Seoul is a city in South Korea that is teeming with rich history and culture, modern attractions, and lively pop culture. No wonder why many tourists visit this city to see and experience first-hand those trending places and things to do that they see in social media.

I’ve been to Seoul thrice already and I would like to share with you the 10 must see and do things in Seoul, South Korea if it is your first time.

1. Wear Hanbok

Hanbok is traditional South Korean attire. In the past, this attire is what Koreans wear on their day to day lives. Today, it is now only being worn during festive and special occasions such as festivals, birthdays and weddings. Hanbok design is usually represented by vibrant colors, laces and embroideries.

Tourist in Seoul can experience wearing a Hanbok even without a special occasion. Various Hanbok rental shops are available around the city and it will only cost you as low as 10,000 won for a 1.5 hour use. One of the places where you can rent a Hanbok is at Hanboknam which is located in the neighborhood of Bukchon Hanok Village and just outside Gyeongbokgung Palace. These two sites are perfect backdrop for your photos wearing the traditional Korean attire. It will make you feel like you were transported to the olden times of Korea.

You can get a free Hanbok rental at Hanboknam using a Discover Seoul Pass. All you have to do is present the card at the shop.

2. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the biggest among the five palaces in Seoul. It is also referred as the Northern Palace because of its location. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung features Joseon Dynasty type of architecture and considered as the most beautiful among the five remaining palaces around Seoul.

Entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace is 3,000 won for adults and 1500 won for children. If you’re wearing a hanbok you’ll get to enter for free. If you’re not wearing a hanbok, you can also enter for free using a Discover Seoul Pass.

3. Bukchon Hanok Village

If you want to see traditional Korean houses called “hanok”, Bukchon Hanok Village is the place to visit. The village is home to hundreds of traditional houses that dates back to Jeoson Dynasty. Most of these houses still has residents that’s why it’s important to respect their privacy and stay silent during your visit. Some of the houses around the village were converted to cultural center, restaurants, and shops for more immersive experience. Admission to Bukchon Hanok Village is free.

While in Bukchon Hanok Village, you might want to try renting a Hanbok to complete the experience or do a Seoul Pedicab Tour.

4. Namsan Seoul Tower and Namsan Park

The Namsan Seoul Tower or N Seoul Tower is a 236.7m structure built on top of Namsan Mountain. The structure was originally built as a broadcasting tower in 1969. Today, Namsan Seoul Tower serves as one of the most iconic landmarks in Seoul. It houses an observatory that offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the city. There are also restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops inside the tower.

Outside Namsan Seoul Tower is the Namsan Park where thousands of love locks can be found locked on various places around the park. Couples do this as a symbol of eternal love for each other.

Access to Namsan Seoul Tower observatory cost 10,000 won for adults and 8,000 won for children. Access is free when you use your Discover Seoul Pass. The best way to get here is by the Namsan Cable Car.

5. Namdaemun Market

One of the best places to buy souvenirs in Seoul is at Namdaemun Market. It is the biggest traditional market in the city with shops selling various products at an affordable price compared to other shopping districts. Here you can buy souvenir items like key chains and ref magnets, skin care products, clothes, bags, traditional Korean medicine, and other goods.

Various Korean food are also available around Namdaemun Market. Don’t leave without trying some. You can also join a food tasting tour to learn more about Seoul’s culinary culture.

6. Eat Korean Street Food

The street food available in Seoul is quite overwhelming. You will be blown away by the amount street food being sold all over the city. Some stalls offer traditional Korean street foods, and some offering modern choices. Some of the traditional street foods that you should try when you’re in Korea are tteokbokki, odeng, gimbap, mandu, pajeon, bungeoppang and gyeranppang. Modern choices includes, cheesy scallops, meatballs, waffles, candied strawberries and soft-serve ice cream.

If you want to learn about the history and food culture in Korea, you can join a Korean Street Food Tour with an experienced guide.

7. Eat Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is a very popular Korean dish. If you will go to a Korean barbecue restaurant, samgyeopsal is surely available on the menu for sure.

Samgyeopsal means pork belly in English. When directly translated from Korean, it means “three layers” which refers to the layers of meat and fat when the pork belly is cut.

The way to eat samgyeopsal is to place the grilled meat on top of a lettuce, add sides and sauces, wrap and eat. There are also other types of meat that you can try like galbi, dak galbi, deungsim and usamgyeop. Don’t forget to order a bottle of soju for a complete experience.

8. Try Korean Skincare Products

In the recent years, Korean skincare products has become really popular worldwide. When in Korea, don’t forget to try and buy some. They give out generous amount of samples too! Some of the popular Korean skincare brands are Nature Republic, Innisfree, Missha, Tony Moly and Etude House. You will find these skincare stores all around Seoul.

Did you know that you can also make your own skincare? A qualified instructor can guide in creating your own skincare tailor-made for yourself.

9. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

The spaceship-looking structure in Dongdaemun area, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, is one of the most iconic structures in Seoul. It was designed by the late Zaha Hadid and was built primarily to hold exhibitions, fashion shows, conferences, trade shows and other events. DDP houses a museum, art hall, design lab, design market and the Dongdaemun History and Cultural Park.

DDP is also famous for its 25,000 LED Rose Garden. This was supposed to be a temporary exhibition in 2015 to celebrate the 70th year of Gwangbok-Jeol, Korea’s version of Independence Day. It became so popular that’s why they decided to keep it. The LED Roses light up automatically as soon as the sun sets.

Access to the LED Rose Garden, DDP grounds and some halls is free. Some museums and exhibitions requires a fee.

10. Nami Island, Petite France and The Garden of Morning Calm

These three destinations are all located in Gapyeong-gun which is 1.5 hours by bus north-east of Seoul. Each of these destinations offers unique experiences and attractions.

Nami Island is a half-moon-shaped island located in the middle of Han river. It is very popular for its tree-lined pathways and K-Drama shooting locations. Autumn is probably the best time to go here when the island is blanketed with colorful leaves. You also don’t want to miss eating dakgalbi in one of the restaurants in the island. It is said that they offer the best dakgalbi in Korea. There are two ways to get to Nami Island, by ferry, and if you’re the adventurous type, you might want to Zipwire your way to the island.

Just 20 minutes away from Nami Island is Petite France. This attraction is very popular because of its French architecture. When you go inside, you will immediately feel like you were transported to France.

The Garden of Morning Calm is a private garden featuring thousand kinds of plants and flowers. The garden showcases different plants and flower depending on the season. During winter, The Garden of Morning Calm transforms into a magical scenery at night when millions of LED lights were turned-on for the Lighting Festival.

Get a hassle-free access to these three destinations in Gapyeong-gun by booking a guided tour package through Klook. The tour is already inclusive of transportation, English-speaking guide and entrance fees.

Planning a trip to South Korea soon? Book your flights with Cebu Pacific Air. They fly daily from/to Cebu-Incheon. Take advantage of their ongoing #CEBSuperSeatFest this March 2019 featuring discounts up to 1 million seats and deals.

Guide Map

These are just 10 of my recommended “must see and do” things if it’s your first time in Seoul. There are more to see, do and experience for sure. I hope this will help you plan out your itinerary  or you can also use my sample 3 Day Seoul, South Korea itinerary.

You might also be interested:
3 Day Seoul, South Korea Itinerary + Travel Tips
Nami Island, an Autumn Destination