8 issues to do in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul has emerged in recent times as an in-demand vacation spot. However South Korea’s capital can nonetheless really feel daunting for first-timers, given its dimension — it is one of many world’s largest and most densely populated cities — and variations in language and tradition.

As anybody who’s already taken a visit to Seoul will guarantee you, there is no purpose to hesitate. Sure, town is big, but in addition straightforward to get round because of intensive public transportation, together with a contemporary subway system (assume spotless automobiles, English signage and heated seats within the winter). And since Seoul is a uncommon place that experiences 4 distinct seasons, you may go to when it fits your schedule. (Although we suggest avoiding June to July’s wet monsoon season.) Most significantly, you may really feel extremely secure: The journey insurance coverage firm Berkshire Hathaway Journey Safety simply launched a report that ranked Seoul among the many world’s high 15 most secure cities for leisure journey in 2025.

As a result of there’s a lot to see, eat and do on this South Korean metropolis, we have curated a information to the 8 greatest issues to do in Seoul to make sure an unforgettable first journey.

1. Dig into road meals

Meals is central to Korean tradition, and one of many best methods to pattern some iconic bites — whereas getting a glimpse into on a regular basis metropolis life — is thru Seoul’s road meals markets. This manner, you may pattern an array of things in a single stretch and lower your expenses. Whereas Myeongdong Market is probably the most well-known, it is perpetually filled with vacationers and errs on the pricier aspect. As a substitute, head to Namdaemun Marketplace for kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and hotteok (stuffed pancakes), Gwangjang Marketplace for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and Jungang Marketplace for tteokbokki (spicy rice truffles).

South Korea can be famend for its storied consuming tradition with over 1,000 varieties of sool (Korean alcoholic drinks). To be taught extra, make a reservation at Oul. Positioned within the elegant 4 Seasons Lodge Seoul — a part of American Specific High quality Lodges + Resorts — this one-of-a-kind consuming vacation spot focuses solely on Korean-made spirits. Head bartender Ike Ryu whips up imaginative cocktails just like the Goosoo Highball, a hauntingly wealthy mix of barley tea soju, toasted rice syrup and seltzer. Fittingly, the anju (snacks consumed with alcohol) are simply as elevated: The lobster tteokbokki arrives effervescent scorching and filled with beneficiant chunks of house-made fish truffles and recent seafood.

3. Hire a hanbok

At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the architectural masterpiece that served because the official royal residence throughout the Joseon dynasty, you may discover folks wearing hanbok (conventional Korean apparel). Many close by outlets hire these colourful two-piece outfits courting again to the Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392) and provide further providers like make-up, hair styling and photograph shoots. The exercise is promoted by the Korea Tourism Group and inspired by locals as an indication of cultural appreciation, so do not be shy. One other perk? All 5 of Seoul’s royal palaces will waive their admission charges if you happen to arrive dressed accordingly.

South Korea champions creativity, as evidenced by the worldwide phenomenons of Ok-dramas, Korean movies and Ok-pop. No marvel the Western up to date artwork world has its eyes squarely on Seoul. Now, town is house to Asia’s solely Frieze Artwork Honest (debuted in 2022), together with outposts of the world’s most revered galleries, resembling New York’s Gladstone Gallery and Berlin’s Konig Galerie. Make sure you help Seoul-based establishments as nicely; must-stops embrace Bukchon Hanok Village’s gorgeous new Futura Seoul (unveiled throughout Frieze Seoul 2024), Kukje Gallery and Gana Artwork.

5. Get scrubbed at a bathhouse

One of many best methods to reset your physique following a long-haul flight or lengthy day of exploration is at a jjimjilbang. These conventional Korean bathhouses, nevertheless, are about greater than getting clear; they’re accessible hubs — entry charges are sometimes below $15 — the place locals join with buddies and disconnect from on a regular basis life. (Keep in mind that nudity is required for the same-sex bathing areas.) It is easy to spend hours between the swimming pools, saunas and leisure zones, however find time for seshin, a deeply invigorating full-body scrub that stimulates circulation and leaves pores and skin silky clean. Sparex Goodmorning Metropolis is tourist-friendly and open 24 hours a day, however if you happen to’re craving extra privateness, 4 Seasons Lodge Seoul’s Korean sauna and Spa Heum have personal rooms.

6. Replenish on Ok-beauty

Seoul is a bona fide buying mecca for magnificence and skincare lovers. To refill on cult favorites, from Mediheal’s sheet masks to Great thing about Joseon’s face sunscreen, swing by the nation’s premier retailer of reasonably priced Ok-beauty, Olive Younger. There are many choices to help impartial manufacturers, too. Take into account reserving a make-your-own-skincare class at Seongsu-dong’s Whipped. Uncover a sublime fragrance nobody else has at Changyong Park’s Written on Water, a captivating perfume studio in Yeonhui-dong. Clean up the drabbest areas in your house with Soohyang‘s gorgeously scented candles, diffusers and wax tablets.

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Why sleep in a standard lodge when you may keep in a hanok, a conventional Korean home? That is the pondering behind Rakkojae Seoul, a group of meticulously preserved historic residences outfitted with modern-day comforts. Staying right here is about slowing down and embracing quiet luxurious: Slumber on therapeutic jade ondol flooring; gas up within the morning with a conventional breakfast of rice, soup and banchan superbly introduced in brassware; or just bask within the tranquility. Regardless of being within the coronary heart of town, Rakkojae Seoul feels far faraway from town’s crowds and visitors.

8. Soak up sky-high views

Although South Korea’s capital is rewarding from town streets, it is much more memorable from excessive above. Occupying the 76th by one hundred and first flooring of the Lotte World Tower, the world’s sixth-tallest constructing, Signiel Seoul is a lodge in contrast to every other on the town with jaw-dropping hen’s-eye views of the cityscape, dreamy lodging and splendid touches like Bar 81, the place’ll you discover the nation’s largest Champagne assortment. (It is also a part of American Specific High quality Lodges + Resorts.) Feeling particularly courageous? Head up a number of flooring to Seoul Sky, which holds a number of information, together with the world’s highest glass-floor observatory and quickest elevator.

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