10 Things To Do If You're Visiting Seoul in 2025

—  by Farin Khatoon

Hi, I’m Farin Khatoon, and after spending nearly two years in South Korea, Seoul has become more than just a city on the map for me — it’s a feeling. A mix of tradition and trend, calm hanok villages and buzzing night markets, Seoul has something for everyone. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-awaited return, here are 10 must-do things to make your Seoul journey unforgettable in 2025.

1. Wear a Hanbok and explore Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

📍 Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu

👘 Rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and enter the grandest palace in Seoul for free. Time your visit for the changing of the guard ceremony — it feels like a trip back in history.

Farin's tip: Choose pastel-colored hanboks for dreamy palace photos, especially in spring or autumn.

2. Take in the View from N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)

📍 Location: Namsan Mountain, Yongsan-gu

Ride the cable car or hike up to the tower for panoramic views of Seoul. Don’t forget to leave a “love lock” on the fences — solo or not, it’s fun!

3. Shop, Eat & Wander in Myeongdong (명동)

📍 Location: Jung-gu, Seoul

Street food, skincare, fashion, and buzzing energy — Myeongdong is perfect for shoppers and snack-lovers.

🍢 Must-try: Hotteok (sweet pancakes), grilled lobster, and tteokbokki.

4. Relax by the Han River at Yeouido Hangang Park

📍 Location: Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu

Rent a bike, order fried chicken to the park, and enjoy riverside sunsets. It’s where locals unwind — you’ll love it too.

🧺 Farin’s story: I once picnicked here with K-pop playing in the background and strangers joining our badminton match. Pure joy.

5. Experience a Korean Spa (Jjimjilbang)

📍 Try: Dragon Hill Spa or Siloam Sauna

Try hot tubs, herbal saunas, exfoliation, and lounge areas. It’s affordable, relaxing, and a truly Korean experience.

😅 Warning: It's a clothing-optional zone in the spa section, but everyone minds their own business!

6. Go Café Hopping in Ikseon-dong & Seongsu-dong

📍 Ikseon-dong: Jongno-gu | Seongsu-dong: Seongdong-gu

These neighborhoods are full of aesthetic cafes, concept stores, and hidden alleyways. It’s Seoul’s hipster heaven.

📸 Farin’s tip: Try floral lattes and dessert cafés designed like art galleries.

7. Watch a Live K-pop Show or Visit a Music Show Recording

📍 Try: SBS Inkigayo, Mnet M Countdown, or SM Town

If you’re a K-pop fan, this is unmissable. With some effort, you can get tickets or catch a fan event.

🎤 Bonus: Visit the HYBE Insight Museum or Ktown4u for K-pop albums and merch.

8. Stroll Through Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

📍 Location: Jongno-gu, near Anguk Station

Wander through traditional hanok houses with views of both modern Seoul and mountain peaks.

✨ Farin’s moment: I sat on a stone bench sketching rooftops while an old ajumma offered me tteok. It felt like Seoul embraced me that day.

9. Feast at Gwangjang Market (광장시장)

📍 Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu

A paradise for foodies — try bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), gimbap, and live octopus if you're brave.

🎥 Bonus: Featured in Netflix’s Street Food: Asia.

10. Catch a Han River Night Cruise

📍 Yeouido or Jamsil Docks

Choose a music cruise, dinner cruise, or fireworks cruise to end your trip in style. The skyline at night is unforgettable.

✈️ Final Thought from Farin

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning with love, Seoul never feels the same twice. It’s a city where centuries-old palaces share the skyline with neon-lit towers, and every alley hides a story waiting to unfold.

So pack your curiosity (and a power bank), and let Seoul surprise you.