8 things you need to experience in Seoul, South Korea

I visited Seoul for the first time a few weeks ago and I've just gotta say it: it's truly one of my favorite cities I've ever been to.

I know, I know, I love on a lot of places...but seriously. Seoul is everything you could ever want in a city.

It's got ancient, well-preserved history; incredibly kind, fashionable residents; and an unreal nightlife scene. It's clean, modern, and efficient, with cutting-edge design and a world-class public transit system. It's got national parks, sprawling palaces, meerkat cafes, and an emphasis on coffee and dessert.

Oh, and um, did I mention the food?

Long story short, if you've never been to Seoul before, you need to start planning a visit right away. I went for just two nights, but if you can visit for longer DO IT!

However long your visit is, here are 8 things you need to experience for yourself when visiting the South Korean capital:

1. Go shopping in Myeongdong

It's like the Times Square of Seoul - just exponentially better than Times Square.

Whether you're a Korean skincare junkie, a street food fiend, or simply a shopaholic, the flashy vibes of Myeongdong will have your heart alight.

The streets themselves are narrow, crowded, and fighting with one another to catch and hold your attention. From the Kbeauty flagship stores (Innisfree, Laneige, Skinfood, Dr. Jart+, etc.) to the dozens of clothing havens (H&M, Zara, UNIQLO, et al), to the (for lack of a better description) downright cool patrons surrounding you on all sides, the central neighborhood is candy for the senses - and an experience that must be explored at some point when visiting Seoul, touristy stereotypes be damned.

Tip: I recommend exploring Myeongdong at night. When perusing the various Kbeauty stores, don't buy everything that catches your eye at the first browse. There are multiple copies of pretty much every store, so chances are you'll be able to score even better deals for the same products if you just keep looking! Also...the "free" face masks that vendors will try to lure you in with require a purchase of some kind ;)

2. Visit a teahouse in Bukchon Hanok Village

This traditional Korean village nestled in the hills is charming, sleepy, and incredibly beautiful - and a must-see on a visit to Seoul!

As the residential area of high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty, Bukchon Hanok Village preserves cultural elements from over 600 years ago.

Many of the homes are privately owned, so it's important to be respectful as you explore the neighborhood, but you'll find plenty of public shops and teahouses to peruse within the narrow, cultural streets. I highly suggest ducking into one of the latter at some point; the chance to step inside one of these ancient, beautiful homes for yourself and enjoy a mug of Korean coffee or grapefruit tea is an incredibly zen experience.

Visit the village in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

3. Watch the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung

You could probably spend hours exploring the sprawling grounds of Seoul's flagship palace, what with the dozens of pagodas, bridges, gates, and gardens forming a visual wonderland. The royal grounds date back to the 14th century, when the Kings and government of the Joseon Dynasty resided there.

Gyeongbokgung is the largest of the Dynasty's Five Grand Palaces, and by and large the most popular one to visit in Seoul.

Set against a backdrop of lush green mountains and stretching for ages across the northern stretch of Seoul's urban oasis, you'll have happy, wandering feet for hours - but a must-see is the changing of the guard, which happens twice a day at 10AM and 2PM outside Gwanghwamun, the main palace gate.

Gyeongbokgung is open daily year-round except on Tuesdays, with actual operating hours varying based on season. Admission is 3,000 won for adults (just under USD$3) / 1,500 won for children.

4. Go up in the N Seoul Tower

This massive tower (kinda resemblant of the CN Tower in Toronto) is not only 776 feet tall, it's also set atop Namsan Mountain, which adds about 797 feet to reach a total vantage point of 1,573 feet.

Positioned strategically at the height of Seoul, the N Seoul Tower provides unreal views over the glittering, gargantuan expanse of the city. We're talking rolling mountains, miles of buildings blanketing the landscape, and the distant beacon of the even more massive Lotte World Tower (the 5th tallest building in the world!)

N Seoul Tower is open daily year-round, starting at 10AM. Entrance into the observatory at the top of the tower is available via timed tickets (10,000 won per adult / 8,000 per child.)You can access Seoul Tower Plaza at the foot of the tower via cable-car (operating from 10AM-11PM daily; roundtrip tickets cost 8,500 won for adults / 5,500 for children) or via foot.

It's important to note that N Seoul Tower is a Disneyland-esque experience; allot plenty of time to get up to the Tower, explore its various attractions, and get back into the city - and expect lots of lines.

Seoul Tower Plaza has plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to feed your cravings, but most of them are pretty commercial (Starbucks, chain restaurants, etc.).

5. Explore the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung

Built in 1405, Changdeokgung was designed to blend in with, and thus preserve, its original topography.

While the palace itself is beautiful, the real draw is the Secret Garden, what with its series of lotus ponds, ornate pavilions, and peaceful quarters built over hills and valleys. This marvelous, massive source of eye candy takes up about 60% of the real estate at Seoul's second royal villa - and was even said to be the home of tigers centuries ago!

Changdeokgung is open daily year-round except Mondays, with actual operating hours varying based on season. Admission is 3,000 won for adults / 1,500 for children. Access to the Secret Garden is only available via guided tour, which requires a separate ticket (5,000 won for adults / 2,500 for children; this ticket includes admission into the palace.)

English-speaking tours of the Secret Garden occur daily at 10:30AM, 11:30AM and 2:30PM, with an additional 3:30PM time slot from June-August only. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and are limited to 100 people, so be sure to book tickets in advance online or at the palace ticket office.

6. Take a walk along Cheonggyecheon

This modern result of a $900 million urban renewal project saw the restoration of Cheonggye Stream through downtown Seoul. Take a walk through the park running alongside the stream, offering benches, art installations, live entertainment, stone bridges, and other peaceful elements to help escape the urban chaos above. The park is particularly enjoyable at night!

7. Admire the art installations at Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Whether it's the series of futuristic buildings and exhibition spaces, the LED rose garden, or the restored walls of the Seoul fortress, Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a fascinating and must-see attraction in Seoul.

Located in the city's fashion hub, the DDP evokes notions of power, grandiosity, and beauty, while celebrating cultural and historic aspects of the Korean capital. It's an amazing spot to simply get lost in for a while.

8. Indulge in the famed food scene

Kimchi fried rice, egg bread, dumpling soup, potato pancakes, bibimbap...get your chopsticks ready, because it's ALL waiting for you in Seoul.

Whether you're grabbing grapefruit boba from a cute kiosk or preparing to dig in to some KBBQ by moonlight, there is no shortage of the city's possibilities for pleasing your palate. In fact, this might be the best activity you do your whole trip...

Know before you go:

  • Most visitors arrive in Seoul via Incheon International Airport; the Airport Express Line train (AREX) connects directly from ICN to the heart of Seoul at Seoul Station for 8,000 won a person. The journey takes 43 minutes, and the assigned-seating train is spacious and comfortable.

  • Alternately, the All-stop AREX Commuter Line will also get you to Seoul Station for around 4,000 won. The journey stops at 10 separate subway stations, and takes about an hour.

  • Most restaurants in Seoul close at 9:30pm. Coffee shops and Korean barbecue stay open late.

  • Purchase a Tmoney card to access public transit; the card costs 4,000 won and can be loaded/reloaded using card vending machines at subway stations.

  • If you're planning to visit multiple palaces or museums, the Discover Seoul Pass offers 24- and 48-hour free access to dozens of tourist attractions in the city, in addition to discounts on performances and duty free shops.

  • If you're debating when to visit Seoul, the fall (September-November) is a particularly excellent time to go, due to moderate temperatures, lower hotel rates, and a decrease in crowds (not to mention, the stunning colors on the trees as the leaves start to turn!)

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Want help planning a Seoul itinerary of your own? Let Disco Terra do the heavy lifting for you; reach out here to get started.

You may also be interested in:

The Ultimate Seoul Itinerary: 3 days

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