The Best Things to Do in Seoul:History, Tradition & Culture
Royal Palaces in Seoul

Built over 600 years ago, the Royal Palaces in Seoul were the homes to the kings and queens of the Joseon Royalty, Korea’s last royal dynasty. Some are grand and majestic, others are secluded and private. Two are national treasures registered as UNESCO Cultural Heritages for the perfectly harmoniously architectural integration into the landscape as well as preservation of ancient Confucian culture throughout the centuries.
Gyeongbokgung
is the main royal palace in Seoul and the grandest of them all
Changdeokgung
is considered the most beautiful of the royal palaces and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Changyeonggung
is the smallest and most intimate of the royal palaces in Seoul
Deoksugung
is very accessible and the most unique of the royal palaces with its Western-style architecture
Gyeonghuigung
is the most private of the RoyalPalace in Seoul and it’s sometimes considered the forgotten palace
Jongmyo Shrine
is an ancient confucian shrine that’s also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its preservation of ancient Confucian rituals
Buddhist Temples in Seoul

Buddhism had a huge influence on the Korean peninsula, and even in hyper-modern Seoul, you can still visit centuries-old Buddhist Temples, with beautiful Buddhist gardens, temple art and even delicious organic and vegan temple food. You can even stay overnight at many of the Buddhist temples in Seoul and immerse yourself with the Temple Stay Program.
Jogyesa Temple
is the most beautiful Buddhist temple in Seoul with its huge colorful garden. Come here during Buddha’s Birthday and the lantern festival.
Bongeunsa Temple
, located next to the COEX Mall, has a large Buddha statue that oversees hypermodern Seoul.
Jingwansa Temple
is spacious, and has clean, fresh air as its located in the foothills of Bukhansan Mountain, a National Park in Seoul.
Gilsangsa Seoul
a converted high-class restaurant that was donated, is one of the most modern and beautiful of buddhist temples in Seoul.
Bomunsa Temple
is a buddhist nunnery with easy access within the city.
Traditional Neighborhoods in Seoul

Within ultra-modern Seoul, you can still find traditional neighborhoods that preserve what life was like in Korea centuries ago. The architecture and neighborhoods are unique and beautiful. They’re also perfect places to stay.
Bukchon Hanok Village
is a neighborhood filled with beautifully preserved hanok (traditional Korean architecture), perfect for pictures.
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Ikseon-dong
has hanok as well, but the tiny streets are more fun to navigate with trendy cafes and modern guesthouses lining the sides.
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Namsangol Hanok Village
this is a village thats been recreated to let you experience traditional Korean culture and daily life from centuries ago.
Gye-dong
is a quiet and quaint area between two royal palaces where aristocrats lived. It’s classy and has cool shops with few tourists.
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Traditional Markets in Seoul

Traditional markets in Seoul are exciting experiences, and some are even hundreds of years old. There’s food markets, antique markets, and everything markets.
Namdaemun Market
is the largest market in all of Korea and sells everything under the sun.
Gwangjang Market
is the perfect market for foodies looking for authentic Korean food.
Noryangjin Fish Market
is for those who want the freshest seafood; they’re literally alive before you eat.
Majang Meat Market
is the perfect for Korean BBQ lovers; come to the source.
Dongmyo Flea
is great for vintage shopping in Korea with plenty of old antiques and second-hand clothes at cheap prices.
Museums: History, Culture & Art

Of course, there are plenty of museums in Seoul that tell stories about the countries history, shows off its culture and provide enjoyable entertainment. There are many museums to check out, but we’ve curated the best museums in Seoul according to history, culture and art.
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is the most comprehensive history museum that follows the entire history of the Korean peninsula. See hunter-gatherer artifacts, amazing Buddhist art and ancient royal crowns.
The War Memorial of Korea
iThe War Memorial of Korea shows how war has been a huge force in shaping South Korea today. It’s a must for history buffs.
National Folk Museum of Korea
Free with any entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea gives a quick and abbreviated historical account of Korea.
National Gukak Center
The main institute for traditional culture in Korea, here you can watch centuries old dances and songs and even take classes to learn yourself.
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
One of Seoul’s largest private collections of traditional and contemporary art, Leeum’s museums are themselves also beautiful works of architecture.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
The center of Korea’s fashion and design industry, and home to Seoul’s Fashion Week, this neofuturisitic building is one of the most amazing pieces of architecture you’ll see in Seoul.
Trick Eye Museum
Don’t just watch the art. Be a part of the art! Trick Eye Museum is a fun day where you can be a part of the artwork and take some fun pictures.
The Best Things to Do in Seoul:Unique Local Experiences
Tours & Classes

Sometimes you need a Seoul local to show you all the hidden spots and foods that only locals know about. Some sites in Korea are inaccessible without a local tour guide, too! Here are some of the must-see places in and around Seoul as well as experiences with a personal guide to show you each step of the way.
DMZ
Step inside North Korea and back. Only available through guided tours.
Traditional Korean Alcohol Tour – Sample traditional Korean traditional brews of makgeolli (Korean rice white) from local brewmasters at their own breweries.
- Korean Food Tours
Discover locally famous eateries with local food experts who will explain the intricacies of each flavor, pairing and the culture behind the food. (In progress. E-mail us to be notified!) - Korean Food Cooking Classes
Learn how to make delicious Korean foods that you cam bring back home and make for your friends and family.
(In progress. E-mail us to be notified!) - Kimchi Making Classes
Learn how to make batches of delicious kimchi that can even be stored for months. (In progress. E-mail us to be notified!)
Unique Competitions & Shows

E-sports
You’d be wrong if you think watching baseball or going to the movies would be the same in Korea. And you’d be hard pressed to find a place to watch pro gamers or blackbelt taekwondo masters at their craft. These competitions & shows are fun and unique experiences you wish you had back at home.

Movies
Movies are extremely popular in Korea, and there are unique movie theaters in Seoul. One has one of the largest movie theater screens in the world and another has couches with gourmet meals.

Baseball Games
Baseball fans in Korea are extremely passionate, and each and every pitch is exciting with fans singing songs for each players and with cheerleaders. See the three teams in Seoul: Doosan Bears, LG Twins, Nexen Heroes.

Taekwondo Show
Korea is the birthplace of Taekwondo, a martial arts with highflying kicks. Watch these taekwondo masters break boards with acrobatic kicks.
Miscellaneous

Of course, there many of the activities and attractions are unique to Korea. Here are some of the largest, most cutting-edge and unique things to do in Seoul.
Samsung D’light
Here you’ll find what the latest tech and gadgets from Samsung. It’s the future envisioned by this tech leader.
Yeouido Full Gospel Church
One of the largest churches in the world, this megachurch boasts a 200,000 weekly attendance and a nearly half million congregation.
Templestay
Templestay is a program to stay at buddhist temples and experience the life of a monk, learn about truth and eat delicious temple food.
Korean Spa (jjimjilbang)
A day of rest, relaxation, health and beauty, Korean Spas are also great entertainment venues to hang out with friends and family.
- Hanbok
Where else in the world can you rent traditional Korean clothes to wear while you visit centuries year old palaces. It’s perfect for fun photos. (In progress. E-mail us to be notified!)
Rooms (aka ‘bang’)

Koreans have a “bang” culture, which translates to “room.” It originated because young people didn’t want to hang out at home where their parents would be. Now it’s evolved to be activity centers to play online games, watch movies, read comic books and be insane karaoke gods with your friends and significant other.
Noraebang
Private karaoke rooms to sing your heart out with friends and family. Leave your embarrassments and judgments at the door.
DVD Room
Private theaters with comfortable couches, projection screens and surround sound speakers.
Multi-bang
All the “bangs” combined in one room: video games, karaoke and movies all in one room.
PC Bang
Online gaming hubs with comfortable chairs, big screens, super fast computers, and rock solid internet connections.
Cartoon Bang
For that laid back, lazy Sunday afternoon experience reading comic books while munching on snacks.
Playstation Rooms
Playstation rooms are filled with mostly soccer obsessed friends that want to play a few games of FIFA for dinner.
Indoor Sports & Games

This room culture has spread its wings to allow people to be a bit more active. Korea now has a plethora of indoor sports simulation games and other active experiences that are usually for the outdoors. Stay in and have some fun with your loved ones with these indoor sports & games.
Screen Golf
Take the hassle and the high price tag out of going to the golf course, and play golf with an indoor golf simulator.
Screen Baseball
It’s impossible to get a pickup baseball game, and batting cages can get boring. It’s more fun to play a baseball simulator with friends and virtual pitchers.
Fishing Cafe
Fishing take a lot of preparation. But if you just want to have some fun catching some fish, try a fishing cafe.
VR Games
Virtual reality is a fully-immersive video game experience where you can jump off buildings and box world champions without breaking any bones.
Outdoor & Sports

Seoul is a large city with plenty of things to do for those who are more active. There’s biking rentals and paths along the Han River, the largest indoor ice climbing wall in the world, hiking up Bukhansan Mountain, outdoor archery lessons by world-class athletes
Indoor Ice Climbing
Seoul has the largest indoor ice wall in the world which offers rentals and lessons for an icy challenge that can be had nowhere else in the world.
Biking along the Han River
The Han River has plenty of bike rental stations where you can enjoy a breezy ride next to some amazing scenery next to the river.
Hiking Bukhansan Mountain
Bukhansan Mountain is a national park immediately accessible in hyper-modern Seoul. There’s plenty of trails for fresh air and hikes ranging from casual to hard work.
- Archery
Korea dominates Olympic archery, producing many of the best archers in the world. Take an archery lesson in Seoul from some of the best. (In progress. E-mail us to be notified!)
Parks & Walks

Although Seoul may be a sprawling metropolis, there are plenty of places you can find relaxing nature within this urban jungle without being athlete of the century. There are reclaimed streams and walkways where you can grab a coffee and enjoy the day with friends.
Tapgol Park
Next to Insadong, you’ll find one of the most iconic parks of Seoul. Here you’ll find old men playing boardgames and chat politics.
Yeouido Hangang Park
Here you can rent bikes, picnic out on the grass, find kids playing in the water fountain and even enjoy movies and concerts.
Yeouido Park
A ecological refuge in the middle of the city, here you can take a nice stroll in nature right in the middle of the city.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
One of the prettiest urban space in Seoul, grab a coffee or beer and chat it up with a friend in front of a gentle stream with night lights and buskers.
Seollo 7017
The high line pedestrian walkway with greenery, restaurants and cafes along the way for a leisurely stroll.
Waterparks, Amusement Parks and Ski Resorts

Located within Seoul or within an hour of Seoul are several amusement parks, waterparks, ski resorts to enjoy a full-day of rides, shows and attractions. All these waterparks and amusement parks in Seoul or around Seoul are easily accessible, some even with free shuttle buses.
Lotte World
The largest indoor amusement park in the world has rides, games and shows for all types of weather.
Seoul Land
Seoul Land is fun amusement park in Seoul that’s also attached to a zoo and large botanical garden for a full day of outdoor fun.
Everland & Caribbean Bay
The largest and most popular amusement park in Korea, Everland & Caribbean Bay is a Waterpark and Amusement Park combination with free shuttle buses in Seoul.
Ski World & Ocean World
Vivaldi Park is a multi-purpose resort that doubles as a ski resort in the winter and a huge waterpark in the summer.
The Best Things to Do in Seoul:The Best Places to Shop in Seoul
Best Places for Shopping in Seoul (Fashion)

Seoul has recently become one of the hottest names in the international fashion scene. There’s a lot of buzz without much information on where to get the goods. Luckily, we’re you’re local Seoul guides. Here’s some of the best places to shop in Seoul for fashion.
Hongdae – 87mm
Hongdae is the center of youth fashion in Seoul with plenty of boutique shops. 87mm is one of the most hottest names in the fashion industry, located in the heart of Hongdae.
Myeongdong – Lotte Department Store
For all the high-end luxury brands, Lotte Department store is the most famous place to shop in Seoul. They even have a floor dedicated to duty-free shopping.
Itaewon – Hamilton Shirts
Itaewon is known for its cheap custom suits, the most famous of all is Hamilton Shirts, which sell custom-fitted suits and shirts.
Edae Shopping Street
Edae Shopping street, home to Ehwa Women’s University, has anything a young college girl would want at bargain prices.
Garosuil Shopping Street
Where nearly all the fashion brands host their flagship stores, this shopping area is a must for the best shopping in Seoul.
Best Places to Shop in Seoul (Non-fashion)

Shopping in Seoul is not just about fashion. There’s tons of unique product design shops curated with local Korean designers as well as one-stop-shops for souvenirs. You can also stop by character shops for messaging apps (i.e. KakaoTalk, Line) and even some streets dedicated to cheap prescription glasses.
Product Design – Sangsangmadang
Up-and-coming designers are featured at Sangsang Madang, a product design shop with unique wares that make perfect souvenirs.
Kakao Friends Store
Take your next Facebook profile picture with the characters of Korea’s #1 messaging app. Flagship store locations in Gangnam and Hongdae.
Line Friends Store
Line, another popular messaging app, has large flagship stores located throughout Seoul to buy souvenirs and to take fun pictures. Locations in Garosugil, Myeongdong and Itaewon.
Eye Glass Street
A street in Namdaemun dedicated to ultra cheap prescription glasses where you can shop around for the best price.
The Best Things to Do in Seoul:The Best Places to Eat in Seoul

Of course, if you’re going to be in Korea, you should indulge in some awesome Korean food. There’s a wide range of flavors and types of food for every palate. And since Seoul represents all of Korea, here’s some of the best restaurants in Seoul.
Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
Hanam Dwejijip – This chain restaurant is widely considered the best samgyeopsal restaurant in Seoul and even Korea. Their pork belly is charred for flavor before it comes out on your table where it finishes cooking.
Korean BBQ (Galbi) – Mudeungsan
A classy Korean BBQ restaurant that serves premium Korean beef (hanu) with an onsite butcher for ultimate freshness.
Bibimbap – Gogung
Originally from the bibimbap capital of Korea, Jeonju, Gogun opened up branches in Seoul, one right in the middle of Myeongdong.
Kimchi Jiigae
Hyeondae Jeongyuk Sikdang – Simple, everyday dishes like kimchijjigae are hard to make extra special. The kimchi jjigae at Hyeondae Jeongyuk Sikdang is a special exception.
Naengmyeon – Euljimyeonok
This old school restaurant boasts ultra-clean and refreshing cold naengmyeon noodles in its original form.
Gomtang – Hadongkwan
This is probably the most famous restaurant in all of Seoul, and all they serve is a simple bowl of soup.
Korean Homestyle Cooking – Parc
Hard-to-find Korean homestyle cooking in a beautiful venue, paired with drinks and cocktails is what makes Parc one of the most talked about restaurants in Seoul.
Korean Buffet – Nature Kitchen
Without the disclaimer that it’s “good for a buffet,” this popular Korean buffet chain has all-you-can-eat healthy Korean food at an affordable price.
Samgyetang – Tosokchon
Check off another of your checklist of famous Korean restaurant to eat at this famous ginseng chicken soup restaurant.
Korean Buddhist Cuisine – Balwoogongyang
Eat a full-course meal at a high-class Buddhist restaurant that balances flavors and promotes Buddhist principles with delicious food.
Korean Street Food – Myeongdong
Want to indulge in Korean street food, walk the streets of Myeongdong to see all the classics as well as all the newest trends.
The Best Things to Do in Seoul:The Best Cafes & Tea Houses in Seoul
The Best Cafes in Seoul

Nearly every social gathering in Korea will end up in a coffee shop at some point. And there’s so much cafe competition that Korea’s cafe game is top notch. Many of the cafes in Seoul have beautifully designed interiors with the aromatic smell of coffee beans roasting filling the air. Here’s our favorites in Seoul.
The Famous Lamb
The cafe in Hongdae is a local’s favorite with deliciously roasted drip coffee, 5-star service and a breakfast buffet that’ll rival any hotels.
Miel
Check out art works at this hidden gallery cafe in the upscale Cheongdam district while sipping on lattes, or even having a light meal.
Cafe Little Neck
The ultimate brunch cafe for 11AM meet ups with friends over good food and coffee in a beautifully designed brunch cafe in the Itaerwon area.
Hotel Soosunhwa
Part cafe, part bar, part co-working space, part showroom, Hotel Soosunhwa is an ultra cool cafe tucked away in industrial Seoul.
Cafe aA
This famous cafe in Hongdae is actually a furniture museum with beautiful chairs, drawers and tables on display. Come here if you like design.
Ver’s Garden
This famous flower cafe in Yeonnamdong, (next to Hongdae) brings tons of green to the urban jungle for you to enjoy.
Coffee Libre
These free-trade coffee crusaders have become famous for their drinks with both complex and subtle flavors.
5 Brewing Coffee
For coffee snobs that loved brewed coffee, this cafe in Hongdae is owned by a well-respected barista champion.
Daeo Bookstore
Daeo Bookstore, the oldest used books store in Seoul, has been turned into a cafe where you can enjoy the traditional architecture and the traditional feel.
Coffee Hanyakbang
Modeled after a traditional Korean pharmacy with beautiful mother-of-pearl furniture pieces, this famous cafe is hidden away in industrial Seoul.
The Best Tea Houses in Seoul

Before coffee made it over to Korea, tea houses were the place where business meetings and dates alike took place. They’re harder to find, but if you head over to the traditional neighborhood, Insadong, you’ll find plenty.
Beautiful Tea House
This impeccably designed tea house is modern, well-lit, and has strong teas from around the world. It’s actually a tea museum where you can also purchase some teas.
Twinkle Twinkle Tea House
This cozy, 2nd floor tea house has delicious teas, cute cups and traditional Korean desserts.
47th Street Tea House
Located in a beautifully renovated hanok (traditional Korean building) with all kinds of traditional teas, snacks and desserts.
The Best Pet. Theme and Activity Cafes in Seoul

Pet, theme and activity cafes in Seoul have been around for a while, and now we’re seeing next level stuff. There’s dog and cat cafes of course, but there are also cafes with raccoons, tortoises, sheep and even meerkats. There are also plenty with fun activities as well.
BauHouse
This famous dog cafe in Hongdae probably has the largest collection of dogs, big and small. You can buy snacks to feed the dogs.
Cheongchun Cat Cafe
Boasting over 20 cats with a huge gym for the cats to walk around, this chain cat cafe in Hongdae is one of the biggest in the Seoul.
Thanks Nature Cafe
Another famous pet cafe in Seoul is this sheep cafe in Hongdae with two adorable and fluffy sheep.
Mangkun
Raccoons are cute and mischievous little things. Mangkun is several raccoons you can play with they try to pilfer whatever is in your pockets.
Cafe Galapagos
This unique pet cafe in hongdae has sugar gliders and a tortoise that walks around minding its own business.
Meercat Cafe
The meerkat cafe in Hongdae has become famous for the meerkat enclosure you can sit in and hang out with their several meercats. They also have an arctic fox and a genet to tripe up on the unique pet theme.
Get & Show (Lego Cafe)
Lego is fun for any age, and at this Lego Cafe in Hongdae, you can find build a pirate ship while you sip on a latte.
Super Boards (Board Game Cafe)
This board game cafe in Hongdae is a great way to have some old school fun. Be careful not to ruin friendships.
Retro Cafe Trade
This retro gaming cafe in Seoul is where you can relive the 80s, 90s with old school video games and consoles.
The Best Things to Do in Seoul:Nightlife: Bars, Lounges and Clubs in Seoul
The Best Clubs & Lounges in Seoul

Korea is one of the best kept secrets when it comes to nightlife. For those in the know, know that Korea has legendary clubs that stay packed well past sunrise. Seoul is home to world-class clubs, exclusive after clubs, weekday clubs packed on weekdays, and high-end cocktail lounges. There’s so many to choose from in Seoul, but here are out favorites.
Octagon
Flat out the best club in Seoul. Consistently ranked in the top 10 of the best clubs in the world (via DJMag), this famous club in gangnam has several floors and a huge LED with tons of electric clubbers.
Club Arena
Super exclusive after club that you probably a group of local Koreans to get in. Amazing energy that keeps going well past the AM hours.
Club NB
Probably the most famous club in Hongdae, NB is crazy packed even on a Tuesday night. Come here for the best hiphop club to go in Seoul on a weekday.
Club Cocoon
Another one of the best clubs in Hongdae is Club Cocoon, which is always packed on weekdays as well. They play electro, house, trance.
Club Mass
Known for its high energy clubbers, this famous house/trance/electro club in Gangnam is best experienced on a weekday nights.
D.Bridge
This high-class lounge bar has a ultra classy setting in the exclusive Cheongdam area. It’s where the best of Seoul come to hang.
Monkey Museum
Owned by Seungri of Big Bang fame, Monkey Museum is an intimate hiphop lounge with a raucous crowd. Ultra fun with a group of friends.
The Best Bars in Seoul

Walk outside at 3AM on a random street in Seoul, and you know Korea’s alcohol game is strong. So there’s plenty of bars to choose from in the land of the inebriated. Korean style singles bars, bars in traditional Korean houses and rooftop bars, traditional Korean tent bars, classy wine bars and even prohibition style speakeasy bars. Here’s our list of best bars in Seoul.
The Cobbler
A classy bar housed in renovated hanok (traditional Korean house), hidden away in unmarked streets, the Cobbler has expert mixologists that can create any drink you want, literally (they have no menu, so just tell them what you like).
Samgeoripocha (Hongdae)
This modern Korean-style bar in Hongdae became famous for its fun (and drunk) college student atmosphere. It’s fun for drinking games and delicious with its food.
Hansinpocha (Nonhyeon)
This modern Korean tent bar became famous as a Korean-style singles bar where groups of boys would link up with groups of girls. They’re also famous for their mega spicy chicken feet.
Real Pojangmacha (Korean-tent bars)
If you’re wondering where to find real pojangmacha (tent bars) in Seoul, you’re not alone; they’re slowly disappearing. But here are a few places you can still find them: Euljiro, Dongdaemun.
Rooftop Bar Floating
Rooftop Bar Floating is one of the nicest rooftop bars in Seoul with its view of Namsan Tower. It’s an especially romantic bar to take your date, especially if you’re in Myeongdong.
Rooftop Bar at Hotel Cappuccino
If you’re looking for a classy bar in Gangam where you can get a great view, the rooftop bar at Hotel Cappuccino has a casual atmosphere with a great view.
- Makgeolli Tour
Makgeolli, a traditional rice wine that’s fizzy and milky, is a favorite. Go on a tour to find and drink with the most famous makjgeolli craftsmen of Seoul. (In progress. E-mail us to be notified!)
Vin.ga
This exclusive wine bar in Seoul is where you should go for over 800 selections of wine. Come here to impress.