Seoul
South Korea
Attractions & Events in Seoul
Discover the top attractions, events, and festivals in Seoul, South Korea
Top Attractions
Bukchon Hanok Village
A preserved neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses (hanok), offering a glimpse into the city’s past amid scenic alleyways.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for the hilly terrain. Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden)
A UNESCO-listed palace known for its serene Secret Garden and harmonious integration with nature.
Tips: Guided tours are required for the Secret Garden. Book tickets in advance, especially during spring and autumn.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
A revitalized urban stream running through downtown Seoul, ideal for leisurely walks and night-time light displays.
Tips: Best enjoyed in the evening when the stream is beautifully illuminated. Wheelchair accessible.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
A futuristic cultural complex hosting exhibitions, fashion shows, and night markets, known for its unique architecture.
Tips: Check the event schedule online. The area comes alive at night with vibrant markets and installations.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The largest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung is a stunning example of traditional Korean architecture and a symbol of the Joseon Dynasty.
Tips: Arrive early to catch the royal guard changing ceremony. Closed on Tuesdays. Hanbok rental shops nearby allow free palace entry if worn.
Hangang Park
A large riverside park offering bike rentals, picnic spots, water sports, and summer festivals along the Han River.
Tips: Rent a bike to explore the park. Popular for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hongdae
Trendy district famed for indie music, street performances, nightlife, and creative culture near Hongik University.
Tips: Visit in the evening for live music and clubbing. Great for young travelers and art lovers.
Insadong
A cultural street renowned for traditional tea houses, art galleries, antique shops, and crafts.
Tips: Try traditional Korean teas and local street snacks. Ideal for souvenir shopping.
Itaewon
Vibrant international district known for diverse cuisine, bars, clubs, and a lively expat scene.
Tips: Best for nightlife and international dining. LGBTQ+ friendly; great for solo travelers and groups.
Lotte World
One of the world’s largest indoor amusement parks, featuring rides, parades, and an ice-skating rink.
Tips: Ideal for families with children. Purchase tickets online for discounts and shorter entry lines.
Myeongdong Shopping Street
A bustling district famous for shopping, Korean skincare, and vibrant street food stalls.
Tips: Go on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Bring cash for street food and small purchases.
N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)
Iconic observation tower atop Namsan Mountain, offering panoramic views of Seoul and popular for its ‘Locks of Love’ fence.
Tips: Take the cable car or hike up for a scenic route. Visit at sunset for spectacular city views.
Namdaemun Market
Korea’s oldest and largest traditional market, offering everything from street food to clothes and souvenirs.
Tips: Open late; best for foodies wanting to try local snacks like hotteok and mandu. Bargaining is common.
National Museum of Korea
The country’s flagship museum featuring extensive collections of Korean art, artifacts, and historical exhibits.
Tips: Admission is free for the permanent exhibits. Family-friendly, with interactive children’s sections.
War Memorial of Korea
A comprehensive museum dedicated to Korea’s military history, with indoor and outdoor exhibits including aircraft and tanks.
Tips: Free entry. Allocate at least 2 hours to explore. Interactive exhibits for kids and history buffs.
Events & Festivals
Seoul Runners Festival
A vibrant marathon event attracting runners of all levels, featuring scenic routes through Yeouido Park.
When: April
Tips: Register early to secure a spot; spectators can enjoy live music and food stalls along the route.
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival
A festival celebrating cherry blossoms along Yunjung-ro Road, featuring street performances and night illuminations.
When: April
Tips: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds; evening visits offer beautiful illuminated views.
Lotus Lantern Festival
A vibrant festival with deep Buddhist roots, featuring lantern parades and cultural performances to celebrate Buddha's birthday.
When: April-May
Tips: Participate in lantern-making workshops; evening parades are a highlight not to be missed.
Seoul Spring Festa
A week-long celebration with K-pop concerts, cultural performances, and spring-themed art installations across multiple venues.
When: April-May
Tips: Check the official schedule for concert line-ups; arrive early to secure good viewing spots.
Sejong Summer Festival
A cultural festival with performances and activities held at Gwanghwamun Square.
When: August
Tips: Evening performances are popular; consider using public transport due to limited parking.
Seoul Winter Festa
Transforming the city with immersive light displays and winter-themed activities across various locations.
When: December
Tips: Dress warmly; evening visits offer the best experience of the light installations.
Outdoor Opera at Gwanghwamun Square
Open-air opera performances set against the historic backdrop of Gwanghwamun Square.
When: June
Tips: Bring a blanket or portable chair for comfort; arrive early to secure a good spot.
Seoul Korean Traditional Music Festival
Celebrating Korea's rich musical heritage with performances at Uijeongbu Historic Site Plaza and Namsangol Hanok Village.
When: June
Tips: Explore the venues' historical sites before the performances; check schedules for specific artist line-ups.
Seoul Philharmonic Riverside Concert
Enjoy classical music by the river with performances by the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra at Yeouido Hangang Park.
When: June
Tips: Pack a picnic and arrive early to find a comfortable spot; evenings can be cooler by the river.
Seoul Queer Culture Festival
An annual festival promoting LGBTQ+ rights with parades, performances, and community events.
When: June
Tips: Join the parade to show support; check the schedule for related workshops and talks.
Seoul Summer Arts Festival
A celebration of arts featuring performances, exhibitions, and workshops on Nodeul Island.
When: June
Tips: Check the festival program for workshop registrations; suitable for all age groups.
Jungnang Rose Festival
A festival showcasing over 400 types of roses at Jungnang Rose Park, with art installations and performances.
When: May
Tips: Ideal for photography enthusiasts; evening illuminations add a romantic ambiance.
Seoul Circus Festival
An exciting festival showcasing acrobatic performances, clown acts, and interactive workshops on Nodeul Island.
When: May
Tips: Ideal for families; consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the island's scenic spots.
Seoul Drum Festival
A percussion-packed festival featuring drummers from around the world, with high-energy performances and hands-on drumming experiences.
When: May
Tips: Participate in workshops to learn basic drumming techniques; ear protection is recommended for children.
Seoul Jazz Festival
A major music event featuring international and local jazz artists, held annually in May.
When: May
Tips: Purchase tickets early; multiple stages offer a variety of performances simultaneously.
Seoul Sculpture Festival (Spring)
An exhibition of contemporary sculptures set against the blooming backdrop of Baekje Cultural Park.
When: May
Tips: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds; guided tours provide deeper insights into the artworks.
Car-Free Jamsu Bridge Festival
Every Sunday, Jamsu Bridge transforms into a pedestrian-friendly zone with music, food, and street performances.
When: May-June
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking; evenings offer cooler temperatures and illuminated views.
Seoul International Garden Expo
Showcasing breathtaking gardens and landscape designs, perfect for a peaceful retreat in the city.
When: May-October
Tips: Allocate a full day to explore; bring a camera to capture the diverse garden themes.
Seoul Music Festival
From indie bands to chart-topping K-pop acts, this music festival brings a mix of genres and performances in a scenic riverside setting.
When: November
Tips: Purchase tickets in advance; check the schedule for your favorite artists' performance times.
Itaewon Global Village Festival
A cultural festival in Itaewon celebrating Korean and international cultures through parades, food exhibitions, and concerts.
When: October
Tips: Try diverse cuisines at food stalls; parades are family-friendly and offer great photo opportunities.
Seoul Street Arts Festival
The city transforms into a giant open-air theater, featuring acrobats, street dancers, musicians, and interactive performances.
When: October
Tips: Plan your visit using the festival map; performances are spread across multiple downtown locations.
Block Party Music and Art Festival
A music festival in Haebangchon featuring diverse genres, art performances, and community activities.
When: September
Tips: Explore various venues; some performances may require separate tickets or reservations.
King Jeongjo Royal Procession
A grand historical reenactment of King Jeongjo's royal procession from Gwanghwamun to Nodeul Island.
When: September
Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes; photography enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities along the route.
Seoul Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival
A festival celebrating Korea's intangible cultural heritage with performances and exhibitions at Namsangol Hanok Village.
When: September
Tips: Engage in hands-on activities to learn traditional crafts; suitable for families and cultural enthusiasts.
Seoul International Fireworks Festival
Teams from around the world create stunning fireworks displays over the Han River, lighting up the Seoul skyline.
When: September
Tips: Arrive several hours early to secure a good viewing spot; public transport is recommended due to heavy traffic.
Seoul Sculpture Festival (Fall)
A week-long exhibition of sculptures at Ttukseom Hangang Park, highlighting contemporary artists.
When: September
Tips: Combine your visit with a picnic by the Han River; guided tours offer artist insights.