8 issues to do in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul has emerged lately as an in-demand vacation spot. However South Korea’s capital can nonetheless really feel daunting for first-timers, given its dimension — it is one of many world’s largest and most densely populated cities — and variations in language and tradition.

As anybody who’s already taken a visit to Seoul will guarantee you, there isn’t any purpose to hesitate. Sure, the town is big, but in addition simple to get round because of in depth public transportation, together with a contemporary subway system (suppose spotless vehicles, English signage and heated seats within the winter). And since Seoul is a uncommon place that experiences 4 distinct seasons, you may go to when it fits your schedule. (Although we suggest avoiding June to July’s wet monsoon season.) Most significantly, you may really feel extremely secure: The journey insurance coverage firm Berkshire Hathaway Journey Safety simply launched a report that ranked Seoul among the many world’s prime 15 most secure cities for leisure journey in 2025.

As a result of there’s a lot to see, eat and do on this South Korean metropolis, we have curated a information to the 8 finest issues to do in Seoul to make sure an unforgettable first journey.

1. Dig into avenue meals

Meals is central to Korean tradition, and one of many best methods to pattern some iconic bites — whereas getting a glimpse into on a regular basis metropolis life — is thru Seoul’s avenue meals markets. This manner, you may pattern an array of things in a single stretch and lower your expenses. Whereas Myeongdong Market is probably the most well-known, it is perpetually filled with vacationers and errs on the pricier facet. As a substitute, head to Namdaemun Marketplace for kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and hotteok (stuffed pancakes), Gwangjang Marketplace for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and Jungang Marketplace for tteokbokki (spicy rice muffins).

2. Sip on native spirits

South Korea can also be famend for its storied consuming tradition with over 1,000 forms of sool (Korean alcoholic drinks). To study extra, make a reservation at Oul. Positioned within the elegant 4 Seasons Resort Seoul — a part of American Categorical High-quality Accommodations + Resorts — this one-of-a-kind consuming vacation spot focuses solely on Korean-made spirits. Head bartender Ike Ryu whips up imaginative cocktails just like the Goosoo Highball, a hauntingly wealthy mix of barley tea soju, toasted rice syrup and seltzer. Fittingly, the anju (snacks consumed with alcohol) are simply as elevated: The lobster tteokbokki arrives effervescent scorching and filled with beneficiant chunks of house-made fish muffins and contemporary seafood.

3. Lease a hanbok

At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the architectural masterpiece that served because the official royal residence throughout the Joseon dynasty, you may discover folks wearing hanbok (conventional Korean apparel). Many close by outlets lease these colourful two-piece outfits relationship again to the Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392) and provide extra companies like make-up, hair styling and picture shoots. The exercise is promoted by the Korea Tourism Group and inspired by locals as an indication of cultural appreciation, so do not be shy. One other perk? All 5 of Seoul’s royal palaces will waive their admission charges should you arrive dressed accordingly.

4. Uncover Seoul’s vibrant artwork scene

South Korea champions creativity, as evidenced by the worldwide phenomenons of Okay-dramas, Korean movies and Okay-pop. No surprise the Western modern artwork world has its eyes squarely on Seoul. Now, the town is house to Asia’s solely Frieze Artwork Honest (debuted in 2022), together with outposts of the world’s most revered galleries, resembling New York’s Gladstone Gallery and Berlin’s Konig Galerie. Be sure you help Seoul-based establishments as properly; must-stops embrace Bukchon Hanok Village’s beautiful new Futura Seoul (unveiled throughout Frieze Seoul 2024), Kukje Gallery and Gana Artwork.

5. Get scrubbed at a bathhouse

One of many best methods to reset your physique following a long-haul flight or lengthy day of exploration is at a jjimjilbang. These conventional Korean bathhouses, nonetheless, are about greater than getting clear; they’re accessible hubs — entry charges are usually below $15 — the place locals join with mates and disconnect from on a regular basis life. (Keep in mind that nudity is required for the same-sex bathing areas.) It is simple to spend hours between the swimming pools, saunas and rest zones, however find time for seshin, a deeply invigorating full-body scrub that stimulates circulation and leaves pores and skin silky clean. Sparex Goodmorning Metropolis is tourist-friendly and open 24 hours a day, however should you’re craving extra privateness, 4 Seasons Resort Seoul’s Korean sauna and Spa Heum have personal rooms.

6. Replenish on Okay-beauty

Seoul is a bona fide procuring mecca for magnificence and skincare lovers. To replenish on cult favorites, from Mediheal’s sheet masks to Great thing about Joseon’s face sunscreen, swing by the nation’s premier retailer of inexpensive Okay-beauty, Olive Younger. There are many choices to help impartial manufacturers, too. Think about reserving a make-your-own-skincare class at Seongsu-dong’s Whipped. Uncover a sublime fragrance nobody else has at Changyong Park’s Written on Water, a captivating perfume studio in Yeonhui-dong. Clean up the drabbest areas in your house with Soohyang‘s gorgeously scented candles, diffusers and wax tablets.

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7. Sleep in a hanok

Why sleep in a traditional lodge when you may keep in a hanok, a standard Korean home? That is the considering behind Rakkojae Seoul, a set of meticulously preserved historic residences outfitted with modern-day comforts. Staying right here is about slowing down and embracing quiet luxurious: Slumber on therapeutic jade ondol flooring; gasoline up within the morning with a standard breakfast of rice, soup and banchan fantastically offered in brassware; or just bask within the tranquility. Regardless of being within the coronary heart of the town, Rakkojae Seoul feels far faraway from the town’s crowds and site visitors.

8. Soak up sky-high views

Although South Korea’s capital is rewarding from the town streets, it is much more memorable from excessive above. Occupying the 76th by means of a hundred and first flooring of the Lotte World Tower, the world’s sixth-tallest constructing, Signiel Seoul is a lodge not like another on the town with jaw-dropping chook’s-eye views of the cityscape, dreamy lodging and splendid touches like Bar 81, the place’ll you discover the nation’s largest Champagne assortment. (It is also a part of American Categorical High-quality Accommodations + Resorts.) Feeling particularly courageous? Head up just a few flooring to Seoul Sky, which holds a number of information, together with the world’s highest glass-floor observatory and quickest elevator.

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