13 must-try experiences in Seoul, South Korea

For a cutting-edge city brimming with sleek skyscrapers, historic palaces, delicious street food, lively shopping areas, and more, make your way to Seoul.

Whether you're eager to catch the newest K-Pop act, embark on a late-night food and drink adventure, or seek tranquility in a spa or temple, this city has something for everyone at all hours. Here are the top attractions in South Korea’s vibrant capital.

1. Savor street food at Gwangjang Market

Street food is a favorite in Seoul, known for its bold flavors, diverse options, and wallet-friendly prices, and there’s no better place to experience it than at Gwangjang Market. Established in the early 1900s, this indoor market has earned its reputation among food enthusiasts as one of the best spots for street snacks in the country.

Tip for your visit: Begin with a serving of tteokbokki (spicy stir-fried rice cakes), followed by some mandu (Korean dumplings) and a pajeon (savory green onion pancake). For dessert, indulge in hotteok (a pancake stuffed with brown sugar and cinnamon) or bungeoppang (a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste). Then feel free to repeat the experience!

2. Experience history at Gyeongbokgung Palace

If you can visit only one site in Seoul, make it the breathtaking Gyeongbokgung Palace, with its stunning architecture, tranquil pagodas, and winding grounds. Initially constructed during the esteemed Joseon Dynasty in the 14th century, the palace faced destruction in the 16th-century Imjin War but was reconstructed in the 18th century. Gyeongbokgung stands as the grandest and most exquisite of Seoul’s five royal palaces.

Tip for your visit: Catch the ceremonial changing of the Royal Guard at the grand Gwanghwamun Gate before wandering the grounds to enjoy the stunning hip-and-gable architecture, peaceful ponds, and blooming cherry trees. Conclude your visit at the National Folk Museum of Korea, located within the palace grounds and showcasing exhibits on traditional Korean culture.

3. Take a walk along Cheong-gye-cheon Stream

During the hot summer, there’s nothing quite like a stroll along the Cheong-gye-cheon Stream. This stunning oasis stretches nearly 11km (7 miles) through the heart of central Seoul, lined with walking paths, trees, and bridges. Originally covered by an elevated highway post-Korean War, the stream was revitalized in 2005 through an urban renewal project, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking a cool retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

4. Shop the latest fashions in Myeong-dong

Prepare to swipe your credit card for an exciting afternoon in Seoul’s most famous shopping area. Myeong-dong is well-known for its trendy fashion boutiques, upscale department stores, and cosmetic shops brimming with popular K-beauty products. After stocking up on face masks and moisturizers at Olive Young, innisfree, and Etude House, don’t miss the Myeong-dong Night Market for unique souvenirs and traditional street food.

This area features some of Seoul’s most charming cafes, with the Pink Pool Cafe at the Stylenanda Pink Hotel flagship being the ultimate visual treat. This pastel-hued spot exudes an ice cream parlor atmosphere, complete with an indoor ornamental pool and delightful art decor, making it a favorite for photo enthusiasts.

5. Dive into a jjimjilbang

In Seoul, bathing is not just about cleanliness; it’s a vibrant social experience. Locals frequent bathhouses, known as jjimjilbang, with friends and family, usually once a week. These facilities can vary from small places with just a few dipping pools to sprawling aquatic complexes featuring multiple pools, cafes, saunas, relaxation rooms, gyms, spas, and even arcades.

For newcomers, it’s important to know that bathhouse etiquette involves nudity, and some locations may have restrictions on patrons with tattoos. Once you’re comfortable, enjoy the hot and cold pools, relax in the sauna, and consider indulging in a traditional full-body scrub for a rejuvenating experience.

Tip for your visit: The female-only Spa Lei is popular for its sophisticated ambiance and revitalizing massages.

6. Hike through Bukhansan National Park

Bukhansan National Park holds the Guinness World Record for being “the most visited national park per unit area,” a fact that’s easy to appreciate given its proximity to the city and accessibility via public transportation. On weekends, it’s common to spot energetic Koreans dressed in colorful hiking attire riding the subway.

Spanning 80 sq km (31 sq miles), Bukhansan boasts rugged peaks, numerous hiking trails, historic temples, and over 1300 species of flora and fauna. The rewarding 5-hour round-trip hike to the summit of Bukhansan, standing at 836m (2744ft), offers breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul stretching out in every direction.

7. Sing your heart out at a noraebang

Stroll through any bustling street in the university areas on a Friday or Saturday night, and you’re bound to hear cheerful singing echoing in the air. It’s likely not an unexpected K-Pop band, but rather the lively fun of karaoke in a noraebang (singing room). This beloved late-night activity features private rooms equipped with large TVs, extensive song lists, and even disco balls or musical instruments to enhance the experience. Add room service with snacks and cocktails, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fantastic night out.

8. Enjoy traditional Korean drinks: soju and makgeolli

The classic Korean drinks soju and makgeolli have been crafted since the 13th century and are the most popular beverages in this spirited country. Soju even holds the title of the world’s best-selling spirit, likely due to its affordable price—often less than a bottle of water.

While artisanal distilleries like Samhae Soju and Hangang Brewery produce upscale versions, the most familiar brands, such as Jinro and Seoul Makgeolli, are readily enjoyed at picnic tables outside convenience stores throughout the city.

Tip for newcomers: If you're exploring Korean alcoholic beverages, don't miss the Sool Company, which hosts tasting tours, brewing classes, and special events.

9. Discover K-Pop on K-Star Road

You may know about Hollywood's Walk of Fame, but did you realize that Seoul's chic Gangnam district boasts its own avenue dedicated to K-Pop stars? Rather than sidewalk stars, K-Star Road is lined with 3-meter-tall (10-foot) statues of cartoon bears known as GangnamDols, each uniquely designed to represent a different K-Pop group or artist, including Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, and BTS.

Tip for visitors: After snapping some photos with your favorite bear sculptures, stop by the GangnamDol Haus near the Apgujeong Rodeo subway station to grab a few mini bears as mementos.

10. Experience life at a temple alongside the monks

A stunning sight awaits at the 8th-century Bongeun-sa Temple in Gangnam, where a massive Buddha statue overlooks modern skyscrapers. While many tourists come merely to capture a quick photo, you have the opportunity to engage in the daily life of the monks. Spend a weekend enjoying vegetarian meals, participating in morning chants, meditating, and even practicing the 108 daily prostrations, all designed to help you find clarity and inner tranquility.

Tip for travelers: Temple-stay experiences are available not only at Bongeun-sa but at various temples across Seoul as well.

11. Stay overnight in Bukchon Hanok Village

With their gracefully sloping roofs, intricate tiles, and vibrant dancheong (detailed paintwork beneath the eaves), traditional Korean houses, known as hanok, exude charm. Nestled between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces is Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic area featuring hundreds of picturesque hanok that often serve as settings for period films and television series.

Tip for visitors: The village offers cafes, teahouses, museums, and shops, but it also includes several hanoks transformed into guesthouses where guests can experience sleeping on traditional ondol heated floors, wandering through courtyards filled with kimchi pots, and gaining insight into life in old Seoul.

12. Enjoy panoramic views from N Seoul Tower

Perched atop Nam Mountain, N Seoul Tower is a broadcasting tower established in 1969 that soars 239m (784ft) into the skyline. While it still serves as a transmission hub, its primary draw now is the observation deck that provides stunning 360-degree views of the city. The tower also features several dining options, including an elegant rotating restaurant offering French cuisine.

Travel tip: You can access the tower by taking the Namsan Cable Car or by hiking along the winding trails through Namsan Park to reach the summit.

13. Embark on a day trip to the DMZ

As one of the top excursions from Seoul, a journey to the northern border offers an unforgettable experience on the Korean peninsula. The 250km (160-mile) stretch known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) ranks among the world's most heavily guarded frontiers.

Various tour companies, including the well-known DMZ Tours, provide curious travelers with opportunities to visit the border area, where you can gaze into North Korea from Dora Observatory, investigate the Third Infiltration Tunnel (originally excavated by North Korean forces), and even step into North Korea at the Joint Security Area. Additionally, the DMZ Peace Train operated by KORAIL transports passengers from Seoul Station to Dorasan Station, the final stop before entering the Hermit Kingdom.