🏛️ Seoul Attractions Guide

Seoul is home to five royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty. Each has its own unique charm and history.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

The largest and most impressive palace. The main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty.

• Admission: ₩3,000 ($2.40) - Free if wearing Hanbok!
• Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM (closed Tuesdays)
• Changing of Guard: 10 AM & 2 PM daily
• Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5
• Time needed: 2-3 hours
• Must-see: Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, National Palace Museum

2. Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁)

UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its beautiful Secret Garden (Huwon).

• Admission: ₩3,000 ($2.40) - Palace only
• Secret Garden: ₩5,000 ($4) - Requires guided tour
• Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM (closed Mondays)
• Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 3
• Time needed: 2-3 hours (3-4 with Secret Garden)
• Tip: Book Secret Garden tour in advance (limited spots)

3. Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

Smaller palace, great for a quick visit. Located in the heart of the city.

• Admission: ₩1,000 ($0.80)
• Hours: 9 AM - 9 PM (closed Mondays)
• Subway: City Hall Station (Line 1/2), Exit 1
• Time needed: 1 hour
• Special: Evening visits available (unique among palaces)

1. N Seoul Tower (N서울타워)

Iconic tower offering panoramic views of Seoul. Best visited at sunset or night.

• Admission: ₩11,000 ($8.70) - Observatory
• Hours: 10 AM - 11 PM
• How to get there: Cable car from Myeongdong or walk up Namsan
• Time needed: 2-3 hours
• Best time: Sunset (4-6 PM) or night (8-10 PM)
• Special: Love locks area, revolving restaurant

2. Lotte World Tower (롯데월드타워)

Korea's tallest building. 123rd floor observatory offers incredible views.

• Admission: ₩27,000 ($21) - Seoul Sky observatory
• Hours: 10:30 AM - 10 PM
• Subway: Jamsil Station (Line 2/8), Exit 2
• Time needed: 2-3 hours
• Bonus: Lotte World theme park nearby

3. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Futuristic architecture by Zaha Hadid. Cultural hub with exhibitions and events.

• Admission: Free (exhibitions may charge)
• Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM
• Subway: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Line 2/4/5)
• Time needed: 1-2 hours
• Best for: Architecture lovers, night photos

1. Gwangjang Market (광장시장)

Seoul's oldest market. Famous for street food and traditional goods.

• Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM (food stalls until 11 PM)
• Subway: Jongno 5-ga (Line 1), Exit 7
• Must-try: Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), Mayak gimbap
• Time needed: 1-2 hours

2. Namdaemun Market (남대문시장)

Largest traditional market. Great for souvenirs and everyday items.

• Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM (closed Sundays)
• Subway: Hoehyeon Station (Line 4), Exit 5
• Best for: Souvenirs, clothing, accessories
• Time needed: 2-3 hours

3. Insadong (인사동)

Traditional cultural street. Perfect for Korean crafts, tea, and souvenirs.

• Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM (varies by shop)
• Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 6
• Best for: Traditional crafts, calligraphy, tea houses
• Time needed: 2-3 hours

1. National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)

• Admission: Free (special exhibitions may charge)
• Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM (until 9 PM Wed/Sat)
• Subway: Ichon Station (Line 4), Exit 2
• Time needed: 3-4 hours

2. War Memorial of Korea (전쟁기념관)

• Admission: Free
• Hours: 9:30 AM - 6 PM
• Subway: Samgakji Station (Line 4/6), Exit 12
• Time needed: 2-3 hours

3. Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

Traditional Korean village with preserved hanok houses. Great for photos and cultural experience.

• Admission: Free
• Hours: 24/7 (best 9 AM - 5 PM)
• Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 2
• Time needed: 1-2 hours
• Important: This is a residential area - be quiet and respectful

Jogyesa Temple (조계사)

Seoul's main Buddhist temple. Beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

• Admission: Free
• Hours: 24/7
• Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 6
• Time needed: 30 minutes - 1 hour
• Special: Beautiful lanterns in May (Buddha's Birthday)

Day 1: Historical Seoul

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (9 AM - 12 PM)
2. Bukchon Hanok Village (12 PM - 1:30 PM)
3. Insadong for lunch and shopping (1:30 PM - 4 PM)
4. Jogyesa Temple (4 PM - 4:30 PM)
5. Gwangjang Market for dinner (5 PM - 7 PM)

Day 2: Modern Seoul

1. Myeongdong shopping (10 AM - 12 PM)
2. N Seoul Tower (12 PM - 3 PM)
3. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (3 PM - 5 PM)
4. Dongdaemun Market (5 PM - 7 PM)
5. Hongdae for nightlife (7 PM+)

Day 3: Culture & Shopping

1. Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden (9 AM - 12 PM)
2. National Museum of Korea (1 PM - 4 PM)
3. Namdaemun Market (4 PM - 6 PM)
4. Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky (6 PM - 8 PM)

• Palace Pass: ₩10,000 ($8) for 3-month pass to all 5 palaces
• Free admission: Many museums and temples are free
• Wear Hanbok: Free palace entry when wearing traditional dress
• Discount cards: Seoul City Pass offers discounts (₩20,000)
• Free walking tours: Available in many areas (tip-based)