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8 Attractions You Must Go to On Your First Trip to Seoul

The K-wave hits Southeast Asia, stronger than ever! With the soaring popularity of K-dramas like Descendants of the Sun and Doctors, South Korea is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination among nearby Asian countries over the years. Shopping and beauty products aside, South Korea is a country also known for their culture and natural beauty.

If you are planning your first trip to Seoul, here are 8 attractions you must visit to complete your Korean experience.

1. Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) 남산 타워

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower, more commonly known as Namsan Tower, makes an ideal romantic date idea with the beautiful panoramic view of Seoul at night. The stalls selling “왕 돈까스” (large pork chops) on your way up Namsan Tower are highly raved by celebrities and TV shows. Unless you have a huge appetite, you should just buy one to share with your Seoul-mate because Koreans mean business when they say large — the size of their pork chops is comparable to your face!

Tip: If you’re a cautious traveller looking for a guide to lead the way, don’t fret! KKday plans the night for you — take the cable car to the Namsan Tower before going a cruise to enjoy the beauty of the Han River and finally, enjoy chartered transport right back to the door steps of your hotel.

Recommended for:
Romantic Dates ★★★★★   Friends ★★★☆☆     Family ★★★☆☆

2. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) 동대문디자인플라자

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Opened in May 2014, Dongdaemun Design Plaza is already considered a landmark in Seoul! An integrated space made for international conferences, product launches, fashion shows etc., Dongdaemun Design Plaza was opened in May 2014 and rose in popularity as one of the filming sites for the popular K-drama, “You Who Came From the Stars”.

 

LED Rose Garden (tae-yang.net)

If you’re an artsy-fartsy person, you’ll be glad to find that Dongdaemun Design Plaza boasts numerous exhibitions as well — one of the most recent being LED Rose Garden (장미 축제), making Dongdaemun Design Plaza an Insta-worthy shopping mall.

 

LED Rose Garden (tae-yang.net)

Die-hard fan of Korean dramas, listen up! You must drag your travel buddies here to get your Instagram shot taken.

Recommended for:
Romantic Dates ★★★☆☆   Friends ★★★★★   Family ★★★★☆

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace 경복궁

Gyeongbokgung Palace (photo.naver.com)

With an important role in South Korea’s history as the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty, you can typically see tourists milling the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace on an average day in South Korea.

 

Gyeongbukgung Palace (photo.naver.com)

Gyeongbokgung Palace’s opening hours are usually weekdays, from 9am to 6pm, however, there are limited tickets for visitors to enter the palace at night occasionally, attracting both locals and tourists to queue for these tickets to experience the ancient city during sunset. While you’re there, complete the experience with a hanbok rental!

Recommended for:
Romantic Dates ★★★☆☆   Friends ★★★☆☆   Family ★★★★★

4. Banpo Bridge 반포 대교

Water and light show at Banpo Bridge

Banpodaegyo Bridge, better known as Banpo Bridge, is every Korean’s favourite weekend hang out to eat fried chicken and drink beer while catching up with each other. More than just an area for locals to gather, you can catch Banpo Bridge’s Rainbow Fountain Show at certain times throughout the night from August to October yearly. Remember to check the timing of the Rainbow Fountain Show as it varies from month to month.

Pro-tip: Culture lovers interested in mingling with the locals, here’s how KKday can help you eat like a local (Han River Eland Cruise)

Recommended for:
Romantic Dates ★★★☆☆   Friends ★★★★★   Family ★★★★☆

5. Cheonggyecheon Stream 청계천

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Located in central Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream is a gorgeous river popular with friends or lovers who wish to catch Korea’s sunsets. With the gentle stream flowing, it’s the perfect place to unwind and soak your feet after a day of shopping in Seoul.

Recommended for:
Romantic Dates ★★★★☆   Friends ★★★★☆   Family ★★★★★

6. Bukchon Hanok Village 북촌 한옥 마을

Bukchon Hanok Village

Due to the rapid economic growth in Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village was initially seen as backward and Koreans only wanted to live in apartments. Later on, people started embracing and protecting the Korean culture. No longer filled with only traditional architects, you’ll be surprised to observe the creative fusion between ancient and modern culture in this village.

In a bustling city like Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village is a paradise that attracts tourists with their slower pace of life. Be sure to keep your volume low as you stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village so that you won’t bother the villagers going about their daily lives.

Tip: KKday recommends you go try a hanbok to fully immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere.

Recommended for:
Romantic Dates ★★★☆☆   Friends ★★★★☆   Family ★★★★★

7. Sky Park 하늘 공원

Sky Park

Sky Park, one of the most underrated attractions in Korea, is a serene and beautiful park, especially during autumn, where the park is filled with fields of golden reeds.

Sky Park

The idyllic atmosphere in Sky Park is perfect for a photoshoot between lovers, friends or families. Photographers, remember to bring your camera to capture this autumn forest that happens only one a year.

Recommended for:
Romantic Dates ★★★★★   Friends ★★★★★   Family ★★★★★

8. Ihwa Mural Village 이화 마을

Ihwa Mural Village

Fans of K-drama “Rooftop Prince”, does this attraction look familiar? Located near the lively street of Ewha Womans University is a village full of playful and creative murals. Besides admiring the murals, there are art exhibitions at almost every corner of Ihwa Mural Village. There are also many unique coffee shops around if you’re looking for a place to take a break.

Recommended for:
Romantic Dates ★★★☆☆   Friends ★★★★☆   Family ★★★★★

We hope we have prepared and inspired your first trip to Seoul. whether you’re planning to head there with a loved one, your friends or family, the capital of South Korea has a place for everyone.

Need more guidance before your Seoul-searching trip? Check these guides out!

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