Must-See Attractions and Activities in South Korea's Capital
By Alejandra Mendoza Garcia - Posted on Dec 16th, 2025 - Ale Around the World
I’d like to kick off this blog by saying that South Korea has quickly become my favorite Asian country. Even though my stay was brief, just a few days, I thoroughly enjoyed the stunning beauty and vibrant culture this nation has to offer. Looking back, I genuinely regret not extending my visit to savor more of what South Korea has to offer.
My adventure began at Vancouver International Airport, where I embarked on a journey that had me flying first to Tokyo before heading to Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea. I arrived on a Tuesday night in September, around 10 PM. To my surprise, the first thing I noticed was the bustling energy of the city. It felt like a lively Saturday night, with tons of people and cars everywhere. Restaurants and shops were bustling with activity, and it seemed that South Koreans love to enjoy themselves after a long day of work.
After landing at Incheon International Airport, we hopped onto a bus conveniently stationed just outside the terminal, which took us directly to Seoul for around 17,000 won. Our hotel, the Kpop Hotel, was perfectly situated in the heart of the city. It was an affordable option, surrounded by plenty of restaurants, convenience stores, and parks. Although the rooms were a bit compact, they were well-equipped with essentials like a fridge, private bathroom, air conditioning, and fresh towels.
Before diving into my itinerary for Seoul, I must mention one thing I noticed: the streets of South Korea are quite hilly! Prepare for some cardio, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months when it tends to be hot and humid. I traveled in September, and despite it being the tail end of summer, the temperatures were still quite high.
On my first day, my family and I decided to embark on a tour that would take us beyond the hustle and bustle of Seoul. Unfortunately, many tours don’t offer hotel pick-up, but luckily, our meeting point was just a 20-minute walk from our hotel. The tour was fantastic—we transitioned from the crowded cityscape to breathtaking natural scenery in no time.
Our first destination was Petite France and the Italian Village, two charming European-style villages nestled in the mountains. Both featured colorful architecture that provided a perfect backdrop for countless Instagram-worthy photos. At the Italian Village, themed around Pinocchio, we felt as if we had stepped into a fairy tale, complete with exhibitions and performances. Personally, I found the Italian Village more captivating; it offered a wealth of activities and was simply more picturesque. The Italian Village is situated on a hill, so I recommend starting at the top and making your way down to the French Village.
After exploring, we stopped for lunch at a local restaurant where we indulged in authentic Korean cuisine—absolutely delicious!
Once our appetites were satisfied, we headed to our next stop, a ferry ride to Nami Island. This beautiful destination is renowned for its lush nature and stunning views of the water. Located about 53 kilometers from Seoul, Nami Island is a popular escape, famous for its breathtaking tree-lined pathways. Many beloved Korean dramas have been filmed there, and the enchanting background music adds to the magical atmosphere. The island boasts many restaurants, shops, museums, and bike rental options, but it’s also the perfect place to simply walk and enjoy.
Our final stop was the Rail Bike Park, an old train track transformed into a serene biking experience amid nature. We pedaled along with a maximum of four people per bike, and I must say, the views along the trail are absolutely stunning. It’s worth the leg workout, although I did find some sections challenging! The ride includes some quirky tunnels adorned with lights and bubbles, making for an unforgettable experience that lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace. Fortunately, the bus tour returned us conveniently close to our hotel afterward.
The next day, we opted to explore Seoul at our own pace. Our morning began at a popular open-air restaurant featuring a stunning artificial waterfall. This picturesque spot was perfect for breakfast; we enjoyed our meal while watching the beautiful view at a café called Cafe Pokpo, located about a 40-minute bus ride from Seoul Tower.
After breakfast, we made our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most famous royal palace in Korea, dating back to the 14th century. With a modest entrance fee of around $3 (free if you’re wearing a traditional Korean dress), this amazing palace is a sight to behold. The gardens are beautiful, and the extensive grounds are well worth exploring.
Afterward, we took an Uber to the Starfield Library, an iconic spot known for its stunning aesthetic and towering bookshelves, perfect for photos. The entry is free, and there’s even a Starbucks inside for a quick coffee.
Upon exiting the library, we ventured to the famous Gangnam Style Sculpture located nearby. This tribute to the viral song from 2012 was a highlight, especially since we stumbled upon a festival featuring live K-pop performances and delicious food trucks, where I indulged in some tasty Korean fried chicken.
Next, we made our way to the iconic Seoul Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and features a revolving restaurant. We opted for the cable car to ascend the hill, although walking is an option. Once at the top, the views are breathtaking. The paths are adorned with love locks left by couples, and I recommend bringing your own lock to avoid the pricey ones sold on-site. This time, we chose not to visit the top of the tower, as the views from the base were just as enjoyable. There are souvenir shops and eateries where one can relax and take in the scenery. On our descent, we took a scenic round trip on the cable car.
To cap off our day, we visited one of the vibrant street food markets in Myeongdong Street, Seoul. The atmosphere was amazing, filled with bright lights and the enticing aromas of delicious dishes.
The following morning, we visited Sungnyemun Gate which is Korea's National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. Then, we walked to a close market named Namdaemun Market which is the largest traditional market in Korea with shops selling various goods.
Finally, we hopped on a bus to the airport, ready for our next adventure in Japan. Stay tuned for my Japan blog!
