Seoul is a mixture of everything. From traditional history to modernity, you’ll get everything here. If you like history, food, adventure, or shopping—or anything you want—you just need to visit Seoul once in your lifetime. So if you’re already making a plan to visit Seoul or will make a plan to visit it, then do check out these places which I’ll talk about now for your better travel and not miss anything.
1. Myeongdong Street Market
Myeongdong is a place of branded to local shopping malls, street shopping, and so many street foods. Myeongdong is now filled with 90% of tourists exploring these things. You can find all the street food of all over Korea here. And either you want to buy branded or local clothes, bags, or any kind of stuff, then Myeongdong is best recommended for you. Go explore them from late afternoon to night, because during the day it is just a normal city. But make sure you do have cash before going there, because most of the street stalls do not allow cards—they only accept cash.
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the largest and most popular palaces of Seoul. Along with history, this is a must-visit place. Make sure to visit it early because you can’t go inside around late afternoon to evening. Also, the entry ticket is free here if you wear hanbok, which can be rented beside the shop of the palace for hourly or all day long. I know you might say the entry ticket is cheaper than renting hanbok, but for exploring tradition and also making your Instagram feed Korea-friendly, you can definitely try the hanbok.
3. Namsan Tower
Namsan Tower is a mandatory place if you are a K-drama lover. Most of the K-drama screen’s romantic parts were shot in Namsan Tower. So you can go to the top of the Namsan by hiking or cable car. I’ll recommend hiking, because throughout the journey you’ll find so many picture-perfect and beautiful places while hiking. On the other hand, by cable car, you can find the beauty from the upper side. But yes, hiking is a bit tiring and time-consuming and must need stamina. So if you have a short time, then take the cable car and reach the hill of Namsan and go inside of it and live your K-drama life.
4. Seoul Forest Park
Seoul Forest Park is one of the biggest parks in Seoul, which is a total granary. It is a perfect place for every season of the year for those who love green, cherry blossoms, or yellow and red leaves in autumn. And there is also a most attractive thing in this park—it is directly connected to the core river of the country, Han River. So just move with the greenery and reach the side of Han River.
5. Lotte World, Lotte Building and Olympic Park
Lotte World is the best amusement park in Korea, which is zoned for kids to adults. This park showed many of K-pop’s variety shows, and BTS’s one entire episode was shot in this park when they completed 50 episodes of Run BTS. Then definitely check out the highest building of South Korea, which is the Lotte Building. You’ll surely be amazed by these two spots. Next, beside that, there is Olympic Park, where the Olympic Stadium is situated. Most of the local and global artists or K-pop bands’ biggest concerts are held in this place. This place is the biggest venue for arranging concerts nowadays. So do check out Olympic Park and Stadium.
6. Gangnam
Gangnam is a place we can’t miss because yes—“Gangnam Style” by PSY is the song which introduced the Korean song to the world wide. So yes, first thing first to do is visit the Gangnam Style Statue at the East Gate of COEX Mall in Gangnam. Next, there is Apgujeong, which is like Rodeo Drive in LA. This place is filled with upscale neighborhoods with all branded malls, fine dining restaurants, bars, etc.
7. Bukchon Hanok Village
You’ll find a traditional village of Korea with their traditional houses to explore the real Korean style. This place is a must-visit place of your Korea trip—whether you say Instagram-friendly or exploring tradition, this place is both. So walk around the village, explore the tradition with real-time features, and also keep in mind there are some places where Seoul people do live. So don’t make noise around there. Try to keep silent as much as possible.
8. Itaewon
Both of these places are famous for their nightlife and for all young people. Itaewon wakes up at night with delicious food, restaurants, and nightlife. It’ll give you the perfect environment to chill and hang out at your weekend night.
9. National Museum of Korea
As I said before, Seoul has everything for everyone. And Last but no the list, museum is best for knowing the culture and history. Whether you are a history person or not, you should visit the National Museum of Korea, because it has so much impressive architecture, about the past culture, history, and also there is a shop where you can buy something historic. So yes, do check it out.
So that’s for today. I know there are many other places also in Seoul. But these are your must-try as a traveler and as a Korea-biased. Then pack your bag and leave for your next Korea travel wavies!!!
