If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, you simply have to explore the best Seoul attractions, right? As the capital of Korea, Seoul is a vibrant hub of beauty trends, fashion, and exciting theme parks. With its distinct four seasons, there’s always something new to see. I’ve curated a list of 17 must-visit Seoul attractions, plus some local hidden gems that only insiders know about, so you can fully experience the beauty of Seoul!
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Recommended Seoul Attractions
Seoul Attractions #1 | COEX Aquarium
COEX Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in South Korea and is often called the “Ocean of Seoul.” It is one of the most popular Seoul attractions, making it a perfect destination for both families and couples. Located inside the massive Starfield COEX Mall, it is the largest aquarium in the city, housing over 40,000 marine creatures from 600 species across 16 themed zones.
The highlight is the two-story-high tank featuring spectacular sardine performances and an underwater tunnel where giant stingrays glide right over your head. It’s a fantastic spot for “Instagrammable” photos. Since it’s right next to the famous Starfield Library, it’s easy to visit both on the same day.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Seoul COEX Aquarium Ticket: KKday｜Klook
Seoul Attractions #2 | Gyeongbokgung Palace
The world-famous Gyeongbokgung Palace is an essential stop among Seoul attractions. With over 600 years of history, it exudes the traditional charm of the Joseon Dynasty. Inside, you can explore beautiful Hanok structures and the grand throne room. A must-do experience is renting a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) to feel like royalty while strolling through the palace grounds—it’s the best way to capture stunning travel photos.
To get there, take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station or Gwanghwamun Station. It’s about a 10-minute walk, allowing you to see where the traditional and modern sides of Seoul meet along the way.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Rental: KKday｜Klook
📌 Gyeongbokgung, Namsangol Hanok Village & N Seoul Tower Day Tour: Klook
Seoul Attractions #3 | Lotte World
When it comes to theme parks among Seoul attractions, Lotte World is a top pick. Located at Jamsil Station, this massive complex includes an indoor park, an outdoor island, a luxury department store, and a mall. You can spend the morning riding roller coasters and the evening shopping until you drop.
A fun trend here is renting high school uniforms to wear while exploring the park—taking photos in front of the fairy-tale castle is a must. For thrill-seekers, the indoor “Spanish Pirate Ship” is famous for its extreme height and angle!
Ticket Deals:
📌 Lotte World Theme Park & Aquarium Discount Tickets: KKday｜Klook
Seoul Attractions #4 | Everland
If you’re looking for a larger-scale adventure, Everland is the place to be. As Korea’s largest theme park, it’s a powerhouse among Seoul attractions. The park is divided into a massive amusement area with world-record roller coasters and “Zootopia,” a large zoo where you can see lions, elephants, and giraffes.
Like Lotte World, uniform and character costume rentals are very popular here, making it a great place to create fun memories with friends or family while exploring the various zones.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Everland Theme Park Admission Ticket: KKday｜Klook
Seoul Attractions #5 | N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)
Famous for its “Love Locks,” N Seoul Tower is a landmark sight among Seoul attractions and a must-visit for couples. Perched on Namsan Mountain, it offers a 360-degree view of the city skyline. It’s located right near the Myeongdong shopping district, so you can easily take the cable car up for the view and head down for shopping afterwards.
Don’t forget to try the famous Namsan Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) nearby. Eating a traditional Korean-style fried pork cutlet while overlooking the city is a classic Seoul experience.
Ticket Deals:
📌 N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket: KKday｜Klook
Seoul Attractions #6 | Bukchon Hanok Village
One of the most trendy Seoul attractions in recent years is Bukchon Hanok Village. Getting off at Anguk Station feels like stepping back in time. These traditional Korean houses (Hanok) are situated right in the heart of the modern city, creating a striking contrast that is truly unforgettable.
The village is full of artisan shops, boutique cafes, and traditional tea houses. It’s the perfect place to experience a slower pace of life while capturing beautiful photos of the historic architecture.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Hanbok Experience with Hairstyling: Klook
📌 Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village & Gwangjang Market Tour: Klook
Seoul Attractions #7 | Gwangjang Market
When discussing food-related Seoul attractions, Gwangjang Market is always at the top of the list. Located at Jongno 5-ga Station, this historic traditional market is famous for its incredible street food. From twisted donuts and sweet rice sikhye to spicy tteokbokki and fish cakes, there is so much to taste.
Pro tip: eat like a local by grabbing some “Mayak Gimbap” (mini seaweed rolls) and pairing them with raw beef (Yukhoe) and live octopus (Sannakji) at one of the specialized stalls. For those who enjoy a drink, a glass of Soju with raw beef is the most authentic way to experience this market.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Seoul Gwangjang Market Food Tour: KKday｜Klook
Seoul Attractions #8 | NANTA Show
Beyond K-pop, what other performances are must-sees? The globally acclaimed NANTA Show is one of them! It’s a non-verbal percussion performance using kitchen tools like knives and cutting boards, blending traditional folk music with modern rhythms. The show is packed with humor and audience interaction, making it a hit for international visitors.
With dedicated theaters in Myeongdong and Hongdae, it’s one of the most convenient Seoul attractions to add to your itinerary. It’s a great way to rest your feet after a long day of shopping while enjoying a world-class show.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Seoul NANTA Show Tickets: KKday｜Klook
Seoul Attractions #9 | Nami Island
If you’re looking for a day trip among Seoul attractions, Nami Island is the top choice. Located on the border of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do, it’s famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn. It became a global icon as the filming location for the K-drama “Winter Sonata.”
Besides the beautiful forest paths, you can also enjoy the nearby Gangchon Rail Bike for a scenic ride through the countryside. Many visitors combine Nami Island with Petite France or Italian Village for a full day of “European” vibes within Korea.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Nami Island & Mt. Seorak Day Tour: Klook
📌 Nami Island, Petite France & Rail Bike Day Trip: Klook
Seoul Attractions #10 | Wild Wild (Dream) Show
Ladies, take note! One of the most unique and high-energy Seoul attractions for women is the Wild Wild Show. This 19+ musical is performed by a cast of incredibly fit men, blending dance and acrobatics with a touch of steaminess. It’s an artistic and thrilling performance that has become a viral hit among female travelers.
The show is highly interactive, featuring segments where performers move into the audience for dances. It’s a fun, safe, and exciting night out for a “girls’ trip” in Seoul.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Wild Wild: After Party Show Tickets: KKday｜Klook
Seoul Attractions #11 | DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
For a deeper look into Korean history, the DMZ is one of the most fascinating Seoul attractions. Located at the 38th parallel, it is the buffer zone between North and South Korea and remains one of the world’s most mysterious military zones. A guided day tour is the only way to explore this restricted area.
The tour provides profound insights into the history of the Korean War and the ongoing tension on the peninsula. It’s an educational and sobering experience that offers a perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
Ticket Deals:
📌 DMZ Tour from Seoul: KKday｜Klook
Seoul Attractions #12 | Dongdaemun Shopping District
For shopaholics, the king of Seoul attractions is Dongdaemun. This district is home to massive malls like DOOTA, Hyundai City Outlet, and many others. It’s a place where you can shop until your feet hurt and your bags are full.
Dongdaemun is also the world center for wholesale fashion. Many buildings only open late at night for wholesalers, but individuals can still find incredible deals on the latest trends without breaking the bank.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Dongdaemun Super PASS: Klook
Seoul Attractions #13 | Daehak-ro
Daehak-ro is the artistic soul of the city and a hub for Korean “hipsters.” It’s filled with small theaters and vintage shops. Located at Hyehwa Station, it’s near Sungkyunkwan University and other Seoul attractions like Naksan Park and Ihwa Mural Village. In autumn, the ginkgo trees on campus turn a stunning gold, offering a unique university atmosphere.
If you enjoy performing arts, I highly recommend catching a musical or play here. The famous musical “Finding Mr. Destiny” originated here and is a local favorite.
Seoul Attractions #14 | Myeongdong
As the “Beauty Capital” of the world, Myeongdong is where you go for all things cosmetics. It’s one of the most central Seoul attractions, packed with beauty brand flagship stores and trendy fashion shops. Almost every store has English-speaking staff, making it effortless to stock up on your skincare favorites.
The street food scene in Myeongdong is also legendary—think of it as a nightly festival of snacks like grilled lobster, fish cakes, and fried chicken. It’s also home to some of the best Chinese-Korean food (Jajangmyeon and Tangsuyuk) in the city.
Seoul Attractions #15 | Hongdae
Hongdae is the beating heart of Seoul’s youth culture. Known for its affordable trends and vibrant street performances, it’s an essential stop among Seoul attractions. Here you can find the latest K-style clothing, indie boutiques, and bustling nightlife.
Hongdae is also the best place for “K-Beauty” experiences like professional hair salons, ID photo studios, and personal color analysis sessions to help you find your perfect makeup palette.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Professional Hairstyling in Hongdae: Klook
📌 Professional ID Photo Shoot in Hongdae: KKday
📌 Personal Color Analysis in Hongdae: KKday
Seoul Attractions #16 | Seongsu-dong
Known as the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” Seongsu-dong is currently the trendiest area for young locals. Walking from Seongsu Station to Seoul Forest, you’ll find a massive concentration of designer pop-up shops, unique cafes, and local brands. It’s much more relaxed than Myeongdong and perfect for a stylish afternoon stroll.
The area extends into the Konkuk University district, which has a high-energy vibe filled with student-friendly pubs and restaurants, offering a deep dive into Seoul’s modern youth culture.
Seoul Attractions #17 | Ikseon-dong
Ikseon-dong is a unique neighborhood where clusters of traditional Hanok houses are nestled among soaring skyscrapers. It was originally preserved by locals to protect Korean culture during the colonial era and is now a top-tier tourist destination. It was even a filming site for the hit drama “Goblin.”
Today, Ikseon-dong is packed with gourmet restaurants and boutique shops. I highly recommend visiting in the evening to enjoy the moody, historic atmosphere, and then walking to the nearby “Pojangmacha” (street tent) street to eat like a character in a K-drama.
Hidden Gem Seoul Attractions
Seoul Hidden Gem #1 | Seodaemun Prison History Hall
For history buffs, Seodaemun Prison is a highly recommended hidden gem among Seoul attractions. Located at Dongnimmun Station, it’s often overlooked by mainstream tourists. It was a primary site for the incarceration of Korean independence activists during the Japanese occupation.
The museum reconstructs the original prison cells and interrogation rooms, providing a powerful and moving look at Korea’s struggle for independence. Nearby, the Yeongcheon Market is a great place to try traditional snacks like “Kkwabaegi” (twisted donuts) after your visit.
Seoul Hidden Gem #2 | Korean Folk Village
Fans of historical K-dramas like “Sungkyunkwan Scandal” or “My Love from the Star” shouldn’t miss the Korean Folk Village in Yongin. It’s an immersive living museum that transports you back to the late Joseon period.
The park includes noble residences, peasant homes, and even a jail. You can watch traditional horseback martial arts and farmers’ music performances. It’s a full day of cultural immersion that feels like walking onto a film set.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Korean Folk Village Admission Ticket: Klook
📌 Korean Folk Village & Suwon Hwaseong Day Trip: Klook
Seoul Hidden Gem #3 | Seoul Grand Park
Seoul Grand Park is the largest zoo in Seoul and a massive ecological complex. While Everland is more of a theme park, Seoul Grand Park is where locals go for a quiet, natural experience. You can take the “Elephant Train” through the park or ride the Sky Lift for a scenic view of the animals and mountains.
It’s the number one choice for Korean families, providing a more authentic local vibe compared to other Seoul attractions. The vast grounds are perfect for a full day of exploration away from the central urban rush.
Ticket Deals:
📌 Seoul Land & Seoul Grand Park Tickets: Klook
Seoul Hidden Gem #4 | Seoul Children’s Grand Park
If Seoul Grand Park is too far, head to Seoul Children’s Grand Park in the city center. This park offers free entry and includes a small zoo with elephants and monkeys. It’s a popular spot for university students and families from nearby Konkuk and Sejong Universities.
In spring and autumn, the cherry blossoms and maple leaves here are stunning. It’s one of the best budget-friendly Seoul attractions for those wanting to escape the city’s neon lights for a few hours of peace.
Seoul Hidden Gem #5 | Eurwangni Beach (Incheon)
If you’re a fan of the reality show “EXchange” (Transit Love), you’ll recognize this spot. Eurwangni Beach, located near Incheon Airport, is a prime dating spot for young Koreans. The classic activity here is sitting by a window at sunset, grilling fresh scallops while watching the tide come in.
Because it’s so close to the airport, it’s the perfect final stop for your trip. You can catch one last dose of Korean romance and a great seafood meal before catching your flight!
That wraps up our guide to the top Seoul attractions! Whether you are here for shopping, culture, or amusement parks, this list of 17 mainstream spots and 5 local favorites has everything you need to experience the best of Korea. You can also see more information in Seoul travel guide article! Happy travels!
Check some hot tours in Seoul:
📌 Hanbok Rental at Gyeongbokgung: KKday
📌 Lotte World & Aquarium Tickets: KKday｜Klook
📌 Everland Theme Park Tickets: KKday｜Klook
📌 N Seoul Tower Tickets: Klook
📌 South Korea Unlimited Data SIM/eSIM: KKday｜Holafly
📌 NAMANE Customizable Travel Card: KKday｜Klook
📌 AREX Incheon Airport Express Train: KKday｜Klook
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