The Ultimate Guide to Seoul

Before arriving in Seoul, we knew it would be a unique and exciting city to visit, but we were so positively overwhelmed our entire time there. Every time I looked up, I was in awe to see not only buildings, but also scenic mountain views and blue skies. And for as bustling of a city as it is, there are also many opportunities for relaxation. I was excited to try out the Korean beauty products and wellness treatments. Beyond all this, there is so much history and culture to learn and explore—from royalty and palaces to the Korean War and modern-day politics.

Must-see sites

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: The former royal palace and now one of the main tourist attractions. Explore the various buildings inside the palace, and time your visit with a changing of the guard ceremony. Next to the palace is the Folk Museum, which offers a deeper look into the history of South Korea.

• Blue House: The presidential residence. It is not always open to the public for touring, but you can view it from the exterior.

• Bukchon Hanok Village: This area of Seoul is filled with traditional Korean houses set on a hilltop. It is a residential neighborhood, so while it is popular with tourists, it’s important to be respectful and quiet when touring the area.

• Insadong Antique Alley: Filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries, this was a fun area to spend a couple hours one afternoon—and it was the perfect place to shop for gifts.

• Cheonggye Stream Park: This stream reopened in 2005 and flows through the center of Seoul. You’ll see locals relaxing by the water. It’s a great spot to go for a run or walk.

• N Seoul Tower: This observation deck offers panoramic views of the city. We enjoyed taking the cable car up and then having a drink at the cafe at the top of the observation deck, taking in the city views.

• Myeongdong: The main shopping district in Seoul. By day, shops are open, but at night, the area comes alive with food vendors and nightlife. You can shop at clothing stores you might see in the US, as well as Korean-specific brands.

• Gwangjang Market: One of the oldest and largest street markets in Seoul.

• War Memorial of Korea: This museum pays tribute to the veterans and lives lost in war, especially the Korean War. We happened to visit on Memorial Day in South Korea, and it added so much insight to the experience. There were so many locals at the memorial that day honoring their history.

Relaxation & leisurely exploring

• Spa and beauty treatments: Aside from its rich history, Seoul is known for its range of spa, wellness, and beauty treatments. Indulge at a Korean spa to rest after all the sightseeing. I enjoyed an incredible facial at the Four Seasons Seoul, but when I go back again, I would also make time for a visit to a local Korean spa like Dragon Hill Spa & Resort or Lienjang.

• Beauty products: Aside from the treatments, be sure to stock up on beauty products while in Seoul. Shops like Olive Young carry an array of brands and products. Admittedly, I did find this a bit overwhelming to sort through all the products. Be sure to do your research in advance of what you’re looking for.

• Karaoke: In Seoul, karaoke is known as noraebang. It’s an integral part of nightlife, but unlike karaoke, noraebang is in a private room with your group of friends, so you won’t need to sing in front of strangers. If you want to tie in karaoke to your night exploring Myeongdong, stop by Musical Noraebang.

Day trips

• DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): The secured border zone between South and North Korea. I would recommend taking a tour here so you can both understand the full history and be mindful of any security protocols.

• Nami Island: About 1.5 hours from Seoul, this picturesque island has scenic views, outdoor adventures, and water activities.

• Samjung Hanu: Korean BBQ with incredible flavors. Located on a picturesque street within walking distance to the palace. We each got a different cut of meat and shared the many sides. The meat is cooked right in front of you so you can indicate exactly how you would like it cooked.

• Gwangjang Market: A bustling traditional market that offers a wide variety of street food and traditional Korean dishes. This can be a great spot to go on a food tour and try all the local dishes.

• Myeongdong: At night, there is a plethora of food vendors that fill the streets here. Try everything from the hotteok (sweet pancake), tteokbokki (grilled cheese lobster), and mayak corn (unique corn on the cob).

• Fried chicken: There are multiple chains across Seoul that offer fried chicken. Don’t miss this local staple. We personally stopped at BB.Q Chicken and sampled a few of the marinades, as well as the local plum-based cocktail.

• La Yeon: A three-star Michelin restaurant located in the luxurious Shilla Hotel, La Yeon offers a fine dining experience with city views. The cuisine is Korean—but in an elaborate fashion.