Top 6 things to do in Seoul

If you’re ever in East Asia, you’ll want to pay a visit to the capital of South Korea, Seoul. This huge city welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, at all times and in all seasons. At the same time, it has a lot to offer: skyscrapers; museums; cheap food, especially street food; Buddhist temples; Kpop culture…

It’s only natural that Seoul should be one of your travel priorities. That’s why we’ve put together a short list of things to do in Seoul that are sure to please you, and make you love this part of the country nicknamed “The Morning Calm” even more.

What to do in Seoul

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Totally atypical. It’s a far cry from any other palace you might have visited once in your life. With its pointed roof and fierce colours, it is a fine example of an architectural treasure trove steeped in Korean tradition. It is one of the capital’s mythical landmarks, bearing witness to Korea’s rich historical past. In the past, the kings of the Joseon dynasty used to hold their banquets here. The tour of the site is quite extensive, as it is made up of several buildings. Among them, we strongly advise you to visit the “Geunjeongjeon”, or throne room.

Accompanied by a guide, you can learn more about the famous dynasty and visit every nook and cranny of this illustrious palace. Located in ‘Jongno-ju’ and open every day except Tuesday from 9am to 5pm, this is a place where a mystical and electric aura reigns.

2. Bukhansan National Park

Category: €€/Sporty/Insolite

Description: Sometimes it’s good to alternate a visit to the crowded tourist spots with a little getaway in the great outdoors, isn’t it? First of all, South Korea’s landscape is predominantly mountainous. As a result, the vast majority of Koreans enjoy hiking and climbing. If you’re an accomplished sportsman or woman, or if you’re looking for a thrill with friends or family, Bukhansan National Park will live up to your expectations. Take the metro, about an hour from Seoul, and you’ll be able to discover this magnificent place with a panoramic view of the city and its various regions.

The craziest among you will no doubt love climbing Mount Bukhansan! It’s quite a tough climb, and you’ll need to be well prepared before you begin the 837 metres from sea level. But after this ordeal, you’ll feel like the kings of the world!

3. Visit the Insadong district

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: If you’re ever in Seoul, there are many districts worth visiting. But if we had to recommend one, it would undoubtedly be Insadong, one of the oldest in the whole city, and certainly in the whole of Korea! It’s very popular with tourists, and you’ll find all sorts of souvenir shops, good eats, artistic objects, galleries, museums, exhibitions, tea houses… It’s like a festival of colours and beautiful things!

It’s the perfect place to get your first taste of Korean culture. First and foremost, we highly recommend the Insa Art Center, open from 10am to 7pm and offering 6 floors, all showcasing the works and artistic pearls of different artists. Insadong is also home to one of Korea’s most beautiful temples, Jogyesa. You’re sure to have a great time!

4. The Cheonggyecheon River

Category: €€/Cultural/Sporting

Description: A small river called the Cheonggyecheon flows for almost 11 kilometres through the city from east to west. Koreans love to walk along this calm and peaceful stream below. It’s a simple little walk that allows you to get away from the big city for a while, and take a deep breath of fresh air. This river running through the heart of Seoul is a place where many families like to spend the afternoon, setting up a picnic. From time to time, you’ll see one or two small traditional boats bobbing along quietly.

The best time to visit is just before sunset. The sun’s rays pierce the water, which for a brief moment becomes impregnated with yellow, red and orange colours, making for an absolutely magnificent spectacle.

5. The N Seoul Tower in Namsan

Category: €€/Insolite

Description: Here’s a must-see landmark to visit in Seoul! The N Seoul Tower in Namsan offers a breathtaking view of Seoul and its surroundings. It is the highest point in the city, standing at just under 230 metres high! With a rich history, it was completed in 1969, and was an asset for Korean radio and television after the war, to help develop the economic side of Seoul.

Located next to Myeongdong, lovers come to the N Seoul Tower in Namsan by cable car and hang a padlock on it, a symbol of their love that will never come undone. The scenery is also breathtakingly beautiful. The Tower is open all year round from 10am to 11pm from Sunday to Friday, and until midnight on Saturdays.

6. Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: If in your wildest dreams you’ve ever imagined a futuristic-looking building unlike any other, then you’re in for a treat! Very similar to a spaceship, it will take you to a new galaxy. More commonly known as Dongdaemun Fashion Street, it’s a place renowned for its low prices and cutting-edge clothing. It’s very simple, whatever you need to buy, you’ll find it with ease: make-up, shoes, special outfits, the latest accessories…

The market is open from 8am to 6am and is located in the trendy Dongdaemun district. A gigantic multi-purpose complex, it’s got everything to please, and its structure alone is a real eye-catcher!