During your trip to South Korea, you cannot overlook the captivating tourist spots in Seoul. Each destination carries its own vibrant hues, adding excitement and vibrancy to your journey. Surely, you're curious about these places, right? If so, dive into the article below by Mytour for a clearer perspective!
Tourist Spots in Seoul - Gyeongbokgung Palace
One of the must-visit tourist spots in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung Palace. It's considered the largest and most significant palace in South Korea. This architectural marvel embodies the rich cultural and historical values of the land of kimchi, with its ancient and majestic architecture.
Construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace commenced in 1394 under King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Over the ensuing years, the palace underwent continuous expansion during the reigns of King Taejo and King Sejong. It's not an exaggeration to say that this marked the foundation of the dynasty.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a tourist attraction that draws crowds of international visitors. (Image source: Collection)
This structure was once ravaged during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. It was later restored during the reign of King Gojong. However, during the Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945, Gyeongbokgung Palace was destroyed once again. Today, the palace has been restored through the efforts of the government and local residents.
While visiting, you can rent traditional Hanbok attire for a photo opportunity, a favorite activity among tourists! Additionally, visitors have the chance to witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the entrance gate. Alternatively, you can enjoy military parades and attend traditional events held here.
Seoul Tourist Spots - N Seoul Tower
An iconic landmark of Seoul familiar to tourists is the N Seoul Tower. Also known as Namsan Tower, it sits atop Namsan Mountain. This location is recognized as the second-highest point in Seoul, standing at 236 meters tall. The tower has made numerous appearances in popular Korean films.
You can visit here at any time of the day. In the morning, the tower stands majestically against the blue sky, offering panoramic views of Seoul. In the evening, N Seoul Tower is illuminated by thousands of lights, creating a beautiful and sparkling sight.
N Seoul Tower is one of the symbols of the capital city Seoul (Image source: Collection)
Check-in coordinates are beloved by many couples. Because atop the tower, there's an area for you to lock love padlocks. This serves as evidence of the enduring love between couples. Additionally, when you come here, you'll have a wide variety of culinary choices. From traditional Korean dishes to delicious Western cuisine.
Seoul Tourist Spots - Bukchon Hanok Village
When mentioning Seoul tourist spots, Bukchon Hanok Village cannot be overlooked. This place is located very close to Gyeongbokgung Palace. The village, steeped in traditional Korean culture, is perfect for wearing a Hanbok! Amidst the bustling capital of Seoul, it's hard to believe there's a peaceful, ancient village like this.
Bukchon Hanok Village has a history of over 600 years, yet its traditional values seem to remain intact. There are over 400 ancient houses here with architecture from ancient times. Most of these houses are made of stone and wood with characteristic brown-yellow colors. You'll feel like you've traveled back to old Korea.
Bukchon Hanok Village is the ideal check-in spot for many young people (Image Source: Collection)
Almost every corner here can be a perfect spot for you to stop for some 'Instagrammable' moments. From winding narrow alleys to gently sloping streets. Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the distinctive traditional Korean culture.
During your stroll and photo sessions, you can take a break at the tea and coffee shops here. It's definitely an enjoyable and novel experience. Despite being called an ancient village, it's far from boring! You'll feel peaceful and relaxed when you come here!
Seoul Tourist Spots - Lotte World
Lotte World is one of the Seoul tourist spots highly favored by the youth. It's known as a complex entertainment area with the world's largest indoor amusement park. Additionally, this destination also features an outdoor amusement park called Magic Land. It's an artificial island connected to a bustling shopping center.
The indoor amusement area covers an area of up to 130,000 square meters. Here, there are countless exciting games ranging from gentle to adventurous for you to conquer and challenge yourself. You can test your courage with rides like Gyro Drop, Gyro Swing, Flume Ride, Spanish Pirate Ship, and more.
Lotte World is a top entertainment destination in the land of kimchi (Image Source: Collection)
Not stopping there, Lotte World also offers a system of luxury hotels, sports grounds, modern cinemas... This ultimate entertainment complex will surely provide you with unexpected moments of relaxation. That's why this place is the weekend entertainment destination for many families.
Seoul Tourist Spots - Everland
If you're someone who enjoys amusement parks like Lotte World, then you can also visit Everland. It's one of the Seoul tourist spots that always attracts many visitors. This amusement park gives you the feeling of traveling across continents around the world.
There are 5 themed zones here for visitors to choose from. They are Magic Land, American Adventure, Global Fair, Zootopia, and European Adventure. Each theme offers different experiences, making this place one of the top 10 most attractive amusement parks in the world.
Everland is famous for its thrilling rides that appeal to the younger generation (Image Source: Collection)
This place is famous for its thrilling and exciting rides. Along with that are over 400 different attractions from botanical gardens to colorful gardens. Not only that, but it's also an opportunity for you to learn about cultures, festivals, and histories from all over the world throughout the year.
Seoul Tourist Spots - Banpo Bridge
One of the Seoul tourist spots you can't miss is Banpo Bridge. What makes this bridge special is the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. It's also the fountain bridge recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest in the world with a length of 1,140 meters. The water is directly pumped from the river and treated for reuse.
Banpo Bridge is 25 meters wide and was constructed in 1982. By 2009, the new fountain system became complete and started operating. Not only that, but it's also the first double-decker bridge built in South Korea. The bridge sits at the center of Seoul and spans across the famous Han River.
The Banpo Bridge attracts tourists with the dazzling beauty of the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain (Image Source: Collection)
Thanks to this bridge, the beauty of the capital at night has been elevated to new heights. A system of 10,000 colorful lights is arranged along both sides of the bridge. This light, combined with 380 water jets, creates radiant and colorful scenes.
Usually, the bridge operates the fountain according to fixed hours. To enjoy this spectacle, you can find information on the official website. It will undoubtedly be a colorful walking destination for you and your family, loved ones!
Seoul Tourist Spots - Myeongdong Shopping Paradise
Myeongdong is among the top tourist spots in Seoul renowned for its excitement. It's known as a bustling shopping district in Jung-gu district. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or just looking for stylish clothes, this is the place to be.
Most famous fashion brands are concentrated here. It's no exaggeration to say that Myeongdong is like a spectacular fashion show. You'll spot many stylish individuals showcasing their fashion sense. Moreover, this area is dotted with numerous cosmetics shops and eateries.
Myeongdong's food street attracts many food enthusiasts (Image Source: Collection)
If you're unsure about what souvenirs to buy for your trip, you can also visit this place. A wide range of products with prices ranging from affordable to luxurious will give you plenty of options. Once you step into Myeongdong, you'll surely not want to leave.
Myeongdong street may be less than 500 meters long, but it holds a lot of wonderful things. The best time to visit for strolling and shopping is at night. This is when the neighborhood is most lively and bustling. It will somewhat give you a complete experience of Seoul's nightlife.
Seoul Tourist Spots - Hongdae District
If you're into the lively and vibrant atmosphere of youth, you can't miss the Hongdae district. It's known as Seoul's sleepless street. Life here is always lively and dynamic. Young people often gather here to socialize and have fun.
There are plenty of restaurants, eateries, and unique fashion shops here. Among Seoul's nighttime tourist spots, Hongdae is definitely worth a visit! The music here almost always echoes throughout the street, creating a modern and youthful atmosphere.
Hongdae - The sleepless street of Seoul (Source: Collection)
If you're into street music performances, then head to Hongdae. Not only that, Hongdae also has plenty of budget-friendly shopping stores. Along with that are delicious, flavorful Korean dishes. This will surely add a new colorful dimension to your Seoul exploration journey.
Seoul Tourist Spots - Seokchon Lake
If you're a nature enthusiast, then Seokchon Lake is the ideal destination. Seokchon Lake is one of the largest artificial lakes in the land of kimchi. The lake spans 147.400 km2, located near Lotte World Park. If you want to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the fresh air, and slowly watch the crowd, then this is the perfect spot for tourists.
Seokchon Lake is also the venue for the famous annual cherry blossom festival. Surrounding the lake area are thousands of cherry blossom trees. In spring, the pink petals blooming make the scenery around the lake truly poetic and romantic.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom along the shores of Seokchon Lake in spring (Source: Collection)
If you want to witness the vibrant cherry blossoms in person, you should visit here from March to April. Not only can you admire the flowers, but tourists can also immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere in Korea. Additionally, you can participate in fun activities like cosplay, portrait drawing, and more.
Seoul Tourist Spots - Gwanghwamun Square
When it comes to famous tourist spots in Seoul, Gwanghwamun Square cannot be overlooked. This square also serves as the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Stepping into Gyeongbokgung Square, the first impressive sight for visitors is the grand and majestic statue of King Sejong. He is one of the great kings of the Joseon Dynasty and the inventor of the Korean alphabet, Hangul.
Gwanghwamun Square is situated right in the heart of the capital city. It can be said that this is the largest and most beautiful square in Korea today. Not only a symbol of Seoul, Gwanghwamun is also the venue for many important events and large-scale performances, charity fairs, etc. Hundreds of events, big and small, are organized at this square every year.
Statue of King Sejong at Gwanghwamun Square (Source: Collection)
Stepping into Gwanghwamun Square, visitors will witness the unique beauty of contrast. The ancient beauty of Gwanghwamun stands out amidst the modern skyscrapers on both sides of the square. You can also take lots of beautiful photos with friends, capturing memorable moments during your Seoul trip.
Seoul Tourist Spots - Namdaemun Market
Fashion enthusiasts visiting Seoul must not miss out on Namdaemun Market. In addition to modern shopping centers, this traditional market is also one of the beloved Seoul tourist spots by many travelers. At Namdaemun Market, you can find a wide range of items such as cosmetics, branded clothing, souvenirs, electronics, and more. The prices of goods at Namdaemun Market are known to be very affordable and offer a diverse selection of styles.
At Namdaemun Market, travelers can find all types of clothing from traditional to modern. The clothing stalls at the market are quite numerous and interconnected. Customers can easily choose suitable clothing styles through the advice of shop owners. You will experience the lively shopping atmosphere that you haven't had in a long time.
The culinary world at Namdaemun Market attracts a large number of visitors (Source: Collection)
Besides clothing, Namdaemun Market is also the top destination for fresh and delicious vegetables in Seoul. After strolling and shopping, you can also visit the eateries in the market area to enjoy the Korean culinary world. The dishes here are delicious, flavorful, and clean. Namdaemun Market usually opens from 11 pm to 4 am the next day for tourists to explore freely.
Seoul Tourist Spots - Seoraksan Mountain
Seoraksan Mountain is one of the majestic and captivating landscapes that attract many tourists when visiting Seoul. Located in Gangwon Province, the mountain is known as one of the feng shui paintings of the land of Korea. At the same time, Seoraksan is also the third highest mountain in South Korea. Seoraksan is currently the most beloved national park in Seoul.
Seoraksan Mountain impresses tourists with its changing scenery throughout the seasons. In spring, the mountain forests are covered with blooming flowers. In summer, visiting Seoraksan, you will feel so relaxed listening to the sound of trickling streams. In autumn, the entire mountain is filled with the red color of autumn leaves. And in winter, the landscape here is immersed in white snow.
Autumn leaves on Seoraksan Mountain (Source: Collection)
If you love nature, then you definitely shouldn't miss this mountain. The best time to explore Seoraksan is from late September to early October. This is also the time when people flock to Seoraksan to admire the autumn leaves. So, you need to consider the right time to have a fulfilling sightseeing trip.
Seoul Tourist Spots - Jogyesa Temple
As one of the four Buddhist countries, similar to the Vietnamese, Koreans also highly regard Buddhism. Therefore, it is not difficult to come across temples when visiting Seoul in particular and Korea in general. Today, temples have also become attractive tourist destinations. And Jogyesa Temple is one of the Seoul tourist spots that you cannot miss.
Jogyesa Temple can be considered one of the most iconic landmarks of Korean Buddhism. This temple was built in 1395, during the early period of the Joseon Dynasty. Jogyesa Temple still preserves the characteristic traditional architecture of Korea. Visitors will feel overwhelmed and unforgettable when standing in front of the main hall decorated with exquisite and meticulous carvings.
Jogyesa Temple offers beautiful scenery and fresh air (Source: Collection)
When visiting Jogyesa Temple, tourists can participate in many activities. If you are a Buddhist, you can offer incense and pray. Or you can simply wander around the temple, explore your country's ancient temple. And of course, don't forget the activity of taking photos to capture memories for your trip.
Seoul Tourist Spots - National Museum of Korea
Are you fond of traveling while exploring culture and history? Are you looking for a destination that can provide you with fascinating insights into the history, culture, and art of Korea? Then the National Museum of Korea is the place you can't miss. It's also one of the top favorite tourist spots in Seoul.
Established in 1945, the National Museum of Korea houses numerous valuable artifacts and documents related to various aspects of history, culture, and art. It's also one of the largest museums in Korea today. Every year, the museum welcomes over 3 million visitors.
The National Museum of Korea preserves many ancient cultural and historical treasures (Source: Collection)
Located approximately 1.5km from Yongsan Station, the National Museum of Korea is easily accessible. Besides housing valuable historical artifacts, the museum impresses visitors with its majestic and unique architecture. The interior space of the museum is spacious, tranquil, and cool. Visitors will experience a sense of timeless tranquility amidst the bustling Seoul when stepping into the National Museum of Korea.
Seoul Travel Destinations - Gangnam District
Visiting South Korea without exploring the 'rich neighborhood' Gangnam would be a missed opportunity. Situated in the southern part of Seoul, Gangnam is home to numerous shopping and entertainment centers. After the viral hit 'Gangnam Style,' this district has become even more famous, attracting tourists from all over. If you love vibrancy and want to create more memories on your trip, then make sure to visit Gangnam.
Gangnam leaves a strong impression on visitors with its skyscrapers. At night, the dazzling lights make this area even more lively. Located next to the scenic Han River, Gangnam blends modernity with classic charm. You can stroll along the streets, visit shops on both sides, and experience Seoul nightlife to the fullest.
The affluent Gangnam district is a dream for many South Koreans (Image Source: Collection)
When talking about the bustling Gangnam district, one immediately thinks of the entertainment hub Apgujeong-dong. Stepping into this area, tourists will have the opportunity to experience a variety of entertaining activities. For shopaholics, a visit to Galleria is a must-stop. This shopping complex will help you find everything you need.
Seoul Travel Destinations - Bukhansan National Park
If you're a nature enthusiast, Bukhansan National Park is one of the ideal destinations for tourists visiting Seoul. Established in 1983, this national park has become a leading park in South Korea.
Bukhansan National Park covers a total area of 80.699 km2, including Bukhansan and Dobongsan mountains. Among them, Bukhansan consists of three peaks: Insubong (810.5m), Baegundae (835.6m), and Mangyongdae (799.5m). This area is often referred to by locals as the 'three-horned mountain' or 'Samgaksan' due to its distinctive peaks.
Bukhansan National Park boasts majestic scenery and fresh air (Source: Collection)
Visiting Bukhansan National Park, tourists will marvel at the stunning vegetation. The air within the Bukhansan area is exceptionally fresh. You can hike, enjoy the scenery, and explore every corner of this national park. Additionally, standing atop the mountain, you can easily take in the bustling cityscape of Seoul.
South Korea has long been an ideal destination for travelers worldwide. We hope the top 15+ Seoul travel destinations we've just compiled will provide you with more choices for your upcoming trip to Korea. To explore high-quality tours in Korea, please contact Mytour via hotline Mytour!