{"id":44868,"date":"2020-05-20T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-20T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=44868"},"modified":"2025-08-19T12:34:35","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T19:34:35","slug":"seoul-south-korea-city-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/seoul-south-korea-city-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"THE ULTIMATE SEOUL CITY GUIDE"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s so easy to fall in love with Seoul, South Korea\u2019s bustling and vibrant capital city. Here you\u2019ll find not only a historical and traditional glimpse into Korea\u2019s past but also an endless to-do list of modern and uniquely Korean experiences!<\/p>\n

After living in South Korea as an English teacher for two years, I\u2019ve had so much fun exploring Seoul\u2019s best attractions, prettiest destinations, and historical sights! So before you jet off to one of my all-time favorite cities, I\u2019ve got you covered with my ultimate Seoul city guide.<\/p>\n

I am sharing everything from where to stay in Seoul, the best things to do in the city, must-know Korean travel tips, and more!<\/p>\n

\"down<\/p>\n

The Best Things To Do In Seoul<\/h2>\n

There is an infinite list of unique Seoul experiences, but here are my top ten favorite things to do in Seoul for any first time visitor. And to properly see the city, I recommend having at least three full days in Seoul<\/a> if possible.<\/p>\n

1) See The Changing Of The Guards At Gyeongbokgung, Seoul\u2019s Largest Palace<\/h3>\n

Gyeongbokgung Palace<\/a> is the largest and most well-known of Seoul\u2019s five palaces, so if you only have time for one, I recommend this one! Try to time your visit to see the changing of the guards in traditional garb at 10 am or 2 pm every day the palace is open.<\/p>\n

The entrance fee is only 3,000 won (about $3USD), and the palace is open every day except for Tuesday and has varying hours depending on the season.<\/p>\n

Many people rent a hanbok, or traditional Korean dress, for a fun day of taking photos around the palace. There are a few different hanbok shops outside of the entrance to the palace, so be sure to pick it up before entering! It shouldn\u2019t cost you more than 30,000 won for one day.<\/p>\n

\"view<\/p>\n

2) Go Back In Time In Seoul\u2019s Bukchon Hanok Village<\/h3>\n

Bukchon Hanok Village<\/a> is a cluster of traditional Korean wooden homes that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Located just a short \u00bd mile walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, wandering the streets of Bukchon will transport you back to Korea\u2019s pre-industrial past.<\/p>\n

Admission is free, and there\u2019s a self-guided walking tour map you can pick up from the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center.<\/p>\n

Please be respectful while you visit; this is a residential neighborhood that can get quite disruptive and crowded with tourists. Respect the homes of those who live there and keep the area clean, calm, and quiet.<\/p>\n

\"view<\/p>\n

3) Walk Along The Peaceful Cheonggyecheon Stream To Gwangjang Traditional Market<\/h3>\n

On a warm and sunny day, a classic Seoul experience is to walk the beautiful urban recreation trail that follows the Cheonggyecheon Stream 2 km (1.25 miles) to Gwangjang Traditional Market<\/a>. The stream starts at Cheonggye Square near Seoul City Hall and is a peaceful walk with modern and traditional murals along the way. <\/p>\n

Watch out for signposts for Gwangjang Market, Seoul’s oldest traditional market. Here you absolutely must try the famous Korean mung bean pancake<\/a> (bindaetteok in Korean) that’s made by mixing mung beans, bean sprouts, onions, and peppers before being deep-fried into a pancake that has a texture very similar to a hash brown. It’s to die for!<\/p>\n

You’ll also want to try the dumpling soup, kimchi dumplings, and bibimbap (mixed rice and vegetables) while you\u2019re there.<\/p>\n

For more great food to try, be sure to read our Vegetarian Food To Eat In South Korea<\/a> article!<\/p>\n

\"Gwangjang<\/p>\n

4) Eat Korean Street Food And Shop The Streets Of Myeongdong<\/h3>\n

Although Seoul doesn\u2019t have a single downtown area, Myeongdong<\/a> is right up there as one of the main neighborhoods of the city. Here, fantastic shopping, tall buildings, and glitzy neon signs will amaze you!<\/p>\n

Along the walkways, street food vendors set up shop in the afternoon to sell classic, must-try Korean street food goodies as well as trinkets and souvenirs. <\/p>\n

Myeongdong is one of the best places to shop for Korean faves like cutesy phone cases and accessories, K beauty supplies, Korean fashion, and more.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>6 Free Things To Do In Seoul<\/a><\/div>\n
\n

Pay Less, Travel More eBook<\/h2>

Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

5) Climb To The Top Of The N Seoul Tower For Sweeping Views Of The City<\/h3>\n

The N Seoul Tower<\/a>, or Namsan Tower, is Seoul’s most recognizable landmark. Located in the Itaewon neighborhood, visiting the observation deck is a must-do.<\/p>\n

You can opt to spend 45 minutes climbing the stairs all the way to the top (the tower is on Namsan mountain), or instead, you can take the cable car for an extra fee (9,500 won or about $9.50USD roundtrip).<\/p>\n

Entrance to the tower is 11,000 won (about $11USD) and is open 10:00 – 23:00 every day, closing at 24:00 on Saturdays. I recommend coming to see the sunset so you can enjoy both day and night views of Seoul’s skyline.<\/p>\n

\"view<\/p>\n

6) Experience The Traditional Side Of Seoul In Insadong<\/h3>\n

Here you\u2019ll find a lovely pedestrian street that is lined with food vendors, old school tea houses, and countless shops selling traditional Korean souvenirs such as tea, Hanji paper, pottery, chopsticks, and more!<\/p>\n

The artsy Ssamziegil shopping complex<\/a> is tucked away down a small alley from the main street and houses the cutest handicraft shops.<\/p>\n

While in Insadong, I highly recommend popping into one of Seoul\u2019s oldest tea houses Chatjip Teahouse for traditional teas and snacks. You\u2019ll also find in the area the silly Poop Cafe<\/a>, a classic Korean cafe that sells lattes in toilet mugs and chocolate-filled, poo-shaped treats.<\/p>\n

\"poo<\/p>\n

7) Grill Some Meat And Sip Soju Over Korean BBQ<\/h3>\n

Another excellent Korean bucket list item is feasting at a local Korean BBQ restaurant. There’s something magical about cooking your own meat and indulging in all of the small side dishes (bonchon in Korean) that come with your meal.<\/p>\n

For authentic Korean BBQ, check out any of the restaurants in BBQ Meat Alley<\/a> near Jongno Station 3, or pop into Wangbijib (\uc655\ube44)<\/a>, a popular BBQ restaurant in Myeongdong that will help you grill your meat. <\/p>\n

\"different<\/p>\n

8) Check Out Some Of The Most Instagrammable Places In Seoul<\/h3>\n

There are so many fantastic photo spots in Seoul that are just begging to be photographed. A few of the most Instagrammable spots include:<\/p>\n