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Looking for the best things to do in Seoul? You’re in the right place!
From its rich history and to its vibrant street life, Seoul offers an incredible blend of modern innovation and traditional culture. We’ve visited Seoul multiple times, and every visit has left us captivated. Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, there’s always something new to discover here.
Having explored the city extensively, we’ve now come up with our top 10 experiences to make your trip truly special. From wandering through ancient palaces and must-see landmarks to ghost tours and visiting the DMZ, it’s impossible to get bored here, so long as you know what to do!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
If there is one tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP, it’s this tour!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Seoul was take this day trip to visit the DMZ. This was a really unique experience and we learned so much from our guide. It’s easily one of the most popular day trips from Seoul!
Check out the 24,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: This tour is super popular – book your spot here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you depart.
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Seoul, South Korea
- 1. Take a day trip to the DMZ
- 2. Explore Seoul on a private customizable tour
- 3. Taste your way around Seoul’s night market
- 4. See the authentic side of Seoul and tour the Gangnam district
- 5. Learn how to cook Korean food
- 6. Explore the Royal Palace and Changing of the Guards
- 7. Learn about Seoul’s dark history on a nighttime ghost tour
- 8. Spend a day exploring Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, and the Gangchon Railbike
- 9. See the city after dark on a moonlit walking tour
- 10. Pedal your way around the city on an e-bike tour
- Where to Stay in Seoul, South Korea
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Seoul, South Korea
1. Take a day trip to the DMZ
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Time: 7:30 am or 10 am
- Highlights: guided tour of the DMZ, Third tunnel, Dora Observatory, Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park, Bridge of Freedom, Red Suspension Bridge (if selected)
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, visit to Bridge of Freedom, crossing the Red Suspension Bridge (if selected), English-speaking guide, DMZ admission
- Rating: 5 stars (check 24,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you only do one thing in Seoul, it should probably be visiting the Korean Demilitarized War Zone (DMZ). It’s the most heavily guarded border in the world, so you can only visit with a guided tour. We booked this one and learned a ton with the help of our guide, Alex.
The DMZ has seen some very tense moments between North and South Korea over the years. We were fascinated to visit the Third Tunnel, which is one of the incursion tunnels built by North Korea as a part of an attempted invasion – although they officially claimed that they were for coal mining!
We also got to see over the border into North Korea from the Dora Observatory, which is a pretty rare opportunity.
One of the most moving parts of the tour was seeing the Freedom Bridge, where 13,000 prisoners of war walked towards their freedom in 1953. We also visited Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park, which commemorates the suffering of those involved in the Korean War on both sides.
We wanted a memorable day out, so we booked the tour option that included a visit to the Red Suspension Bridge. What many people don’t realize prior to visiting is that the DMZ is actually a very scenic area, so walking across this bridge is an amazing way to soak up the views.
Visiting the DMZ is a must while you’re in Seoul and this tour is the top-rated option out there, with over 24,000 5-star reviews!
Book your spot on this top-rated tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
Related Read: If the above tour is sold out, don’t worry! This blog post outlines the top 5 best DMZ tours, so you’re sure to find a great replacement.
2. Explore Seoul on a private customizable tour
- Duration: 2 – 8 hours
- Time: 8 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: customizable itinerary; chance to see top attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong; private, personalized tour
- Inclusions: private guide, customizable itinerary, personalized suggestions and insights, hotel meet-up,
- Rating: 5 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of the highlights of our trip to Seoul was definitely exploring the city on this private walking tour.
We had a passionate local guide who customized the tour to our personal interests, which totally transformed our experience of the city. So whether you’re interested in history, culture, or discovering hidden gems, we’re confident that you’ll love this tour.
We opted for the full 8-hour tour and our first stop of the day was Gyeongbokgung Palace, where we got to stroll through the grand courtyards and learn about the Joseon Dynasty.
Since it was a private tour we were able to ask our guide, GJ, all of our burning questions and we got to learn about the parts of the palace’s history that interested us the most. It added so much depth to the experience!
Then, we went to Bukchon Hanok Village, home to 900 traditional Korean houses. GJ shared so many stories about what life was like in the Joseon period.
He also took us to see less touristy parts of the city, such as Mangwon Market, and the charming Mullae-dong area in western Seoul, which we totally fell in love with. We asked for a balance between famous highlights and hidden gems, and GJ totally nailed it! The flexibility and personalization of this tour made it extra special.
Whether you’re short on time or just want to really get to know the soul of Seoul, this private tour is perfect for all types of travelers!
Don’t miss out on this private tour – book your spot here before dates sell out!
3. Taste your way around Seoul’s night market
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 6 pm or 7 pm
- Highlights: exploring the Gwangjang Market, trying a wide range of street food, playing Korean drinking games
- Inclusions: small group size, food samples, local beer and rice wine
- Rating: 5 stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
This night market tour was hands down the best thing that we did in Seoul! It was the perfect mix of delicious food, cultural discovery, and a fun night out. Not only did we get to taste a ton of amazing street food, we also got to experience Korean market culture, and we even played some fun drinking games with our guide.
Speaking of whom, Rocky was absolutely incredible! He was passionate about food, and a super funny guy, so he really made sure that we had a great night.
Rocky shared the history of the Gwangjang Market and took us to his favorite stalls, where we got to try everything from crispy pancakes to kimchi cucumber, kimbap, and barbecue shrimp. It was so yummy, and we never had to wait in line, because being part of this tour meant that we got to skip the queues at the market’s top food stalls.
After walking around the market, we settled down in a cozy restaurant where we enjoyed Korean barbecue, soup, as well as makgeolli, soju, and local beer. Here, Rocky taught us some Korean drinking games, which had everyone in hysterics by the end!
This is one of the best street food tours we’ve ever done, and we can’t say enough good things about it! It was an amazing way to dive headfirst into Seoul’s street food scene and get a genuine taste of Korean culture.
Check out the 450+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
4. See the authentic side of Seoul and tour the Gangnam district
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 10:30 am
- Highlights: exploring the Gangnam district on foot; learning about the darker side of Korean society; seeing love hotels, plastic surgery clinics, and cram schools
- Inclusions: small group walking tour, local guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
We all know Gangnam from the viral song that took over the world in 2012, but there’s much more to this neighborhood.
This iconic part of Seoul is actually a microcosm through which visitors can understand the wider issues that are prevalent within Korean society. So if you want to see the real South Korea, you need to book this tour!
Our guide, Jessica, was amazing. She took us on a deep dive into cultural issues in modern-day Korea, beginning with Seoul’s rental crisis and lack of affordable housing.
We then explored the love hotel district and learned about how rent-by-the-hour motels stem from a need for privacy since many Koreans live in multigenerational households. We also discovered the phenomenon of cram schools and learned about the intense academic pressure that Korean students are placed under.
We also explored Sinsa-dong, which is South Korea’s plastic surgery hub. Jessica shared that about a quarter of Korean women aged between 19 and 29 have had procedures and that some parents even pay for surgeries as graduation presents. It was really interesting to learn about Korea’s beauty standards and how it shapes the lives of the younger generation, especially young women.
We love a light-hearted sightseeing tour as much as the next tourist, but what we love about this tour is that it doesn’t sugarcoat reality. It allowed us to get a more balanced view of what Korean society is really like, and dive behind the country’s shiny exterior.
Dive into Korea’s authentic culture when you book this tour here.
Related Read: If you’d like to stay right in Seoul’s most famous area, check out our Gangnam hotel guide for our top picks!
5. Learn how to cook Korean food
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 10 am or 6 pm
- Highlights: visiting Mangon Market to select the freshest ingredients, cooking a 3-course meal, learning about Korean food culture, easy but hands-on class
- Inclusions: all ingredients and equipment, cookbook to keep, full meal, drinks
- Rating: 5 stars (check 175+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of the best parts of any trip to Seoul is eating as much Korean food as you can. The only way to make it even better is to learn how to cook it for yourself! So with that in mind, we booked this cooking tour and had a blast.
We kicked off the day by meeting our instructor, Jomin, and heading to Mangwon Market. Here, we learned about traditional ingredients and their cultural significance, and Jomin taught us how to identify the best produce and spices. This made the whole experience feel really authentic!
We headed to Jomin’s cooking studio, where everyone in our small group had their own cooking studio. Jomin gave super clear instructions, and it was easy to follow along. We prepared three classic Korean dishes: bibimbap, soft tofu stew, and japchae (sweet potato noodles).
Once the cooking was done, we sat down together as a group to enjoy the meal, which was delicious! We also got some makgeolli, which is a lightly sparkling, thick, milky rice wine – it tastes better than it sounds!
We left this class with big smiles on our faces, and a recipe book so that we could recreate the dishes we made at home. Whether you’re a stranger to the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you won’t want to miss this class, so grab your spot before it sells out.
Reserve your spot on this tour here to access FREE cancellation options!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Explore the Royal Palace and Changing of the Guards
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Jogyesa Temple, watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheongwadae Sarangchae, seeing the Blue House
- Inclusions: hotel pickup, professional English-speaking guide, all taxes and fees, transport
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Changing of the Guard is one of the most important cultural events in Seoul, so if you want to dive deep into Korean culture, you need to see this ceremony for yourself!
We took this 3 hour tour and loved watching the guards marching and performing synchronized moves in their colorful uniforms. We also enjoyed learning more about Korean royal history from our guide, Kelly.
We opted for the morning tour, which began with a visit to Jogyesa Temple, where we learned about Zen Buddhism in Korea. We also loved snapping photos of the colorful lanterns! Next up, we arrived at Gyeongbokgung Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard. Thanks to Kelly’s first-class planning, we snagged front-row spots to enjoy the spectacle!
Then, we visited Cheongwadae Sarangchae – aka the Blue House! This was the former seat of Presidential power in Seoul, but now houses an exhibition hall where we got a glimpse into Korea’s modern political history.
So many tours focus on the Joseon period and the Korean War, so it was great to learn about more recent decades, and how things are done today.
This tour was the perfect way to dive deep into Korea’s political landscape, and we loved seeing the Changing of the Guard. We should note, though, that the Changing of the Guard doesn’t take place on Tuesdays, so we strongly recommend booking the tour on a different day of the week.
Check availability and book this tour here!
7. Learn about Seoul’s dark history on a nighttime ghost tour
- Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
- Time: 8 pm
- Highlights: exploring hidden nooks and alleyways, visiting Gyeonghuigung Palace after dark, walking along hidden Pimatgol Alley, visiting Tapgol Park
- Inclusions: professional guide, walking tour, map to keep
- Rating: 5 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
Ghost tours always give you a totally different perspective on the city than the guidebooks do, and we were super keen to dive deep into the dark side of Seoul! We booked the 2.5-hour option of this tour, and we’re so glad that we did because we absolutely loved hearing all of the chilling tales about Seoul.
Our guide, Sean, was truly incredible. He’s an expert folklorist who has actually written books and comics about Korean ghosts and supernatural legends, so we really couldn’t have been in better hands!
The first stop of the tour was at Gyeonghuigung Palace, which is the most haunted place in Seoul. We loved hearing tales about the ghostly inhabitants and how they came to be there.
Then, we went to Pimatgol Alley, which is a shady street (in both senses of the word) that’s known for its motels and cheap restaurants, so you’d better believe that there’s plenty of chilling crime lore around these parts.
From there, we went to Tapgol Park, which is the birthplace of Korean independence, and home to many lingering spirits! This tour wasn’t just about scary stories, though, it was also deeply informative. Sean taught us how ghost stories reflect societal fears, and helped us to understand what these ghost stories say about wider Korean society.
This tour was a blast, and we really felt like we got to see a side of the city that most tourists miss.
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
8. Spend a day exploring Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, and the Gangchon Railbike
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 7:15 am – 8 am
- Highlights: Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, the Gangchon Railbike, plenty of free time to explore independently
- Inclusions: air-conditioned transport, English-speaking guide, all entrance fees
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
Ready to trade the hustle and bustle of Seoul for some scenic, underrated attractions? Well, this full day tour is the perfect getaway from the city.
We started the day with a fun ride on the Gangchon Railbike, which involved pedaling along a scenic track surrounded by beautiful, tranquil landscapes. It was such a cute experience and the perfect activity for families to enjoy together.
Then, we went to Nami Island, a nature reserve with postcard-perfect scenery and plenty of tree-lined paths. We were really glad that we got some free time here since it’s famous for being the location of a famous Korean TV show ‘Winter Sonata’ and we even got to see one of the places a scene was filmed!
The last stop of the day was the Garden of Morning Calm, which was pretty magical. It has 22 themed sections and we loved checking them all out. The vibrant displays and artfully landscaped gardens were a true feast for the eyes, and we loved exploring. Again, we had free time here, so we could take it at our own pace.
All in all, this tour was a fun, relaxing, and super scenic day trip from Seoul. As a couple, we had a pretty romantic day out, but we would also highly recommend this tour for families. Kids will love running around in the gardens, and riding on the Gangchon Railbike!
Book this tour here to access flexible payment and cancellation options!
9. See the city after dark on a moonlit walking tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Marronnier Park, Naksan Park, Ihwa Mural Village, Seoul City Wall
- Inclusions: local guide, small group walking tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re in Seoul during the summer like we were, booking this walking tour is an amazing way to beat the heat! Plus, seeing the city by moonlight was a pretty magical experience.
We kicked off the tour at the Seoul University Hospital Medical Museum, where we got to learn about Korea’s university culture and the intense academic pressure that students here are under. Then, we strolled through Marronnier Park, where we got to glimpse snatches of street performances.
We also got to walk through the Ihwa Mural Village, a less affluent area that has become a major street art hub. We loved the quirky artwork, but most of all we enjoyed the opportunity to explore and learn about Seoul’s neglected hilltop neighborhoods. It revealed a totally different side to the city!
The highlight of the tour was definitely Naksan Park! We walked up to the viewpoint over the city for breathtaking panoramic views.
We got to watch a spectacular sunset here, and then we walked along the Hanyang City Wall, where we watched Seoul glittering after dark. As we strolled along, our guide, June, recounted stories about the wall’s role in protecting the city, so the whole experience was very atmospheric.
We really can’t recommend this tour enough. It combined immersive storytelling with beautiful views, and allowed us to see Seoul in a different light – no pun intended. It’s one of our favorite ways to spend an evening here, so book it before it sells out.
Check out the 700+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
10. Pedal your way around the city on an e-bike tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Inwangsan Mountain, Bukchon Hanok Village, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Jogyesa Temple, the Blue House
- Inclusions: e-bike and helmet, local guide, snacks
- Rating: 5 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
For those who are short on time, this morning e-bike tour of Seoul is a must! We had so much fun exploring the city’s most famous highlights while effortlessly gliding over its hills on our e-bikes. If you don’t have long to spend here, this tour is the perfect way to soak in the city’s history, culture, and charm.
One of the things that we loved about this tour is that we were in a small group, so it felt really personal and relaxed. The e-bikes were so easy to ride, too, so this tour is ideal if you would struggle on a walking tour.
We began with a ride along the Cheonggyecheon Stream and then headed to the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is arguably Seoul’s most iconic building, so you absolutely can’t miss it while you’re here! Our guide, Tae Jin, did a great job of explaining its history and cultural significance, which gave us a deeper appreciation of this imposing building.
Then, we went to Tongin Market, where Tae Jin introduced us to unique street foods and ordered some tteokbokki – Korea’s famous simmered rice cakes.
We also got to visit a traditional Korean village, visit the Blue House, and finish off relaxing at the Jogysea Temple!
If you want to see as much of Seoul as possible while you’re here, then this e-bike tour will really help you make the most of your time.
Book this tour with HUNDREDS of glowing reviews here, before it sells out!
Related Read: Need help planning your trip to Seoul? Here is our ideal 3 to 5-day Seoul itinerary, including most of these top activities!
Where to Stay in Seoul, South Korea
Before you set off exploring the city, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! There are plenty of areas to stay in Seoul, so you really can’t choose wrong in terms of location. But, to help narrow your search, I’ve picked out three excellent hotels for a range of budgets. Check them out!
Luxury – $$$
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a top-tier luxury stay in the heart of the city. It’s just steps from Gwanghwamun Plaza and a short walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace, so it’s ideal if you want to be close to Seoul’s historic center while still enjoying five-star comfort.
Speaking of which, the rooms here come with panoramic floor-to-ceiling views, and I love the on-site swimming pool, the luxury Korean sauna, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 3D golf simulator – what more could you ever need?
This is a splurge-worthy stay, and king rooms typically cost between $400 and $700 USD per night, depending on the season. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
If you’re looking for convenience, the Four Points by Sheraton Josun is my top choice because it’s connected to Seoul Station. You can get anywhere in the city easily, but the hotel is quiet and relaxing despite its central location. The rooms are comfortable and simple, ranging from twin to king rooms.
Prices start at $100 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Seoul N Guesthouse Dongdaemun is a basic and comfortable guest house that is also budget friendly! Located about a 15 minute walk from Dongdaemun Market, it’s super convenient and in a fun area. You can book a private room for about $40 USD a night or a bed in a shared room for about $15 USD a night. The rooms are basic, but clean and the staff are very helpful and friendly.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Seoul here!
Related Read: For an in-depth look at all of Seoul’s best areas and hotels, have a look at our Where to Stay in Seoul guide here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Seoul is often high on traveler’s bucket lists, and I can totally relate! We had so much fun running around this mega-city, learning about Korean culture, and taking some relaxing day trips. There is even more to discover in Seoul, but these top 10 things to do will start you off with a bang!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides. We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few more posts to check out – hopefully they inspire your travels and help you plan your next adventure!
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