjoying the sunny weather. The scene is framed by tall modern buildings on either side, while trees and greenery add a natural touch to the bustling city environment. The clear blue sky enhances the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

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

34. Olympic Park

The illuminated World Peace Gate at Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea, stands against the dark night sky. Its bold red, blue, and white mural under the wings features traditional Korean patterns and mythical creatures. The Olympic rings adorn the central pillar, symbolizing global unity, while a few visitors walk beneath the striking structure.

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.

35. Seokchon Lake

A collage of three nighttime scenes at Seokchon Lake in Seoul, South Korea. The left image features a park pathway lined with glowing, multicolored cube lights against a backdrop of autumn trees and city buildings. The middle image captures a lakeside bench under a tree with falling leaves, overlooking the illuminated skyline reflected in the calm water. The right image showcases a futuristic bridge with vibrant blue, green, and yellow lights casting a colorful glow onto the water below.

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.

36. Namsan Park (N. Seoul Tower)

Colorful love locks attached to a metal railing at Namsan Park in Seoul, South Korea, with Namsan Mountain and the city skyline in the background. The locks symbolize love and commitment, creating a vibrant foreground against the autumn foliage covering the hillside.

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, hiking, or through the new Namsan Sky Forest Trail, which is more ADA-friendly and less difficult than the regular trails:

A winding wooden pathway through a park with colorful fall foliage and trees with leaves in shades of red, orange, and yellow, under a clear blue sky, with several people walking in the distance.

37. 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.

38. 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!

39. Haneul Park

A field of vibrant pink and red kochia bushes stretches across Haneul Park in Seoul, South Korea, showcasing the beauty of autumn. The cloudy sky above adds depth to the scene, while the park's walking paths and scattered trees create a peaceful natural ambiance.

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.

A group of people walking along a wide path flanked by flowers and pampas grass at sunset in Haneul Park, Seoul, Korea.

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.

40. Oil Tank Culture Park

A rust-colored, repurposed oil tank structure sits among trees with autumn foliage at Oil Tank Culture Park in Seoul, South Korea. Tall grasses and trees with red, yellow, and green leaves surround the industrial space, blending nature with urban redevelopment. A winding path leads towards the structure, inviting visitors to explore the unique cultural 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:

A peaceful wooden walkway meanders through the Maebongsan Forest in Seoul, Korea, surrounded by tall pine trees and autumn foliage. The sturdy railings guide visitors along the elevated path, offering a tranquil nature walk amid golden and rust-colored leaves. The forest floor is blanketed with fallen needles, adding to the serene, natural atmosphere.

41. Baekbeom Square

A scenic view of the Seoul Fortress Wall at Namsan Baekbeom Square, showing the stone pathway lined with historic battlements. The wall winds through lush greenery, contrasting with the backdrop of modern high-rise buildings. The blend of nature and urban architecture highlights Seoul’s unique mix of history and modernity.

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

42. Banpo Hangang Park

Banpo Hangang Park Light Show with purple lights with water spraying out of bridge at night. Top parks in Seoul.

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)

Colorful modern building with glass exterior reflecting lights on water at dusk.

43. Yeouido Park

A peaceful autumn scene at Yeouido Park in Seoul, featuring a tree-lined pathway covered in golden fallen leaves. A large white balloon with "SEOUL MY SOUL" printed on it stands in the background, adding a unique touch to the seasonal beauty. The mix of yellow, red, and green foliage creates a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll.

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:

A side view of the King Sejong the Great statue in Yeouido Park, Seoul, with intricate engravings on its base featuring Hangul script. The statue is surrounded by trees showcasing autumn foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and red, under a cloudy sky.

🏞️ Save for later: 7 best parks to visit in Seoul.

44. Hongjecheon Artificial Falls

Elevated riverside deck with metal railings overlooks a rocky hillside where multiple thin waterfalls cascade into a calm river. People sit on benches along the wooden walkway while others stroll the path below beside trees and low rise buildings.

Hongjecheon Artificial Falls is located along the Hongjecheon Stream, which flows all the way to the Han River.

The waterfall was built as part of a restoration and revitalization project for Hongjecheon Stream.

🏢 Museums in Seoul

I’ve been to eight museums in Seoul. Here are my favorites.

➡️ 8 Amazing Museums in Seoul to Add to Your Visit.

45. Songpa Book Museum

Songpa Book Museum in Seoul features a variety of reading spaces with modern and interactive designs. A circular room lined with bookshelves has an art installation of floating open books above a central table. A stepped seating area with built-in shelves provides a place for visitors to read or relax.

Songpa Book Museum is a public library and cultural space with interactive exhibits, beautiful reading areas, and a collection of books in Korean.

46. National Museum of Korea

A long gray pogoda in the middle of a museum hall at National Museum of Korea in Seoul

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.

➡️ 8 Amazing Museums in Seoul to Add to Your Visit.

Outside the museum, you’ll get a stunning view and Yongsan Park is just a short walk away:

The National Museum of Korea in Seoul has a wide open plaza with a geometric patterned floor, surrounded by greenery and potted bamboo plants. A large rectangular opening in the museum structure frames a view of white apartment buildings and modern skyscrapers in the background. A person in a blue shirt sits on the edge of the steps, while visitors walk across the plaza below.

47. War Memorial of Korea

The War Memorial of Korea in Seoul features an indoor exhibition with military aircraft suspended from the ceiling and tanks displayed on the ground. A silver Korean Air Force jet with "KAF" marked on its tail is positioned in the foreground, while green North Korean planes with red star insignia hang above. The space has a high ceiling with a glass skylight, allowing natural light to illuminate the exhibits.

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.

48. Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Collage of a historic prison with red brick buildings and barred windows shown from courtyards and through cell bars. Interior views include long white corridors with steel gates and small cells with a visitor seated in a dim room.

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is housed in a former prison from the Japanese occupation, where many Korean independence activists were held.

Visitors can explore the cell blocks, view prisoner records, and see multimedia exhibits about this period.

Cost: 3,000 won ($2 USD)

49. National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

Aerial views of Gyeongbokgung Palace and surrounding mountains labeled Seoul South Korea. The palace gates courtyards and tiled roofs spread across the foreground.

While not my favorite museum, this museum is worth visiting for the rooftop observatory on the 8th floor, which has a beautiful view of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

50. Seoul Museum of History

Collage of museum interiors and retro sets. Images show a vast lobby with a hanging sculpture and a 1970s style living room and a recreated eatery and a metal excavator arm.

The Seoul Museum of History is my favorite museum to learn about the evolution of Seoul from its early history to the present.

All of the artifacts, models, and multimedia exhibits were interesting and well-presented.

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.

I hope this list of Seoul tourists attractions was helpful! There’s always so many places to visit in Seoul.

Have a great time!

Book before you visit Seoul:

More Seoul Posts

ALL SEOUL GUIDES

Found this helpful & want to support? 🧡

If you’re planning a trip, feel free to use my affiliate links below when booking. 

I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you), which helps keep the site running.

Thanks for your support!

🇰🇷 28 Places to Visit in Seoul 2026 - Korea Travel Vlog - Top Seoul Attractions

Roseanne Ducut is a Filipina solo female traveler of over 10 years from the Bay Area, California. She creates ultimate travel itineraries + vlogs inspired by the rich history and pop culture in Asia. A veghead for over 17 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.