Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
The largest and most iconic of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces, built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty. You can even rent hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) nearby for that full royal photo-op!
📍 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
🕒 Closed Tuesdays
🏛️ Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae / 청와대)
Former presidential residence of South Korea, now open to the public with tours available. It’s located right behind Gyeongbokgung Palace and surrounded by scenic walking trails.
📍 1 Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
🏯 Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
A preserved neighborhood with hundreds of traditional Korean houses (hanok) still inhabited today. Great for walking, photos, and a peek into old Seoul.
📍 37 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
National Museum of Korea
Massive and beautifully designed museum housing Korea’s rich history, artifacts, and art. Admission is free!
📍 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
A gorgeous, contemporary museum featuring both modern and traditional Korean art in a stunning architectural space. 📍 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Namsan Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower)
Iconic tower atop Namsan Mountain with panoramic city views, love locks, and cable car rides. 📍 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Seoul Museum of History
Explores the history and development of Seoul from ancient times to the present day.
📍 Address: 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Insadong (인사동)
A charming cultural street filled with art galleries, tea houses, antique shops, and traditional crafts. A great place to shop for souvenirs and soak in old Seoul vibes.
📍 62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Cheonggyecheon Stream
An urban oasis running through downtown Seoul, with light installations, bridges, and a peaceful vibe—great for evening strolls. 📍 Starts near Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Garosu-gil (가로수길) – Trendy & Upscale
Located in Sinsa-dong, this tree-lined street is famous for its stylish boutiques and cafes.
• Zest (bar, 2nd place Asia's 50 Best Bars)
• Tamburins (perfume)
• Gentle Monster (eyewear)
• Lunor Eyewear (eyewear museum, eyeglasses)
• Patisserie Etoile (pastries, dessert)
• Bunker (cafe, dessert)
• Tailor Coffee (cafe, dessert)
• Katsu by Konban (Japanese, katsu)
• Garosu Darak (Fusion)
• Jindoken (Japanese, Izakaya)
Seongsu-dong (성수동) – "The Brooklyn of Seoul"
Once an industrial area, Seongsu-dong has transformed into a trendy neighborhood filled with unique boutiques, cafes, and art spaces.
Shopping:
• KITH (clothes, shoes, and food)
• Antt (vintage home decor, jewelry)
• Flat point (furniture)
• Made by Seongsu (stationary, home decor)
• Pola at Home (gift shop, tableware, home)
• Musinsa
Restaurants:
• Marionae (Italian, brick oven pizza)
• Jinjak Dining (Japanese)
• Gozip132 (Korean, Korean BBQ)
• Oreno Katsu (Japanese, Katsu)