9 Seoul Hotspots (Plus Directions)

Seoul is such a vibrant city, full of culture and opportunity. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that there are endless hotspots to explore in the metropolis. Here are 9 Seoul hotspots (plus hot to get to them) covering the most popular tourist destinations in Seoul, as well as some great advice on where to find them.

Myeongdong

Essentially the most popular tourist destination in Seoul, Myeongdong is a shoppers’ paradise. This is a fantastic place to purchase clothing in Seoul, including brands such as Zara, H&M, Forever 21, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Myeongdong also offers an abundance of Korean cosmetics boutiques for women. And if you’re wondering where to buy souvenirs in Seoul, Myeongdong has a handful of side street sellers selling kpop socks and other bizarre Korean goods.

How To Get To Myeongdong: Myeongdong Station – Line 4, Exit 6 or Euljiro 1-ga Station () Line 2, Exit 6 or Euljiro 1-ga Station – Line 2, Exit 6

Sinchon

Centrally located between three major institutions, Sinchon is a popular college town watering spot in Korea. Sinchon is a nice spot to relax with friends as it is primarily comprised of bars, a small amount of shopping, and some entertainment alternatives. Oh, plus there are some decent Korean cuisine alternatives at college town prices!

How to get to Sinchon: Line 2, exit 2 at Sinchon Station.

Lotte World

Although the Jamsil neighbourhood can also be included in the retail portion of this list, Lotte World gets its own section because it is likely Seoul’s most popular amusement park. It is an ideal location for a date or a gathering of friends. With rides, games, and ice skating, this is an excellent way to spend a full day in Seoul.

How To Get To Lotte World: Jamsil Station – Line 2, Line 8, exit 4

Yeouido Park

Located adjacent to Seoul’s tallest skyscraper, the 63 building, Yeouido Park is an excellent area to spend time outdoors in Seoul. The park offers picnic-friendly gardens and sporting activities like as rollerblading, biking, and even outdoor basketball hoops. Come here if you’re a sports fanatic who enjoys drinking Mountain Dew!

How To Get To Yeouido Park: Yeouido Station – Line 5, exit 3 or Yeouinaru Station– Line 5, exit 1

Samcheong-dong

is a more polished alternative for socialising in Seoul. It is home to some of the finest cafes and restaurants in all of Seoul. Samcheong-dong can be a bit pricy, so come here if you’re seeking a spot to take a date or a more refined ambiance.

Directions to Samcheong-dong: Line 3, exit 1 at Anguk Station.

Insadong

Insadong is a must-see for tourists visiting Seoul. It will be your one-stop shop for vintage Korean coolness (i.e. tea houses, Korean antiques, Korean fans, etc.). And despite being a tourist hub, you can rest confident that native Koreans also frequent this area for its cafes, museums, and food!

How to Go to Insadong: Line 3, exit 6 at Anguk Station.

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is one of the marketplaces in Seoul loved by tourists due to its incredibly authentic atmosphere and extremely tasty Korean street cuisine. Famous foods include the Korean pancakes (/bindaettuk) and the baby gimbap (/mayakgimbap). Oh, and if you wish to meet typical old-school ajumma women, you should visit the woman merchants.

How to Get to Gwangjang Market: Jongno 5-ga Station (5-) – Line 1, exit 8 or Euljiro 4-ga Station (4-) – Line 2, exit 4 or Euljiro 4-ga Station (4-) – Line 2, exit 4.

N Seoul Tower

If you’re looking for one of the best views in Seoul, visit Seoul tower. There is a fantastic cable car to take you to the top, as well as a cool rotating restaurant with a view of the entire city. In addition, the elevator is quite quick and consequently extremely enjoyable.

Directions to N Seoul Tower: Itaewon Station – Line 6, exit 4, transfer to bus 3; or Chungmuro Station () – Line 3, Line 4, exit 2, transfer to Bus 2 or Bus 5 (heading for N Seoul Tower); or Itaewon Station () – Line 6, exit 4, transfer to bus 3 (bound for N Seoul Tower)

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon is one of the few spots in Seoul where you can view traditional Korean homes, thus it’s a great site to visit if you’re searching for an outstanding place to sightsee. These classic Korean residences once belonged to the Korean aristocracy and are now protected against construction. Hopefully, these marvels will endure forever! If you happen to be a theme park fan and favour the thrill of rollercoasters and rides, do check out our article on the best theme parks in South Korea.

How to Get to Bukchon Hanok Village: Line 3, exit 2 from Anguk Station

Explore Damyangs Juknokwon Bamboo Forest

Going outside without concern for freezing becomes simpler as Spring approaches and the weather warms. However, the sights aren’t always spectacular because many of the plants and flowers are still barren, a sign that winter is still far from over. However, there is one location in Korea that has a stunning forest all year long and that’s Damyang Bamboo Forest.

That location is Damyang’s Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. Juknokwon encloses you in an area of peace and tranquilly that is cut off from the outside world with its many winding trails and never-ending thickets of towering green bamboo. Juknokwon is a truly incredible experience that everyone visiting South Korea ought to have at least once. Here is a list of everything I did in Damyang for one day, without further ado.

How to Get to The Bamboo Forest: Express Railroad shuttle train (통근) from Gwangju Songjeong Station to Gwangju Station – Bus 311 for Juknokwon (죽녹원)

There are a few honourable mentions to include here such as Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant – a superb meat centric barbecue joint. Yeontabal is a favourite here in South Korea and is well worth a visit – as well as the One Piece themed coffee shop.

Did we miss any other that are worth adding? Let us know.