Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a dynamic megacity where culture, arts, shopping, and history blend harmoniously. For international students, it’s only natural to want to explore every corner of this vibrant city beyond just academics. In this post, we’ve curated 50 things you can enjoy in Seoul. From famous tourist spots to local hidden gems, plus sensory food and cultural experiences—there’s something for everyone. Use this as a guide to create your very own ‘Seoul bucket list’.
Note: Instead of listing out 50 ideas in a bullet format, this article presents them woven into several thematic categories. There are many more possibilities, but here we’ve summarized some of the most representative experiences across different areas.
1) Historical & Traditional Cultural Experiences
Seoul still holds traces of the 500-year-old Joseon Dynasty throughout the city. Visiting all five grand palaces—Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung—could take you over a month! Renting a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) while strolling through palace grounds lets you simultaneously appreciate the elegant architecture and the aesthetic of traditional attire. Try sipping on a cup of coffee while walking down Deoksugung Stonewall Road, or catch the royal guard-changing ceremony in front of Gwanghwamun—it’s a truly memorable experience.
You can also dive into traditional crafts, hanji (Korean paper) art, or tea ceremonies at places like Jongmyo or Insadong. We recommend sipping on herbal teas inside a small traditional tea house hidden in an Insadong alley or trying your hand at painting minhwa (traditional folk art). What makes Seoul truly special is how ‘Korean tradition’ and ‘modern city life’ coexist in harmony.
2) Nature & Walking Trails
Though Seoul is a bustling metropolis, it’s surprisingly rich in greenery and rivers. Han River Parks are famous for their well-maintained biking and walking trails where you can enjoy picnics with a refreshing breeze. Each Han River park—like Yeouido, Banpo, Ttukseom, or Nanji—offers a different atmosphere, so why not explore a new one each weekend?
For urban walks, head to Bugak Skyway (Bugak Palgakjeong Pavilion) for stunning night views or stroll through Namsan Park near Seoul Tower. Riding the Namsan Cable Car to the top gives you a panoramic view of Seoul, and it’s especially romantic at night when the city lights glow below.
3) Food & Culinary Tours
If you’re a fan of Korean food, Seoul is a gourmet paradise. From traditional dishes like kimchi jjigae, bulgogi, samgyetang, and bibimbap to trendy new restaurants, you’ll find an abundance of mouthwatering options. Don’t miss trying mayak gimbap, bindaetteok, and yukhoe at Gwangjang Market, or head to Namdaemun Market for galchi-jjim and kalguksu. Seoul’s diverse neighborhoods—like Myeongdong, Jonggak, Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam—all offer their own unique foodie map.
Recently, there’s also been a rise in vegetarian and vegan options, which is great news for international students with special dietary needs. You’ll even find hidden halal restaurants or gluten-free bakeries across the city, so get ready to explore with a curious spirit!
4) Arts & Cultural Events
Seoul is brimming with festivals and performances year-round. From the Seoul Street Arts Festival in autumn, to the Seoul Jazz Festival, or classical concerts at Lotte Concert Hall and Sejong Center, to musicals and operas at Blue Square and Seoul Arts Center—you’ll never run out of options. K-pop fans absolutely shouldn’t miss idol concerts or fan meet-and-greets.
Watch street busking in Hongdae or join a theater performance in Daehakro’s small venues for a different kind of thrill. Free outdoor performances and cultural events frequently pop up too, so keep tabs on social media and cultural event sites. With so much “to see and enjoy,” this is one of the best aspects of living in Seoul.
5) Shopping & Trendspotting
Seoul is a shopper’s paradise with hotspots like Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Hongdae, Garosugil in Sinsa, Apgujeong, COEX, and Express Bus Terminal Underground Mall. From K-beauty and K-fashion brands to bustling markets and curated lifestyle shops, the variety is endless. Wander down Myeongdong’s main street to receive tons of beauty samples from road shops, or visit Dongdaemun where fashion buildings operate late into the night for wholesale shopping.
If you’re into vintage or second-hand goods, explore the streets of Hongdae or the Pungmul Market in Jongno. Looking for cutting-edge tech gadgets? Check out Yongsan Electronics Market or Technomart in Gangbyeon. Bookworms can enjoy browsing Korean books and stationery at large bookstores like Kyobo Bookstore or Bandi & Lunis.
6) Night Views & Rooftop Culture
Seoul is especially dazzling at night. Whether it’s the sparkling riverside while crossing Han River bridges by taxi or bus, or the panoramic views from Namsan Seoul Tower, 63 Square, and Lotte World Tower (Seoul Sky), the nighttime scenery is unforgettable. Take a night walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream or picnic at Yeouido Hangang Park while enjoying the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain for a romantic twist.
Recently, rooftop bars and cafes have flourished in neighborhoods like Itaewon, Hongdae, and Jongno. With DJ parties or mood lighting on top of urban buildings, many of these spots have become must-visit Instagram hotspots.
7) Traditional Markets & Alley Adventures
Seoul isn’t just large and modern—it’s also filled with history. Many back alleys still preserve old houses, markets, and artisan workshops. Areas like Seongbuk-dong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Seochon, and Ikseon-dong boast a mix of traditional hanok homes and modern architecture—and are now bustling with trendy cafes and eateries.
Explore traditional markets like Gwangjang, Tongin, and Mangwon to taste street food and shop for household goods. Haggling with market vendors or trying your hand at DIY crafts offer a whole different kind of fun compared to modern malls.
8) Han River Cruises & Water Sports
If you want to enjoy the Han River from a fresh perspective, hop on a cruise or water taxi. Cruises depart from places like Yeouido and Ttukseom, and you can even enjoy onboard performances during sunset or night tours. For a more private vibe, try out water taxis with your group.
For thrill-seekers, various parks by the Han River—like Banpo, Nanji, or Gayang—offer water sports such as jet skiing and wakeboarding. If you’re craving some excitement during your university life in Korea, take advantage of the good weather and create cool memories through water activities.
9) Korean Language & Cultural Learning
As an international student, you may want to deepen your understanding of the Korean language and culture. Visit the National Hangeul Museum to learn about the alphabet’s history and design, or explore the National Folk Museum to discover how Koreans lived in the past. You can also attend Korean traditional music (gugak), samulnori, or pansori performances—or even try traditional martial arts like taekkyeon or taekwondo.
Many cultural centers and district offices offer hands-on programs open to international students, often free or low-cost. Classes in natural dyeing, pottery, and traditional knotting crafts are especially popular with foreigners. Keep an eye out in your local community!
10) Final Thoughts: Create Your Own Seoul Bucket List
The experiences mentioned above are just a glimpse of what Seoul has to offer. Other options include attending K-POP pre-recordings, coin karaoke, PC gaming cafes, art exhibitions, animal cafes, club hopping, fried chicken tasting, palace night tours, or even experiencing camping inside the city. What’s most important is identifying your personal interests and goals to customize your unique Seoul lifestyle.
Since your time in Korea may fly by, we recommend jotting down a bucket list early on and ticking items off one by one. Whether you’re exploring trendy spots with Korean friends or visiting places you saw on social media, you might just stumble upon unexpected joys or life-changing connections. As Seoul never stays still, with new events and venues emerging each month, staying updated will open doors to even more colorful adventures.
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