Palace & Hanok Village Tour
Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village with a guide.
Seoul
South Korea's high-tech capital mixes 600-year-old palaces and hanok villages with K-pop, night markets and some of the fastest internet on Earth. It is ranked #9 on Time Out's Best Cities 2026 list.
- Metro population
- 26,000,000
- Country
- South Korea
- Region
- Asia
Overview
Why visit Seoul
Seoul has been Korea's capital for more than 600 years, since the Joseon dynasty moved its court here in 1394. Five grand palaces remain in the city centre, including Gyeongbokgung, where the changing of the guard reenactment draws crowds daily.
Modern Seoul never sits still. Neon-lit districts like Myeongdong and Gangnam hum with shops and K-pop, the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza anchors the design district, and views from N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain stretch for miles.
Eating is a highlight: grill bulgogi at a Korean barbecue table, snack on tteokbokki at Gwangjang Market, and try fried chicken with beer — chimaek — like a local. A day trip to the DMZ border or a hike up Bukhansan's granite peaks adds history and nature to the mix.
Things to do
Top things to book in Seoul
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
DMZ Day Trip
Visit the border between North and South Korea.
Street Food Tour
Taste your way through Gwangjang Market and night markets.
N Seoul Tower
Views over the megacity, best at sunset and after dark.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Seoul
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Seoul
- 01
Capital For Over 600 Years
Seoul became Korea's capital in 1394 under the Joseon dynasty and still holds five royal palaces.
- 02
A River Runs Through It
The Han River splits Seoul in two and is lined with parks that fill with picnickers and cyclists.
- 03
A Highway Became A Stream
The elevated Cheonggye freeway was removed in 2005 to restore the Cheonggyecheon stream through downtown.
- 04
The Palace Of Shining Happiness
Gyeongbokgung, built in 1395, is the largest of Seoul's royal palaces.
- 05
World-Class Internet
Seoul consistently ranks among the cities with the world's fastest internet speeds.
- 06
A Mountain In The City
Bukhansan National Park sits inside the city limits and is among the world's most-visited national parks per unit area.
- 07
Shopping That Never Sleeps
Dongdaemun's fashion district and malls famously stay open through the night.
- 08
A Rainbow Fountain Bridge
Banpo Bridge's Moonlight Rainbow Fountain shoots water from both sides of the bridge in rainbow colors.
- 09
Real-Life Gangnam
Gangnam, made world-famous by Psy's 2012 hit, is a real district — and a hub for K-pop entertainment companies.
- 10
A Border Day Trip
The DMZ separating North and South Korea lies about an hour north, and tours visit observation posts and tunnels.
Random Seoul fact
Tap the button for a random fact about Seoul.
FAQ
Quick answers about Seoul
Where is Seoul located?
Seoul is in South Korea, in Asia.
What is the population of Seoul?
The greater Seoul area is home to about 26,000,000 people.
What is Seoul famous for?
South Korea's high-tech capital mixes 600-year-old palaces and hanok villages with K-pop, night markets and some of the fastest internet on Earth.
Is Seoul worth visiting?
Yes — Seoul was ranked #9 on Time Out's Best Cities 2026 list. Explore its facts, attractions and top things to book on this page.
Did IShowSpeed stream from Seoul?
Yes — IShowSpeed streamed from Seoul during his 2024 South Korea trip. See his full world tour map.
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