THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL, KOREA

Group of friends dressed up in traditional korean attire (also known as "hanboks") posing inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Things to Do When Traveling to Seoul, Korea

Seoul is the kind of city that’s got it all—history, culture, shopping, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat. Whether you’re here for a quick layover or a full-blown vacation, these are the top spots you don’t want to miss..

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace – Dress the Part & Get in Free

If you’re going to visit one palace in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung is the one. It’s massive, beautiful, and steeped in history. But here’s a pro tip: rent a hanbok (traditional Korean outfit) for around $20 USD just across the street from the palace entrance, and you’ll get free entrance to the palace. Plus, you’ll get the best photos—it’s a win-win! We came with a group of friends which made the experience even more memorable! We were being silly around the palace and took photos for a few hours, some people even applauded us for dressing up in a group! After wandering through the palace grounds, take a short walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can see cute traditional Korean houses and take even more postcard-worthy pictures!

2. Gwangjang Market – Eat Your Way Through Street Food Heaven

This is hands-down one of the best places in Seoul to eat street food. Gwangjang Market is packed with vendors selling everything from crispy bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) to mayak gimbap (addictive mini seaweed rice rolls). If you’re feeling adventurous, try the raw marinated crabs or a plate of knife-cut noodles. It’s a full-on sensory experience—loud, chaotic, and absolutely delicious. Beware, this market has gotten pretty popular so I would try to come early to avoid crowds! I still dream about the food I ate here, one of the best days of eating during our trip to Seoul.

3. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – Shop Till You Drop at Night

Photo of a buildling in seoul called Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) with light exhibition displayed on the surface of the bean shaped artchitecture. — If you love shopping, Dongdaemun is a must. This area comes alive at night, with wholesale fashion malls, street vendors, and trendy boutiques staying open until the early morning. Stop by MIMILINE for cute souvenirs at wholesale prices—think accessories, keychains, and fun little trinkets you won’t find elsewhere. Even if you’re not a big shopper, the futuristic architecture of DDP alone is worth a visit. We walked here after having dinner near Namsam tower and made it to DDP just in time for the lightshow! It was such a nice walk and you'll also see the traditional Dongdaemun Gate, one of the eight gates of the Joseon Dynasty's Seoul Fortress wall, specifically the eastern gate.

4. Myeongdong – The Ultimate Night Market Experience

Myeongdong is where you go for a mix of street food, shopping, and non-stop energy. The streets are lined with skincare and beauty stores, clothing shops, and food stalls selling everything from tornado potatoes to cheese-filled lobster tails. If you need to stock up on Korean beauty products, this is the place to do it—just make sure to compare prices before you buy. This is probably one of the most tourist spots in Seoul, but definitely worth a check out to feel the energy of this place!

5. Hongdae – College Town Vibes & Nightlife

If you want to experience Seoul’s nightlife, Hongdae is where it’s at. This is the city’s university district, packed with bars, karaoke spots, claw machines, and random street performances. It’s the perfect place to just wander and stumble upon a cool speakeasy, live music, or a late-night Korean BBQ joint. If you’re craving something sweet, look for dalgona coffee or taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean or custard). Come ready to eat, drink, and shop even more!

6. Seongsu – Seoul’s Coolest New Neighborhood

Seongsu is like Brooklyn meets Seoul—it’s an old industrial district turned trendy hotspot. This was one of the top areas I wanted to check out this trip to Seoul. It’s relatively new and full of cool kids. The area is full of hipster cafes, independent fashion brands, and artsy pop-ups. If you’re into cafe-hopping, this is your place. A must-try? The famous salt bread, which has been blowing up on Korean social media. Expect long lines, but it moves quickly and it’s worth it.

Photo of man walking down the streets of Hannam shopping district in Seoul, Korea.

7. Hannam – Upscale & Artsy

Hannam is where you’ll find high-end boutiques, cool concept stores, and some of the best restaurants in Seoul. It’s a mix of luxury and creative culture, making it perfect for a slower, more relaxed day of exploring. It seems that the industrial vibe is very popular in Seoul right now. This area reminds me of Seongsu, but more hilly alleyways to check out. The Blue Elephant sunglass flagship store is also here! If you’re into designer shopping and stylish cafes, add this to your list. This is also very close to the Grand Hyatt Seoul if you plan on staying there.

Final Thoughts

Seoul is a city that never gets old—there’s always something new to explore, eat, or shop for. Whether you’re diving into history at Gyeongbokgung, devouring street food at Gwangjang Market, or cafe-hopping in Seongsu, you’ll never run out of things to do. We’ve been back a few times and each experience is a little different. If you want a recommendation on where to stay when you’re in Seoul, check out our blog post coming soon on our favorite hotel in Seoul - the Park Hyatt Seoul! Pack light, come hungry, and get ready to fall in love with Seoul.