Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is known for its lively atmosphere, diverse food scene, and advanced beauty industry.
Whether you’re visiting to explore ancient palaces, shop in the busy markets, or experience its nightlife, Seoul has something for every traveler to do. Its efficient public transportation system also makes it easy to get around, allowing you to explore the city with ease.
◇ Tip: We recommend getting a T-money card at the airport or any station. You can use this rechargeable card on buses and trains.
Things to do in Seoul:
- Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Shop in Myeongdong
- Visit Hongdae
- Explore Popular Villages
- Experience Korean Beauty
⇨ Learn more about activities to do in Seoul.
Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main royal palace, built over 600 years ago.
We arrived early and spent a few hours exploring the grounds of the palace, as there is so much to see. Many visitors rent traditional Hanbok clothing to wear to the palace and the nearby towns.
These often add to the experience and make for great pictures. We opted out of doing it ourselves; however, we really enjoyed seeing others immerse themselves in the culture. This made the experience feel even more authentic—almost as if we had stepped back in time.
◇ Tip: If you dress in the traditional Hanbok clothing to the palace, your entrance fee is waived.
Note: The guard-changing ceremony is a popular tradition. We recommend planning ahead by checking the schedule so you don’t miss it, as it’s only performed a few times per day.
⇨ Click here to learn more about guided tours.
Shop in Myeongdong
Myeongdong is one of Seouls most popular neighborhoods.
It’s the perfect place for those looking to shop. Whether you’re searching for luxury brands or the cheapest souvenirs in town, this area has it all. Including the most popular K-pop stores and endless Korean beauty shops.
◇ Tip: Be sure to stop by one of the many beauty stores to pick up skincare products.
We stayed nearby and explored this part of town quite a bit during our stay. The alleyways are also lined with restaurants, some of which are Michelin-starred yet surprisingly affordable.
We tried Myeongdong Gyoza and loved both the experience and the food. It was our first Michelin restaurant, and we were impressed by the small yet delicious menu and the most efficient service in town.
Myeongdong is also vibrant at night, with billboards and clothing stores lighting up the alleyways. We highly recommend visiting in the evening to experience the busy streets and night market. It is a great opportunity to try authentic Korean street food!
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Visit Hongdae
Hongdae is a lively neighborhood known for its artistic vibe and nightlife.
It is located near a major art university, making it the perfect hangout spot for students. We visited the area twice—once during the day and again at night with a local friend—and enjoyed experiencing the contrast in atmosphere. As expected, it was much quieter and more relaxed during the day, and livelier and more vibrant at night.
We spent time walking around town, exploring a four-story arcade, and trying delicious food like Gimbap (which is similar to a cooked sushi). We also had lunch at a traditional Korean BBQ, served a la carte, and the food was incredible. This is a must-try if you’re not vegan or vegetarian while exploring Seoul.
◇ Note: Most a la carte Korean BBQ restaurants require you to pay for each round of meat ordered, but the salad bar is often all-you-can-eat.
Explore Popular Villages
1. Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
It’s an area where a small traditional village was transformed into cafés and shops. The perfect place to spend an afternoon, getting lost in the alleys, and enjoying some of Korea’s well-known cafés. We visited a highly recommended place, Cheongsudang Bakery, and were blown away. The cheesecake and matcha drinks were incredible—not only in taste but also in presentation.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
A historic neighborhood where locals continue to live in traditional Korean homes. We spent part of the afternoon walking around and soaking in the beautiful architecture. The area also has a few souvenir shops and restaurants, a great pit stop during your stay in Seoul.
⇨ Check out Seoul’s most popular excursion.
Experience Korean Beauty
Korea is known worldwide for its advanced beauty procedures, spas, and products.
We did a bit of shopping at Olive Young and spent part of a day at AQUAFIELD Goyang, a traditional Korean spa recommended by our local friend. The spa experience was amazing! With various thermal baths, cold plunges, and saunas, it was the perfect way to end our time in Seoul.
Seoul is a diverse city with so much to offer.
Whether you’re exploring palaces, wandering through traditional villages, or unwinding at a spa, Seoul will leave you wanting to come back for more.
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Disclaimer: All the information shared is based on our research and experiences. Please note that we are not travel consultants, tour guides, or financial advisors and are not held liable for any misinformation. We give suggestions, but advise each person to do their own research and make the decision that best suits them. This blog posts also contains affiliate links, by using the links we provide you are helping us at no additional cost to you. Photos on this page belong strictly to The Traveler In Us and are not allowed to be saved or used for any reason unless granted permission so by the owners.
