- Gyeongbokgung
- Insadong
- National Museum of Korea
- Dongdaemun
- Namsan
- Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung
- Bukhansan National Park
- Buamdong
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Gwacheon
1. Gyeongbokgung
In 1392, the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Taejo, chose Seoul as his founding capital, and just two years later, construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace—the “Palace of Happiness”—was completed. Since then, the imposing building has become vital and served as the royal residence until 1910. The countless halls and gates that dot the complex are colorful, although in true Confucian style, any opulence is offset by nature—in this case, the pine-clad mountains to the north.
2. Insadong
It's Seoul's most popular tourist area, and for a good reason, Insadong is the most interesting Korean place to shop or eat in town. Much of the area is made up of narrow, winding streets known as Golmud, which are great for getting around. These alleys are crammed with charming little galleries, restaurants, tea rooms and jewelry stores, some of which are housed in traditional wooden hanok buildings.
3. National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is by far the most important collection of historical artifacts in the country. Once housed on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, it moved to a state-of-the-art facility on land previously owned by the U.S. Army in 2005. This treasure trove offers visitors a chronological tour of Korean history - from the Paleolithic to the Three Kingdoms period, then Silla, Goryeo and Joseon dynasties.
4. Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun is an intricately painted two-story building that was once a symbol on the eastern edge of Seoul and literally means "The Great East Gate." The city may have expanded, but the gates of 1398 are still here, albeit destroyed by fire, restored and rebuilt in 1869. Today, it represents an interesting mix of renovation and reconstruction. The vast market area developed around Dongdaemun is one of the most fascinating places in Korea.
5. Namsan
Mountains make up most of South Korea's landmass, so it's no surprise to find one in the cenre of Seoul. Nanshan is a 262 m peak that used to be the southern end of the city. Today, it hosts several interesting attractions: the iconic N Seoul Tower sprouts from the summit of Namsan; its slopes are a veritable labyrinth of delightful hiking trails, and at the foot of the mountain you'll find a traditional performance hall and some charming wooden hanok buildings.
6. Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung
Two of Seoul's five royal palaces, Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung, are separated by only one wall. Although their names sound similar, there are many differences between the two. Completed in 1412, Changdeokgung Palace is the older of the two palaces and the best-preserved of the palaces in Seoul. On the other hand, Changgyeonggung Palace, built in 1483, is a more modest palace connected by a pedestrian bridge to Jongmyo, a park-like complex that was the shrine to Joseon kings.
7. Bukhansan National Park
Seoul is a rarity among the world capitals, as there is a national park within the city. The park is divided into distinct northern and southern sections, although both share the same charm - a series of mountain trails, freshwater streams, rippling rocky vines, granite pinnacles, and a set of fully functioning Buddhist temples and retreats. The trails are ideal - easy enough for novice hikers but steep enough to provide a good workout.
8. Buamdong
In the early years of South Korea's economic boom, Buam-dong and neighboring Pyeongchang-dong were considered the most luxurious places to live in Seoul - the reason for the existence of many large houses and opulent mansions. Young Seoulites flock here on weekends to visit the area's quirky cafes and bars on a walk.
9. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon is the traditional island of modern Seoul. Hanok, the wooden houses that once covered Korea, has now mostly been replaced by concrete towers, making Bukchon a living museum of Korean historical architecture. You'll see a plethora of hanoks here; while most are studios, a few have been converted into charming cafés, tearooms, and galleries.
10. Gwacheon
Seoul is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, and parks are the norm here. Visitors staying longer than a few days may want to escape the crowds and enjoy some greenery. The neighboring town of Gwacheon is the perfect destination. Its focus is Seoul Grand Park, a land surrounded by mountains that also houses art galleries, a large zoo and one of the largest theme parks in South Korea.
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