45 Absolute Best Things to Do in Seoul, Korea

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Seoul is a truly wonderful city that offers a never-ending list of incredible attractions. This guide shares the absolute best things to do in Seoul from the classic to the unusual.

As Korea’s capital city, Seoul is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in South Korea.

When you’re an expat living and teaching English in Korea, you tend to travel differently than first time or short-term visitors. So here’s an end all be all ultimate list of absolutely all of the best and nontouristy things to do in Seoul from the perspective of an expat. From the unique, the popular and dare I say, unusual.

Read More: 20 Helpful South Korea Travel Tips

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How much time is needed in Seoul?

While you could easily spend an entire week in this huge city, I recommend at least 3 days in Seoul to truly experience the best attractions, especially for those who are only visiting Korea for 1 week.

If you have more time to spare in South Korea, aim for at least 4 days.

Read More: An Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary for South Korea

20 Best Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea

Aside from its bustling modern streets, Seoul is a city that’s famous for its traditional markets, five palaces, and Buddhist temples. Especially for first-time visitors to Seoul, this part of the list shares the top attractions in Seoul that shouldn’t be missed!

1. Eat some traditional food at Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest traditional markets in all of Korea, and is the best place to try traditional food. There are a few food stalls where you can build your own bibimbap, and others that serve the famous local mung bean pancakes which are to die for! The market also has vendors selling fresh fruit juice, other Korean street foods, dried herbs, and many other items – it’s a fun experience wandering the crowded market!

The market is typically open 7 days a week from 9am – 5pm.

2. Stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream

The Cheonggyecheon Stream is an iconic part of Seoul that flows through the downtown streets of downtown. All along the stream, are walking paths lined with cool art murals, lush gardens, and unique sculptures. The stream also happens to pass by the Gwangjang Market and the royal palaces, and it’s worth walking along if you’re already visiting these other attractions.

In November, Seoul puts on a lovely lights festival along the stream complete with bright lights and thousands of traditional lanterns. It’s a sight to behold!

3. See the changing of the guards at the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace

The Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace the main and most popular palace to visit of the five in Seoul. If you’re going to take the time to see any, it should be this one. Try to time your visit to see the changing of the guards, which takes place every day except Tuesdays at 10am and 2pm. The show lasts about 20 minutes and begins as soon as you hear the impressive gong sound!

The palace is open 6 days a week, between 9am – 6pm. The grounds are not open on Tuesdays. Admission is only W3,000, about $2.50.

4. Enjoy views of the secret garden at the Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung is another of the five grand palaces of Seoul that’s worthy of a visit, if you care enough to see two ancient Korean palaces. This one is especially worthwhile because of the pretty secret garden located on the palace grounds. The garden requires joining a tour and I recommend booking in advance. 

Entrance to the Changdeokgung Palace is only W3,000 won to the main grounds, and an additional W5,000 to see the secret gardens. The opening hours vary depending on the season, but are typically between 9am – 4:30pm, 5:00pm, and sometimes 5:30pm.

In case you’d like to visit the city’s other palaces, here are the names of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: largest, most famous, changing of the guards
• Changdeokgung Palace: calm, pretty secret garden grounds
• Changgyeonggung Palace: spacious grounds with spring blooms and autumn foliage
• Deoksugung Palace: smaller, less crowded, considered an auxiliary palace
• Gyeonghuigung Palace: smaller, less authentic, built latest

5. Check out Namdaemun Market, one of the largest in the country

Namdaemun Market is another Korean traditional market, and it’s considered one of the largest in the country. The vendors set up their stalls primarily outside, not far from the Great South Gate, a historical landmark that marked the entrance to the old city. The market is a good place to try street foods and buy souvenirs, as well as see wholesale items.

Shops at Namdaemun Market are typically open between 7am – 5pm, and some may close for the first and third Sundays of the month for a break.

6. Hike or take the cable car up to the N Seoul Tower for city views

Located on the outskirts of Itaewon, the N Seoul Tower sits atop Namsan mountain and features an obersvation deck overlooking the sprawling city streets. To get to the tower, you can hike up stairs or skip the effort and take the cable car instead. I recommend coming right before sunset to enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views.

The entrance for the tower’s observation deck is W10,000. The cable car is W13,000 for a round-trip ticket, or W10,000 one way. The line for the cable car can get quiet long, so come early in the morning to skip the crowds. The N Seoul Tower is open every day from 10am – 11pm, and the cable car is open 10am – 10pm.

7. Experience the traditional side of Korea in Insadong

Insadong is a district in Seoul and it’s the place to be for more traditional Korean foods and items. You can easily find Korean haboks, art, chopsticks, dishes, paper, and more. Be sure to stop and watch how Korean King’s Candy (kkultarae) is made at one of the few street stall and give it a try! It’s a sweet made of honey that’s pulled into thousands of strings.

Other things to do in Insadong include indulging in affordable Michelin Star Mandu at 개성만두 궁, visiting the Ikseon-dong Hanok/BBQ Alley, and sipping tea at the Chatjip Traditional Tea House.

8. Shop til you drop on the Myeongdong Shopping Street

The main area of Myeongdong is made up of tall buildings, neon signs, and fantastic shopping. You’ll find not only traditional Korean accessory and clothing shops, but popular international brands housed in massive storefronts. There are also tons of street food vendors set up along the pedestrian streets where you can sample local Korean goodies.

9. Go Shopping at the Ssamziegil Center

Ssamziegil is a cute shopping complex tucked inside an unsuspecting building in Insadong. It is essentially a courtyard space with numerous floors, lined with numerous shops selling handmade goods. The courtyard is often decorated with hanging flowers, umbrellas, or other decor that make it such a photogenic place to visit.

The Insta famous 또옹카페 Ddong Cafe is also fouund inside Ssamziegil! Come try their actually delicious nutella chocolate poop bread and drink a latte from a toilet mug.

10. Marvel at traditional wooden homes in the Bukchon Hanok Village

A hanok is a beautiful traditional Korean building made of wood. Located in an unsuspected area of Seoul near the palaces, this small little village within such a modern city is a great way to escape the concrete jungle that is Seoul. Just be sure to be quiet and respectful of the locals who live there.

11. Learn about Korea’s history at the War Memorial of Korea

If you’re a history buff that would like to learn more about the Korean War and why things are the way they are between North and South Korea, the War Memorial of Korea is an interesting place to go. There are many exhibits that showcase war artifacts and delve deeper into how the war started.

The museum is in Itaewon and there aren’t any admission fees unless you need to park. The museum is closed on Mondays.

12. Visit Korea’s two most popular amusement parks: Lotte World + Everland

If you’re a coaster head or just love amusement parks, then Lotte World and Everland should be on your Korean bucket list! These are two of Korea’s largest amusement parks and they’re both located around Seoul. You can easily visit on your own, but there are also private tour packages that include admission and transport for ultimate convenience. Check out the one for Everland and Lotte World here.

13. Make the journey to hike in Bukhansan National Park

Bukhansan National Park is a protected preserve made up of granite mountain tops, temples, and forested trails. It offers one of the best hiking trails in Korea, and is an exciting thing to do in Seoul for those interested in hiking.

The hike to the top is steep and the roundtrip totals only a little more than 2 miles, but the short distance covers a challenging trail. You’ll need about 4-5 hours for the hike because of its difficulty and to have time to sit at the top and enjoy the view made up of the surrounding countryside and Seoul in the distance.

The park is open between 4am to 5pm and there’s no entrance fee to worry about.

Read More: 17 Essential Tips for Hiking in Korea

14. Climb the ancient city walls around Seoul on Inwangsan

Inwangsan is a mountain on the outskirts of Seoul that reaches a height of about 1,100 feet (338m). The hike up Inwangsan is definitely worth it, even if you’re not a fan of hiking, because you’re rewarded with one of the absolute best views of Seoul. The mountain is lined with ancient city walls cutting through the forested mountainside. The main trail to the top is only about 1 mile, one way.

15. Grill your own meat and sample Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ is not just a meal, it’s a uniquely Korean experience that shouldn’t be missed! Take your pick from various meat dishes like pork belly (samgyeopsal), marinated strips of pork or beef (bulgogi), short ribs (galbi), or boneless chicken (dak galbi) to name a few. With your meal, you’ll have various small dishes of pickles, veggies, and sauces to eat with the meat known as banchon.

Be sure to order a pitcher or Korean beer and a bottle of soju to enjoy with your meal!

16. Go to the Seoul Sky observation deck at the top of Lotte World Tower

The Lotte World Tower is a new-ish skyscrapper with 123 stories that reaches a height of 1,800 feet. It’s currently the tallest building in South Korea and the fifth tallest in the world! At the top, there’s an observation deck called Seoul Sky, which is open from 10am every day, to 10pm on most days, 11pm on weekends and holidays.

Tickets cost W27,000 ($23) and can be picked up online at a discounted price, or in person at the ticket hall on the ground level of the building.

17. Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea to learn more about the nation’s history

Nestled on the grounds of the Gyeonbokgung Palace, is the beautiful National Folk Museum of Korea. It offers a great place to wander and see replicas of South Korean traditional items that shed light on Korea’s historical past and traditional culture. The museum is free to enter and is open between 9am – 6:30pm.

18. Enjoy some greenery at the Seoul Forest

The Seoul Forest is a large park that covers a staggering 3,000 acres in the city and is dotted with hundreds of thousands of trees! There are deer living on the grounds, and vending machines selling small cups of deer feed for just W1,000. Other fun things to do in the forest including biking, having a picnic, visiting the butterfly garden, and simply taking in the green space. The park is open year round and doesn’t have an entrance fee.

19. Go temple hopping to see the best temples in Seoul

The best temples in seoul for tourists to see are typically considered Bongeunsa Temple, Bongwonsa Temple, and Jogyesa Temple to name a few. Korean Buddhist temples feature intricately painted surfaces and beautiful traditional architecture. They’re a joy to visit and are lit up with traditional lanterns during Buddha’s Birthday in the spring, which is a really incredible thing to see.

20. See all or some of the Eight Gates of Seoul scattered around the city

The Eight Gates of Seoul were all built in the 1300s as entrances into the fortified city, split as the Four Great Gates and the Four Smaller Gates. Today, there are only six that remain standing, and they sit as a truly stunning juxtaposition between Korea’s present and past. The gates can be found in various places near Deoksugung Palace, behind Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Changgyeonggung Palace.

Their names are:

• Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)
• Souimun Gate (소의문)
• Changuimun Gate (창의문)
• Sukjeongmun Gate (숙정문)
• Hyehwamun Gate (혜화문)
• Heunginjimun Gate (흥인지문)

Read More: 101+ Instagrammable Places in South Korea

13 Unusual + Unique Things to Do in Seoul

Let’s get weird and start with some of the most unusual non-touristy things to do in Seoul. Of course, the definition of unusual is in the eye of the beholder, but these are def experiences I think most first-time visitors would find to be unique and maybe even a little bizarre!

21. Get scrubbed in the nude at a traditional bathhouse

Traditional Korean bathhouses, or jjimjilbangs, are a huge part of Korean culture. If you’re looking to do something unique while visiting, going to a bathhouse will definitely push you out of your comfort zone. You enter the baths completely naked and soak in communal pools and tubs with other naked bath goers. Don’t miss out on the nude scrub where an older woman/man, also in the nude, scrubs you raw. It’s actually amazing!

Read More: The Naked Truth about Korean Jjimjilbangs

22. Try ‘crazy’ Korean foods

Another unusual thing to do in Seoul is to indulge in some of the ‘crazy’ Korean foods you probably haven’t even heard of. Some of the craziest things to eat in Korea include:

• Beondegi: silkworm larvea boiled or steamed, often served on the street
• Gaebul: live spoon worms. These look like a certain body part I won’t mention. You can google and see for yourself.
• Chueotang: Mud fish soup
• Sannakji: live octopus, either killed immediately before serving or not at all
• Hongeo: fermented snake
• Soondae: blood sasuage made with pig’s blood
• Gejang: raw/live crabs

23. Rent a Hanbok and enjoy free admission to many main Seoul attractions

Renting a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, is a fun and popular thing to do in Seoul for not only tourists, but local Koreans too! There are traditional shops that rent outfits for both men and women looking to snap fun photos with historic architecture as the backdrop.

Hanbok rental shops can be found around the entrances to the palaces, and you can actually enjoy free admission to some landmarks when you’re wearing a hanbok.

24. Visit the DMZ for direct views into North Korea

So you don’t actually really visit North Korea, but there are day trips that take you to the border and the DMZ, or demilitarized zone. Here is where you can actually see North Korean guards and the meeting rooms often used between the north and the south in their attempts to peace. You need to book DMZ tours in advance.

25. Get drunk + sing your heart out at a noraebang

Noraebangs are a huuuuuuge part of social life in Korea and it’s karoke taken to a whole new level. In Korea, you actually rent out an entire room, noraebang actually means ‘singing room’ in Korean, and you pay by the hour. You can order tons of soju and beer while you’re there and it’s encouraged! Go alone like the locals sometimes do or find a group of friends and have at it.

26. Visit an active military zone: Baegaksan

Baegaksan is a mountain in Seoul that is part of an active military zone. You can sign up to walk from the Changuimun gate to Hyehwamun Gate, a trail that goes behind the famous Blue House (where the Korean president lives). Don’t forget your passport and prepare for some mega security!

Read More: The 11 Best Trails for Hiking in Seoul

27. Take photos in an abandoned amusement park at Yongma Land

Located on the outskirts of the city, Yongma Land is an abandoned amusement park that has become an Instagram sensation. Once a best-kept secret, it’s now so popular that it’s often the set for Korean music videos or TV shows. Make the trek for some cool photo ops – but be prepared to pay the hefty entrance fee.

28. Visit a pet cafe

Pet cafe culture is something that can actually be found in many parts of Asia. But while visiting Korea, check out some of the best pet cafes in Seoul that house animals like raccoons, meerkats, sheep, dogs, cats and more! Thanks Nature, Meerkat Friends and Blind Alley are some of the most popular.

These pet cafes are quite controversial because of the question of animal rights. Keep that in mind when visiting these pet cafes.

29. Visit Poopoo Land, a museum dedicated to sh*t

Yes, you read that correctly. Poopoo Land is a museum in Seoul, if you even can call it a museum, where visitors can have fun enjoying in the toilet themed art exhibits and photo zones. Don’t miss out on the delicious, chocolate-filled, poo-shaped bread!

30. Pick up tickets to the Nanta Show for a night of comedy.

Cookin’ Nanta is a unique performance where chefs prepare food while also putting on a percussion show for the audience. It’s non-verbal, so there’s no need to worry about a language barrier, and people really enjoy the show!

31. Have fun with crazy exhibits at the Trick Eye Museum + Love Museum

South Korea has so many wild “museums” that if you’re looking for a unique yet authenitcally Korean eperience, you should make time to see one of them! Of the two, the Trick Eye Museum In Hongdae, isn’t overall weird, but features col optical illusion photo backdrops. You can easily spend a few hours playing around inside. The same building also has an ice museum, and the Love Museum.

The Love Museum is dedicated to putting sexy eroticisim on display. You can pose straddling giant penis sculptures, next to busty babes, and big booties. Admission to the Love Museum is W8,000. The Trick Eye Museum is W12,000 to enter. Or you can pay W14,000 to enter both.

32. Live a day like a monk at a Jogyesa temple stay

Temple stays aren’t for everyone, but they are a unique way to experience Korean culture. You can book an overnight stay at the Jogyesa Buddhist temple and live life like a monk. During your stay, you’ll wear traditional temple clothing, eat vegetarian Korean food, and sleep ondol style – on the floor with only a thin mat. A 2 day 1 night stay is W50,000, which includes accommodation, veggie meals, a temple tour, and activities.

33. Shop for local Korean skin care + get that procedure you’ve always wanted

This is a weird one, and obviously not for everyone, but Korea is world renowned for their high-quality yet affordable plastic surgery, beauty procedures, and fantastic skin care and make up lines. So much so, that many people travel specifically to Korea for a certain procedure or treatment.

If that’s too extreme for you, opt instead to treat yourself to fantastic beauty products. The best K-beauty brands and shops in Seoul are:

• Innisfree Flagship Store: a beautiful store selling Korean beauty items with a cute cafe selling souffle pancakes.
• Olive Young: A Sephora-like store on most blocks selling affordable and popular Korean brands
• LOHB (Love, Health, Beauty): Another drugstore with makeup and Kbeauty with various locations
• Etude House Flagship: makeup brand where you can make your own shade of lipstick

12 Less Touristy Things To Do In Seoul

The longer you live in Korea or the more time you have, the more you’re willing to trek to far away destinations and stray further from the well-beaten tourist path.

For those looking for more unique things to do in Seoul, here’s a list of some cool hidden gems that aren’t super touristy because of how far away from the main city center they are.

34. Get your shopping on at Common Ground

Common Ground is a cultural and shopping space that’s a bit off the common touristy trail in the Gwangjin neighborhood of Seoul. The shops are made up of about 200 bright blue shipping containers and feature a courtyard with food trucks and picnic tables. Not only do people come to enjoy the awesome vibes and snap a few Ista pics, but also to pick up some cute trinkets and souvenirs.

Read More: The Best Things to Buy in South Korea

35. Bike along the Han River

The Han River flows along the southern part of Seoul and is one of the country’s largest rivers. There are pretty walking and biking paths that follow the river, and many people enjoy renting bikes to see a less hectic side of the city. There are numerous parks to stop and see along the path.

Renting bikes is pretty cheap in Korea, and usually starts at around W1,000 for the first 2 hours, and then an additional W1,000 for every 30 minutes after that. There are numerous bike kiosks around the Han River.

36. Get a taste for Seoul’s urban side at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Come marvel at the unique Dongdaemun Design Plaza, an architectural wonder designed by famous British Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. This urban landmark is pretty easy to get to via the blue line, via the Jongo 5 or Dongdaemun subway stop. The inside features various cute shops and design/art exhibits.

37. Take a stroll on Seoullo 7017

Right outside the central Seoul Station, is Seoullo 7017, a pretty sky garden elevated above the streets below. The park is essentially a pedestrian bridge filled with various gardens, art displays, and pretty lights. It’s not a major Seoul landmark, but worth stopping by if you’re in the neighborhood waiting for a train from Seoul Station.

38. Spend a relaxing afternoon in the Ihwa Mural Village

This little neighborhood located near Naksan Park is cute and quaint with many cafes and photo opportunities. However, the very famous murals of the area were painted over in 2016 by angry residents tired of loud tourists. While we were disappointed to discover this, the area was still a cute place to spend the afternoon, and offers many adorable cafes and great views of Seoul’s skyline.

39. Walk along ancient walls at Namhansanseong Fortress

Explore the old Namhansanseong Fortress and walk along ancient city walls. There are enough beautiful attractions to occupy 4 or more hours, including the four gates, a temple, and a traditional teahouse. The views of the city from the walls are also pretty killer, but fair warning, it’s quite a journey to get here. Budget about an hour of travel time on public transport to get to the entrance.

40. Snap Insta pics at the Coex Library Mall

The Coex Library Mall has become a popular place in Gangnam to visit for the beautiful library with immensely tall book shelves. the mall also offers a classic shopping experience with stores like H&M.

There is also the bronze Gangnam Style hand statue in front of the mall that makes for a fun dance pic backdrop. I have this on the “non-touristy” list because although it’s popular, it’s mostly popular with expats and locals and not necessarily a classic must see place in Seoul.

41. Haneul Park

Haneul Park is quite a mission to get to, but makes for a nice escape to nature outside of the city. It’s a great place to snap some cute photos and enjoy a picnic outside.

42. Marvel at both traditional and modern art at the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Tucked away a bit away from the busy streets of Itaewon, is the Leeum Art Museum. the building is split between two sides showcasing traditional and ancient Korean artworks and more modern displays. The museum is home to the beautiful white spiral staircase and neon green, mirror hallway. It’s not a must-see for travelers, but if art is your thing and you’re looking for something more unique, I recommend it!

43. Cafe hop to some unique cafes in Seoul

Cafe culture in Korea is out of this world, and if you’re a fan of coffee and pretty aesthetics, setting aside time to cafe hop is a must. Some of the most famous cafes in Seoul include:

• Stylenanda: The insta famous pink pool cafe with shopping
• Zapangi: An iconic Seoul cafe with a fake, pink vending machine door
• Bistopping: An ice cream shop where you can build your own picture perfect ice cream cone with candy “props”
• C. Through: A famous cafe run by a latte artist that creates extremely unique drinks and recreations of art classics in a coffee cup.
• Passion 5 l’atelier: A massive cafe that’s a pastry connoisseur’s dream with a decent brunch upstairs
• Cafe Yeonnam-Dong 223-14: The black and white 2D cafe that transports you right into a drawing

44. Anyang Art Park

Located about an hour outside of Seoul, Anyang Art Park is a huge park with art installations spread all over. You truly need a map to ensure you find everything you want to see. It’s a great way to get some walking in and enjoy a sunny day. Don’t forget your camera!

45. Leave Seoul for the day to visit the colorful Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village

The Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village is a cute part of Incheon that features romantic art pieces, rainbow stairs, and Insta-friendly cafes and restaurants. Other local attractions include the Chinatown, Jjajangmyeon Museum (black soy bean noodles) and Jayu Park. The village is about an hour subway ride outside of Seoul, and is free to enter.

Read More: 20 Best Day Trips From Seoul

The Best Places to Stay in Seoul

Seoul is such a big city that it’s home to 25 different districts/neighborhoods. As a visitor planning a trip to Seoul, that can make choosing a place to stay a tad bit difficult. Here’s a breakdown of the best neighborhoods in Seoul for travelers with some awesome Seoul hotel recommendations.

1. Myeongdong: Main Tourist / Shopping Area

Myeongdong is one of the most hopping tourist areas of Seoul and acts as the overall best home base to exploring the classic attractions in the city. Its central location and huge shopping street also makes Myeongdong an ideal place to stay for first-time visitors. However, because it’s a pretty popular place to say, it does mean that accommodation prices may be slightly more expensive than the other areas.

Best Things to Do in Myeongdong

• Eat Korean street food at the Myeongdong Night Market
• Shop til you drop on Myeongdong Shopping Street
• Marvel at the tall buildings and neon signs

Best Places to Stay in Myeongdong

Luxury Myeongdong Hotels: Hotel 28 and L’Escape 

Mid-range Myeongdong Hotel: K Stay Guesthouse

Myeongdong Hostels: Air Hostel Myeongdong and Myeongdong Rooftop Hostel

2. Insadong: Traditional Side of Seoul

Insadong puts you right in the heart of the traditional places to visit in Seoul like the popular Korean markets, souvenirs shops, and palaces. It’s located about a 15-minute subway ride from Myeongdong making it another pretty convenient place to stay for first-time visitors.

Best Things to Do in Insadong

• Ssamziegil Shopping Complex: a cute little shopping complex tucked inside an unexpecting building. Come to window shop homemade goods.
• Michelin Star Mandu: 개성만두 궁 serves up scrumptious traditional Korean Mandu (dumplings) and is Michelin star rated at reasonable prices.
• Buy traditional souvenirs: hanboks, traditional Korean paper goods, knick knacks, postcards, Korean treats etc can all be found here.
• Ikseon-dong Hanok/BBQ Alley: Ikseong-dong is the new up and coming neighborhood in Seoul. The area is super cute with many nice cafes, restaurants and shops in traditional hanoks lining small alleyways. The traditional BBQ streets are also a must! You can spend a full morning here wandering around.

Best Hotels in Insadong

Luxury Insadong Hotel: Ihwa Hanok

Mid-range Insadong Hotel: Tong Tong Petit Hotel

Insadong Hostel: Hostel Haru

3. Itaewon: The International Neighborhood

Itaewon is my second favorite area of Seoul. It’s famous for its international vibes, gay-friendly clubs, and an awesome bar scene. When you wander the streets of Itaewon, there’s a good chance you’ll see more foreigners than Koreans walking around.

One of the best thing to do in Itaewon – after partying – is hands down dining out. There’s everything from South African cuisine to Turkish to Japanese to American to vegetarian – you name it, it’s probably available in Itaewon.

Best Things to do in Itaewon

• Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art: traditional and modern Korean art
• War Museum of Korea: learn the history of the Korean War
• Shop at International Food Stores: get your American, British, foreign goodies here
• Eat and party: honestly, we usually just come to Itaewon to eat

Best Places to Stay in Itaewon

Luxury Itaewon Hotel: Mondrian Seoul Itaewon 

Mid-range Itaewon Hotel: Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel 

Itaewon Hostel: G Guesthouse Itaewon

4. Hongdae: Hongik University Neighborhood

The Hongdae neighborhood is named after Hongik University, and it has a young and vibrant atmosphere. Walking the streets of Hongdae is always a fun time, not only to take advantage of the good shopping, but also because there are always street performers showing off their killer Kpop skills. Not to mention that some of the best restaurants and cute and unique cafes are in Hongdae, along with fabulous shopping and trendy bars.

Although Hongdae is definitely my favorite area of Seoul, it’s not the most ideal place to stay for first-time visitors because it’s a 20-30 minute bus ride to Seoul’s main tourist attractions. But if you’re looking to see a different side of Seoul that’s a little less touristy, I recommend staying in Hongdae.

Best Things to Do in Hongdae

• Trick Eye Museum: visual art museum with 3D paintings
• Shopping Street: Forever 21, H&M, Bershka, cute Korean shops you name it
• Nanta Show: famous non-verbal comedy cooking show

Best Places to Stay in Hongdae

Luxury Hongdae Hotel: RYSE 

Mid-range Hongdae Hotel: Cozy Duplex HONGDAE 

Hongdae Hostel: Time Travelers Relax Hostel

What are your favorite things to do in Seoul? Share below!