Kimchi, fast internet, the better Korea and K-pop. This is probably what comes to your head when you think of South Korea. But there is so much more to explore in this fascinating country. Seoul is a city of the future where skyscrapers and technology meet temples and history.
1. N Seoul Tower
The N Seoul tower or Namsan Tower is a 236m communication tower also serving as an observation tower with several dining options. The tower offers 360 degree panoramic views of the city and would be the best place to get an idea of how large the city of Seoul is.
A popular attraction on the ground level is the hanging of padlocks known as “Love locks”. This is where a couple will purchase a padlock with a key, which is inscribed with initials or a love message and attached to another lock. The key is thrown away as a sign of everlasting love. The display of the thousands of colorful love locks is not to be missed.
Hours: Mon – Fri & Sun: 10am – 11pm, sat: 10am – 12 midnight
Entrance: 10,000 won
Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: http://www.nseoultower.co.kr/
2. Demilitarized Zone
The Demilitarized Zone or DMZ is the 250km strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula separating South Korea with North Korea. The border is one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world since 1953 when it was put into action.
Negotiations between the two countries take place in the infamous blue conference rooms in the JSA (Joint Security Area). Here you can technically enter North Korea and get a picture with the South Korean guards dressed in their impressive uniforms standing in their combat stance.
There are a range of different DMZ tours available. The must see attractions you should include on your tour are: Imjingak park, the Bridge of Freedom, Dora observatory, where you can look into North Korea with Binoculars. The Third infiltration tunnel, how North Korea planned to invade Seoul. Dorasan Station, “not the last station from the South, but the first station towards the North” and the infamous conference room at the JSA.
My DMZ tour was truly eye opening and memorable and a must when in Seoul. I highly recommend booking your DMZ/JSA tour as early as possible as spots will sell out. The company I booked with is called Get Your Guide. I suggest booking through them as they have a wide range of different tours available and the booking process was hassle free.
Book Your DMZ Tour Here: DMZ Tour
3. Gwangjang Market
The Gwangjang market is one of the largest traditional markets in Seoul. Opened in 1905 the market holds over 5000 shops and stalls.
The market is known its selection of vendors selling textiles, bed sheets, traditional Korean dresses, clothes, silk items and linen. But what most people come here for, me included is the large food court area. This part of the market is packed with locals and a few tourists here and there.
I recommend trying Soondae or blood sausage. This intimidating Korean delicacy is made from blood, sticky rice or mung bean noodles and served with lung.
Bindaetteok or mung bean pancake is sold at just about every stall and for good reason. It is made from mung bean, vegetables, meat and is deep fried into a pancake so that’s always a good sign.
The fresh dumplings I tried at the market were on another level. I watched the cook passionately go through the entire process from cutting the freshly rolled dough to filling my plate with a generous serving of fresh kimchi dumplings.
Hours: Mon – Sat: 9am – 6pm
Entrance: Free
Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea Website: http://www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr/ Common Ground is the largest cargo container shopping mall in the world with over 200 containers. Common Ground offers a wide range of independent fashion stores, restaurants, cafes, food vans and live events.
There are 3 levels, on the first and second you will find fashion, lifestyle products, cosmetics and accessories. The clothing caters more towards the younger university crowd of Seoul. On level 3 there is a range of restaurants from Korean, Japanese, and Thai to Western cuisine.
Common Ground is also the perfect place to level up your Instagram game. The bright blue containers make for a cool picture especially when wearing white. Hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 10pm Entrance: Free Address: Acacusan road 200 common ground in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (formerly 17-1 Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu) Website: https://www.common-ground.co.kr/ You can’t go to Seoul and not experience firsthand the incredible palaces of this city. From the remarkable history, incredible architecture and the stunning colours of the trees during the spring and autumn months.
There are 5 grand palaces in Seoul. They were built during the Joseon Dynasty which lasted from 1392 up until 1910. The 5 grand palaces are: Gyeongbokgung palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace and the Changgyeonggung Palace.
The Gyeongbokgung palace is one of the most renowned attractions in Seoul. It was destroyed in the 1500’s from the Japanese invasion but later restored. If you could only visit one of the five grand palaces it would have to be this one.
The thing I love about this palace is that it is situated right in the heart of the city while being surrounded by the mountain range.
You can save some money if you purchase a combination ticket which gives you entrance to all five of the grand palaces. Entrance: Combination Ticket: 10,000 won, individual tickets: 1000 – 3000 won The war memorial of Korea is a huge memorial which commemorates the victims of the Korean War. In the memorial there are 6 exhibition halls and the outside grounds where you’ll find everything from tanks, planes, ships, jets and vehicles. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours here looking at the displays and over 13000 items of war memorabilia.
The war memorial of Korea would easily be the best memorial I have ever been to. The attention to detail of all the exhibits, how it is logically set out and the use of technology to interact with the exhibits helps enhance your understanding of the devastating Korean War.
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9:30am – 6pm
Entrance: Free
Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Namyeong-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea Website: https://www.warmemo.or.kr The Noryangjin Fish Market is a huge warehouse open 24/7 where daily seafood auctions take place from around 3am.
Here you will find just about any edible type of seafood from fresh fish, crabs, prawns, octopus and clams to the more bizarre options like sea pineapple, stingray, sea cucumber, sea snail and live octopus.
Definitely bargain the price of your seafood as the price you are offered will usually be higher than the actual value of the seafood.
Take your seafood to one of the upstairs restaurants where you can have your seafood prepared the way you want. This will be at an additional cost.
If you want to have a memorable Korean experience I recommend getting the sannakji or live baby octopus. Technically the octopus is dead but the nerves are still intact so the tentacles are still wriggling around. Just make sure you really chomp down on it so you don’t choke to death! I’m not joking it has happened. Hours: 24/7
Entrance: Free
Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea Website: https://www.susansijang.co.kr/nsis/miw/intro The Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located in between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palace. The word Bukchon means “Northern village” and Hanok is a Korean house. The village is one of the few places where you can take a look at the architecture used during the Joseon Dynasty.
You will also find a range of museums, cultural centers, cafes and restaurants in the area. If you really want to experience what Korean life is like you can spend a night in a traditional hanok guesthouse.
Please remember that the village is a functioning residential neighborhood where people actually live. So be respectful and keep noise to a minimum. Hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm, Sat – Sun: 9am – 5pm
Entrance: Free
Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03059, South Korea So these are in my opinion 8 of the best things to do when in Seoul, South Korea. If you enjoyed this post I would really appreciate it if you shared it with a friend or on social media. Let me know in the comments what attractions you are most interested in? Don’t forget if you are planning on booking a DMZ tour click the link below. I receive a small commission from this at no extra cost to you, this helps support me.4. Common Ground
5. Palaces
6. War Memorial of Korea
7. Noryangjin Fish Market
8. Bukchon Hanok Village
