Ultimate Seoul Travel Guide: What to Do, See & Eat

Let's cut to the chase. You're planning a trip to Seoul and your search history is flooded with "what to do in Seoul." The lists are endless, repetitive, and frankly, a bit overwhelming. Having spent years exploring this city's every alley and avenue, I'm here to give you the real guide—the one that separates the postcard-perfect from the genuinely unforgettable, packed with details you can actually use.

Seoul isn't just a city; it's a feeling. It's the scent of sizzling pork belly mixing with ancient temple incense, the quiet hum of a 24-hour sauna, and the electric buzz of a K-pop video shoot around the corner. This guide is your key to unlocking that.

Step Back in Time: Seoul's Historic Heart

Start in Jongno District. This is where Seoul's soul resides. Most guides will tell you to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. They're right. But they often miss the how.

Gyeongbokgung Palace: Do It Right

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays). Last entry 5:00 PM.
Admission: 3,000 KRW (about $2.20).
Getting There: Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3, Exit 5).

Here's the secret most first-timers miss: time your visit with the Changing of the Guard ceremony (10:00 AM & 2:00 PM). It's free, spectacular, and lasts about 20 minutes. The bigger tip? Rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) from one of the dozens of shops nearby. Not only do you get stunning photos, but admission to the palace (and other palaces) becomes free. It pays for itself. Go early to beat the tour buses that swarm by 11 AM.

After the palace, walk through Bukchon Hanok Village. Yes, it's touristy, but the maze of traditional houses on a hillside is genuinely beautiful. The mistake people make is sticking only to the main alleys. Wander off. You'll find quiet corners, tiny art galleries, and traditional tea houses like Cha Masineun Tteul.

Changdeokgung Palace & The Secret Garden

If you only see one palace besides Gyeongbokgung, make it this one. A UNESCO site, it feels more organic. The Huwon (Secret Garden) requires a separate, guided tour ticket (usually 5,000 KRW). Book this online in advance through the Official Royal Palace Cultural Heritage Site. Tours sell out, especially in autumn when the foliage is insane.

The Pulse of Modern Seoul

Seoul's modern districts each have a distinct personality. Picking the right one for your vibe is key.

Myeongdong: Shopping & Street Food Frenzy

This is ground zero for cosmetics shopping and street food. It's chaotic, bright, and exhausting in the best way. Hours: Shops open late afternoon, peak from 7-10 PM. Subway: Myeongdong Station (Line 4).

Don't just buy the first skincare you see. Olive Young is the major pharmacy/cosmetics chain—compare prices. The real magic is the street food. Tear-shaped dumplings (gunmandu), cheesy lobster tails, and strawberry mochi are staples. Bring cash (many stalls are cash-only) and an empty stomach.

Hongdae: Youth, Art & Nightlife

Born from Hongik University's art college, this area is for the young and young-at-heart. Expect indie bands performing in tiny clubs, quirky cafes (like a sheep cafe or a raccoon cafe—yes, really), and some of the best people-watching in Korea. Hongdae's Free Market (Saturdays 1-6 PM) showcases handmade crafts by local artists.

Nightlife here is less polished than Gangnam and more fun. Clubs like Club FF or NB2 are iconic. A common frustration? Many "clubs" are actually just expensive table-service bars. Read the door policy.

Gangnam: Glamour & K-Pop

Yes, that Gangnam. It's sleek, wealthy, and sprawling. Visit the COEX Mall—Asia's largest underground mall—to see the famed Starfield Library, a massive public library with towering bookshelves. It's a photo hotspot. For a touch of K-pop, the SMTOWN Coex Artium (owned by SM Entertainment) is a museum, merch store, and cafe dedicated to stars like EXO and aespa.

Feeling fancy? Gangnam has Michelin-starred restaurants. Feeling more casual? The backstreets of Sinsa-dong (Garosu-gil) are lined with designer boutiques and chic cafes.

The Han River & N Seoul Tower

The Han River parks (like Yeouido or Banpo Hangang Park) are where locals relax. Rent a bike, have a picnic (you can order chicken delivery right to your picnic mat!), and watch the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show at night (shows at 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00 PM from April-October).

N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain offers the classic panoramic view. Go just before sunset to see the city transition from day to night. The "Locks of Love" fences are iconic, if a bit crowded. Cable car round-trip: 14,000 KRW.

The Non-Negotiable Food Journey

You haven't been to Seoul if you haven't eaten. Here are specific spots, not just dish names.

One more tip: Korean BBQ is everywhere. Look for places with a local crowd and charcoal grills. Myeongdong has overpriced tourist traps. Venture to Mapo or Seongsu for better quality. A good rule: if the menu has pictures with 10 languages, keep walking.

Crafting Your Perfect 3-Day Seoul Itinerary

Here’s a balanced, action-packed plan that mixes history, culture, food, and modern vibes.

Have more time? Add a day trip to the DMZ (book with a licensed tour operator like Koridoor) or the picturesque Nami Island.

Pro Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps & Save Money

• T-Money Card: Buy this rechargeable card at any convenience store. It works on all subways, buses, and even in taxis. Saves you from buying single tickets every time.
• KakaoMap or Naver Map: Google Maps is unreliable for transit in Korea. These local apps give precise walking and transit directions.
• Taxi Colors Matter: Gray, Orange, White = regular taxis (cheapest). Black = deluxe (more expensive). Always ensure the meter is running.
• Cash is King in Markets: While cards are widely accepted, street vendors and small market stalls often prefer cash. Withdraw from global ATMs in convenience stores (7-Eleven, CU).
• Learn Five Korean Phrases: "Annyeonghaseyo" (Hello), "Kamsahamnida" (Thank you), "Eolmayeyo?" (How much?), "Juseyo" (Please give me), "Hwa-jangshil odi-eyo?" (Where is the bathroom?). Effort goes a long way.
• Jjimjilbang (Korean Spa): For a unique and affordable experience, visit a 24-hour spa like Siloam Sauna near Seoul Station. For about 12,000 KRW, you get saunas, hot baths, and a place to nap. It's a cultural immersion and a budget accommodation hack rolled into one.

Seoul Travel FAQs Answered

What is the best time of year to visit Seoul for sightseeing?

Late spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to November) are ideal. You'll avoid the intense summer heat and humidity, as well as the bitter winter cold. Autumn is particularly stunning with vibrant fall foliage, perfect for palace and mountain visits. Summer (July-August) can be hot and rainy, while winter (December-February) is very cold but great for winter festivals and skiing nearby.

How many days do I need to see the main attractions in Seoul?

A solid 4 to 5 days is the sweet spot. This allows you to cover the major palaces and historical sites in Jongno, explore a couple of distinct neighborhoods like Hongdae and Myeongdong in depth, enjoy a full day trip (like to the DMZ or Nami Island), and still have time for relaxed shopping and multiple food adventures. Rushing through in 2-3 days means you'll only scratch the surface.

Is Seoul an expensive city for travelers on a budget?

Seoul can be very budget-friendly if you know where to look. Accommodation and fine dining can be pricey, but you save massively on food by eating at local markets and casual eateries where a hearty meal costs 8,000-15,000 KRW. Public transportation is excellent and cheap. Many top attractions, like palaces (if you wear hanbok), the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and exploring neighborhoods, are either free or very low-cost. The real expense often comes from shopping and upscale Korean barbecue.

Is it safe to travel alone in Seoul, especially for female travelers?

Seoul is consistently ranked as one of the safest large cities in the world. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. As a solo female traveler who's spent months there, I've walked in most neighborhoods late at night with no issues. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, watch your drink in crowded clubs, and use licensed taxis. A specific local tip: many subway cars have "Women Only" sections during rush hours, which can be more comfortable.

Seoul demands to be experienced, not just seen. It’s in the steam rising from a shared pot of budae jjigae, the silent respect inside a centuries-old pavilion, and the relentless energy of its neon-drenched streets. Use this guide as your starting point, then get lost. Your own favorite Seoul moment is waiting in a side street you haven't turned down yet.