If you’re thinking about visiting South Korea, you’ll probably spend some time in Seoul. This bustling capital is where nearly half of the country’s population lives, making it the 4th largest metropolitan area globally with around 25 million residents.
Exploring Seoul feels like stepping into a blend of old and new. One moment you’re admiring an ancient palace, the next you’re staring at a futuristic shopping mall. While you’re off to see a Confucian shrine, you’ll notice locals absorbed in their smartphones, enjoying fast WiFi on the subway.
The mix of tradition and modernity is evident everywhere. Traditional hanbok clothing is still worn, but the youth have their unique fashion styles. Classic Korean dishes are everywhere, yet you’ll also find Western fast-food spots on almost every corner.
Seoul offers plenty to keep you busy. There are fascinating museums, lively markets, beautiful parks, and an exciting nightlife. You can hike in the mountains by day and unwind in a huge spa at night.
I nearly moved to Seoul but ended up choosing Beijing to experience the 2008 Olympics and learn Chinese. I visited Seoul a few times while living in China, and each visit was fantastic. It’s one of my favorite Asian cities, and I’m planning to go back in 2020 to explore more.
Start your journey in Seoul by diving into its past. The Joseon Dynasty, Korea’s last kingdom, lasted from 1392 to 1910. Over the years, the Joseon kings built several palaces. Visiting a few of these Five Grand Palaces should be at the top of your list. The palaces include Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung, listed from the grandest to the smallest. Gyeongbokgung, meaning “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” is a must-see.
If you’re keen on Korean history and culture, consider visiting more palaces. Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung are adjacent, making it easy to see both in half a day. Changdeokgung’s tranquil “secret garden” is especially worth the visit.
These palaces are open Tuesday to Sunday, with modest entry fees. Combination tickets are available for around $8.50, covering all palaces and the Jongmyo Shrine.
Next, check out the Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site significant to Seoul’s history. During the Joseon Dynasty, kings performed memorial rituals here for deceased royalty, a tradition that continues today.
Seoul, despite its massive population, boasts many great parks. Namsan Park, the city’s largest, offers numerous hiking trails. At Namsan’s peak, you’ll get stunning views of the city. For an even better view, visit the N Seoul Tower, open daily, providing panoramic cityscapes for about $9.
The Namsangol Hanok Village offers a glimpse into Seoul’s past with restored traditional homes, contrasting the modern city skyline. Here, you’ll also find the city’s thousand-year time capsule, buried in 1994 to be opened in 2394.
Korean food is a must-try. Kimchi, a spicy fermented cabbage, is the national dish, but there’s so much more. Bibimbap, japchae, and Korean BBQ, especially bulgogi, are essential tastings.
Seoul is quite walkable, and the Cheonggye Stream offers a pleasant escape with its restored pedestrian path and night light shows. Another popular spot is Seoullo 7017, a converted highway overpass turned into a linear park with gardens, terraces, and cafes.
The Han River splits Seoul, with historical Gangbuk to the north and trendy Gangnam to the south. Along the river, you can enjoy jogging, cycling, water sports, and scenic parks. The Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain’s lights and music show is a highlight.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Bukhansan National Park is just a short trip from Seoul. It’s a great hiking destination with Seoul’s highest peak, Baegundae. Avoid weekends for a quieter experience.
Seoul comes alive at night with vibrant nightlife in areas like Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam. Start with a soju at dinner, then explore bars and nightclubs, maybe even try karaoke.
This list highlights many of Seoul’s attractions. While the capital is fantastic, also consider visiting other South Korean gems like Gyeong-ju, Busan, Jeonju, and Sokcho. Day trips from Seoul are also worth checking out.
Have you been to Seoul? Share your favorite experiences in the comments!