We spent a week in Seoul, and here are 20 places we visited that we think you shouldn’t miss! From shopping and sightseeing to entertainment and attractions, there’s plenty to keep you busy during your trip! Our ultimate Seoul travel guide that will save you hours of research
🛍️ Shopping
The shopping scene in Seoul is one of the best! Especially when it comes to skincare and beauty brands. They’re all so fun to explore, and as a professional shopper (Nessa 😆), I definitely had a blast!
1. Apgujeong Rodeo Street
A very underrated shopping area in Gangnam. It’s not a pedestrian shopping street, but if you explore the little alleys, you’ll find SO many aesthetic and high-end shops worth visiting, especially Haus Nowhere and Atissu.
2. Gwangjang Market
A traditional market famous for its local food. You can also find plenty of affordable handmade souvenirs here!
3. Insadong
Famous for its traditional arts, crafts, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to shop if you’re looking for something unique to bring home.
4. Hongdae
This is where you should go if you’re looking for more affordable shopping. It’s also super fun and lively at night, with plenty of shops, street performances, and entertainment.
5. Hyundai Premium Outlet
If you want to shop for luxury brands and premium goods at discounted prices, this is the place to go! Tourists can also claim a tax refund on eligible purchases.
6. Myeongdong
One of the most popular shopping areas in Seoul, famous for its lively pedestrian streets, beauty stores, skincare brands, and street food.
7. Seongsu
Famous for its aesthetic retail stores, trendy pop-up shops, and beautiful cafés. This is one of the best areas to explore if you love discovering unique brands and concept stores.
8. Hannam-dong
Home to plenty of aesthetic cafés, stylish boutiques, and local designer shops. It’s a great neighborhood to explore if you enjoy a more curated shopping experience.
9. Itaewon
Located close to Hannam-dong, Itaewon has a mix of shops, restaurants, and international dining options. However, what makes this area especially fun is its nightlife and bars, particularly on weekends.
🏛️ Sightseeing
Seoul is such a beautiful city, so here are some places worth visiting just to enjoy the sights and atmosphere!
1. Banpo Bridge
Most people come here at night to watch the famous Moonlight Rainbow Fountain show (when operating). Grab some snacks or buy ramyeon, sit by the river, and enjoy the evening atmosphere!
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
A beautiful neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses (hanok). People still live here, so remember to be respectful and keep your voice down when exploring.
3. Cheonggyecheon Stream
A long stream running through the city, perfect for a little escape from the busy streets. It’s a lovely place for a relaxing walk.
4. N Seoul Tower
One of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks. The views from the top are beautiful, giving you a panoramic look at the entire city.
5. Starfield Library (COEX)
The famous library inside COEX Mall. It’s a great quick stop for photos, especially if you’re already visiting the mall.
6. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
An incredible architectural landmark designed by Zaha Hadid. The building itself is worth visiting, and you can also explore the exhibitions and events held inside.
🎢 Entertainment & Attractions
1. Lotte World Adventure Seoul
Often compared to Disneyland, Lotte World is a huge theme park located right in the heart of Seoul. It’s a fun place to spend a full day, with plenty of thrilling rides, attractions, and themed areas to explore.
2. Lotte Museum of Art
A great place to visit if you enjoy contemporary art and want to explore Korea’s art scene. They regularly host different exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see.
3. Seoul Children’s Grand Park
Perfect if you’re looking for a little nature escape within the city. It’s especially beautiful during autumn and spring!
💄 Beauty Clinics & Wellness Treatments
Seoul is really popular for its beauty clinics and wellness treatments. Since we were only there for one week, we decided to try two treatments. Here’s what we did and how our experiences went!
1. Brow Gyeol
I got my eyebrows done here using a semi-permanent tattoo technique. The process wasn’t painful at all, and trust me when I say this because I have a VERY low pain tolerance! 😆
I absolutely love the shape and quality of their work. Make sure to book in advance because appointments are required.
I paid around KRW 400,000 for this treatment, and I’m super satisfied with the results!
- LINE: https://line.me/ti/p/39BDspWalu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brow_gyeol/
2. Yonsei An Pain and Anesthesiology Clinic
We came here for a posture reset. Basically, we had our spines checked to assess our posture and overall spinal health.
We found out that I have mild scoliosis, while Linardo has tech neck. Since the clinic specializes in non-invasive treatments, they gave us recommendations for exercises and stretches to help improve our posture.
We also received some PDRN injections for pain relief, along with manual treatments.
If you experience back pain or tense muscles, I do think it’s worth getting checked out. The whole process was quite fast, and the staff were very professional.
Where to Stay in Seoul
- UH Continental Seoul Center
A hotel unlike any other in Seoul! The rooms are super spacious, and the hotel focuses on wellness. We had a hot spring bath in our room, complimentary skin analysis at Renine Clinic, and a KRW 100,000 voucher to use at the clinic.
They also have a dedicated wellness room with high-tech massage chairs, private gyms, and complimentary nightcaps during their whiskey hour. The level of service was amazing, and the hotel is conveniently located just steps away from Myeongdong.
- Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan
For budget travelers, this one is for you! It’s a cozy hotel located just steps away from Myeongdong.
Location-wise, it’s super convenient. The rooms are compact but comfortable and have everything you need for a short stay. They also have a gym, laundry room, and delicious breakfast!
Travel Tips for Seoul
- Use Naver Maps for navigation. This is the most important travel guide we can give you guys. It’s much more accurate than Google Maps in South Korea, so I highly recommend downloading it before your trip.
- Book your attractions through Klook. You can get 5% off with our code: KLOOKXNESSA.
- Get the Discover Seoul Pass to save money and experience more of Seoul. The pass gives you access to various attractions, including selected options such as Everland, Nami Island, Lotte World, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and many more. Prices start from $X, depending on the pass duration. If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, it can be really worth it!
Explore More Hidden Gems in South Korea
If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other South Korea travel blogs featuring Seoul, Busan, and more travel guides — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.
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We spent a week in Seoul, and here are 20 places we visited that we think you shouldn’t miss! From...
