Whether you’re joining our South Korea tour, or you’re finding yourself with some time in Seoul, there is an abundance of great things to do in this city. Here’s our guide on how to spend 24 hours in the bustling capital!
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Morning
Cycle around Yeouido Park
If you’re lucky enough to be in Seoul on a day when the weather’s nice, then head to Yeouido Park. And, if you’re visiting in the Spring, it’s the top location in Seoul to experience the city’s gorgeous cherry blossoms! Rent a bike and explore the park, located on the banks of the Han River. You can even make a stop at the ‘I Seoul U’ sign right on the riverfront for the perfect photo op. Cycling around the park is very safe and easy, with dedicated cycle lanes and routes to follow. Bike rental stations can be found dotted around the park, with prices starting at 5,000 Won (around £3.50) for an hour. If you’re visiting with a friend, why not opt for a tandem bike and explore the park in style!
Visit a quirky cafe
After working up an appetite, head to one of Seoul’s many quirky themed cafes. Cat cafes have become somewhat part of the norm now, but weird and wacky animal cafes are popping up all over Asia. Seoul is home to some of the most unique, with a racoon cafe, meerkat cafe, and even a sheep cafe. The latter, also known as Thanks Nature Cafe, is located in Hongdae – Seoul’s go-to indie area. The humble abode of two super fluffy sheep, Honey and Sugar, the cafe serves delicious waffles and coffee, and features a modern yet rustic interior. Much like other animal cafes, you need to order something off of the menu in order to spend time with the furry friends. If you’re worried about hygiene, you can enjoy food in the cafe surrounded by sheep paraphernalia, before heading into the sheep’s pen outside. You’ll want to time your visit right though, as the two sheep head out to a farm in the countryside during the summer months, to avoid the humidity in the city.
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Explore Seochon Hanok Village
After a drink and bite to eat surrounding by crazy furry companions, swap Seoul’s bustling modern districts for one of it’s oldest neighbourhoods. Head to Seochon Hanok Village, located just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and immerse yourself in the city’s preserved ancient cultural villages. You can explore the area by yourself, or take part in a guided tour, to learn about the history of the village from a local. Seochon Hanok Village is also home to some great traditional restaurants. After all your exploring, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Tosokchon Samgyetang is said to be one of the best restaurants in the area for authentic Korean food – a perfect option for lunch!
Changdeokgung Palace
This picturesque palace complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the primary royal residence for over 200 years, and is the best preserved out of the five remaining Joseon palaces in Seoul. Besides the political and cultural context and government buildings, Changdeokgung has a truly breathtaking secret garden with landscaped lawns, ornate pavilions and a lotus pond. You can continue your tour of the area with the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village and charming Jogyesa Temple.
Afternoon
Common Ground Shipping Market
Occupying an impressive 5,300 square metres, this bright blue structure is the largest shipping container mall in the world. The complex comprises a interior and exterior market which border a central square used for weekend markets, performances, and exhibitions. If you’re up for something different, it’s definitely a convenient place to support independent businesses, whether you’re keen on fashion, art, or beauty. You won’t be short on choices for food either, with options ranging from traditional local food to international cuisines – a great spot for lunch!
Gwangjang market
This market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, most famous for its street food where you can find all sorts of Korean delicacies.It’s the most convenient place to sample a wide variety of Korean food, from ‘mayak gimbap‘, which are seaweed rolls, to sweet treats such as ‘tteokboki‘, sweet and spicy rice cakes, and ‘bindaetteok‘, mung bean pancakes. Also, you mustn’t forget to wash all these dishes down with some ‘makgeolli’, which is rice wine.
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Seoullo 7017
Seoullo 7017 is a modern oasis in the middle of Seoul. Very similar to New York’s High Line, this eco-friendly, multi-purpose pedestrian walkway was built on a former highway above Seoul Station and is currently home to a sky garden, cafés, and even a little pool for you to dip your toes in on a hot day. Seoullo 7017 has a lot to offer it’s audience, from ‘peeping pots’ that play sounds and videos of Seoul, to the kids’ trampolines and to the modern art at Seoullo Gallery. Enjoy!
Ihwa Mural Village
Want to walk around the streets of Seoul’s most artistic neighbourhood? Once designated for demolition, this hillside village was given a makeover as part of a government revitalisation project and has since become a tourist attraction. Ihwa is a lovely place to visit if you’re a keen photographer or fan of street art – it has some great photo opportunities with colourful murals and art. As it’s at the top of Naksan Mountain, the views are beautiful (even if the walk is a little steep). Just remember that it’s a village, and that residents have complained about noisy tourists in the past.
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Evening
Myeongdong
Known as a shopper’s paradise, Myeongdong is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Seoul. Myeongdong’s more of a conventional shopping experience, with popular retail chains, department stores, and family restaurants lining the streets. Myeongdong-gil, the main shopping street, is a dream come true for fashion and beauty lovers. If all the shopping makes you hungry, the knife-cut noodles at Myeongdong Kyoja are amazing.
Dongdaemun
This is another heaven for shoppers in the beating heart of Seoul. Open 24-hours, Dongdaemun has wholesale outlets, an underground shopping centre, and a space-age silver cultural hub designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid. Many boutiques in Seoul and neighbouring countries source their stock from Dongdaemun, making it a goldmine for thrifty, fashion-conscious shoppers.
N Seoul Tower
Jutting from Seoul’s skyline is the famous N Seoul Tower. Standing at 480m above sea level, this observation deck provides the second best view of the city after Bukhansan Mountain (without the hike up!) – you will be amazed by the stunning panoramic view from the top, especially at night. Try and spot some of the other Seoul landmarks and enjoy the mixture of colourful lights the city exposes during the night.
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Looking a full-day outing or something a little different?
Hike a mountain for views over Seoul
There’s an endless opportunity of things to do with 24 hours in Seoul, and while it’s easy to pack lots of activities into one day, some activities require a day just for themselves. If you’re looking to see a bit of South Korea’s nature during your visit, there are multiple mountains not to far outside of the city which make the perfect day trip. Bukhan Mountain or Gwanakan Mountain are two of the most popular hiking routes, although there are many more in the area. If you’re into nature a hiking, no trip to Seoul is complete without taking on Bukhan Mountain in particular. Depending on your fitness level, and also the crowds, the hike usually takes around 4 hours to complete, spanning over 7km. Parts of the hike are tougher than others, but it’s well worth the spectacular views at the top!
Take a dance lesson
For some more out of the box activities, why not head to 1 Million Dance Studio and take a dance lesson, lead by one of their talented instructors. With classes for both beginners and regulars, and instructors specialising in a variety of dance styles,you’re guaranteed to find one for you, even if it means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. What else is travelling for though?!
Visit a former prison
If you’re interested in learning about South Korea’s tragic past, then you’ll want to pay a visit to Seodaemun Prison History Hall. As you walk through the original cell blocks, learn about the Japanese occupation in the early 20th century from the displays and exhibitions set up. Not your average activity, but definitely worth a visit if you’re a history buff, or just want to learn more about the country you’re visiting. Entrance fees are 3,000 Won per person and guided tours in English can be organised up to 1 week before your planned visit.
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