What is there to do in Seoul? This article will summarize famous tourist attractions in Seoul along with attractive day tours for those traveling to South Korea independently. So, where to visit in Seoul for first-timers? Let’s check out 20 Beautiful and Easy-to-Visit Tourist Destinations and best places to visit in Seoul for First-Time Visitors below!

Gyeongbokgung, Seoul | Where to visit in Seoul

If you are a travel enthusiast, or simply a K-Pop fan, you have surely dreamed of visiting the beautiful city of Seoul. As one of the most attractive destinations in Asia, Seoul boasts many tourist attractions of all kinds and types, from outdoor parks for the whole family.

Visiting Seoul’s tourist attractions is also a great opportunity to experience ancient palace architecture with 5 huge palace complexes located throughout the city. In addition, the cuisine here is also extremely famous with dishes ranging from affordable to high-end that food lovers definitely cannot miss. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, let Living Nomads help you discover some of Seoul’s most famous attractions!

Where to visit in Seoul: N Seoul Tower – Enjoy Panoramic Views of the Capital from Above

| Where to visit in Seoul

If you want to see the most sparkling and comprehensive view of Seoul, there’s no better place than the 360-degree observation deck at N Seoul Tower. This is a “must-visit” spot to see the vibrant love locks straight out of classic K-Drama films, or enjoy a luxurious dinner with a view straight to the skyline. For a smoother journey, book your observation deck and Namsan cable car combo ticket on Klook to receive your tickets instantly and avoid long queues at the counter.

@klook | Where to visit in Seoul

N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket

Bukchon Hanok Village – Travel Through Time with Hanbok Photos

| Where to visit in Seoul

In the heart of the bustling capital, Bukchon Hanok Village emerges as a peaceful haven with traditional wooden houses preserved intact from the Joseon era. This is the ideal location for you to wear exquisite Hanbok, stroll through cobblestone alleys, and capture stunning, cinematic photos. For the full experience, book a one-day Hanbok rental on Klook to freely pose at every street corner without worrying about time.

Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul | Where to visit in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Oneday Hanbok Rental Experience

MMCA Museum of Modern Art – Enjoy Contemporary Art Space

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Village, and GwangJang Tour in Seoul

Instead of dry, traditional museums, the MMCA is a space dedicated to those who love minimalism and the pulse of contemporary art. Located right next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, this place opens up a world of creative aesthetics with constantly changing exhibitions, allowing you to fully grasp the flow of art in Korea and the world.

This is the ideal stop to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the city, leisurely stroll through exhibition rooms filled with natural light, and “hunt” for amazing architectural photos. Don’t forget to check out small group tours on Klook to combine exploring the MMCA with nearby cultural landmarks for the most complete experience.

Gyeongbokgung Palace – Admire the Magnificence of the Joseon Dynasty

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most magnificent of the five palaces in Seoul, a symbol of the power of the ancient Joseon dynasty. Here, you can not only admire the characteristic curved tiled roof architecture but also have the opportunity to witness the solemn changing of the guard ceremony of the royal army.

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Changing of the Guards at Gyeongbokgung | Where to visit in Seoul

Seoul Gyeongbokgung Palace Half-Day Guided Tour

Especially, if you wear a Hanbok, you will get free admission – a great deal to save money and get stunning photos. Don’t forget to check out in-depth guided tours on Klook to better understand the 5000-year history of Korea.

Deoksugung Palace – A Beauty Blending Classical and Modern Style

Although only a fraction of its original size remains, Deoksugung Palace retains its unique charm thanks to the distinctive combination of traditional Korean architecture and 19th-century Western-style buildings. Don’t forget to stroll along the stone-walled path surrounding the palace, considered one of Seoul’s most beautiful streets, and admire the Borugak Jaguwongnu water clock – a magnificent testament to the engineering of a bygone era.

Seoul Deoksugung Palace Half-Day Architecture Tour

Dynamic Maze – A Lively Maze Challenge

| Where to visit in Seoul

Dynamic Maze Ticket in Seoul

Say goodbye to quiet sightseeing, Dynamic Maze is an energy boost right in the heart of Insadong for those who love activity. Instead of just looking around, you’ll directly participate in an exciting race in a challenging maze, where climbing, overcoming obstacles, and solving tricky puzzles require teamwork and coordination.

This is a fantastic spot to break the monotony, bringing unrestrained laughter and exciting moments with your best friends or family amidst your vibrant Seoul exploration itinerary.

Insadong Antique Street – A Cultural Destination and Unique Souvenir Shop

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Insadong, the culture street of Seoul

Carving a Korean Stone Seal with Jeongju in Insadong, Seoul

Although only 700 meters long, Insadong is where modern life gives way to heritage values, where the breath of history permeates through antique shops, tranquil tea rooms, and meticulous handicraft workshops. This is the ideal place to find personalized gifts such as Hanbok clothing, exquisite ceramics, or traditional Hanji paper made entirely by hand.

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Many souvenir shops in Insadong.

The cultural exchange here also opens up interesting perspectives on the lives of officials in the past, helping you to feel more deeply about an old Seoul that is still vividly present in the heart of the city.

Itaewon – Experience the Vibrant Multicultural Life

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Walking down an alley in Itaewon at night. | Where to visit in Seoul

Absolute Seoul Pub Crawl Experience in Hongdae and Itaewon

Famous as Seoul’s “Western Quarter,” Itaewon is where you can find cuisine from all over the world and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere day and night. While daytime is ideal for strolling through unique fashion shops and charming cafes, at night Itaewon transforms into a paradise of lively bars and entertainment clubs.

You can participate in exciting nighttime street tours or historical tours available on Klook.

Gwangjang Market – The Oldest Street Food Paradise

Food stall at night at Gwangjang Market. Copyright: Credit: Paul Brown / Alamy Stock Photo

When in Seoul, you can’t miss Gwangjang Market, which was featured in Netflix’s “Street Food” series, with its addictive specialties like mung bean pancakes, sliced ​​noodles, and fresh beef salad. With incredibly affordable prices and a bustling atmosphere, this market offers the most authentic local culinary experience, praised even by famous chefs like Gordon Ramsay.

Mayak gimbap | Where to visit in Seoul

Seoul Gwangjang Market Half-Day Local Food Experience

Book a small group tour to explore the market on Klook to be guided to the best stalls!

Nami Island – Discover the Romantic Leaf Island in All Seasons

Located about 60km from Seoul, Nami Island is a globally renowned Instagrammable spot thanks to its picturesque rows of ginkgo and yew trees. Whether you visit in the vibrant spring, the lush green summer, the golden autumn, or the snow-covered winter like in the movie “Winter Sonata,” Nami Island always knows how to captivate you.

Nami Island Ticket

Book high-speed train tickets or a package tour to Nami Island from Seoul on Klook for convenient transportation and to fully enjoy the fairytale beauty of this island.

Naejangsan National Park – The Most Vibrant Autumn Foliage Paradise

If your trip falls in autumn, don’t miss Naejangsan National Park – known as the most beautiful autumn foliage viewing spot in Korea, with its “maple tree tunnel” dyed in brilliant colors. You can use the cable car to go up to the observation deck on top of Yeon Jabong Peak and gaze at the rich vegetation changing color in a stunning way.

Because Naejangsan is quite large and far from Seoul, the best way is to book a day tour on Klook for convenient transportation and an optimally arranged itinerary.

Naksan Mountain – A Stunning Sunset View and Ancient City Wall

source: visitseoul.net | Where to visit in Seoul

Once a protective barrier for Seoul, Naksan Mountain is now an ideal destination for strolling along the ancient city wall and admiring the shimmering cityscape at sunset. With its moderate altitude, it’s a favorite relaxation spot for locals and couples alike, offering a tranquil and romantic atmosphere.

source: https://yakei.jp/

Seoul One Day City Tour & Night View Tour

Don’t forget to combine your visit with a trip to Ihwa Mural Village at the foot of the mountain for artistic photos, and book Seoul night view tours on Klook to see a completely different side of the capital.

Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park – A Peaceful Haven with a Strong European Style

Located in Gyeonggi, Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park takes you to a charming little town nestled among mountains, featuring quaint Swiss-style houses and vibrant gardens. Spanning over 66,000 square meters, this place boasts unique museums, traditional Swiss restaurants, and vibrant musical performances for the whole family.

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| edelweiss swiss theme village

Begonia Bird Garden+Mysterious Zoo+Aqua Cafe Round-trip shuttle

Petite France – The Little Prince’s Fairy Tale Journey

| Where to visit in Seoul

Nami Island / Alpaca/Rail Bike/Petite France/Morning Calm 1Day Tour

Inspired by the story of “The Little Prince,” the beautiful Petite France village sits atop a hill with brightly colored houses, exuding the dreamy atmosphere of France. Here, you can enjoy traditional dances, listen to box music, and take photos with a miniature Eiffel Tower model or adorable fairy tale character statues. This is often included in combo tours with Nami Island on Klook, making it extremely convenient for #teamKlook who want to maximize their experience in one day.

Coex Aquarium – Discover a Miniature Ocean in Gangnam

SEA LIFE COEX Seoul Aquarium Ticket

Located in the heart of the bustling Gangnam district, Coex Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Korea, home to over 40,000 marine creatures, from sharks and sea turtles to adorable penguins. With 183 tanks divided into unique themes such as the Amazon rainforest or the deep ocean, it’s a fantastic educational and entertainment destination for all ages.

Booking tickets in advance on Klook not only helps you get better prices but also makes check-in faster and easier than ever.

Lotte World – A World of High-Class Entertainment

Lotte World Ticket in Seoul

Lotte World is a must-visit destination for families and groups of friends, featuring the magnificent outdoor “Magic Island” resembling a Disney castle and a huge indoor amusement park filled with thrilling rides. Besides thrilling roller coaster rides, you can also visit the aquarium, participate in colorful parades, or try your hand at figure skating.

Book your Lotte World tickets on Klook today to get up to 40% off and get ready for an unforgettable day of fun in the heart of Seoul.

Everland Park – South Korea’s Largest Entertainment Paradise

Everland, Seoul @shutterstock | Where to visit in Seoul

Everland 1 Day Pass

With 5 unique themed areas, from the wild Zootopia to the romantic European Adventure, Everland gives you the feeling of traveling the world in just one day. Don’t miss the T-Express – the world’s most famous wooden roller coaster – or take the Safari ride to see rare animals up close.

For convenient travel from Seoul to Everland, you should book a package ticket with shuttle service on Klook to save time and effort.

Vivaldi Park – A Wonderful Snowy Winter Experience

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Vivaldi Ski Resort

Vivaldi Park Official Tickets: Ski/Snowyland/Lesson/Shuttle Access

If you want to try winter sports, Vivaldi is the top destination to learn skiing, snowboarding, or simply have fun in the snow at Snowy Land. With its modern cable car system and professional skiing lessons, it guarantees unforgettable memories for both beginners and professionals. Klook always has packages available that include entrance tickets, rentals, and transportation from Seoul, helping you enjoy the Korean winter to the fullest.

Begonia Bird Garden – A Relaxing Space Amidst Flowers and Birdsong

Gyeonggi Begonia Bird Park Ticket

Instead of the crowds in Seoul, let your soul relax amidst the vibrant blooming begonia flowers at Gyeonggi Begonia. This is an open space for those who want to enjoy strolling under the shade of the flower arches, beside a crystal-clear lake and the melodious chirping of colorful birds. An extremely “aesthetic” spot for #teamKlook to recharge, take artistic photos, and find peace amidst the pure Korean nature.

Myeongdong Shopping Street – A Paradise of Cosmetics and Food

Bustling Myeongdong district at night, Seoul | @klook

Seoul City Tour Bus Downtown Palace Namsan Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

It would be a huge mistake to leave Seoul without exploring Myeongdong – the busiest shopping district with hundreds of cosmetics, fashion, and international brand stores. Beyond shopping, Myeongdong is also a haven for street food, offering countless delicious treats from grilled lobster with cheese and sugar-coated strawberries to record-breaking long ice cream cones.

A tip for a more worthwhile shopping trip: Check out Klook for food vouchers and duty-free shop deals before you go!

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Seoul

Seoul street food | source: vinhgau.com

1. How many days should I spend exploring Seoul?

4-5 days is ideal, allowing you time to visit ancient palaces, shop at bustling markets, and experience the unique cafe culture of the capital.

2. Which area is most convenient for booking a hotel?

Hongdae and Myeongdong are two “golden” names for tourists. While Myeongdong is a shopping and food paradise, Hongdae offers a youthful, vibrant atmosphere with street art activities and is extremely close to the subway station.

3. Is winter in Seoul worth visiting?

Absolutely! Seoul in winter has a romantic, movie-like beauty with pristine white snow and exciting skiing activities. However, remember to pack plenty of heattech jackets and warming patches for comfortable strolls.

4. What is the fastest way to get from the airport to the city center?

The AREX express train is the number one choice. It only takes about 43 minutes to travel directly from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, offering spacious rooms, Wi-Fi, and no traffic jams.

5. How to optimize the cost of visiting famous landmarks?

The secret from visitors is to book the Discover Seoul Pass in advance to get free entry to over 50 attractions. Especially, don’t forget to rent a Hanbok to get completely free entry to major palaces like Gyeongbokgung!

Hopefully, with the Seoul tourist attractions suggested by Klook above, you will have wonderful experiences on your Seoul – South Korea trip at the best price.

Have you visited all the famous Seoul tourist attractions yet?

Bukchon Hanok, Seoul | Where to visit in Seoul

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to

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