Keep exploring

Let’s take a quick break in your tour to highlight a few more places worth seeing that didn’t make it into our main itinerary. If you want to keep exploring the South Korean capital, start with the four other royal palaces from the Joseon dynasty: Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Deoksugung Palace, which became a royal residence in 1611; Changgyeonggung Palace, known for its beautiful botanical garden; and Gyeonghuigung Palace, once a secondary residence for the king. When it comes to temples, don’t miss the striking Bongeunsa Temple or the beautifully preserved Gilsangsa Temple.

Beyond these major landmarks, Seoul is best discovered district by district, as it’s a sprawling city. The most touristy area is Myeongdong, a lively shopping hub packed with street stalls, department stores, and restaurants serving food from all over the world. While you’re there, check out Myeongdong Cathedral, the first Gothic-style brick cathedral built in Seoul, as well as the Grand Theater and City Hall, both worth a look.

Just steps from City Hall, you’ll find Deoksugung Palace. Head a little further south and you’ll reach Namdaemun Market, Seoul’s oldest and largest market, open 24 hours a day and offering everything from clothes and accessories to all kinds of goods and souvenirs. Right next to it stands Sungnyemun Gate, also known as Namdaemun, the largest gate in Korea and officially designated as the country’s first National Treasure.

In the same area, Namsangol Hanok Village offers a charming collection of traditional Korean Hanok houses, with quaint shops tucked along its narrow lanes. For nightlife, the youthful Hongdae district is the place to be, brimming with bars, restaurants, and clubs with quirky, creative concepts that capture the city’s vibrant energy. Another must-see is the upscale district of Gangnam, made famous worldwide by the hit song “Gangnam Style”, home to the COEX, the largest underground shopping mall in the world, with Bongeunsa Temple right across the street.

Nature lovers should make their way to Bukhansan National Park for scenic hiking trails through the mountains, dotted with Buddhist temples and leading to Bukhansanseong Fortress, built in the 18th century to defend against invasions. The park’s viewpoints offer spectacular vistas over Seoul and the surrounding region, far from the downtown bustle. If you prefer to stay closer to the city center, Namsan Park is perfect for a nature escape, with hiking trails and, at its summit, the famous N Seoul Tower, where breathtaking panoramic views await.

For a truly unique experience, take a guided excursion from Seoul to the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone established after the Korean War in 1953 to create a buffer between the two Koreas and prevent further conflict. Visiting is only possible on an organized tour with a licensed guide, who can take you into this tense yet fascinating area. With all that on your list, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy if you decide to stay a while longer in the region.