Travel Guide: What to Do in Seoul If It’s Your First Trip to Korea
Travelling to South Korea for the first time almost always starts in the same place: Seoul. The South Korean capital is a huge, modern, intense city full of contrasts, where you can go from a traditional palace to a bright avenue, themed cafés, street markets, Korean cosmetics shops or neighbourhoods that look like something straight out of a K-drama.
If you are preparing your first trip to Korea, this guide will help you organise your days in Seoul, choose which areas to visit and enjoy the city without trying to see everything at once.
Seoul, the Best Gateway to South Korea
Seoul is the perfect city for a first introduction to South Korea. It has history, culture, gastronomy, shopping, nightlife, technology and some of the country’s best-known neighbourhoods.
It is also very well connected by public transport, so you can easily get around by metro and bus, even if it is your first time in Asia. That said, it is a good idea to prepare your trip a little in advance, because the city is big and distances can be longer than they seem. Before travelling, remember to check the updated entry requirements, take out travel insurance and prepare your internet connection. At Korean Kulture, we always recommend travelling with peace of mind, especially to a faraway destination like South Korea.
1. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and Seoul’s Traditional Area
One of the first places you should visit in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the city’s great historical symbols. This palace was the main palace of the Joseon dynasty and is an essential visit to better understand Korea’s history.
A great way to enjoy it is to rent a hanbok, the traditional Korean outfit, and explore the palace at a relaxed pace. Many people combine this visit with a walk around Bukchon Hanok Village, an area known for its traditional Korean houses, called hanok.
Very close by, you can also visit Insadong, an ideal neighbourhood for buying souvenirs, crafts, stationery, traditional tea and small items related to Korean culture.
Recommendation for your first day: If you have just arrived in Korea, this area can be a great place to start your trip. It is cultural, beautiful, easy to explore and gives you a very special first impression of Seoul.
2. Walk Around Myeongdong, the Paradise of K-Beauty
If you are interested in Korean cosmetics, Myeongdong is a must-visit. This neighbourhood is one of Seoul’s most famous shopping areas and is full of K-Beauty shops, fashion stores, accessories, cafés and street food stalls.
Here you can find Korean skincare brands, face masks, sunscreens, make-up and products that may not be so easy to find in Spain or Latin America.
Myeongdong is also a great area to try street food in the afternoon or evening. You will find skewers, sweets, Korean snacks and small dishes that are perfect for tasting different flavours.
3. Discover Hongdae, the Young and Creative Neighbourhood
Hongdae is one of the liveliest areas of Seoul. It is known for its university atmosphere, independent shops, original cafés, street music, clothing stores and youthful vibe.
If you like K-pop, design, urban fashion or simply want to see a very lively part of the city, Hongdae is an essential stop. In the afternoon and evening, it usually has a great atmosphere, especially at weekends. It is also a very interesting area to stay in if you are looking for a younger and more dynamic environment, although for a first trip it is worth comparing prices and locations before booking.
You can look for accommodation in Seoul through Agoda and compare areas such as Hongdae, Myeongdong, Insadong or Gangnam, depending on the type of trip you want to have.
4. Cross the Han River and Enjoy Seoul at a Slower Pace
Not everything in Seoul has to be about rushing from one place to another. One of the best ways to experience the city more like a local is to visit the Han River.
The parks along the river are very popular among Koreans for walking, cycling, having picnics or simply relaxing. If you travel in spring, summer or autumn, it can be a perfect plan to disconnect a little from the fast pace of the city.
A very typical experience is buying takeaway food and sitting in the park to enjoy the atmosphere. It is a simple, affordable and highly recommended plan if you want to see another side of Seoul.
5. Explore Gangnam and Seoul’s Most Modern Side
Gangnam represents one of the most modern and sophisticated sides of Seoul. It is an area of wide avenues, shops, beauty clinics, offices, restaurants, cafés and shopping centres.
One of the best-known places in this area is COEX Mall, a huge shopping centre where you will find the famous Starfield Library, very popular for its tall bookshelves and photogenic design.
Gangnam can be combined with other nearby visits if you want to dedicate a day to Seoul’s more modern side, especially if you are interested in shopping, urban architecture or Korean commercial spaces.
6. Try Korean Food Beyond Kimchi
One of the great attractions of travelling to Seoul is discovering Korean cuisine. Although many people know Korea for kimchi, tteokbokki or bibimbap, the variety of dishes is huge.
On your first trip, you can try:
- Bibimbap, rice with vegetables, egg and gochujang sauce.
- Tteokbokki, rice cakes in spicy sauce.
- Kimbap, rice rolls with different fillings.
- Kimchi jjigae, a hot kimchi stew.
- Bulgogi, marinated meat with a sweet and savoury flavour.
- Mandu, Korean dumplings.
- Hotteok, a filled street sweet, very typical in winter.
It is also worth visiting traditional markets such as Gwangjang Market, where you can try popular dishes in a very authentic atmosphere.
7. Experience Hallyu Culture in Seoul
For many people, their first interest in Korea begins with K-pop, K-dramas or Hallyu culture. If that is your case, Seoul can become a very special trip.
You can visit album shops, themed cafés, filming locations from dramas, merchandising stores or neighbourhoods that often appear in Korean series. Also, if your trip coincides with a concert, pop-up event, exhibition or idol birthday celebration, the experience can be even more complete. In areas such as Hongdae, Myeongdong, Gangnam or Seongsu, temporary events related to artists, brands and launches often appear.
8. Add a Day Trip from Seoul
If you have several days in the city, you can dedicate one of them to a day trip from Seoul. Some popular options are:
Suwon, known for its fortress and historical atmosphere.
Nami Island, very popular for its landscapes and its connection with K-dramas.
DMZ, a historical visit to the Demilitarized Zone.
Korean Folk Village, a traditional village where you can learn more about life during the Joseon dynasty.
These excursions are interesting if you have already visited the main sights in Seoul or if you want to combine city, history and nature.
9. Tips for Getting Around Seoul on Your First Trip
Getting around Seoul is quite convenient thanks to the metro, although at first the size of the network can feel overwhelming. The best thing to do is organise each day by area to avoid wasting too much time on transport.
Some useful tips:
Buy a transport card to use the metro and buses.
Have internet on your phone to check maps and translations.
Group your visits by neighbourhood.
Avoid overloading your itinerary.
Leave time for cafés, shops and spontaneous walks.
Wear comfortable shoes, because you will walk a lot.
To stay connected throughout your trip, we recommend the Holafly eSIM. If you buy it through this link, you will get a 5% discount. This Holafly eSIM can be very practical, especially if you want to use maps, translators, bookings and transport apps from the very beginning.
10. How Many Days Should You Spend in Seoul on a First Trip?
For a first trip to South Korea, the ideal option would be to spend at least 4 or 5 full days in Seoul. If you have more time, you can stay for a week and visit places at a more relaxed pace, including a nearby day trip.
A simple itinerary could be:
Day 1: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong.
Day 2: Myeongdong, Namsan and K-Beauty shopping.
Day 3: Hongdae, cafés, shops and a youthful atmosphere.
Day 4: Gangnam, COEX Mall and Starfield Library.
Day 5: Traditional market, Han River or a nearby day trip.
The key is not trying to see everything. Seoul is a city for walking, observing, tasting food, entering cafés, getting lost in shops and enjoying small moments.
Where to Stay in Seoul for the First Time
Choosing the right area to stay in can make a big difference to your travel experience. For a first visit, these areas are usually good options:
Myeongdong
A good area for shopping, cosmetics, street food and connections to different parts of the city.
Hongdae
Ideal if you are looking for a youthful atmosphere, shops, cafés and nightlife.
Insadong or Jongno
A good option if you want to be close to palaces, temples and traditional areas.
Gangnam
Interesting if you prefer a modern, commercial and well-connected area, although it may be a little farther from some historical sites.
Before booking, compare prices, location and metro connections. You can check hotels on Agoda and choose the area that best suits your travel style. Click here to discover your ideal hotel in South Korea and begin an unforgettable adventure.
Travel Insurance for South Korea
Although South Korea is a safe country and very well prepared for tourism, it is always advisable to travel with insurance. A medical consultation, an emergency, lost luggage or any unexpected situation can make the trip much more complicated when you are far from home.
At Korean Kulture, we recommend taking out travel insurance before flying to South Korea. You can check the options from IATI Insurance and, if you book through this link, you will get a 5% discount on your IATI insurance.
Seoul, a City to Experience Slowly
Seoul is a city that blends tradition and modernity in a unique way. You can start the day by visiting a palace, eat in a traditional market, spend the afternoon shopping for Korean cosmetics and end the night in a neighbourhood full of lights, music and cafés.
If this is your first trip to South Korea, Seoul will probably be the place where you begin to understand why this country attracts so many people. You do not need to see everything in one visit. The most important thing is to enjoy the experience, leave room for surprises and experience the city at your own pace.
Because Seoul is not discovered only through a list of must-see places. Seoul is experienced by walking, tasting, observing and letting yourself be carried away by that mix of energy, tradition and Korean culture that makes so many people want to return.
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