10 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Seoul

Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Seoul, Korea

Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a city where modern skyscrapers and high-tech subways meet historic palaces and traditional markets. Here is a guide to the top 10 attractions you absolutely cannot miss on your visit.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Description: The largest and most famous of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Don't miss the stunning Royal Guard Changing Ceremony.

How to Get There: Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 5.

Location Map: View on Kakao Map

Nearby Restaurant Pick: Tosokchon Samgyetang. Famous for its delicious and hearty ginseng chicken soup, located a short walk from the palace.

2. Myeongdong

Description: Seoul's bustling shopping mecca. It's packed with cosmetic shops (K-Beauty), international fashion stores, and endless street food vendors.

How to Get There: Myeongdong Station (Subway Line 4), Exits 6 or 7.

Location Map: View on Kakao Map

Nearby Restaurant Pick: Myeongdong Kyoja. A legendary spot (Michelin-recognized) known for its Kalguksu (handmade noodle soup) and Mandu (dumplings).

3. N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

Description: An iconic landmark offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city. It's famous for the "love locks" left by couples on the observation deck.

How to Get There: Take the Namsan Cable Car (near Myeongdong Station, Exit 3) or a local Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus (No. 01, 02, or 04).

Location Map: View on Kakao Map

Nearby Restaurant Pick: Mokmyeoksanbang. Located at the base of Namsan, this restaurant serves fantastic Bibimbap in a traditional setting.

4. Bukchon Hanok Village

Description: A beautiful, preserved residential village showcasing traditional Korean houses (Hanok). It offers picturesque alleyways and views of the modern city.

How to Get There: Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 2. Walk straight for about 10 minutes and follow the signs.

Location Map: View on Kakao Map

Nearby Restaurant Pick: Mukshidonna Samcheongdong. A famous spot for "instant" Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake stew) where you cook it at your table.

5. Insadong

Description: A street filled with traditional Korean culture. You'll find art galleries, craft shops, traditional tea houses, and the popular Ssamziegil complex.

How to Get There: Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 6.

Location Map: View on Kakao Map

Nearby Restaurant Pick: Sanchon. Offers an incredible multi-course Korean vegetarian temple cuisine experience, often with a traditional performance.

6. Gwangjang Market

Description: One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Korea. It's a food lover's paradise, famous for Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and Mayak Gimbap (mini seaweed rolls).

How to Get There: Jongno 5-ga Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 8.

Location Map: View on Kakao Map

Nearby Restaurant Pick: The market itself! Find the "Netflix Kalguksu lady" for knife-cut noodles or any stall (like 'Soonhee's') for freshly fried Bindaetteok.

7. Hongdae (Hongik University Area)

Description: The heart of Seoul's youth culture. Known for its indie music scene, street performers (busking), unique cafes, fashion boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.

How to Get There: Hongik University Station (Subway Line 2), Exit 9.

Location Map: View on Kakao Map

Nearby Restaurant Pick: Myth Jokbal (Pig's Trotters). A very popular restaurant serving one of Korea's favorite late-night dishes, Jokbal (pig's trotters).

8. Starfield COEX Mall & Library

Description: Located in Gangnam, this massive underground mall houses an aquarium, a cinema, and the famous, incredibly photogenic Starfield Library with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

How to Get There: Samseong Station (Subway Line 2), Exits 5 or 6.

Location Map: View on Kakao Map

Nearby Restaurant Pick: GAMSUNG TACOS. A trendy and popular Korean-Mexican fusion spot located inside the mall.

9. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Description: A stunning, futuristic landmark designed by Zaha Hadid. It's a hub for art, design, and fashion, surrounded by 24-hour shopping malls.

How to Get There: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Subway Lines 2, 4, 5), Exit 1.

Location Map: View on Kakao Map

Nearby Restaurant Pick: Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari. A beloved, long-running restaurant where you eat a whole chicken boiled in a savory broth right at your table.

10. Itaewon

Description: Seoul's most international district. It's packed with foreign restaurants (from Turkish to American BBQ), diverse bars, and unique shops, offering a taste of the world in one neighborhood.

How to Get There: Itaewon Station (Subway Line 6), Exit 2 or 3.

Location Map: View on Kakao Map

Nearby Restaurant Pick: Vatos Urban Tacos. A famous spot that pioneered Korean-Mexican fusion, known for its Kimchi Carnitas Fries and Galbi Tacos.

Enjoy your amazing trip to Seoul!