The capital of South Korea is one of the most exciting cities in Asia, with a thriving K-Pop scene, low-cost beauty salons, and late-night norebang (karaoke) bars. Come for a few days and you’ll find a mix of traditional and modern thrills, as well as a plethora of attractions and sites to explore.
The order/number on the list does not indicate rating or ranking; all are equivalently ranked as must-see places or attractions in Seoul, Korea.
15 Places or Attractions to Visit in Seoul, Korea
- 1. Everland
- 2. Lotte World
- 3. N Seoul Tower
- 4. Bukchon Hanok Village
- 5. Gyeongbokgung Palace
- 6. Changdeokgung Palace
- 7. Bukhansan National Park
- 8. Gwangjang Market
- 9. Leeum Museum of Art
- 10. Hongdae Street
- 11. Deoksugung Palace
- 12. Gwanghwamun Square
- 13. Cheonggyecheon Stream
- 14. Namdaemun Market
- 15. National Museum of Korea
1. Everland
Credit: Google maps
Everland, South Korea’s largest theme park, features thrilling rides and a zoo, among other attractions. If you are visiting Seoul with children, it is highly recommended that you visit this area. It’s also worth noting that there are a number of annual festivals, including Tulip, Rose, and Summer Water. Even if you don’t like scary rides, this is a great place for couples and families.
Location: Gyeonggi-do, Yongin-si, Cheoin-gu, Pogog-eup, Everland-ro, 199 South Korea
Entry Fee: Adults, ₩52,000; Children, ₩42,000
Subway: Jeondae-Everland (Yongin EverLine, Exit 3)
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 10am – 10pm
2. Lotte World
Credit: Google maps
Lotte World, the world’s largest indoor theme park, attracts more than 7 million visitors each year. Seasonal festivals, such as the Rio Samba Carnival and the Happy Christmas Party, inspire daily parades and performances. Throughout the day, guests are kept entertained by a variety of indoor and outdoor rides. An ice rink, an elevated monorail system, a folk museum, and a plethora of shopping are also available.
Location: 240 Olympic-ro, Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Subway: Jamsil (Line 2, 8; Exit 4)
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday 10.30am – 8pm; Friday – Sunday 10.30am – 8.30pm
3. N Seoul Tower
Credit: Google maps
The N Seoul Tower, a symbol of Seoul, was built at the city’s highest point to provide a panoramic view of the city’s most beautiful images. Furthermore, the metropolitan area is served by Korea’s first general radio wave tower, which was built in 1969. Thanks to the latest LED technology lighting that constantly changes colours and patterns, it has evolved into a form of ‘light art’ that combines various media art with an unusual cultural art experience.
Location: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Bus: Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus (numbers 02 and 04)
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 10am – 11pm; Saturday 10am – 12am
4. Bukchon Hanok Village
Credit: Google maps
Bukchon Hanok is a historically significant traditional Korean village in Seoul, located between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeok Palace, and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The traditional village is comprised of many alleys and hanok. It was preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. It is now used as a traditional culture centre and hanok restaurant, giving visitors a taste of the Joseon Dynasty’s atmosphere.
Location: Jongno-gu, Gahoe-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Entry Fee: Free
Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 1 or 2)
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
5. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Credit: Google maps
Gyeongbokgung Palace’s courtyard is well-lit. Despite the shadows of unsure tourists, the palace’s grandeur is highlighted. The largest and most well-known of the five palaces is Gyeongbokgung, also known as the “Northern Palace.” While a visit to such a popular destination may be lacking in originality, keep in mind that the 1395 structure is also one of the most representative of the Joseon Dynasty.
Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Entry fee: Adults, ₩3,000; Youths, ₩1,500
Subway: Gyeongbokgung Palace (Line 3, Exit 5)
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 9am – 6pm; Tuesday closed
6. Changdeokgung Palace
Credit: Google maps
Changdeokgung Palace, the best preserved of the palaces, was the preferred palace of Joseon princes and a personal favourite of Seoul residents. Changdeokgung makes an impression despite being small and quiet due to its natural integration into the surrounding landscape. Even the most jaded visitor is taken aback by Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden. The garden’s waters, which were originally reserved for the king alone, reflect the colours of the surrounding pavilions.
Location: 99 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Entry Fee: Adults, ₩3,000; Youths, ₩1,500
Subway: Anguk (Line 3)
Operating hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9am – 5pm; Closed on Monday
7. Bukhansan National Park
Credit: Google maps
South Korea is only the size of the US state of Kentucky, but it has 22 national parks. Bukhansan, located just outside of Seoul, is one of these. It is ideal for leisurely hikers: climb the lush Bukhansan Mountain at your own pace to discover an incredible view of the city.
Location: 262 Bogukmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Entry Fee: Free
Subway: Dobongsan Station (line 1/7, exit 1)
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 4am – 5pm
8. Gwangjang Market
Credit: Google maps
Gwangjang Market, Seoul’s oldest traditional market, was founded over a century ago. You’ll find a variety of fresh food here, and if the thought makes you sick, we’re sorry because this is where most people go for their stomachs’ sake.
Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Entry Fee: Free
Subway: Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1, Exit 8) or Euljiro 4-ga Station (Lines 2 or 5, Exit4)
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 9am – 10.30pm
9. Leeum Museum of Art
Credit: Google maps
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, exhibits traditional and modern art works by Korean and international artists. The museum itself is just as fascinating as the art works on display, since the museum’s three buildings were designed by internationally renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas. MUSEUM 1 houses traditional Korean art, such as calligraphy, paintings, ceramic arts, and metal craftwork, while MUSEUM 2 displays modern and contemporary art by both Korean and international artists.
Location: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Entry Fee: Free
Subway: Line 6, Hangangjin Station, Exit 1
Operating hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm; Closed on Monday
10. Hongdae Street
Credit: Google maps
Many students express themselves in Hongdae, the centre of Seoul’s youth culture. There are numerous creative shops and a restaurant serving soothing food. It’s best to come here on Saturday because that’s when Hongdae’s free market comes to life. This market allows young students who make handicrafts to express themselves. It would be fantastic to see things up close and get a different perspective.
Location: 347-20 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Entry Fee: Free
Subway: Hongik University (Line 2, Exit 9)
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
11. Deoksugung Palace
Credit: Google maps
Deoksugung Palace is unique among Korean palaces in having a modern seal engraving and a western style garden and fountain. Medieval and modern style architecture exists together in harmony in Deoksugung Palace. The Changing of the Royal Guard can be seen in front of Daehanmun (Gate) and is a very popular event for many visitors. During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guard was responsible for opening and closing the palace gate as well as patrolling around the gate area. Outside the palace is a picturesque road flanked by a stone wall which is much loved by visitors.
Location: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Entry Fee: Adult ₩1,000
Subway: Subway Line 1, City Hall Station, Exit 2 (5 minutes by foot)
Subway Line 2, City Hall Station, Exit 12 (5 minutes by foot)
Operating hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9am – 9pm; Closed on Monday
12. Gwanghwamun Square
Credit: Google maps
This new public square is located in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace. A statue of King Sejong the Great, the inventor of Korea’s Hangul alphabet, stands in the square. On a sunny day, you can admire the soaring green hills beyond Seoul’s skyscrapers.
Location: 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Entry Fee: Free
Subway: Gwanghwamun Station (line 5, exit 1/2/8)
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
13. Cheonggyecheon Stream
Credit: Google maps
This 10-kilometer-long stream in the city centre serves as a venue for exhibitions and festivals. The waterway features illuminations and artworks, particularly at Christmas, but also on other holidays such as Buddha’s birthday and the Lantern Festival. Its rows of foliage and splashing water can make you forget you’re in a city of ten million people.
Location: 1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Entry Fee: Free
Subway: Gwanghwamun Station (line 1, exit 5)
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
14. Namdaemun Market
Credit: Google maps
Namdaemun Market, Korea’s largest traditional market, is the place to go for low-cost goods as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s also a great place to eat – don’t miss the spicy tteokbokki rice cakes or the mung-bean pancakes, which are prepared while you wait.
Location: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Entry Fee: Free
Subway: Hoehyeon Station (line 4, exit 5)
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 5.30pm; Closed on Sunday
15. National Museum of Korea
Credit: Google maps
The National Museum of Korea, the country’s largest museum of Korean history and art, receives over 3 million visitors each year. This makes this museum one of the most visited in the world. If you only have a limited amount of time, make sure to see the golden treasures from the Great Tomb of Hwangnam and the intricate gilt-bronze Baekje incense burner, which resembles a lotus bud on a dragon-like pedestal.
Location: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, South Korea
Entry Fee: Free, but separate charge for the special exhibitions
Subway: Take line 4 or the Jungang Line (Munsan-Yongmun) to Ichon Station. Go out exit 2.
Operating hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun 10am – 6pm; Wed/Sat 10am – 9pm