24 Essential Things To Do In Seoul For Your Next Visit

This South Korean popular genre of music has indeed taken the world by storm with bands like BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE having an army of fans well outside the Korean Peninsula.

While attending a show of your favorite artist or buying merch may be an inconvenience for your budget, here's a place in Seoul that will make your K-pop-loving heart beat faster but cost you absolutely nothing.

K-POP Square in COEX Mall features the famous Gangnam Style statue, which has handprints from many K-pop idols and also hosts a store called Ktown4u, where you will get lost in a sea of genre-dedicated records, merchandise, and events.

The most popular drinks in this thirsty country are soju and makgeolli, traditional Korean drinks that have been fermented and distilled since the 13th century, respectively. The fact that a typical bottle of soju is frequently less expensive than a bottle of water may also contribute to its unexpected status as the best-selling alcohol in the world.

The most popular brands, including Jinro and Seoul Makgeolli, may be contentedly consumed at the picnic tables scattered along the streets outside convenience stores around the city, even if upscale small-batch distilleries like Samhae Soju and Hangang Brewery produce artisanal versions.

The most avant-garde pubs and trendy cafes in the nation may be found in Seoul's Euljiro neighborhood. Euljiro used to be well-known for its electrical, lighting, and printing presses, but lately, new businesspeople have been drawn to the area by cheaper rentals.

For the greatest Mexican tacos in the city, visit Tacqueria Stan; for cocktails made with traditional Korean liquor, visit Suldabang; and for wine and beer in a sensuous, edgy setting, visit After Jerk Off. Bars along Nogari Alley start to fill up at about 8 p.m. with patrons ready to enjoy beer, chicken, and nogari (dried pollack).

In Seoul, street food is highly favored because of its affordability, variety, and spiciness, and Gwangjang Market is the ideal location to sample it. This covered market, which dates back to the early 1900s, is known for serving some of the greatest Korean food.

Start with a pair of mandu (Korean dumplings) and a pajeon (savory green onion pancake), then order some tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes in a brilliant orange spicy sauce). Try bungeoppang (a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste) or hotteok (a pancake filled with cinnamon and brown sugar) for dessert.

Nothing beats taking a stroll along Cheong-gye-cheon Stream amid summer heat. Walking trails, trees, and bridges line this charming river, which unfolds for about 11km among the buildings of central Seoul, creating a stunning paradise.

After the Korean War, an elevated expressway was built over the original stream. However, in 2005, the city started an urban redevelopment project to revitalize the neighborhood and bring the stream back to life. It has since become a well-liked location for both residents and visitors wishing to unwind or cool down from the bustle of the city.

When visiting Seoul, magnificent architecture with such landmarks as Gyeongbokgung Palace, tranquil pagodas, and labyrinthine gardens should not be missed.

Immediately after seeing the Royal Guard's ceremonial change in front of the huge Gwanghwamun Gate, wander the gardens for beautiful hip-and-gable structures, serene ponds, and fragile cherry trees.

Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung are the five grand royal palaces located in the city center, worth visiting. Each has its own appeal, and the city often offers night moonlight tours that let you see them at night.

The most famous is held at Changdeokgung, which is often cited as the most lovely of the five. To find out which is offering a tour at the time of your visit, check the Royal Palace's official website.

Myeong-dong is well known for its high-end department shops, contemporary fashion brands, and cosmetic businesses that sell popular K-beauty items. After buying enough moisturizer and mask sheets from Olive Young, Innisfree, and Etude House, visit the Myeong-dong Night Market for unique trinkets and local street cuisine.

The Pink Pool Cafe inside the Stylenanda Pink Hotel flagship shop is the ultimate visual pleasure, and the region is also home to some of Seoul's loveliest eateries. This candy-colored location is a favorite for photo sessions because of its ice cream parlor atmosphere, indoor ornamental pool, and sweet-as-sugar art decor.

Despite having 22 national parks, South Korea is just the size of the US state of Kentucky. Bukhansan, located just outside of Seoul's suburbs, is one among these.

The fact that this national park is "the most visited national park per unit area" according to the Guinness Book of World Records makes sense given that it is located inside the city boundaries and is conveniently accessible by public transit.

It is a fantastic location for leisurely walkers. Discover an incredible perspective of the city by climbing the verdant Bukhansan Mountain at your own speed. To spend the day with a mountain expert, schedule a private hiking excursion.

The Jogyesa Temple represents the head temple of the Korean Buddhist Order of Jogye and has greatly influenced how Seon Buddhism is practiced in present South Korea. One of the oldest, most respected, and visited Buddhist temples in Korea.

Located near Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace, it is a small place but one worth visiting-the combination of traditional Korean Buddhist architecture, colors, and cultural experience.

Jogyesa Temple celebrates the birthday of Buddha annually with thousands of glowing lanterns, symbolizing the Lotus Lantern Festival.

Are you curious about the process of creating authentic Korean liquor? Help is available from the Sool Company, a school and tour operator led by expert Julia Mellor.

Bar crawls throughout Seoul and day tours to breweries around the nation are among the options available; guides assist you in distinguishing between handcrafted, additive-free rice wine and commercially manufactured makgeolli.

You'll learn a lot about the history of the nation while learning how to brew, so you can pass off that second drink of soju (distilled alcohol) as a cultural lesson.

The biggest fish market in South Korea is the Jagalchi Market, it is situated in Nampo-dong, Busan. The majority of the stalls are in one big indoor facility where you can buy both fresh and dried seafood, however, some merchants are outside.

One of the delights of the market is browsing the first level, selecting a fish or mollusk for yourself, and then having it brought to you at one of the restaurants on the second floor - raw, grilled, or in a stew. However, the market is more about the experience than the food itself.

On a Friday or Saturday night, you may probably hear distant singing coming from the air when you walk down any major street in the university district. Most likely, it's the boisterous fun of karaoke at a Noraebang, or singing room, rather than an errant K-Pop group.

Private rooms with large-screen TVs, song lists the size of a phone book, and even disco balls or musical instruments to aid the sing-along are all part of this well-liked late-night pastime. A fantastic night out is guaranteed if you add room service that brings appetizers and beverages.

In the past, Seoul was protected by a lengthy city wall that ascended and crossed several hills around the city. It was constructed in 1396 and has existed for as long as the city has served as Korea's capital.

There are still remnants of the city walls and hiking paths that provide breathtaking views of Seoul. With a view of Gyeongbukgung Palace, the Inwangsan Peak is among the top vantage spots around the walls.

Put on traditional Korean clothing that has been worn for many generations; it's ideal for taking pictures of memorable occasions. The two major components of a hanbok, which is renowned for its vivid hues, are a chima (skirt) for ladies or a jeogori (jacket) and baji (trousers) for men.

Visitors visiting Seoul frequently dress in hanbok, and it's quite acceptable for them to do so. The majority of rental stores are well situated in historic districts, providing you with a wealth of attractive locations for your hanbok, including palaces and traditional villages.

If you are visiting Seoul, you should definitely have a Korean barbecue or KBBQ. It's a very well-liked eating experience for Koreans.

It offers a unique dining experience in addition to preparing meat. Korean BBQ allows you to cook the meat on a built-in grill at your table, unlike conventional BBQ, where the food is supplied completely cooked.

Korean BBQ restaurants provide a variety of meats, such as bulgogi (beef), galbi (ribs), and samgyeopsal (pig belly), in addition to seafood. They also provide a selection of delicious banchan, or side dishes, such as glass noodles, kimchi, and pickled vegetables.

The most unique way to spend a full day on the Korean peninsula may be going to the northern border, one of the most popular day excursions from Seoul. A separating point of North and South, the Demilitarized Zone is one of the most strictly guarded boundaries in the world and stretches 250 kilometers (160 miles).

Meanwhile, various tour groups - such as the popular DMZ Tours company - are plying interested tourists from central Seoul up to the border region for their Third Infiltration Tunnel, sightseeing North Korea from Dora Observatory, and even into the Joint Security Area.

Also available is the popular KORAIL DMZ Peace Train that carries travelers from Seoul Station all the way to Dorasan Station, the last northern stop in front of the Hermit Kingdom.

The best thing to do in Seoul is to see its surroundings from above. And, well, N Seoul Tower really is one of the best places in the city through which to do that with a 360-rotating viewing deck.

The N Seoul Tower, built initially in 1969 as a telecommunications tower, has grown to become one of the famous landmarks and one of the major tourist attractions. Besides great views, it is also famous for its Locks of Love, where guests fasten padlocks onto the gates surrounding the tower.

Hongdae, a shortened term that refers to the neighborhood surrounding Hongik University, which is said to house Korea's best art school, undeniably is the creative and artistic hub of Seoul. The region houses a number of live venues, clubs, and street performances, which makes it very famous for its energetic indie music scene.

Hongdae is a bright nightlife area at night. It is also a perfect district to enjoy Seoul's nightlife because of cool pubs, rooftop patios, and nightclubs, along with karaoke rooms.

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCa), which is conveniently situated outside the Anguk Station, offers an interactive tour that spans the centuries of Korean craft and features over 20,000 artifacts.

This free-entry museum is situated in a modern structure with spacious, white-clad areas. Come here for a great rooftop that seems like a rolling hill, even if you're not huge on finding crafts.

The distinctive and magnificent Gangnam Style statue, which is situated right outside the East Gate of the COEX Mall and COEX exposition complex, must be mentioned on any list of strange and amazing sights in Seoul.

The Statue of Gangnam Style, which was unveiled in 2015, is the ultimate homage to Psy and his worldwide smash song "Gangnam Style" (a portion of the music video for the song was shot here).

The central Seoul district of Insadong is well-known for its vibrant environment, traditional Korean crafts, and culture. Narrow lanes lined with coffee shops, art galleries, antique stores, charming tiny tea houses, and traditional Korean eateries may be found there. It's a fantastic location to learn about traditional Korean culture.

The majority of Insadong's tea establishments are housed in hanoks, or traditional Korean dwellings. You may sample regional specialties and take part in a traditional tea ceremony while you're there.

Floating on the edge of Jamon Park, near Jamwon Station, the Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center is a unique coffee shop in Seoul with amazing views of the River Han.

Because this coffee shop is so unique and wonderful, it may become extremely crowded, so once you're on board, do your best to get a desired riverfront seat. Local families, joggers, and snoopy students also enjoy it.

On weekdays, Starbucks Seoul Wave Art is open from 8 am to 11 pm; on weekends, it opens at 7:30 am.

The Oil Tank Culture Park, a former oil storage depot in Seoul's Mapo-gu neighborhood, is well-known for its pop-up shows and events and is a well-liked gathering and picnic area, you could even run into your Seoul buddy there.

The best spot to witness theater "in the round" in Seoul is the few enormous oil tanks that are still there, but they have been converted into performance areas and theater stages.