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  • Things to do

Seoul, in our opinion, is like no other city on earth. It is a vast, busy metropolis, full of fresh, creative restaurants, shouty markets and mesmerising historic architecture. Sure, Korea has been having its international moment for a while, thanks to K-Pop’s popularity, and a certain group of Netflix hits and Oscar-winning films. But whether you knew it or not, Seoul has always been cool. Insanely cool. So cool, you’re definitely going to need enough time there to take it all in. Here, trendy, arty neighbourhoods full of vintage stores meet sprawling green spaces, and tiny tea houses are tucked away behind vast forests. You’ve got to see this city in person to believe it. Read on for the best things to do in Seoul.  RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Seoul🍸 The best bars in Seoul🏨 The best hotels in Seoul🦀 The best traditional markets in Seoul🎨 The best things to do for free in Seoul🧖 The best luxury spas in Seoul 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Seoul Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

  • Hotels

You may have noticed that South Korea is having a bit of a moment right now – from cinema and television to music, fashion, beauty and tech, the K-Wave is well and truly enveloping the world. At the heart of this cultural explosion is Seoul, the buzzing capital city where edgy arty urban neighbourhoods and glitzy skyscrapers lie next to traditional hanok villages and mountainous national parks. In a nutshell: there’s a lot to see.  As with every culture-packed city, a stay here also means picking the right base to unwind from all the sightseeing and recharge for the next day’s adventures. From tropical spas and towering rooftop hotspots to boutique hostels and convenient hideaways, these are the best hotels to complete your perfect stay in Seoul. 

  • Bars

We can usually get through the days with cafe hopping and a good meal, but what makes our night has got to be a tipple or two. Thankfully for us, Seoul’s bar scene is a vibrant and eclectic mix of traditional Korean taverns and modern cocktail bars. Whether you're in the mood for a rustic atmosphere with traditional drinks and snacks, or a night of dancing to the beats of a live DJ, Seoul's bars have something for everyone. Here, take a swig in some of the best bars the city has to offer, each one more outstanding than the next.  

The best luxury spas at affordable prices in Seoul
  • Shopping

When it comes to spa culture in South Korea, and more specifically Seoul, it's a unique and often very special experience. With a strong influence from Buddhist practices centred around purification, it's no wonder locals take their culture of Jjimjilbang very seriously. Jjimjilbang is the act of visiting a public bathhouse. These bathhouses separate visitors by sex and come furnished with traditional saunas, hot tubs, massage tables and showers. But it doesn't stop there. If you're looking for a little more luxury – and privacy – go for one of these incredible luxury spas in the heart of Seoul. Sounds blissful, right? Let's get into it. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in SeoulRECOMMENDED: The best luxury hotels in SeoulRECOMMENDED: The best rooftop bars in Seoul This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The best fine dining restaurants in Seoul
  • Restaurants

Looking for a good restaurant to take a fancy date? Trying to impress the parents? At our editors’ recommended fine-dining restaurants the service is spectacular, the food is superb and the chefs are some of the world's best… RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Seoul🍴 The best local restaurants in Seoul🇹🇭 The best places in Seoul for Thai food

Where to eat Korean food in great local restaurants
  • Restaurants

For a quick bite of Seoul, craft beers and galbi tacos will suffice for day 1, but to fully indulge in authentic Korean food—that requires a whole different set of cutlery and table manners. As much as Koreans are eager to embrace American and European cuisines, we are dead serious about Korean food and eating in general. Walk into any restaurant in the city for a simple kimchi jjigae, and you'll find yourself eating through a table adorned with at least four banchan side dishes. Korean food is not just about massive servings of savory broths, barbeque, and soul food, but it's also all about the clustered tables, side dishes you never ordered, and shouting for a refill from an "imo," an older and friendlier version of that girl next door. In Korea, everyone including your waitress and beyond is your sister and auntie. In turn, you are not a mere customer, but a son and daughter to be fed and tended to. So put down those burgers and get yourself to a Korean restaurant tonight—you'll find no better Korean food in the world than the stuff right here. Here's a list of some of our favorites.

  • Hotels

There’s something pretty unique about Seoul, and we’re here to share a little piece of the magic with you. Despite the South Korean capital being a place of technological development and advanced living, the city also holds onto its deeply traditional values. You’ll be in awe of seemingly endless skyscrapers juxtaposed with ancient temples and traditional Hanoks – keep your eyes peeled for some of the best on our list. Aside from the unique accommodation offerings, Seoul is a city known for its culture – and the many ways in which to explore it. Visit vibey districts, taste delicious street food, and pick up some eclectic fashion – all before heading home to one of the best Airbnbs in Seoul. From contemporary city center apartments to authentic, and often historic, Hanoks, there’s something for everyone here in Seoul. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Seoul RECOMMENDED: The best five-star hotels in SeoulRECOMMENDED: The ultimate bar guide to Seoul This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

  • Things to do
  • Markets and fairs
  • Jongno-gu

This vintage flea market is located near Dongmyo, a shrine built in honor of Guan Yu, a Chinese military commander. Exit Dongmyo Station exit 3 and walk straight for about 30 seconds until you reach the entrance of this bustling market. Hundreds of street stalls open up along the stone walls of the shrine, all the way to Cheonggyecheon Stream. This flea  market literally has everything you need— from second-hand clothes to antiques, vinyl records and miscellaneous goods. Clothes are only 1,000 won a piece, with leather jackets in the autumn and faux fur in the winter. This traditional market has become an unusual hot spot in Seoul, with people carrying around their newly purchased items in black plastic bags and sellers pushing around carts full of antiques. We advise that you bring a lot of 1,000 won bills with you, as it makes bargaining easier. Another tip is to go early when the market opens in order to dig through the piles to find the best items. Dongmyo Flea Market opens at 2pm on weekdays and 10am on weekends. They close before sundown and on every 2nd and 4th Tuesday.

The best restaurants in Itaewon
  • Restaurants

Long reputed to be one of the most delicious neighborhoods in Seoul, Itaewon is particularly known for foreign food. Expats and travelers can come here to get a taste of home while Koreans might come seeking something from their travels. Here's the inside scoop on which places are authentic and just plain delicious.