While visiting Seoul, South Korea, you’ll quickly realize that there is no shortage of fun and cool things to do! Below, I’m going to list my personal top 10 of amazing things to do in Seoul from my time living there as an expat! They are in no particular order, because I simply love them all!
1. Eat Korean BBQ
There is no shortage of Korean BBQ places in Seoul! The best part is eating your way through many of them in order to determine your favourite! Mine personally is located in Yeoksam-Dong and I just find it to be simply delicious! Simply select the meats, they will be delivered to your table for you to grill and included with your order will be a variety of small dishes called bunchan.
Korean BBQ Restaurant Location is here!
2. Go for a hike at Bukhansan National Park
It is amazing that there are some beautiful hikes so close to Seoul, and it is easy to get to via transit! I hiked in the month of June and was in awe at how much greenery there was in the mountains. I chose to hike Dobangsan Mountain, and it offered an incredible view of Seoul. If you enjoy going for hikes, then this is where you want to be! Be mindful that some of the hikes are pretty challenging, and you want to ensure you have at least some hiking shoes!
3. Visit a Dog Cafe
Animal and pet cafes are rather common in Seoul. Due to us bringing our pup to South Korea, I personally enjoyed going to the dog cafes! It is really neat for the dogs to get socialized in a cozy environment; however, as our dog was a large size, he was not accepted into all dog cafes. If you attend one, you are expected to purchase a drink. Due to the nature of the maintenance needed to keep the cafes clean, each drink will cost you approximately 10,000krw.
4. See the Cherry Blossoms! (April)
Spring is by far my favourite season in Seoul! The flowers are starting to bloom, and you also get to experience the magic of seeing cherry blossoms! They usually bloom from late March (Southern South Korea) until early April, and they only last a short time! Don’t miss out! It’s a MUST-see!
5. Shop at Gangnam Underground
My mind was blown the first time I went underground in Gangnam. At Gangnam Station, there are 12 exits with a large underground shopping area connecting them. It is one of the most amazing things to do in Seoul, as it’s an experience quite like no other! There are lots of clothing, jewelry, electronic stores and much more! There is also a decent food/drink area as well! They offer great prices, and I definitely go there for many of my shopping needs!
6. Explore Bukchon Hanok Village
Exploring Bukchon Hanok Village is a great way to learn more about traditional Korean culture as you roam around the village. We were even offered a free short tour from a local guide while we were there, and he taught us about traditional Korean houses. This was really neat and very informative, and we really enjoyed our time there. We explored for just over an hour, and you can even find a map that highlights prime photo opportunities.
7. Go skating at Olympic Park (December – February)
If you are in Seoul during the winter, then be sure to visit the Olympic Park! The park was built originally for the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games, and you can still see the Olympic flame lit to this date! In the winter months, they also have a skating rink for you to enjoy! The skating fee is 3000krw, and you are able to skate in 1-hour and 20-minute slots. It is best to double-check the times before going. This was a great way to spend an afternoon, and I look forward to going again soon! Looking for more info? Click here for more details!
8. Attend the Seoul Lantern Festival (November)
The Seoul Lantern Festival is by far my favourite festival in Seoul! It occurs every November, and I write more about it here! It will be chilly, so you’ll certainly have to bundle up. You will take a stroll by the Cheonggycheon Stream while admiring the amazing lanterns that are on display. The detail is quite intricate, and I always thought that it was really well done. There are also lots of cafes and stands for you to purchase a yummy hot beverage to take with you on your walk! I highly recommend you go and visit as it’s truly one of the most amazing things to do in Seoul!
9. Attend a baseball game at the Sports Complex (March – October)
Now I am already a big fan of baseball as is, but attending a game in South Korea will certainly blow your mind. It is SO MUCH FUN! You can bring your own food and drinks into the stadium, and overall, tickets are pretty cheap! We usually try to sit close to the cheering section, and on average, we usually pay around 15000 krw for each ticket (2018 prices). There is so much energy during the entire game, and I always looked forward to attending!
10. Explore Namdaemun Market
This is my absolute favourite market in Seoul! It is my go-to place to purchase souvenirs for my family and friends. You can probably get some of the best prices for souvenirs here, and there is such a variety of things you can get! They also have great street food here, including Hotteok (yummy Korean pancake) and meat skewers. The market itself is quite large, and you can easily explore here for a few hours!
Seoul is such a fun city to explore, and I loved my time here as an expat! These 10 amazing things to do in Seoul were so much fun and always made the list to go to when family and friends were visiting. If you are visiting Seoul for the first time, check out Seoul Itinerary for First Timers – it’s a 3-Day Itinerary to help you explore the best of the city!
I hope that you enjoy your visit to Seoul! Let me know what you are looking forward to seeing the most!
