Choose from 77 Fun Things to Do in Seoul
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 77 listings.
Imjingak Park
Imjingak Park is located within the demilitarized zone (DMZ) of North Korea and South Korea. The park is dedicated to the 10 million South Koreans who were separated from their families when the peninsula was divided, with various monuments, statues, and other points of interest throughout.
Imjingak Park is located on the banks of the Imjin River and is the furthest point north that South Koreans can freely travel. There’s a three-story observation deck that provides an aerial view of the Imjin River and beyond towards North Korea. The Freedom Bridge, connecting North and South, was where 13,000 POWs were exchanged in the 1950s and is located where the former railroad bridge once stood.
Mangbaedan Alter is where Koreans separated from their families in the North visit to perform ancestral rites by bowing their heads towards their hometowns on certain days of the year. The park also features a wall of commemorative ribbons, a number of souvenir shops, and a restaurant.
Practical Info
Only designated shuttle buses can enter this area, so it is recommended to book onto a DMZ tour to visit Imjingak Park.
Address: Imjingak Park, DMZ Zone, Paju, South Korea
From $ 40
Namsangol Hanok Village
This well-preserved village is home to five restored traditional Korean houses, as well as a quiet pond and a picturesque pavilion. Though some consider this destination a bit too touristy, others say the rebuilt homes from the Joseon Dynasty perfectly illustrate the daily lives of locals during ancient times.
Travelers can wander through the homes of both peasants and kings while they explore typical life. A traditional craftwork shop offers travelers the chance to pick up traditional games and historic replicas. On weekends visitors can take part in a traditional wedding ceremony and sometimes catch other performances, like kite flying and the five-colored experience that showcase local dance and culture.
Practical Info
The village is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. It is accessible via public transit using the Chungmuro Subway Station.
Address: 28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday through Monday
From $ 18
Namdaemun Market
Whether you’re looking for street food, ginseng, jewelry, housewares, clothes, or souvenirs, you’ll find these (and just about everything else under the sun) in the stalls of Namdaemun Market. South Korea’s largest market is busy around the clock as locals and tourists rub elbows in search of the best deals.
The Basics
Namdaemun ranks among Seoul’s most popular shopping destinations. The market is often a stop on sightseeing tours of the city, but dedicated shopping tours dig deepest into the market, giving travelers local insight into how and where to find the best bargains. Foodies can treat themselves to a market tasting tour, to sample some of the best bites from among the market’s 10,000 stalls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Namdaemun Market is a must-visit for shoppers, foodies, and first time visitors.
- Mild haggling is expected, so don’t feel that you must pay the initial asking price.
- It’s easy to get turned around in the market; join a guided tour to ensure you won’t get lost.
- While credit cards are accepted at some stores, it’s a good idea to bring some cash in small denominations.
How to Get There
Numerous public buses stop at Namdaemun Market, but the easiest and most convenient way to get there is by taking the Seoul subway to Hoehyeon Station (Line 4) and leaving through Exit 5.
When to Get There
Namdaemun Market is almost always open. Most of the market activity takes place during daytime hours, though wholesalers stay open through the night. Some vendors close Sunday.
Restaurant Alley
Although most visitors come to Namdaemun Market to shop, it’s also an excellent place to eat. Street food vendors sell a range of dishes; local favorites include dumpling soup, sujebi (shellfish soup), kalguksu noodles, bibimbap (Korean rice), and bindae duk (mung bean pancakes).
Address: 49-1 Namchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
From $ 18
Jagalchi Fish Market
South Korea has become famous among travelers for its freshly caught seafood, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to sample it than at the Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan. The largest seafood market in the country, Jagalchi is unique in that its run largely by women who are known as Jagalchi Ajumma. This tradition dates back to the Korean War, when many of the men were off fighting and their wives took over the family businesses.
Walking through the market is like visiting an exotic aquarium, as many of the wares are kept live in tanks to maximize their freshness. You’ll find nearly any type of seafood you could want, including more varieties of shellfish than you knew existed. The market also houses a collection
of seafood restaurants where you can bring your purchases to have them cooked up and served to you on the spot.
Practical Info
If you want to see the market at its most active, come early in the morning or in the late afternoon hours.
Address: Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Hours: Daily 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
Closed last Tuesday of every month
From $ 90
Mt Seorak
Seoraksan National Park, one of the most scenic parks on the Korean peninsula and a UNESCO Biosphere Protected site, is home to Mt. Seorak, South Korea’s third tallest mountain at 5,604 feet (1,708 meters). Since it became a national monument in 1965, Mt. Seorak (Snowy Peak Mountain) has been a popular destination for weekend hikers from Seoul.
In springtime, the mountain gets blanketed with the colorful blossoms of dogwoods, azaleas and forsythia, while autumn’s show of yellows, oranges and reds is no less spectacular, and arguably more popular with locals. Of the three sections of the park, Outer Seorak is the most accessible, and therefore the most crowded. Visitors hoping to escape the crowds should heat to Inner Seorak, the least developed section on the western edge of the park. Southern Seorak is famous for its mineral springs.
Practical Info
Visitors wanting to overnight at the park can rent a camping site or find accommodation the village of Seorak-dong in the Outer Seorak portion of the park.
Address: Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Kangwon, South Korea
From $ 350
Petite France
Petite France is a French-style cultural village set in the middle of the Korean countryside. It features a cluster of 16 French-style buildings on the hillside. The village can accommodate up to 200 guests overnight, and features an array of other attractions so that visitors can experience French food, culture, and daily life.
Ideal for those interested in French literature and film, Petite France has a memorial hall dedicated to the author of the French novel, Le Petit Prince, as well as a gallery showcasing various paintings and sculptures of the French national symbol. It features a number of shops and other places to enjoy various types of performances, including Guignol – the traditional French hand puppet performance.
Petite France is also home to the Goseong Youth Training Center.
Practical Info
To reach Petite France by subway, alight at Cheongpyeong station on the Gyeongchun line. From there, head to Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal (10-minute walk) and catch the bus to Goseong-ri.
Address: 1063 Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 9am-6pm
Admission: 8000won / Teens: 6000won / Children: 5000won
From $ 11
Nagwon Arcade
Nagwon Arcade is a vast collection of tiny shops selling musical instruments that range from petite woodwinds to massive bass drums. Travelers can wander the stalls lined with pianos, electric guitars and other items. Chat with locals who repair and build these incredible pieces and learn about the history of what is arguably one of the largest collections of instrument shops in the world. Whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or simply a lover of music, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye while exploring Nagwon Arcade’s three stories of stores, shops and dealers.
Practical Info
Nagwon Arcade is located at Samil-daero, Jongno-gu in Seoul, near the Korea Soongsil Cyber University. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Address: 428 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm
From $ 35
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
The Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, tucked away on the hills of Namsan, celebrates Korean and Western art and architecture from the past, present and future. The three buildings, each designed by a world-renowned architect, house works from the Samsung Foundation’s extensive art collection, ranging from ancient Buddhist artifacts to modern works of art.
The first building, designed by Mario Botta, houses a collection of Buddhist artifacts and Korean ceramics, calligraphy and paintings. The second, designed by Jean Nouvel, covers Korean an international works of art from 1910 to the present. The third building, designed by Rem Koolhaas, is where you’ll find the Child Education and Culture Center.
Make sure to visit the top floor of Museum 1 to see the family’s private collection of Korean celadon pottery. To learn more about what you’ll be seeing, pick up an audio guide as you enter the museum or come on Saturday or Sunday afternoons for free English tours of the museum at 3pm.
The first building, designed by Mario Botta, houses a collection of Buddhist artifacts and Korean ceramics, calligraphy and paintings. The second, designed by Jean Nouvel, covers Korean an international works of art from 1910 to the present. The third building, designed by Rem Koolhaas, is where you’ll find the Child Education and Culture Center.
Make sure to visit the top floor of Museum 1 to see the family’s private collection of Korean celadon pottery. To learn more about what you’ll be seeing, pick up an audio guide as you enter the museum or come on Saturday or Sunday afternoons for free English tours of the museum at 3pm.
Address: 747-18, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Open Tue-Sun 10:30 am - 6:00 pm.
Admission: Permanent Exhibition: Adult 10,000won,Child/Senior 6,000won.
From $ 73
Jongmyo
Seoul’s Jongmyo Shrine, one of the most important cultural sites in the country, originally served as the ancestral shrine for Joseon Dynasty kings. Built between 1335 and 1408 by Lee Seong Gye, the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Jongmyo was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995 based on its well-preserved and authentic Confucian architecture.
The shrine is divided into 19 rooms, each dedicated to a different Joseon king and has existed as is since the 1500s. On the first Sunday of May, Jongmyo hosts a memorial service called Jongmyo Jaery, a rite lasting around six hours and thought to be the oldest ceremony in the world. Attending the ceremony allows you to witness songs and dances dating back more than 500 years. No matter when you come, touring the world’s oldest Confucian sanctuary offers insight not only into Korean history, but into Confucianism as well.
The shrine is divided into 19 rooms, each dedicated to a different Joseon king and has existed as is since the 1500s. On the first Sunday of May, Jongmyo hosts a memorial service called Jongmyo Jaery, a rite lasting around six hours and thought to be the oldest ceremony in the world. Attending the ceremony allows you to witness songs and dances dating back more than 500 years. No matter when you come, touring the world’s oldest Confucian sanctuary offers insight not only into Korean history, but into Confucianism as well.
Address: South Korea
From $ 43
Mt Bukhan
Mt Bukhan, also called Bukhansan, is a mountain just north of Seoul with three distinct peaks. It is not only an easily recognizable landmark overlooking the city, but also part of the Bukhansan National Park and a popular hiking, bird watching and rock climbing destination. Climbing Mt Bukhan is one of the more popular day trips from Seoul and every Saturday and Sunday morning, Seoul’s air-conditioned metro cars are crowded with hikers decked out in colorful hiking equipment heading in that direction. At the base of the mountain, spicy fragrances saturate the air where countless food stalls are selling everything from dumplings and bulgogi to hardboiled eggs and kimchi. Sustenance for the steep climb to the main peak Beagunbong and refreshments for the returning hikers.
The South Koreans not only visit Mt Bukhan for the nature and a breath of fresh air, but also for the many temples and shrines spread throughout the national park. They visit partly due to religious conviction, partly to stop and catch a break surrounded by incredible scenery. Also popular are the Bukhansanseong Fortress, a fortification built along the mountain’s ridges to stop foreign invasions and Seungasa Temple on Bibong Peak with its Buddhas carved in rock.
Practical Info
To get to Bukhansan National Park take subway line 4 to Gireum Station, then take bus 110B or 143 and get off at the last stop. Be aware that the trails are very steep, the popular Baegundae Course is 1.9 kilometers long and takes one and a half hours to hike, the trail to Bukhansanseong Fortress is 3.4 kilometers long and roughly three hours to complete. Getting around Mt Bukhan can be a bit difficult, as most signs are in Korean, but don’t hesitate to ask the local hikers for help.
Address: Bukhansan National Park, Seoul, South Korea
From $ 85
Joint Security Area (Panmunjom)
The Joint Security Area (JSA), aka Panmunjom, offers a look at the still simmering tensions that remain from the Korean War. The North and South technically remain at war, and the JSA, located deep within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is the only place where visitors can see the actual border and North Korean soldiers on the other side.
Within the town at the Military Armistice Commission (MAC) Conference Room, visitors can even cross the border without a visa. The blue building is still used for face-to-face negotiation between the two sides and is bisected by the border, meaning travelers can technically cross into North Korea by walking to the other side of the room.
The Basics
Due to the tension and security concerns involved, travelers are required to join an organized tour group in order to visit the truce village better known as the JSA. Day trips to the DMZ from Seoul include stops at the JSA, as well as other area attractions like Imjingak Park, the Freedom Bridge, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Bridge of No Return, and an observation point where it’s possible to observe a North Korean village across the border through a telescope. Some tours also include a stop at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The JSA is a must-see for history buffs and anyone looking for a better understanding of the Korean conflict.
- All Panmunjom tour participants are required to carry a valid passport, be at least 10 years of age, and dress appropriately.
- Refrain from wearing worn or faded jeans, exercise clothes, sleeveless shirts, collarless shirts, short skirts, shorts, tight fitting clothes, military clothes, or sandals.
- A DMZ tour from Seoul can last six to nine hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Many tours to the JSA require booking several days in advance.
How to Get There
Panmunjom sits less than 40 miles from Seoul. However, visits can only be made via organized tour groups, which include strict rules of conduct, dress codes, and restrictions on photography to avoid starting an incident with the North Korean soldiers.
When to Get There
The Joint Security Area is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays. While the site is open for tours throughout the year, expect temps in the 80s and high humidity in summer, and temperatures below freezing in the winter.
The Process of Entering the JSA
To enter the JSA, visitors must pass through multiple checkpoints before arriving at Camp Bonifas, escorted by either US or South Korean soldiers. Here, JSA tour participants receive a security and safety briefing and sign a release form in case something happens.
Address: Kaesŏng, Seoul, South Korea
Admission: Varies
From $ 90
National Folk Museum of Korea
This national museum is an impressive collection of Korean culture and history as displayed in nearly 100,000 artifacts. It’s housed in the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Its halls and exhibits tell the stories of daily life in Korea across time and occupation. In this way, many of the Korean traditions that have existed for centuries come to life and continue to be preserved. The museum has been open since 1945, expanding the breadth of its collection when it merged with the National Museum of Korea in 1975.
In addition to exhibitions dedicated to history, way of life, and life cycles of the Korean people, there is an open-air exhibit featuring replicas of important items from village life. The exhibits range from prehistory to the end of the Joseon Dynasty. Korean arts and crafts, performance art, and a children’s museum supplement the excellent efforts to showcase Korean life and culture.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily (closed Tuesdays) from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission is free, but tickets to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace must be purchased. The nearest metro station is either Anguk or Gyeongbokgung Station.
Address: 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea, South Korea
Hours: Open daily (closed Tuesdays) from 9 am to 6 pm
From $ 18
Namsan Cable Car
The Namsan Cable Car in Seoul runs from the Hoehyeon-dong platform at the base of Mount Namsan up to the Yejang-dong platform near the Namsan Tower. Naturally, it’s a scenic journey, offering 360-degree views of Seoul and the mountain by both day and night.
New cable cars were put in place in 2008, which have increased the capacity of the cars and improved them so that they feature glass on all four sides, giving visitors more of a panoramic vantage point.
This is a popular attraction, with around 50,000 people riding the Namsan Cable Car every month, and it tends to get particularly busy in the evenings. Those looking for a quieter time to ride are advised to visit in the morning. As an alternative to the cable car, active types can instead opt to reach the top of the mountain and the tower by walking up.
Practical Info
To reach the Namsan Cable Car, take Exit 3 out of Myeong-dong Station and follow the street to the right of the Pacific Hotel. It’s around a 20-minute walk, mainly uphill. Alternatively the Namsan Oreumi opened in 2009 to transport those less able (or willing) to walk to easily access the cable car station. This is the first outdoor elevator of its kind in Korea, operating from near the Namsan Tunnel entrance and transporting visitors to the Namsan Cable Car station in just a few minutes. The Namsan Cable Car is open daily from 10am until 11pm.
Address: San 1-19, Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Daily 10am-11pm
Admission: 6,000 won
From $ 119
Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)
Head to the top of Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) in hilly Namsan Park, the largest in Seoul, for some of the best panoramic views over the South Korean capital. The 777-foot (237-meter) tower offers three observation decks and half a dozen restaurants where you can soak in the views, day or night.
The Basics
As one of Seoul’s most enduring landmarks, Namsan Tower is featured on many sightseeing tours of the city, along with attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Blue House, Jogyesa Temple, and Namsangol Hanok Village. Access to the observation tower requires an admission ticket, though admission is free for diners at the n.GRILL restaurant, where advance reservations are recommended.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding park.
- Book your observatory entrance ticket online to avoid lines at the ticket office.
- Remember to pick up an audio guide in the observation area for commentary on attractions you can see through the windows.
- Both Namsan Tower and the cable car are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Cars are not allowed within Namsan Park, so to reach the tower you’ll have to walk up the hill or ride the cable car. The nearest subway station is in Myeongdong, a 10-minute walk from the cable car station. It’s also possible to ride the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus, which stops at several subway stations throughout Seoul.
When to Get There
Namsan Tower is open 365 days a year, with extended hours Saturday. Each restaurant has its own operating hours, so it’s a good idea to call ahead if you’re planning to eat. Though the views from the tower are excellent no matter when you visit, they’re particularly stunning at night when the city is illuminated.
Namsan Tower Love Locks
The tower has long been a popular date spot for Koreans, and you’ll notice the railings around the tower are covered in colorful padlocks. These locks are often decorated with names of couples who left them at the tower as a symbol of eternal love.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
Admission: Varies
From $ 6
Jogyesa Temple
Established in 1910, Jogyesa Temple serves as the center of Zen Buddhism in South Korea. The temple complex is home to Daeungjeon, Seoul’s largest Buddhist shrine, as well as a garden area with a white pine tree that is more than 500 years old.
The Basics
Its location in the heart of Seoul makes Jogyesa Temple among the most visited in South Korea. Just about every sightseeing tour of the South Korean capital stops at the temple, along with other notable attractions like the Blue House, Insadong neighborhood, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong commercial district, and the Joseon Dynasty palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
Those who want to learn more about Korean Buddhism can participate in daytime Temple Life or overnight Temple Stay programs, which include activities like Zen meditation, a tea ceremony, and lessons in how to make lotus flowers or salt mandalas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jogyesa Temple is a must-visit for spiritual travelers or those interested in the history and heritage of Korean Buddhism.
- Remember to dress respectfully, as this is an active place of worship.
- The temple and its main shrine (Daeungjeon) are wheelchair accessible.
- Public restrooms are available on the temple grounds.
How to Get There
The temple’s central location makes it easy to reach via public transportation. The most convenient way to get there is to take the Seoul metro to Jonggak Station (Line 1), Anguk Station (Line 3), or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5).
When to Get There
The temple grounds are open daily year-round, though Temple Stay programs are only available on select dates and must be booked in advance. One of the best times to visit the temple is during the annual festival celebrating Buddha’s birthday, when the grounds are decorated with hundreds of paper lanterns.
The Trees of Jogyesa Temple
While the temple buildings only date back to 1936, two landmarks on the Jogyesa Temple grounds are much older. Baeksong is a lacebark pine tree that is more than 500 years old. A Chinese scholar tree growing near the main hall is believed to be more than 450 years old; these trees are often found near temples and palaces, as they’re believed to transform energy from negative to positive.
Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Seoul, South Korea
From $ 33
Insadong
Insadong is Seoul’s cultural and artistic hub—the place to shop for local crafts, visit a traditional Korean tea shop, or catch an impromptu street performance. The neighborhood, located in the Jongno-gu district, offers one of the largest antiques and craft markets in the country, with many shops and cafés housed in historic buildings.
The Basics
Insadong is one of the Korean capital’s most popular neighborhoods. Locals and foreign visitors alike come here for its shopping, art scene, and traditional Korean teahouses. Most sightseeing tours of Seoul make a stop in this neighborhood, along with nearby Changdeokgung Palace. Insadong is also one of 22 stops on the Seoul hop-on hop-off bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Insadong is a must-see for art lovers, shoppers, and first-time visitors to Seoul.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces; some of the streets are cobbled.
- Come hungry; Insadong has some of the best street food in Seoul.
- Combine your visit to Insadong with a stop at either Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung Palace; both are nearby.
How to Get There
Insadong is centrally located and easy to reach by taking one of several public bus lines, or by riding the metro to Anguk Station (Line 3) or Jonggak Station (Line 1).
When to Get There
Insadong comes alive on the weekends, when the main street is blocked off to vehicle traffic and the pedestrian area fills with vendors, fortune tellers, and buskers making the most of the weekend crowds. Many of Insadong’s shops and galleries are closed Monday.
What to Buy in Insadong
The markets and shops of Insadong are some of the best places in the city to pick up gifts and souvenirs to take back home. Favorites include traditional Korean masks, decorated chopstick sets, calligraphy scrolls, handmade paper and stationary, or personalized stamps with your name in Korean letters.
Address: South Korea
From $ 18
National Museum of Korea
Not only is the National Museum of Korea the best in the country, it’s also free. In a sweeping introduction to Korean art, culture and history, the museum houses more than 150,000 artifacts with around 11,000 on display, so you’ll have plenty to see, even if you’ve been to the museum before.
The three floors are divided into six total exhibit areas. On the first floor, you’ll find the Prehistory and Ancient History section and the Medieval and Early Modern History section, each displaying artifacts from the beginnings of Korean civilization through the Joseon Dynasty. The second floor houses the Calligraphy and Paintings section as well as an area designated for pieces donated by private collectors. The third floor contains a Sculptures and Crafts section and an Asian Arts section with cultural and artistic artifacts from various Asian countries.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the onsite Children’s Museum, filled with interactive exhibits on traditional life in Korea. To enhance your experience, rent an audio guide from the museum’s information desk.
The three floors are divided into six total exhibit areas. On the first floor, you’ll find the Prehistory and Ancient History section and the Medieval and Early Modern History section, each displaying artifacts from the beginnings of Korean civilization through the Joseon Dynasty. The second floor houses the Calligraphy and Paintings section as well as an area designated for pieces donated by private collectors. The third floor contains a Sculptures and Crafts section and an Asian Arts section with cultural and artistic artifacts from various Asian countries.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the onsite Children’s Museum, filled with interactive exhibits on traditional life in Korea. To enhance your experience, rent an audio guide from the museum’s information desk.
Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Tue, Thu, Fri: 9am - 6pm
Wed, Sat: 9am - 9pm
Sun, Holidays: 9am - 7pm
From $ 18
Jongno
The district of Jongno constitutes the northern half of Seoul’s main historic area. As the cultural and financial heart of the city, the area is home to a wealth of shrines, temples, parks and historic sites, including four of the five Grand Palaces of Seoul, including Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung.
Travelers shouldn't miss the Jongmyo Shrine, the Jogyesa Temple, the Presidential Palace of Cheongwadae or Hyehwa—a neighborhood filled with small, independent theaters. Also worth a visit is the historic Bukchon Hanok Village, where many of Seoul’s socialites and politically important families live among 900 traditional Korean hanok houses. Meanwhile, the Samcheongdong neighborhood is comparable to New York City's Soho with its cafes, boutique shops and numerous art galleries.
The best way to experience Jongno is by taking an organized walking tour, which may include visiting Gyeonghuigung Palace, witnessing the changing of the guard at Daehamun or strolling along the Cheonggyecheon stream. Foodies can indulge while also seeing the district on a dedicated food tour, available by day or night. Those more interested in Seoul’s royal and political history can learn about the area as part of a historical city tour, taking in the sights with an informative guide.
Insider's Tip: The district's 33-story Jongno Tower features a top-floor bar and restaurant, from where travelers can take in sweeping views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. The tower is located near Jonggak Station on Line 1 of the subway.
Practical Info
Jongno is a large area served by several subway stations—Jongno 3-ga Station is serviced by lines 1, 3 and 5, while the western end of the district can be reached via Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
From $ 35
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is nestled in a valley within the Balwang Mountains, around two to three hours’ drive from Seoul. It’s a popular ski and snowboard resort in Korea, and boasts a whole host of hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants.
The resort features 12 pistes, served by eight lifts. As it often gets incredibly busy at Phoenix Park at the weekends, skiers and riders should expect to queue to get up the mountain. While the terrain here won’t provide much of a challenge for more advanced skiers, the resort itself has all the facilities and entertainment you could wish for from a popular ski resort.
Practical Info
It will take between two to three hours to drive to Phoenix Park from Seoul, but visitors should be aware that the traffic leading up to the area can get very congested, particularly at weekends.
Address: 174 Taegi-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
From $ 175
Nagan Eupseong Folk Village
Nagan Eupseong Folk Village, located in Jeollanam-do Province, encompasses one of the best preserved walled fortress town of the Chosun period. While there were 96 town fortresses in more than 330 of these towns at the height of the Chosun Dynasty, many of them were destroyed during the Japanese occupation. The village was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2011.
More than 100 families still live within the historic structures, going about their day-to-day tasks much like people indigenous to the area have been doing for centuries. Over 200 of Nagan Eupseong’s houses remain in their original condition, complete with thatched roofs and stonework without the use of mortar. A few of these have been converted to guesthouses for travelers who wish to stay the night.
Practical Info
To reach Nagan Eupseong Folk Village, take bus 61, 63 or 68 from the bus stop near Suncheon Bus Terminal. The ride takes about 50 minutes.
Address: Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea
Hours: Dec - Jan: 9 am-5:00; Feb - Apr & Nov: 9 am -6 pm; May - Oct: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Admission: Adults: 2,000 won; Youths (ages 13-18): 1,500 won; Children (ages 7-12): 1,000 won
From $ 780