7 Best Things to Do in Seoul for First-Time Visitors

Seoul is a city where you can experience both the past and the present. You can stroll through ancient palaces in a hanbok, and just a few subway stops away, discover global beauty trends and modern shopping culture.

Especially if it's your first time in Seoul, I recommend going beyond the famous tourist spots to experience Korean daily life and culture firsthand. Here are seven experiences you shouldn't miss in Seoul, from palaces and traditional markets to K-beauty and the Han River.

1. Stroll Through Gyeongbok Palace in a Hanbok

For the most quintessential Korean scenery in Seoul, start with Gyeongbok Palace.

Built in 1395 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbok Palace is a representative historical landmark of Seoul. Within its spacious grounds, you can find well-preserved structures like Geunjeongjeon and Gyeonghoeru, offering a close-up experience of traditional Korean culture. Many hanbok rental shops surround the palace, allowing travelers to visit in traditional attire. A great perk is that wearing a hanbok correctly grants you free admission to Gyeongbok Palace.

2. Discover Old Seoul in Bukchon Hanok Village

Not far from Gyeongbok Palace lies Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming area filled with traditional Korean houses.

Bukchon has been a residential area since the Joseon Dynasty, and it remains a living neighborhood today. As you wander through alleys lined with tiled roofs, you'll encounter a different side of Seoul compared to its modern cityscape. Nearby Samcheong-dong and Anguk are also home to cafes and workshops housed in traditional architecture. However, some areas in Bukchon have restricted visitor hours, so it's advisable to check in advance and maintain quiet as it is a residential area.

3. Experience K-Beauty in Seoul

Seoul is a city where you can experience world-leading K-beauty trends up close.

Areas like Myeongdong and Gangnam are hubs for Korean cosmetic brand stores, as well as places offering skincare and aesthetic services. Beyond just shopping, experiencing Korean-style skincare firsthand can be a unique part of your Seoul trip. You can even book a facial or spa treatment during your travels. It's important to note that skincare services differ from medical procedures, so check the program details before booking.

4. Savor Korean Street Food at Gwangjang Market

One of the most vibrant places to encounter Korean food in Seoul is Gwangjang Market.

Inside the market, numerous stalls offer a variety of dishes, including bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), gimbap, tteokbokki, and yukhoe (beef tartare). Simply sitting at a small eatery or a street stall, ordering food, and soaking in the lively atmosphere is a travel pleasure in itself. If Korean food is new to you, consider joining a street food tour. Learning about the stories behind the dishes and how to order can be very helpful for first-time visitors.

5. Enjoy Seoul's Nightscape Along the Han River

For Seoulites, the Han River is more than just a river; it's a space for daily relaxation, enjoyed for walks, cycling, and picnics.

As a traveler, taking a walk along the riverbanks at Yeouido Hangang Park or enjoying a cruise is highly recommended. Especially around sunset, you can witness the Seoul skyline gradually transform with lights. A Han River cruise offers a memorable experience for first-time visitors, providing views of Seoul's bridges and cityscape from the water.

6. Discover Contemporary Seoul in Seongsu-dong

After experiencing Seoul's traditional side, head over to Seongsu-dong.

Once known for its factories and handmade shoe workshops, Seongsu-dong has transformed into a trendy cultural hub, now featuring cafes, select shops, and brand pop-up stores housed in repurposed industrial spaces. Its dynamic nature means you can find something new each time you visit, as new brands and spaces frequently emerge. If you're looking to experience a different facet of Seoul beyond the typical tourist attractions, consider adding Seongsu-dong to your itinerary.

7. Take in a Panoramic View of Seoul from N Seoul Tower

A great place to conclude your Seoul journey is N Seoul Tower, located on Namsan Mountain.

Namsan is a mountain situated right in the heart of Seoul, offering expansive views of the city from its summit. From the N Seoul Tower observatory, you can see Seoul's topography laid out before you, with its dense buildings, the winding Han River, and distant mountains. Visiting just before or during sunset allows you to enjoy both the daytime cityscape and the dazzling night view.

How to Experience Seoul Like a Local

Seoul's charm lies in the coexistence of different eras and cultures in close proximity. You can explore Joseon history at the palaces in the morning, dive into K-beauty and modern shopping culture in the afternoon, and enjoy the city's nightscape along the Han River in the evening.

There's no need to cram all seven experiences into a single day. You might consider grouping the palaces, Bukchon, and Gwangjang Market for one day, and visiting Seongsu-dong and the Han River at a more leisurely pace on another.

WAUG offers bookings for a variety of experiences in Seoul, including palace tours, traditional cultural activities, Han River cruises, beauty programs, and observatory tickets.