Explore Seoul: Top Attractions and Cultural Experiences

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and largest city on the Korean peninsula. Emerging as the world’s sixth largest metropolitan economy in 2022- behind New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris and London- it’s home to more than half of the country’s population, over 9.6 million people.

With these statistics in mind, I wasn’t sure what to expect when visiting South Korea. Not many people I know had traveled to the country, however online forums promoted Seoul as being safe, clean, containing a vibrant culture, and jam packed full of exciting experiences. After visiting in January 2026, I am happy to report that the internet did not lead me astray- the city is all those things and so much more.

Having spent 10 days in the capital, it really was hard to narrow down all the things I loved about the city. The people are kind, food is incredible, and there are so many quiet pockets that can make the city feel peaceful and secluded. With great difficulty I have managed to curate a list of my favourite places and experiences in Seoul.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the former royal palace in Seoul. Founded in 1395, it was the first royal residence of the Joseon dynasty and one of the first landmarks to be established in the city. Upon first glance you may not be aware of the palace’s long and painful history, however wandering through the site it’s interesting to learn of it’s many iterations.

The area flourished between 1418 and 1450 under the reign of Sejong the Great, however in 1592 during the Imjin War the palace was mostly destroyed. Funding shortages left restoration efforts in tatters for hundreds of years. Thankfully, it was finally rebuilt 270 years later in 1867 after the war’s end.

In 1910 Japan colonized Korea and as the palace was a symbol of the country’s monarch authority, Japan either demolished or altered majority of the structures. Almost 500 of it’s buildings were sold off and by 1945 (during Korea’s liberation) only 40 of the original buildings remained. After decades of turmoil, significant efforts to restore the palace to its original form began in the late 1980’s and the general public allowed access from 2002.

A scenic view of a traditional Asian temple entrance features ornate architecture and a stone bridge, with decorative lion statues and a lantern in the foreground, set against a clear blue sky.

A stone pathway leading towards the Gyeongbokgung Palace gate, with a traditional Korean architectural structure in the background and modern buildings on either side under a clear blue sky.

Every day in front of the Gwanghwamun Gate, at 10am and 2pm, you can witness the changing of the royal guards. This 20 minute display is a reenactment of the Joseon-era gatekeeping and features over 100 performers in traditional 15th century dress. The performance features music, colourful flags, and an exchange of keys before the guards stand at their posts outside the palace gates.

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul

Opening hours: this can vary seasonally, typical opening times are between 9am and 5pm daily (excluding Tuesdays).

Admission: 3,000 KRW for adults and 1,500 KRW for children.

Namsan Tower

Namsan Tower, or N Seoul Tower, is an iconic symbol of Seoul as it stands today. Built on the summit of Mount Namsan in 1971 and standing at 239 metres tall, it is typically seen as Seoul’s most iconic landmark. The tower is also Korea’s first radio wave tower and today continues to deliver TV and radio broadcasting across the metropolitan area.

There are many paved walking trails that can take you up the mountain to the base of the tower, however if you’re not inclined to take on this steep hike, there is also a cable car which departs every 10 minutes to take you up and down Namsan. Having been constructed at the highest point in the city, views from the top of Mount Namsan and the tower’s observation deck are extensive. At the top there are also are a variety of restaurants to grab some food and enjoy Seoul’s skyline; a welcomed break from hiking the many, many stairs.

Much like other famous bridges or monuments around the world, the base of Namsan Tower has thousands upon thousands of ‘love locks’ fixed to the platform railings. The romantic gesture symbolises unbreakable love, with couples fixing their lock and throwing away the key to make their love everlasting. You better believe I put one there for Ross and myself.

Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul

Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 11pm (midnight on Saturdays). For even more spectacular views a popular time of day to visit is at sunset, but be prepared for larger crowds during this time.

Admission: tower observatory tickets are 26,000 KRW for adults and 20,000 KRW for children. Return cable car tickets are 15,000 KRW for adults and 11,500 KRW for children.

Myeongdong

Myeongdong is famous for being Seoul’s premier shopping district with hundreds of fashion, K-Beauty, and souvenir outlets to explore. The area is especially vibrant at night with it’s neon lights and countless street food stalls offering a diverse range of culinary delights.

The district also boasts a wide range of cafes and restaurants each with unique experiences and menus. Offering a wide range of traditional Korean delicacies, Korean BBQ, and sweet treats like pastries and chocolates, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. One of the more unique cafes I visited was a cat cafe, which is exactly as the name suggests. You can grab a latte or matcha and sit among the 30 odd cats that call the cafe home; playing and snuggling with them in a fun, safe and sterile environment.

By far my favourite thing to do in Myeongdong was a Korean spa treatment, which after a big week of walking over 10km a day, left me feeling both physically and mentally lighter. For a full review of my experience please read the article ‘When in Seoul, Treat Yourself to a Korean Spa Treatment’.

Best time to visit: Shops are typically open daily from 10.30 am to 10pm, with the street food stalls popping up from around 4pm.

Cooking class in a traditional Hanok house

South Korean cuisine is absolutely mouthwatering, so naturally after eating my way through Seoul I was keen to take a cooking class. The experience at Royal Seoul was more than your regular cooking class; it was like stepping into a piece of history. Hosted in an immaculately preserved Hanok house, the fantastic chef not only coached us through the making of each meal, but also talked through the history behind each dish.

We prepared 5 Korean dishes as part of the class:

Cheongpo-muk – mung bean, zucchini, carrot, pork and Korean seaweed entree
Haemul-Pajeon – seafood and zucchini pancake
LA Galbi – grilled marinated short ribs
Fresh Kimchi
Korean-style potato salad

I had so much fun learning about each component of the meal, Korean cooking styles, and simply chatting with the chef and other people in the class. I’m also very very happy I showed up hungry because the food was delicious and there was alot of it!

Vendor: Royal Seoul Cooking Class, booked via Get Your Guide

Link: https://www.getyourguide.com/seoul-l197/royal-seoul-cooking-class-in-a-100-year-old-hanok-t1034366/

Address: 36-2 Ikseon-dong, Jongno District, Seoul

Cost: $132 AUD

Insadong

Insadong is known as Seoul’s cultural heart. The district is famous for it’s Korean crafts, art, antiques, unique souvenirs and traditional tea houses.

In contrast to Myeongdong, Insadong has a much calmer atmosphere and is a chance to explore the more traditional side of Korean culture. My favourite thing to do in Insadong was relax in the beautiful tea houses. I thoroughly enjoyed trying all the different flavours and pairing each drink with traditional Korean cookies.

A glass teapot filled with herbal tea, sitting on a heat source, accompanied by a small glass and a plate of rice cakes, in a warm, inviting cafe setting.

Insadong is within walking distance of a few places I feel are also well worth visiting when in the area. Jogyesa Temple is the main temple of the Jogye order in Seoul. Built in the late 14th Century, it’s the centre for Korean Buddhism and well worth a wander through the beautiful bright buildings.

Also located a 5 – 10 min walk from Insadong is Unhyeongung Palace. Another royal residence built in the 14th century, it was once the home of young Gojong who later become the 26th king of the Joseon dynasty. The buildings bear a close resemblance to hanok houses, a traditional Korean house designed for environmental harmony. Not as grand as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Unhyeongung feels more quaint and is very peaceful to stroll through.