Palaces and traditional quarters
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | Seoul's largest royal palace, with the changing of the guard at its gate. | Closed on Tuesdays; free for visitors in hanbok |
| Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden | A palace on the World Heritage list, with a Secret Garden behind it visited on a guided tour. | Closed on Mondays; English garden tours bookable six days ahead |
| Bukchon Hanok Village | Traditional Korean houses with curved roofs between the palaces, still lived in. | Open to tourists from 10 am to 5 pm |
| Insadong | A street of Korean crafts, traditional shops and teahouses. | Central Seoul |
Views and the river
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| N Seoul Tower on Namsan | Views over the whole of Seoul from the top of the mountain. | Reached by cable car |
| Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower | An observation deck in Korea's tallest tower, 555 metres high, with a glass floor. | Jamsil, 10:30 am to 10 pm |
| The Banpo Bridge fountain | The world's longest bridge fountain, dancing in colour to music over the Han River, free to watch. | Mid-March to October; evening shows from 7:30 pm |
| Cheonggyecheon stream | A stream flowing through the city centre with a long walkway and bridges. | Central Seoul |
Fun and shopping
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Lotte World | An indoor and outdoor theme park on a lake. | Jamsil |
| Myeongdong | The best-known streets for shopping and Korean beauty products. | Central Seoul |
| Starfield Library and COEX Mall | A giant library with towering shelves inside a big mall. | Gangnam |
| Dongdaemun and the wholesale markets | A flowing building by Zaha Hadid, surrounded by wholesale clothing markets open late into the night. | Dongdaemun |
Around Seoul
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Nami Island | An island on the river with famous tree-lined paths, loveliest in autumn. | About 1.5 hours from Seoul |
| Everland | Korea's largest theme park, with a zoo and safari rides. | Yongin, about an hour from Seoul |
Tips before you go
- Apply for the K-ETA electronic travel authorisation at least 72 hours before you travel.
- A T-money card covers the metro and buses, and the metro is the fastest way around Seoul.
- Itaewon has the Seoul Central Mosque and many halal restaurants.
Hotels in Seoul
More places nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Seoul?
Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, Bukchon, N Seoul Tower, Lotte World and Seoul Sky, the Banpo Bridge fountain and Myeongdong.
When does the Banpo Bridge fountain run?
From mid-March to the end of October, with a midday show and evening shows from 7:30 pm, free to watch.
Do Saudis need a visa for South Korea?
No visa for up to 30 days, but you need the K-ETA electronic travel authorisation before you travel.
Where can I find halal food in Seoul?
In Itaewon, around the Seoul Central Mosque.
Planning your trip to South Korea? Read Travel to South Korea from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.