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Best Things to do in Seoul (2026)

Some of the best experiences in Seoul happen outside the big monuments, in markets, on walking trails and along the river. Gwangjang Market, trading since the early 20th century, is the classic place to eat mung bean pancakes, mayak gimbap and noodles at a crowded counter, while Insadong's galleries, craft shops and tea houses are made for a slow afternoon of browsing. For a sense of the city's geography, walk a section of the Seoul City Wall, which once ran for 18.6 kilometres around the old capital; the Naksan section from Heunginjimun is the easiest and best at dusk.

Evenings bring different options. Between April and October, the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain turns Banpo Bridge into a free light and water show, best watched with a picnic in Banpo Hangang Park, while NANTA, the non-verbal kitchen percussion show, plays daily in Myeongdong and needs no Korean at all. Combine experiences by area to save travel time: Gwangjang Market pairs with Jongmyo and Dongdaemun, Insadong with the palaces and Bukchon, and NANTA with dinner in Myeongdong. Go to markets mid-afternoon on weekdays to avoid the worst crowds, wear good shoes for the wall trail, check fountain times before heading to the river, and book NANTA tickets online in advance for weekend shows.

5 places · Updated October 23, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Seoul

  1. Gwangjang Market Traditional market and street food, Jongno 5-gaOne of Seoul's oldest traditional markets, dating from 1905, where rows of food stalls serve mung bean pancakes, mayak gimbap and noodles beside fabric merchants.
  2. Insadong Crafts, antiques and tea house street, InsadongA central street of galleries, craft shops, antique dealers and traditional tea houses, best explored on foot, with the Ssamziegil arcade at its centre.
  3. Seoul City Wall Trail (Hanyangdoseong) Historic wall walk, Central SeoulAn 18.6-kilometre walking trail along the Joseon-era fortress wall built in 1396, climbing four mountains around old Seoul and passing six surviving gates.

Thing to do

1. Gwangjang Market

Traditional market and street food$Jongno 5-ga

One of Seoul's oldest traditional markets, dating from 1905, where rows of food stalls serve mung bean pancakes, mayak gimbap and noodles beside fabric merchants.

View details — Gwangjang Market

Thing to do

2. Insadong

Crafts, antiques and tea house streetInsadong

A central street of galleries, craft shops, antique dealers and traditional tea houses, best explored on foot, with the Ssamziegil arcade at its centre.

View details — Insadong