This mostly residential neighborhood is known for being the home to the Korean mega-conglomerate, Lotte, including its popular amusement park, Lotte World. The amusement park is a top attraction for families, youth, and couples, with rides, shows, attractions, an ice rink, and more. Lotte’s expansion in recent years is spearheaded by the soaring Lotte World Tower. The Charlotte Theater nearby regularly hosts popular musical productions for culture lovers while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy taking a stroll around Seokchon Lake or the immense Olympic Park (built for the 1988 Summer Olympics) close by.

If Gwanghwamun is the unofficial living room of Seoul, Jongno is the main hallway connecting some of Seoul’s most important historic sites and neighbourhoods. Being one of Seoul’s oldest neighbourhoods, the area is rich with history and culture in its palaces, shrines, and temples. Stand in the centre of Gwanghwamun Square with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Mt. Bugak in front of you, King Sejong the Great statue behind you, and modern office buildings encircling you—it’s one of the best ways to experience both past and present Seoul in one spot. The main street of Jongno is mostly dotted with restaurants and cafes, but explore deeper within its intricate alleys to pass decades-old restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, and pojangmachas (tents that open at night for quick bites and drinks) and life seems to run just as it did a decade or two ago. Don’t forget to stop at Gwangjang Market, Korea’s oldest traditional market, where it’s just as fun to explore as it is to eat the affordable market dishes that locals have been enjoying since the market first opened in 1905. For a break from urban life, walk along the restored Cheonggyecheon Stream that runs parallel to Jongno for a moment of natural refuge in metropolitan Seoul.

The National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum are located on the grounds of this palace, built six centuries ago by the founder of the Chosun dynasty.

Poignant exhibits, war memorabilia, art works, and military equipment make this a perfect place to learn about Korea’s history of war, most notably with North Korea. Kids will enjoy the display of actual tanks and airplanes.

This busy shopping district is famous for its beauty and skincare products, along with many popular Korean and international fashion brands. Hit the shops early for fewer crowds and stay till late for food and entertainment. The street is lined with food vendors selling Korean street food and there are a number of popular Korean restaurants in the area. The area's central location also makes it a convenient base when visiting Seoul. And it's not just shopping. You can also catch a traditional performance at one of the many theaters and check out the Myeongdong Cathedral. – Tripadvisor

This 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the city's jewel. It's as famous for its outstanding architectural details as for its verdant and expansive gardens.

Popular among hiking enthusiasts, Bukhansan National Park is located just outside the city of Seoul. Embark on the popular and easiest Bukhansanseong Course to Baegundae Peak, which is the park’s highest point. Seasoned hikers can take on the more challenging Uisangneungseon Course to Nahangon Peak. Otherwise, take the short but steep course to Uisanbong Peak. Plan your visit for autumn, where the park comes alive with stunning fall colors. The trails are well demarcated but, if you’re afraid of getting lost, opt for a private hiking tour, with the option to relax in a sauna after the hike. – Tripadvisor

This is the largest and most popular museum in Korea with over 420,000 objects in its collection. It has six permanent exhibition galleries such as Calligraphy and Painting and the Room of Quiet Contemplation. ▶ Admission is free to all permanent exhibitions - Online reservation required for Children's Museum - Separate charges for the special exhibitions ▶ Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun: 10am-6pm / Wed, Sat: 10am-9pm - Closed January 1st, Lunar New Year's, Chuseok and first Monday of April and November ▶ Drop-in tours available everyday at 10:30 and 13:00 ▶ Private tour for group in Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese upon reservation ※ Please check our website as details may be subject to change: www.museum.go.kr/site/eng/content/tours_and_services

Built on a 262 meter peak in Namsan Park, the tower reaches to 480 meters above sea level. When the weather and pollution levels cooperate, visiting the observation tower (370 meters above sea level) allows you to view the entire city and surrounding areas.

Though touristy, this vibrant neighborhood is one of the cultural and artistic hubs of Seoul. Great tea houses, restaurants, street food, galleries and souvenir shops make it a must-see area.

Formerrly polluted and covered with an elevated road since 2005 this stream has been cleaned up and made into an Art and nature walkway through the heart of Seoul.