Seoul is the capital city of South Korea. It is filled with historical palaces, exquisite food, and a stunning array of Korean Beauty Products. Seoul contains five of South Korea’s twelve UNESCO World Heritage sites. Best of all, wifi is available in many public spaces throughout the city!
Where to Stay
Make sure to stay near the Myeongdong area. It is centrally located and has easy access to all other parts of Seoul. The Myeongdong area is also the central shopping area where there is an abundance of K-Beauty Products and cute little cafes.
We stayed at Hotel Aropa. It was very centrally located near city hall, the Myeongdong shopping area, and around the corner from a metro stop. We couldn’t believe what a deal we got for $64/night!
What to See
Attend a Baseball Game: If it is baseball season, don’t miss out on a baseball game at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium. It is a unique experience and quite different from American baseball. Each player has their own at-bat song, and there are cheerleaders and a DJ!
Go for a Bike Ride: Seoul has various places around the city where you can check out bikes for free!!
The Blue House: The Korean version of the White House. It is the residence of the South Korean head of state and acts as their offices as well.
Bukchon Hanok Village: An area full of traditional Hanok homes and a traditional Korea village. Take time to stroll through the streets.
Changdeokgung Palace: The second royal palace in Seoul.
Changgyeonggung Palace and Secret Garden: This palace served as the residential quarters for the queens. Don’t miss the tour of the secret garden at the back of the palace.
Cheonggyecheon Stream: This is a great place to take a midday stroll. It is very peaceful and relaxing along the stream.
Deoksugung Palace: The only palace that sits in the middle of modern day buildings.
Gyeongbokgung Palace: The northernmost and largest of the 5 Korea palaces.
Jongmyo Shrine: A former Confucian place of worship for the kings. This is one of the oldest royal shrines.
Lotte World: Lotte World is the world’s largest indoor theme park. There is also a large outdoor area. The facility also contains an ice rink, a shopping mall, a luxury hotel, and many other activities to enjoy. The largest mall in South Korea, the Times Square Mall, is also part of this complex.
Namsan Park: Offers gorgeous views of Seoul. You can choose to hike up to the top or take a bus. Seoul
Old City Wall of Seoul: Various parts of the old city wall stand around the city. Walking trails follow the side of the wall.
Seoul Olympic Park (Olpark): The site of the 1988 Olympics. It is now a large outdoor recreation area perfect for riding bikes or taking a stroll. The area also contains a sporting venue.
Seoul Tower: Offers great views of the city. You can either hike up the mountain or take a bus to the top. It is located in Namsan Park.
Trick Eye Museum/Ice Museum: For an afternoon of fun, wander through the trick eye museum to take some silly pictures. After visiting the Trick Eye Museum, check out the Ice Museum where everything is made of ice. Be sure to bring a jacket.
War Memorial of Korea: This museum talks about this history of the Korean war as well as give insight into some of the other wars Korea has fought in. It is also free to get in!
Where to take your Lunch Break
The Hongdae area in Seoul has a ton of major food joints! Make sure to check out the best places to eat in Hongdae here.
Isaac Toast: This is a great filling place for breakfast. It is a quick-service place, but very popular with the locals, so be prepared to stand in line for a bit.
Korean BBQ: You must have Korean BBQ at least once when in South Korea. All the places we tried were great and all a little bit different. They are everywhere, so you should have no problem finding a restaurant.
Mokmyeoksanbang: Michelin starred bibimbap. Bibimbap is a series of toppings mixed with rice. You choose what kind of meat you want and what to mix in with it.
Myeongdong: This area has lots of different street food. You can get things from dumplings to 15-inch ice cream cones.
Myeongdong Kyoja: This place serves only 4 dishes. Dumplings, dumpling noodle soup, spicy noodle soup, and noodle soup.
Outdark: Chicken and beer is a traditional meal in South Korea. Make sure to try their garlic chicken.
Pizza Iconic: A local pizza shop near Myeongdong if you are feeling the need for carbs.
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7 thoughts on “Things to Do in Seoul”
Amazing guide! Perfect as we are travelling to South Korea in July!
I would never have thought about going to a baseball game in Asia, thanks for this suggestions. Mouth-watering food options looking really good right now, after 7 weeks in Morocco I’m tired of tajine…. Heading to Asia later this year, so will keep all this in mind!
I miss Seoul! Definitely need to visit again. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
– Kelsey
throughkelseyslens.com
I visited Seoul in December so it was freezing. I need to go back when it is warmer, I would love to explore the Olympic Park.
Great guide! I’m headed over this way in a few months so definitely adding a few of these spots to my list of things to do! Especially love the photo of the traditional dress!
All that food had me drooling. That michelin starred Bibinbap….mmmm
Excellent guide! Looks like a great place to visit and the food looks amazing!!