Seoul is a capital city of South Korea located on the Han River in the north-western part of the country. Metropolitan city that seamlessly blends traditional Korean culture with contemporary urban life. As a traveler you can enjoy the multiple things under this city starting from the Gyeongbokgung Palace to enjoying the nightlife in Hongdae, giving a diverse array of experiences to backpackers.
In this blog post, we are going to provide some of the insightful information regarding personal perspective on exploring Seoul, including must visit attractions or things to do, delicious food markets, weather and best time to visit, villages, museums and exhibitions. It is not a big matter if you are a history enthusiast, shopping lover, or trying to find new cuisine, Seoul has everything.
Top 10 Things to do in Seoul
Under that we provide some of the 10 best things which will be really helpful for those who pack their backpack to Seoul, South Korea.
1. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
Let’s start our Seoul journey from one of the most iconic places to the largest of the Five Grand Palaces. Gyeongbokgung Palace is considered as the most striking and largest of the 5 grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Also called the Northern Palace built by King Taejo in 1395, where you can indulge yourself in free guided tours, re-enactments of royal rituals and exhibitions of artefacts and period costumes.
Under the palace ground you can discover some of the ancient marvels especially during the time of Joseon dynasty. Such as Gyeonghoeru pavilion, Hyangwonjeong pond and sculptures of royal audience chambers. Geunjeongjeon is a beautiful pavilion situated including an artificial pond and connected by the 3 stone bridges.
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2. Explore Bukchon Hanok Village
Located in the Jongo district of Seoul, South Korea is well known for being long and illustrious. Moreover it has passed through the traditional Korean houses and experienced the charm of old Seoul. Name represents that, it is a traditional village that is fully filled with a lot of Hanok called traditional Korean houses and alleys. Today Bukchon village is preserved with painstaking care and it exhibits a 600 year old urban colony. Moreover Bukchon is also home to a number of cultural centers and museums which represents Joseon dynasties richness.
However, Bukchon village has more Hanok restaurants which serve tea and traditional dishes in order to create an ambience from the time of the Josen dynasty. Gahoe museum, Buckhorn Asian art museum, donglim knot museum, Seoul intangible cultural heritage center and Bukchon traditional cultural center are major attractive and visited spots here.
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3. Shop and Eat in Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a well-known market and South Korea’s prime shopping district. Myeongdong includes departmental stores, shopping malls, independent shops and cafes and restaurants which all are popular. Moreover it also included shopping, street food, and a vibrant atmosphere. Myeongdong is not just a fashion hub, it is also home for numerous traditional Korean and Seoul dishes and cuisines. Street includes world famous fish cakes, tteokbokki (rice cake), Korean spicy fried chicken and bulgogi (grilled beef sirloin).
Moreover you can also try other dishes like soondae, Korean blood sausage, soya bean sprouts and green onion, noodles and mushrooms. Myeongdong market contains more than 1,000 Korean brands including natural republic, etude house, face shops, missha, skin care and skin food. You can also visit Seoul cultural and tourism center where you can watch live cultural and traditional dance and live events.
4. Hike up Namsan Mountain
Namsan is South Mountains in Seoul popularized as a prominent landmark hill point for backpackers and adventure seekers to climb to the top. A 262 meter high Namsan mountain traveler can take a leisure stroll up within an hour and the main trail is a well maintained long flight of stone steps. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top due to its central location of mountain. Generally considered a moderate challenging route which will take around 1 hour and 28 minutes to finish. Undoubtedly one of the most popular areas for walking in order to enjoy while exploring other backpackers.
If you visit during the winter season, trees on the mountains will change and during the spring season the cherry trees bloom. Namsan Mountains is surrounded by many beautiful things and due to being nestled in the heart of the city, where it can provides a 360 degree view of the city. Either you can take a ride on the Namsan cable ride or stroll it, which is going to be the most rated destination for a weekend destination.
5. Experience Korean traditional culture at Insadong
Insadong is a perfect spot to find a very rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere of Korea including history, art and culture. Insadong is a bustling city containing well maintained streets and buildings that offers a different perspective of the Koreans history and traditions. Along with that you can enjoy the unique shops, teahouses, and art galleries in this cultural district. It has a very historical background from the last 500 years, including traditional activities like artist works, poetries, intellectual activities and making traditional Korean crafts and gift items.
After the Japanese attack in 1945, Insadong was severely damaged and trying to restore their traditional things till today. Neighborhood boasts an array of antique stores, traditional Korean restaurants and street food vendors. Never miss to explore the things like Ssamziegil shopping center and its iconic spiral design and local handcrafts especially for visitors or backpackers.
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6. Visit N Seoul Tower
N Seoul tower situated on the mount Namsan provides a breath-taking view of Seoul and its nearby surroundings. It is 237 tall tower was built in 1969 especially reserved for broadcast channels both local and international TVs within city radiations. Along with that N Seoul tower also includes a digital observatory, open air terrace, grill French restaurants and pavilion cultural space. You are also fortunate to learn about Korea’s history through 32 LCD screens within a digital observatory.
Under N Seoul, the wooden desk is the most attractive spot for the couple’s padlocks and handwritten notes to the fence as a symbol of their love and relationships. N Seoul tower is accessible via Namsan cable car, shuttle bus and Seoul city tour bus at various price points. Never miss a trip to this iconic landmark for breathtaking views of the city and beyond.
7. Relax in the Banpo Hangang Park
Banpo Hangang Park is the green face that is surrounded by the beautiful scenery and recreational activities along the Han River. Located on the southern side of the Banpo Bridge, it stretches 7.2 kilometers starting from Hannam Bridge to Dongjak Bridge. It covers almost 5,67,600 square km of areas in order to offer fantastic and picturesque views of Namsan and the N Seoul tower across the Han River. You can also take steps amidst some of the great landmarks like Banpodaegyo Bridge, moonlight rainbow fountain, sevit floating islands, basketball court, bubble playgrounds, and Seoul night market.
At night, water spray from the fountain is really amazing which releases a seven-color rainbow under the illuminations of more than 200 lights. Banpo Island connects Banpo Hangang Park where we can see space for rest and entertainment. Every spring season travelers enjoy golden rapeseed flowers and banpo to butterfly and rapeseed flower festivals are held here. Do not miss to experience the ecological learning ground, boat yard and bicycle path.
8. Explore the War Memorial of Korea
The War Memorial of Korea is built for the honor of the Korean War (1950-1953) which exhibits film screening, educational programs, and cultural events. Situated in the Itaewon, the museum offers a number of war memorabilia, maps, painting, military equipment, memorial statues and battle records are available here. However you can also learn about Korean history and its military conflicts at this comprehensive museum.
Apart from the above documents, the War memorial of Korea is given more push to Seoul with its virtual combat experience rooms and 6 indoor exhibition halls which represent the major historical antiques and battle records. Under that Korean War exhibition has 3 halls which explain details about War and its history. While exploring the war memorial you can also spot black and white documentary footage of the main battle and events of the Korean War as well as display of over 20,000 artefacts and military equipment.
9. Take a trip to Gwangjang Market
Like Insadong, Gwangjang Market is considered Korea’s oldest and traditional market in Seoul. As a backpacker he can experience traditional Korean street food and local culture in one of the oldest markets in Seoul. Opened in 1905 and operates every day of the week. Market has over 5,000 shops selling anything from dromfood to clothes and home goods to kid’s toys. Interestingly these shops are run by the same family members throughout their generations. Gwangjang Market serves mostly authentic Korean foods and traditional Korean items and artefacts.
Under the market the major attraction are street stalls making and serving foods, known as one of the best places to try different Korean foods. Mostly includes street foods within the market for both domestic and international travelers. Keep in mind that Most of the street vendors do not have English language food menus, and they won’t speak in English so fluently. In that case they will be able to understand what you ordered.
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10. Enjoy the nightlife in Hongdae
Hongdae is a youthful and energetic neighborhood that offers a diverse range of entertainment, from music and dance performances to trendy bars and clubs. Moreover Hongdae is a well-known place for party lovers and dance makers. District which does not sleep just because of the time when you can see a lot of crowd even during 6 o’clock in the morning. Party scene in Hongdae includes more big clubs with long queues, and whole streets full of bars and clubs for a variety of things.
What ambience and atmosphere you are getting in Hongdae is much similar to the Thailand Nightlife. With the same features like clubs and long queues, it makes for a lively and friendly nightlife scene. Parties here offer most nonstop feedings and invites for more drinks. Remember the struggle of staying sober at parties in Korea is a more difficult task. Hongdae has a very diverse and vibrant taste in the whole Seoul city.
Weather or Temperature of Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, South Korea has a unique climate or weather conditions unlike any other Asian country. South Korea’s weather is straightforward and easy to understand. Seoul has minimal regional variations throughout the year and divides neatly into four distinct seasons.
In Seoul, Between Aprils to June there is delightful spring, between Julys to August weather is muggy and summer, Between Septembers to November weather will be refreshing autumn and Between Decembers to March condition is dry winter and freeze cold.
Seoul’s weather is majorly affected by factors like the country’s altitudinous interior and its warmer, windier and its coastlines.
Best time to visit
Best time to visit Seoul is probably the spring months of April, May and June and autumn months of September, October and November. During these months days are typically so friendly to explore and opportunity to see flower blossoms. Along with these seasons are more dry and sunny with comfortable average temperatures.
Size of Seoul
Seoul became the capital city of South Korea and was founded in 1948. Its total size goes to 234 square miles or 605 Square km.
Seoul Population
Simply called as it is the world’s 16th largest city and with a population of 51.44 million people.
Seoul Map
Q: What is the meaning of Seoul?
A: In Korean language Seoul means “capital city”, which is taken from the ancient word.
Q: Why Seoul so famous?
A: Seoul is a capital city of South Korea located on the Han River in the north-western part of the country. Metropolitan city that offers seamlessly blends traditional Korean culture with contemporary urban life.
