See and Do in Seoul

The things to see and do in Seoul are almost limitless. The city is home to both ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology.

Recommended attractions in Seoul

The Great Palaces of Seoul

The Great Palaces of Seoul contain some of the world’s most extraordinary architecture. Ancient Korean design ensured that palaces complemented the surrounding nature. Due to Korea being controlled by both China and Japan at different times, the marriage of Chinese, Japanese and Korean palace styles has created something wholly unique.

Five different palaces grace Seoul: Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung. Each was constructed during different eras in Korean history and exhibits varied styles of Korean architecture. Gyeongbokgung remains the largest and most visited, while UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung features a celebrated secret garden.

Fortress Wall of Seoul

A hike along the Fortress Wall of Seoul offers a window into the city’s past. Built in 1396, the 11.5-mile (19km) wall snakes along the mountains around Seoul and reveals just how strategic and well-defended the city was in ancient times.

Eight gates once controlled access to the walled city – four main gates and four auxiliary ones. Six gates still stand today, lovingly preserved, while two were destroyed during the Japanese colonial period. Originally, Seoul was completely closed off and could only be entered through these gates. The walk offers unparalleled views of the city, and you can tackle individual sections in an hour or two, or attempt the full circuit over a long day.

Namsangol and Bukchon Hanok villages

Namsangol and Bukchon Hanok villages are Seoul’s two largest traditional hanok neighbourhoods. Namsangol functions as an open-air museum at the foot of Namsan Mountain, with five restored hanok houses showcasing Joseon-era life. The site is surrounded by serene parkland and offers cultural programmes year-round.

Bukchon is a genuine residential neighbourhood where locals still live in traditional hanok houses among winding streets and small businesses. The area has faced overtourism challenges, and authorities now restrict tourist access during evening hours to protect the residents’ quality of life. When visiting, be mindful that this is a living community, not just an attraction.

Hangang Park

There’s no better place to people-watch than Hangang Park. This network of parks runs the entire length of the Han River on both sides, offering greenery, riverside paths, and open spaces for picnics, cycling, water sports, and simply watching the city unfold. Recent ecological restoration efforts have dramatically increased tree coverage, creating a more natural riverside environment. The park’s accessibility and variety make it a favourite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in the country. It houses traditional art and history, with over 420,000 objects in its collection and roughly 13,000 on display at any time. The museum regularly hosts international exhibits alongside its permanent galleries. Traditional Korean art is distinctive to the peninsula, and the museum offers a comprehensive art history education for curious minds. Permanent exhibitions are free, and the other exhibits are worth the ticket.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul is impossible to miss. This futuristic landmark was designed by Zaha Hadid and opened in 2014, and it curves dramatically near the historic Heunginjimun Gate. The complex is home to exhibition halls, design shops, and spaces for fashion shows and cultural events. Special exhibitions require tickets, but you can freely explore the striking exterior and public spaces. Evening visits are particularly rewarding when LED light shows illuminate the building’s distinctive silvery facade.

Leeum Art Museum

The Leeum Art Museum is Seoul’s most architecturally striking museum, with three buildings designed by world-renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas. This private museum showcases an impressive collection spanning ancient Korean pottery, calligraphy, and paintings alongside modern and contemporary installations from Korean and international artists. The museum itself is as much an artwork as the pieces it houses.

Samcheong-dong

Samcheong-dong in Seoul hosts a notable concentration of art galleries alongside trendy cafés and boutique shops. The area’s modern galleries are a window into contemporary Korean art, and its traditional hanok houses and winding streets bring historic charm. You could easily spend an entire day exploring this neighbourhood, which sits just east of Gyeongbokgung Palace and connects naturally to Bukchon Hanok Village.