9 Things You Must Do in Korea

1. Explore Korea’s Majestic Palaces


Seoul is distinguished by its five major royal palaces, each reflecting different facets of Korea’s dynastic history. Foremost among them is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest and most emblematic of the Joseon-era palatial complexes. For those new to the city, it serves as an ideal introduction to Korea’s royal heritage.

For visitors seeking a more tranquil experience, Changdeokgung Palace, renowned for its exquisitely designed Huwon (Secret Garden), presents a compelling alternative. Access to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is granted through guided tours, preserving the integrity of its delicate landscapes and architectural features. Adjacent to it lies Changgyeonggung Palace, often underappreciated yet notable for its meditative ambiance, reflective pond, and 20th-century greenhouse—a unique convergence of tradition and modernity.

To the west, Deoksugung Palace, located near City Hall, offers a distinctive blend of Korean and Western architectural styles, a product of Korea’s transition into the modern era. The palace’s changing of the guard ceremony has become a popular cultural performance, celebrating royal customs in a public urban setting. Gyeonghuigung Palace, more modest in scale, is often favored by those seeking a quiet, reflective visit removed from the usual tourist flow.

Lastly, Unhyeongung Royal Residence provides a rare glimpse into the daily life of royalty during Korea’s late Joseon period. With its unadorned wooden facades and historical authenticity, it has become a favored location for cultural photography and historical reenactments.

Read about Gyeongbokgung Palace here.

2. Dive Into Seoul’s Traditional Markets


Markets in Seoul are bursting with life, flavors, and character.

  • Seoul’s traditional markets serve as vibrant repositories of culinary heritage, offering both locals and visitors a direct encounter with the city’s dynamic food culture. Among them, Gwangjang Market stands out as a particularly iconic destination. Renowned for its energetic atmosphere and authentic Korean street food, the market has garnered international attention, including a feature in global media platforms such as Netflix. It remains a vital space where time-honored recipes and communal dining practices thrive.
  • Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Tongin Market presents a uniquely interactive experience. Visitors receive traditional brass coins, which they may exchange for a curated selection of small dishes from participating vendors—an engaging reinterpretation of the dosirak (lunchbox) tradition that encourages exploration and sampling of regional fare.
  • For those with a particular interest in Korea’s seafood culture, Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is an essential stop. Early morning visits offer the chance to witness the spirited seafood auctions, a cornerstone of Korea’s maritime commerce. Later in the day, patrons may select live seafood from market stalls and have it freshly prepared in adjacent dining areas, offering an immersive, sea-to-table experience that is both educational and gastronomically rewarding.

3. Dress the Part – Rent a Hanbok


Wearing a Hanbok isn’t just for photos—it’s a cultural experience. Rent one from a local shop and stroll around the palaces or Bukchon Hanok Village. Plus, it gets you free entry to several historic sites!

4. Discover Seoul’s Trendiest Neighborhoods

  • Seoul’s urban landscape offers a rich mosaic of cultural districts, each reflecting a distinct aspect of the city’s evolving identity—from its traditional roots to its cutting-edge modernity.
  • Bukchon Hanok Village preserves an exceptional concentration of hanok, or traditional Korean houses, offering visitors a rare opportunity to walk through a living historical neighborhood. Interwoven among these preserved dwellings are small artisan workshops and intimate cafés, creating a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary lifestyle.
  • Insadong remains a cornerstone of Seoul’s cultural expression. Known for its traditional tea houses, galleries, and specialty shops, it provides a contemplative atmosphere ideal for exploring Buddhist cuisine, folk crafts, and curated antiques—an immersive setting for those seeking a slower, more reflective urban experience.
  • In stark contrast, Gangnam represents the epitome of Seoul’s cosmopolitan future. Globally recognized through pop culture, the district is a showcase of luxury retail, contemporary art installations, and architectural innovation. Highlights include the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain, an iconic display of engineering and aesthetics along the Han River.
  • Hongdae, centered around Hongik University, is synonymous with Seoul’s youth-driven creative movement. The neighborhood is renowned for its live street performances, particularly by K-pop dance crews, as well as independent galleries, music venues, and eclectic cafés. It is an epicenter of artistic experimentation and social vibrancy.
  • Lastly, Myeongdong is a dynamic commercial district celebrated for its extensive selection of Korean beauty products, fashion outlets, and street food stalls. It encapsulates the energetic spirit of urban Seoul, attracting visitors eager to experience the convergence of consumer culture and culinary delight in a single, walkable setting.

5. Watch an Unforgettable Show

  • Seoul’s performing arts scene offers innovative reinterpretations of culture that transcend language barriers, making them accessible and engaging for audiences of all backgrounds.
  • Nanta, a high-energy, non-verbal performance rooted in the rhythms of traditional Korean samulnori percussion, transforms an ordinary kitchen into a stage of comedic chaos and synchronized precision. Through a fusion of culinary choreography and slapstick humor, the production has become a celebrated example of Korea’s ability to blend cultural motifs with universal entertainment, appealing to both children and adults alike.
  • The Painters offers a strikingly original convergence of visual art and stage performance. This genre-defying production reimagines iconic masterpieces—such as those by Van Gogh—through live painting, digital effects, and contemporary dance. Infused with the dynamic spirit of K-pop and theatrical flair, the show breathes new life into the visual arts, creating an immersive and multisensory experience that bridges fine art and modern performance.

6. Chill by the Han River

The Han River, a defining geographic and cultural feature of Seoul, bisects the city with quiet majesty and has long served as both a natural artery and a civic gathering space. Its banks are thoughtfully developed into a series of landscaped parks that invite public engagement with nature, leisure, and art.

Along the river’s edge, visitors may partake in a variety of recreational activities. Bicycle rentals offer a scenic and accessible way to traverse the expansive riverside paths, while curated picnic areas provide a tranquil setting for relaxation amid the urban environment. For those seeking a more contemplative experience, the Eland Cruise offers a gentle voyage along the Han, presenting striking views of Seoul’s skyline from the water.

Select parks also feature seasonal amenities such as open-air swimming pools, kayaking stations, and public art installations—each contributing to the river’s role as a dynamic cultural corridor where environmental stewardship and creative expression converge.

7. Get the Best City Views

  • Seoul’s skyline is best appreciated from its elevated vantage points, where architecture and landscape converge to offer sweeping perspectives of the metropolis.
  • The Seoul Sky Observatory, situated within the soaring Lotte World Tower, ranks among the highest observation decks globally. From this exceptional height, visitors can experience a near-aerial view of the capital. A key feature is the glass-floored skywalk, which offers a dramatic, transparent view beneath one’s feet—an architectural feat that enhances the sensation of altitude and spatial immersion.
  • Equally iconic is the N Seoul Tower, located atop Namsan Mountain in the heart of the city. Accessible via a scenic cable car ride, the tower has long been a favored destination for both locals and travelers. Its panoramic vistas, particularly at dusk, provide a romantic and contemplative setting from which to observe the vast urban expanse and its surrounding natural contours.

Want something off the beaten path? There are plenty of hidden gems around Seoul that offer amazing views—just ask us!

8. Café Hop Like a Local


Seoul’s café culture is a distinctive blend of creativity and craftsmanship, where each establishment offers a unique sensory experience that extends beyond just the coffee. The city’s cafés are often meticulously designed, with spaces that range from whimsical, Instagram-ready interiors to serene, plant-filled greenhouses that evoke a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.

For those seeking to explore this dynamic aspect of Seoul’s social fabric, Mangwon-dong stands out as a vibrant neighborhood, home to a concentration of innovative cafés. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a curated selection of atmospheric spaces, each offering a distinct ambiance—whether it’s the cozy charm of vintage décor or the contemporary allure of minimalist designs. This area provides an excellent opportunity to experience the evolving aesthetic and cultural significance of Seoul’s café scene in one convenient locale.

9. Visit World-Class Museums

  • Seoul’s rich historical and cultural landscape is anchored by a number of museums that offer profound insights into the nation’s past, artistic achievements, and ongoing dialogues about social justice.
  • The War Memorial of Korea stands as a poignant and interactive museum dedicated to the complex history of Korea’s military conflicts. It offers visitors a multifaceted understanding of the Korean War and other key moments in the nation’s military history through immersive exhibits and personal stories.
  • Equally significant, the National Museum of Korea serves as a vast repository of cultural heritage. Its comprehensive collection spans millennia of Korean history, with artifacts that illuminate both ancient traditions and modern innovations. The museum’s outdoor park, with its seasonal beauty, provides a peaceful environment that complements the museum’s intellectual and aesthetic offerings.
  • For those seeking to understand Korea’s struggles for independence, Seodaemun Prison History Hall offers a sobering glimpse into the harsh realities endured by Korean independence activists under Japanese occupation, documenting their courage and sacrifice.
  • The War & Women’s Human Rights Museum is dedicated to the often-overlooked stories of Korean comfort women during World War II, offering a respectful and emotionally resonant narrative that honors their experiences and advocates for justice.
  • For contemporary art enthusiasts, the MMCA (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) is an essential destination. Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, it offers an engaging exploration of both Korean and global artistic movements, housed in an architecturally striking building that encourages reflection and dialogue.
  • The Leeum Samsung Museum of Art masterfully combines traditional and contemporary art, offering a curated experience that spans centuries of creative expression. Nestled in one of Seoul’s most fashionable neighborhoods, the museum’s innovative design and dynamic exhibitions reflect the intersection of cultural heritage and modernity, making it a must-see for visitors with a keen interest in art’s evolution.

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