Seoul is a city in South Korea that's full of soul. Whether you're here to step back in time and explore the capital's fantastic history or to dive into K-Pop culture at its heart, there are tons of different things to do in Seoul that should be on every first-time visitor's bucket list.
Given how bustling the city can get, it's not always easy to plan a trip here on the fly. We've put together a guide on what to prioritise as a first-time visitor, when best to visit, and how to make the most of Seoul's sensational street food and market scenes. Consider it some serious inspiration for that Eastern breakaway.
Seoul overview for first time visitors
If you've never visited Seoul before, we recommend checking out our complete South Korea itinerary so you can build a longer trip around your stay. That said, you can easily fill a whole week or more just enjoying the capital.
Seoul is a city of two halves — one, a bustling metropolis full of modern delights, and the other, an ancient cascade of palaces and magnificent architecture. There really is something for everyone here, and we don't say that lightly.
Don't panic about cramming everything in on a single trip. Even if you don't get to see everything on this list, it's all the more reason to come back — and several of the SIMOVO team have done exactly that.
[tip title="Download Naver Maps before you arrive"]The Naver app is significantly more reliable than Google Maps for tracking public transport in Seoul. Download it before you land and keep Google Maps on standby as a backup — both are useful for navigating between the main attractions.[/tip]Top things to do in Seoul
When it comes to the best things to do in Seoul, we recommend heading to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, the Myeongdong shopping district, N Seoul Tower, the Hongdae neighbourhood, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Visit them in any order, but make sure they take pride of place on your to-visit list.
[numbered title="Gyeongbokgung Palace" pill="Main royal palace"]Seoul's breathtaking main royal palace with magnificent courtyards, surrounding buildings, and centuries of history. Visit early to avoid the crowds.[/numbered] [numbered title="Bukchon Hanok Village" pill="Historic preservation"]Meticulously preserved traditional houses and buildings with cafes and tourist spots throughout — a window into Seoul's ancient roots.[/numbered] [numbered title="Myeongdong" pill="Shopping and nightlife"]The number one shopping district for daily items, souvenirs, and world-famous skincare products — and a neon cascade of restaurants and bars after dark.[/numbered] [numbered title="N Seoul Tower" pill="Best city views"]An iconic city landmark in Namsan Mountain Park offering some of the best panoramic views across Seoul. Take the cable car if you'd rather skip the climb.[/numbered] [numbered title="Hongdae" pill="Street art and nightlife"]A vibrant neighbourhood close to Hongik University — packed with restaurants, bars, street performances, and quaint cafes well into the night.[/numbered] [numbered title="Dongdaemun Design Plaza" pill="Art and architecture"]A stunning Zaha Hadid-designed cultural centre for art exhibitions and events — eye-catching from the outside and genuinely inspiring within.[/numbered]Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul's main royal palace is absolutely breathtaking, with a range of different buildings and courtyards to explore. It's a hugely popular photo destination, meaning you'll want to arrive early to take it in at its most peaceful and commanding — peak midday visits can get very busy.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a must-see for any first-time Seoul visitor, simply because it shows off the city's historic roots so well. The village has meticulously preserved houses and traditional buildings, with plenty of cafes and tourist spots along the way. Be aware that some of the narrow streets leading through the village can get quite busy at peak times.
Myeongdong shopping district
Shopping in Korea is an experience quite unlike any other, and Myeongdong is the number one destination for buying daily items, souvenirs, and the world-famous Korean skincare products the country is celebrated for. Beyond the enormous flagship stores and specialist retailers, you'll also find tasty restaurants and bars open well into the night — it's a real neon cascade after dark.
N Seoul Tower
Reaching the area around the famous N Seoul Tower is a bit of a climb — but worth every step for some of the best views across the city, full stop. The landmark sits in the Namsan Mountain Park, and if the climb doesn't appeal, a cable car takes you up to enjoy the panorama beyond. The park itself is also beautiful, and during the milder months there's often outdoor entertainment on offer too.
Hongdae
Hongdae tends to be the place to be for first-time backpackers and younger visitors — close to Hongik University and packed full of restaurants, bars, and entertainment well into the night. It's a little way out of the heart of the city, but absolutely worth a visit for the regular street performances and quaint little cafes scattered throughout the neighbourhood.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
If art and culture are more your style, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a cultivated centre for art exhibitions and events with a truly eye-popping design — even from the outside, it commands the skyline in a way few buildings in the city do. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, it's as much an architectural experience as a cultural one.
Best markets and street food areas in Seoul
Korean food is world-famous for a reason, and Seoul's traditional market scenes and street food areas are where you'll find the most authentic and delicious options in the city.
[tip title="Head to Myeongdong Night Market, Gwanjang Market, and Namdaemun Market"]These three markets are consistently recommended by experienced travellers and the SIMOVO team alike. Check social media and TripAdvisor for current reviews and the most popular stalls before you visit — and always prioritise the busiest vendors. In Seoul's markets, a long queue almost always means the best quality food and goods.[/tip]Best time to visit Seoul
The best time to visit Seoul is during spring or autumn, mainly for comfortable temperatures and full access to the city's best features and attractions.
[tip title="Plan flights early with Skyscanner for the best prices"]Travel costs vary significantly between seasons — spring in particular can be expensive due to cherry blossom crowds. Use Skyscanner to compare prices well in advance, and book accommodation as early as you can to secure the best rates during peak spring and autumn periods.[/tip]Travel tips for visiting Seoul
Here are some general travel tips to help you make the most of Seoul and stay comfortable throughout your visit.
[tip title="Get a T-money card as soon as you arrive"]T-money cards are available at many convenience stores and allow you to top up travel funds for the subway and bus routes across Seoul. They're significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets for each journey and make getting around the city considerably more straightforward.[/tip] [tip title="English is widely spoken but learn a few Korean phrases"]English is spoken across much of the city — particularly in tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants. That said, some menus and smaller local eateries may require a little translation. Learning a few basic Korean phrases before you travel goes a long way and is always appreciated by locals.[/tip] [tip title="Seoul is very safe but travel in groups after dark"]Seoul is consistently ranked among the safest major cities in the world, and you're unlikely to encounter serious problems. That said, as with any major city, locking valuables away and travelling in groups after dark is always sensible practice — particularly if it's your first time in the city.[/tip] [esim flag="🇰🇷" label="South Korea" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£10" href="/products/south-korea" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Stay connected across Seoul and beyond — no roaming charges[/esim] [faq] [q]What are the best things to do in Seoul?[/q] [a]The six unmissable things to do in Seoul are Gyeongbokgung Palace (the main royal palace), Bukchon Hanok Village (traditional preserved architecture), Myeongdong shopping district (the city's most famous retail and nightlife area), N Seoul Tower (the best panoramic views over the city), Hongdae (vibrant neighbourhood with street performances and nightlife), and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Zaha Hadid-designed art and culture centre).[/a] [q]What is Gyeongbokgung Palace?[/q] [a]Gyeongbokgung Palace is Seoul's main royal palace — one of the most iconic landmarks in South Korea. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, it features stunning traditional Korean architecture across a complex of grand courtyards, pavilions, and surrounding buildings. It is also home to the National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea. Visiting early in the morning avoids the largest crowds.[/a] [q]What is Bukchon Hanok Village?[/q] [a]Bukchon Hanok Village is a historic neighbourhood in central Seoul, situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. It is famous for its hundreds of meticulously preserved traditional Korean houses (hanok) — making it one of the best places in Seoul to experience the city's ancient architecture and history. Cafes, small shops, and cultural spaces are dotted throughout.[/a] [q]Where is the best street food in Seoul?[/q] [a]The best street food areas in Seoul include Myeongdong Night Market (tteokbokki, corn dogs, and Korean skewers), Gwanjang Market (one of Korea's oldest and most celebrated traditional markets, famous for bindaetteok mung bean pancakes), and Namdaemun Market (a vast traditional market with a wide range of food stalls). Always head to the busiest stalls — a long queue reliably indicates the best quality.[/a] [q]When is the best time to visit Seoul?[/q] [a]Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Seoul. Spring offers the famous cherry blossoms and pleasant temperatures but is the most expensive and crowded period. Autumn delivers beautiful foliage, comfortable temperatures, and slightly fewer tourists at more competitive prices. Summer is warm but humid and prone to monsoon rains. Winter is cold but dry and the cheapest season.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for South Korea?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO South Korea eSIM is one of the most practical additions to any Seoul trip. At £10 for 10GB over 30 days, it activates on landing, connects you to South Korea's best available networks, and keeps you navigating between attractions, finding food, and staying connected throughout your stay — without roaming charges when you get home.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇰🇷" label="South Korea" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£10" href="/products/south-korea" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Stay connected across Seoul and beyond — no roaming charges[/esim]
