Exploring Seoul – The best things to do in South Korea's capital

Written by: Aimee White - Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Published: 1 July 2025

The capital of South Korea, Seoul is a city where ancient palaces stand proudly beside sleek skyscrapers. It seamlessly blends tradition and modernity – after all, this is where kimchi meets K-Pop. From renowned K-Beauty products to colourful traditions, immerse yourself in Asia’s most exciting city on our small group tour of South Korea, where you’ll be joined by like-minded explorers and a local tour leader with all the inside knowledge.

Read on to discover the best things to do in Seoul:
 

Getting to Seoul is easy thanks to its well-connected Incheon International Airport. From the airport you can take the Airport Railroad Express Train (AREX), buses or taxis into the city, while on our small group tour your tour leader will meet you at the airport before joining a free airport transfer to our hotel (1.5 hour drive).

Once in Seoul, getting around is convenient and affordable – the public transport is clean, safe and has English signage. Metro stations are huge – most have at least a few convenience stores inside – and the platforms are deep underground, so factor in some extra time if you’re getting around by public transport.

Walking is also a great way to see Seoul by foot. Seoul is notoriously hilly, so you’ll cover many steps in one day! We explore Seoul by public transport, allowing you time to take in famous sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hanok Village and Gwangjang Market.

Palaces, temples and hanok villages

Seoul’s palaces, temples and hanok villages offer a glimpse into Korea’s rich past. We visit Gyeongbokung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces, which stands as a majestic symbol of the Joseon Dynasty. A highlight is the colourful and impressive changing of the guard ceremony.

Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of preserved traditional Korean houses called hanok. They’re connected by little alleyways and hard-to-spot cafes – a beautiful place to get lost and feel as if you’ve travelled back in time. Ikseon-dong Hanok Village blends heritage with modern charm, where renovated hanok homes have been transformed into trendy cafes and restaurants.

Gangnam & K-culture

You’ve heard of “Gangnam Style” by K-Pop star PSY, but the district of Gangnam symbolises wealth and modernity. It’s home to numerous tech companies and K-Pop entertainment agencies, making it a hotspot for luxury fashion and pop culture. COEX Mall is a colossal shopping centre that’s also home to the swish Starfield Library, and the rest of Gangnam is punctuated with upscale shopping and luxury apartments. And there’s no missing the iconic Gangnam Style Sculpture located just outside the COEX Mall – all together now...

Hongdae

Is Hongdae Seoul’s coolest district? Decide for yourself as you wander around this trendy area, where you'll pass street performers hoping to be the next big thing and visit quirky cafes, art markets and vintage stores. Short for Hongik University, Hongdae has a youthful, arty feel, attracting students, artists and trendsetters alike. This modern district pulsates with energy and it's also an extremely popular nightlife spot, with queues thronging outside the latest nightclub or bar.  

Itaewon

Itaewon is famous for its international cuisine, vibrant nightlife and international community. There’s a definite cosmopolitan vibe here, and there’s also a few antique markets that throw up all kinds of unique finds – including London street traffic signs!

By night, Itaewon transforms into a bustling nightlife scene. Amid the vibrancy, Itaewon also holds a place of quiet remembrance: a small memorial board honours the victims of the tragic crowd crush that occurred in October 2022.

Street food

From spicy tteokbokki to sweet hotteok, Seoul’s street food culture is a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, and the varieties are endless! Night markets buzz with energy, offering quick, affordable bites. Vendors often add modern twists to classic recipes or are on-board with the latest trend (cheese-filled corn dog, anyone?).

Street food in Seoul isn’t just about eating; it’s a delicious way to explore Korean culture. On our South Korea small group tour, we visit one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea. Gwangjang Market has a popular food section that offers gimbap, mung bean pancake, tteokbokki, eomuk and more.

Myeong-dong

More than another trendy shopping district, Myeong-dong is also well-known for its pioneering street food. It's not somewhere you need to go for a simple bite to eat, but if you're interested in quirky takes and trendy food, it's worth swinging by. Try a Tornado Potato swirl (deep-fried spiral-shaped potatoes on a stick), Korean French Fry hot dogs and cones of ice cream so tall they resemble the N Seoul Tower (well, not quite, but you get the idea).

K‑BBQ & chimaek

A hallmark of Korean cuisine is the quintessential Korean BBQ. Best enjoyed by groups (so perfect on our tour!), there’s a built-in grill at the centre of your table, where you cook your own meat, seafood and vegetables. The meal also includes numerous side dishes – including the Korean staple, kimchi – and dipping sauces. Once the food is cooked, you wrap it all up in a hearty lettuce leaf and chomp away. Drink-wise, Korean barbecues are often paired with soju (a flavoured rice wine).

Another beloved staple of Korean cuisine might surprise you: chimaek, the irresistible pairing of fried chicken and beer. There’s no strict etiquette – just find a smaller, informal restaurant and settle in to enjoy the atmosphere. When it comes to beer, you’ll most likely be served Cass (lager). It’s so popular that you might even spot street art celebrating this iconic drink around Seoul!

Tea houses

Seoul’s teahouse culture offers a serene escape from the city’s typically fast pace. Traditional teahouses in areas like Insadong serve herbal and flower teas in Hanok settings, preserving Korean heritage. Modern cafes reinterpret this culture with creative blends and minimalist aesthetics.

As you sip on green, ginger or omija tea, embrace relaxation, conversation and a mindful rest. These teahouses reflect the city’s evolving identity – and not to mention appreciation for those much-needed quiet moments.

Jimjilbang spas

These bathhouse spas are a relaxing insight into traditional Korean wellbeing. There are gender-segregated bathing areas with hot tubs, saunas and cold pools, plus communal spaces to lounge in heated rooms. Jimjilbangs are a must-try for anyone seeking rest, rejuvenation and a taste of Korean wellbeing culture.

Hangang (Han River)

The Han River flows through the heart of Seoul, but it's also a great spot to get away from the crowds and simply enjoy the views. At night, bridges crossing the river light up with colourful displays. You'll spot runners, cyclists and walkers trailing along the riverside, or you can simply stop to admire the city skyline as it's reflected against the wide river. Discover more wellbeing travel trips here.

Urban parks

Seoul isn’t all go-go-go; there are spacious parks for the great fresh air. During our time in Seoul, we visit the Cheonggyecheon Stream, which flows through downtown Seoul and offers a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

Tapgol Park, near Insadong, is a small but historically significant green space in Seoul. Tapgol Park offers a peaceful retreat from busier areas like Gangnam and Hongdae, with its tree-lined paths and quieter atmosphere. Fans of Squid Game may also recognize the park as the backdrop for the opening scene in Season 2, Episode 1 (Bread and Lottery).

Insadong & Ssamziegil

Insadong is a charming spot to explore, with wooden teahouses, antique shops and local art shops. Here you’ll also find Ssamziegil, a unique four-storey shopping complex built around an open-air courtyard. Each level is lined with shops and restaurants that overlook the courtyard below, where you’ll find pop-up markets selling more local handicrafts.

Dongdaemun

To experience Seoul’s modern edge, start with Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This futuristic-looking architectural marvel was designed by none other than the late Zaha Hadid. You can either venture inside to explore exhibitions, events and pop-up activities, or simply wander around the outside to take in the building’s sleek, silver design – there are benches and walkways dotted throughout.

Practical tips for visiting Seoul

Getting around

Buy a rechargeable T-Money card. This is a pre-paid card that makes getting around Seoul much easier; you can use it on public transport, in convenience stores and even taxis. Essentially, anywhere you see the T-Money logo, you can use your card. Buy one either at the airport or from a convenience store.

Google Maps doesn’t work great in South Korea – try KakaoMap or Naver Map, instead.

When to visit

Our South Korea small group tour runs between September to November. This is an ideal time to visit South Korea, as you avoid the full heat of summer and will travel around the country in more comfortable temperatures. Plus, you’ll see the country in full autumnal bloom, with fiery, vibrant foliage peppering the landscapes.

“While we saw Seoul’s highlights, I felt like I could have easily spent a whole extra week to see and do everything else on offer. I loved the modernity and lively nighttime vibe. The National Museum did a great job of explaining how a war-torn agrarian country with limited natural resources has transformed itself into an Asian economic powerhouse in just a few decades.” – James Adkin, Asia Programme Manager

Language

While your expert local tour leader will bridge any language barriers, learning a few basic phrases will go a long way:
Hello: Annyeonghaseyo (an-yon-HASS-say-yo)
Thank you: Gamsahamnida (gam-sa-HAM-nee-da)

Money

South Korea’s local currency is the Korean won (₩/KRW). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted but you’ll need to find ATMs that accept international cards – there’s usually a ‘Global ATM’ sign on them. You can also use cash, too.

Tourists can get VAT refunds on purchases over a certain amount; look for the Tax Free signs. To claim your refunds, show your receipts at designated offices or kiosks – another option is to use the one at the airport, so you can fit in some final shopping before your return flight home.