City: Seoul
Top Things to do in Seoul
Top 10 Things to do in Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is the business and cultural hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. Take it all in from the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park. The teahouses and shops of Insadong give you a taste of Korean flavor, which you can further experience with a visit to the grounds and museums of Gyeongbokgung. UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace is a fine example of authentic ancient architecture.
Restaurants in Seoul
1. Seoul Metro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 232423 - wiltshire
Very clean subway system that is easy to navigate once you get used to it. The trains are incredibly prompt and you'll hear a lovely jingle before your train arrives. The map lights up on board so its really clear which stop is coming up next. The stations are very clean and you'll actively see cleaners wiping down the subways on a daily basis (London could learn a thing or two from this). We're not sure if its permitted or not but we never saw anyone eating or drinking on the subway and we used it a lot, so its something to be way of.
The underground stations are HUGE and take 5-10 minutes walking when you're swapping lines, something to think about if you're in a hurry.
You have to use the T Money card to use the subway, topping up at stations or convenience stores with cash.
Also - absolutely do not sit in the seats designated for the elderly/pregnant (even if they are empty during your trip). This is frowned upon.
2. Bukhansan National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 863 reviews
One of the most popular pastimes in Seoul is hiking and this stunning national park just outside the city is a local favorite. Aside from a variety of hiking trails for every skill level, you’ll also see lots of flora and fauna, temples and ancient fortresses.
Reviewed By AandS_Norcal - Walnut Creek, California
We hired a private tour guide to be able to drive us to Mt Bukhan and Bukhansan National park- this was really one of the highlights of our trip—we walked a shorter trail up to Harujae ridge that just took ~1.5 hours round trip—nice stone steps looked natural but made it easy to climb- great views. Teenage girls enjoyed it as just a short enough hike. Pretty steep so coming down would be difficult for people with knee problems. Very nice morning outing for the drive and hike and able to get back to Seoul city center in the early afternoon.
3. The War Memorial of Korea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Poignant exhibits, war memorabilia, art works, and military equipment make this a perfect place to learn about Korea’s history of war, most notably with North Korea. Kids will enjoy the display of actual tanks and airplanes.
Reviewed By Jacqueline A - Hong Kong, China
Never get bored visiting this museum, the exterior ground is currently under renovation. Comparing to my last visit they've added a few machinery guns and displays on the North Korean army side. One could spend an easy 3-4 hours! And the best part is it's free.
4. Grevin Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 286 reviews
ENJOYS A WORLD CELEBRITY TOUR! From West to East, world-class celebrities take you all around the world. You can meet more than 80 life-size wax figures of world celebrities including the world largest collection of Korean celebrities’ figures. In Grevin Seoul Museum, not only can you take photos even selfies with wax figures, but also enjoy eight interactive digital experience games such as flight simulator, casino roulette, a game of creating your own virtual wax image. And an interesting Paris room was opened! All the popular attractions of Paris came in the trick art room with a perfect and fun illusion.
Reviewed By Hamiza H - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We went there since our daughter wanted to see the Korean wax museum up close and personal! Not a bad place to visit. You should get the Discover Seoul Pass if you wanted to visit this museum so that it would be worth the money...MoreThank you for sharing your interesting visit experience! Your review helps Grevin Seoul Museum to suit more with visitors' expectation. Hope to see you again in Grevin Seoul Museum! :)
5. National Museum of Korea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This is the largest museum in Korea with over 220,000 objects in its collection. It has six permanent exhibition galleries such as Historical Gallery and Fine Arts Gallery. It also has special exhibition halls, a children's museum, outdoor exhibit areas, restaurants, cafes, shops and other amenities. *Admission: Free to Permanent Exhibition & Children's Museum(changeable after 2010)*Hours: Tue/Thu/Fri: 9am-6pm, Wed/Sat: 9am-9pm, Sun/holidays: 9am-7pm, closed Mon & January 1st
Reviewed By htfenn
The building and setting are spacious. Exhibits are informative, but include reproductions. A pleasant way to spend a couple of hours on a rainy/cold day, especially if you like ceramic pots (there are tons of them!).
6. Yeouido Hangang Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
7. Hangang Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This park is a good place to get away from the crowds and bustle of Seoul. The cycling trails (bikes are available for rent) are popular as are the swan boat rides. And the views of the Han river and city are stunning.
Reviewed By Yujin O - Seoul, South Korea
Each Han River Park may have different features, but if you do not have time to visit a specific one, try a nearest one. The Promenade is very well paved, and the river is wide so you can feel the nature at the heart of Seoul. You can rent a bike too. The wind can be strong in the winter, so be well prepaired.
8. Seoul Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By Joyman L
Seoul forest which is 5min walk via Seoul metro (seoul forest station, Bundang line) is located close to the city. On approaching the park, there was a communal city veggie farm. It is free entry into the park and bicycles can be rented near the entrance.
This large park which can be seen from Namsan Tower, housed Seoul's first water purification plant. The purification plant which is still active can be visited in the park. In addition to the purification plant, there were other attractions such as the Cultural Art park, butterflies and insect garden (there was a rabbit pen close to the butterfly garden), deer feeding at the Ecology forest or just strolling through the park.
There are several convenience stores in the park selling snacks, coffee, ice cream, etc. Toilet and washroom facilities also available.
9. Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
Reviewed By Richard M - Southern Highlands
I went to 2 games. LG Twins are more popular than Doosan Bears but great atmosphere for both. The Korean baseball stadiums are designed so the home fans sit in shade, visitors burn in the sun. So buy your day game tickets for the 1st base side. For night games consider 3rd base as there are fewer visiting fans. The cheerleaders for SK Wyverns stuck around after the game and I got photos with both of them! Also go up to the very top for a good view of the Olympic Stadium.
10. Changdeokgung Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the city's jewel. It's as famous for its outstanding architectural details as for its verdant and expansive Gardens.
Reviewed By SomaK95762 - El Dorado Hills, California
It's one of the top attractions in Seoul. Looks similar to Gyeongbukgung palace. Haven't had a chance to see the secret Gardens inside but it was cool looking at all the buildings.
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