1. Hit Gyeongbokgung Palace
With its long and intriguing history, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is truly a must-see for any Juan interested in diving into the fascinating past of Seoul. Established in 1395, this beloved attraction in Seoul lets you uncover the history of the palace, as well as know how it played into the bigger story of the city and the country. As an added plus, you’ll also have to a chance to admire its elaborate exhibits and gorgeous and extensive grounds. To top it all off, the palace hosts a changing of guard ceremony that you can enjoy for everybody’s favorite price of ZERO pesos.
More information:
- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Contact number: +82 2 3700 3900
- Opening hours: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM from Wednesday to Monday
2. Snap an Instagram-worthy shot at Common Ground
Looking for Instagrammable spots in Seoul? Why not swing by the city’s container van park – Common Ground? Not only is it an awesome spot for hipster photo-shoots, but it also great place to chill and hang out. What’s more, it’s a popular and chic shopping center with plenty of trendy boutiques and shops.
More information:
- Address: 17-1 Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Contact number: +82 2 467 2747
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Daily
Photo credit: yongzzz
3. Go on a shopping spree at Dongdaemun Market
Speaking of shopping centers, don’t forget to include a visit to Dongdaemun Market to your list of things to do in Seoul. More than just a market, it’s often considered a shopping mecca in Seoul, encompassing over 8 city blocks, and featuring 29,000 specialty shops, 26 malls and loads of wholesale outlets. For a smooth and hassle-free shopping experience, grab a map of this district, before you start your retail adventure. With a plethora of options available, there’s definitely no way you’ll navigate this sprawling, overwhelming shopping complex without a little guidance.
More information:
- Address: Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Contact number: +82 2 3398 3114
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
4. Hike Bukhansan National Park
Need to do some Seoul-searching? Want to escape the city’s non-stop energy? Then, pack your outdoor gear, and hike the extremely picturesque Bukhansan National Park! A mountainous oasis in a vibrant metropolis, the 30-square-mile park is home to miles of hiking trails, forest-laden valleys and towering granite peaks. Furthermore, it has over a hundred historic sites, monk cells and Buddhist temples, including a 5-mile mountain wall and a well-known Joseon stronghold – Bukhansanseong Fortress.
But, for a really unforgettable visit in the national park, climb your way up to Baegundae Peak through Bukhansanseong trail, and be mesmerized by the breathtaking overlooking views of Seoul.
5. Pay homage to The War Memorial of Korea
Even if you’re not fond of military history, a visit to The War Memorial of Korea is still recommended for Pinoys visiting Seoul. For a military museum, it’s pretty interesting and extensive with a wide array of insightful artifacts and displays, including tanks and life-size airplanes. As a matter of fact, it even has 3D and 4D movies available for those who want to get deeper into the war history of Korea. And best of all, you can enjoy everything inside this museum, without spending a dime.
More information:
- Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Namyeong-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Contact number: +82 2 709 3139
- Opening hours: 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday
6. Explore Lotte World
Children and those who are kids at heart will totally have a blast, exploring Lotte World – home to the world’s largest indoor theme park. With attractions hard-wired for youngsters and high-octane roller coaster rides like Atlantic Adventure, Lotte World entertains both budding adventurists and certified thrill seekers. To make things even better, the theme park has a host of diversions for those who aren’t into rides, such as a folk museum, an ice rink, a bowling alley and a mishmash of department stores.
More information:
- Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 3(sam)-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Contact number: +82 1661 2000
- Opening hours: 09:30 AM to 08:00 PM Daily
_Photo credit: Flickr/Lotte_World_Tower_11/Republic of Korea/CC-BY_
7. Visit Jongmyo Shrine
No list of the best things to do in Seoul is complete without the inclusion of Jongyo Shrine. Built in the 14th century, it is, after all, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the world’s best-preserved and oldest royal shrines. Expect to learn a lot of Korea’s history, as you explore the halls and rooms of this historic site in Seoul, South Korea.
More information:
- Address: 157 Jong-ro, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Contact number: +82 2 765 0195
- Opening hours: 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM from Wednesday to Monday
8. Buy pasalubongs at Insadong
Planning on buying pasalbongs and traditional goods in Seoul, South Korea? We suggest that you make your way to Insadong. Here, you’ll find a road lined with restaurants, teahouses, galleries, shops and boots selling a variety of traditional items. To discover unexpected gems and hidden charms, spend some time exploring the alleyways of Insadong.
Photo credit: Flickr/Insadong/Mario Sánchez Prada/CC-BY
9. Wander around Bukchon Hanok Village
Want to go on a photo-walk tour in Seoul, South Korea? Bukchon is arguably the city’s most stunning historical district, and a place where visitors may wander through narrow streets and gaze in amazement at its gabbled walls and old hanok of different sizes and shapes.
More information:
- Address: South Korea, 서울특별시 Jongno-gu, Gahoe-dong, 계동길 37
- Contact number: +82 2 2133 1371
- Opening hours: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM Daily
10. Admire the views from N Seoul Tower
Perched on a 262-meter peak in Namsam Park, N Seoul Tower reaches to over 450 meters above sea level, making it a perfect lookout point in Seoul. When the pollution levels and the weather cooperate, a visit to the popular observation tower lets you soak up the views of the whole city and its surrounding areas.
More information:
- Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Contact number: +82 2 3455 9277
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Sunday to Friday, and 10:00 AM to 12:00 on Saturdays
Photo credit: Flickr/N Seoul Tower/dconvertini/CC-BY
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