Things to do in Seoul
Seoul is a rambling city of contrasts, with ancient palaces sitting in the shadows of modern high-rise buildings. The main sightseeing area is north of the Han River in the Jung-gu and Jongno districts. The most impressive sites include the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Chandeokgung Palace, home to the royal secret garden. Insadong and Samcheongdong are the present-day cultural centres, packed with street vendors and high-class galleries showcasing traditional ceramics and contemporary Korean art.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art - Art past and present
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Showcasing the past, present and future of art and design, the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art is housed in three high-design buildings and brings world-class exhibitions to Seoul's Yongsan area. English-speaking tours are available at 3pm on weekends.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
W10,000; 7-18 yrs W6,000; temporary exhibitions vary
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 10:30am-6pm, until 9pm Thu; last entry one hour before closing
Address
747-18, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 140-893
Telephone
+82 (0) 2 2014 6900
2. National Museum of Korea - Cultural and historical collection
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The National Museum of Korea houses more than 11,000 pieces - ancient artefacts, ceramics and paintings - spanning Korea's extensive history on three exhibition floors. The outdoor garden houses pagodas and stone relics in the Yongsang district.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Permanent collection free
Opening Hours
Tue, Thu & Fri 9am-6pm; Wed & Sat 9am-9pm; Sun & holidays 9am-7pm; last entry one hour before closing; closed Mon
Address
135, Seobinggo ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 140-026
Telephone
+82 (0) 2 2077 9000 (English, Japanese, Chinese)
3. Totoman - Vintage Korean kitsch
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This tiny museum in Insadong district is packed with an eclectic collection of objects and toys from Korea's recent past. Dating from the 1960s to the 1990s, the displays include toy robots, junk food packaging, albums, figurines and other memorabilia.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
W1,000
Opening Hours
Daily 10am-9pm
Address
169-2, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-300
Telephone
+82 (0) 2 2014 6900
Transport
Subway line 1 Jonggak station (exit 3)
Attractions
Expand all4. Gyeongbokgung Palace - Main Joseon Dynasty palace
Show more Gyeongbokgung was the main palace during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Its 500-year history starts with the founding king, Lee Seong-Gye. In 1395 he moved the capital from Gyeseong to Seoul and built this palace in the northern Jongno district.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
W3000 adults; W1500 7-18 yrs; free for seniors and under-6s
Opening Hours
Mar-Oct Wed-Mon 9am-6pm; Nov-Feb Wed-Mon 9am-5pm
Address
1, Sejong-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-050
Transport
Subway line 3 Geongbokgung station (exit 5) or line 5 Ganghwamun station (exit 2)
Website
Cultural Heritage Administration Website (for Gyeongbokgung Palace)
5. Changdeokgung Palace - Palace with secret garden
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The most beautiful of Seoul's palaces, Changdeokgung Palace served as the main power seat for the Joseon Dynasty kings for over 300 years. The peaceful "Secret Garden" (Biwon) behind the main palace building has 300-year-old trees, a lake and pavilion.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
W3000; 7-18 yrs W1500; under-6s & seniors free
Opening Hours
Mar-Oct Tue-Sun 9am-6pm; Nov-Feb Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Address
99, Yulgokro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-360
Telephone
+82 (0) 2 762 8261
Transport
Subway line 3 Anguk station (exit 3) or line 1, 3, or 5 Jongno 3-ga station (exit 6)
Website
Cultural Properties Association Website (for Changdeokgung Palace)
6. Jongmyo Shrine - Joseon Dynasty kings' shrine
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A place of worship for Joseon Dynasty royalty, Jongmyo is a Confucian shrine. Three paths lead there from the main gate: the middle one for dead kings; the eastern path for the present king; and the western for the prince.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
W1,000; W500 7-18 yrs; under-6s & seniors free
Opening Hours
Mar-Oct 9am-5pm weekdays, (until 7pm weekends/holidays); Nov-Feb 9am-4:30pm (until 5.30pm weekends/holidays)
Address
1-2, Hunjeong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-400
Telephone
+82 (0) 2 765 0195
Transport
Subway line 1 to Jongno 3(sam)-ga station (exit 11)
Website
Special things to do
Expand all7. Namsan N Seoul Tower - Best city views
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The N Seoul Tower (with its rotating restaurant) is located on Namsan hill in Jung-gu, and offers breathtaking Seoul city views. You can climb the stairs, while the less athletic can pay for the cable car up to the tower.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Observation deck W7,000; 65 and older W5,000; 4-12 yrs W3,000
Opening Hours
Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-11pm; Fri & Sat 10am-12am
Address
1-3, Yongsandong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 140-022
Telephone
+82 (0) 2 753 2563
8. Bongeunsa - Historic Zen Buddhist temple
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The historic Zen Buddhist Bongeunsa temple was built in Gangnam in quieter, pre-skyscraper days. Early-morning percussion rituals awaken the heavenly beings (it's also a great time for visitors to avoid the crowds). English guides are available 9am-6pm weekdays.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free admission
Opening Hours
Daily 4am-9pm
Address
73, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-870
Telephone
+82 (0) 2 511 6070 ext 4
9. Namsangol - Traditional Korean village
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Moved here from various locations throughout the city, the restored homes in this traditional village show how both peasants and royalty used to live during the Joseon Dynasty. On Spring and Autumn weekends, they hold traditional marriage ceremonies around noon.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Apr-Oct 9am-9pm, Nov-Mar 9am-8pm, closed Tue, except if Tue is a holiday, then the following day is closed
Address
84-1, Pildong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-272
Telephone
+82 (0)2 2264 4412
Transport
Subway line 3 or 4 Chungmuro station (exit 3 or 4)
Website
