City: Seoul
Top Things to do in Seoul
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What to do and see in Seoul, South Korea: The Best Free Things to do
Seoul is the business and cultural hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. Take it all in from the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park. The teahouses and shops of Insadong give you a taste of Korean flavor, which you can further experience with a visit to the grounds and museums of Gyeongbokgung. UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace is a fine example of authentic ancient architecture.
Restaurants in Seoul
1. National Museum of Korea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,362 reviews
This is the largest museum in Korea with over 220,000 objects in its collection. It has six permanent exhibition galleries such as Historical Gallery and Fine Arts Gallery. It also has special exhibition halls, a children's museum, outdoor exhibit areas, restaurants, cafes, shops and other amenities. *Admission: Free to Permanent Exhibition & Children's Museum(changeable after 2010)*Hours: Tue/Thu/Fri: 9am-6pm, Wed/Sat: 9am-9pm, Sun/holidays: 9am-7pm, closed Mon & January 1st
Reviewed By Janet1016 - Ottawa, Canada
I think it's awesome when a Museum offers free admission, especially to International travelers who can then learn all about a Country's Culture. My husband, son and I spent a week in Seoul, our very first trip to South Korea and visited the National Museum of Korea on our second day. It's a vast building, and one of the largest museums in Asia. We took the MRT to get there and it was a nice walk from the MRT station to the Museum. The Museum offers one hour free English language tours which we took. Our Guide was very friendly and personable and spoke English very well. There are also maps of the Museum available in English and they also detail the top sights if you have a limited amount of time to spend. I was fascinated most by the Gold Crowns and Caps, so delicate and ornate and so different from say English Crowns. :) The Museum houses many, many of Korean's National Treasures and it's really awe inspiring to get to see them and learn South Korea's history. You could spend a couple of days going through here no problem, plus there is another Museum on the grounds as well that is devoted to the Korean Language, the National Hangeul Museum. There is a large Food court area within in you get peckish and it serves really lovely meals. This is a great spot to visit if you're in Seoul. Go!!!!
2. Myeongdong Shopping Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,355 reviews
Reviewed By SOLARIZEDCHERRY - Singapore, Singapore
Love love love Myeongdong. You can go crazy shopping here haha so much good food and cosmetics!! Must try: - Aori Ramen - Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong - BHC Chicken Must go: - SPAO - All the cosmetic shops (hahaha)
3. Bukhansan National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,093 reviews
One of the most popular pastimes in Seoul is hiking and this stunning national park just outside the city is a local favorite. Aside from a variety of hiking trails for every skill level, you’ll also see lots of flora and fauna, temples and ancient fortresses.
Reviewed By jhs592
great hiking and scenery. Peaceful. AFAIK, it's a completely healthy and wholesome day out in nature.
4. The War Memorial of Korea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,269 reviews
Poignant exhibits, war memorabilia, art works, and military equipment make this a perfect place to learn about Korea’s history of war, most notably with North Korea. Kids will enjoy the display of actual tanks and airplanes.
Reviewed By Culinary-Consultants - Ferrara, Italy
As a veteran I am a lover of places that price and honor, the fellow and good military men and women of the past and present; Men and Women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of freedom and liberty. In this vein, I dedicate part of every travel we make with our company to search for Memorials and Museums of War. The War Memorial of Korea as expected for the history of this country, is no disappointment. It opened in 1994 on the former site of the army headquarters to exhibit and memorialize the military history of Korea and it holds an exquisite collection and memorabilia of several past wars ranging from prehistoric times with very rudimentary weapons; passing with extreme detail throughout the Korean War and the ROK Armed Forces until more modern conflicts and the presence of South Korea as an allied in the United Nations. 13,000 items are displayed in six halls under different themes and about 100 large weapons are displayed in the outside exhibition area on the lawns around the building. Outside the building premises you can see a great variety of mobile units such as fixed-wing air-crafts like the De Havilland Canada U-6A Beaver, the Curtiss C-46D-20-CU Commando, also the Fairchild C-123J built in 1956 as a C-123B and later converted to a C-123J in the 1960s. Helicopters are also in the premises, such as the Bell AH-1J “International Cobra”, also the Bell UH-1B Iroquois, even Russian units as the Sikorsky H-5H Dragonfly and the Sikorsky HH-19B Chickasaw. But there are more mobile units such as armored vehicles, artillery and anti-aircraft guns. Missiles and several other maritime vessels like the Hurricane Aircat Air-boat used by ROK special forces during the Vietnam War and much more well kept pieces of war history are exhibited here at the War Memorial of Korea. The place definitely has been groomed to detail and has also a special glow about it; meaning a building with a soul. I truly recommend this place for the lovers of War History and War Artifacts and here you will also find a special place for the special connection we have with those who gave it all for the sake of freedom in South Korea and everywhere else.
5. Namsan Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,213 reviews
Reviewed By Milodecoco - Singapore, Singapore
Be there by 4:30PM, if you want to see the day view, catch the sunset, and see the night view of the Namsan Seoul Tower. Oh , there's a super long queue for the namsan cable car, but the queue goes fast. You won't mind the little wait. Just be there around 4pm - 4:30pm . You will catch 3 types of scenic views :)
6. Bongeunsa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,298 reviews
It’s hard to believe that this large, beautiful Buddhist temple is situated in the middle of a bustling metropolis. It’s impossible not to be moved by the beauty and serenity of this enchanting temple. You can even stay overnight for a fee.
Reviewed By 285lawk - Singapore, Singapore
The temple looks boring from the front. Walk further in towards the back and u will see a kind of little forest or park. The autumn foliage is simply gorgeous and out of this world. this place is an easy 500m walk from Coex Mall so u can easily combine this with a visit to Starfield Library and a meal in Coex Mall.
7. Seoul Children's Grand Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
This park has it all: rides, a zoo, a park, and a concert hall. Make sure to check out the most popular event: a dazzling water-fountain music and lights show.
Reviewed By yipjcs88 - Hong Kong, China
The park is attractive to both adults and children in autumn (late Oct./ early Nov.). The autumn colours are fascinating but they vary from year to year depending on weather, etc. This year, the summer is long and dry but the ginkgo and maple trees still show off their beautiful autumn colours, although not as good as those of last year. The park has a good zoo, apart from an amusement park, etc. I like to go there (and to the Seoul Grand Park) when I visit Seoul, as both are great places for photography and leisure.
8. Olympic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 706 reviews
Reviewed By lakwatsera2014 - East Granby, United States
take water it's a large park to visit. if you're up to a work out, walk uphill around the remains of an old fort best part were the flags / olympic flame and the rose garden. off season without events, only the gate areas have food and beverages
9. Myeong-dong Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,093 reviews
Reviewed By auggie_aj - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Myeongdong Cathedral or Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest catholic churches built in Seoul, South Korea. It was completed in the year 1898 and has a gothic design. The highest Roman Catholic prelate resides here. The church has high towers which was controversial during the construction. It is located at a walking distance of Myeongdong metro & Euljiro 3 ga metro stations.
10. Cheonggyecheon Stream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,946 reviews
Formerrly polluted and covered with an elevated road since 2005 this stream has been cleaned up and made into an Art and nature walkway through the heart of Seoul.
Reviewed By harriskirrie - Kirriemuir, United Kingdom
This is a great oasis in a very busy city, and is perfect for a contemplative walk, a jog, or just to sit and soak up the atmosphere.
