Sights and activities in Seoul
Gyeongbok Palace (Gyeongbokgung) – located in the heart of Seoul, this is Korea’s best-known royal palace that contains beautiful parks and buildings. It’s a must-see when visiting the city.
Bukchon Hanok Village – here you can find historical buildings of traditional design and many beautiful shrines.
Mount Namsan – take the cable car up to the Namsan Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower) to get a great view of the city.
The National Museum of Korea – one of the largest and most modern museums in the world.
Jimjilbang – a unique experience that you cannot find outside Korea. Jimjilbang’s public baths offer hot tubs, a sauna, massages and spa treatments. There are relaxation areas with flat-screen TVs, PCs and heated floors. Often open around the clock, the spa, heated baths and treatment rooms are gender-divided but the public areas for relaxation are open to all. Important: do not forget to shower before you step into any pool.
Sights and activities near Seoul
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) – a heavily guarded buffer zone 40 minutes from Seoul on the border of North and South Korea. The DMZ and its surroundings contain many interesting historical sights and pristine untouched natural surroundings. The most convenient way to explore DMZ attractions is by joining a tour with an approved operator, as most sites are not open to individual visitors.
Namhansanseong – an attractive mountain park with walking trails 20 minutes outside of Seoul. The old Namhansanseong Fortress is also situated here.
Amusement parks – for family-friendly activities, take a day trip to one of the various amusement and theme parks, such as Lotte World, Everland Theme Park, LEGOLAND Korea Resort or Alpaca World.
Shopping in Seoul
With markets selling just about anything, shopping in Seoul is easy. You can find everything from traditional handicrafts to modern electronic gadgets and designer clothes.
Myeongdong – the main shopping area which offers truly trendy fashion, Korean skincare and more. Here you will find international and local shops, big department stores like Lotte and Shinsegae, designer clothes, furnishings and accessories galore. Seoul’s nightlife offers restaurants, cafes and clubs and keeps Myeongdong bustling into the early hours.
Namdaemun and Dongdaemun are two famous marketplaces in Seoul where you can shop almost 24 hours a day and find everything that you didn’t even realise you needed.
COEX Mall – offers you even more shopping adventures in Seoul. It is the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, with a huge aquarium.
Yongsan Electronics Market – a mecca for electronic goods.
Insa-dong Street – small and homely street with a great atmosphere. Souvenirs, traditional handicrafts and interior design, bars and boutiques – don’t forget to try one of the cosy teahouses you can find here.
Korean food and drink in Seoul
With an abundance of food options, Seoul offers everything from small traditional street food stands serving basic rice and vegetable dishes to up-market restaurants with comprehensive menus. If seafood is your thing, visit Noryangjin Fish Market, where you will find hundreds of shops, fish auctions and an abundance of restaurants. A famous spot for street food is Gwangjang Market, which is one of the oldest continually functioning food markets in South Korea.
Kimchi – the Korean national dish of fermented vegetables that comes in many different varieties. The one with napa cabbage and gochugaru (chili powder) is the most common type.
Bulgogi – marinated meat and fresh vegetables that you cook yourself on a table grill. You then place your grilled food inside a lettuce leaf and serve it with various tasty sauces.
Bibimbap – a typical Korean rice dish that also contains sliced meat and vegetables.
Kimmari – deep-fried noodle rolls with seaweed.
Gimbap – a Korean dish with cooked rice and other various ingredients rolled in gim, dried sheets of seaweed.
Korean fried chicken – eggshell-thin, crisp crust around a juicy interior.
Bibim naeng myun – a Korean cold noodle dish made of thin, slightly chewy buckwheat noodles.
Sikhye – traditional sweet South Korean dessert-drink made of malt powder and rice.
Soju – South Korea’s national alcohol beverage served as a shot and long drink. Beer and wine are also available.
Tteokbokki – a beloved Korean dish of chewy rice cakes in a spicy, sweet and savoury sauce.
Transport in Seoul
Metro – Seoul’s subway is fast and easy to use, inexpensive and clean, this is the best option if you want to travel around a lot.
Bus – slightly slower but good value for money.
Taxi – using the taxi in Seoul is the cheapest alternative for a short journey if two or three persons are travelling together.
