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City guide · South Korea
1 to 2 hours in Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is South Korea's capital, spread across both banks of the Han River. The historic palace city lies north of the river around Jongno, Gwanghwamun and Namsa...
Editorial responsibility: Elena Voss
· Roavina Travel Editor
Seoul is South Korea's capital, spread across both banks of the Han River. The historic palace city lies north of the river around Jongno, Gwanghwamun and Namsan, while later commercial and residential centres extend south into Gangnam and east and west along the metropolitan rail corridors. The city is best approached as linked districts rather than one continuous centre: royal palaces and traditional neighbourhoods, central markets and museums, riverside areas, university quarters, and the newer southern business districts each form practical sightseeing clusters.
Namsan Seoul Tower is a working broadcast mast with an observation deck bolted onto it, standing on the summit of Namsan, the wooded hill that sits in the middle of central Seoul.
The National Museum of Korea is the flagship museum of Korean history and art in Seoul. Established as a central institution for preserving and exhibiting Korea's cultural heritage, it stands as one of the largest museums in Asia.
Cheonggyecheon is an 11-kilometre stream running through the middle of Seoul, sunk a storey below street level between Cheonggye Plaza and the Hangang River.
Gwangjang Market fills a block of Jongno-gu at 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, on the ground between Jongno 4-ga and Yeji-dong, and its merchants describe it as the first permanent market in Korea.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a major independently entered design, exhibition and public-space complex with active programming. The local name is 동대문디자인플라자. It occupies a prominent position in Seoul's Dongdaemun district, an area historically associated with commerce and fashion.
Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a former colonial-era penitentiary turned museum in Seoul, South Korea. The site was constructed during Japanese rule and later used by subsequent governments.
The War Memorial of Korea, known locally as 전쟁기념관, is a military museum and memorial in Seoul. It stands as a significant institution commemorating Korean military history and honoring those who served in conflicts.
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art is a private art museum in Seoul, South Korea. Established by the Samsung Foundation of Culture, it houses collections of traditional Korean art and contemporary international works.
Seoul Museum of History, known locally as 서울역사박물관, is a municipal museum devoted to the history of Seoul. The museum presents the capital as a changing city, linking earlier settlements, dynastic development, modern transformation and metropolitan life.
The National Folk Museum of Korea is a national museum located in Seoul, South Korea. It is situated within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the major royal palaces of the Joseon dynasty.
Lotte World is a major recreation complex in Seoul, South Korea. The local name is 롯데월드. It comprises both indoor and outdoor facilities, with the indoor portion known as Lotte World Adventure and the outdoor portion called Magic Island.
COEX Aquarium is an indoor aquatic attraction within COEX Mall in Seoul’s Gangnam district. It forms part of a large commercial and leisure complex containing shopping, convention facilities, hotels, and entertainment.
The National Palace Museum of Korea is a Seoul museum devoted to the Joseon Dynasty and Korean imperial court. Near Gyeongbokgung Palace, it brings together objects connected with royal ceremonies, court life, administration, art, and palace culture.
The National Hangeul Museum is devoted to Hangeul, the Korean writing system. Its subject reaches from the alphabet’s creation in the fifteenth century under King Sejong to its continuing role in Korean education, culture, publishing, and everyday communication.
Museum Kimchikan is a Seoul museum devoted to kimchi, Korea’s fermented vegetable dish and an important part of Korean food culture. Its Korean name is 뮤지엄김치간.
Oil Tank Culture Park is a Seoul cultural complex created from former oil storage tanks. The cylindrical industrial structures remain the defining feature of the site, while their new role supports public culture, exhibitions, performances, and outdoor exploration.
National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government
국립대한민국임시정부기념관
The National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government presents the story of the Korean Provisional Government, established in Shanghai in 1919 during Japanese colonial rule.
The Bank of Korea Museum is a currency museum in Seoul operated by South Korea’s central bank. Known locally as 한국은행 화폐박물관, it connects the country’s monetary heritage with the institution responsible for issuing the South Korean won.
Seoul Baekje Museum introduces the history of Baekje in the Seoul area, especially the Hanseong period, when the Han River basin was an important political and strategic centre.
The Korea Furniture Museum presents traditional Korean furniture within a hanok setting in Seoul. The buildings and collection belong together: chests, wardrobes, cabinets and tables can be understood as objects made for particular rooms, habits and social settings.
The Han River is the clearest dividing line. North of it, the palace-and-Namsan core includes Gwanghwamun, Jongno, Bukchon, Insadong, Dongdaemun and Myeongdong. Westward, Hongdae and the university districts form another cluster; Yeouido occupies an island in the river. South of the Han, Gangnam, Apgujeong and Samseong are modern commercial areas with their own attractions. Seoul's official visitor maps divide suggested routes into the downtown palace and Namsan area, Apgujeong, Gangnam and Samseong, which is a useful way to avoid repeated cross-city travel.
Use the subway as the default between districts and walk within each cluster. Stations and lines are colour-coded, exits are numbered, and major information appears in Korean and English. A Tmoney transport card can be used across the network; single-journey passes are also available from station machines. Buses reach areas beyond convenient rail stops, but the official visitor guide notes that they can be harder for first-time visitors despite colour-coded route types. Check the official transport page for current operating information before travel.
Suggested stay for a first visit: 4–5 days. Allocate time by district: the palace core, central markets and museums, a western neighbourhood such as Hongdae, and the southern districts if they match your interests.
What divides northern and southern Seoul?
The Han River. The older palace city and Namsan are north of it, while Gangnam, Apgujeong and Samseong form major visitor clusters on the south side.
Is Seoul's subway suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. Lines are colour-coded, station exits are numbered, and major signs use Korean and English. The official tourism guide recommends the subway as one of the most efficient ways to cross the city.
Should I use buses or the subway?
Use the subway for most cross-city journeys. Buses are useful for areas between stations, but route information can be less intuitive for a first visit even though services are colour-coded.
Can I cover the palaces and Gangnam in one walking route?
No. They sit in different city clusters on opposite sides of the Han River. Use the subway between them and reserve walking for the sights within each district.
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