The hotels front desk clerk spoke good English so they could answer my questions, there was room service available everyday, and I did not need to figure out the heating part (yay!). I recommend this cheaper option for the same ticket here (US$17). In this area, most especially in Grafitti Street, the strip is full of music, art, and cafs, making it the perfect hangout for local youth. The bus route takes you to all the Seoul attractions where you can get out and visit and hop back on the next bus when it appears. Although youll need to book a doctors appointment in advance, you can always pop in for a coffee, or say hey to the kitties anytime you like! Seoul, as a city, is safe, crimes and theft are almost non-existent. I have no regrets about that because there are so many amazing things to do there! One thing you will see all around South Korea is Lotte, whether it is Lotte supermarkets, Lotte Cinemas or Lotte Hotels. There are so many things to do in Seoul and having the best place to stay in the city and wander is extremely important. Even though there seems to be nothing to do here, influencers still come to participate in its slow demise, using the lot to shoot short homemade horror films and ghost hunting content. There are two things that I recommend doing while there: witness the changing of the guards ceremony that happens at 10 AM and 2 PM (everyday except Tuesdays), and dress yourself in one of the traditional hanboks. You will only get quality products and service when buying fish there, and you can be sure of this because the merchants will ask how long it will take for the fish to reach the fridge so they know how to pack the fish to avoid spoiling. Yes, Seoul is all about markets, thats why they are on my list! This airport is only 20 km from Seoul city center. The shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Seoul, the temperatures are mild, and there is less rain, less humidity and more sunlight. The Dark Side of Seoul will have exploring alleyways, parks and palaces of Seoul. Opening Hours: Open daily; 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Location: 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul; Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2). Get the chance to learn Taekkyeon (), or Korean Martial Arts. Opening Hours: Open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Location: 5F, 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul; Samseong Station (Line 2, Exit 5). Kids young and oldeven white seniors young at hearthad a hoot! You will visit palaces and museums, shopping districts and sporting arenas. Required fields are marked *. So just to get you started thinking about what to add to your Seoul itinerary, below is our ever-expanding list of interesting things you can only do in Seoul, including places you shouldnt miss while in the Land of the Morning Calm. Hongdae is, on everyones list while you are in Seoul. Search and book your Seoul cooking experience. . Working out is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. This fighting style includes hand and foot techniques that throw people off balance. South Korea is all about 2 things, Korean BBQ and fried chicken. Well, first of all, you might find some communication problems with the owner; probably because of our different mentalities we didnt seem to understand each other as well as one would expect. Theres no shortage of obstacle courses, and children can climb and rappel with no worries, knowing they can bounce back up safely. Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea: See Tripadvisor's 500,804 traveller reviews and photos of Seoul tourist attractions. On Saturdays you can find the Moonlight Square Cultural Weekend where there is a performance of different musical styles from contemporary, acapella, and jazz, to orchestras. Both indoor and outdoor halls have different exhibits. There are hostels for everyone, everywhere! You will have many other little plates on the table around the grill such with items like kimchi (cabbage), salad leaves (for you to wrap your meat in), marinated sliced garlic, soups, sauces, and salt. Naengmyeon literally means cold noodles in English, and they are noodles served in a cold soup. This man eventually became the father of Emperor Gojong, and raised him there until he reached puberty and ascended to the throne. Korean BBQ, or KBBQ for the lazy readers, is obviously one of the best things to eat in Seoul. Our top three Korean street food must-trys are hotteok, bindatteok and tteokbokki. What currency do I need for my trip to South Korea? 7. Ranging from 5,000 (S$6), you can get quality shirts, bags, shoes and other accessories from this expansive underground shopping centre. Here you can stroll together and watch the palace grounds beautifully light up Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, most especially when the moon is full. This website, its pages and articles contain affiliate links. There are many celebrity-owned restaurants and cafes: Many idols have branched out and opened many establishments of different kinds over the years. Lotte World Tower is a 123-floor, 555-metre skyscraper located inSeoul. Every city has an area that has a large population of foreigners. Girls, this is paradise! As part of the fun and educational side, there are also experience programs like Animal School and Ecology Touring Class that can be joined throughout the year. You will then arrive at Doseonsa Buddhist Temple and then the highest peak of Baegundae. Written by Annette Chan Tuesday October 5 2021. While it is true that Koreas capital is one of the most expensive destinations in the world, there are still ways to enjoy Seoul for free! It has anything from posters to figurines to outfits the idols of the company had worn. Operating Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays), Location: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul; Samgakji Station (Line 4, Exit 12), This site is a physical love letter to all the brave souls that died during wars throughout the 20th century. The area around the palace itself is steeped in history. content enquiries. The Museum houses a number of what are called National Treasures of Korea. Its a quick and easy way to get some delicious local food without having to go to a full restaurant. Visiting the National Museum is one of the cheap things to do in Seoul The Museum is dominated by the history of the 2 Dynasties that ruled Korea, The Shila and Joseon kings. If shopping is not exactly your thing, I still recommend visiting this street. Here is my experience staying in the city: During my trip, I stayed at an Airbnb the first 3 days, but to be honest, I did not enjoy it as much as a hotel. Best for couples (because only 2 people can go in at the same time); test your teamwork as you power through obstacles full of bouncy balls, nets, and even challenges. If youre wearing a suit in Hongdae, you might feel a bit old, just so you know. Below are the top 10 suggestions of things to see and do in Seoul with your fickle teen (s): #1 Yongma Land. Street art is found throughout the world, but it is especially prevalent in major cities. PRICE: Free entrance to the park, you only pay for each facility you visit (stadium, tennis court etc.). This might sound like the craziest suggestion youll ever encounter in a guide, because I seem to be telling you to visit the border in an active war zone. Its pretty kitschy, but a fun activity if you want a flashback to your younger years. Five hanok houses in the village were redone to represent common houses from the different social classes during the Joseon Dynasty. Starfield Library is located in COEX Mall, in Gangnam district. Theyll still give you a ticket so they can track the number of people inside, but I repeat, you dont need to pay for it! Book your memory-making shoot today. If youve never heard of or tasted Korean BBQ before, let me explain it! Operating Hours: Open daily; 10:00AM to 6:00PM, Location: 35-4 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul; Jonggak Station (Line 1, Exit 3), Estimated Cost: Adults: 5,000, Children: 3,000. I recommend going for an organized tour such as this 11-hour tour to JSA & DMZ, so you have your ticket beforehand and dont need to be emailing other independent tour companies. That being said, you will not see it as it was originally built but you will see an exact replica, so its close enough! Operating Hours: open weekdays from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM, Location: 4F, 111, Daehak-ro 8ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul; Hyehwa Station (Line 4, Exit 2). Teenagers who are interested in electronics will be interested in the Samsung Innovation Museum. With Instagram and social media playing an important part in the lives of teenagers, we have some great places for Instagram photos in Seoul. Location: 407, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul; Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Line 3, Exit 2). Like Hongdae, Kondae is also usually comprised of young university students in their 20s. The beauty about coming to this place is that it has retained its traditional splendor, with hundreds of hanok that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. There are actually multiple types of kimchi (made with things like radish or bean sprouts), and one special thing about the Kimchi Museum is that they let you try all of them in their tasting room. This is a small abandoned theme park with an old-style carousel, crumbling rides, and fading images of 80's era pop icons. Street art is a very popular free thing to do in Seoul and attracts tourists and teenagers alike. Some of the facilities are gender-segregated and others are in unisex areas. The All Stop Train takes less than 60 minutes to get to Seoul station and costs 4,150 KRW (US$4). How can a Korean spa differ from any other spa worldwide? If youre looking for a good time with your date but youre still unsure what they would like, Yeouido Hangang Park has everything you need. Seoul Trick Eye Museum. You will see many people wearing this traditional attire, and I really regretted not knowing about it in advance! The best place to visit in Seoul if it is hot is the Han River. If youre a big fan of crabs, you should definitely try the bokkeumbap, or tasty fried rice served in a crab shell. The last thing you want is a huge bill for medical expenses should you require care on your family holiday in Seoul. The trade of marine products in this market amounts to about 250 to 300 tons every day! Kids young and oldeven white seniors young at hearthad a hoot! . Cheonggyecheon used to be a neglected stream covered by an elevated highway after the Korean War, but is now part of a modern urban park! The rear garden at the palace was done to create the ideal resting place for the royal family members I definitely recommend checking it out! Plus, this is the only place in Seoul where you can get a smoky and savory bacon cookie for just 3,200. There they perform songs and dances that once entertained Koreas royalty, who actually still live in the city. You can find the tour contact here. K-pop has been blowing up the media lately, with many groups winning awards and breaking records. Lifting weights, using the treadmill, cardio and muscle workouts. USA inspiration:Las Vegas with teensis an amazing getaway in the US,full of fun and adventure. Find out where to hang out if you want to mix with crowds of your age! We recommend ordering doenjang jjigae a traditional dinner of soybean paste stew, bulgogi and side dishes. It is a great place for kids and adults to learn about the Korean War! There is music, dancing and an all-around exciting atmosphere fills the stadium on game night. When we are not travelling, we live in small-town Australia. Travel with teenagers and tweens. Indoor rock climbing offers a great alternative for those who want to enjoy the sport but dont have easy access to outdoor climbing areas or want something a little safer. Over at Lotte World Garden Stage you can listen to different themed musicals that match the season, and the Lotte World Star Avenue showcases local Korean stars. Located at 38-3 Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea. I do recommend you double check the road before crossing the street; traffic in Seoul is a bit crazy! All of these are options; you can even do a temple visit and have beer with your new friends after. You will also find amazing street food and entertainment going on in Hongdae. Fun fact: some people rent school uniforms to wear around the park, just for the heck of it. In our(not so) humble opinion, Seoul is one of the most underrated capital cities in the world. Tour Type Small Group Tour. Can you possibly recommend a hotel right at the heart of it all for me? Just try and go with your older friends as in Korean its customary for the oldest person to foot the bill! Once ordered you will get a bowl of warm white rice with some seasonal vegetables (namul) and chili pepper paste (gochujang) on top, as well as a fried egg or sliced meat. I hope you enjoyed my Seoul travel guide and you will have a great time during your visit to Seoul! Click here to get all the top sellers for your travelling teens. Learning this martial art will link you to Koreas past, since it actually considered to be the oldest martial arts discipline in Korea. PRO TIP 1: I recommend stopping at the Tourist Information Center inside the village and picking up a map, then following the wonderful walking route that will get you to all the main points! Kimchi jjigae a spicy stew that you will always find in any typical Korean household. Locals sell their own products: vintage clothing, homemade jams, cookies, and different kinds of crafts are among the treasures found here. Each one has been carefully preserved and protected to remind people how the nobles used to live (although they were later replaced by commoners after several wars and disasters broke out). We recommend wandering The Seoullo just before sunset to admire those beautiful amber skies casting a warm glow over Seoul. Thank you so much for supporting this project! These are only available to foreigners and although you cant book them beforehand, you can see their schedule here. Its also fun to come here if youre looking for Korean and international friends, because ultimately this is a hub for young people interested in Korean culture. Shopping in the Korean capital can be an overload of your senses. 10 day cultural, religious and historic sites trip through Seoul, Jeju, Busan and 3 other destinations in South Korea. Hongdae in Seoul Things To Do in Hongdae 1. At MyeongDong 4-Gil in the UNESCO building, Nanta Theatre is above Mano di Chef and signs, across from Pretty . Budget: The Itaewon Inn has family rooms for four with a bathroom and kitchenette. We have a resource page that is full of companies that we personally use and book through for all trips from a weekend away to long term travel around the world. If you want to mix your meals a bit, this is your perfect destination because it has restaurant cuisines from all over the world: Spanish, Italian, Brazilian, Indian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Canadian, Mexican, Turkish. But theres another side to South Korea, one that involvespalaces, enchanting side streets, gorgeous national parks, traditional villages, and delicious food markets. The area became extremely popular among young people. But the magic happens at night, when the whole structure lights up, turning into a neo-futuristic wonder that glows beautifully from afar. Sometimes theres even a fireworks show painting the sky above the Han River, livening the whole place up. Witnessing these things in full swing will make you fall in love with Seoul even more, as you see how the country keeps traditions a part of their national image. It is helpful in my trip there. 13. Movie theatres in Seoul are located in commercial centres with department stores, shops and restaurants, so moviegoers can also enjoy shopping and other activities. Maple Tree House is a fantastic place to try the best Korean BBQ in the city! If this is your first visit, be prepared for a busy and fun adventure experiencing the mouth-watering food, fabulous shopping and unique . Operating Hours: (Sunset Cruise) April to October: 6:00 PM and November to March: 5:00 PM; (Starlight Cruise) 8:00 PM; (Moonlight Cruise) 9:30 PM, Location: 290 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul; Yeouinaru Station (Line 5, Exit 3), Estimated Cost: Sunset Cruise: 20,800; Starlight Cruise: 24,600; Moonlight Han River Cruise: 28,500. See if you can spot all 17! The Namsan TV Tower sits over 240 meters high providing some of the best views you can see of Seoul. Relying on Wi-fi when you are travelling and sightseeing in Seoul with family can be hard. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget. It can easily be picked up on the 1st floor of the Arrival Hall at Incheon International Airport, Gimpo International Airport, or even Busan airports. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday to Saturday. Tuck in, you wont be disappointed! While it is most known for being a deluxe metropolis, most people ignore the fact that this is also the final resting place of three important individuals that ruled during the Joseon Dynasty. Theres no such thing as too much food! There are so many amazing things to do in Seoul with teenagers that you may not think you need to do any day trips from Seoul but we really think you should consider a trip to some of these places. You will most probably need to figure out how the codes work for each door and how to unscramble the heating system that was in Korean (which is an adventure by itself, trust me!). There is 2 major bus station in Seoul for express bus arrivals and departures. PRICE: 11,000 KRW (US$9) on the official site, but 5,500 KRW (US$5) if you book here. You will definitely find cheaper souvenirs here, but you can also find a diversity of products from food supplies to electronics which made me think it is more of a market for locals. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in South Korea with teenagers click through to our South Korea Destination Guide pagefor more brilliant family travel planning ideas. Too tired of Hongdae? Who knows maybe you will see one there! Did you know that this Seoul attraction used to be the home of the prince regent Heungseon Daewongun of the Joseon Dynasty? BONUS 4: Things To Do in Seoul With Kids. Are you ready to solve the puzzles? DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone and it is the biggest one in the world! With so many exciting things to do in Seoul, it really is a glorious city! Gangnam Station Area Image credit: mandu yuri Mid 20's and Beyond Gangnam style, here we go! 2. Epic family holiday destinations:8 countries for the best family vacations in Asia. Bike riding in Seoul is a popular family activity when travelling with teenagers. Because it is one of the oldest in town, it is probably also the largest with 5,000 stores. Hi Im Yulia! Is there one meal that you just love? At the Namsan Pavilion you can even find some cultural performances so check out the schedules here. As the first theme park ever created in Korea, Seoulland provides a range of entertainment, complete with seasonal events that you shouldnt miss. Youll have to be a speedy visitor, however, as Hanbok rental is typically only for four hours. Make your reservation by visiting their website. It is a heap of fun. But unlike most amusement parks that have gone idle, this one has become an instagram paradise and invites the . Taking the family over to the Childrens Grand Park is an amazing idea to enjoy this nature-related theme park that has a zoo, a botanic garden, childrens playgrounds and a small amusement park. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms. If you are not into many rides you can always enjoy the seasonal themed festivals like Tulip Festival, Rose Festival, Summer Splash, Halloween Festival, and more. Here are some great, fun things to do in Seoul: Visit Lotte World a complex that has an indoor theme park, an outdoor amusement park, an artificial island, a Korean folk museum, and even a movie theatre! You will get a great variety of easy eating treats like tteokbokki, soondae, or mandu, all with a glass of beer or makgeolli. An escape room, also known as an escape game, is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. Bindaetteok mung bean pancakes that combines soaked mung beans with vegetables and meat, all pan-fried in a circular shape. A day is not enough to thoroughly appreciate what this beautiful city has in store for you, but if thats all you have, then theres a lot to choose from. The trains are fast and run on time daily until 12 pm. It is the largest traditional Korean market in the city. The route also shows you many restaurants and cafes frequented by k-pop idols. Indoor rock climbing is a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time. There are so many amazing shopping options in Hongdae making it one of the best areas for shopping in Seoul.. And again, back to that catering to a college student budgetfrom small $1 crazy sock stores to street vendors selling the latest trendy clothing to brands like Forever21 and H&M, local boutiques, and cosmetic stores . Also, the Korean food here is authentic, delicious, and filling. The building is divided into five halls, each with a different purpose: Deoksugung Palace started out as a royal family house but was named a palace after the main palaces had been destroyed during the 1592 Japanese invasions. The card gets you free and discounted entries to the biggest attractions including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul City Tour Double-Decker Bus, Namsangol Hanok Village and more. On both sides of the bridge are nearly 10,000 LED lights, 38 water pumps and 380 nozzles per side shooting more than190 tons of water per minute. Seoul is a city that can be categorised by age groups depending on the area. For example this 3-hour cooking tour will start with a walk through the best local markets to purchase some fresh Korean ingredients for the classic recipes you will make. The Dragon Hill Spa has hot pools, cold pools, whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation rooms. Although most cafes only care about aesthetics, this one puts great care into their coffee. While fantastic in all seasons, it really takes the cake for being amazing in spring and autumn. Operating Hours: open daily 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (but some people ghost hunt past 8:00 PM), Location: 18 Mangu-ro 70-gil, Jungnang-gu, Seoul; Mangu Station (Gyeongui-Jungang Line and Gyeongchun Line, Exit 1), Estimated Cost: Adults: 10,000, Children: 5,000; Ghostly Merry-Go-Round after 8:00 PM: 30,000. Sometimes, they even run reenactments of big events (like the last royal wedding in 1886), just to give guests a glimpse into the past. Entry into Gyeongbokgung Palace is free for those wearing a Hanbok. There are plenty of things to do in Seoul, and Im pretty sure that therell be something new thats just popped up during your visit. Top of our list of best things to do in seoul is to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. Korean cosmetics are known to be the best in the world, and it is crazy cheap to buy them here in the motherland! At MyeongDong 4-Gil in the UNESCO building, Nanta Theatre is above Mano di Chef and signs, across from . Let the illusion do its work in Trick Eye Museum 7. PRO TIP 2: Dont forget to ask for your tax refund form. FUN FACT: There is a spot at Gangnam Station where you can see people dancing to this song while being recorded and projected on a big screen. things to do in seoul for young adults; PRICE: Palace building entrance is 3,000 KRW (US$2.50).