Things To Do
Gyeongbokgung Palace
There are five royal palaces in Seoul (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Gyeonghuigung Palace). Probably the best places to see and experience the history, tradition, culture, and beauty of Korea all in one place. Of the five palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace was the official residence of the kings of Joseon [probably the most popular, biggest. Also close to the wedding venue]; Changdeokgung Palace [bride's personal recommendation, has a beautiful secret garden that you must book ahead of time to tour] is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Deoksugung Palace combines the elegant beauty of Korean architecture and re ned beauty of Western architecture; Changgyeonggung Palace is known for its practical beauty; and Gyeonghuigung Palace is simple and cozy.
Ikseon-dong/Insa-dong
When you walk into the alleys of Ikseon-dong, you will find some of the least expected places. Among the array of small and simple traditional Korean houses called hanok, you will see cafes, restaurants, handcrafted beer bars, and vintage stores. These are some of the most popular places in Seoul to go on a date, and thousands of people take photos of these places and post them on SNS. Connected to Ikseon-dong, also visit Insa-dong. What is it? Located in the historic district of Jongno-gu, Insa-dong is an arty neighbourhood where traditional meets modern. Known for its plethora of galleries, this is the perfect place to take a quick break between sightseeing. Why go? Insadong-gil, the neighbourhood’s main street, is a great place to pick up some traditional Korean souvenirs – especially during the weekly Saturday market. Make sure to visit Ssamziegil, a multi-storey shopping complex which houses over 70 shops, galleries, and cafés.
Hongik University
In short for Hongdae; this is an area close to the Dukalev Residence. Near the house, there are 4 universities and Hongik University is one of them. You can find enough shopping, night life and things to see/eat. What is it? The buzzy area around Hongik University where all of Seoul’s tastemakers congregate. Hongdae is known for being the city’s youth culture hub, with a strong indie music and nightlife scene, and a regular arts and crafts market. Why go? Besides the hipper-than-thou street style shops and artisanal cafés, Hongdae’s main road – Hongik-ro – is home to countless bars and clubs where you can party the night away. Line your stomach at the nearby Oksang Dalbit with some delectable garlic pepper chicken.
Bukchon Hanbok Village
The Bukchon Hanok Village is where the wedding venue is! But take sometime exploring! Note that this is a residential neighborhood and limited access on Sundays. Great photoshoot opportunities here :) The traditional hanok houses found here date all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty, and people actually live in them! This picturesque residential area is nestled in the heart of the city between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, and from atop the hill you can see a background of modern buildings in the distance. Getting there: Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 2. Tip: Get a map at the Tourist Information Centre!
N Seoul Tower
What is it? If you don't fancy scaling Bukhansan Mountain, then this is your next best bet for a cracking view of Seoul. Why go? Standing at 480m above sea level, this towering observation deck – which looks a little like it's launching into the sky from its spot atop Namsan Mountain – provides an unbeatable panorama of the city. And don't worry about a hefty trek to the summit, because there's a cable car and a lift available. [but the walk is really pretty if you are up for it!]
Cheonggyecheon
I highly recommend this place. Watery haven runs through the city. History behind this park is pretty fascinating and best described in NYTimes. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/17/world/asia/17daylight.html
Myeong-dong
Shopping! What is it? Known as a shopper’s paradise, Myeongdong is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Seoul. Myeongdong’s more of a conventional shopping experience than Dongdaemun, with popular retail chains, department stores, and family restaurants lining the streets. Why go? Myeongdong-gil, the main shopping street, is a dream come true for anyone interested in Korean fashion and beauty. If all that shopping makes you peckish, the knife-cut noodles at Myeongdong Kyoja are always a winner.
Lotte World
For Kids and alike! Lotte World is a recreation complex and tourist destination, complete with the amusement park Lotte World Adventure and the lake park Magic Island. The place includes a shopping mall, folk museum, ice rink, hotel, and department store. With 123 stories and a height of 555m, the Lotte World Tower is the fifth tallest building in the world. At the top of the building is the Seoul Sky Observatory, which is a perfect place to enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul.
Itaewon-dong
[the couple are not very familiar with Itaewon but heard it is a fun place] This area was developed during long stay of US military base near by, they recently have moved tho. Because its influence, Itaewon is foreigner friendly international district popular for international cuisine restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs that cater to foreigners. The district is located in Yongsan-gu just south of Myeongdong and north of the Han River. The best time to visit Itaewon is during the evenings and on the weekends when locals, foreigners, and American soldiers flock here to shop, eat, and party.
Bukhansan National Park Songchu Valley, Neutinamu
For those interested in some nature in Seoul, you can visit Bukhansan National Park! You can get to it easily by the public transportation and it is free. In April, it will be the most beautiful season with various flowers blooming and trees awakening. This is not an easy walking-hill-like-hiking tho, while there are MANY trails you can take, most of them are quite rigorous I heard. A few sites I found: 1. https://www.koreatodo.com/bukhansan-national-park 2. http://theseoulstop.com/pages/sports-parks-and-rec/hiking/hikes/baegundae-bukhansan.php
Gangnam
Gangnam is an area that became internationally famous with a song - Gangnam Style. If you translate it, it means South of (Han) River. The wedding venue and many of other attractions are located in Gangbuk which means North of River. While Gangbuk is more of an old city including the center of Seoul, Gangnam is home to the city’s modern attractions such as Lotte World Tower, COEX, and skyscrapers in the Gangnam area. Plenty of shopping, K-pop, night life to be found here. Here is a good post I found: https://blog.trazy.com/things-to-do-in-gangnam/