Top-Rated Attractions in Seoul

It's no exaggeration to say that Seoul, South Korea is a fascinating metropolis, a place where ancient history and cutting-edge technology coexist in seamless harmony. Mount Namsan and the park around it are just two examples of the various outdoor and indoor activities available to visitors in Seoul, who may also enjoy the city's many museums.

It is also true that Seoul is a city of palaces, with five massive palace complexes scattered around the city that have been brought back to their former splendor. Of course, it's also famous for its cuisine, which ranges from inexpensive street food to high-end restaurants serving Korean delicacies like BBQ. In this article, we will provide you with a list of the greatest tourist spots and activities in Seoul, so that you may explore this fascinating city.

1. Take a Walk along Cheonggyecheon, Seoul's Urban Stream

After the Korean War, there was a building boom, and a natural stream that ran through the heart of Seoul was paved over to make place for roadways. As part of a larger urban renewal effort, seven miles of the stream were revealed and opened to the public as a park in 2005.

Over the last several years, seven miles of paths have been built along a stream for people to stroll, run, and ride bikes. The Central Business District of Seoul now has a water and green space artery where there was formerly just concrete and steel. The stream is also home to the stunning Seoul Lantern Festival, held each November. Ornate, illuminated paper lanterns are put in and along the stream, and each night, hundreds of people line the riverbank to watch and appreciate the floating artwork.

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2. Explore the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village

The Bukchon Hanok Village is a great place to spend an afternoon learning about and appreciating traditional Korean culture and architecture. This historic area has various traditional Korean communities, allowing visitors to experience life in Korea 600 years ago. Central Seoul, between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces.

In these compact residential areas, Hanoks, or traditional Korean homes, are prominent. It's one of a kind since it's both a historic district that attracts plenty of visitors and a genuine community where everyone lives in their own homes. Many of the Hanoks have been converted into hotels and inns, while others serve as museums. Most are individual residences, while some are cultural institutions showing traditional crafts and other historic elements of Korean society.

3. Explore Jingwansa Temple, Bukhansan National Park

Jingwansa is an old temple complex in the breathtaking Bukhansan National Park that provides several opportunities to learn about Buddhism and temple life. The mountains that the traditional structures are situated in are crisscrossed by kilometers of trekking routes.

The temple conducts a number of community events and activities, and it even produces much of its own food (and ferments its own kimchee). There's a temple stay program, which involves an overnight visit, plus there are cultural and instructional events. They also provide culinary adventures, such as the monks' vegetarian temple supper.

Jingwansa is on the far west side of the city, one of the four great temples of Seoul initially established about 1,000 BC.

4. National Museum of Korea

The magnificent history and artwork of Korea and the Korean people are on display at this must-see destination in Seoul. Located in Yongsan, the museum is among the biggest in all of Asia (close to Itaewon). With a concentration on art, history, and archaeology, the museum houses a massive trove of artifacts older than a million years. Among the many things and antiquities on display are those from antiquity and the distant past, such as artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and other works of art.

You may enjoy some fresh air in Yongsan Family Park, located just across the street from the museum. The War Memorial of Korea is also conveniently located and is another excellent museum.

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5. Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower is a relatively recent landmark in Seoul. At 500 meters in height, it is South Korea's tallest skyscraper and the fifth-tallest structure in the world. The vase-like form takes design cues from traditional Korean ceramics.

From the 117th to the 123rd floors, there are a number of indoor and outdoor observation decks that together go by the name Seoul Sky. You can see all 360 degrees of the city and the views are breathtaking day or night.

The 118th story is home to the Sky Deck, which has the highest glass floor of any building in the world. It's like magic; the floor goes from opaque to transparent, startling everyone who walks on it. Super rapid double-decker elevators with windows on one side and LED displays on the other three and on the ceiling make the ride to the very top of the building an exciting and entertaining experience in itself.

The tower has commercial space, high-end apartments, and the five-star SIGNIEL SEOUL hotel. There's also a huge retail center, an aquarium, and a museum. Both the Lotte Concert Hall and the Lotte Cinema, a 21-screen MoviePlex with the biggest screen in the world, can be found in this tower.

6. DMZ

The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is the territory between North and South Korea and is a relic of the Korean War. No one except authorized tour groups is allowed in this secure and restricted area. In addition to seeing the Demilitarized Zone, a trip will take you to other rural areas in Korea.

The highlights of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) are covered on a half-day trip that begins and ends in downtown Seoul (if you take the early morning tour). The Dora Observatory, from which you can see into North Korea, and the 3rd Tunnel, excavated by the North in preparation for an invasion, are just two of the stops on the guided tour.

7. Seoul Museum of Art

Backing up to the Deoksugung Palace, the Seoul Art Museum, or SeMa as the locals call it, has a sizable collection of artwork, most of which dates from the 20th century and after. The museum's primary emphasis is Korean art and Korean artists, although it also features a respectable collection of works by foreign artists. Unique collections and works of art are also on display during the many temporary and visiting exhibits.

Spread on three levels of a sprawling structure that was formerly home to the Supreme Court of Korea, the collection is quite impressive. The museum's main site is in the heart of Seoul, but it also has six other satellite venues spread across the city that showcase different portions of the permanent collection and temporary shows.

The museum's Nam June Paik Memorial House has exhibition and workshop space in the artist's actual home and is not to be missed. This residence may be found in the Changing-Dong district of Seoul.

8 . Blue House

If you're familiar with the White House, you'll recognize the Blue House as Korea's presidential residence. The Korean president resides there, and his executive offices and those associated with him are also housed there. The Blue House is really a complex of structures designed in traditional Korean architecture and topped with the characteristic blue tile roofs for which it is famous.

Tours last an hour, and those interested must register and reserve their spots online in advance. The tour will take you to many different areas of the palace, such as the meeting rooms, reception areas, and the Korean Rose Garden, where the Korean president often gives news conferences.

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9. Bongeunsa Temple

There are several Buddhist temples in and around Seoul, including Bongeunsa. It is a large complex consisting of many structures and shrines that originally opened in the year 794. Located in the heart of Gangnam, one of Seoul's most vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to get there.

The temple is located on a small mountain, just across the street from the large COEX conference complex and shopping mall. Conference attendees use this area to get away from the hustle and bustle of the convention center. The temple gladly welcomes visitors and even offers a program where they may spend a few hours living the monastic life. metro station, a massive fountain, and several enormous sculptures of Joseon dynasty figures.

10. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the greatest of Seoul's five magnificent palaces constructed during the mighty Joseon dynasty, was first constructed in 1395. Multiple attempts to rebuild it throughout the course of the ages failed, but after WWII it was finally brought back to its former magnificence, and in the 1990s it had a complete makeover.

The National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea may both be found on the palace grounds and are well worth a visit. Objects from the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty are on display at the museum, making it a particularly interesting stop. Items for cooking, cleaning, and daily living are included in this as well as rare antiquities and works of art. Everyday objects, costumes, and dioramas help portray the history of the Korean people from prehistory to the present at the National Folk Museum.

11. Dongdaemun Design Plaza

The DDP, or Dongdaemun Design Plaza, is a hip design hub in the Dongdaemun neighborhood of Seoul. Dongdaemun is not just Seoul's fashion quarter, but also a popular shopping destination because of its abundance of department shops and inexpensive clothes and home goods boutiques.

The DDP building, with its silver exterior and curving shape, seems like an alien ball. Late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, widely regarded as one of the most influential architects of the contemporary age, was responsible for its design. Outside the design center's main gate are surviving remnants of the historic city fortification, providing possibly the city's most striking contrast.

Showrooms, offices, and design studios populate the complex. In what is perhaps the hippest store in all of Seoul, you can find a wide variety of unique goods featuring both traditional Korean craftsmanship and cutting-edge design. It's a great spot to find one-of-a-kind presents for people.

The design hub really comes to life at night, with the highlight being the 25,550 white LED flowers. The DDP has become one of the most popular places in Seoul to take photos because of its silvery, futuristic, curved architecture and rows of fake flowers. You can have a burger and crinkle-cut fries at one of the hottest new restaurants in Seoul, which is only across the street from the attraction you just saw. It's in the Doota retail mall, just across from the DDP.

12. Gwangjang Market

The finest street food market in Seoul brings together a wide variety of stalls selling delicious local cuisine. The market has rows of vendors selling every conceivable kind of Korean cuisine. Most stands have stools in front of them, turning them into makeshift eateries. It's all about trying new things, and if you ask nicely, you can have a taste of just about everything.

The market is located in the heart of Seoul and is open from 9 AM to 10 PM daily. Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), bibimbap (rice combined with sautéed beef, veggies, and gochujang red chili sauce), gimbap (Korean sushi), sundae (blood sausage), tteok-bokki (stir-fried spicy rice cakes), and a wide variety of noodles are among the most popular items on the menu. Vendors selling clothing and home goods may be found in the market's other sections.

Conclusion:

Seoul is the best tourist place to visit because it has a lot to offer: a rich culture and healthy and delicious cuisines for every traveler. It is a must-worthy place to visit. Seoul attracts visitors from every corner of the world.

We hope this article was helpful in selecting beautiful and entertaining places for your visit to Seoul. It would be best if you check our list before planning your next travel.