8 things to do in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul has emerged in recent times as an in-demand destination. However South Korea’s capital can nonetheless really feel daunting for first-timers, given its dimension — it is one of many world’s greatest and most densely populated cities — and variations in language and tradition.

As anybody who’s already taken a visit to Seoul will guarantee you, there isn’t any purpose to hesitate. Sure, the town is big, but additionally straightforward to get round because of in depth public transportation, together with a contemporary subway system (assume spotless automobiles, English signage and heated seats within the winter). And since Seoul is a uncommon place that experiences 4 distinct seasons, you’ll be able to go to when it fits your schedule. (Although we suggest avoiding June to July’s wet monsoon season.) Most significantly, you may really feel extremely protected: The journey insurance coverage firm Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection simply launched a report that ranked Seoul among the many world’s prime 15 most secure cities for leisure journey in 2025.

As a result of there’s a lot to see, eat and do on this South Korean metropolis, we have curated a information to the 8 finest issues to do in Seoul to make sure an unforgettable first journey.

1. Dig into road meals

Meals is central to Korean tradition, and one of many best methods to pattern some iconic bites — whereas getting a glimpse into on a regular basis metropolis life — is thru Seoul’s road meals markets. This fashion, you’ll be able to pattern an array of things in a single stretch and get monetary savings. Whereas Myeongdong Market is probably the most well-known, it is perpetually full of vacationers and errs on the pricier facet. As a substitute, head to Namdaemun Marketplace for kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and hotteok (stuffed pancakes), Gwangjang Marketplace for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and Jungang Marketplace for tteokbokki (spicy rice muffins).

South Korea can also be famend for its storied ingesting tradition with over 1,000 kinds of sool (Korean alcoholic drinks). To study extra, make a reservation at Oul. Situated within the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Seoul — a part of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts — this one-of-a-kind ingesting vacation spot focuses solely on Korean-made spirits. Head bartender Ike Ryu whips up imaginative cocktails just like the Goosoo Highball, a hauntingly wealthy mix of barley tea soju, toasted rice syrup and seltzer. Fittingly, the anju (snacks consumed with alcohol) are simply as elevated: The lobster tteokbokki arrives effervescent sizzling and full of beneficiant chunks of house-made fish muffins and recent seafood.

3. Hire a hanbok

At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the architectural masterpiece that served because the official royal residence in the course of the Joseon dynasty, you may discover individuals wearing hanbok (conventional Korean apparel). Many close by shops lease these colourful two-piece outfits courting again to the Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392) and supply further companies like make-up, hair styling and photograph shoots. The exercise is promoted by the Korea Tourism Organization and inspired by locals as an indication of cultural appreciation, so do not be shy. One other perk? All 5 of Seoul’s royal palaces will waive their admission charges in case you arrive dressed accordingly.

South Korea champions creativity, as evidenced by the worldwide phenomenons of Ok-dramas, Korean movies and Ok-pop. No surprise the Western modern artwork world has its eyes squarely on Seoul. Now, the town is house to Asia’s solely Frieze Artwork Truthful (debuted in 2022), together with outposts of the world’s most revered galleries, resembling New York’s Gladstone Gallery and Berlin’s Konig Galerie. Make sure you assist Seoul-based establishments as properly; must-stops embody Bukchon Hanok Village’s gorgeous new Futura Seoul (unveiled throughout Frieze Seoul 2024), Kukje Gallery and Gana Art.

5. Get scrubbed at a bathhouse

One of many best methods to reset your physique following a long-haul flight or lengthy day of exploration is at a jjimjilbang. These conventional Korean bathhouses, nonetheless, are about greater than getting clear; they’re accessible hubs — entry charges are usually below $15 — the place locals join with buddies and disconnect from on a regular basis life. (Keep in mind that nudity is required for the same-sex bathing areas.) It is simple to spend hours between the swimming pools, saunas and rest zones, however find time for seshin, a deeply invigorating full-body scrub that stimulates circulation and leaves pores and skin silky clean. Sparex Goodmorning City is tourist-friendly and open 24 hours a day, however in case you’re craving extra privateness, 4 Seasons Resort Seoul’s Korean sauna and Spa Heum have non-public rooms.

6. Refill on Ok-beauty

Seoul is a bona fide procuring mecca for magnificence and skincare lovers. To fill up on cult favorites, from Mediheal’s sheet masks to Great thing about Joseon’s face sunscreen, swing by the nation’s premier retailer of inexpensive Ok-beauty, Olive Young. There are many choices to assist unbiased manufacturers, too. Take into account reserving a make-your-own-skincare class at Seongsu-dong’s Whipped. Uncover a chic fragrance nobody else has at Changyong Park’s Written on Water, an enthralling perfume studio in Yeonhui-dong. Clean up the drabbest areas in your house with Soohyang‘s gorgeously scented candles, diffusers and wax tablets.

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Why sleep in a traditional resort when you’ll be able to keep in a hanok, a standard Korean home? That is the pondering behind Rakkojae Seoul, a group of meticulously preserved historic residences outfitted with modern-day comforts. Staying right here is about slowing down and embracing quiet luxurious: Slumber on therapeutic jade ondol flooring; gas up within the morning with a standard breakfast of rice, soup and banchan fantastically offered in brassware; or just bask within the tranquility. Regardless of being within the coronary heart of the town, Rakkojae Seoul feels far faraway from the town’s crowds and visitors.

8. Soak up sky-high views

Although South Korea’s capital is rewarding from the town streets, it is much more memorable from excessive above. Occupying the 76th via a hundred and first flooring of the Lotte World Tower, the world’s sixth-tallest constructing, Signiel Seoul is a resort not like some other on the town with jaw-dropping chook’s-eye views of the cityscape, dreamy lodging and opulent touches like Bar 81, the place’ll you discover the nation’s greatest Champagne assortment. (It is also a part of American Specific Nice Accommodations + Resorts.) Feeling particularly courageous? Head up just a few flooring to Seoul Sky, which holds a number of data, together with the world’s highest glass-floor observatory and quickest elevator.

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