Introduction
Seoul isn’t just big—it’s 605 square kilometers of “how do we fit this all into one week?” Here’s where to spend your time without developing Seoul Syndrome (like Stockholm Syndrome, but with more street food).
Palaces & Historical Sites
Gyeongbokgung Palace The granddaddy of all Seoul palaces, built in 1395 and featuring more photo opportunities than your Instagram storage can handle. Come for the changing of the guard ceremony (10 AM and 2 PM), stay for the feeling of being a time-traveling royal. Pro tip: Wear a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and get free entry, plus approximately 1,000 strangers asking to take photos with you.
Bukchon Hanok Village A preserved village of traditional Korean houses where real people actually live, so maybe don’t press your nose against their windows. The narrow alleyways are gorgeous, the uphill walks are character-building, and the residents have the patience of saints dealing with tourists daily. Be respectful, be quiet, and for the love of kimchi, don’t sit on their doorsteps for photos.
Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden The “Secret Garden” is about as secret as a K-pop star at Incheon Airport, but it’s stunning nonetheless. This UNESCO World Heritage site requires a guided tour, which is actually helpful because you’ll learn things instead of just aimlessly wandering and pretending you understand the architecture.
Modern Marvels
N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) Rising 236 meters above the city, this tower offers panoramic views that’ll make you realize just how massive Seoul really is. Couples attach “love locks” to the fences (because nothing says eternal love like vandalism?), and the cable car ride up is worth it if you’re not keen on hiking. Warning: Your calves will judge you later if you choose the stairs.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Designed by Zaha Hadid, this building looks like a spaceship had a baby with a wave. It’s futuristic, weird, and utterly fascinating. Inside you’ll find exhibitions, fashion shows, and probably some art installation you’ll pretend to understand while nodding thoughtfully.
Lotte World Tower The fifth tallest building in the world at 555 meters, because Seoul doesn’t do anything by halves. The observatory on the 123rd floor has a glass floor for those who enjoy questioning their life choices. On clear days, you can see North Korea, which is both amazing and sobering.
Museums Worth Your Time
National Museum of Korea Massive, free, and air-conditioned—the trifecta of perfect tourist destinations. Over 15,000 artifacts spanning Korean history, from ancient pottery to royal treasures. Allow at least 2-3 hours, or 45 minutes if you’re the “speed-walking while nodding at things” type of museum visitor.
War Memorial of Korea Free admission to learn about Korea’s complex military history. It’s heavy, it’s important, and it’s incredibly well-presented. The outdoor exhibition includes tanks, planes, and artillery that’ll make your nephew lose his mind. Not a lighthearted visit, but an essential one.
Trick Eye Museum For when you’ve had enough culture and just want to pretend you’re being eaten by a shark painted on a wall. Perfect for Instagram and embracing your inner child. Also accepts that museums don’t have to be serious all the time.
Parks & Nature
Han River Parks Multiple parks along the Han River where Seoul comes to chill. Rent bikes, have a picnic, or just people-watch. In summer, there are floating stages and outdoor concerts. In winter, there’s the satisfaction of not being in winter.
Namsan Park A green lung in the middle of the city where locals exercise with an intensity that’ll make you feel guilty about that third serving of Korean BBQ. Great for hiking, picnicking, and watching ajummas (Korean aunties) casually sprint past you up the mountain.
Cheonggyecheon Stream An 11-kilometer urban renewal project that turned a covered-over stream into a beautiful pedestrian walkway. Perfect for romantic walks, cooling off in summer, or escaping the chaos of the city for a few peaceful moments.