TOP 30 Interesting Sights in Seoul

The capital of South Korea was founded more than 600 years ago, and it's preserved its history ever since. Travelers from all over the world come to Seoul to see the well-preserved palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. The ancient fortifications, Buddhist and Christian temples attract a lot of tourists. It's a popular entertainment and tourist spot.

Seoul has a thriving culinary tourism industry thanks to the best traditions of Asian cuisine. Restaurants in Seoul offer Korean barbecue, spicy flatbread, ribs of young calves with soy sauce, and fresh seafood.

Seoul is a city of contrasts where everyone can find something to do. People like to visit museum complexes, relax in the oceanarium, and stroll through the zoo. But shopping is the best. There are shopping malls and markets all over the city. There are tons of discounts and coupons at the airport during the festival for shopping lovers.

➤ Gyeongbokgung Palace

The most beautiful palace in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was built in the 14th century by Emperor Joseon. It was repeatedly damaged by Japanese attacks and rebuilt. Now the historic monument delights travelers with its original architecture.

The facility is huge, with 300 buildings. Make sure you check out the throne room when you're visiting the museum. It's also worth strolling through the green park with a lotus-filled lake.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Tuesday.
• Cost: 42€.
• Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

➤ Cheong Wa Dae

Seoul's «blue house», Cheong Wa Dae, is the main symbol of the South Korean capital. It gets its name from the blue roof. The shingles were all cast by hand. Smooth curves of the building became a symbol of harmony with nature.

Located in an old garden planted during the Joseon dynasty, the palace complex sits on a huge square. Green trees are woven in with countless flowers, creating a unique atmosphere. The spring and fall residences are open to the public.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Mondays.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 45, Hyoja-ro 13-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

➤ Bukhansan National Park

Seoul takes pride in its section of the Bukhangsan mountain system located to the north of the city. It was made a national park in 1983. It used to be the city's border during the Joseon Dynasty.

The landmark is popular with tourists from all over the world. From its summit, despite its short height of less than a kilometer, you can see the most beautiful cityscapes. The park is full of historical monuments and artifacts. Travelers can walk 14 trails.

• Working time: 4 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 262 Bogukmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

➤ Changdeokgung Palace

Despite frequent Japanese attacks, Changdeokgung Palace Complex has maintained its authenticity since the 15th century. The original look of the building was preserved due to the titanic work of restorers. This residence was the last residence of the Korean emperor until his death in the 20th century.

58 hectares of the complex are located at the foot of the mountain. The area is covered with gorgeous trees, and in the middle there's an artificial pond with hiking trails and recreation opportunities.

• Working time: it depends on the season.
• Cost: 6,5€.
• Address: 2-71 Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

➤ Insa-dong

Another must-see spot in Seoul is Insa-dong, which has tons of shops. During the Joseon dynasty, the central street of Insadong-gil was home to wealthy residents.

However, Japanese colonization decimated the Korean nobility, and the neighborhood was overrun with jewelry shops selling jewelry of the poor nobility. That's when commerce really took off. Cafes, antique shops, and improvised markets sell handmade souvenirs now.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• Address: Insadong District, Seoul.

➤ Yuxam Building

In mid-1985, a unique 249-meter-high, 63-building, multi-story building went up on Yeouido Island. The 3rd tallest skyscraper in Korea has an irregular parallelepiped shape.

Yuxam has three underground levels, 60 above ground, and lots of offices, stores, and entertainment. There's a wax museum too. You should also check out the observation deck, which offers great views of the city.

• Working time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: depending on the venue.
• Address: 50 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

➤ War Memorial of Korea

In Seoul, a memorial was built to honor the fallen Korean heroes. South Korea's capital opened the monument in the 90s in a historically significant area. On an area of 20,000 square meters, the complex includes a museum, a pavilion, and a memorial wall with names of fallen soldiers right on the street.

Military equipment from different eras appeals to tourists. The thematic halls are divided up into different periods in South Korean history.

• Working time: Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

➤ Gwanghwamun

Seoul's main attraction can be called the Gwanghwamun Gate, the main palace gate. In the Korean war, the wooden part of the structure was destroyed, and the stone part was badly damaged.

Restoration of the architectural monument was completed in mid-2010. The square in front of Gwanghwamun Gate has a large fountain, a statue of Admiral Yi Sunsin, and a sculpture of King Sejong. The daily changing of the guard of medieval soldiers is a big hit with tourists.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

➤ Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

Samsung, the world's biggest electronics company, sponsored the most famous museum in Seoul. It opened in late 2004 and features an impressive collection of national cultural treasures.

There are three buildings with different architectural elements designed by different architects. The pavilions are decorated according to the theme of the exposition. A museum with ancient artifacts in a medieval fortress, and a show of contemporary art in a futuristic building.

• Working time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Mondays.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

➤ Banpo Bridge

There's a bridge with the original name «Rainbow Fountain» in Seoul's central historical area. It has fountains built into it. The longest bridge in the world has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Water cannons are open 24 hours a day. On a normal day, it's a huge bridge with two tiers, and it dumps powerful streams of water in different directions. By nightfall, the multicolored lights start a unique show with a real water rainbow.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• Address: Seoul.

➤ Trick Eye Museum

When you're in Seoul, make sure you check out the unique Museum of Illusions. Tourists won't find ancient artifacts in the exhibits, but they'll have a great time. The museum exhibits take visitors into a new dimension without the usual laws of physics.

Paintings are created with a 3D effect, which makes you feel like you're part of the plot, complete with animate elements of an unreal world. Perspective is what makes the paintings so convincing. Adults and kids alike can be amazed at this unique experience.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Cost: 8,9€ for adults, 6,7€ for children under 18 years old.
• Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul.

➤ Olympic Park

The Olympic Park was built in Seoul in anticipation of the Summer Olympics in 1988. It's a large park with lots of interesting things for tourists. A museum complex, a memorial, and a health center are there.

Visits to the site have become a combination of sports and education. Visitors can run cross-country, train with modern sports equipment, and visit numerous establishments in the park.

• Working time: Saturday 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., other days 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul.

➤ Namsan Mountain Park

Seoul TV Tower is a landmark in South Korea's capital. However, it's surrounded by the stunning Namsan Park. There's a cable car or you can walk. The quiet park has paths, fountains, and pavilions so you can relax in peace.

From the observation deck of the tower's more than 470 meters, tourists can watch Seoul all day long. And there's a Korean village with traditional houses.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul.

➤ Lotte World Tower

The Lotte World Tower is Seoul's tallest 555-meter building. It's located near the same-named shopping center. It's got 123 floors. In addition to being the tallest in South Korea, it's the 5th tallest in the world. Built in mid-2017, the high-rise is a landmark in the city.

The building was designed and constructed using the latest technology in order to meet the needs of urban residents. Seoul's observation deck is a tourist favorite. It has incredible views.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: 40€ for adults, 35,5€ for teens, 33,3€ for kids, and 10,4€ for toddlers.
• Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 6(yuk)-dong, Songpa-gu.

➤ Lotte World

Located in South Korea's capital city, Lotte World is the largest indoor amusement park in the world. It opened its doors to the first visitors in 1989. It's been popular with tourists and locals ever since.

Visitors can take boat rides among Jurassic sights, experience the thrill of a roller coaster ride, skate on the ice rink, see new movies in the movie theater, and relax in the comfortable hotel.

• Working time: Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday is off.
• Cost: from 20,5€.
• Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul.

➤ Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung is rightly considered Seoul's most beautiful palace complex. The building is near a picturesque mountain range that highlights its architectural splendor. It was built in the 17th century as an additional house for the owner. Toksugung Palace is connected to Gyeongbokgung Palace by a bridge.

The Japanese-Korean War shaped the palace's history. Buildings were constantly destroyed and rebuilt. Today, only a third of the original ensemble remains. There's a museum of South Korean history on the palace grounds.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Monday.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

➤ Gwangjang Market

Seoul's Gwangjang Market is another important shopping destination. The market's atmosphere is as good as its shopping. There are a lot of colorful shops and stalls with clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, and vintage stuff.

National clothing, lavish wedding dresses and bedding sets made out of high quality materials are popular. The market has a grocery section and cafeterias where national dishes are prepared and served. Rice pancakes with different fillings, Korean dumplings, and sweet liquor are all available to tourists.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for main shopping aisles.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

➤ N Seoul Tower

The TV Tower is about half a kilometer tall and is South Korea's modern jewel. The observation deck at the top gives you a bird's eye view of the city. The site is located on Namsan Hill, which is 237 meters high.

As a result, Seoul is incredibly high. There are cafes and souvenir shops all over the place. There are five levels to the tower. Most popular is the last level, which has a rotating observation deck and a restaurant.

• Working time: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 10 to 12 a.m.
• Cost: starting from 6,2€.
• Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

➤ Myeongdong Cathedral

Seoul's Myeongdong Cathedral, a popular landmark, is where the Korean Catholic Church's union was born. Martyrs who didn't back down for their beliefs were buried here.

It was one of the first sites with Gothic architecture in the Republic of Korea to be listed as a historic site. Cathedral construction started in 1894, and the first parishioners entered in 1897. There's a Gothic brick church that became a symbol of democracy during the war.

• Working time: Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.

➤ Myeongdong Shopping Street

Seoul's main shopping street is Myeongdong. A one-square-kilometer area has become the center of city life. The fact that there were so many stores, shops, hotels, and cafes on such a small piece of land is amazing.

The street isn't very touristy, so you can see the real daily hustle and bustle of ordinary people. Both wealthy tourists and locals can shop in Myeongdong's stores and malls. There are luxury restaurants and cheap lunch spots.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• Address: Myeongdong 8-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul.

➤ Deoksugung Palace

It's more modest than the previous attractions, but no less significant, the Doksugun Palace complex, associated with the infamous events of the 19th century. During the emperor's reign, the South Korean republic was occupied by the enemy.

The monarch had to hide from spies from Japan that killed his wife. Today, the palace walls are a museum with exhibits from the Joseon era. There's also a contemporary art exhibition.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., except Mondays.
• Cost: from 0,7€.
• Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul.

➤ Seodaemun Prison History Hall

It's tough to call the prison a tourist destination. There have been a lot of people wanting to find out what's behind the prison walls. The Seodaemun prison museum complex would be an interesting alternative to the numerous palaces and temples in Seoul.

There's a lot of history here involving the suffering and heroic deeds of the local residents in the twentieth century. Korean patriots and dissidents were held here with common criminals for a long time. There are historical collections and household stuff.

• Working time: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Mondays.
• Cost: 2,2€ for adults, 1,1€ for 13-18 year olds, 0,7€ for kids under 12.
• Address: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.

➤ Historic Center of Seoul

Seoul's historic downtown is full of things to do. There are a bunch of concerts and festivals on the city square, where the museum complex is located. There's an ice rink in winter.

The new city government building is surrounded by the chapel of the old City Hall. Cheonggyecheon Creek runs along the boulevard, and it's a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. Popular in Korea is the Sejong Cultural Arts Center, which has one of the largest organs.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• Address: downtown Seoul.

➤ Itaewon

Seoul's Itaewon district is dotted with high-end stores, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can find many retail outlets here to experience the culture.

There's always something going on here, from street musicians to food carts to upscale restaurants. People who want to soak up the city energy will love this neighborhood. Gyeongnidan Street has restaurants serving food from around the world.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• Address: Itaewon District, Seoul.

➤ Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace Complex was built in the fifteenth century and is another attraction in the South Korean capital. Royal families have been using it for entertainment for centuries. It was designed in the Confucian style.

A beautiful park surrounds the complex with gazebos for people to relax. There's always a festival, carnival, or performance. The landscape is gorgeous and the architecture is amazing.

• Working time: from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Mondays.
• Cost: 0,4€ for 7-18 years olds, 0,8€ for adults.
• Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

➤ Bukchon Hanok Village

There's a traditional settlement in Seoul with authentic structures that look more like museum exhibits. However, this one-story neighborhood is inhabited by ordinary people far away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

The neighborhood looks odd against a backdrop of high-rises and modern infrastructure. To experience the unique vibe, tourists spend hours strolling through the narrow streets or eating traditional food in the cafeterias.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• Address: Seoul, Jongno-gu.

➤ Cheonggyecheon

It's become a favorite pastime for many tourists to walk along the artificial stream that runs through South Korea's capital. Despite being in the center of the city, Cheonggyecheon has a tranquil atmosphere that makes people forget about the noise of the city.

The creek is lined with trees and other plants, and the walkways are paved. In the evening, local actors show up to entertain visitors to the capital with a colorful light show.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• Address: 1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

➤ Bongeunsa Temple

There's an ancient Buddhist temple tucked away behind a mountain slope in the middle of a busy city. Within minutes of the center of the South Korean capital, tourists are transported to the Middle Ages. Being so close to civilization doesn't interfere with solitude.

The temple itself dates back to the VIII century and is a classic example of ancient Korean architecture. Naturally, not all of the temples have survived, and many have been restored. The restorers managed to keep everything as authentic as possible.

• Working time: from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
• Cost: ask the temple.
• Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

➤ Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo is the highest state shrine where royal ancestral tablets of deceased emperors are kept and sacrifices are made. The temple was built in 1394, after King Daejo moved his throne from Kaesong to Hanyang, which is now Seoul.

The construction was finished in 1395. Jeongjeon and Yeongnyeongjeon are two royal memorial halls that emerged from the constant expansion of the building to accommodate successive kings and queens' spiritual chambers.

• Working time: varies with the season.
• Cost: 0,6€ for adults, 0,4€ for children, free for kids under 7.
• Address: 189, Cheongsa-ro, So-gu, Daejeon 35208, Seoul.

➤ Coex Aquarium

On the lower level of the COEX Shopping and Entertainment Center, tourists will find an underwater world in an aquarium more than 1,000 square meters. The unique thing about this construction is that the visitors feel like they're inside, with underwater reps swimming in from above and sides.

As well as the gigantic water tank, there are individual smaller aquariums. Sea dwellers, predators, and other creatures of the sea have their own sections of the observation area.

• Working time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
• Cost: from 13,2€.
• Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.