City guide
Seoul's historic core sits north of the Han River: palaces and hanok lanes in Jongno, shopping around Myeongdong, and Namsan above them. Gangnam and the river parks lie south; the metro ties both sides together.
Not listed here: opening hours, prices, closures and events. They change, so check them before you go.
21 places across 7 areas. Every fact links to its source.
Jongno & Gyeongbokgung
The largest of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon dynasty, built in 1395 in what is now Jongno-gu. It served as the main royal palace and has been restored in stages since the late twentieth century.
Outdoors · Best in the morning · 60–120 min (estimate)
Jongno & Gyeongbokgung
A Joseon royal palace built in 1405 east of Gyeongbokgung. Its rear garden (Huwon / Secret Garden) is part of the site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
Outdoors · Best in daytime · 60–120 min (estimate)
Insadong & Bukchon
A neighbourhood of traditional Korean hanok houses between Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and the Jongno area. Many houses are still lived in; alley viewpoints looking toward modern Seoul are widely photographed.
Outdoors · Best in the morning · 40–75 min (estimate)
Myeongdong
The southern gate of the old Seoul City Wall, also called Namdaemun. It is a National Treasure of South Korea; after a 2008 fire it was restored and reopened in 2013.
Outdoors · Any time · 15–30 min (estimate)
Itaewon & Namsan
A communication and observation tower on Namsan, opened to the public in 1980. At 236.7 m from the base of the tower structure, it is a widely recognised skyline landmark of Seoul.
Indoors & outdoors · Best at sunset · 60–100 min (estimate)
Dongdaemun
A Zaha Hadid–designed cultural and exhibition complex in the Dongdaemun area, opened in 2014 on the site of the former Dongdaemun Stadium. Its curved aluminium exterior is a frequent photography subject.
Indoors & outdoors · Best in daytime · 45–90 min (estimate)
None of them is “the best”. Each one gives up something to get something else.
Palace courtyards, hanok lanes, a busy shopping street, then the city from Namsan at dusk.
Simple rules over the places on this page. Nothing is generated, and every change says why.
Schematic map, not for navigation. Use “Open in maps” for directions.
All times are estimates.
The largest of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon dynasty, built in 1395 in what is now Jongno-gu. It served as the main royal palace and has been restored in stages since the late twentieth century.
About 15 min by walking
A neighbourhood of traditional Korean hanok houses between Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and the Jongno area. Many houses are still lived in; alley viewpoints looking toward modern Seoul are widely photographed.
About 16 min by walking
A street and neighbourhood in Jongno-gu known for galleries, craft shops and teahouses dealing in traditional Korean arts. The main lane is partly pedestrianised.
About 15 min by walking
A central shopping and entertainment district in Jung-gu, long one of Seoul's busiest commercial streets, with dense retail, street food stalls and cosmetics shops.
About 20 min by walking
A communication and observation tower on Namsan, opened to the public in 1980. At 236.7 m from the base of the tower structure, it is a widely recognised skyline landmark of Seoul.
Your trip, not this guide
This page shows places and day routes. To decide whether Seoul fits you — against alternatives — add your origin, dates, budget, and what matters.
Build my Seoul decisionWe only list facts that stay true. These change too often to show without a live source:
