Namsan Tower
📍 Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Soaring atop Namsan Mountain in the heart of Seoul, ‘Namsan Tower’ (N Seoul Tower) is a classic, must-visit tourist attraction. The tower itself is about 236m tall, but combined with the mountain’s elevation, it reaches approximately 480m above sea level, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul’s megacity from its observation deck.
At the base of the tower is a popular ‘love lock’ area where countless padlocks are affixed to the walls, making it a highly romantic spot for couples. There’s also the ‘Namsan Palgakjeong Pavilion’ (Octagonal Pavilion), boasting beautiful traditional architecture. The sight of it illuminated from dusk into the night is truly breathtaking.
【Insider Tips and Things to Note】
If you’re heading to the observation deck, purchasing tickets online in advance (e.g., via Klook) is much more economical and smoother than buying them at the counter on the day. The ‘Namsan Cable Car’ is a popular way to access the tower while enjoying the scenery, but expect long queues on weekends or during the magic hour around sunset. Visiting after 9 PM will allow you to enjoy the night view without waiting, making it an ‘off-peak time.’ For those confident in their stamina, walking up through Namsan Park, enjoying nature, is also a popular date course among locals.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
📍 Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Established in 1395, ‘Gyeongbokgung Palace’ is the first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty and the largest among the five grand palaces remaining in Seoul, serving as a historical symbol. Despite being located in modern Seoul surrounded by towering buildings, stepping through its main gate, ‘Gwanghwamun Gate,’ transports you back in time to a magnificent landscape of traditional architecture.
Not to be missed are ‘Geunjeongjeon Hall,’ the main throne hall where major state events took place, and ‘Gyeonghoeru Pavilion,’ beautifully floating on a pond. The scenery, harmonizing with nature through the four seasons, is picturesque from every angle. The vast grounds are well worth seeing, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
【Insider Tips and Things to Note】
An absolute must-do is renting a ‘Hanbok’ (Korean traditional attire). If you rent and wear a Hanbok from a nearby shop, you’ll receive the welcome perk of free admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace (normally 3,000 KRW). Dressed in traditional attire, taking photos against the backdrop of historical buildings will create unforgettable memories. Also, the ‘Royal Guard Changing Ceremony,’ a spectacular performance held twice a day (usually at 10 AM and 2 PM), is free to watch, so it’s best to time your visit accordingly.
Bukchon Hanok Village
📍 Address: Gyedong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, ‘Bukchon Hanok Village’ is a historical residential area where traditional Korean houses, ‘Hanok,’ dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, are densely preserved. The sight of tiled-roof houses lining gentle slopes and cobblestone alleys attracts travelers worldwide as an Instagrammable photo spot.
Particularly popular are the ‘Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon.’ Among them, the ‘Fifth’ and ‘Sixth Views,’ which offer a panorama of Seoul’s modern skyscrapers over the traditional Hanok rooftops, are prime spots to experience the unique contrast where past and present intersect, characteristic of Seoul.
【Insider Tips and Things to Note】
Please remember this is not a theme park but an ‘actual residential area’ where locals live. Therefore, quiet sightseeing, respecting local manners, is required. Due to overtourism measures, starting in spring 2025, visitor access to certain main areas (red zones) will be restricted between ‘5 PM and 10 AM the next day,’ with fines (100,000 KRW) imposed on violators. If you plan to visit, do so during daylight hours (10 AM to 5 PM), refrain from loud conversations, and quietly enjoy the cultural landscape.
Changdeokgung Palace
📍 Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, Republic of Korea
‘Changdeokgung Palace’ is the only one among Seoul’s royal palaces registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. While Gyeongbokgung Palace possesses an artificial, symmetrical beauty, Changdeokgung Palace was built to harmonize with its natural terrain and environment, which is its greatest charm. Established in 1405, it was a palace beloved and truly inhabited by many kings.
Grand wooden structures are scattered across the vast grounds, including ‘Injeongjeon Hall,’ adorned with vibrant ‘Dancheong’ (traditional Korean decorative painting). Compared to Gyeongbokgung Palace, it’s generally less crowded, offering a more serene space to feel the breath of history.
【Insider Tips and Things to Note】
If you visit Changdeokgung Palace, you must not miss the ‘Huwon’ (Secret Garden), the royal private garden covering about 60% of the grounds. Due to conservation efforts, it’s not open for independent viewing; admission is only possible via a pre-booked guided tour. Online ticket reservations can be highly competitive, but the experience of touring the ponds and pavilions with a Japanese-speaking guide is exceptional. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the scenery is breathtaking.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
📍 Address: Jongno District, Seoul, Republic of Korea
‘Cheonggyecheon Stream,’ flowing east to west through the heart of Seoul, is a globally renowned example of modern urban regeneration. Once a polluted ditch covered by a massive elevated highway due to rapid economic growth, a large-scale restoration project in 2005 transformed it into a beautiful riverside promenade spanning approximately 5.8 km.
Stepping stones, art installations, and beautiful bridges dot the stream, making it an ‘urban oasis’ that helps you forget the hustle and bustle of the office district. It’s popular with local business people during lunch breaks and with families and couples on weekends. Easily accessible from Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, it’s also perfect for a short break during shopping.
【Insider Tips and Things to Note】
The true essence of Cheonggyecheon Stream comes alive at ‘night.’ As the sun sets, the riverside is beautifully illuminated, enveloped in a romantic atmosphere. The ‘Seoul Lantern Festival’ (Seoul Pichloron Festival), held annually from early winter (around November) through the year-end and New Year period, is a must-see. Hundreds of colorful giant lanterns and media art adorn the water’s surface, creating an overwhelming festival of lights that makes you forget the cold.
【Conclusion】Local Tips for Enjoying Seoul Tourism to the Fullest
The main tourist attractions in Seoul are easily accessible by public transportation like subways and buses, which is a significant appeal. The ‘Gyeongbokgung Palace,’ ‘Bukchon Hanok Village,’ and ‘Changdeokgung Palace’ introduced here are in adjacent areas, making it efficient and recommended to visit them together as a historical walking tour over one day.
Also, sightseeing in Seoul’s attractions involves surprisingly a lot of ‘walking.’ Given the vast grounds of the royal palaces, the steep hills around Bukchon and Namsan, and the many cobblestone alleys where footing can be uneven, always bring comfortable walking shoes. Wisely utilize the perk of free admission to historical sites when wearing a ‘Hanbok,’ and always respect local manners in residential areas. Enjoy Seoul’s charm, where past and present beautifully merge, to the fullest.
