Seoul is exciting heart of South Korea and it’s a city where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge modern life. From royal palaces and Buddhist temples to late-night shopping districts and historic day trips, Seoul offers a dynamic urban landscape for many types of travellers. Here are eight must-visit destinations and activities that capture the unique charm and diversity of South Korea’s capital.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
When you visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, you’re checking out the grandest of Seoul’s five main palaces. Built in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty, this historic site remains one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore traditional Korean architecture, walk through beautifully restored pavilions and courtyards, and, depending on the day, witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony near Gwanghwamun Gate. The National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea are also located nearby, making this one of the best places to begin understanding Korea’s royal history and cultural heritage.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
Once you’re at Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can take a short walk to Bukchon Hanok Village. It offers a picturesque glimpse into old Seoul. The neighbourhood is filled with traditional Korean houses known as hanok, many of which have been restored and preserved. Some hanoks now operate as cultural spaces, guesthouses, workshops, galleries, and tea houses. It’s also one of Seoul’s most photogenic areas, with narrow lanes, tiled rooftops, and views that contrast beautifully with the modern city around it. Since Bukchon is still a residential neighbourhood, visitors should be respectful and keep noise to a minimum while exploring. Some of the visitors who came with tour buses were actually quote disrespectful to the area which is unfortunate. Don’t be that person!
3. Starfield Library and the Gangnam COEX Area
For a more modern side of Seoul, head to Starfield Library inside COEX Mall in Gangnam. This dramatic public library is known for its towering bookshelves, open atrium, magazines, books, and striking design. It’s one of those places that looks almost unreal in photos, but it’s also a real public space where people sit, read, browse, and take a break from the city. While you’re in the area, you can also stop by the Gangnam Style statue (yes, the song is based on this neighbourhood) outside COEX for a quick photo. It’s touristy, but fun, and it makes sense if you’re already visiting the mall or exploring Gangnam.
4. Jogyesa Temple
For a peaceful escape in the middle of the city, visit Jogyesa Temple. It’s one of the most important Buddhist temples in Seoul. Located in the heart of the city, Jogyesa offers a calm contrast to Seoul’s busy streets and shopping districts. The temple is especially beautiful during the Lotus Lantern Festival, held around Buddha’s birthday, when colourful lanterns decorate the grounds and surrounding streets. Even outside the festival period, Jogyesa is worth visiting for its quiet atmosphere, cultural importance, and central location.
5. Day Trip to the DMZ
No trip to Seoul is complete without considering a day trip to the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ. It’s the heavily guarded buffer area between South and North Korea. It’s one of the most historically significant and emotionally powerful excursions available from the city. Most DMZ tours include stops such as Imjingak Peace Park, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, and Dora Observatory, where visitors can look toward North Korea. Tour routes and access can change depending on security conditions, so it’s best to book through a licensed tour operator and confirm which sites are open before you go. You’ll hear stories about how Hyundai the car company came to be, the attempts by North Korea to invade South Korea (even recently), about how hard it is to escape but once in a rare while people do, and more. You can look through on-site binocular viewers or bring your own binoculars.
6. Don’t Leave Seoul Without Trying Korean BBQ
One of the best Seoul experiences is sitting down for Korean BBQ. Whether you order beef, pork belly, short ribs, or a mix of everything, it’s as much about the experience as the food. You grill at the table, share side dishes, wrap the meat in lettuce, add sauces, and take your time. There are Korean BBQ restaurants all over Seoul, from simple neighbourhood spots to more polished restaurants in busier districts. Make room for it. It’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience Korean food culture. Having eaten at Korean BBQ restaurants around the world and especially in Montreal, I can confirm that we have it pretty good when it comes to authenticity LOL!
7. Explore Insadong and Find a Traditional Tea House
Insadong is another area worth making time for, especially if you want shops, snacks, galleries, souvenirs, and a more traditional side of Seoul. Tourists often come here to browse craft shops, buy Korean souvenirs, try street snacks, visit small galleries, and wander through the side streets. After doing some research, we found a small alley in a quiet, almost nondescript section of the neighbourhood and walked into an incredible traditional tea house. There were jars of leaves and ingredients everywhere, as they were making the tea in-house. No exaggeration, it was the best tea I’ve had in my life. That was part of what made Insadong so memorable. The main streets are fun to explore, with places to eat, browse, and buy snacks, but some of the best experiences are hidden down the side streets. Give yourself time to wander a little. You may find something special.
8. Try the Street Food in Myeongdong
Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s most famous shopping areas, but it’s also a great place to experience the city’s street food scene at night. As the area gets busier in the evening, food stalls line the streets with snacks, desserts, grilled items, and quick bites. It’s a fun place to wander, especially if you want to try a little bit of everything without committing to a full meal. You’ll find options like skewers, dumplings, egg bread, fried snacks, sweet treats, and other Korean street food favourites. It’s crowded and touristy, but that’s also part of the energy. If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, Myeongdong is worth seeing at least once after dark. It was by far one of my favourite parts of the city. Be adventurous and try some street vendor food! Also, we stayed at a hotel in this neighbourhood and loved both the accommodations and the location.
Embracing Seoul’s Magic
Seoul is a city of contrasts, where ancient palaces, traditional villages, modern architecture, lively markets, and sobering history all exist side by side. Each of these destinations and activities offers a different perspective on the city’s identity.
Bonus note: The exchange rate from Canadian dollars makes a trip there quote reasonable.
RSS