THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL

1. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces

Seoul has five Joseon royal palaces and these are the two you shouldn’t miss. Each has an argument for being the most beautiful, with Gyeongbokgung being the primary palace and Chandeokgung a UNESCO Heritage Site and home to Huwon, or the “Secret Garden”. If you come at the right time, then you can watch the changing of the guard as well. We were lucky to catch it at Gyeongbokgung and it made for some memorable pictures.

Check out my post on Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces in Seoul for more pictures and information. If you plan on visiting multiple palaces, then you may want to invest in an Integrated Palace

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Ticket.

Suggested Length of Visit: 1-3 hrs / Admission: KRW 3,000 per adult (each palace)

2. Get Lost in a Maze of Traditional Houses at Bukchon Hanok Village

As ultramodern as Seoul can be, it was nice to find a place like this right in the heart of the city. Bukchon Hanok Village is a maze of narrow alleyways and traditional Korean houses called hanoks. Exploring its network of streets will take you back in time and introduce you to a 600-year old Seoul. If you want pictures of yourself wearing a hanbok, then this is one of the best places to do it.

Check out my post on Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul for more pictures and information.

Suggested Length of Visit: 1-2 hrs / Admission: FREE

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3. Relive the Joseon Period in a Hanbok

If you’re a fan of Korean period dramas or just the culture in general, then you’ll probably want a picture of yourself wearing a hanbok. It’s the traditional Korean form of dress worn by both men and women during festivals and celebrations. As described above, Bukchon Hanok Village and any of the royal palaces will make for the perfect setting. Pictured below is my niece Gabby tripping over her hanbok at Gyeongbokgung.  

There are plenty of hanbok rental shops in Insadong, but you can rent one in advance through Klook. You can pretend to be a princess for 4 hours for KRW 15,000, or the entire day (24 hours) for KRW 28,000. Follow the link to rent a hanbokthrough Klook. Apart from looking regal, another great thing about wearing a hanbok is that it can give you free or discounted entrance to some attractions.

Cost: KRW 15,000 for 4 hours

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4. Lock your Love and Climb to the Top of N Seoul Tower

When it comes to great views, this place towers above the competition. Standing 480 meters above sea level, N Seoul Tower is the best place to get bird’s eye views of the city. Not only does it give you sweeping aerial views of Seoul, it’s where you can “lock your love” for all eternity as well. It’s located on Mt. Namsan and something you can easily pair with a trip to Myeongdong.

Follow this link for directions to the Namsan Cable Car station. The cable car costs KRW 8,500 for adults and KRW 5,500 for kids roundtrip. Entrance to the Observatory is an additional KRW 10,000 for adults and KRW 8,000 for kids, but you can get them for KRW 6,400 and KRW 5,400 respectively if you purchase them in advance through Klook. Follow the link to purchase N Seoul Tower Observatory tickets through Klook.

Suggested Length of Visit: 1-2 hrs / Cost: KRW 14,900 per adult including round trip cable car tickets

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5. See the Future of Design at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

This place is incredible. If you like design, any kind of design, then you need to put Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP for short, in your itinerary. It’s like a museum, design supermarket, and space ship all rolled into one. It was designed by the late Zaha Hadid, who also created the 2012 Olympic aquatic centre in London and the Guangzhou Opera House in China. I suggest devoting several hours to this place if you can, and be sure to come back at night when the building really comes to life.

Check out my post on Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul for more pictures and information.

Suggested Length of Visit: 2-3 hrs / Admission: FREE but some exhibits may have an entrance fee

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6. Shop and Eat like there’s No Tomorrow in Insadong, Myeongdong, and Hongdae

Seoul is a shopaholic’s paradise. There are many shopping districts in the city but Insadong, Myeongdong, and Hongdae are three that you can’t miss. They each have their own unique personality. Insadong is known for its artsy cultural items, Myeongdong for its brand names and cosmetics, and Hongdae for its hip, college town vibe. All have great food.

Check out my post on Insadong, Myeongdong, and Hongdae in Seoul for more pictures and information.

The madness and magic that is Myeongdong

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7. Laugh at a Cookin’ Nanta Show

If you’d like to watch a show or performance in Seoul, then the Cookin’ Nanta Show is one to consider. It’s entertaining and funny and reminiscent of a Korean Stomp with food. There are two Nanta theaters – one in Myeongdong and another in Hongdae. Tickets normally cost KRW 40,000 per person, but you can get them at a significant discount through Klook. They’ll cost just KRW 25,400 for Myeongdong, and KRW 26,200 for Hongdae. Follow the link to purchase Cookin’ Nanta Show tickets through Klook.