Seoul Bucket List
Imagine ancient palaces coexisting with futuristic holographic K-pop stores since 1395. Drinking Soju at 3 AM in a tent bar, and having the best-fried chicken that’s ever touched your lips delivered to a bathhouse. This city doesn’t make sense if you write it down, but when you experience it in person, it's pure magic.
Why Seoul belongs on your bucket list
Seoul is a city that doesn’t sleep. It’s a city synonymous with modernity, neon lights, skyscrapers, and a pulsating city life that rivals some of the world’s biggest metropolises. Despite that, it has remained genuinely Korean with its age-old traditions and customs. The coexistence of tradition and modernity makes this city unique. The best part is you wouldn’t have to go far to experience this whole new world, technology advances are at your fingertips all the time. Whether it’s late-night shopping at the crazy cheap but equally crazy fashionable stalls at Dongdaemun Market or 24/7 public baths /saunas or the endless options of bars this city has, the traditional side shows in endless ways in addition to the modern side of life. Plus, it comes with its never-ending list of activities and things to experience (and eat of course).
When to go
The cherry blossom season from late March to mid-April is incredible with pink blossoms at Yeouido Island and over the palace moats. Autumn from late September to November is also beautiful as the mountains change colors in the cooler air. Summer isn’t great as it’s peak monsoon season with July and August being hot, humid and rainy. Winter can be quite magical despite the freezing temperatures, seeing the snow at the palace grounds and warm up with hot stew and soju in one of those steamed-up-window tiny restaurants.
Must-visit places in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul's primary royal palace. Actually? It’s more impressive than you’d think. The throne room, the grounds, the mountains behind it... it’s literally the scene from a Korean soap opera. The guard exchange at Gwanghwamun Gate is also daily. The outfits? Incredible. Pro tip: rent a traditional Korean dress from one of the places outside the gate and get in for free. Also, the pictures? Insane. Visit at open to dodge all the other tourists.
Bukchon Hanok Village
You will find hundreds of traditional Korean houses with curved tile roofs all bunched up on a hillside between two palaces. Tiny winding alleys lead up the hillside and there is a new photo op around each corner be it traditional tile roofs with modern glass skyscrapers in the background. It's the most Instagrammed place in Seoul for a reason. Be sure to go all the way to the top for the view.
Gwangjang Market
This is the place to grab a quick bite. It's Seoul's most historic market where you can find the best street food. Bindaetteok, the savory pancake made from ground mung beans. You'll love that crunch in every bite of the pancake. Enjoy the warmth of a bowl of knife-cut noodles; a rich broth to satisfy your tummy. For the adventurous, a must-try is raw beef yukhoe. And for a more addictive snack, try the small rice rolls called mayak gimbap. You'll love the vintage feel of the place plus the noisy and crowded ambiance. Don't miss the fabric shops upstairs.
Hongdae
This area has more universities in one square mile than many countries. There is an extensive youth culture that comes with that. All aspects of the place (aside from the glistening, pristine river) look like they are really rough around the edges. There are fewer cops here, which helps its scene a lot. There are certain clubs that accept only women. There are certain clubs that accept only men.
Myeongdong
A Mecca of K-beauty. All the major brands have their flagship stores here where they will load you up with so many free samples you can’t even keep track. Skin consultations and bang-on point advice are free here too. Also, Myeongdong-syndrome is real – your suitcase will have no clothes anymore but will be 40% sheet masks by the time you leave. The side alleys are all street food stalls frying up everything from hotteok, tornado potatoes, to egg bread. And then there’s the Myeongdong Cathedral, standing quaint and serene in all its Gothic revival glory.
N Seoul Tower
Located on top of Namsan Mountain, this is a classic hike and date spot wrapped into one. The view sweepingly encapsulates pretty much everything Seoul has to offer, so may as well not go anywhere or do anything else while you're here, because you've pretty much seen it all. The tower itself is a standard communications tower, but has that classic look and was actually used in the closing ceremonies of the 88 Olympics (awesome). The fences surrounding the base of the tower are famous for being absolutely covered in "love locks", again, cheesy but you know you love that stuff.
Seongsu-dong
It is known simply as "the Brooklyn of Seoul": the art hub of Seongdong-gu, nestled between the Han River, teahouses in old hanoks, and former factories. There is even a thriving bar or two and a couple of clubs now. Old shoe factories converted into mid-range art galleries struggling to stay afloat, old shoe factories converted into low-end art galleries that just turned up for the 2000s to put "edgy" people in their place safe, old shoe factories converted into specialty coffee shops, and other weird and wonderful boutiques, and a bunch of hipster lofts. The turnover is incredibly rapid – a cafe that was full last month will probably be gone next month, and something even weirder and better will have taken its place. That's just the vibe of this place. The Seoul Forest park is literally just next door if you want to get out of here and relax a bit.
Ikseon-dong
A collection of hanoks from the 1920s that a clever individual converted into cafes and boutiques rather than flattening. The laneways are so narrow you can hardly walk two people wide, and that's part of the appeal – it feels like a secret little neighborhood in the heart of this huge city. Each hanok is different. One is a tea house with floor seating, one is a dessert cafe with a beautiful garden out the back. It's all achievable in two hours, so great as a sightseeing palate cleanser between all the palaces.
Lotte World Tower
With a height of 555 meters, there is a glass floor which you will insist did not make your legs go numb. On a clear day, you can see the mountains separating South from North Korea. There's a giant aquarium and, for some reason, a Lotte World theme park below. Oh, and don't forget -- the whole thing turns into a giant light saber at night.
Itaewon
Formerly a military camp town. The most international part of Seoul these days. Global restaurants, gay-friendly bars, vintage clothing stores, and the best cocktail bars in the city. Gyeongnidan-gil is the side street that runs off the main road, uphill. This is where the good restaurants are. The War Memorial of Korea is nearby. It__39;s heavy, but it__39;s worth your time. Itaewon is really hopping Thursday through Saturday nights. Weekends are a different animal.
Seoul insider tips
- T-money card: Pick one of these up at a convenient store. It's good for the subway, buses, and even a taxi. The subway system in Seoul is absurdly good. You don't need a car. You don't need Uber. The subway is good for everything.
- Korean BBQ Etiquette: The kid at the table is in charge of the grill. This is just how it is. Put your meat in a lettuce wrap with garlic, ssamjang sauce, and kimchi. Soju shots come between courses. Your clothes will smell like smoke after this. Let them. This is your souvenir.
- Convenience Stores: Korean convenience store chains like GS25, CU, or 7-Eleven are really something amazing. Triangle gimbap for a dollar, instant ramen stands where you can pour hot water and eat at the counter, fried chicken at midnight. This is not gas station food. This is real food, 24 hours a day.
- Wifi & Connectivity: Free public WiFi is pretty much everywhere. Get an eSIM card at the airport if you want to have internet access outside of public WiFi. Big Tip: Don't use Google Maps. Naver Maps is the way to go. Google Maps is basically useless in Seoul. Naver knows where everything is.
- Jjimjilbang: Go to a Korean bathhouse. Seriously. Dragon Hill Spa in Yongsan is probably the most accessible for first-timers because of its multiple floors of saunas, hot pools, cold pools, and sleeping areas. Yes, you have to be nude in the bathing areas, but separated by sex, of course. Get over it, because you'll be comfortable in about five minutes.
- DMZ: The border between North Korea and South Korea. It's serious, it's interesting, and it's only an hour outside of Seoul. You cannot go here without a tour, but trust me, go through USO or Koridoor. It'll be the most memorable day trip of your life.
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