Tourist Sites in Korea You Actually Have to Visit

When visiting Korea there are a lot of things you want to see and do, if you plan your trips through social media suggestions like me you can get a little overwhelmed with the tons of things to do in the city, but you are in luck. I have visited most of the top tourist spots and my friends and I have narrowed down some of the popular tourist spots, to our top 6. 

1. Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) 

Namsan Tower is a staple stop on everyone’s itinerary to South Korea. Namsan Tower has some of the best views of the city. This 236-meter tall structure sits on the summit of Namsan Mountain in central Seoul. When you get to the top of the mountain there are a lot more things to do than just looking at the breathtaking city. There are some shops, cafes, restaurants, and the main observatory when you get up there. So make sure that you wander around and explore for a while before you make your way back down! 

Namsan Tower: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul

1. Han River (Banpo Bridge) 

The Han River is a very popular evening spot for sunsets, bike rides, and picnics. The best time to visit the Han River is in the fall or spring when the weather is not too hot or cold. There are a ton of events that happen at the Han River throughout the whole year. Banpo Bridge has a nightly water and lights display that goes off every thirty min starting around 7 pm. The Han River has been the venue for a food truck night market, and even the K-Tango convention where I got to see a ton of tango and Argentinian dance performances. The Han River is the perfect place to sneak away to nature in the center of the bustling city! 

Banpo Bridge/ Han River Park: 

Seoul, Seocho District, 반포2동

122-1 Jamwon-dong, Seocho District, Seoul

1. Hongdae 

As a student living near Hongdae, I have had a growing fondness for the neighborhood. Hongdae has more to offer than the main shopping street. Hongdae is home to so many cafes, K-pop birthday cafes, your favorite shops, and food, and you even may run into a K-pop idol. Hongdae is your one-stop shop for all staple Korean things. You could spend a whole day in Hongdae! You can go to the movies at the CGV by AK Plaza, you can visit the Karokee rooms up and down the street and so much more. Hongdae is a great place to make memories and capture them all at the photo booths! 

Hongdae Street: 347-20 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace 

The Korean Palaces are a testament to Korea’s initiative to learn from the past. Never have I been anywhere that has maintained the history and the structures that Korea has. When you go to Gwanghwamun Square you will be surrounded by history and museums. Gwanghwamun gate leads you right to the main palace Gyeongbokgung, I think that the main palace is worth a visit but I would also suggest going east a few subway stops to visit Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden. When you go to any of the palaces in Korea you step back in time. You enter into your own K-drama set in the Joseon Dynasty. Being able to immerse yourself in history and culture is something worth doing during your time in Seoul.  

Gyeongbokgung Palace: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul

1. Starfield Library- Gangnam and Suwon 

My final Spot is a controversial one, Starfield Library is something that was a little underwhelming but I am so glad that I went to see it. There are two Starfield libraries in Korea, one in Seoul located at the Coex Mall in Gangnum, and the other is located in Suwon. I would not suggest going completely out of your way to visit because they are just libraries, but the architectural marvel is amazing. Both of these libraries do get a lot of foot traffic and there is not much to do there other than take photos, however, it is still a sight to see. There are a lot of things to do in Gangnum and the Coex (like the aquarium) so you can still make the trip but plan some other activities around your adventure to the library. 

Starfield Gangnam: Seoul, Gangnam District, Yeongdong-daero, 513 스타필드 코엑스몰 B1

Starfield Suwon: Gyeonggi-do, Suwon-si, Jangan-gu, Suseong-ro, 175 스타필드 수원 4F~7F