23 best things to do in Seoul
Ranked by how often travelers include them in real TravBuddy trips — with costs, timings and tips.
The top things to do in Seoul include Namsangol Hanok Village, Lotte World, Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, plus 20 more. Each stop below is rated by real travelers and drawn from actual TravBuddy itineraries, so you see what people genuinely spend time on — not a generic list.
1.Namsangol Hanok Village
4.4Historic Site10,218 reviews~50009:30 AMVisit Namsangol Hanok Village, an open-air museum showcasing five traditional Korean houses from different social classes. It often hosts cultural performances and activities.
Tip: Participate in cultural activities like traditional games or crafts if available. It's less crowded than Bukchon, offering a more serene experience.
2.Lotte World
4.3Amusement Park48,256 reviews~12012:00 PMSpend your day at Lotte World, a major recreation complex featuring a thrilling indoor theme park, an outdoor amusement park 'Magic Island,' and a folk museum. It's a staple of modern Korean entertainment.
Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and sometimes money.
3.Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
4.3Historic Site8,208 reviews~50011:00 AMWander through the narrow, bustling streets of Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, famous for its beautifully renovated traditional houses now housing trendy cafes, unique shops, and delicious restaurants. It's a fantastic blend of old and new.
Tip: Wander through the narrow alleyways and discover unique shops and cafes.
4.Seoul Forest Park
4.6Park10,587 reviews~50010:00 AMUnwind at Seoul Forest Park, a large urban park often referred to as 'Seoul's Central Park'. It offers diverse facilities including an eco-forest, cultural art park, and riverside park.
Tip: Rent bikes to explore the extensive park more efficiently.
5.Myeongdong Shopping Street
4.3Shopping District1,142 reviews~7010:00 AMDo some last-minute souvenir shopping or simply enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Myeongdong, a popular shopping district known for cosmetics, fashion, and street food.
Tip: Look out for free samples from cosmetic stores and try some unique street snacks.
6.National Museum of Korea
4.7Museum28,100 reviews~20010:00 AMExplore the rich history and art of Korea at its largest museum, housing an extensive collection of artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era. Essential for understanding Korean culture.
Tip: Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the vast collection.
7.Namdaemun Market
4.2Market28,026 reviews~4001:00 PMExplore Namdaemun Market, one of Seoul's oldest and largest traditional markets. Here you can find a vast array of goods, from clothing and household items to food and handicrafts at bargain prices.
Tip: This market is a great spot to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
8.Coex Mall
4.3Shopping Mall24,507 reviews~7004:30 PMExplore Coex Mall, one of Asia's largest underground shopping malls, featuring a wide range of international and domestic brands, as well as the famous Starfield Library.
Tip: Don't miss visiting the stunning Starfield Library within the mall.
9.Insadong Street
4.3Shopping Street13,527 reviews~5010:00 AMWander through Insadong Street, famous for its traditional Korean culture, art, and crafts. Here you can find unique souvenirs, traditional teas, ceramics, and hanbok (traditional clothing).
Tip: Many shops here ship internationally if you find larger items.
10.Coex Aquarium
4.4Aquarium11,830 reviews~3004:00 PMSpend your afternoon exploring the diverse marine life at the Coex Aquarium, located within the Coex Mall. It's a fascinating and relaxing experience before the evening's festivities.
Tip: Don't miss the unique themed tanks, including the 'Aqua Gallery' and 'Deep Blue Square'.
11.Hongdae Street Performances & Shopping
4.3Street10,026 reviews~2007:00 PMImmerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Hongdae. Enjoy street performers, browse unique shops, and soak in the youthful energy before heading to the clubs.
Tip: Many street performers gather near Hongik University Station, offering free entertainment.
12.Myeongdong Night Market
4.4Street Market6,528 reviews~2009:30 PMImmerse yourselves in the bustling Myeongdong Night Market, famous for its street food, cosmetics, and trendy fashion. It's a vibrant hub of activity that truly comes alive after dark.
Tip: Be prepared for crowds and try a variety of street food snacks.
13.Starfield Library (ai_suggested)
4.6Library5,599 reviews~20010:00 AMImmerse yourselves in the architectural wonder of Starfield Library, a massive public library located within a shopping mall. Its towering bookshelves and modern design make it a photographer's dream and a perfect spot for relaxation.
Tip: Head to COEX Mall to find this impressive library.
14.Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center
4.1Shopping4,659 reviews~5005:00 PMIndulge in some last-minute shopping at Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center, known for its trendy fashion, cosmetics, and accessories at reasonable prices.
Tip: Be prepared for a wide variety of shops and a bustling atmosphere; it's a great spot for souvenirs.
15.Gangnam Underground Shopping Center
4.3Shopping Mall2,480 reviews~6010:30 AMBegin your day at the Gangnam Underground Shopping Center, a fantastic place to find trendy clothing, accessories, and cosmetics at more affordable prices compared to the street-level boutiques.
Tip: It's directly connected to Gangnam Station, making it easily accessible.
16.D Museum (ai_suggested)
4.3Museum2,390 reviews~1001:00 PMVisit D Museum, a contemporary art museum known for its immersive and visually stunning exhibitions. It offers a fresh perspective on art and design, perfectly aligning with a modern aesthetic.
Tip: Check their website for current exhibitions and opening hours before your visit.
17.Dongdaemun Market
4.2Market2,380 reviews~5006:30 PMImmerse yourself in the bustling Dongdaemun Market, a massive shopping district offering everything from clothing and textiles to accessories and souvenirs. It's a fantastic place for late-night shopping.
Tip: Be prepared to haggle for the best prices, especially in the smaller stalls.
18.Samcheong-dong Street
4.3Shopping Street2,149 reviews~6003:00 PMDiscover Samcheong-dong Street, an artistic and bohemian neighborhood filled with small boutiques, independent art galleries, and charming cafes. It's perfect for finding unique fashion and gifts.
Tip: Many of the shops here offer one-of-a-kind items not found elsewhere.
19.Ewha Womans University Fashion Street (ai_suggested)
4.6Shopping District1,439 reviews~1,00011:00 AMExplore the trendy fashion street around Ewha Womans University, known for its affordable and stylish clothing, accessories, and cosmetics targeting a younger demographic. It's a bustling area reflecting modern Korean fashion.
Tip: Look for unique boutiques and local designers.
20.K-Pop Merchandise Shopping
4.7Shopping1,278 reviews~7004:00 PMDive into the world of K-Pop by visiting stores dedicated to K-Pop merchandise in areas like Hongdae or Myeongdong. Find albums, lightsticks, apparel, and fan goods.
Tip: Many official stores offer exclusive merchandise, so research your favorite groups beforehand.
21.Gangnam Style Road
4.1Street Art916 reviews~20010:00 AMWalk along the 'K-Star Road' in Gangnam, featuring art toys and sculptures dedicated to famous K-pop groups. It's a fun photo opportunity for K-pop fans.
Tip: Look for the giant 'Gangnam Style' hands sculpture for an iconic photo.
22.Korean Cooking Class
5.0Cooking Class431 reviews~7003:00 PMImmerse yourself in Korean culinary culture by taking a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare popular dishes like Bibimbap or Kimchi, and enjoy the fruits of your labor for dinner.
Tip: Look for classes that include a market tour to learn about local ingredients. Book in advance as popular classes fill up quickly.
23.Garosu-gil Road
4.3Shopping Street298 reviews~8001:00 PMStroll down Garosu-gil Road, a tree-lined street known for its upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, art galleries, and designer shops. It's a fashionable area perfect for unique finds.
Tip: This is a great spot for window shopping and people-watching.
Things to do in Seoul: quick questions
What are the top things to do in Seoul?+
Top experiences in Seoul include Lotte World, Myeongdong Shopping Street, National Museum of Korea, Namdaemun Market.
What are some offbeat places to visit in Seoul?+
Beyond the usual spots, travellers in Seoul also visit Seoul Forest Park, Namsangol Hanok Village.
Where should you eat in Seoul?+
Popular places to eat in Seoul include Gwangjang Market Food Tour, Myeongdong Street Food Alley.
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Plan my Seoul tripRanked from 23 places that appear across real TravBuddy trips to Seoul and traveler ratings. Entry fees and timings change — confirm ahead for closures.