Things to do
Hongdae (홍대) and Sinchon (신촌)
One of the many university districts in the city with some of the best shopping, food, and night life.
Gangnam (강남)
One of the richest and futuristic areas of Seoul full of skyscrapers, shopping, technology, resturants and night life. Made famous outside of Korean by a little known song called "Gangnam Style"
Namdaemun (남대문)
One of the historic Seoul city gates, Namdaemun (or great southern gate) dates back to the 14th century and is full of history and shopping. Since 1964, Namdaemun Market near the gate has been the largest traditional market in Korea. Just walking around is great!
Dongdaemun (동대문)
Another of the historic Seoul city gates, Dongdaemun (or great eastern gate) dates back to the 14th century and is full of history and shopping. There are huge shopping complexes in the area, beautiful parks, night markets, and the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) designed by Zaha Hadid.
N Seoul Tower (N서울타워)
Observation tower offering great views of Seoul day or night.
Yeouido (여의도)
A large island in the Han River which divides Seoul between north and south, Yeouido has beautiful parks with river views and impressive skyscrapers including the "63 building"
Gyeongbokgung (경복궁)
Dating back to the 14th century, Gyeongbokgung is the most impressive of all the Korean royal places. Offering picturesque views, here you can see a great blend of old and new Korea. A changing of the guard ceremony takes place twice a day, and there are guided tours in English offered. Definitely a must see.
Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
A village in the middle of Seoul full of traditional Korean houses, called hanok. A great area to walk around and to chill in one of their many cafes.
Insa-dong (인사동)
A popular district for Korean culture and crafts. Here you can find modern art galleries and traditional Korean art and crafts, a good mix of the old and the new. A great area to walk through and explore!
Cheonggyecheon (청계천)
Once a highway going through the city, Cheonggyecheon was turned into a beautiful public work with green space, great walk ways, and a stream running through downtown. It is similar to something like the High Line in New York City.
Myeong-dong (명동)
A popular shopping district, just walking around Myeong-dong is an experience. Besides shopping, there is a huge selections of things to eat and drink!
Itaewon (이태원)
An area near large US military base since the Korean War turned into the most culturally diverse areas on the Korean peninsula. Over years has become one of the hot spots of eating, shopping, and night life in Seoul.
Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장)
Gwanghwamun Square is a public area located in the heart of central Seoul that has museums, statues, restaurants, and beautiful surrounding views. A great place to learn about Korean history!
Noryangjin Fish Market (노량진수산물도매시장)
One of the biggest fish markets in the world. Amazing, if you like seafood or not!
War Memorial of Korea (전쟁기념관)
An informative museum focusing on Korea's long military history, especially the Korean War.
National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)
A great museum focusing on Korean history with rotating exhibits.
Bukhansan National Park (북한산국립공원)
A beautiful national parking in northern Seoul that offers good hiking and excellent views.
Coex Mall (코엑스몰)
Not only a crazy nice mall, but it includes offer attractions such as a beautiful new library and an aquarium to name a few.