Seoul sights and food, checked and explained
Palaces, markets and the dishes worth crossing the city for — each page lists hours, fees and the nearest subway exit, with tips for your kind of trip.
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Sights
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Bukchon Hanok Village
A hillside neighborhood of lived-in hanok houses between two palaces. Its most photographed alley is open to tourists only from 10:00 to 17:00.
- Weekend trippers
- First-timers & explorers
Photo: Basile Morin / CC BY-SA 4.0
Changdeokgung Palace & Huwon (Secret Garden)
A UNESCO World Heritage palace, greener and quieter than Gyeongbokgung, with a royal rear garden you can enter only with a timed ticket.
- Weekend trippers
- First-timers & explorers
- Families of 4+
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / CC0
Cheonggyecheon Stream
A free, 24-hour walkway along a restored stream below street level in downtown Seoul, a short walk from Gwanghwamun Station. Best after dark.
- Weekend trippers
- Shoppers & foodies
- Families of 4+
Photo: Kallerna / CC BY-SA 4.0
Eats
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Bibimbap
Warm rice topped with seasoned vegetables, beef or egg, and chili paste you mix in yourself. Mild, adjustable, and an easy first Korean meal.
- Families of 4+
- First-timers & explorers
- Weekend trippers
Photo: Chloe Lim / CC BY 2.0
Cafés & Desserts
Bingsu, hotteok and croffles plus serious coffee: where to cafe-hop in Seongsu-dong, Ikseon-dong, Yeonnam-dong and Bukchon, and how cafes work.
- Weekend trippers
- Shoppers & foodies
- First-timers & explorers
Photo: CYAN / CC BY-SA 4.0
Chimaek (Fried Chicken & Beer)
Korean fried chicken and beer, eaten at chicken pubs or delivered to a picnic mat in Hangang Park. Plain chicken keeps it easy for kids.
- Weekend trippers
- First-timers & explorers
- Families of 4+
Photo: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service / CC BY-SA 2.0