Explore must-see tourist sites in Seoul

Cheongwadae, also known as the Blue House, served as the presidential residence of Korea from 1948 until May 9, 2022. Since June 12, 2022, it has been opened to the public.

The main building features nearly 150,000 blue roof tiles, which contribute to the iconic blue roof that gave the residence its name. The complex includes several significant areas: the main building, Yeongbingwan (State Guest House), Chunchugwan (Press Center), Nokjiwon Garden, Mugunghwa Hill, and Chilgung Shrine.

1, Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul서울특별시 종로구 청와대로 1

March - November 09:00 - 18:00, December - February 09:00 - 17:30

Closed: Closed on Tuesdays

Home to nearly 1,500 hanok buildings, visiting Bukchon Hanok Village is traveling back in time to the Joseon period. This area showcases traditional aesthetics through its narrow alleyways, stone walls, elegantly slanted hanok eaves, and wooden gates.

While in the village, consider signing up for a hanok stay program, which offers an overnight stay in one of these elegant buildings. Alternatively, you can visit local craft shops to engage in traditional culture activities like knot-making.

37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Bukchon Traditional Culture Center)서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37(북촌문화센터)

Cheonggyecheon Stream, stretching 160 meters long, 50 meters wide, covering an area of 6,962㎡, is one of Seoul's most beloved leisure spots. Along the stream, visitors can enjoy water fountains, waterfalls, and scenic trails.

Cheonggye Plaza, situated at the starting point of the stream's restoration, features a 1:100 scale miniature model of the stream. At night, the stream is beautifully illuminated, creating a picturesque view.

1, Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (Cheonggye Plaza)서울특별시 중구 태평로1가 1(청계광장)

The Namsan Cable Car is the easiest and most enjoyable way to ascend Namsan Mountain, a prominent landmark of Seoul. The service covers a 600-meter-long route at a speed of 3.2m/s, taking approximately 3 minutes to reach the summit.

When operational, the cable car offers a unique opportunity to experience the changing seasons, highlighted by cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn colors in fall.

83, Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul서울특별시 중구 소파로 83

10:00 - 23:00

Namsangol Hanok Village, nestled in the heart of Seoul, offers a gateway to traditional Korean culture with a variety of experiences and learning opportunities. The village comprises five restored hanoks relocated from various parts of Seoul, a traditional garden, and a craft experience area.

Visitors can learn Korean traditional etiquette, master the art of tea confectionery-making, and enjoy folk games such as jegi chagi, yunnori, and biseok chigi.

28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul서울특별시 중구 퇴계로34길 28

November - March 09:00- 20:00, April - October 09:00- 21:00

Closed: Closed on Mondays [Operate if Monday is a public holiday]

Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a cultural complex that hosts exhibitions, fashion shows such as Seoul Fashion Week, new product launches, and conferences. Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, its unique façade features 45,133 aluminum panels.

281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul서울특별시 중구 을지로 281

10:00 - 20:00

Seoul Botanic Park presents an innovative concept that combines an arboretum and a park, spanning an area equivalent to 70 football fields. The park introduces urban plants and botanical culture from 12 cities around the world through its four main sections: the Forest Field, Botanic Garden, Wetland, and Lake Garden.

161, Magokdong-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul서울특별시 강서구 마곡동로 161

November - February 09:30 - 17:00, March - October 09:30 - 18:00

Closed: Closed on Mondays

The Leeum Museum showcases a collection of Korean cultural heritage and globally renowned contemporary artworks, collected by the late Lee Byung-chul, founder of Samsung Group and a prominent art patron. The museum complex, designed by world-renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas, is itself considered a masterpiece of architectural art.

60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul서울특별시 용산구 이태원로55길 60-16

10:00 - 18:00

Closed: Closed on Mondays