Rent a Hanbok and visit Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace

Start your exploration in Seoul by renting a traditional Korean Hanbok. Dressed in these beautiful, vibrant outfits, you'll experience the Korean culture on a personal level.

You will find plenty of stores where you can rent a hanbok close to the famous Bukchon Hanok Village.

Your Hanbok journey won't be complete without visiting the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most beautiful of the Five Grand Palaces. Walking through the palace grounds in a Hanbok, you'll feel transported back in time. Furthermore, the palace entry is free of charge for those dressed in the lovely hanboks.

As dusk descends, Seoul's bustling night markets come alive with energy and color. The city's vibrant night markets like Dongdaemun and Namdaemun offer everything from trendy clothes and accessories to delicious Korean street food. Whether you're a foodie, shopaholic, or a casual stroller, Seoul's night markets promise an unforgettable experience.

 

One of the best ways to soak in the city's vibe is to simply lose yourself in its labyrinthine streets. The Insa-dong area, for instance, is a cultural hub offering traditional tea houses, art galleries, and handicraft shops. Meanwhile, the Itaewon district is an ex-pat favorite teeming with international restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

A visit to Seoul wouldn't be complete without indulging in a hearty Korean Barbecue. Gather around a grill and cook your meat to perfection, all while bonding with friends or fellow travelers. Pair it with Soju, the popular Korean spirit, for a truly local dining experience. The best street food experience can be found in Myeong Dong night market and the very famous Gwangjang Market where, if you are brave enough, can try the live octopus.

 

 

The futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, designed by Zaha Hadid, is a stunning architectural marvel and a hub for fashion, design, and innovation. It hosts fashion shows, exhibitions, and flea markets. Its stunning facade becomes even more mesmerizing when it lights up after sunset.

Karaoke, or noraebang as it's locally known, is a beloved pastime in Seoul. Rent a private room with your friends and sing your heart out. With a massive selection of Korean and international songs, it's a fun-filled way to immerse yourself in Korea's pop culture.

Get Goofy at a Photo Booth

Step into one of Seoul's high-tech photo booths and let your silly side out. These booths, known as sticker-photo boxes or "Purikura" in Japanese, let you decorate your photos with cute stickers, doodles, and text, resulting in a perfect souvenir from your trip.

Visit the Starfield Library

Ihwa Mural Village

I added this here as you might have seen this recommendation on other blogs. Although at one point could be that this mural village was indeed an attraction, it faded in time, therefore I would not necessarily put this on the list of must do's unless you have plenty of time during your trip.

 

Train Trip to Busan

While not strictly in Seoul, taking a train ride to the coastal city of Busan is an adventure you shouldn't miss. The comfortable KTX high-speed train connects Seoul to Busan, offering picturesque views of the Korean countryside. In Busan, enjoy the beautiful beaches, seafood delicacies, and the famous sky capsules.

With its eclectic blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, Seoul is a city that promises unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether it's history, cuisine, architecture, or fashion that attracts you, Seoul has it all, waiting to be explored. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the S(e)oul of Korea!

xoxo,

O.