Top 25 Seoul Attractions (2023)
Seoul is the heart of South Korea and is a top tourist destination for many travellers. Seoul is a dynamic city that is a blend of the old and the new, providing you with a wonderful experience, unlike any other. Not only is it a city of fashion and beauty, but it is a food haven where Korean flavours can be found in every corner of the town. Come and explore the top 25 attractions in Seoul today.
1. Apgujeong-dong
Apgujeong-dong is an upscale area where the wealthiest families lives and that includes well-known celebrities as well. Just located at Apgujeong Rodeo Station, you will find luxurious restaurants, departmental stores and cafes. One of the places you should visit is the Apgujeong Rodeo Street as it is the centre of the fashion world in Seoul. Boutiques are lined-up on both sides of the street, providing an eye-opening experience to those who love Korean fashion. This is also the best place for Kpop star sightings as most of the major entertainment label companies are located here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
2. Bongeunsa
Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple that is located near the Han River. Founded during the Silla Period in 794, this is an important historical site in South Korea with 3,479 Buddhist scriptures housed here. Within the temple library, you will also find the Avatamsaka Sutra woodblock carvings which were created during the 3rd year of King Sukjong’s reign. The highlight of the temple is the magnificent 28metres tall Maitreya stone statue that overlooks the city of Seoul.
Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00am – 11:55pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
3. Bukchon Hanok Village
Located 200metres away from Anguk Station, Bukchon Hanok Village is a 600-year-old traditional Korean Village. Perch on a hill in between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine, it is home to 900 hanoks which are still resided by people. Locals refer traditionally built houses as hanok, sporting a tile roof and organic materials to create the structure of the building. This is a wonderful place to be able to appreciate the unique architecture and the Korean culture that is well preserved here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
4. Cheonggyecheon
Cheonggyecheon Stream is located in the heart of the city and is an ideal place for a romantic stroll with your loved ones. Running across the east side of Dongdaemun, this stream is has been in existence during the Joseon Period and is now part of the country’s effort to create sustainable designs for the city’s urban renewal project. This 10.9km long stream can be bustling during the Festival of Lights in November. You will then get to see a variety of colourful lanterns decorated throughout the stream.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
5. Common Ground
Common ground is a unique shopping destination that is made out of 200 shipping containers. As the first and largest container shopping complex in the world, it not only provides an excellent shopping experience but offers a variety of dining options as well. This top Instagram spot spans across three floors where you will find many local artisan brands from all over Seoul, selling items ranging from clothes, accessories, skin care products and many more.
Operating Hours: Daily,11:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
6. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is an iconic landmark in Seoul for its unique and neo-futuristic design. First opened its doors in 2014, this building is 280metres long and have seven floors; with 3 of them situated underground. The abbreviation of Dongdaemun Design Plaza also stands for Dream, Design and Play and is Seoul’s desire to develop further and urbanise the city. This cultural and historical building possesses a design museum, media centres, academy halls and plenty of space for exhibitions.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
7. Everland
Everland is the biggest theme park in South Korea that was opened in 1976. This is one of the top must-visit attraction that boasts a wide variety of entertainment all within one place. The park can be divided into five zones which are European Adventure, Global Fair, Zoo-Topia, American Adventure and Magic Land, with each possessing its unique charm. From thrilling rides to amazing animal shows to a vast flower garden adorned with seasonal flowers. There are also a variety of restaurants in Everland to fill up your tummy with delicious foods.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 10:00am – 7:00pm | Friday – Saturday, 10:00am – 8:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₩56,000 | Child – ₩44,000
8. Garden of Morning Calm
Garden of Morning Calm is a beautiful garden that spans across 300,000 square metres. Located two hours away from Seoul city, this garden is a picturesque flower field that is home to 5,000 species of flora. The landscape and design of the flowers and garden compliments the natural surrounding and is a perfect place for nature lovers. The garden is opened throughout the year, but it’s most popular during winter where lights were incorporated into the trees, creating a sea of dazzling colourful light.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Friday, 11:00am – 9:00pm | Saturday, 11:00am – 11:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₩9,500 | Child – ₩6,000
9. Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is located near to Dongdaemun Market and is the largest traditional market in South Korea. This market is home to over 5,000 stores and is a famous place to get wedding gifts, quality silk goods, hanboks and home furnishings. It is also a food haven that is laden with street foods that will satiate your cravings for good Korean food. You will easily spot kimbaps, sundae, rice cakes, mung bean pancakes and many more.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
10. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 and is one of the Five Grand Palaces that was built by the Kings of Joseon. This is the top must-visit spot in Seoul where you will be able to admire the majestic architectures of the building and the landscaping of the surrounding gardens. If you are planning your trip here, do take note that the changing of guards ceremony takes place daily at 10am and 2pm, except Tuesdays. This performance will begin when the gong is sounded and will last for 20 minutes. You can also opt to rent a hanbok in the nearby shops to take that perfect Instagram picture in this historical site.
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₩3,000 | Child – ₩1,500
11. Haneul Park
Haneul Park is one of the most famous parks in Seoul that is located near to World Cup Park. One of the five parks within this area, this park was formerly a landfill, and in 1993, the government decides to transform it into a beautiful ecological site. Though the park is opened all year round, Haneul Park is most beautiful during Autumn when it unleashed its most beautiful side. Besides then the autumn foliage, you will be blessed with a luscious silver grass field that is perfect for picture-taking.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
12. Hongdae
Hongdae is a youthful neighbourhood; also Seoul’s hub for urban arts, thematic cafes, boutiques and also a variety of entertainment spaces. The area is always sprawling with youths in the evening where you will get to see them picnicking in the park while listening to the acoustic live performances or jamming in the many clubs that are available here. Hongdae Free Market is an open-air flea market where you will get to see independent and local designers selling their products at an affordable price. The Hongdae Free Market is only open on Saturdays, from 1pm to 6pm.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
13. Insa-dong
Situated in the heart of the city, Insa-dong is a traditional alley that sells many old and traditional products here. This is a popular attraction among tourist as you will be able to get most of your Korean souvenirs here. Items ranging from bags, wooden face masks, magnets, ginseng sweets and local Korean products as well. It is also fascinating to be able to walk in the streets of old where traditional architecture and culture is well preserved here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:30am – 8:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
14. Lotte World
Spanning across 13 hectares, Lotte World is one of the world’s largest indoor theme park that was opened in 1989. One of the top attractions in Seoul, this theme park is divided into an indoor and outdoor area that guarantees a exciting time for everyone. This place boasts plenty of rides, an ice skating rink, rollercoasters, carrousel and a Magical Castle. Everyday at 2pm, colourful parades with huge floats will go around the park entertaining everyone with music and dances.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:30am – 10:00pm | Friday – Saturday, 9:30am – 11:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₩56,000 | Child – ₩46,000
15. Myeong-dong
The infamous Myeong-dong is the prime area for shopping among the tourists and locals. Spanning across 99 hectares of land, this is the epitome of the South Korea culture. Adorning the street are shopping malls, beauty shops, boutiques and novelty shops that are known worldwide. It is a wonderful shopping destination with plenty of choices that are all affordably priced. The street gets packed in the evening, especially when food street vendor set up their stores selling many types of Korea snacks and delicacies.
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
16. Myeongdong Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception or better known as Myeongdong Cathedral is the first Roman Catholic Church in South Korea. Situated in the centre of Seoul, this historical site stands at 23metres high and is inspired by the gothic revival architecture. Within the building, you will be able to see various religious artwork on the interior with the most notable is the stained glass the pictures Jesus with the twelve apostles.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 6:30am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
17. N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower is an iconic building in Seoul and is perched on Namsan Mountain, standing at 236 metres high. This Tower not only acts as a communication tower but has an observation deck that allows visitors a stunning panoramic view of Seoul. To get to the top, you will have to take a 7 minutes cable car ride up. Upon reaching, you will be greeted by the beautiful Namsan park, and within the vicinity, you will also find a Teddy Bear Museum and the lock fence at N Terrance; the place where thousands of couples eternalised their love here.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Friday, 10:00am – 11:00pm | Saturday, 10:00am- 12:00am
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₩10,000 | Child – ₩8,000
18. Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market provides a unique shopping area, and it is the largest traditional market in South Korea. The market is split into many alleys which each street specialising in different products. Shopping is relatively cheap here with over 10,000 retailers and wholesalers. You will be able to find clothes and accessories, together with many local food products which you can bring home, such as ginseng, dried strawberries and banchans. Within these alleys is the infamous Kalguksu alley that provides visitors a taste of this Korean dish.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
19. Nami Island
Nami Island is a world-renown tourist attraction spot due to the famous 2002 Winter Sonata Korean drama. Some of the most iconic scenes were shot here, and since then, many tourists will visit this place to eternalise this through pictures. Nami Island is a half-moon shaped island that is located in Chuncheon, two hours away from Seoul. Spanning across 430,000 square meters, this is a beautiful natural park that provides visitors with a wonderful and relaxing time here. You can also opt to rent a bike to cover more ground, or you can also traverse by foot. This place is exceptionally beautiful in Spring, Autumn and Winter, so do make time to visit this place when you are here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:30am – 9:45pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₩13,000 | Child – ₩7,000
20. National Museum of Korea
National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in South Korea and is home to 220,000 artefacts that have been collected throughout the country since ancient times. This is an important monument to educate and preserve the Korean heritage and culture from ancient times to now. There are six permanent galleries within this museum; Prehistory and Ancient History, Medieval and Early Modern History, Calligraphy and Painting, just to name a few. It is a self-guided tour; however, you can rent a digital guide for a more enjoyable and in-depth experience.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
21. Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market
Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is a fish market that is located in the Seoul neighbourhood. Split between the old and the new building, Noryangjin Market is an excellent place for seafood lovers. You will get to browse and take a look at an extensive choice of seafood here ranging from King crabs, tiger prawns, abalone, seq squirt and many more. There will also be platters of fresh sashimi and oysters also available for sale. What is unique about this place is that you can have your seafood meals cooked at one of the restaurants here after you purchased them.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
22. Petite France
Opened in 2008, Petite France is another famous place in Seoul that always frequented by tourists because of its unique theme. Constructed to resemble a French village, Petite France is a gorgeous park that is home to a beautiful natural landscape and colourful buildings. There is plenty of rooms to explore here from ceramic displays to European dollhouse collection and a mini Le Petit Prince museum. You can also catch marionette and live puppet shows here at the Theatre de L’etoile, located in the centre of Petite France.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₩6,000 | Child – ₩4,000
23. Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil
Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil could be identified by the rows of ginkgo trees that are lined up on both sides of the street. Located between Sinsa and Gangnam, Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil is a chic area that is famous for its unique cafes and pop-up fashion stores. Just 15 minutes away from Sinsa Station, this has become a top spot for cafe hopping among the tourist for the gorgeous interiors and delicious food.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
24. Starfield Library
Located in COEX Mall, Starfield Library is a unique permanent library that encourages all to read. Not only is it famous for the extensive collections of books housed here but the impressive book tree art architecture. There is plenty of reading space with desks and sofas located everywhere around this library. Besides than a good reading area, it is also one of the top Instagram spots in Seoul with the 13meters high giant bookshelf as your background.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
25. War Memorial of Korea
War Memorial of Korea was opened in 1994 on the former army headquarters site in Yongsan-dong. This museum was built to pay tribute to individuals who died while protecting the country during the war. Home to 33,000 artefacts, this museum is divided into six indoor halls and an outdoor exhibition area that displays large weaponry. This is the ideal place to learn more about the country’s history as you will be able to see information boards, relics and also war memorabilia here. There are also various educational programs which you can participate in along your family and friends while you are here.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
Seoul is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes balanced out with modern and futuristic sustainable structures. There is plenty to explore here in this vibrant city, and it is never a dull moment here. If you are a foodie, Seoul is undoubtedly the right place for you.