Seoul is an incredible city, brimming with mouth-watering food, exciting attractions and unforgettable shopping spots. The amount of things to do, see and eat in Seoul are endless, and unique experiences await you on every corner.
If you’re heading to Seoul for the first time, you are in for a one-of-a-kind adventure – just like the one I recently had. Not sure where to even begin? Try completing this checklist of 20 things to do in Seoul on your very first visit.
Challenge the limits of augmented reality at the Trick Eye Museum
“Seeing doesn’t necessarily have to be believing”.
Indeed, that’s exactly what the Trick Eye Museum is all about! As the world’s first augmented reality museum, the Trick Eye Museum is an absolute must-do for all visitors to Seoul. Be blown away by multiple 3D optical illusion art exhibits, where you can shrink to the size of a hobbit or tower like a giant.
What’s exclusive to the flagship Trick Eye Museum is that you stand to enjoy multiple museums within the same complex!!
Image Source: Flickr
Explore Bukchon Hanok Village
The Bukchon Hanok Village is one of my favourite photo spots in Seoul. The traditional hanok houses found here date all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty, and people actually live in them! This picturesque residential area is nestled in the heart of the city between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, and from atop the hill you can see a contrasting backdrop of modern buildings in the distance.
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Source: Flickr
Buy cosmetics at Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a cosmetic lover’s paradise. You can find all the popular Korean cosmetic brands in Myeongdong, from Innisfree and Etude House to Tony Moly and MISSHA. Look out for the 1+1 (buy one get one free) offers, and don’t be shy to roam around collecting free samples!
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Image Source: Flickr
Catch the guard changing ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace
When visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace, don’t miss out on observing the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony or the Gwanghwamun Gate Guard-on-Duty Performance. Either one happens every hour between 10 am to 4 pm at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, every day except Tuesdays.
Put a gatekeeper costume on at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Right before and after the ceremonies mentioned above, visitors can try a gatekeeper’s costume at the Sumunjangcheong Building, located behind the Gwanghwamun Gate. You have no reason not to do this – the Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Costume Experience is absolutely free!
Image Source: Flickr
Take the cable car up Mount Namsan
Home to the N Seoul Tower, Mount Namsan is a must-visit attraction in Seoul. While Mount Namsan is a mere 237 metres at its peak, the athletically challenged among us (like me) may not be so keen on climbing it. Fret not – there is a cable car to shuttle you there! At the top, enjoy the city views or go even higher up the N Seoul Tower’s observatory.
Image Source: Wikimedia
Indulge in delicious street food
You should never go hungry in Seoul, especially when there’s plenty of yummy street food everywhere! Some must-try street food in Seoul include tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls) and of course, the classic chicken skewers!
Source: Wikimedia
Have a photo-shoot at Common Ground
Common Ground is Seoul’s very own container park. It is essentially a shopping mall with trendy shops, and also a great place to just hang out or have a hipster-ish photo shoot.
Satisfy your candy needs at Lotte market
It is a one stop shop for buying all the Korean food especially candies you can ever dream of. Lotte biscuit sticks and market O brownies are the best korean goodies here!
Source: Wikimedia
Go shopping in an underground shopping centre
Seoul’s broad underground offices are extremely noteworthy, and a couple of times I rose up out of the metro to end up in a huge underground shopping heaven. A portion of the best underground shopping spots in Seoul incorporate the Express Terminal Underground Center, Gangnam Underground Shopping Center and Yeongdeungpo Underground Mall. Scour the overly complex rear ways and you’re ensured to discover awesome bargains!
11. Purchase customary trinkets at Insadong
In case you’re anticipating purchasing conventional products, make a beeline for Insadong! There is one primary street in Insadong fixed with stalls, shops, displays, teahouses and eateries. Make sure to meander into the back streets to find shrouded charms and unforeseen gems.
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Drink tea at a teahouse
I extremely needed to encounter a customary teahouse in Seoul, so I chased down Insadong Chatjip, a hanok teahouse. Some natively constructed Jujube Tea I had was completely delightful! Seoul has numerous phenomenal teahouses, so overlook Starbucks and go customary instead.
Attempt the Korean fire noodle challenge
Have you seen the recordings of individuals going up against the Korean fire noodle challenge? There’s no better time to get on board with that when you’re in Seoul! Keep running off to the closest comfort store, snatch a measure of zesty noodles and set it up in your lodging room. Kick it up a score and eat it down as quick as could reasonably be expected (or include a dash of bean stew powder, in case you’re feeling crazy).
Shop at Ewha Women’s University Shopping Street
Source: life to rest
Consideration, women! The territory close Ewha Women’s University, otherwise called Edae, is a paradise for customers. Meander where your feet take you and shop close by chic Korean ladies. Purchase dress, beautifying agents and shoes, fly by a salon for a makeover and when you’re worn out, take a break in one of the numerous bistros around.
Have an inclination that a K-Pop star
In case you’re a major fanatic of K-Pop, go to [email protected] to feel nearer to your most loved stars. Not exclusively would you be able to purchase K-pop stock in SMTOWN, however you can likewise see SM-related displays or watch a live execution. Be an artiste for a day at SMTOWN STUDIO, which offers vocal lessons, photograph shoots and even music video making sessions.
Plunge your feet in Cheonggyecheon Stream
Only a short stroll from DDP is the Cheonggyecheon Stream, which gives an effectively available withdraw from the encompassing city. On sweltering summer days, local people assemble under the scaffolds to appreciate the shade and plunge their feet in the cool water.
Go bistro jumping at Garosu-gil
Bistro jumping in Seoul is a simple issue; simply advance toward Garosu-gil, where you can locate an expansive choice of bistros for your picking. Enjoy heavenly tarts from Deux Cremes and after that jump over to O’Sulloc Tea House to attempt a wide range of green tea pastries.
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Complete a container of Milkis
Milkis is that one non-mixed drink you should attempt when in Korea. This carbonated drink has one unique fixing: drain! The blend of pop and drain may sound peculiar, however this drink is flawless in its own right.
Attempt the Korean-style braised chicken
I could undoubtedly fill this agenda with the diverse nourishments you basically need to attempt in Seoul. What’s there to adore about this? The Andong-style chicken is delicate, and delicate while the soy bean-based sauce is sweet and flavorful. Cuts of potatoes, carrots, and onions are tossed into the delectable blend, and starch noodles finish the dish. Yum!
Lick 32 centimetres of wind ice cream
When you see a dessert remain in Myeongdong, don’t simply stroll past it! For 2000 KRW (SGD 2.40), you can get yourself a 32 cm wind frozen custard. In case you’re having this on a hot day, share it with a companion since talking for a fact, the frozen yogurt dissolves truly fast!
