📌 Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Seoul (서울에서 꼭 가봐야 할 명소)

First time in Seoul? Whether you're into history, food, fashion, or just soaking up a new culture, Seoul has something amazing waiting for you. Here’s a hand-picked list of 10 places that Western travelers consistently love — complete with useful Korean phrases to help you navigate like a pro!
📚 Table of Contents
- 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
- 2. Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
- 3. Insadong (인사동)
- 4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza - DDP (동대문디자인플라자)
- 5. Namsan Tower (남산타워)
- 6. Ikseon-dong (익선동)
- 7. Hongdae (홍대)
- 8. Myeongdong (명동)
- 9. COEX Mall & Starfield Library (코엑스몰 & 별마당 도서관)
- 10. Hangang River Parks (한강공원)
- 11. Did you know?
- 12. Practice Korean Travel Phrases on italki
- 13. Related Posts
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
The grandest Joseon Dynasty palace. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony or rent a hanbok for free admission!
🗣️ Korean phrase: “경복궁 입장료는 얼마예요?” (How much is the entrance fee?)
2. Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
A charming area filled with traditional Korean houses — perfect for photos and a peaceful stroll through history.
🗣️ Korean phrase: “사진 찍어도 돼요?” (Is it okay to take photos?)
3. Insadong (인사동)
Traditional tea houses, souvenir shops, and street food in a uniquely Korean neighborhood popular among foreign visitors.
🗣️ Korean phrase: “전통 찻집이 어디에 있어요?” (Where is a traditional tea house?)
4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza - DDP (동대문디자인플라자)
A futuristic landmark by Zaha Hadid. Perfect for design lovers, photographers, and night-time strolls through LED rose gardens.
🗣️ Korean phrase: “디디피는 몇 시에 문을 닫아요?” (What time does DDP close?)
5. Namsan Tower (남산타워)
Panoramic city views and love-lock fences. Take the cable car or hike for a rewarding Seoul skyline shot!
🗣️ Korean phrase: “케이블카 타는 곳이 어디예요?” (Where is the cable car?)
6. Ikseon-dong (익선동)
A hidden gem of trendy cafés and boutique shops inside a hanok village — Instagram heaven with authentic charm.
🗣️ Korean phrase: “사진 맛집이 어디예요?” (Where's a good photo spot?)
7. Hongdae (홍대)
Street dancers, live music, quirky shops, and endless energy. Perfect for young travelers and fans of Korean youth culture.
🗣️ Korean phrase: “버스킹 공연은 어디에서 해요?” (Where are the street performances?)
8. Myeongdong (명동)
Shop, eat, repeat! Home of K-beauty, tteokbokki, and Korean street snacks.
🗣️ Korean phrase: “시식해볼 수 있어요?” (Can I try a sample?)
9. COEX Mall & Starfield Library (코엑스몰 & 별마당 도서관)
Asia’s largest underground mall with an iconic open-library. Cool, quiet, and photogenic!
🗣️ Korean phrase: “도서관은 어디에 있어요?” (Where is the library?)
10. Hangang River Parks (한강공원)
Enjoy bike rides, convenience store picnics, and chicken-and-beer delivery by the riverside like a true local.
🗣️ Korean phrase: “치맥 배달 되나요?” (Can I get chicken and beer delivered here?)
11. 🤔 Did you know?
In Korea, there's a popular word “힐링” (healing) used for places that help you relax or refresh. Locals often say, “한강 가서 힐링하자!” — “Let’s go to the Han River and chill!” Many of these destinations aren’t just for sightseeing but for emotional recharge — part of the Korean lifestyle!
12. Practice Korean Travel Phrases on italki
👉 Book a class with me on italki to learn real travel Korean and cultural tips before you land in Seoul!