The 8 Best Things to Do in Seoul + 2 Things I’d Skip (2026)

I absolutely fell in love with Seoul on my trip. Historic palaces sitting next to ultra-modern buildings, neighborhoods that all feel completely different, and more cafes than feels reasonable. Every day felt exciting without being overwhelming, and by the end of the trip, I already knew I’d be back. 

The problem is, when you start planning a trip to Seoul, it’s easy to go a little overboard. My Google Maps was covered in pins. Blogs listed endless “must-dos.” TikTok made everything look essential. However, the truth is that there are only a handful of truly must-see experiences in Seoul. The rest comes down to how you like to explore, whether that’s food, shopping, cafes, history, or just wandering.

That’s where this list comes in. I’ve narrowed it down to the 8 best things to do in Seoul that will help you build an amazing trip without feeling rushed or scattered. These experiences give you the perfect mix of culture, food, neighborhoods, and iconic sights. I’ve also included 2 popular spots that, in my opinion, you can skip. 

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The Best Things to Do in Seoul — My Experience 

When I first got to Seoul, I was overwhelmed with things to see in Seoul. I had nearly 30 cafes saved, at least 20 stores I “had” to visit, and more KBBQ spots than was humanly possible in one trip. Instagram and TikTok made me feel like I needed to do everything, but the reality was I only had five days.

Once I arrived, everything changed. After the first day, I realized that Seoul isn’t about ticking off a massive checklist. There are cool places literally everywhere. You find cafes just by walking, markets you didn’t plan for, neighborhoods that pull you in without trying. 

So I narrowed it down to my true must do in Seoul things, picked the areas I wanted to explore, and built my days around that. Early mornings at the palaces, wandering markets, stumbling into non-viral cafes, and honestly, it was perfect.

That’s exactly how this list came together. These are the 8 best places to see in Seoul based on my experience, the stuff that actually shaped my trip and made me fall in love with the city. It’s the ideal starting point to build an itinerary that feels fun, flexible, and very Seoul.

8 Amazing Things to Do in Seoul

If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, get ready for really good food, endless cafes, cool neighborhoods and more.

From palaces and markets to café hopping and just wandering around, these are the 8 amazing things to do in Seoul that helped me build the perfect trip (and immediately want to come back).

1. Visit the Palaces 

Like I mentioned, there are only a handful of sightseeing stops in Seoul that are true must-do’s, and the palaces are one of them. Personally, I don’t think you should skip these. You don’t have to see all of them, but you should at least visit one.

When I was in Seoul, I did two since they’re pretty close to each other and my day was already centered around this area. The first one we went to was the less popular Changdeokgung Palace. It’s much more spread out, with two separate areas and the Secret Garden, and it feels perfect for strolling around on a nice day. It was calm, spacious, and honestly a really nice way to ease into palace hopping.

Afterwards, I made my way to the most famous one, Gyeongbokgung Palace. And it’s absolutely stunning. The mountains in the background, the huge open spaces, it really does live up to the hype. I recommend coming either at 10am or 2pm to watch the changing of the guards. It definitely added to the experience and made it feel more special.

The royal palaces are already really cheap to enter, but if you dress up in traditional wear, you can get in for free. I went into a few rental shops near Gyeongbokgung Palace, but they were definitely charging tourist prices. I’d recommend renting online here ahead of time for $7!! so you don’t have to shop around or overpay once you’re there.

2. Namsan Park + N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower is one of Seoul’s classic tourist stops, and I actually think it’s worth doing. It’s centrally located and easy to work into your itinerary, whether you go in the morning or afternoon. We walked here from a nearby market, which was a fun way to see more of the city before heading up.

You’ll start in Namsan Park, where there are walking paths, statues, and a few viewpoints that already give you a nice look over Seoul. From there, you can either walk up to the tower or take the cable car. I took the cable car since I was short on time. It was cool, but very crowded, so don’t expect a peaceful ride or guaranteed views on the way up.

Once you arrive, the views are great, and this is where you’ll find the love lock bridge. You can add a lock if you want, but I was happy just snapping photos. There’s a free viewing area at the base of the tower that’s more than enough in my opinion. You can pay extra to go up inside the tower, but I skipped it and didn’t feel like I was missing out.

Go Café Hopping

Whether you’re a coffee person, a matcha lover, or someone who’s really just there for the pastries… or two, like me, Seoul’s café scene is elite. I genuinely could not fit all the cafés I wanted to visit into my schedule, and somehow every single pastry I saw looked better than the last. Café hopping here isn’t just about caffeine, it’s about slowing down, sitting for a bit, and actually enjoying the city between all the sightseeing.

A few neighborhoods really stood out to me. Ikseon-dong is perfect if you’re already around the palaces. It’s full of traditional-style buildings turned into cozy cafés, and it’s where I stopped for the viral salt bread. I went early because I refuse to wait in long lines, and it ended up being the perfect breakfast before palace hopping.

Seongsu is another great café area, with most spots set inside converted warehouses. It honestly feels like the Brooklyn or Melbourne of Seoul, super cool, creative, and fun to wander. That said, my absolute favorite area for cafés was Mangwon-dong. It’s still very under the radar, which means no lines and insanely good desserts. My favorite spot was Kindly, especially their madeleines. The lemon fig and peanut butter flavors still make me drool just thinking about them.

Explore a Hanok Village

One of the things I love most about Seoul is how seamlessly the old and the new exist side by side. Hanok villages are made up of traditional Korean style homes, and what’s wild is that people still live in them. They’re beautifully maintained, feel timeless, and somehow look like they’ve been frozen in the best possible version of the past.

Most people, myself included, visit Bukchon Hanok Village. And I’ll be honest, it was super crowded. It’s still a residential neighborhood, so visitors are only allowed between 10am and 5pm to keep things respectful for locals. Even with the crowds, it’s still worth seeing, just don’t go in expecting a quiet hidden gem moment.

After I left Seoul, though, I saw someone recommend Eunpyeong Hanok Village, and wow. Same stunning architecture, but with mountains in the background and apparently about a quarter of the people. That alone is enough to convince me it’s going on my list for next time.

Most hanok villages are within walking distance of the palaces, which makes them really easy to add to the same day. Even a quick wander is enough to appreciate how special these areas are.

Shop Til You Drop

Before heading to Seoul, I did way too much research on what to buy, and honestly, I should’ve packed an extra suitcase. Between the Korean beauty products alone and all the fashion, it’s dangerous. The city is packed with pop-up shops, massive flagship stores, exclusive designs, and Korean brands you won’t find anywhere else. It genuinely feels like there’s a store on every corner.

If you’re serious about shopping, these are the three neighborhoods I’d focus on. Myeongdong is the obvious one and for good reason. It’s packed with shops, skincare stores, and street stalls during the night market. I grabbed cute jewelry for cheap, made custom keychains, and stocked up on face masks like my life depended on it. You’ll find literally everything here.

If you’re after more quirky, fun finds, head to Hongdae. The area has a younger, artsy vibe thanks to the nearby university, and the streets are full of accessory shops, souvenir spots, and street stalls selling trendy clothes. Prices are great, but the quality can vary, so just be a little picky with what you buy.

And if fashion is your thing, Seongsu is the place. This area is cool in that effortless way. You’ll find Gentle Monster, the biggest Olive Young, and pop-ups from brands like Adidas and The North Face, plus Tamburins for fragrance. Even if you don’t buy much, it’s just a really fun area to explore.

Explore the Markets

You can’t go to Seoul and not visit at least a few local markets. There’s always a buzz in the air, aunties and uncles cooking nonstop, stalls stacked with food and random things you didn’t know you needed, and yes, the iconic grandma vests. It’s honestly such a classic Seoul experience. There are definitely more touristy markets and more local ones, and personally, I think both are worth visiting because they offer totally different vibes.

Must Visit Markets in Seoul

Gwangjang Market is probably the most popular and touristy. You’ll pay a little more here, but I actually think it’s a great first market experience. There are rows of women selling similar dishes, with benches right in front of their stalls where you can sit, order from a menu, have a beer, and soak it all in. It’s the least intimidating option if it’s your first time, and the atmosphere alone makes the slightly higher prices worth it.

Namdaemun Market is another must. It’s the oldest market in Seoul, and I loved it way more than I expected. We stopped here before heading to Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower, and it was the perfect fuel-up. We tried a little bit of everything, Korean pancakes (make sure you get the sweet ones with brown sugar and seeds), sticky fried chicken, and hands down some of the best dumplings I had the entire trip. This market leans more toward shopping than food, but the food that is there is so good.

And finally, my personal favorite: Mangwon Market. If you want a truly local market without the tourist crowds, you need to come here. We stayed nearby and ended up going almost every day. You’ll see locals buying fresh fish, octopus, and vegetables, but there’s also amazing fried chicken, kimbap, and these deep-fried stuffed peppers that I’m still thinking about. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Seoul, this is it!

📍Join this food Street Market Food tour to try all the best of South Korea!

Eat Everything (Seriously)

Food deserves its own section because while I highly recommend eating your way through Seoul’s Korean street food markets, you also need to leave room for restaurants. Seoul is one of those cities where every meal counts and you don’t want to waste a singe one!

Korean BBQ is an absolute must. There’s just something about grilling your own meat, an ice cold beer, and leaving completely stuffed and very happy. Another favorite was dak galbi, which is basically spicy meat cooked with vegetables, cheese, and peppers. It’s ridiculously good, but fair warning… you might smell like it for the rest of the day, ha.

And then there’s the baked goods. I tried the viral salt bread spot everyone talks about, and yeah… I get it. It was warm, fluffy, slightly salty, and impossible to eat just one. Between street food, markets, bakeries, and sit-down meals, Seoul is the kind of place where your days naturally revolve around food, and I promise you won’t be mad about it, at least I wasn’t ha.

Best Places to Eat in Seoul

Here are a few places I would absolutely go to again!

Jayeondo Sogeumppang – Viral salt bread, try to go early to avoid lines
Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant – Michelin rated dumpling spot in Myeongdong!
Sinsa Kkotgedang Ganjang Gejang – Soy sauce marinated crap in Gangnam!
Ggupdang – Michelin rated KBBQ spot, and it’s AMAZING!!!
Cafe Onion Anguk – Instagrammy cafe with stunning pastries and courtyard
Myeongdong JangIn Dakgalbi – Cheesy cheesy chicken galbi in Myeongdong

Take a DMZ Tour

Yes, this is technically a day trip from Seoul, but I 100% think it’s worth prioritizing one of your mornings for it. So much of Korea’s history and modern identity is tied to the conflict with North Korea, the war, and colonization from Japan, and doing a DMZ tour really helped put all of that into perspective.

I chose a half-day tour that left early in the morning because I didn’t want to spend a full day outside the city, and honestly, it was the perfect amount of time. 

Our tour started at Imjingak Peace Park and the Freedom Bridge, where we learned more about the Korean War and saw the old bullet-riddled train that never made it to its destination. From there, we visited the Third Infiltration Tunnel, where North Korea attempted to dig its way into South Korea. We were able to walk through the tunnel ourselves, which was honestly wild and way more intense than I expected. Phones aren’t allowed inside, but seeing it in person really puts the history into perspective.

The last stop was the observation deck, where they recently reopened the rooftop with binoculars looking into North Korea. And I mean… when else in your life are you going to see into North Korea? We could literally see people riding bikes and working in the fields. It felt like a simulation, honestly. And somehow, by 1 pm, we were already back in Seoul, still processing everything we’d just seen.

You can do a full-day DMZ tour that includes a massive suspension bridge, but honestly, that was an easy skip for us. It’s cool and all, but it doesn’t really have anything to do with the actual conflict or history, which was the whole reason we wanted to go in the first place. That’s another reason we chose the half-day tour, it stayed focused on the DMZ itself and still got us back to Seoul early enough to enjoy the rest of the day.

📍Book the exact tour I did here!

Two Things I’d Skip in Seoul

Alright, two things that just did not live up to the hype for me. Seoul is amazing, but not everything that trends on TikTok is worth rearranging your whole day for. When your time is limited, these are two things I’d personally skip! 

1. Starfield Library

It’s gorgeous, no denying that. The shelves are massive, the space is impressive, and yes, it photographs really well. But once you’ve taken a few photos, there’s not much else to do. It also gets super crowded with people all trying to get the exact same shot. To me, it absolutely is not worth it unless you just really want that instagram shot.

2. Gangnam Style Statue

This one is fun for about thirty seconds. You walk up, take a photo, laugh a little, and then… that’s it. Gangnam itself is cool if you’re into shopping or skincare, but the statue alone isn’t worth the trek.

That said, Starfield Library and the Gangnam Style Statue are right next to each other. I actually did both. If you’re already at COEX Mall, you might as well pop in. I just wouldn’t cross the river just for this if you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Seoul South Korea

I genuinely think I could live in Seoul in another lifetime. It’s such a cool city, and there’s so much to do, but in a very low-key, everyday way. It’s less “run around ticking off landmarks” and more “pop into this shop, grab a coffee, wander for a bit, eat something incredible, repeat.”

There are a few iconic sights, sure, but most of the magic comes from slowing down and just living in the city. Sitting in coffee shops, walking neighborhoods, eating by the river, letting plans be loose. This list is long enough to keep you busy for a few days without turning your trip into a checklist, which honestly lets Seoul reveal itself naturally.

And please, do not let Instagram bully you into waiting 45 minutes for a caf. I promise you, there’s one just as good, literally around the corner, probably with better pastries too.

FAQ: Fun Things to Do in Seoul South Korea

What are the best things to do in Seoul for free?

So much of Seoul is free if you like wandering. Walk through Namsan Park, explore neighborhoods like Ikseon-dong, browse local markets, and hang out along the Han River. Palaces are also free if you’re wearing a hanbok, and you can get great views near N Seoul Tower without paying to go up.

Things to do in Seoul for 3 days?

Three days is a really solid amount of time. You can visit a couple of palaces, explore a few neighborhoods, go café hopping, hit the markets, shop, and even squeeze in a half-day DMZ tour. If you want it laid out step by step, check out my 3-day Seoul travel itinerary where I map out all the best places to visit in Seoul 

What are some things to do in Seoul with kids?

Seoul is super family-friendly. Palaces and hanok villages are a hit, especially since kids can dress up in traditional hanbok, which is honestly adorable. If you’re traveling with kids and want an easy win, staying at Lotte Hotel Seoul is a great option since it includes access to Lotte World, which makes planning way easier.

What are some unique things to do in Seoul?

For something a little different, visit the National Folk Museum to learn about Korean daily life and traditions, then head to Ihwa Mural Village for colorful street art and city views. These are great ways to see a more local, creative side of Seoul without doing the same things as everyone else.

What are the best things to do in Seoul in winter?

Winter in Seoul is cold, no sugarcoating it, but it’s still a great time to visit. Museums are perfect this time of year, especially the National Folk Museum and other indoor cultural spots. Balance that with markets for hot street food, shopping in areas like Myeongdong and Seongsu, and snowy palace visits if you’re lucky. Just dress warm and plan lots of cozy café stops.

Check Out My Other Seoul Travel Guides

Is Seoul Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

The Best Time to Visit Seoul: My Weather in Seoul Guide

Seoul Travel Itinerary: How to Spend 3-5 Days in Seoul South Korea

Cafes in Seoul: My Favorite Cafes in Seoul

Things to Do in Seoul: My Top Activities in Seoul