Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a city where you can easily spend months exploring various landmarks, both modern and historical.

You probably know that I love Seoul quite a lot – so following my previous guides on 10 things to do in Seoul, Seoul’s grand palaces and Day trips from Seoul.

And now, I made the most ultimate guide to this city! I’ve now prepared a new guide for you: 30 landmarks to see here!

1. Rent a hanbok before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace

In total, there are five Grand Palaces in Seoul, all built during the rule of Joseon dynasty: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace (see below). Buying a combined pass to all (and Jongmyo shrine on top of that) of them sounds like a good idea and saves a fair amount of money and time.

Moreover, if you enter a palace in hanbok, you don’t have to pay for the entrance! There are lots of options for renting right in a few min walk from the palaces, so don’t miss this photo opportunity.

Usually you pay different prices for different hanboks (the most embroidered ones are the most expensive) and you charges extras for make up, hair style and accessories such as hats, hair pins etc. You can also get a professional photographer booked for a photo walk around the palace with you too or you can just take all your photos by yourself.

Back to the Palace: Gyeongbokgung Palace, or the Palace greatly blessed by Heaven, is a complex of multiple buildings residing at mountain foot and is a Mecca to all the tourists. It served as the main palace of Joseon dynasty since 1395 for over two centuries. Joseon dynasty ruled Korea for over 5 centuries from 1392 till the Japanese control over Korea took place (1910-1945).

In the last years of its rule – since in 1897 – the Great Korean Empire was proclaimed. Then it was burnt down to ashes in 1585 during the Imjin War with Japan and was restored in the 19th century. Its condition was miserable during the Japanese presence in Seoul and during the Korean War because many buildings of the palace complex were deliberately destroyed. This pitiful situation continued for the most of the 20th century.

Finally the restoration works started in 1990 and some buildings are still under the reconstruction. But it won’t prevent you from admiring this place! Don’t miss Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond with a hexagonal pavilion of the same name inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace.  These are the National treasures of South Korea. 

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion was even placed on the old 10.000 won banknote! First pavilion was built in 1412 and the current version remained almost intact after the Japanese invasion which is a really rare case because many buildings were destroyed. Its construction symbolises several ideas: of heaven, earth, man, and time. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, honestly.

The National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea are located here as well. 

Tip: a Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a must-see when in Seoul! It takes place in front of the main gate Gwanghwamun every hour – please see the exact timetable on their website.

Behind the Palace there is Blue house Cheon Wa Dae, the former official residence of the President of South Korea. Its name originates from the blue tiles ornamenting its roof.

2. Enjoy the tranquility of Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace, or the Palace of Virtuous Longevity, was the first palace I was introduced to because we stayed in a hotel nearby, so I have a soft spot for it. Actually the first name of the palace was different – Gyeongungung – while it was inhabited by the members of the Royal Family, not a king. It acted as the temporary royal residence for the period of Imjin war as the other palaces were burnt down.

Deoksugung Palace took his current name – the palace of Virtuous Longevity – not without a reason: the last Korean king lived there after the abdication up to the 1919 and unsurprisingly the name reflected it. A lot of the buildings didn’t make it to the modern day.

The unique feature of this palace are the buildings in Western style. I was more than impressed by its tranquility and serenity in the early morning, with just a few tourists and a foggy air stealing the skyscrapers of the outside world. There’s a nice cafe area and a shop by the pond too!

The pavilion located in the garden and called Jeonggwanheon Pavilion attracted my attention for a good reason – it was constructed by a Russian architect by Afanasy Seredin – Sabatin, who was working in Korea for almost 15 years as an architect at the turn of the 20th century. The building itself was used for the banquets.

The end of the 19th century was full of tragic events for the Koreans. The powerful Queen Min who actually ruled the country instead of her husband was murdered – presumably by the Japanese. The king, her husband, and their son flew to the Russian Legation where they found asylum and stayed for a year. These events were called Agwan Pacheon, or Korea royal refuge at the Russian legation.

You have a chance to watch the change of the Royal Guard in front of Daehanmun Gate here as well – don’t miss it!

3. Eat street food at Myeongdong

Myeong-dong is a main Seoul destination for many tourists and it has a good reason behind it. With real vibes of Asian busy market street, street food smells, vertical neon lights, uncountable cafes and shops – all these features you’re looking for are concentrated at Myeong-dong.

As for the street food, come here to try Corndog, cheese balls, fried calamari, tteokbokki with sausages and of course fresh mochi! If you’re looking for the beautifying tools such as latest fashion collections of Korean skin care products, you’re in the right place as well (yes, I’ve ended up with a handbag filled with tissue masks – I’ve been a fan of Korean cosmetics for a long time!)

This area is also very pretty in spring: some here to see cherry and magnolia blossoms!

Finally, Myeongdong is good for animal – lovers: choose a cafe wisely to keep the animal wellbeing in your priority! Read more about animal encounters here.

4. Visit Myeongdong cathedral

Myeongdong cathedral is one of the most prominent sites of the area. After many years of struggles with Korean rulers, the Christians got their place of worship in the late 19th century.

By the time of its opening, it was the largest building in Seoul – it’s quite hard to believe because now it can get lost amongst all those skyscrapers around it! Myeongdong Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Seoul.

5. Walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream

Another ecological nod is the Cheonggyecheon stream flowing into the Hangang river at the end. This is actually a natural stream that was located there for centuries but has been converted into the park area just recently.

This narrow but lengthy (almost 11 km!) area around the natural spring is a bit lower than the street level around it and contrasts to the concrete jungles around. Cheonggyecheon stream turned out to be a nice place to rest and to walk along – and many historical and cultural notes on the walls kept us from getting bored!

6. See the city from N Seoul Tower

At 262 m, woody Namsan mountain is floating over the Seoul. You can see literally from everywhere in city. And of course, it’s the favourite locations for so many K-drama makers!

It is the preferred place for locals for running, hiking and picnicking but it’s also flooded with visitors who are eager to discover Seoul’s skyline from the observational desk around the N Seoul Tower or from the Tower itself.

Take a cable car ride to the top of Namsan – it’s a pretty good attraction per se, but don’t forget to check the timetable not to miss the last car on your way back!

The mountain peak looks like a proper touristic spot with all the lockers and cute benches around, and of course, the observational desk is sensational, especially if you’re granted with a nice weather. We opted for an evening slot to enjoy the night lights of the city.

And even if the skyline is pretty moody during your visit but anyway it was definitely worth a visit!

7. Visit Namsangol Folk Village

If you cann’t have enough of traditional Korean houses, please come to Namsangol village. It’s located right at the foot of Namsan mountain (see above), and a fantastic spot for a tourist if you don’t have time to leave Seoul for the Korean Folk Village.

Apart from familiarizing yourself with the construction of different houses and daily life of a Korean family of the past you can try a number of activities yourself. What about trying on a traditional set of Korean cloths, playing games, practicing in archery or taking a photo with a falcon? It’s pretty compact and less busy than Bukchon village so I’m sure you’ll enjoy a stroll around.

Interesting: For heating Koreans used the traditional underfloor heating system called ondole. The hot air and smoke coming from chimneys heated the walking/sleeping surfaces and helped to keep the indoor temperatures high.

8. Stroll along Sejongno

Sejongno is one of the most historical streets of Seoul: traditionally many governmental buildings were located to the sides of it. At the background you can see Gwanaksan and Bukhansan mountains standing high and adding a dramatic effect to the statues of King Sejong the Great of Joseon (the one who invented hangyul) and military hero of Imjin war Admiral Yi Sun-sin. And if you love K-dramas, there is no way you never saw this place!

9. Explore Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace is another Royal palace of Seoul, and it’s simply astonishing.

The instability and political tension inside the Royal family led to the construction of the Palace of Prospering Virtue which was built at the beginning of the 15th century as a second palace after Gyeongbokgung.

The second and the last emperor of Korea also lived and died here as was well as other members of royal family who were permitted by the new government to stay at Changdeokgung Palace. Now its territory is rebuilt and looks adorable! Apart from other gorgeous buildings, it contains the oldest bridge in Seoul called Geumcheongyo Bridge built in 1411.

Another treasure of this palace is Huwon, or a Secret Garden which was used privately by the king. With its ponds, library, pavilions it is definitely worth a visit because this is exactly what makes it unique and special compared to the other palaces. If you are still not tempted, I would give you another good reason to visit Huwon: it hosts a stone gate – if you walk through it you would live longer and become younger!

Please note that you should have a separate ticket for entering it! You can visit it only with a guide-led group with other tourists and this booking is available online. Tours are available in English as well as in some other languages. Changdeokgung Palace is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dancheong, literally translated as green and red, is a traditional way of painting wooden surfaces with bright colours – both for decoration and protecting it from damaging factors of the environment. Usually painters used five colors: red, blue, yellow, black and white. Each colours has several symbolic meanings such as season, animal etc and relates to one of five elements: fire, wood, soil, water, and gold respectively.

The resulting pattern is vivid, symmetrical and, again, symbolic. I was deeply impressed by the architecture of Korean palaces as I’ve never seen anything similar to them! Just look how pretty are these coloured walls and curved roofs!

10. Don’t skip Changgyeonggung Palace

The Palace of Flourishing Gladness is adjacent to Changdeokgung Palace so it won’t take long to visit both palaces at once. The entrance is close to the gathering point for the guided tours to the Huwon Secret Garden. 

Former Suganggung Palace was built in 1483 and underwent some enlargements later whilst taking his current name of Changgyeonggung.

The zoo was located in here during the Japanese occupation (the zoo now resides in Seoul’s Grand Park) and it is now regaining its royal appearance. Palace’s ponds are truly lovely!

11. Admire the Bukchon Hanok village

Want to feel the atmosphere of old Korea and to see how it looked like during the rule of Joseon dynasty several centuries ago but on a richer side?

A lot of traditional houses, rent of hanbok (traditional clothes), tea ceremony – you can find it all at the Bukchon Hanok village. It comes as no surprise that this area is heavily packed with tourists. Don’t forget to behave respectful!

The Korean houses designed like these are called hanok and were built in Korea since the 14th century. How pretty are these rock walls and curvy roofs, aren’t they? The richer families could afford to cover the roof with the tiles while the straw-covered roofs are typical to the poorer households.

There are at least two thing more you should do here apart from admiring the traditional architecture: find a cafe with traditional design and admire the views from the village as it’s located up hill!

12. Have a coffee at Insadong

If you tolerate buzzing tourist crowds well then you must go to Insadong district. It consists of one main street and numerous smaller streets, drives and courtyards branching from it.

You can buy all sorts of Korean cliche souvenirs here: korean dolls, pretty mother-of-pearl lacquerware, hanbok (traditional cloths), metal chopsticks, ginseng of all kinds, keychains, pottery, pieces of art in local art galleries, street food made right in front of you.

There are a lot of restaurant and cafes waiting to welcome you as well. One of the most controversial but still magnetic places is a poo cafe where everything is loo-styled. Would you like to give a poo on a stick, as the one from this kiosk, a try?

And of course, don’t miss the cutest cafes in the area such as traditional rice cakes cafes, or cafes with teddy bear desserts and iced coffee, or try Korean savoury food like bibimbap here! If you have a lot of free time, pop into the Alive museum where you can experience the eye-tricking illusions.

13. Have fun at Itaewon

Another Seoul district not to miss is Itaewon. It’s famous for its international vibes, night life and a lot of restaurants of any sort of cuisines you may like – even after the tragic recent events over the Halloween celebrations

Meanwhile, we opted for the LINE friends flagstore and cafe. I must confess that I wasn’t familiar with these characters before my trip to South Korea but they are irresistibly cute!

14. Peak inside the Seoul Town Hall

Town hall is not usually a kind of building you’re recommended to pop in to but the Seoul Town Halls are definitely not ordinary Town Halls (on the right on the pic below)! Actually the former Town Hall is adjacent to the new one built recently. The old building was converted into the Seoul Metropolitan Library – and it looks like heaven!

Meanwhile the new one is a splendid eco-friendly modern building famous for its Green wall. The art installation created by Jeon Su-cheon called Meta Epic: SeaBeol as if it is made out of numerous balloons also resides here. The new glass building is quite impressive as well – grab your cup of coffee in a cafe over there. You can also have a look at historical exhibitions.

15. Visit Seoul Sky Observatory

Lotte World Tower is an iconic Seoul 555 metre tall skyscraper! It was opened to the public in 2017 and currently is the 6th tallest building in the world and the tallest in South Korea. Lotte Tower is a large shopping luxury mall with many restaurants but it’s also an observational point!

The Seoul Sky Observatory, located on the very top of it, stretches through seven floors, from 117 to 123. You can see all the city from there, including Han river, the Seokchon lake and the whole skyline of the capital. It’s an absolute must when you’re in Seoul!

There is an open air deck as well as a closed terrace; you can find there a cafe and a coffee shop too.

Seokchon lake is super popular in spring: it’s one of the best spots where you can observe 벗꽃 , that’s a Korean word for cherry blossoms

16. Have a look at Westin Josun Seoul, the oldest hotel of Seoul

The Chosun Hotel which is currently known as The Westin Josun Seoul opened in October 1914 which makes it not only the oldest hotel of Seoul but of all Korea! It was rebuilt a few times, and the current building dates to the 1970s.

We also had a chance to stay in this hotel, and I must note that unfortunately The Westin Josun has tiny rooms with a really outdated interior that needs some major refurbishment, however their breakfast area and the facilities within the hotel are very good.

17. Walk by Hwangudan Altar

Just by the Westin Josun Seoul there is a beautiful three story round building  – Hwangudan Altar, or the Temple of Heaven! It was originally built in 1897 and was a site where an emperor made sacrifices to heaven. The stone drums are located nearby. The site was designed by Sim Uiseok, one of the best architects of that time. Deoksugung palace is located very close to it.

18. Spot Bosingak

Bosingak dating originally to 1396 is a large bell pavilion in central Seoul. The street there – Jongno – is also named after it, because it literally means ‘a bell street’.

This landmark used to play a very important role when Seoul was smaller (and probably still called Hanyang). The bell pavilion was located in the centre of it, and it was struck when the four gates of the city were about to close or open.

19. Pay respect at Jongmyo shrine 

Jongmyo shrine is one of the most important historical landmarks of Seoul alongside the palaces (you can even buy the combined ticket for all six sites together).

It’s the national Confucian shrine where the tablets of kings and queens of Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) were enshrined, and it is believed that they still protect the country. It’s obviously located not far from the main palace Gyeongbokgung. The foundation of the shrine was laid during the rule of King Taejo, first king of the Joseon Dynasty, and the construction was completed in 1395.

Special services were held when a king or queen died – those were performed by a crown prince soon to become a king and high ranked officials after three years of mourning in the palace: and 5 ceremonies a year were held to worship the royal ancestors there. Even now, such ceremonies as the Ancestral Rite are held here!  There’s even a path you cannot step on because it’s reserved for spirits.

Unfortunately, the main shrine Jeongyeon is undergoing restoration right now, but you can still see the rest of the territory including a smaller shrine and a pavilion for musicians and dancers involved in the ceremony. You can visit the shrine only with an official guide during the weekdays (there are tours in English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese); the tour is an hour long. The Jongmyo Shrine is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

20. Take a photo of Namdaemun

Namdaemun, also known as Sungnyemun, is the remaining gate of the ancient city fortifications dating to the 14th century. In the past, there were 8 of them in total, but only those gates have survived the time (not to mention them being burnt on numerous occasions). Namdaemun is also the first National Treasure of South Korea.

21. Admire Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is one of the most important temples in Seoul located right to the side of the main Insadong shopping street. It was founded in the late 14th century and it was the main keeper of Korean Buddhism – Jogye order – during the Japanese invasion. 

Come here to see Dharma Hall, beautiful lanterns, and an ancient white pine tree growing on the temple premises! And don’t miss the chance to come here if you visit Seoul during one of the festivals.

22. Explore Bongeunsa

Bongeunsa is one of the most beautiful and important Buddhist temples (alongside Jogyesa temple in Insadong) of Seoul. It is located in Gangnam district – it was here long before this area became a super expensive one.

Bongeunsa with its pearl-white statue of giant Buddha is still one of the most amazing religious landmarks of the city. I know that not many tourists come here but please don’t skip it.

It was founded in 794 during the rule of King Won Seong. It’s located on the slopes of Sudo hill, and a tall impressive statue of Buddha dominates the landscape. We could even spot it from our hotel!

I’d highly recommend you to visit the tea house there with an impressive selection of teas. We absolutely loved it during the cherry blossom season – their sitting area inside overlooks a few large cherry trees!

23. Pop into Unhyeongung Palace 

Unhyeongung Palace was the residence of the members of the royal family, and you might want to come here for some authentic Joseon vibes without crowds of other visitors!

For instance, the king Gojong – the first emperor of the Korean Empire, who reigned in 1864-1907, was born here! It’s also the site where the last Royal wedding ceremony took place. 

Come here to see Irodang Hall, Noandang Hall, Norakdang Hall, Sujiksa and enjoy the tranquillity of the old Korean Hanok houses. There’s also a small museum at the palace premises. 

24. Have coffee at Seongsu and Seoul forest

Seongsu is a so-called Brooklyn district of Seoul. It’s a hipster cool place that used to be the shoe-maker district.

Now there are hundreds of small cafes, independent shops and even a large Dior shop!

Seoul forest is very close to it too. Can you imagine that Seongsu was one of the most tagged locations on Instagram in 2022?

25. Buy street food at Gwangjang Market 

Gwangjang Market (formerly known as Dongdaemun Market) is another nice spot where tourists can join Korean daily life.

It’s one of the oldest markets in the country as its roots can be traced back to the late Joseon dynasty. You’ll find there hundreds of shops: clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, medicines, household items and of course lots of food!

There are stalls where you can try freshly prepared meat, mandu, kimbap, bindaetteok, noodles and buy some fresh fish, veggies and fruits! For instance, I found the infamous penis fish, or Urechis unicinctus.

And don’t miss the coolest cafe with the jelly wobbly cats: it’s MiikFlo, and these puddings are viral for a reason!

26. Follow a robot in the National Museum of Korea 

South Korea lives in the next century: that’s a robot guiding us to an object on display and telling us some history bits about it along the way.

The National Museum of Korea is the main destination for you if you’re interested in the history and art of Korea. You’ll find everything here, from the prehistoric times, ancient Kingdoms, Joseon dynasty up to the Japanese invasion. 

You’ll find Prehistory and Ancient History Gallery, Medieval and Early Modern History Gallery on the first floor, Donation Gallery, Calligraphy and Painting Gallery on the second floor and Asian Art Gallery, and Sculpture and Crafts Gallery on the third floor. Overall, if measured by the square meterage, the National Museum of Korea is in the top ten largest museums of the world!

And yes, you can ask a robotic assistant for directions and help in retrieving info about various exhibits (I just love how technologically modern Korea is!) When visiting, make sure you don’t miss gold items from Silla, calligraphies and Ten-Story Pagoda from Gyeongcheonsa Temple!

The garden by the museum looks fantastic as well, come here to see cherry blossoms in spring!

It’s a great place for walking under cherry blossom trees, taking magical photos, observing Namsan and enjoying your spring days.

Besides that, there is a very good Italian restaurant right by the lake close to the museum.

27. Fall in love with the Starfield Library

We stay right across the street from the famous COEX shopping mall, a large underground complex in Gangnam district. COEX actually refers to COnvention centres and EXhibition halls all making part of this shopping mall.

Starfield Library, or Byeolmadang Library, is a fantastic venue inside the COEX mall. There are over 50,000 books not to mention ebooks accessible there! Btw, the similar but bigger library has just opened in Suwon.

28. Pay a visit to the COEX aquarium 

Inside the COEX mall there’s actually another tourist worthy attraction-COEX aquarium! This aquarium might not be the largest in terms of fish species but it’s definitely creative! 

In total, there are 14 exhibition zones including Amazonia World, Deep blue sea tunnel, Fish in the wonderland, Rainbow lounge and Traditional Korean Garden! Amongst the 650 species exhibited here there are not only sharks, tropical fish, rays etc but also frogs, turtles, seals, penguins, and meerkats!

The shop there is very nice – I’ve never seen so many species of toy fish before.

29. Dance by the statue of the Gangnam Style

Right at one of the exits of the COEX mall there are giant bronze hands – that’s the Statue of Gangnam Style. I have no doubts that you’ve heard  ‘Gangnam Style’ by PSY released in 2012! The hands feature the famous ‘horse riding’ gesture performed in this world wide hit: this song got over 2 billion views and became the YouTube most-watched video ever back then! 

This 5 metre high statue was designed by the Visual Information Design Association of Korea and unveiled in April 2016.

30. Have fun in the Lotte World Adventure 

Lotte World Adventure is an amusement park near the Lotte Tower. The Lotte World Adventure was opened in 1989. It’s not very big but still there are lots of things to do like rides, cafe hopping etc. The crowds were pretty big during my visit, and I didn’t manage to buy a ticket with a British card via the vending machine on the site so I had to queue there. If you have a change to acquire your tickets in advance, use it!

The indoor area is nice but just look at the outdoor area called Magical island! Magic island overlooks the Lotte Tower and is surrounded by a lake. There are some rides for small kids as well, such as a Dream Boat and a merry go round.

Where to stay in Seoul:

So far I stayed in three different hotels in Seoul: Park Hyatt Seoul, The Plaza Hotel and the Westin Josun and unfortunately each of them had its flaws. As I mentioned, the Westin Josun is a bit outdated and the Plaza also had tiny rooms with pretty poor room service (I wonder if it has improved since our last visit). And now let’s talk about this fantastic hotel in Gangnam!

This is the Park Hyatt Seoul, and I admired the style of it and the food there was amazing. Our room was spacious with amazing details.

And an afternoon tea with a view over Gangnam for sunset was perfect. 

However, the room views over the construction site and the inability to go directly to any floor (you have to go up from the guest room floor to the 28th floor where the reception is and then to change an elevator even if you’re going from the 4th floor to the 1st floor) were a bit of an issue. 

You might also check my other blogs about Asia.

Hope you liked my new blog,
Yours,
Anna xxx