A must-do Guide to Seoul, South Korea. Best things to do in the city.

We're exploring more of the amazing Seoul, South Korea. This vast city has so much to offer and it was honestly difficult to narrow down the choices on what to do in Seoul during our short visit to the town. We fell in love with Seoul during our visit and it surprised us! Come with us as we visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace (including the changing of the guard) and Bukchon Hanok Village. We also get mandu (Korean Dumplings) at Gaeseong Traditional Dumpling House. The next day we took public transportation in Seoul to visit Seokchon Lake Park and see the amazing cherry blossoms (visit in late March/early April to see the blossoms) and the view of Lotte World Tower.

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

There is so much to do in Seoul that it’s honestly hard to narrow it down. But our first stop of the day is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is nestled in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Stepping into this majestic complex is like entering a time portal, transporting visitors to the Joseon Dynasty. The palace's grandeur is evident in its ornate architecture, intricate detailing, and sprawling courtyards. nestled in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Stepping into this majestic complex is like entering a time portal, transporting visitors to the Joseon Dynasty. The palace's grandeur is evident in its ornate architecture, intricate detailing, and sprawling courtyards.

A lot of people that come to the palace come in traditional costumes called Hanbok. There are many costume rental places throughout the city and they have stuff for both men and women. We didn't rent it because we have kind of a busy day planned.

***The Changing of The Guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace***

The changing of the guard ceremony adds to the enchantment, showcasing ancient traditions and military precision. The Changing of the Guards happens twice a day in the free area. If you want to purchase a ticket and go inside, it costs 3000 Korean won for an adult which is about $2,50 USD. If you come dressed in the traditional costumes, the entry is free. In addition, you can buy tourist passes that'll include your admission. The changing of the guard is quite the event, the costumes are so colourful you can see all these flags, Banners and the music. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes in total. There is a narration that happens over top of the entire ceremony.

As we're here, it's cherry blossom season, and the trees are stunning. This beautiful palace dates back to 1395. It's from the Joseon dynasty era and there are five remaining palaces in the city. We have to point out the contrast between the old world in Seoul and the modern part of this city. It is incredible, we don't come across cities like this that often that are set up this way with these old gorgeous buildings and a super modern city.

Exploring the palace grounds reveals a harmonious blend of nature and artistry, with picturesque gardens and reflective ponds. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a true treasure, offering a glimpse into Korea's rich heritage and captivating past.

Bukchon Hanok Village

We are now in Bukchon Hanok Village, it was only about a 20-minute walk from the palace. Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional residential area located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. It is famous for its well-preserved hanok houses, which are traditional Korean houses with unique architectural features. The village offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past, with its narrow alleys, beautiful courtyards, and traditional cultural activities. Exploring Bukchon Hanok Village is like stepping into a time capsule, where one can immerse themselves in the historical and cultural heritage of Korea. From roaming the picturesque streets lined with hanok houses to visiting the small museums and traditional craft workshops, visitors can experience the charm of old Seoul while appreciating the beauty of this well-preserved village. The village also offers breathtaking views of the cityscape, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a blend of history and natural beauty.

This might be a very historic area but it is also a neighbourhood and people live here. There are lots of signs around asking people to be quiet. Bukchon Hanok Village dates back to the same period as the palace so these homes are hundreds of years old. The name Bukchon translates to Northern Village. It's so interesting walking through these alleys. These buildings are beautiful on the outside but it does have us wondering what are the insides like. There are lots of cute little Alleyways here we're actually. There are a few cars around, however, it’s mostly pedestrians. There are also a lot people here dressed up in the traditional Hanbok costumes.

Trying Korean Dumplings (Mandu)

After walking around the city all morning we are hungry and we've just come over to a very popular Dumpling place called Gaeseong Traditional Dumpling House. Mandu is a traditional Korean dish that consists of dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients. These dumplings are typically made with a thin, round dough wrapper that is stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings. The filling can include pork, beef, chicken, or tofu, combined with cabbage, green onions, garlic, and soy sauce. Mandu can be boiled, steamed, pan-fried, or even deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture. These savory dumplings are often enjoyed as a popular street food or served as a side dish in Korean cuisine. Whether paired with a dipping sauce or added to a soup, mandu offers a delicious burst of flavors and a satisfying texture.

We ordered a mixed dumpling plate, it comes with three different kinds. The first one has pork, the second has kimchi and the third has mushroom. The sauce that comes with them is delicious. There's garlic in there and some hints of soy sauce. The kimchi dumpling is also tasty. Kimchi is a Korean food that's made out of fermented cabbage. There are lots of spices usually going on as well. The last dumpling we tried was pork and it's holding together better than the mushroom. It is full of flavour.

Where to stay in Seoul?

After a lot of research we decided on the Insadong neighbourhood. After staying there we definitely feel like we made a good choice. It’s well located, easily walkable and close to public transit as well. We stayed at the Ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong. It was well priced with large rooms, good wifi and free breakfast.

However, there are loads of amazing hotel options to chose from all over the city:

Booking.com

Seokchon Lake Park

Next up, we decided to take the Metro system in this massive City. It is super clean and modern it's very easy to get around. Seokchon Lake Park is a beautiful oasis nestled in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. Located near the famous Lotte World amusement park, it offers a serene and picturesque escape from the bustling city life. The park features a large lake, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the well-maintained pathways or rent a paddleboat to explore the calm waters. Seokchon Lake Park also boasts several recreational areas, including basketball courts and playgrounds, making it a perfect spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Additionally, the park is famous for its stunning cherry blossom trees, attracting crowds of tourists during the spring season when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. With its stunning natural beauty and various recreational activities, Seokchon Lake Park is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists in Seoul.

We’re visiting in April which means it’s also cherry blossom season here in South Korea. Seokchon Lake Park is beautiful spot with the lake surrounded by cherry trees. This is one of the best places in the city to come and see the blossoms, it is also one of the busiest places. It is super exciting for us because it marks the very first time we've been around these cherry blossoms. Usually, people think of famous cherry blossoms in Japan but Korea has as many cherry blossoms as Japan.

Don’t forget your travel insurance when visiting Seoul!

One thing we absolutely never, ever travel without is travel medical insurance. For the past few years we’ve been exlusively using SafetyWing for our insurance. They make it super easy to set up for both long term and short term travel.

Lotte World Tower

Looming over the lake is Lotte World Tower. Lotte World Tower is a truly remarkable architectural marvel. Standing tall at a height of 555 meters, it has become an iconic landmark in the city's skyline. It's the tallest building in all of South Korea. It is the sixth largest in the whole world it's huge. The tower features a unique design with its sleek, glass exterior and elegant curvature. It houses a diverse range of facilities, including luxurious residences, offices, a hotel, and a shopping complex. One of the main attractions of Lotte World Tower is the observation deck, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul. Visitors can also enjoy a thrilling glass-bottomed skywalk, giving them a thrilling experience of being suspended above the ground. With its blend of modernity, elegance, and panoramic vistas, Lotte World Tower is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.

This city has impressed us.. We cannot wait to come back but one thing we find is that it's maybe the most culturally interesting place we've been to. We've been to some amazing places in Asia like Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam and it's so different than here. Geographically it's not that big of a country but it is a pretty big population. They have their very own unique culture, music and fashion. Most importantly, it is a safe city. This is a city and country we’d happily return to as we’d love to see more of this amazing city and country.