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Best Attractions in Seoul (2026)

Seoul's main sights fall into two groups: the historic old city north of the Han River and the modern landmarks spread across the wider metropolis. The heart of the old city is the cluster of Joseon-era royal sites in Jongno. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung with its Huwon garden, Deoksugung and Jongmyo Shrine can all be reached on foot from one another, and Bukchon Hanok Village and Jogyesa Temple sit between them. Further south, N Seoul Tower crowns Namsan, the National Museum of Korea occupies parkland in Yongsan, Dongdaemun Design Plaza shows off Zaha Hadid's architecture, and Lotte World Tower rises over Jamsil.

Plan around closing days, as they differ: Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo close on Tuesdays, while Changdeokgung and Deoksugung close on Mondays. Palace admission is inexpensive, and visitors wearing hanbok enter Gyeongbokgung free. Book the Huwon garden tour at Changdeokgung in advance, especially in autumn, and note that Jongmyo is visited by guided tour on most weekdays. Arrive at the palaces at opening time to beat the tour groups, keep museums such as the National Museum for the afternoon or its late opening on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and save Namsan or Lotte World Tower for sunset. Bukchon is a residential area with visitor hours of 10:00 to 17:00, so visit quietly. A sensible first day combines Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Insadong, with Changdeokgung and Jongmyo on the next.

10 places · Updated October 23, 2026

Our top 3 attractions in Seoul

  1. Gyeongbokgung Palace Royal palace, JongnoThe first and largest royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, founded in 1395 and home to the throne hall Geunjeongjeon and the Gyeonghoeru banquet pavilion.
  2. Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Royal palace and garden, UNESCO World Heritage Site, JongnoA UNESCO-listed Joseon palace built in 1405, admired for buildings that follow the hillside and for Huwon, its wooded rear garden of ponds and pavilions.
  3. N Seoul Tower Observation tower, NamsanA 236-metre broadcasting tower on the summit of Namsan, opened to the public in 1980, with observation decks giving 360-degree views over Seoul.

Attraction

3. N Seoul Tower

Observation towerNamsan

A 236-metre broadcasting tower on the summit of Namsan, opened to the public in 1980, with observation decks giving 360-degree views over Seoul.

View details — N Seoul Tower

Attraction

6. Jongmyo Shrine

Royal ancestral shrine, UNESCO World Heritage SiteJongno

The royal ancestral shrine of the Joseon dynasty, a UNESCO site since 1995, where the spirit tablets of kings and queens are kept in long, austere halls.

View details — Jongmyo Shrine

Attraction

10. Jogyesa Temple

Buddhist templeInsadong

The head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, in the centre of Seoul near Insadong, known for its main hall, old trees and lantern displays.

View details — Jogyesa Temple