What can you do in a city that never seems to stop moving, yet is hugged by mountains on all sides?

If you’ve watched K-dramas and romanticised walking around in places where they look dreamy, you know these are the kind of spots you want to visit in Seoul.

Social media is already full of spots you should go to like Starfield library and tourist trappy stuff — while they’re Ok and great to check it out, I think it is doing Seoul a huge disservice.

If you’re a bit of a history buff or someone who likes checking out cute stuff and exploring a bit of the mountains in Seoul, here’s my guide on some of the top things you should do in Seoul.

Also read: Best Day Trips from Seoul: From Autumn Trees To Unique Adventures

Some things about Seoul you should know about

at some of the gorgeous parks in seoul - here are my best things to do guide in seoul

The city is home to about 10+ million people and you’ll find everyone is dressed in just shades of black and white or gray.

It also felt very business-like at some times and you do sense that it is made to be hyper-ambitious and competitive.

Conformity is so common here and for me people watching and observing how Koreans dressed was one of the best things to do in Seoul.

One important thing to also note is they don’t have a brunch culture — at first, I found it weird but cafes usually open at 11am.

I had to dig deeper and only found places in working spots to be open early but otherwise it is 7/11 as your go to place.

If you’re coming for the first time, here are some things you should keep in mind:

First time in Korea? Here are the essentials:

📱 Get a SIM card (comes with a free T-money card!)
🚆 From airport: AREX Express Train (less luggage) or Limousine Bus (more convenient)
🗺️ Download NaverMaps & KakaoMaps
🔤 Use Papago for translation
🚄 Book trains on Trip.com & buses on Klook
💳 T-Money Card for metro & buses
🏨 Stay in Myeongdeong (shopping/food) or Insadong (traditional Seoul)

The Best Things To Do in Seoul

1. Visit Namsan Park & stop at cute cafes

I stayed next to Namsan Park and found it so gorgeous and pretty epecially during Autumn and Spring season. There are so many walking spots right in the middle of the city!

There’s an option to ride the cable car and head to Namsan Seoul Tower.

On your way down, head to Namsangol Hanok Village 남산골한옥마을 where you’ll see well-preserved Korean buildings.

The neighborhoods around the base of Namsan are dotted with little cafés — from retro Korean dessert spots to minimalist coffee houses. I stopped at this green cafe called Earth Dome.

Also read: 10 Days to 2 Weeks South Korea Itinerary That's Offbeat: Seoul, Busan & Gyeongju

2. Cheonggyecheon Stream

the **Cheonggyecheon Stream in seoul! it turns into an outdoor reading library!**

This is one of the first things I did and had my gimbap with banana milk that I bought from 7/11.

It is restored urban park in the center of the city that’s right alongside a 10 km long road next to a creek.

In the evening, it turns into an outdoor library and a reading spot which I thought was really cool how Seoul has managed to turn outdoor spots like this into a cool area to rest!

3. Cosplay as a K-pop star at Hikr Grounds

cosplaying a a k-pop star with cool backgrounds

Just near the stream, you’ve to go to Hikr grounds!

Its a 4-storey building with an interactive center and a K-Pop museum. There are several music video sets reproduction where people can take a pic or video of their fav K-Pop band.

The best part is that it is free and I found it a pretty cool way to take cool pictures and experiment with some futuristic visual effects on all aspects of Korean culture (Korean pop, drama, historical, beauty).

4. E-bike your way through Seoul

This was such a cool experience to see all the historical parts of Seoul but on an e-bike. You can get book your experience here.

From Cheongycheon River, you get to ride to Gyungbokgung Palace and loosely explore the neighborhoods around the palace.

On route, you get to visit Gwanghwamun Square, briefly enter the royal palace, then explore the romantic West village visiting a hidden community, and trying some local delights at a traditional market.

I loved the pastry spots and being able to zip through crowds while exploring the narrow laneways of Seoul was such a cool experience!

5. Hanbok & The Palace Grounds

You should rent a hanbok because it is the best way to enjoy the palace grounds for free and take as many pictures as you want in these elaborate pastel dresses

I am not much of a dress-up person but I found the whole process so seamless — I took the luxury option with hair included and I think that’s worth it.

You can choose to take the outdoor shoots with a photographer as well.

6. Bukhansan Mountain & Hiking Baegundae Peak

If you want an active day trip, I highly recommend hiking up to the tallest peak in Seoul - Baegundae Peak.

This hike was so worth it to see a different side of Seoul.

I mean how often do you see Korean families come together with hotpots, gimbap and stews to take a break up on the mountains.

They make it so easy for you to hike the trails here from proper rest stops, cables, steel stairs and clear signage that I think everyone (even if you’re not a hiker) should explore the hiking trails in and around Seoul.

Also read: Hiking Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National Park: This Is The Best Hike in Seoul!

7. Seoul City Wall Trails at Naksan Park (Sunset & Night Walk)

This is the best walks in Seoul one can experience and head to Naksan Park. It only takes you 30 minutes to complete the short loop.

It was a rather relaxing walk as the pathway was rather clear.

Walking along the wall felt surreal — at night it becomes really cool to take in the city from a different standpoint.

During autumn, the entire stretch of the pathway was covered with gold leaves which makes the stroll felt surreal.

8. Walk around Seongsu neighbourhood

walking around seongsu neighbourhood and checking out their cute stores

I had a list of all the cute neighbourhoods you should see and ofcourse Hongdae is on the list but if you want something more hip, Seongsu is the place.

It is often called the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” but that undersells it.

What was once an area of shoe factories has turned into a hub of design studios, art spaces, and industrial-chic cafés.

You’ll also fin locals hanging out in converted warehouses, sipping coffee in cafés that feel like art galleries. Myeongdong can be touristy so I found Seongsu to be more creative.

The Seoul Forest Park is also pretty close by and should be one place that you should check out as well!

Also read: Why You Should Try A Temple Stay at Golgulsa in Gyeongju, Korea

9. Write a letter to your future self

There are spots in Seoul where you can sit down, write a letter to your future self, and have it mailed back months or even years later.

I did this whole experience at Nuldam cafe and the drinks were so good! It is also a vegan cafe serving vegan pastries.

I loved the process of having to seal up my envelope with wax and choosing which date/box to stick it into.

10. Walk around Seonyudo Park

Towards the end of my trip, I stayed closer to Hongdae neighbourhood and while the city comes alive at night, I needed a space to chill and found Seonyudo park so gorgeous!

The glittery waters and perfectly blue skies plus interacting with local students were one of the best experiences on a slow day in Seoul.

A fun fact: Seonyudo Park sits on an island in the Han River, where old water treatment facilities have been turned into gardens and walkway.

I feel like it was the only place where I could feel the stillness of Seoul in a very hectic city!

11. Have some of the best head-spas

have some of the best head spas in seoul

Seoul takes self-care to another level, and head spas are the proof.

I went to Juno Hair treatment for the scalp treatment experience and it was soooo relaxing! You can book it here.

Imagine lying back while someone massages your scalp, steams your hair, and treats you like royalty for an hour. It feels like heaven especially after walking around Seoul all day!

12. Go for a K-pop dance class

It was my dream to master some K-pop dance moves and I thought maybe I could visit a concert when I am in Seoul but if you’re not doing that — the next best option is to book this K-pop dance class!

The instructor was amazing and you also get the entire clip of the dance recording which is a pretty cool experience in my opinion!

13. Watch a baseball game

Koreans take their baseball seriously — I saw it firsthand when I cycled around Korea and saw Koreans playing baseball everywhere.

Just for the experience, you need to watch the match at Jamsil Baseball Stadium even if you’re not usually into sports.

The energy is contagious, with fans singing, cheering, and dancing along with K-pop cheerleaders throughout the game. You can’t help but get caught up in it.

14. Go For a Colour Analysis

Colour analysis is having a huge moment in Seoul. I wasn’t sure if this was an experience I would do but I figured why not, I might as well try it out!

You can book the experience here!

You sit with a consultant who drapes different shades on you and tells you what colors make you glow and which wash you out.

It sounds superficial, but in a city where fashion and beauty matter, I saw it from a different lens. Whether or not I apply their advice is a different story, but this is one experience that you should do!

The experience itself was also strangely intimate: you basically sit under bright lights, watch yourself transform with every fabric swap!

15. Take the DMZ Tour

Lastly, this was something everyone does and if you’ve time you must do it!

The DMZ tour takes you to some of the most unusual and eye-opening spots — from walking through North Korean infiltration tunnels in Paju, to gazing across the border at Aegibong Ecopark in Gimpo, and stopping by cultural sites where history and daily life overlap.

What struck me most was how much you can experience in just one day.

The itinerary moves quickly but seamlessly — from Peace Park and the gondola ride, to Camp Greaves and the 3rd Tunnel, and finally the Dora Observatory, where you actually get a glimpse into North Korea itself.

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15 Things To Do in Seoul: Quirky Spots To Hidden Alleys