Places Not to Miss in Seoul, South Korea
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Seoul is the biggest surprise of my life so far.
A perfect mix of old culture and history with modern city life, Seoul is a city you absolutely MUST put on your Travel Bucket List!
Let me paint you a picture – imagine mountains in the distance as you pass fields of rice. You come to a wide river that you cross over and suddenly you are in the heart of a thriving urban metropolis. This is what riding the train from Incheon Airport into Seoul is like. Nature meets art. Hanbok villages mixed into huge cities with skyscrapers.
To see the train ride into Seoul and more, check out our RAW video below! When I say raw, I mean like more or less unedited, except that I added some music to it. No special effects, nothing. In other words not great, but it’s just a teaser. I plan on making a better video for a future post, so be on the lookout for that soon!
We will be returning this fall to visit a few places that we couldn’t on this trip thanks to a typhoon (or two) canceling most of our travel plans. Despite the pouring rain, the locals of Seoul kept their city as clean as a whistle and did it with smiles on their faces. That’s what impressed me most about Seoul – the locals and their pride in their home. Everything is so clean, everyone is so friendly.
There is so much you must see in Seoul. From art galleries to temples and ancient villages to modern skyscrapers, your Seoul “Must Do” list will be long! As we learned on this trip when you’re visiting Seoul, Korea for the first time you will quickly realize you won’t be able to see it all in one trip.
Even though the typhoons dampened our plans (Excuse my punny-ness), we still managed to find some incredibly photogenic places that your Instagram followers will love! We tried to include a dash of old with a pinch of modern to showcase the flavor of Seoul and South Korea.
Enjoy these top Instagramable places in Seoul! Be sure to check out my Instagram for more pictures of our Seoul trip.
Places Not to Miss in Seoul, South Korea
1. I*SEOUL*U Sculpture
Though you can’t see it here, if you were to pan the picture back you would see that this entire sculpture should read I * SEOUL * U, which is the official slogan for Seoul. The sculpture gets moved from time to time around the city. As of this writing (July 2018), the sculpture can be found in Seoul Plaza (located in front of Seoul City Hall).
Personally, I prefer the zoomed-in picture focusing on just “Seoul” because Seoul has me totally under its spell. I have already spent hours planning our next trip and we’ve only gotten back from Seoul less than a week ago! This fall can’t get here fast enough!
Directions: Take Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station. Exit to the street at Exit 4 or Exit 5. Look across the street – you can’t miss it!
2. Namsan Seoul Tower *
This hard-to-miss landmark is more than just a pretty face! Besides having a very fun elevator ride to the top of the tower, and some of the most outstanding views anywhere, Namsan Tower is also home to many restaurants, entertaining museums, hanbok rental with photography, and more!
Though it is hard to miss, it’s not always easy to navigate in a foreign city. The Korea Tourism Organization has put together very detailed directions on how to get to Seoul Tower from any point in the city. Check out their guide here.
2. Changdeokgung Palace*
While we had originally planned on visiting several palaces and shrines around Seoul, Mother Nature had other plans in mind for us. Instead, we managed to visit just two palaces on the one sunny day we got. Totally worth waiting for a sunny day to visit though!
Changdeokgung Palace was originally built in the 13th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This well-preserved palace has many beautiful areas such as the King and Queen’s private residences and a secret garden! With all the fantastic locations to choose from, you are sure to get the perfect picture!
For more information or directions click here.
3. Deoksugung Palace Changing of the Guards Ceremony*
If you want to experience true Korean tradition – for FREE – then don’t miss the Deoksugung Palace Changing of the Guards Ceremony!
Held three times a day, Tuesday-Sunday (except on days of extreme weather) at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PMÂ this ceremony is a MUST SEE for tourists. This free tourist attraction lasts for around thirty minutes and is held at the Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace. Since it’s held three times a day, you have plenty of chances to go, so make sure you don’t miss it! This is royal Korean culture up close for the public to enjoy. And – did I mention – it’s free?
For more information and directions, click here.
4. Trick Eye Museum*
Speaking of things that surprised me in Seoul: the Trick Eye Museum is at the top of that list!
This was such a cool museum! (Since we’re talking about cool things – the Ice Museum is next door. If you go DRESS WARM. That cold ain’t no joke!)
Make sure your smartphone has a full battery because half the fun is using the museum’s app. The artificial reality (AR) that is built into the app to enhance your pictures will blow your mind! This family fun museum is great for everyone, just be ready to say CHEESE!
For information or directions, click here.
5. Hello Kitty Island**
The fangirl inside me was in heaven from the minute I stepped foot into Hello Kitty Island!
Located on the fifth floor of N Seoul Tower, Hello Kitty Island is part Hello Kitty collection, part Hello Kitty house. Her kitchen, dining room, living room, and bedroom are all accessible along with tons of Hello Kitty photo ops.
It was so much fun even the teen smiled. It’s a victory, y’all! Can I get a hallelujah?
For more information or directions, click here.
6. Nami Island
Located about an hour and a half by direct bus from Seoul, the Naminara Republic is a culturally independent country in the middle of South Korea! This island can only be reached by ferry and requires a “visa” to enter. Once on the island, be prepared to be enchanted.
Nami Island is full of picturesque scenes everywhere you look. There are peacocks strolling the grounds, as well as rabbits. Landscapes that will have you taking hundreds of pictures. Artwork and sculptures that will make you blush.
Nami Island was made famous by the Korean show “Winter Sonata” and its iconic First Kiss scene. There are many First Kiss tribute areas that are the perfect excuse for puckering up to the one you love! The entire island is covered with adorable snowmen statues. These cute little guys and gals will get your selfie tons of likes!
Don’t miss out on this tree-filled lovely break from the city when you’re visiting South Korea! Nami Island is enchanting and you will leave with a memory card full of photos.
For more information or directions, click here.
7. 18k Brick Staircase in Owl Cutlet Restaurant
Want an Instagrammable location that is unique? At the Owl’s Cutlet restaurant located on the fourth floor of the N Seoul Tower, there is a staircase made entirely of gold bars!
Yeah, your followers may have 18k gold on their neck, but are they walking on it?
The stairs can be found just inside the restaurant, in the reception area. As long as you are fast and don’t cause any problems the staff shouldn’t mind you getting a quick photo. (Please be respectful and don’t get a free picture during lunch or dinner.)
As far as the restaurant – DON’T MISS IT! It was one of the best meals we had in Korea, and more affordable than if we had eaten lunch at McDonald’s in Saipan! Delicious and affordable with fantastic service! The dining room is elegant but whimsical with owl figurines everywhere you look. Such a fun find! We will be back!
For directions, click here. Free to visit!
8. Love Lock Bridge
Located on the third-floor pavilion of the Seoul Tower, the Love Lock Bridge is incredible to see!
Thousands upon thousands of locks (and sometimes cell phone cases, pictures, and even condoms!) are attached to the bridge and fencing surrounding the pavilion. Instead of cutting them down, Seoul encourages visitors to share the love.
The city has created metal trees and heart sculptures located around the pavilion to attach even more locks on! It’s a fun place to get some great pictures, and to leave a little love behind! Free to visit!
For directions click here.
9. Hanbok Rental
This is one experience I didn’t get to have and I can’t wait to try it this fall! Hanbok is a traditional clothing style worn by peasants in the Joseon period of Korea. These days it is often worn as ceremonial dressing.
You can rent Hanbok to wear (for super cheap!) and gain admittance to all the Palaces in Seoul for FREE!
The locals of Seoul love it when visitors show their appreciation for traditional Korean culture. You just might be the center of the crowd when you wear Hanbok! But don’t worry – you won’t be alone. The grounds of most palaces are full of others wearing Hanbok, so you might just make some new friends!
Rent your Hanbok and schedule a photography session here!
10. Myeongdong
Are you looking for the best shopping in Seoul? Wondering where to go to find the tastiest (and most affordable) food you’ve had in South Korea? Want to experience the crowds of a big city? See Seoul city lights at night? You need to visit Myeong-dong Street!
This is the shopping hub of Seoul with Lotte Department Stores located in the center. If you are averse to crowds, I would steer clear of Myeongdong. But, if you are looking to score a great deal on K-Beauty products, or want to try many types of street food for not much money, then Myeongdong is the place for you! Come to Myeongdong with an empty belly and ready to shop!
Myeong dong is where the Instagram worthy cafes in Seoul can be found!
Check Myeongdong out here.
There are many places to see and things to do in Seoul, South Korea. Finding the best place in Seoul to take a picture shouldn’t be a challenge! Make sure to check these locations out, and if you use them in your Instagram be sure to tag me @tspoon77.
Many of these places can be visited for FREE by using the Discover Seoul Pass.
See more about this Discover Seoul Pass in this post!
The Discover Seoul Pass is for foreign visitors only, and it gives you free admission to 36 of Seoul’s greatest tourist attractions! All five palaces, Cultural and Art Museums, the zoo and aquarium, and family fun activities like the Trick Eye Museum and Running Man!
I have partnered up with KKDay to offer you the best value on the Discover Seoul Pass you will find anywhere!
Purchase your Discover Seoul Pass and save 20% when you purchase via KKDay! The Discover Seoul Pass is the most affordable way to see the attractions in Seoul. This pass is an absolute time and money saver, and I wouldn’t visit Seoul without ordering one first!
Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you’ll come back and visit more over the next few weeks as I have several more posts about South Korea coming up! Have you visited Seoul? What were your favorite locations for great photos? Let’s dish in the comments!
*FREE with Discover Seoul Pass ** Discounted entry with Discover Seoul Pass
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