What to do in Seoul

Activities, attractions and tours

A modern building with a circular glass facade and a large circular structure in front.
A busy street with a brick building labeled "NeJ" and a "seaTree" store.
A modern building with a distinctive curved roof and purple lighting, situated by a waterfront with a city skyline in the background.
An aerial view of a city with dense urban buildings, a large green park, and a theme park with roller coasters and a lake.
A busy urban street lined with various shops and restaurants, including Starbucks and 7-Eleven.

Things to do

DMZ sign in seoul

DMZ Tour including Hotel Pick up

฿1,279
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
DMZ Tour including Hotel Pick up
DMZ Tour: Exclusive North Korean Defector Talk +Suspension Bridge

DMZ Tour from Seoul: 3rd Tunnel, Dora Observatory & Defector Talk

฿1,241
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
DMZ Tour from Seoul: 3rd Tunnel, Dora Observatory & Defector Talk
Seoul: Nighttime Hidden Gems Walking Tour

Seoul: Nighttime Hidden Gems Walking Tour

฿1,082
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Seoul: Nighttime Hidden Gems Walking Tour
Seoul: DMZ Tour with Optional Suspension Bridge and Gondola

Seoul: DMZ Tour with JSA Museum Defector & Red Bridge Option

฿1,476
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Seoul: DMZ Tour with JSA Museum Defector & Red Bridge Option
Hyangwonjeon Pavilion at Gyeongbok Palace on our Best Seoul City Tour

Best Seoul City Tour (Gyeongbokgung Palace,Insadong,Namsan Tower)

฿984
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Best Seoul City Tour (Gyeongbokgung Palace,Insadong,Namsan Tower)
Seoul: Traditional Korean Royal Music Performance JINYEON

Seoul:Traditional Korean Royal Perfomance Experience JINYEON

฿1,539
per adult
Seoul:Traditional Korean Royal Perfomance Experience JINYEON
friends photo

N Seoul Tower Hanbok Rental

฿1,048
per adult
N Seoul Tower Hanbok Rental
Making a traditional notebook & naming on it in Hangeul in Seoul

Create a Handmade Traditional Korean Notebook in Insadong

฿1,421
per adult
Create a Handmade Traditional Korean Notebook in Insadong
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Top places to visit

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul is a relatively modern city, but Gyeongbok Palace is one of the exceptions. The palace was originally built in 1395 and, as home to the Joseon Dynasty, was one of the most important places in the country. Today, almost half of it has been restored to its former glory and serves as an example of traditional Korean culture.
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A traditional Korean gate with intricate designs and multiple levels, set against a backdrop of lush green mountains.

2. Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun is comprised of over 10,000 stores, stalls and vendors. Here you can buy anything from fishing gear to stationery, clothes and children’s toys. Even if you’re not looking to spend, Namdaemun is a colorful place to explore and soak up Korean culture. Mingle with locals doing their shopping, taste traditional food from street stalls and pick up souvenirs to take home.
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A busy market street with numerous flags and signs in various languages.

3. Dongdaemun History and Culture Park

To cover Dongdaemun Market in a week, let alone a day, is virtually impossible. The commercial district is made up of about 26 malls, 30,000 stores and 50,000 manufacturers, all spread over 10 city blocks. You can find almost anything you need here, including fabrics and jewelry, sporting goods and toys. Discount fashion items are a specialty, and both locals and tourists come here to buy clothes.
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A busy urban street at night with illuminated signs in multiple languages, including English and Korean.

4. Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower is a contemporary entertainment, retail and residential skyscraper. Discover floor upon floor of brand-name and luxury fashion outlets. Get close to exotic marine life, browse displays of artwork and attend classical music concerts. Lotte World Tower also offers some of the best views of Seoul from its observation deck.
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A cityscape at night with illuminated buildings, a prominent tower, and a river.

5. COEX Convention and Exhibition Center

On any given day, the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center on the World Trade Center Site Seoul may be hosting a conference about new technologies, a trade fair, an exhibition, a political summit, a theater show, or a lavish wedding or cultural festival. This events space also excels in business tourism and hosts a range of attractions and easy links to public transportation.
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A modern glass building with the 'coex' logo.

6. Gwanghwamun

Gwanghwamun Square with its iconic gate provides instant immersion in the history and culture of the Korean peninsula. The area has much to offer for people of all ages. Even if the weather is not perfect, the place always presents a fascinating appearance. Statues, a palace, modern architecture and a distant mountain come together to provide a pleasant synergy.
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A traditional Korean palace with a multi-tiered roof, stone pathways, and a mountainous backdrop.

What to do in Seoul

Stay near popular Seoul attractions

A bustling urban street at night with illuminated storefronts and a crowd of people.

Myeongdong Street

8.6/10 (5,537 reviews)
Seoul's premier shopping district dazzles with international brands, local fashion, and Korean cosmetics. Wander through vibrant streets at dusk, sampling authentic street food while neon signs illuminate your path.
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Where to stay in Seoul

Find the best Seoul areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Seoul
Learn more about Seoul
A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings, a river, and multiple bridges.

Hongdae

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Hongdae. Spend some time visiting top spots like Gyeongui Line Forest Park, and catch the metro at Hongik University Station or Mangwon Station to see more of the area.

A street decorated with colorful paper flowers.

Insa-dong

Insa-dong is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Insa-dong and Alive Museum Insadong while in the area.

A statue with a pagoda-like roof, surrounded by vibrant flowers and a cityscape in the background.

Gangnam-gu

Gangnam-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like COEX Convention and Exhibition Center and Starfield COEX Mall. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Cheongdam Station or Gangnam-gu Office Station.

A cityscape with a prominent mountain in the background and a tall tower on top.

Itaewon 2-dong

If you're spending some time in Itaewon 2-dong, Itaewon Antique Furniture Street and Namsan Botanical Garden are top sights worth seeing.

Traditional Korean architecture with tiled roofs and wooden structures, set against a backdrop of modern buildings and a mountain.

Samcheong-dong

You'll enjoy the museums and cafes in Samcheong-dong. You might want to make time for a stop at Bukchon Hanok Village or Blue House.

Day trip destinations from Seoul

A cityscape at dusk with illuminated buildings and a lit bridge over a river.

Incheon

A cityscape with high-rise buildings, a river, and a sunset sky.

Bucheon

A stone wall, a traditional Korean pavilion, and a signboard in a park.

Seongnam

A traditional Korean pavilion, a red building, and a stone pathway in a park with a hill and trees.

Guri

A cityscape at dusk with illuminated buildings and mountains in the background.

Anyang

A mountainous landscape with a city in the valley.

Uijeongbu

A large, modern train station with multiple tracks and a covered roof structure.

Gwangmyeong

A serene lake with a wooden bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and modern high-rise buildings in the background.

Goyang

Frequently asked questions

Is Seoul worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Seoul is explore Myeongdong Street. Check this major sight off your list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Seoul?
After you've checked off key attractions like Myeongdong Street and Lotte World Tower, spend the rest of your day discovering Seoul's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Seoul?
You can't leave without exploring Myeongdong Street, rated the top tourist attraction in Seoul.
Is three days enough to stay in Seoul?
Three days in Seoul is enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many guests spend three days on average. Myeongdong Street, Namsan Cable Car and Seoul National University Hospital are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Incheon.
Is Seoul a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Seoul, such as Myeongdong Street and Namsan Cable Car, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Seoul is Jung-gu and Myeong-dong is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Seoul with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Seoul with kids.
What to do in Seoul for adults?
Garosu-gil and Itawon Street are just a couple of the things to do in Seoul. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Seoul?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Seoul is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Myeongdong Street is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.