Seoul is a really unique place that offers a mix of traditional and modern at the same time. I recommend exploring anything and everything, especially with the transportation system being so easy, cheap, and convenient. You can never be bored in this city because there is so much to do and see around every corner. I encourage anyone coming to Korea to really immerse themselves in the culture and experience everything with an open mind—and an empty stomach.
Here is a list of my favorite places in Seoul after being in Korea for three months!
Namsan Tower
A picture from hiking up to the tower with TEAN! It was a bit exhausting but it was definitely worth it, especially since the leaves had begun changing colors. The trees and surrounding forest were absolutely breathtaking to look at during the walk up and after reaching the top. There are also options where you can take a gondola or bus to reach the top if you don’t want to hike.Cafe Pokpo
The prettiest cafe I have ever been to in my life! Located in the middle of Seoul, about 20 minutes away from Yonsei University, this hidden and unexpected scene was one of my favorite places in Seoul. You can enjoy delicious treats and drinks while sitting right next to a waterfall; this was the perfect place to relax, take pictures, or even do homework.Lotte World
Known by some as the Korean Disney Land, this was a great place to hang out with friends and go on fun rides. The tickets were not very expensive, coming out to only $26 USD for a day pass, and there are many food options that aren’t very expensive either. If you plan to come here, definitely go early and take advantage of the all-day pass. Many people go here, especially on weekends, so lines can get long. For example, we waited for a ride for about two hours and couldn’t get on other rides because we did not arrive in time for the reservation line.Koriko Cafe
Another one of my favorite cafes I went to in Seoul. If you are a fan of Ghibli movies, this cafe was made inspired by the movie “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” This cafe had an adorable interior with a little Ghibli souvenir store and really delicious treats and drinks. I got the creme brulee and think about it all the time because it was that good! This cafe is a bit out of the way and isn’t super close to any big attraction locations, but the area is really cute and fun to explore, with many vintage stores and aesthetic restaurants.Banpo Hangang Park
My favorite park in Seoul to go to. This is a very popular location among locals and tourists for good reason. Banpo Hangang is a great park where you can rent a picnic set by the river, enjoy ramen from a floating 7-Eleven, bike around the park, or just sit on the grass and enjoy the views. After the beautiful sunset here, you can enjoy the Banpo Bridge light show or explore the waters on little boats. However, as a warning, the buses to and from this park can get very crowded, so plan for delays or have a flexible schedule when coming here.Namsangol Hanok Village
A “hanok” village is a traditional Korean village with traditional-style buildings. You get the chance to see what Korea used to look like before it was modernized, what everyday life was like, and even what games they used to play. The most popular Hanok village in Seoul is Bukchon Hanok Village, which is known to get very crowded. Unlike Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsangol Hanok Village does not currently have people living in the houses in the village and is a lot less crowded. Both have their charms, but Namsangol Hanok village gave me a sense of peace, maybe from the emptiness and freedom to explore the beauty of the village and architecture without pressure. Or maybe it was the beautiful park behind the village where you could see Namsan Tower, widespread forests, little streams and waterfalls, and a relaxing vibe overall. If you enjoy sitting in nature, you would love sitting here. During Chuseok in October, this village hosts a festival where you can experience fun shows and games.Hongdae
One of my favorite shopping spots conveniently located near my host university, Sogang University, this street is a great place to get a wide selection of shopping for good prices. You can shop for the latest fashion in Korea, from shirts, pants, and bags to phone cases and accessories. They have a variety of national brands, like Nike and H&M, and smaller stores like Lucky Factory and 4seasons. This street also has many dining options, from street food to Michelin-star restaurants. Hongdae is also known for its nightlife, including bars and clubs where foreigners and locals hang out. This location has various things to do, and you will always have a good time here!Gyeongbokgung Palace
On this TEAN excursion, we went to this palace while wearing traditional clothing called hanboks. This was one of my favorite memories from Korea, being able to dress up with my friends and explore this giant royal complex while feeling like a princess. Seeing everybody around us dressed up as well was so fun, and we had an experience that connected us to Korean culture. Even the area around the palace was really fun to explore, with many cute cafes and restaurants with a traditional yet modern feel that made it unique. If you plan to come here, I would recommend staying the whole day because there is so much to see and do in this area.Sera Albers, Texas A&M University, is studying in Seoul, South Korea, with TEAN.
