This East Asian city is often overshadowed by its neighbours in terms of tourist interest, but after having spent 3 days in Seoul, I recommend visiting if you have the time and budget. South Korea’s capital city is a fun mix of traditional culture and modern innovations, clearly showcased in its pop culture fascination, fashion, and even food.
Many do not consider Seoul to be a beautiful city, due to its concrete-heavy architecture and lots of smog. To be honest, after spending 3 weeks in Japan and visiting Seoul immediately after, I had the same impression. But that’s not to say that there aren’t still interesting activities to explore. So here are the best things to do in Seoul for a 3-day itinerary.
The most popular royal palace in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395 for the Joseon dynasty. Gung (pronounced “goong”) means palace, and Gyeongbokgung means “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven”.
Fun fact: the King had a whole area to himself for parties or when he wanted alone time. Also, according to Confucianism, the king and queen lived separately. Women didn’t hold any power unless a prince was crowned very young.
Insider tips:
Another popular palace is Changdeokgung Palace. Unlike Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung has achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Personally, I found Changdeokgung more beautiful because it had more green spaces and gardens. Just like at Gyeongbokgung, there are free guided tours daily, though to visit the Secret Garden, there’s a fee. No need to reserve for the free guided tours, but it’s best to purchase the Secret Garden tour in advance.
Insider tip: if you rent a hanbok (a traditional Korean attire), you can enter both Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung for free.
If you want to visit less popular palaces, check out Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, or the free-to-enter Gyeonghuigung.
One of the best things to do in Seoul to experience history and culture is to visit a traditional Hanok village. The most popular one is Bukchon Hanok Village, located between the two royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Walk along the winding streets to see hanok houses, which used to house the Joseon Dynasty’s ruling class, until you reach the Samcheong-dong area,
Important tip: Bukchon is still a residential area, so avoid taking photos of private residences, and keep your voices low. There have been complaints of disruptive tourist behaviour, leading to a curfew where tourists can now only visit between 10 AM and 5 PM. If tourists are caught sightseeing or taking photos outside of these hours, they will incur a fine of 100,000 won (about €60).
Another hanok village is Ikseon-dong, where you’ll find shops and cafes inside traditional houses.
The Seoul Tower is a famous landmark offering panoramic views of Seoul. It’s also the same spot where you’ve seen people leave love padlocks in movies. Personally, I don’t see the appeal in this, and I also wonder about the weight of all these padlocks, but for views of Seoul, it’s one of the best places to go, particularly at sunset.
To get to the Seoul Tower, take the cable car over Namsan Park.
Various neighbourhoods in Seoul offer a variety of activities, depending on your interests.
Seoul is home to numerous unique and beautiful cafes. Popular ones include
Note: The Greem 2D cafe was one of the most popular cafes, attracting crowds of people daily, due to its 2D decor, but it closed down at the beginning of 2024. They still have a few other locations, notably on Jeju Island.
For street food, shopping, and to experience a fun night out in Seoul, head to Gwangjang, Namdaemun, or Dongdaemun.
Gwangjang is best for street snacks, while Namdaemun is popular for its traditional atmosphere. Dongdaemun is where you’ll also find clothes and other non-food items at wholesale prices.
A must-do on your Seoul itinerary is the Starfield Library, one of the most popular attractions in Seoul, even for non-readers. Also known as the Byeolmadang Library, it’s a calm and relaxing space, despite being a popular tourist spot. The library also holds cultural events occasionally.
Explore South Korea’s Buddhist culture when visiting Seoul, by exploring temples like Bongeunsa (one of the oldest temples, located in the Gangnam neighbourhood), Jogyesa, Hwagyesa, and Bongwonsa.
Important tip: Be mindful of cultural etiquette and basic respect when visiting temples. Avoid PDA, keep voices low, and dress modestly. Find more crucial information about South Korean culture and etiquette.
Seoul has several green spaces that offer a welcome respite from the city’s concrete skyscrapers.
Cemeteries and tombs are often eerie places, but the Joseon tombs are more scenic than eerie. The tombs were arranged to reflect Korean geomancy, a balance of energy through the earth, with a mountain backdrop and facing water. The tombs and natural surroundings are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a popular tourist attraction.
To understand South Korea’s history, a visit to the National Museum of Korea is a must. The museum has permanent exhibitions showcasing Korean history since the Palaeolithic Age, and you can also explore its serene outdoor spaces, which include gardens, pagodas, and shrines. Admission to the main exhibit hall and the children’s museum is free.
The War Memorial is a museum that highlights Korean military history and those who fought for the country’s freedom.
Add an extra day to hike in Bukhansan National Park and add one more activity.
Seoul is generally safe and has easy and convenient access to various parts of the city via public transport, so the best area to stay in Seoul would depend on your preferences.
For a calm experience, check out Hongdae.
If you want to be in the midst of it all, check out Myeongdong.
If you’re looking for a high-end experience, look for hotels in Gangnam-Gu.
Three days in Seoul is the minimum amount of time to consider for a first-time visit, in order to see the main sights. If you’re looking for a more relaxing and leisurely time, I would recommend at least 5 days to a week.
Summer in Seoul can get humid and hot, while winters are harsh and cold. The best time to visit Seoul is in the spring, especially if you want to see cherry blossoms, or in autumn for a mild climate and beautiful orange leaves.
