Places to visit in Seoul

34 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/seoul, r/koreatravel, r/Living_in_Korea, X

Visitors recommend the Han River, and many praise biking along its paths, with a few mentioning bike rentals. Many also run the riverside tracks, and a few praise the public toilets and water stations along them. Many enjoy evenings by the water, and several mention picnics and convenience-store ramen, while one visitor warns it can get crowded.

30 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/seoul, r/koreatravel

Most visitors recommend the National Museum of Korea, and several say it works well for kids, especially its children's section. A few praise the exhibits as high quality and well presented, and several note that entry is free. A few find parts of it dull or underwhelming: a couple say the upper floors fall short, while another finds them more interesting than the ground floor. One visitor finds the main building enormous and poorly presented, and another says the bag scanning at entry is a hassle.

26 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/seoul, r/koreatravel, r/korea

Most visitors who weigh in recommend the stream, many suggest a stroll along it, and several call it a favorite spot in the city. A few single out autumn evenings, one suggests a night walk with views of city-centre buildings, and a couple of visitors mention dipping their feet in the water. One visitor finds it poorly suited to hot weather, with trees far from the water and concrete banks.

25 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/korea, r/koreatravel, r/seoul, X

Many visitors recommend Gyeongbokgung Palace, and a few mention its guard-changing ceremony. Some suggest walking the grounds in hanbok, a couple of visitors say a visit fills a few hours, and a few say it can be combined with nearby Deoksugung, Changdeokgung or Bukchon in one walkable day. Caveats include a few visitors who find it crowded, a few who mention protests nearby, and a few who prefer Changdeokgung, while one visitor warns demonstrations can make it hard to enter. One visitor finds dressing in hanbok cheesy, and another warns that winter cold can make a full day of palaces exhausting.

24 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/koreatravel, r/Living_in_Korea, r/seoul, X

Most visitors recommend Seoul Forest, and many describe it as a pleasant spot for strolling and unwinding. One visitor finds it especially good for evening walks, a couple mention deer in the park, and another praises the cherry blossoms. A few say it gets crowded, especially during big events, and one visitor advises spending little time there unless a major event is on.

24 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/koreatravel, r/seoul, r/Living_in_Korea, X

Most visitors recommend N Seoul Tower, and several say its views are good; a few suggest a sunset or night visit. Many visitors suggest hiking to the tower, and some suggest a bus instead. One visitor says interior reflections off the glass kill the view at night, another finds window reflections interfere with otherwise decent views, and a couple of visitors find cable car waits a drawback. One visitor saw no view on a cloudy day, and another says Seoul Sky has the stronger view.

17 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/seoul, r/koreatravel, r/korea

Many visitors suggest hiking or walking up Namsan, and a couple pair the climb with a visit to the tower. One calls it a good first hike for beginners, and another suggests going in the cool morning. A couple of visitors caution that hazy or cloudy days can waste the trip, and one visitor finds another mountain's view more impressive.

15 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/koreatravel, r/seoul, r/Living_in_Korea

A few visitors call the War Memorial of Korea informative, and a couple suggest it as an alternative to a longer day-trip itinerary. One suggests it for a rainy day. One visitor finds the ancient history section stronger and the modern exhibits more one-sided, and a couple say it is not a common tourist pick.

15 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/seoul, r/koreatravel, r/Living_in_Korea

Most visitors who mention Lotte World Tower recommend it, mainly for the Seoul Sky observatory and its observation levels, and a couple rank it above COEX. A few visitors pair it with a stroll around Seokchon Lake, and a couple like seeing the tower at sunset. Caveats: one visitor feels a visit that skips the top is only worth it for shopping, one notes it may not suit anyone afraid of heights, and another found waiting outside in freezing weather for the New Year fireworks not worth it for such a short show.

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/korea, r/koreatravel, r/seoul, X

Many visitors recommend Bukhansan National Park as a hike near Seoul, and a couple praise the views. One visitor says the trails are well signposted, while another found the trailhead tricky to locate. One says reaching the summit is the most rewarding part, and several say it deserves a full day rather than a rushed visit. One visitor warns that older shoes can end up badly worn.

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/seoul, r/koreatravel

Most visitors recommend Mangwon Market, and a few prefer it to Gwangjang Market. A few say it feels calmer and more local than busier markets, while one says it is becoming more touristy. Caveats: one commenter says Seoul Central Market is much better, and a couple describe it as small, though central enough to wander. One suggests going at opening to dodge crowds, and a couple suggest a riverside picnic with food from it.

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/koreatravel, r/korea, r/seoul, X

Visitors recommend Changdeokgung, and several praise its gardens as lovely. A couple prefer it to Gyeongbokgung, and one visitor finds it less crowded. Two visitors say it sits within walking distance of other palaces, so the sights can be done on foot in one day. One visitor warns that cramming it into a long winter day of outdoor sightseeing can be exhausting.

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/koreatravel, r/seoul, r/Living_in_Korea

Most visitors recommend the Leeum Museum of Art, and several single out its architecture as a reason to go, with one liking the exterior view. A few praise the art on show, with one finding the exhibits engaging across the galleries and another praising the collection. One visitor warns tickets may be hard to obtain.

10 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/seoul, r/koreatravel

Overall, visitors lean toward recommending the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace. Several call it beautiful, a couple describe it as calm and restful, and one prefers it to the main palace. The main caveat is getting in: a couple of visitors found booking hard, with slots going almost immediately, and others say booking ahead may be needed. One visitor found it underwhelming, closer to woods with a few buildings than a true garden, while another notes English tours run at set times and suggests pairing it with the palace tour and nearby hanok village.

9 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/koreatravel, r/seoul

Visitors recommend Namdaemun Market, and a couple enjoy strolling its stalls and sampling snacks. One visitor who went during heavy rain found its narrow inner lanes with small eateries worth exploring. One visitor says it is more popular with tourists than other markets, one warns it is largely empty late at night, and another warns others off.

9 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/koreatravel, r/seoul, r/Living_in_Korea

Many visitors recommend Bukchon Hanok Village, and a few say it is close to the palaces and can be combined with them on foot. One visitor praises the traditional architecture and streets, and another suggests timing a visit for the autumn leaves. Caveats include a couple of visitors who describe daytime crowds, a few who note visitor restrictions, and a couple who say there is less history to see than expected. One visitor finds it pleasant to stay in but short on nearby services.

9 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/seoul, r/koreatravel

Many visitors recommend Olympic Park, with one describing it as a relaxing outdoor space with sculptures, museums and recreation options. One visitor enjoyed the sculptures and the rabbits, and another says the autumn colours make it worth going. Several offer reservations: one finds it lifeless next to other parks, another would skip it on a short trip, and one saw only green trees on an autumn visit. One visitor would not recommend it overall but notes its site holds little-known historic remains.

7 people recommendvia r/koreatravel, r/seoul

Many visitors recommend Seokchon Lake: several suggest a walk around the water, and some pair it with Lotte World Tower. One visitor notes the area around the lake gets busy on weekends, one suggests an evening visit to beat the heat, and another suggests a night visit to relax by the water.

7 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/koreatravel, r/korea, r/seoul

Visitors recommend Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and a couple point architecture fans toward it, with one noting the building is a Zaha Hadid design. One suggests seeing it after dark, when it looks futuristic, and another suggests it as a spot to watch fireworks. One visitor found it dull on their visit. One visitor suggests its indoor play area for a young child.

7 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/koreatravel, r/seoul, r/Living_in_Korea

Visitors who mention Gwanghwamun Square generally treat it as a central Seoul stop worth making, and one says they enjoy it. One visitor suggests visiting around dusk or at night for smaller crowds, cooler air and good statue photos, and another says it captures the real character of Seoul. One visitor notes it is a frequent demonstration site that can be hard to walk through.

6 people recommendvia r/koreatravel, r/seoul

Visitors recommend Mangwon Hangang Park, a Han River park in the Mangwon area. Two visitors mention a riverside picnic here, and one suggests picking up food at Mangwon Market first. One visitor finds it always pleasant, another names it as their favorite riverside spot, and one places it first among Han River parks.

5 people recommendvia r/koreatravel, r/seoul

Visitors recommend Jogyesa Temple, and a couple mention it alongside Insadong. One visitor describes it as beautiful and easy to fit in near Changdeokgung. Another suggests walking from Jongno through to reach it, and one notes the temple is always open, which suits an early start.

5 people recommendvia r/koreatravel, r/seoul

Visitors recommend Namsangol Hanok Village, and a couple of them point to it as a walking destination. One visitor says there is a range of things to do, and another was pleased by translated information for international visitors. Another visitor says it is the stronger choice for history than Bukchon, and one says it draws fewer crowds and is simpler to take in.

5 people recommendvia r/seoul

Visitors recommend Banpo Bridge, and several point to its evening light show. One visitor enjoys the show with fried chicken by the river and finds it distinctive, and another suggests pairing it with the drone show.