From old to new, explore all that the city has to offer. Visit the best shopping districts, the top historical sites, and the places with the best views of the city skyline. Whether you prefer modern architecture or the charm of the royal palaces, there is something for everyone!
Part A- Attractions
1. N Seoul Tower- One of the most popular ways to see Seoul's skyline.
Namsan Seoul Tower was built in 1969 as Korea's first integrated transmission tower beaming television and radio broadcasts across the capital. Since opening to the public in 1980, it has become a much-loved Seoul landmark. The tower's main attractions include multi-colored digital art projected onto the tower at night, a digital observatory, a roof terrace, the HanCook restaurant, the n.Grill restaurant etc. Seoul has a number of viewing platforms where visitors can enjoy the nighttime cityscape or gaze out onto the Hangang (River) but the tower's Digital Observatory is unique, offering an astonishing 360 degree panorama over the city, and 32 LCD screens recounting the 600-year history of Seoul. Namsan Seoul Tower's mountain surroundings on Namsan Mountain have made it a popular place to unwind for locals and tourists.
Hours of Operation | Observatory Hours: Monday-Friday/Sunday 10:00-23:00, Saturdays 10:00-24:00 Restaurant Hours: 10:00-23:00 |
Contact info. | Tel: +82-2-3455-9277 Address: 04340 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea (Yongsan-dong 2-ga, YTN Seoul Tower) |
Subway | Itaewon Station (Subway Line 6) Exit 4, take bus No. 03 and get off at Namsan Seoul Tower
Chungmuro Station (Subway Line 3, 4) Exit 2, take bus No. 02 or 05 and get off at Namsan Seoul Tower
Dongguk Univ. Station (Subway Line 3) Exit 2, take bus No. 02 and get off at Namsan Seoul Tower |
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace- The first royal palace built during the Joseon dynasty.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces. Visitors to Gyeongbokgung can also visit the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea as they are located on the palace grounds.
Hours of Operation | 09:00 - 18:00 *Last entry one hour before closing *Closed on Tuesdays |
Contact info. | Tel: +82-2-3700-3900 Address: 03045 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
Subway | Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3) Exit 5, roughly 5 minutes' walk Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5) Exit 2, roughly 10 minutes' walk
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3. 63 Building- a symbol representing Seoul with the magnificent reflections from the golden exterior.
63 Building, Korea’s most recognizable landmark, reaches the highest altitude above sea level in the East, and is symbol of Korea’s increased national power. It became recognized as the shining symbol of economic growth of Korea, called the ‘Miracle on the Han River,’ and helped promote globalization with Seoul hosting the 1988 Olympic Games. Characterized by the golden glass, this building has different atmospheres in different seasons depending on the insolation, and the reflection of the truly majestic sight. Galleria Duty Free 63, located at 63 Square is one of Korea's foremost duty-free stores. This high-end establishment offers premium services, a fantastic array of goods in a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere.
Hours of Operation | 09:00 - 20:30 |
Contact info. | Tel: 1661-6633 Address: 07345 63 Square, 50 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul |
Subway | Daebang Station (Subway Line 1) Exit 6 Yeouinaru Station (Subway Line 5) Exit 4
Yeouido Station (Subway Lines 5, 9) Exit 5
Saetgang Station (Subway Line 9) Exit 1
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4. Bukchon Hanok Village- Seoul's most picturesque neighborhood is a maze of winding alleyways lined by hundreds of charming, Korean-style homes.
It is a place where visitors can embrace the beauty of traditional Korean houses. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. This walking tour takes visitors around the area of Bukchon Hanok Village, the only place in Seoul where hundreds of traditional Korean houses, or hanoks, are clustered together. Bukchon Hanok Village is an important area for culture and the arts, with its number of museums, craft workshops and historic landmarks.
Length of tour: | 2~3hours |
Route: | Unhyeongung -> Bukchon Cultural Center -> Choongang Middle & High School -> Bukchon-ro 11-gil -> Bukchon-ro 12-gil -> Bukchon Museum -> Jeongdok Public Library -> Paik In-je's House |
Contact info.: | Tel: +82-2-2133-5580 Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
Subway: | Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 2 |
5. Cheonggyecheon (Stream)- This long, modern stream runs 11 km long through downtown Seoul. Try dipping your feet!
Cheonggyecheon is an 11 km long modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Created as part of an urban renewal project, Cheonggyecheon is a restoration of the stream that was once there before during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The stream was covered with an elevated highway after the Korean War (1950-1953), as part of the country's post-war economic development. Then in 2003, the elevated highway was removed to restore the stream to its present form today. The stream starts from Cheonggye Plaza, a popular cultural arts venue, and passes under a total of 22 bridges before flowing into the Hangang (River), with many attractions along its length.
Contact info.: | Tel: +82-2-2290-7111 Address: 03187, 37 Mugyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (Seorin-dong)
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Subway: | City Hall Station (Subway Line 1) Exit 4, roughly 5 minutes' walk Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Subway Line 2) Exit 2 or 3, roughly 10 minutes' walk Dongdaemun Station (Subway Line 4) Exit 6 or 8, roughly 5 minutes' walk
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6. Samcheong-dong- Seoul's most stylish neighborhood.
Samcheong-dong is located just past Gyeongbokgung (Palace)'s stone wall lined street. The name "Samcheong" is derived from the words "sam" meaning “three", and "cheong" meaning "fresh" or "pure", because the mountain, water and the heart of the people in this area are all very fresh and pure. Then it's not wonder why many artists have sought out Samcheong-dong over the years. Because of this, Samcheong-dong became known as an artistic area. It is actually made up of several neighborhoods: Anguk-dong, Sogyeok-dong, Hwa-dong, and Sagan-dong and ends at Samcheong Park. Samcheong-dong is dotted with various art museums, museums, art galleries, restaurants, cafés, and shops; some are traditional, some are modern, but all are unique and colorful.
Hours of Operation: | Varies by stores |
Contact info.: | Address: 110-260 Gahoe-dong vicinity, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
Subway: | Anguk Station (Subway Line 3) Exit 1, 2, or 3, roughly 10 minutes' walk Hyehwa Station (Subway Line 4) |
For more Traditional & Cultural Experience, Outdoor Activities, Walking Tours, Night Life etc. in Seoul.
Part B- The Shopper's Paradise
1. Dongdaemun Market- A huge shopping district where you can find almost anything.
Dongdaemun Market is a large commercial district comprised of traditional markets and shopping centers that covers the entire area around Dongdaemun Gate, a prominent landmark in Korea, with 24-hours opening time. It is Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping district featuring 26 shopping malls, 30,000 speciality shops, and 50,000 manufacturers. All kinds of goods can be found here including silks and fabric, clothes, shoes and accessories, electronics, leather goods, sporting goods, office supplies, pet products and toys. The powerful appeal of Dongdaemun Market stems from the fact that you can buy everything you need at a reasonable price, in one convenient location and at anytime. Dongdaemun’s famous food alley, Mukja Golmok, is also essential for anyone wanting to check out the latest trends in Korean cuisine. Doota features a huge outdoor concert hall hosting a range of events including outdoor fashion shows, concerts, modeling contests and classical Korean music for tourists.
Hours of Operation | Varies per shop/mall |
Contact info. | Address: 04564 253, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul |
Subway | Dongdaemun Station (Subway Line 4) Exit 8, roughly 5 minutes' walk Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Subway Line 4) Exits 1, 14
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2. Myeong-dong- Seoul's shopping mecca filled with beauty outlets, malls, street stalls, and more.
Myeong-dong is Seoul’s shopping mecca and is a must-see for tourists, but it is not just a shopping destination; Myeong-dong is also a hub of commerce, banking and culture with a daytime population of 1.5-2 million. For shoppers there is a mixture of street stalls and retail outlets selling everything from high fashion to casual attire, as well as many Korean cosmetics stores offering high-quality products at competitive prices. Part of Myeong-dong’s popularity stems from relatively affordable prices here, especially compared to the other shopping meccas of Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong.
Hours of Operation | Varies by stores |
Contact info. | Address: 04536 27, Myeong-dong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul |
Subway | Myeong-dong Station (Subway Line 4) Exits 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
3. Insa-dong- Experience Korea's traditional charm through food and shopping.
Nowhere exudes more local and traditional charm than Insa-dong, a quaint neighborhood in the center of Seoul that transports visitors back to a time when women wore hanbok and men rode horses. With its wooden tea houses, boutique galleries and street vendors selling traditional snacks, a stroll through Insa-dong is mandatory for all visitors, especially on Sundays when the streets become traffic free and come alive with street performances, buskers and throngs of young and old who have come to experience one of Seoul’s most fascinating and creative neighborhoods. While the entertainment here is free, Insa-dong is also one of the best places in Seoul to purchase traditional Korean art, products, and other souvenirs, as it is filled with antique shops, art galleries, traditional stationery shops, handicraft shops, pottery and porcelain shops, bookstores, and art supply stores. Insa-dong is also home to many traditional restaurants and tea houses.
Hours of Operation | Varies by stores |
Contact info. | Address: 03145 39-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
Subway | Jongno 3-ga Station (Subway Lines 1, 3, 6 ) Exit 4, 5, roughly 10 minutes' walk Anguk Station (Subway Line 3) Exits 5, 6, roughly 5 minutes' walk
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4. Coex Mall- one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia.
Coex is identified as the business and cultural hub of Seoul. As the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, COEX Mall has got everything you need, all in one place. Shopaholics and fashionistas will appreciate the hundreds of clothing and accessories stores carrying both domestic brands and international brands, as well as designer and luxury brands. The dining options are endless with the many restaurants and cafes that are available here. The Megabox Cineplex, one of Korea's largest movie theater chains, is also located here, with a total of 17 screens. Other popular attractions at the mall include the Kimchi Museum, the COEX Aquarium, the ASEM Plaza and the Event Court, where various performances and exciting events such as classical concerts, mini concerts and magic shows are offered every week.
Hours of Operation | Varies by shops |
Contact info. | Address: 06164 513 Yeongdeung-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
Subway | Samseong Station (Subway Line 2), Exit 6 |
For more shopping stores.
Seoul, a city for exciting shopping experience.