Tourist Attractions in Seoul

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Seoul

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Seoul

Seoul is a high-tech and modern Asian metropolis where life flies by at a breakneck pace. But the city doesn’t just boast futuristic landscapes, it also has many traditional Korean architectural monuments. Right in the centre is the village of Bukchon, where residents are oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the city. In the midst of magnificent parks, the majestic palaces of the Joseon Dynasty are frozen in time.

Seoul has many atmospheric neighbourhoods and streets such as Insadong, Myeongdong or Daehangno. The modern look of the city harmonises with the Asian flavour. In addition, the Korean capital has many green parks where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and relax after a walk around interesting places.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

 4.6/5

39443 reviews

A royal palace of impressive size built in 1394 during the Joseon Dynasty. After the Japanese invasion in the 16th century, some parts of the complex were destroyed. Reconstruction did not take place until the mid-19th century. In total, there are more than 300 buildings and about 6,000 rooms in Gyeongbokgung. During the Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula, the residence of the governor-general was located here.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Changdeokgung

 4.6/5

12086 reviews

Another Joseon Dynasty palace complex built in the early 15th century. Unlike Gyeongbokgung, it suffered greater destruction during the wars with Japan in 1592-98. In 1609, Changdeokgung was virtually rebuilt from the ruins. Until the second half of the 19th century, it was the seat of the royal court and government (until Gyeongbokgung was reconstructed).

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Changgyeonggung

 4.6/5

3683 reviews

The name “Changgyeonggung” means “unbridled fun” in Korean. The palace was built in the early 12th century and was intended for the royal court’s recreation and entertainment. The complex is surrounded by a picturesque park where pavilions, pagodas and pavilions are scattered. Nowadays, Changgyeonggung is the site of performances and historical costume parades where people in colourful costumes portray scenes from court life.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Deoksugung

 4.6/5

18551 reviews

Toksugun Palace has a symbolic significance for the people of South Korea. It is the place where the emperor lived since the end of the 19th century, when the centuries-long history of the independent state ended and it became an occupied territory. The structure is characterised by rather modest size compared to other palace complexes of the Joseon Dynasty.

Open time

Start of Myeondong Shopping Street

 4.2/5

886 reviews

Myeongdong is located on a small area of 1 km². It has a compact population of about 3,000 people. The neighbourhood is one of the most visited places in Seoul due to the large number of shops, market stalls and Korean restaurants. It is also home to a 19th century neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral and a theatre.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Gwangjang Market

 4.2/5

38392 reviews

The largest fabric and clothing market in the South Korean capital, where you can buy national costumes and lavish wedding dresses made of gorgeous silk that cost a fortune. The average cost of one such dress exceeds $1,000. Gwangjiang also sells souvenirs and products. Tourists visit the market for interest and colour, while locals regularly come here to shop.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Insa-dong

 0/5

The district is located in the centre of Seoul. It consists of a main pedestrian street and several adjacent side alleys. Formerly home to wealthy citizens, Insadong is now a popular shopping district. There are antique shops, cafes, small spontaneous markets selling unique handicrafts, and tea houses.

Bukchon Hanok Village

 4.4/5

16965 reviews

A traditional Korean settlement located in the central part of the capital. Although Bukchon is more like an open-air museum, it is a full-fledged residential neighbourhood. People live in one-storey old houses with tiled roofs. Their lifestyle is very different from that of a typical big city dweller. The buildings made of clay, stone and wood look quite exotic against the background of modern skyscrapers of the capital.

Open time

Cheonggyecheon

 4.5/5

8043 reviews

An 8-km-long landscape park in Seoul’s central district, named after the Cheonggyecheon Creek that runs through it. The park was laid out as part of a major reconstruction of the city’s infrastructure in 2005. Previously, it was a busy motorway. Immediately after its opening, the park became a favourite place for walks among the citizens.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Jogyesa Temple

 4.5/5

6542 reviews

The modern temple building was erected in 1910. An older shrine stood on the site in the 14th century, but it was destroyed during the Japanese-Korean wars. Due to the long persecution of Buddhists during the Joseon Dynasty, the temple has an important symbolic meaning for Koreans.

Open time

Jongmyo Shrine

 4.4/5

733 reviews

A Confucian temple built in 1394 during the reign of Taejo. It was the royal shrine of the Joseon Dynasty for a long time. Funeral ceremonies, rituals to commemorate the ancestors of Jeongmyo Chere were held here, and food and drink were sacrificed to the spirits and gods. Jeongmyo is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its important historical and cultural value.

Open time

Bongeunsa

 4.5/5

6559 reviews

The structure was built in the eighth century. It is one of the oldest temples in the country. Unfortunately, the original structures have not survived to this day, but during the reconstruction, the architects tried to recreate the historical appearance as much as possible. The building is a classic example of Korean architecture, characterised by its curved roof and column-supported façade.

Open time

Myeongdong Cathedral

 4.7/5

8619 reviews

Seoul’s Catholic Cathedral, located on the street of the same name. It was erected in the late 19th century at the end of the Joseon Dynasty, when representatives of various religious denominations felt more free. The building is built in a picturesque neo-Gothic style. The exterior façade is modest and unadorned, but it does not spoil the graceful appearance of the temple.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

War Memorial of Korea

 4.6/5

16293 reviews

An impressive museum complex housed in a former army headquarters in the historic centre of Seoul. The exposition consists of weapons, military equipment, combat vehicles, and items related to the history of the state. The memorial was opened in 1994. An impressive part of the collection is dedicated to aspects of the conflict between North and South Korea.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

National Museum of Korea

 4.7/5

23147 reviews

The largest art and cultural centre of the Republic of Korea, which is on the list of the most visited museums in the world. Several million people visit the museum every year. The rich collection covers the time period from the Stone Age to the present day. Here you can see ancient artefacts, luxurious royal jewellery, unique folk art and other interesting things.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The National Folk Museum of Korea

 4.5/5

2543 reviews

The museum is located in one of the buildings of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Its collection consists of exhibits about the life and lifestyle of Koreans before the Joseon Dynasty came to power. Some of the exhibits are open-air. The museum was established with the assistance of the American government in 1945. The exhibition is divided into three large sections that focus on different aspects of Korean life.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Seoul Arts Center

 4.6/5

11469 reviews

A modern exhibition centre that constantly hosts interesting cultural events. It was opened in 1988. Theatre troupes, artists’ exhibitions, informative lectures and festivals are regularly held here. The Arts Centre consists of a concert hall, a music theatre, three museums and a street stage.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Myeong Dong NANTA Theatre

 4.5/5

4719 reviews

A small theatre with a seating capacity of a few hundred, where very unusual performances are given. The actors play all kinds of household and kitchen utensils as if they were musical instruments. They use buckets, pans, mops, pots, pans, chopsticks and rubbish bins. At the same time, they produce quite a harmonious melody. Titles in English and Japanese are used to explain what is happening on stage. The artistic genre called nanta was invented by Son Tseng Wan.

Open time

Monday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM
Friday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM

Leeum Museum of Art

 4.6/5

1820 reviews

The museum was established with funds from the famous Korean company Samsung in 2004. It consists of three separate buildings built in different architectural styles and is included in the list of the most original museums in the world according to some tourist guides. Keep in mind that the exposition has nothing to do with Samsung products. Lovers of contemporary art will especially enjoy the museum.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

 4.6/5

7832 reviews

The prison was built during the Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula. It existed from 1907 to 1987, after which it was turned into a museum. Until the mid-20th century, Sodaemun mainly held political prisoners (Korean independence fighters). Today, visitors can see cameras and historical documents, as well as watch documentaries.

Open time

Ewha Womans University

 4.6/5

1214 reviews

The institution is considered one of the most prestigious in Seoul. Female students here receive an excellent and in-demand education, with which the doors to the most attractive positions are open to them. The university was founded in the late 19th century by American missionary M. Scranton. More than half of the women politicians of the Korean Republic are Ihwa graduates.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

 4.3/5

28052 reviews

The building is located in the Tondemun neighbourhood. It was designed by Zaha Hahid, an architect known for her futuristic designs. The building is made in the form of rounded, flowing shapes. Inside are designer shops and exhibition galleries. Tongdaemun Design Plaza has an impressive glass rose garden to enthrall tourists.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Olympic Park

 4.6/5

2685 reviews

The park was built for the opening of the XXIV Summer Olympic Games, which were held in Seoul in 1988. After the competition ended, many of the facilities were turned into public health centres and permanent sports halls. There are also museums and memorials dedicated to the Games. The most convenient way to get around the park is by bicycle.

Open time

Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Saturday: 4:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain

 4.5/5

3366 reviews

A road bridge flanked by a fountain in the shape of a waterfall spouting into the Hangang River. The fountain is named after the beautiful illumination of water streams consisting of seven colours of the rainbow. The park on the bank offers an unforgettable view of the bridge. Many tourists and locals come here to admire the colourful jets of the fountain.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

N Seoul Tower

 4.5/5

56404 reviews

The tower is 271 metres high and was built in the 1970s. It was the first tower to provide the city with stable radio and television signals. The structure stands on top of Namsan Hill, so the tower is about 480 metres above sea level. Inside the tower, there is a museum, an observation deck with panoramic views of Seoul, a souvenir shop and a cafe.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Coex Aquarium

 4.4/5

10188 reviews

The attraction is located in the shopping and entertainment centre of the same name, which is located within the upscale Gangnamgu district. In addition to sea creatures, exotic birds and animals can be seen here. In total, the aquarium contains about 650 species (40 thousand individuals). For the convenience of visitors, the territory is divided into thematic zones.

Open time

Lotte World

 4.3/5

44152 reviews

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Lotte World is considered the largest indoor amusement park in the world. In addition to a variety of rides, there are cinemas, a hotel, a shopping mall, an ice skating rink and a magician’s theatre. The place is popular with young Korean couples who come here for the whole day. The park is divided into two areas: one is under the roof and the other is open-air.

Open time

Monday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Yeouido Hangang Park

 4.5/5

16097 reviews

A large green area spread along both banks of the Hangang River. It is well suited for walking, family picnics, sports, cycling and relaxing from the hustle and bustle of the city. Moreover, there are marinas in many places near the water, from where you can go for a pleasant river trip. The park was created in the 1980s.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Namsan

 4.6/5

578 reviews

The park is located on the picturesque slopes of the hill of the same name. Despite the fact that the green zone is practically in the centre of the city, it is home to several hundred species of animals and plants. The architectural dominant of the park is the Seoul TV Tower, to which a cable car leads. There is also a museum, a public library and a botanical garden.

Bukhansan National Park

 4.6/5

2575 reviews

Pukhansan is located within the city limits in the north-western part of Seoul. It occupies the slopes of a low ridge with mountain peaks reaching a height of 800 metres. The park is often called the “lungs of Seoul”, as this vast green area helps to provide fresh air to the multi-million metropolis. Unfortunately, the local ecosystem is threatened by the large number of visitors.

Open time

Monday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM