Seoul, South Korea’s dynamic capital city is an absolute bucket list destination. From ancient palaces and bustling markets to cutting-edge architecture and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this metropolis. In fact, there’s so much to do that it can be quite overwhelming when it comes to sorting out your itinerary. So, today at Civitatis, we’re running through the top 10 things to do in Seoul. So strap yourself in and prepare to get inspired!

1. Take a Guided Tour of Seoul

You’ve made it! Your flight has touched down, you’ve made your way into the city centre and now you’re wondering what to do. One of the great things about Seoul is that it’s dead easy to make your way around the city, thanks to its well-planned pedestrian lanes and superb public transportation.

As you explore the city streets, you’ll come across a beautiful variety of old and new architecture, buzzing markets, iconic temples and much more. While it can be great fun to wander by yourself, for a deeper dive into the history and culture of the city, we recommend going on a guided tour of Seoul, accompanied by an expert guide. That way, you’ll hit the main landmarks/areas, and gain a deeper insight into what you’re seeing! Another great (and slightly quicker) way to get around the city is on this Seoul Sightseeing Bus, which brings you around all of the main spots in the city, allowing you to hop on and hop off as you please.

2. See the City from Above

Seoul is a great city to wander, though it’s also one known for its exceptionally beautiful skyline, which is perhaps best enjoyed from one of the city’s many incredible viewpoints. For the highest viewpoint, grab a ticket to the Seoul Sky viewpoint. This incredible feature is located on the 180th floor of the tallest building in Korea, and the 6th tallest in the world, Lotte World Towe, which measures a total of 554 metres (1820 ft). Ascend the building in the ‘ultra-fast’ elevator and enjoy superb views of the city skyline, Lotte World amusement park, and more!

While not quite as tall, with a ticket to N Seoul Tower, you can enjoy the city’s skyline without venturing as far out of the city centre. This 120-metre (400 ft) observation tower is more connected to the city itself, and also features various interesting light exhibitions and restaurants on the way up!

3. Learn about Korean History in Seoul’s Finest Museums

Seoul is home to an impressive array of museums that offer a deep dive into Korea’s rich culture and history. The National Museum of Korea is the obvious place to start, ranked as one of the top museums and galleries worldwide! Over three floors, you’ll learn all about Korean history, with pieces dating back to the Stone Age, all the way up until the modern era. The best part? Admission is free!

The National Folklore Museum is another must when you’re in Seoul. This excellent exhibition features a history of the Korean people, displaying objects which would have been used in everyday life by Korean people over time, providing a fascinating insight into the country’s history. You can discover it accompanied by an expert guide as part of this Full Day City Tour—however, please note that on a Tuesday, you’ll visit the Deoksugung Palace and the Museum of History instead, two other exhibitions which are well worth a visit!

4. Go up to the North Korean Border

A must for those interested in world politics is a visit to the border between North and South Korea. This border, known as the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) was established in 1953, at the conclusion of the Korean War. At the border, you’ll see barbed wire, guard posts and more, evidence of the ongoing tension between the two countries.

On this DMZ Tour from Seoul, you’ll enjoy a quick and easy bus journey to the border, and you’ll also get to enter the infiltration tunnel, dug as a means to cross the border undetected. Once you emerge from the tunnel, you’ll go to the Dora Observatory, a spot from which you can use telescopes to see the nearest North Korean town of Kijongdong, known by many as ‘Propaganda Village’. This tour will give you a really interesting insight into the complex relationship between these countries, and a rare visual of the mysterious North Korea.

5. Delve into Korean Cuisine

One of the main appeals of Seoul as a tourist destination is its absolutely exquisite cuisine which features a vibrant blend of flavours, colours, and textures, deeply rooted in tradition and history. Whether you’re in search of a fantastic traditional Korean barbecue or a wholesome bowl of Bibimbap; or, whether you want to eat in fancy restaurants or explore the city’s excellent street food options, you’re in for a treat!

We recommend embarking on this finger-licking Seoul food tour, during which you’ll explore Insadong Street, one of the city’s cultural hubs, and home to a fantastic variety of tea houses, restaurants and street food stalls. During the tour, you can stop off at a local restaurant and enjoy a full meal of traditional delicacies. If you’d like to learn the intricacies of these foods, and learn to cook them for yourself back home, definitely check out this Korean Cooking Class in Seoul. On this tour, you’ll get fresh ingredients from a bustling local market, before being shown by an expert chef some (seasonal) Korean specialities.

6. Delve into the World of Korean Martial Arts

Korea is truly known for so many different things, and martial arts (specifically, Taekwondo) is certainly one of them! This art of self-defence originated in Korea in the mid-1900s, though it has its roots in earlier forms of martial arts. Today, Taekwondo is a globally recognised martial art and Olympic sport that involves kicking, punching and mental discipline.

When you’re in Seoul, we recommend visiting a Dojang (training hall) so that you can gain an insight into the sport. You could even take a taekwondo class to learn about its philosophy, as well as some basic techniques.

7. Discover Seoul’s Nightlife at Hongdae

By night, Seoul’s streets come alive with neon lights, trendy bars and buzzing nightclubs. The most popular areas to go to include Hongdae, Itaewon and Gangnam, at each of which you’ll come across quality live music and discos, karaoke (known as noraebang) as well as late-night dining. If you’re into K-pop, you’ll find some fantastic bars and nightclubs which specialise in the genre.

To dip your toes into the nightlife scene, we recommend checking out our Seoul Pub Crawl. Depending on the day of the week, you’ll check out the best spots in either Itaewon or Hongdae, each of which is frequented by locals and tourists alike.

8. Wander Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll through traditional Korean houses (hanoks) set amidst the modern cityscape at Bukchon Hanok Village, which lies between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces. Here, you’ll feel as though you’re part of an old Korean drama, as you wander through the narrow, winding streets which have a stunning 600-year history. Enjoy this area’s stunning traditional architecture, charming tea houses and restaurants as well as cultural centres!

This area is fantastic to explore by yourself, but to experience it accompanied by an expert guide, have a look at our Seoul City Tour, which includes a stop in this neighbourhood’s historic streets.

9. Head to the Everland Amusement Park

For a fun-filled day, consider embarking on a day trip to Everland! South Korea’s largest amusement park, Everland features five themed zones: Global Fair, ZooTopia, European Adventure, Magic Land, and American Adventure. The park is known for its thrilling rides, including the T-Express, a wooden roller coaster with one of the steepest drops in the world. 

Everland also has a large zoo, beautiful gardens, and seasonal festivals, like the Tulip Festival in spring and the Halloween Festival in fall. It’s a must-visit for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking for a fun-filled day.

10. Go Shopping at Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Market in Seoul is a bustling shopping district known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive range of goods. Operating day and night, it’s a paradise for fashion enthusiasts, with over 20 shopping malls and thousands of stores offering everything from the latest clothing trends to accessories, fabrics, and textiles.

The market is also famous for its wholesale offerings, making it a hotspot for both retailers and bargain hunters. Beyond fashion, Dongdaemun has a rich culinary scene, with street food stalls and restaurants serving Korean delicacies. The market’s energy and variety make it a must-visit for shoppers and foodies alike.
There you have it! Those are our top 10 things to do in Seoul. If you’ve any more ideas for us, be sure to leave them in the comments below! If you’re booking your trip, check out more tours & activities in Seoul with Civitatis.