Top 10exploreSeoul

Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Seoul

Discover the best places to explore in Seoul.

Updated January 21, 2026

All-Time Best

1.

Hongdae

Hongdae
$$

The vibrant heart of Seoul's youth culture, centered around Hongik University. Known for its indie music scene, street performances, quirky cafes, and legendary nightlife that keeps the neighborhood alive until dawn.

Highlights

  • Live indie music clubs
  • Street performer playground
  • Unique themed cafes
  • Trendy fashion boutiques
  • Club street nightlife
Also available on:Book Tour
Live indie music clubsStreet performer playgroundUnique themed cafes
2.

Gangnam

Gangnam
$$

Seoul's glitzy southern district made world-famous by PSY's viral hit. A playground for the wealthy featuring luxury shopping, K-pop entertainment agencies, upscale dining, and sleek modern architecture.

Highlights

  • COEX Mall and Starfield Library
  • K-pop entertainment headquarters
  • Luxury brand shopping
  • Gangnam Style horse statue
  • High-end Korean BBQ restaurants
Also available on:Book Tour
COEX Mall and Starfield LibraryK-pop entertainment headquartersLuxury brand shopping
3.

Itaewon

Itaewon
$$

Seoul's most international district, a melting pot of cultures with diverse cuisines, global fashion, LGBTQ+ friendly nightlife, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Recently revitalized with trendy bars and restaurants.

Highlights

  • International restaurant row
  • Antique Furniture Street
  • Itaewon Mosque
  • Diverse nightlife scene
  • Global fashion boutiques
Also available on:Book Tour
International restaurant rowAntique Furniture StreetItaewon Mosque
4.

Insadong

Insadong
$$

The cultural soul of Seoul where traditional Korean heritage thrives. Winding alleys filled with antique shops, art galleries, traditional teahouses, and craft stores selling hanbok, ceramics, and calligraphy supplies.

Highlights

  • Ssamziegil shopping complex
  • Traditional tea houses
  • Art galleries and antique shops
  • Korean craft workshops
  • Street food and traditional snacks
Also available on:Book Tour
Ssamziegil shopping complexTraditional tea housesArt galleries and antique shops
5.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village
$$

A picturesque village of over 600 traditional Korean hanok houses nestled between two major palaces. Walk through narrow alleyways to experience 600 years of history with stunning city views as a backdrop.

Highlights

  • Traditional hanok architecture
  • Bukchon Eight Scenic Views
  • Cultural experience centers
  • Hanbok rental photo opportunities
  • Panoramic Seoul views
Also available on:Book Tour
Traditional hanok architectureBukchon Eight Scenic ViewsCultural experience centers
6.

Myeongdong

Myeongdong
$$

Seoul's ultimate shopping paradise and the birthplace of K-beauty. Neon-lit streets packed with skincare flagship stores, fashion retailers, street food vendors, and department stores draw millions of visitors annually.

Highlights

  • K-beauty flagship stores
  • Myeongdong Cathedral
  • Street food paradise
  • Lotte Department Store
  • Duty-free shopping
Also available on:Book Tour
K-beauty flagship storesMyeongdong CathedralStreet food paradise
7.

Jongno

Jongno
$$

The historic heart of Seoul where centuries-old palaces, ancient temples, and traditional markets coexist with modern life. Home to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and the vibrant Gwangjang Market.

Highlights

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • Changing of the guard ceremony
  • Jogyesa Temple
  • Gwangjang Market
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream
Also available on:Book Tour
Gyeongbokgung PalaceChanging of the guard ceremonyJogyesa Temple
8.

Ikseon-dong

Ikseon-dong
$$

Seoul's oldest hanok neighborhood transformed into a trendy hotspot. Narrow alleyways of century-old traditional houses now home to Instagram-worthy cafes, retro boutiques, and fusion restaurants.

Highlights

  • Retro hanok cafes
  • Instagrammable alleys
  • Vintage clothing shops
  • Fusion cuisine restaurants
  • Traditional craft stores
Also available on:Book Tour
Retro hanok cafesInstagrammable alleysVintage clothing shops
9.

Seongsu-dong

Seongsu-dong
$$

Dubbed the 'Brooklyn of Seoul,' this former industrial district has transformed into Seoul's hippest creative hub. Converted warehouses house artisan cafes, concept stores, galleries, and innovative pop-up spaces.

Highlights

  • Converted warehouse cafes
  • Seoul Forest nearby
  • Artisan coffee roasters
  • Designer concept stores
  • Street art and murals
Also available on:Book Tour
Converted warehouse cafesSeoul Forest nearbyArtisan coffee roasters
10.

Hannam-dong

Hannam-dong
$$

An upscale residential neighborhood that has emerged as Seoul's premier dining and lifestyle destination. Tree-lined streets feature Michelin-starred restaurants, designer boutiques, and exclusive galleries favored by celebrities.

Highlights

  • Michelin-starred restaurants
  • Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
  • Boutique designer stores
  • Celebrity hotspots
  • Riverside walking paths
Also available on:Book Tour
Michelin-starred restaurantsLeeum Samsung Museum of ArtBoutique designer stores