Seoul has emerged in recent times as an in-demand vacation spot. But South Korea’s capital can nonetheless really feel daunting for first-timers, given its dimension — it is one of many world’s largest and most densely populated cities — and variations in language and tradition.
As anybody who’s already taken a visit to Seoul will guarantee you, there is no cause to hesitate. Yes, the town is big, but additionally straightforward to get round due to in depth public transportation, together with a contemporary subway system (suppose spotless automobiles, English signage and heated seats within the winter). And as a result of Seoul is a uncommon place that experiences 4 distinct seasons, you’ll be able to go to when it fits your schedule. (Though we advocate avoiding June to July’s wet monsoon season.) Most importantly, you may really feel extremely secure: The journey insurance coverage firm Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection simply launched a report that ranked Seoul among the many world’s high 15 most secure cities for leisure journey in 2025.
Because there’s a lot to see, eat and do on this South Korean metropolis, we have curated a information to the 8 greatest issues to do in Seoul to make sure an unforgettable first journey.
1. Dig into road meals
Gwangjang Market in Seoul. MAREMAGNU/GETTY IMAGES
Food is central to Korean tradition, and one of many best methods to pattern some iconic bites — whereas getting a glimpse into on a regular basis metropolis life — is thru Seoul’s road meals markets. This method, you’ll be able to pattern an array of things in a single stretch and lower your expenses. While Myeongdong Market is probably the most well-known, it is perpetually filled with vacationers and errs on the pricier facet. Instead, head to Namdaemun Market for kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and hotteok (stuffed pancakes), Gwangjang Market for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and Jungang Market for tteokbokki (spicy rice truffles).
2. Sip on native spirits
1 of two
Inside the bar Oul at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SEOUL
South Korea can also be famend for its storied consuming tradition with over 1,000 sorts of sool (Korean alcoholic drinks). To study extra, make a reservation at Oul. Located within the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Seoul — a part of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts — this one-of-a-kind consuming vacation spot focuses solely on Korean-made spirits. Head bartender Ike Ryu whips up imaginative cocktails just like the Goosoo Highball, a hauntingly wealthy mix of barley tea soju, toasted rice syrup and seltzer. Fittingly, the anju (snacks consumed with alcohol) are simply as elevated: The lobster tteokbokki arrives effervescent sizzling and filled with beneficiant chunks of house-made fish truffles and recent seafood.
3. Rent a hanbokVisitors sporting conventional hanbok garments pose for images on the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds in Seoul. ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the architectural masterpiece that served because the official royal residence throughout the Joseon dynasty, you may discover folks wearing hanbok (conventional Korean apparel). Many close by outlets lease these colourful two-piece outfits relationship again to the Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392) and supply further companies like make-up, hair styling and photograph shoots. The exercise is promoted by the Korea Tourism Organization and inspired by locals as an indication of cultural appreciation, so do not be shy. Another perk? All 5 of Seoul’s royal palaces will waive their admission charges should you arrive dressed accordingly.
4. Discover Seoul’s vibrant artwork scene
1 of two
Visitors stroll previous an paintings named “Who are the Flowers?, 2023” by artist Simon Fujiwara throughout the Frieze Seoul 2023 artwork truthful. JUNG YEON-JE/GETTY IMAGES
South Korea champions creativity, as evidenced by the worldwide phenomenons of Ok-dramas, Korean movies and Ok-pop. No surprise the Western up to date artwork world has its eyes squarely on Seoul. Now, the town is residence to Asia’s solely Frieze Art Fair (debuted in 2022), together with outposts of the world’s most revered galleries, resembling New York’s Gladstone Gallery and Berlin’s Konig Galerie. Be certain to help Seoul-based establishments as properly; must-stops embrace Bukchon Hanok Village’s beautiful new Futura Seoul (unveiled throughout Frieze Seoul 2024), Kukje Gallery and Gana Art.
5. Get scrubbed at a bathhouseA personal spa room on the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SEOUL
One of the best methods to reset your physique following a long-haul flight or lengthy day of exploration is at a jjimjilbang. These conventional Korean bathhouses, nonetheless, are about greater than getting clear; they’re accessible hubs — entry charges are usually beneath $15 — the place locals join with buddies and disconnect from on a regular basis life. (Bear in thoughts that nudity is required for the same-sex bathing areas.) It’s straightforward to spend hours between the swimming pools, saunas and leisure zones, however find time for seshin, a deeply invigorating full-body scrub that stimulates circulation and leaves pores and skin silky clean. Sparex Goodmorning City is tourist-friendly and open 24 hours a day, however should you’re craving extra privateness, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’s Korean sauna and Spa Heum have personal rooms.
6. Stock up on Ok-beautyPeople go to Olive Young Korean magnificence retailer within the Myeong-dong procuring district in Seoul by evening. TUPUNGATO/GETTY IMAGES
Seoul is a bona fide procuring mecca for magnificence and skincare lovers. To refill on cult favorites, from Mediheal’s sheet masks to Beauty of Joseon’s face sunscreen, swing by the nation’s premier retailer of reasonably priced Ok-beauty, Olive Young. There are loads of choices to help unbiased manufacturers, too. Consider reserving a make-your-own-skincare class at Seongsu-dong’s Whipped. Discover a sublime fragrance nobody else has at Changyong Park’s Written on Water, an enthralling perfume studio in Yeonhui-dong. Freshen up the drabbest areas in your house with Soohyang’s gorgeously scented candles, diffusers and wax tablets.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily publication
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists
7. Sleep in a hanok
1 of two
RAKKOJAE HANOK COLLECTION
Why sleep in a traditional lodge when you’ll be able to keep in a hanok, a conventional Korean home? That’s the pondering behind Rakkojae Seoul, a set of meticulously preserved historic residences outfitted with modern-day comforts. Staying right here is about slowing down and embracing quiet luxurious: Slumber on therapeutic jade ondol flooring; gasoline up within the morning with a conventional breakfast of rice, soup and banchan fantastically offered in brassware; or just bask within the tranquility. Despite being within the coronary heart of the town, Rakkojae Seoul feels far faraway from the town’s crowds and visitors.
8. Take in sky-high viewsThe glass-floored Seoul Sky Observatory within the Lotte World Tower. ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
Though South Korea’s capital is rewarding from the town streets, it is much more memorable from excessive above. Occupying the 76th by means of one hundred and first flooring of the Lotte World Tower, the world’s sixth-tallest constructing, Signiel Seoul is a lodge in contrast to another on the town with jaw-dropping fowl’s-eye views of the cityscape, dreamy lodging and opulent touches like Bar 81, the place’ll you discover the nation’s largest Champagne assortment. (It’s additionally a part of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.) Feeling particularly courageous? Head up a number of flooring to Seoul Sky, which holds a number of information, together with the world’s highest glass-floor observatory and quickest elevator.
Related studying: