The theme park offers a photo zone with stylish lightings and funny trick-eye paintings, a maze designed like the digestive system and many other activities. I will surely love to visit in future. The Secret Garden tour whilst being slightly more expensive it is one of the most interesting things to do with regards to Seoul’s dynastic past. Make no mistake, Seoul is huge but its excellent metro system means it’s very easy to get around, meaning you should have no issues seeing Seoul’s awesome sights. Criss-crossed by walking and cycling paths, Upo Marsh is an exercise in tranquility located not too far from Korea’s second largest city, Busan. Required fields are marked *. South Korea has been on my bucket list for quite a while now, and I am just in the decision stage if I will go there later this year. K-Pop (Korean Pop) is another fascinating element of Korean culture. This is definitely one of best evening’s Seoul attractions. Now we have to wait till it ends with coronavirus. You can do the awesome but slightly knackering hike up to the N Seoul Tower or you can take a cable car from close to Myeong-dong subway station. Once you have booked you will be sent the details of where to meet. Whether you’re a young adventurer looking to see and do remarkable things,  history junkie wanting to see ancient temples, a foodie looking to indulge, or traveling with kids – there’s bound to be something below for you to enjoy. Richelle and I try to sneak some Korean into our diet whenever we can. There are also bikes available to hire. The Korean capital and the nation’s largest city, cosmopolitan Seoul is a fascinating blend of old and new Korea. It has well preserved national monuments and palaces showcasing its long history, but in contrast it is also a megacity with rapid development and urbanization. Dongdaemum has a few places but it’s quite far from most sights, but is well connected by subway and it’s certainly on the quieter side of things. If you were to ask somebody to name some Asia’s most interesting and dynamic capital cities, there is a good chance that Seoul would be overlooked. The DMZ is well worth a look. Korean history might not be as well known as Chinese or even Japanese history, but that doesn’t make it any less fascinating. The Palace of Virtuous Longevity is unique in that it’s the only Seoul landmark that you can visit at night. While South Korea isn’t quite as glamorous or exciting as Japan or China, there’s definitely a lot going on if you’re willing to look. Whilst English is taught in all primary and secondary schools in Korea, DO NOT expect everybody to speak English. South Korea was my first travel love, so I felt obliged to share that with the world haha. Discover the best things to do in South Korea. There is a lot to see here with everything being displayed in both English and Korean. I had trouble keeping this list to just 40 things you should do in South Korea. Known as ‘Korea’s Hawaii’, there are certainly similarities between this tropical, volcanic island and the US state. We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures. Views from Namsan and in particular the N Seoul Tower are spectacular. Hongdae is at the cheaper end of the scale but you are a little further from most sights, however with numerous cheap eats, bars and live houses this could be another great option. For those wanting to learn about South Korea’s history, the impressive National Museum houses exhibits dating from as far back as the paleolithic all the way up to the formative years of modern Korea. Seonyudo Park is built on an island in the middle of the Han River that was formerly home to a water filtration plant. This is definitely one of the most unique places in the world, let alone in Seoul. Make your way to Daegu’s best amusement park E-World! An immediate glance and you’ll probably notice that shopping and dining are two of Seoul’s most prominent features.. Create your own tour of the city and see why this it's one of a kind. A city where the palaces of bygone dynasty’s stand alongside giant skyscrapers, K-Pop and night markets compete for pennies and attention and the Jaebeol’s are in and out the press (more often than not for something unpleasant). If visiting during the day you may be lucky enough to catch a changing of the guard ceremony or join a free guided tour of complex. Plan appropriately to make sure you don’t get a surprisingly large bill. Head south of the river to find more ideas for what to see in Seoul, Korea! For those wanting to see traditional Korean architecture and to experience a (somewhat watered down) old Korea, it’s an invaluable resource. Sometimes you need to get out of the city too, so to inspire you here’s my recommendation for the best day trip from Seoul. Kind of. Also some parts are a little far from most of the main sights. You can’t claim you’ve had the full Seoul sightseeing experience without venturing out to its street markets. There’s the Raccoon Cafe, where you can sip coffee and then pet a little Rocket of your own or the intriguing Owl Museum where you can see art inspired by (you guessed it) owls. Schedules vary between the summer and winter months but there are a number of English tours on offer. From grand palaces to locations of incredible historical significance topped off with some to-die-for food, here’s our ultimate list of the best things to do in Seoul, South Korea. Beer and greasy food make everything better. Korea is truly underrated and deserve lot more respect! Both market districts are named for the gates that stand nearby (Namedaemun was burned down in 2008 and has since been restored), and both sport a mixture of souvenirs, boutiques, malls, and street food. My absolute favourite Korean dish is dak galbi. Anyways, great list again! To help you with your visit, here’s some of our best Seoul travel tips to help you make the most of your holiday. It’s not just about passionate supporters either – it’s the whole game day experience of grabbing a cooler of beers, a big order of fried chicken or pizza, and settling in to pay absolutely zero attention to the most boring sport in the world. A strip of serenity through the bustling heart of modern Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream is a beautiful strip of shady trees, art, and history along the bubbling banks of the stream around which Korea’s largest city has sprung up. Whether you choose Lotte World, the world’s largest indoor theme park, or the more traditional outdoor thrills of Everland (located a short drive from Seoul), you’ll find rides for young and old alike. Korea’s massive public bathhouses aren’t glamourous, but they’re certainly an experience for those brave enough to strip down to their altogether. And yes, don't forget to add what you like to your South Korea … Oh, you’re going to have such a great time! Start here for the best places to go in Seoul! Seoul is a very popular short break destination for Chinese, Japanese and Taiwanese tourists. For those wanting a glimpse into Korea’s culture prior to the Korean War and the nation’s subsequent modernisation, the open-air amphitheater of Nori Madang is a great way to see, hear, and experience the culture of the country. The ultimate Seoul travel guide for a great adventure to Seoul; travel tips. This area is one of the most popular expat hangouts in the city. Whilst the park is nothing too spectacular it’s certainly a nice break for the hustle and bustle of Central Seoul. Find what to do today or anytime in January. This excellent little guesthouse located in the heart of Insadong is a few minutes walk from Anguk subway station and sights such as Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Changdeokgung. Book a 4-hour tour to some of Seoul’s best known traditional markets +(bonus visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Changdeokgung Palace). Enjoy delicious Korean food . However like in Taiwan, eating at these outdoor food markets offer some of the best local cuisine. Now check your email to confirm your subscription. I been seriously considering visiting South Korea but dont know where to start. This is one of Seoul’s most famous landmarks. Here are 18 things to do in South Korea to keep you busy exploring the exciting landscape it has to offer. Especially Sokcho on the East Coast and Daecheon Beach on the West Coast are within easy access to you from the bus terminals of Seoul if wearing a bathing suit for a few hours is on your list of things you wish to do. One of the most impressive temples to Korean Buddhism, this stunning site may have been reduced over time by fire and war, but remains a must see in South Korea’s ‘Museum Without Walls’, Gyeongju. Lotte is one of South Korea’s most recognised and respected brands. Bring your passport. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. If you’ve had your fill and your pennies are running low then this is an excellent place to people watch. Don’t believe me? The biggest issue is deciding where to stay in Seoul. How long do you think you’ll have to explore? It doesn’t resonate culturally with me the way that Japan or China do (probably because it’s barely ever portrayed in media), but it has a real appeal that keeps me coming back. Not to be confused with J-Pop, K-Pop is a dizzying mixture of soda-pop, fashion, hyper-sexuality, bubble bath, and just a little R&B. From our roundup with most amazing fun things to do in South Korea, to things to do in South Korea for free, we’ve got you covered. Insanely choreographed dance routines, screaming fans, and frustratingly catchy tunes make for an unforgettable night out. Don’t take my word for it – check out the picture above and let it do the convincing! Fantastic food, great tunes and amazing views of the Seokchon Lake and the city – a perfect recipe for a great night out! However dorms make up the majority of its guests. Now you've just got to confirm your subscription. South Korea wasn’t high up on my list before. Do remember that this is a working market, so keep out of the way of workers and trucks hauling around the fish that will pay their salaries. I guess you could argue a case for bulgogi, but the marinated beef just hasn’t proved as popular outside of Korea as bibimbap, kimchi, and BBQ have. One of the fun activities that we always like to partake in when traveling is learning how to cook traditional dishes! At sunset or early morning it can be especially nice. 4 hours. Find what to do today, this weekend or in January. Interestingly up until the 1970’s it was actually North Korea that was more developed, a far cry from today. Likewise, South Korea’s vibrant and quirky culture doesn’t get the same international coverage than that of their former conquerors, Japan. Usually accompaniments that can be found at most restaurants. Therefore you may want to avoid visiting during any National Holidays in these countries as well in South Korea. A study abroad program in South Korea will land students in a bustling country full of tradition, history, shopping, and exquisite dining. READ MORE: Check out our mini-guide to the best hiking in South Korea! Daegu E-World is a theme park built in the southeastern part of South Korea. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Things to Do in South Korea, Asia: See Tripadvisor's 843 644 traveller reviews and photos of South Korea tourist attractions. This is a great comprehensive guide for South Korea. Quick Answer – Best things to do in South Korea. While the quality might not be up to scratch compared to the MLB in the US, Korean baseball games have a life all of their own. Through the art of storytelling and photography, we help our readers explore the globe with us, and aim to get you on the road as well. Kimchi maybe the first thing people think when they think of Korean food, however there is far more to the Korean palette than spicy pickled cabbage. Along with Everland, Lotte World is one of the two biggest theme parks in South Korea and definitely one that anyone who likes theme parks needs to visit. But to exclude South Korea from your Asian adventure would be a grave disservice to you. If we’re being brutally honest, South Korea probably isn’t at the top of your Asian itinerary. Richard Barnes is our resident China, New Zealand and Central Asia expert, having spent more time than just about anyone backpacking and travelling around there. The War Memorial of Korea is a somber tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for the freedom that Kim Il-Sung sought to snatch away from them, as well as to Koreans who have lost their lives in subsequent conflicts. It has so much diversity in architecture, nature and culture! A very timely article to come across right now, thank you so much! Throw in its location in the heart of Myedong along with is swimming pool, sauna and hot spring spa it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular luxury options in Seoul. We have reviews of the best places to see in South Korea. 99 Fantastic Things to do in Seoul - Bobo and ChiChi, 15 Unmissable Experiences for your New Zealand Bucket List. Our list of the Best Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea, Take a Break from Palaces, Shrines and Temples and Eat at Insa-dong, Take in Awesome Views of Seoul from Namsan & the N Seoul Tower, Take a Night Time Stroll Around Deoksugung, Shopping, Eating and People Watching in Myeong-dong, The Best Hostel in Seoul – ZZZIP in Hongdae, Best Budget Accommodation for Couples in Seoul – Mini Hotel Insa in Insadong, Best Mid-Range Hotel in Seoul – DH Naissance Hotel in Dongdaemum, Best Luxury Hotel in Seoul – Lotte Hotel Seoul in Myedong, sign up for a traditional Korean cooking class, 8 Amazing Things to Do in Jeonju, South Korea (2020 Guide), Life Experiences While WWOOFing In South Korea, The Perfect 3 Days in Seoul Itinerary (2020 Edition). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Bibimbap is a traditional Korean rice dish. South Korea has a wide variety of seafood dishes on offer. One of the real history and culture buffs, the Gangjin Goryeo Celadon Museum is a museum dedicated to the Goryeo style of celadon pottery and porcelain. Even if you’re not here for the food it’s certainly one of the most interesting things to see in Seoul. This is a fabulous list Chris! For those wanting a glimpse into Korean life before the high rises and factories, the Hanok Village in Jeonju is a great way to step back in time. . This 3-star hotel in Dongdaemun gets rave reviews from  guests. At night this area is alive as people eat, drink and shop. The grandest of these is undoubtedly Gyeongbukgung (Palace Greatly Blessed By Heaven), a sprawling complex that will put visitors in mind of Beijing’s Forbidden City on a smaller, quieter scale. It’s also home to Bulguksa, #34 on this list. Home to more than 800 traditional Hanok style homes, this section of the otherwise modern village is a popular tourist attraction with those wanting to see Korea as it was prior to the last century. If you’re looking to take home a few gifts from South Korea, it’s likely to be Insadong where you spend those last few thousand won. Down some of the smaller alleyways, closer to the subway station there are some excellent BBQ restaurants which are a must if you’re in South Korea. I moved to South Korea to teach back in 2007 and it prompted my folks to come and visit me. However try and book at least two weeks in advance, further if you’re travelling during peak season. Save. Seoul has two airports, Incheon and Gimpo. The Seoul Trick Eye Museum isn’t something you can’t find elsewhere in the world, but it’s a fun way to kill a rainy afternoon snapping silly photos of you and your friends. A massive parkland that well and truly lives up to its ‘Grand’ title, Seoul Grand Park is an excellent addition to a family trip to Seoul. Although there is a clear influence from the regions big hitters (China and Japan), Seoul clearly demonstrates the country’s own unique culture from its historical buildings to modern day K-Pop and Jaebeol’s (huge conglomerates like Samsung or LG). Enjoyed over a hot plate with plenty of sides, lots of lettuce leaves, and liberal amounts of beer – BBQ is the ultimate communal Korean meal. Thanks for sharing, Hey CW Bush, some great suggestions on Korea. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Definitely one of the more fascinating glimpses into the Korean cultural tapestry. Find what to do today, this weekend or in January. It’s a little touristy these days, but the Insadong district of Seoul is a popular stop with tourists wanting a glimpse of Korean culture beyond its modern image. Day Trips & Excursions. One of Korea’s more instantly recognisable dishes, bibimbap (mixed rice) is a bowl of rice decorated with a variety of vegetables, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce. But travelers going to Jeju expecting to get leid, sunbathe, surf, and eat at buffets are going to be disappointed. Read reviews about top tours and attractions in South Korea. Things to Do in South Korea, Asia: See Tripadvisor's 843,644 traveller reviews and photos of South Korea tourist attractions. It offers free breakfast and is close to a number of awesome restaurants. This 5-star hotel offers all of the luxuries you would expect. Things to Do in South Korea, Asia: See Tripadvisor's 843,644 traveller reviews and photos of South Korea tourist attractions. Understandably this has been a big hit with the people of Seoul with summer and is especially popular with families. Now it’s full of ponds, plant nurseries and exhibitions – far more visually appealing. Roads and raised highways were torn down and replaced with walkways, waterfalls, footbridges and public artworks. While you’re in Myeong-dong, why not book in for an epic Nanta show at the theatre? Initially the North made spectacular gains, partially thanks to weaponry and support from the Soviet Union. Located in downtown Seoul, the park is especially popular with kids but has plenty to entertain grown-ups too. Jinju might not be on your itinerary at any other time of the year, but every October the unassuming southern town transforms into a city of lights as thousands of lanterns travel down the Namgan River in tribute to the 70,000 men and women who lost their lives fighting the Japanese during the Imjin War. Whether you’re a young adventurer looking to see and do remarkable things, history junkie wanting to see ancient temples, a foodie looking to indulge, or traveling with kids – there’s bound to be something below for you to enjoy. This one is one of the most popular DMZ tours available. Speaking of must-see temples, Bulgulksa is a World Heritage listed temple site that is considered South Korea’s most important historic site and is also home to seven of the country’s national treasures. I can’t wait to visit if i’m honest! An impressive example of Imperial Korea, the vast fortress in Suwon was constructed in the 1700s as part of a mooted plan to relocate the Korean capital away from Seoul. There are plenty of these in Seoul, however the price for day time rates and night time rates is likely to differ. Experience the fascinating culture of South Korea in one of the most authentic ways possible – through its local cuisine! You can read all about my experience at the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival before planning your own trip to see the flowers in bloom. Please try again. It’s an old-fashioned style market experience: all shouting hawkers, jostling shoppers, and a mind-boggling selection of things both appetizing and confusing. There is no shortage of unique things to do in Seoul. That being said there are a number of quiet back alleys offering some awesome Korean food. 101 Best Things to Do in South Korea an interesting read for tour & travel, activities, experience and stay. On this 4-hour food tour, learn all... $98. Frequented almost exclusively by locals, jjimjilbangs are a cheap and interesting way to learn a bit more about modern Korea. South Korea was on my list and I believe it is highly underrated. Seoul is made of 25 Gu (districts) with a lot of sights concentrated in Jongno-gu, Jung-gu and Yongsan-gu. They took the blossoms to Japan and planted the trees there and so as many artifacts, etc. Mind as well as a couple it ’ s student student district consistently receives reviews. 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