All citiesSeoul Things to do and walking itinerary
South Korea Seoul travel guide
30 things to do in Seoul, where to stay, airport transfers, 4 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Seoul
- Changdeokgung — palace in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Gyeongbokgung — palace in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Blue House — former official residence of the president of South Korea (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Namdaemun — main gate of Seoul fortress; one of The Four Great Gates (cardinal) as one of The Eight Gates of Seoul as part of the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 60 min)
- National Museum of Korea — Museum located in Seoul, Republic of Korea (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Cheonggyecheon — stream in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Namsan Seoul Tower — communications tower in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Deoksugung — palace (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Changgyeonggung — palace (visit ≈ 90 min)
- National Folk Museum of Korea — national museum in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Gyeonghuigung — Gyeonghui Palace (in Korean: Gyeonghuigung, literally Palace of Serene Harmony) was a palace located in Seoul, South Korea. It was one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the Joseon Dynasty. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Seoul Central Mosque — mosque in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Heunginjimun — one of The Four Great Gates (cardinal) as one of The Eight Gates of Seoul as part of the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Seoul City Wall — invasion barrier wall(s) surrounding downtown area of Seoul, South Korea built 1396-1398 (visit ≈ 60 min)
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, South Korea — national museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Myeongdong Cathedral — cathedral in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Seodaemun Prison — prison museum in Seoul (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Gwanghwamun Plaza — public open space in Downtown Seoul (visit ≈ 15 min)
- War Memorial of Korea — military museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Jogyesa — Buddhist temple in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Wongaksa Pagoda — Stone pagoda in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Chōsen Jingū — 1925–1945 Shinto shrine in Seoul, Korea (visit ≈ 30 min)
- National Palace Museum of Korea — national museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Donuimun — one of The Four Great Gates (cardinal) as one of The Eight Gates of Seoul as part of the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Seoul Plaza — square in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Tapgol Park — park in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Seoul Forest — Park in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Seoul Museum of History — history museum in Seoul, South Korea (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Unhyeongung — Palace of Joseon and Korean Empire (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Theater of Korea — arts organization in Korea (visit ≈ 20 min)
2-day Seoul walking itinerary
Starting point: Myeongdong. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 9.3 km · 12,560 steps · 2 h 4 min on the way): Namsan Seoul Tower → Namdaemun → Deoksugung → Cheonggyecheon → Gyeongbokgung
- Day 2 (≈ 8.7 km · 11,780 steps · 1 h 56 min on the way): Blue House → Changdeokgung → Changgyeonggung
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Seoul
- Ikseon-dong — Small quarter of narrow lanes where restored hanok houses hold cafés and boutiques. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Insadong — Street and alleys famed for antiques, craft shops and traditional teahouses. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Ihwa Mural Village — Naksan hillside neighbourhood of painted stairs and walls; be respectful of residents. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza — Zaha Hadid's curving aluminium landmark with exhibitions, design shops and night light shows. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Starfield Library — Photogenic open library inside COEX mall with towering wall-to-wall bookshelves. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Seochon — Quiet old quarter west of Gyeongbokgung with hanoks, small galleries and local eateries. (visit ≈ 60 min)
Where to stay in Seoul
- Myeongdong: Shopping and street-food hub with airport bus stops.
- Insadong / Jongno: Walking distance to palaces, traditional teahouses.
- Hongdae: University area; live music, budget-friendly and on the AREX line.
- Gangnam: Modern, upscale and full of business hotels.
- Itaewon: International restaurants and nightlife.
- Seongsu: Cafés and design shops in old factories.
Getting from the airport to Seoul
- Incheon (ICN): AREX Express train, non-stop ≈ 43 min
- Gimpo (GMP): AREX all-stop train ≈ 20 min
Getting around
The metro is extensive; a T-money card also works on buses. Kakao T is the go-to taxi app.
Classic places to eat
- Gwangjang Market: Bindaetteok, yukhoe and kimbap stalls.
- Myeongdong Kyoja: Kalguksu and mandu since 1966.
- Tosokchon Samgyetang: Ginseng whole-chicken soup, samgyetang.
- Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari: Dongdaemun’s famous dakhanmari chicken hot pot.
- Noryangjin Fish Market: Pick seafood at the stalls and have it cooked upstairs.
- Woo Lae Oak: Cold Pyongyang naengmyeon since 1946.
- Hadongkwan: Lunch only; clear beef-broth gomtang.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Mingles — 3 MICHELIN stars, Korean, creative
- Jungsik — 2 MICHELIN stars, Korean, creative
- Soigné — 2 MICHELIN stars, Innovative
- Alla Prima — 2 MICHELIN stars, Innovative
Romantic views
- Naksan Park and City Wall (Sunset): The city lights come on as you walk along the old fortress wall.
- Namsan Seoul Tower Terrace (Evening): The whole city is visible from the terrace full of love locks.
- Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain (Evening): From the Han River bank you watch coloured water pour off the bridge.
- Bukchon Hanok Village (Early morning): Narrow lanes between traditional wooden houses make for a quiet walk.
Football stadiums in Seoul
- Seoul World Cup Stadium: Home of FC Seoul
Day trips
- Hwaseong Fortress — 32 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Seoul
- Fine: Zero tolerance for drugs, including any THC products.
- Fine: Smoking outdoors is allowed only in designated areas.
- Fine: Jaywalking is fined.
- Fine: Drone flying is largely banned in central Seoul.
- Warning: Praising North Korea can be an offence under the National Security Act.
- The T-money card works on metro, buses and in convenience stores.
- Emergency: police 112, ambulance 119, fire 119
- Plugs: C/F, 220V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe, though most drink filtered or bottled.
- Tipping: There's no tipping culture.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: South Korea, Wikivoyage — South Korea, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Seoul travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Seoul?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 20 places within walking distance. Add extra days for day trips (Hwaseong Fortress).
- What are the top things to do in Seoul?
- Highlights: Changdeokgung, Gyeongbokgung, Blue House, Namdaemun and National Museum of Korea. The map has 30 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Seoul?
- Myeongdong: Shopping and street-food hub with airport bus stops. Other options: Insadong / Jongno, Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon and Seongsu.
- How do you get from the airport to Seoul city centre?
- Incheon (ICN): AREX Express train, non-stop ≈ 43 min · Gimpo (GMP): AREX all-stop train ≈ 20 min
- How do you get around Seoul?
- The metro is extensive; a T-money card also works on buses. Kakao T is the go-to taxi app.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Seoul?
- According to the last known data there are 4 starred restaurants: Mingles (3 stars), Jungsik (2 stars), Soigné (2 stars), Alla Prima (2 stars). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Seoul?
- Emergency: police 112, ambulance 119, fire 119.
- Do you tip in Seoul?
- There's no tipping culture.
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