Top 10 sights in Seoul you want to see

To really dive into Seoul’s culture and history, a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must. This beautiful palace, right in the heart of Seoul, is one of Korea’s most impressive palaces. Built on a site of 400,000 square metres, there’s loads to explore, so you can easily spend half a day or even a whole day here. Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 and was damaged during the Japanese occupation from 1910-1945. In the 1990s, the palace was restored to how we know it today.

Hongdae is one of Seoul’s liveliest neighbourhoods, known for its buzzing nightlife and youth culture. Located around Hongik University, it attracts a mix of students and travellers. The streets are packed with trendy bars, clubs, and live music venues, so there’s always something happening. The vibe is friendly and social, with plenty of chances to meet new people and make friends. Whether you want to dance into the early hours or just relax with a drink and your (new) mates, Hongdae offers a fun experience you shouldn’t miss while staying in Seoul.

Ready to taste something delicious? Sampling street food at Gwangjang Market is a must when you’re in Seoul. This market is one of the city’s oldest and largest, packed with stalls and food vendors serving authentic Korean dishes. As soon as you step inside, you’ll catch the amazing aromas of freshly cooked food. Fried chicken is a favourite among backpackers, but there’s plenty more to try. Bindaetteok (crispy mung bean pancakes with spicy sauce) and mandu (Korean dumplings filled with meat and vegetables) are well worth a go. Don’t forget yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) either. The busy stalls create a lively vibe, perfect for hanging out with friends and discovering new flavours. Gwangjang Market isn’t just about eating - it’s a chance to experience local culture, with traditional ingredients like kimchi and rice paper everywhere. It’s a fun and atmospheric way to explore Korea’s food traditions while enjoying street food.

Right in the middle of COEX Mall in Gangnam, you’ll find the Starfield Library - possibly the most photographed library in South Korea. The towering bookshelves, 13 metres high, make this a spot you’ll want to check out, even if you’re not a bookworm. Entry is free, and there are thousands of books and magazines, comfy seating areas, and regular talks and cultural events.

Starfield Library is a fun break from the buzz of Seoul. You can chill out, grab a coffee from one of the mall cafés, or snap that famous photo among the towering shelves. Since the library is inside COEX Mall, you can easily combine your visit with shopping, tasty food, or a trip to Bongeunsa Temple, which is just a short walk away. Starfield Library COEX Mall Bongeunsa

N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower, is an iconic symbol of Seoul offering panoramic views across the city. Set on top of Namsan Mountain, the tower stands at around 236 metres and is a popular tourist spot. You can reach the tower by cable car or by walking - both are an adventure in themselves. At the top, you get a sweeping view of Seoul, and on clear days you can see up to 50 kilometres. When evening falls, the tower lights up beautifully. A romantic tradition is couples hanging “love locks” to symbolise their relationship. Inside Seoul Tower, you’ll also find restaurants and cafés where you can relax with a meal or drink while looking out over the city. The view and experience at N Seoul Tower make for an unforgettable memory!