Seoul sightseeing spots

Main spots by category, with closing days where relevant. Tap a spot for hours, fees and how to get there.

History

• Photo: KTO
  Myeongdong CathedralMyeongdong

  Korea's first Gothic-style cathedral. Keep quiet during Mass.
• Photo: KTO
  Gyeongbokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon / Closed: Tue

  Main palace of the Joseon dynasty. Closed Tuesdays. Adults ₩3,000 (free in hanbok). A fee increase is under review (date not yet set).
• Photo: KTO
  Bukchon Hanok VillageGyeongbokgung · Bukchon

  A residential hanok neighbourhood. The restricted zone is open to visitors 10:00–17:00 only; violations can be fined.
• Photo: KTO
  Gwanghwamun SquareGyeongbokgung · Bukchon

  Statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, in front of the palace gate.
• Photo: KTO
  Changdeokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon / Closed: Mon

  UNESCO-listed palace. Closed Mondays. Adults ₩3,000 (Secret Garden extra, limited entry).
• Photo: KTO
  Jongmyo ShrineIkseon-dong · Insadong / Closed: Tue

  UNESCO-listed royal shrine. Closed Tuesdays; guided tours only on some days.

Shopping

• Photo: KTO
  Myeongdong Shopping StreetMyeongdong

  Main street of cosmetics shops, duty-free stores and street food.
• Photo: KTO
  Hongdae StreetHongdae · Yeonnam

  Vintage, lifestyle shops and live venues; busking on weekend nights.
• Photo: KTO
  Garosu-gil (Sinsa)Gangnam · Sinsa

  A ginkgo-lined street of boutiques and cafés.
• Photo: KTO
  Apgujeong RodeoGangnam · Sinsa

  Luxury brands, trend-setting shops and beauty clinics.
• Photo: KTO
  Insadong-gil & SsamziegilIkseon-dong · Insadong

  Traditional crafts, hanji paper and tea houses — great for souvenirs.
• Photo: KTO
  Dongdaemun Fashion TownDongdaemun

  Fashion malls, some open late into the night.
• Photo: KTO
  Itaewon StreetItaewon · Hannam

  An international strip of restaurants and bars.
• Photo: KTO
  Hannam-dongItaewon · Hannam

  Curated boutiques, galleries and cafés. Nearest: Hangangjin Stn.
• Photo: KTO
  The Hyundai SeoulYeouido

  One of Seoul's largest department stores, with an indoor garden and many pop-ups.

Cafés & strolls

• Photo: KTO
  Yeonnam-dong cafésHongdae · Yeonnam

  Characterful cafés and small shops tucked into residential lanes.
• Photo: KTO
  Seongsu cafés & pop-upsSeongsu

  Renovated factory cafés and buzzworthy brand pop-ups.
• Photo: KTO
  Samcheong-dongGyeongbokgung · Bukchon

  A calm street of galleries and cafés.
• Photo: KTO
  Ikseon-dong Hanok StreetIkseon-dong · Insadong

  Retro alleys packed with renovated hanok cafés and restaurants.

Markets

• Photo: KTO
  Namdaemun MarketMyeongdong / Closed: Sun

  One of Korea's largest markets. Many shops close on Sundays.
• Photo: KTO
  Gwangjang MarketIkseon-dong · Insadong

  Famous for bindaetteok, yukhoe and gimbap. Nearest: Jongno 5-ga Stn.

Parks

• Photo: KTO
  Gyeongui Line Forest ParkHongdae · Yeonnam

  A linear park on an old rail line, nicknamed "Yeontral Park".
• Photo: KTO
  Seoul ForestSeongsu

  A spacious city park with seasonal flowers and walking trails.
• Photo: KTO
  Cheonggyecheon StreamIkseon-dong · Insadong

  A downtown streamside walkway, beautifully lit at night.
• Photo: KTO
  Yeouido Hangang ParkYeouido

  Riverside picnics and sunset walks; famous for spring cherry blossoms.
• Photo: KTO
  Lotte WorldJamsil

  Indoor and outdoor (Magic Island) theme park — allow most of a day.
• Photo: KTO
  Seokchon LakeJamsil

  Lakeside walk with views of Lotte World Tower; lovely in cherry-blossom season.

Views

• Photo: KTO
  N Seoul Tower (Namsan)Myeongdong

  Observation tower atop Namsan, reached by cable car or shuttle bus. Popular at night.
• Photo: KTO
  63 BuildingYeouido

  Yeouido's landmark tower overlooking the Han River.
• Photo: KTO
  Lotte World Tower (Seoul Sky)Jamsil

  Observatory in Korea's tallest building. Check the official site for fees and hours.

Culture

• Photo: KTO
  Starfield Library (COEX)Gangnam · Sinsa

  Towering bookshelves inside COEX Mall; free entry. Nearest: Samseong Stn (Line 2).
• Photo: KTO
  DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)Dongdaemun

  Futuristic curved architecture with exhibitions, events and night lighting.
• Photo: KTO
  National Museum of KoreaItaewon · Hannam

  Korea's flagship museum; permanent exhibitions are free. Nearest: Ichon Stn.