Things to do in Seoul

Activities, attractions and tours

Seoul featuring modern architecture and a city as well as a small group of people
Myeongdong showing shopping as well as a small group of people
Seocho-gu featuring a city, a high-rise building and a river or creek
Lotte World Tower which includes a bay or harbour, landscape views and a city
Myeongdong which includes cbd and a city as well as a small group of people
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Top places to visit

1. Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower is a contemporary entertainment, retail and residential skyscraper. Discover floor upon floor of brand-name and luxury fashion outlets. Get close to exotic marine life, browse displays of artwork and attend classical music concerts. Lotte World Tower also offers some of the best views of Seoul from its observation deck.
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Lotte World Tower showing a skyscraper

2. Dongdaemun History and Culture Park

To cover Dongdaemun Market in a week, let alone a day, is virtually impossible. The commercial district is made up of about 26 malls, 30,000 stores and 50,000 manufacturers, all spread over 10 city blocks. You can find almost anything you need here, including fabrics and jewelry, sporting goods and toys. Discount fashion items are a specialty, and both locals and tourists come here to buy clothes.
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Dongdaemun Market which includes night scenes, a city and street scenes

3. COEX Convention and Exhibition Center

On any given day, the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center on the World Trade Center Site Seoul may be hosting a conference about new technologies, a trade fair, an exhibition, a political summit, a theater show, or a lavish wedding or cultural festival. This events space also excels in business tourism and hosts a range of attractions and easy links to public transportation.
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You don’t have to be in Seoul for a conference or fair to appreciate the facilities of COEX, South Korea’s outstanding events center and mall in Gangnam.

4. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul is a relatively modern city, but Gyeongbok Palace is one of the exceptions. The palace was originally built in 1395 and, as home to the Joseon Dynasty, was one of the most important places in the country. Today, almost half of it has been restored to its former glory and serves as an example of traditional Korean culture.
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Gyeongbok Palace showing a square or plaza and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

5. Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun is comprised of over 10,000 stores, stalls and vendors. Here you can buy anything from fishing gear to stationery, clothes and children’s toys. Even if you’re not looking to spend, Namdaemun is a colorful place to explore and soak up Korean culture. Mingle with locals doing their shopping, taste traditional food from street stalls and pick up souvenirs to take home.
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Namdaemun Market which includes markets, a city and street scenes

6. Gwanghwamun

Gwanghwamun Square with its iconic gate provides instant immersion in the history and culture of the Korean peninsula. The area has much to offer for people of all ages. Even if the weather is not perfect, the place always presents a fascinating appearance. Statues, a palace, modern architecture and a distant mountain come together to provide a pleasant synergy.
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Sense the magnetism of this place with its dynamic feeling of being at the heart of the country. This important area is historic as well as contemporary.

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What to do in Seoul

Popular places to visit

Lotte World

Lotte World

4/5(66 reviews)

Have a fun-filled day at Lotte World and see why people love this theme park in Seoul. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Lotte World
Myeongdong Street

Myeongdong Street

4.5/5(26 reviews)

When you visit Myeongdong Street, a popular shopping spot in Seoul, you can search for that perfect souvenir. Visit the shops and charming cafes in this culturally rich area.

Myeongdong Street
Lotte World Tower showing a skyscraper

Lotte World Tower

4.5/5(22 reviews)

Stunning city views, an aquarium, shops and restaurants are part of this futuristic tower that looms over the southern banks of the Han River.

Lotte World Tower
Dongdaemun Market which includes night scenes, a city and street scenes

Dongdaemun History and Culture Park

4.5/5(83 reviews)

This sizable commercial district is home to a staggering number of shopping malls, specialty stores and traditional Korean marketplaces.

Dongdaemun History and Culture Park
COEX Convention and Exhibition Center

COEX Convention and Exhibition Center

4/5(39 reviews)

You don’t have to be in Seoul for a conference or fair to appreciate the facilities of COEX, South Korea’s outstanding events center and mall in Gangnam.

COEX Convention and Exhibition Center
Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village

4.5/5(35 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Seoul with a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Bukchon Hanok Village
Gyeongbok Palace showing a square or plaza and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Gyeongbokgung Palace

4.5/5(122 reviews)

This royal palace has been destroyed on more than one occasion, but today it stands as one of Seoul’s finest examples of classic Korean architecture.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Starfield COEX Mall

Starfield COEX Mall

4/5(29 reviews)

During your visit to Seoul, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Starfield COEX Mall. Amble around this culturally rich area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Starfield COEX Mall
Namdaemun Market which includes markets, a city and street scenes

Namdaemun Market

4/5(75 reviews)

This traditional Korean market is the largest and oldest in Seoul, and where you’ll find all manner of clothes and food at very reasonable prices.

Namdaemun Market

Areas of Seoul

Myeongdong which includes street scenes, a city and night scenes

Myeong-dong

This central Seoul shopping district is the place to buy quality brand products and stop for a bite to eat.

Myeong-dong
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Gangnam-gu

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

Made world-famous by a catchy 2012 K-pop song with quirky dance moves, this is still Seoul’s most talked about neighborhood today.

Gangnam-gu
Hongdae showing a city, street scenes and outdoor art

Hongdae

This is Seoul at its most youthful and liveliest. Come here for cafés, bars, clubs, cinemas and boutiques.

Hongdae
Default Image

Dongdaemun-gu

4/5(7 area reviews)

You might enjoy the shopping while in Dongdaemun-gu. Gyeongdong Market is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Yongdu Station or Jegi-dong Station to see more of the city.

Dongdaemun-gu
Gwangjang Traditional Market which includes signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(86 area reviews)

Jongno-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Sejong Cultural Center and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(263 area reviews)

Historic meets modern in this central district of Seoul, where good food, unique architecture and mountainous green spaces come together.

Jung-gu
Incheon featuring a city, a skyscraper and a sunset

Incheon

Bucheon

Bucheon

Photo by Jordan Waitt

Seongnam

Photo by Algirdas Sidiskis

Anyang

Photo by Jordan Waitt

Uijeongbu

Gwangmyeong

Gwangmyeong

Goyang

Goyang

Photo "Gimpo" by kykoh (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by kykoh (CC BY)

Gimpo

Frequently asked questions

Is Seoul worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Seoul is explore Myeongdong Street. Check this major sight off your list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Seoul?
After you've checked off key attractions like Myeongdong Street and Lotte World Tower, spend the rest of your day discovering Seoul's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Seoul?
You can't leave without exploring Myeongdong Street, rated the top tourist attraction in Seoul.
Is three days enough to stay in Seoul?
Three days in Seoul is enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many guests spend three days on average. Myeongdong Street, Namsan Cable Car and Seoul National University Hospital are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Incheon.
Is Seoul a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Seoul, such as Myeongdong Street and Namsan Cable Car, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Seoul is Jung-gu and Myeong-dong is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Seoul with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Seoul with kids.

What to do in Seoul for adults?
Garosu-gil and Itawon Street are just a couple of the things to do in Seoul. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Seoul?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Seoul is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Myeongdong Street is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.