Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is without a doubt one of my favorite destinations that I have traveled to. Though my dad and I had already checked off Japan, Singapore, and Thailand as Asian countries on our bucket list, Korea’s biggest city was in a category of its own. 

From the rich culture buzzing throughout the night market to the elegant cherry blossom trees adding to the beauty of the royal palaces, the city never failed to keep me on my feet. I recommend it to any adventurous travellers seeking an exciting place to explore, whether it’s a quick four-day trip or a nine-day leisurely tour. That said, here are the top seven experiences you don’t want to miss on your trip to Seoul.

1. Explore the Coex Mall with Gangnam Style

Located in the Gangnam district, known for its luxury and modern style, the COEX mall is one of the most popular places to visit in Seoul. Filled with vast shops, entertainment, and dining, the mall is an engaging place to explore, especially as it’s the world’s largest underground mall. I visited some of the most popular attractions around the mall, including the Starfield Library, the SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium, and the iconic Gangnam Style sculpture.  

If you’re looking to be amazed, the Starfield Library is a large, functioning library filled with books galore. Around the library, there are many places to settle down and relax or study, although most people prefer to explore the wonders of what this library has to offer. 

If sea creatures intrigue you or you simply want to experience something fascinating, the aquarium is the perfect stop. Within the aquarium, the walls are lined with tanks inhabited by an incredible variety of marine life, which left me in awe. The aquarium is perfect for all ages, being a fun-filled, immersive experience.

Just outside the mall lies the iconic Gangnam Style sculpture, featuring the signature hand formation from the world-renowned dance. The 2012 hit song, “Gangnam Style” by PSY is known globally, and it remains one of South Korea’s most recognizable pop culture moments. Owing to the fact that the song was a worldwide success, South Korea takes great pride in it, hence the creation of this bold sculpture.

2. Give the TikTok Viral Salt Bread a Try

These sweet and savory breads are a must-try in Seoul! Salt Bread is a popular snack and the pleasant, buttery scent surrounds the city. Within Ikseon-dong—a charming village in Seoul known for its hanok style and trendy dining—lies the popular cafe named Soha Salt Pond. Standing out because of its unique decor and selection of treats, this cafe definitely deserves its popularity. 

Trying these soft, buttery breads was simply sensational. My favorite was definitely the truffle flavor, as it was seasoned with a pleasant taste, though the original salt bread was perfect in itself. Needless to say, if you are a fellow bread lover, you should give these salt breads a try.

3. Experience Squid Game in Real Life

As pouring rain came down on the city, I was running around the Seongsu-dong district, known for its shopping and hip vibe. Searching for somewhere indoors to stay, I stumbled upon this site, and it did not disappoint. The Squid Game experience is an entertaining, hands-on game perfect for Squid Game fans or people looking to face a fun challenge. 

Upon arrival, I was given a bracelet with my assigned player number, 397. I was placed into a group with other competitors, and we all took an individual photo, just like in the show. Throughout the experience, we played a series of traditional Korean children’s games featured in the show, including Red Light, Green Light, and Marbles. 

My favorite challenge was the Glass Bridge game, where we had to memorize a sequence of boxes that were safe to step on to reach the other side. I was one of the winners of that round! Players were ranked based on points, which were received by winning games. At the end, the top eight players moved on to a final challenge where one player became the winner of the game and received a secret prize!

4. Grab a Bite at the Myeongdong Night Market

When the sun goes down and the daylight fades, the heart of Myeongdong awakens. The street lights shine bright, and hundreds of food vendors prepare for the crowd. This place is the Myeongdong Night Market, a lively place where thousands of tourists congregate at the end of the day. 

Whether you are craving a sweet treat like mochi or a warm Korean corndog, the night market has many options to satisfy your late-night cravings. Not hungry? Browse through the shops along the streets where you can find anything from top-tier skincare to trendy Korean streetwear. The Night Market is the perfect site to wander, snack, and soak in the culture of Seoul at night.

5. See the Best Views in Seoul—Just a Hike Up and Worth it

If you’re hoping to see a gorgeous view of Seoul from above, there are various hiking trails to try that lead to incredible viewpoints. The mountains surrounding Seoul offer a wide variety of trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to more difficult climbs. The photos above were taken from the top of the Inwangsan mountain, which I hiked a moderate trail to reach. 

Since I went in the evening, the vibrant colors of the sunset heightened the view and made this an experience to remember. As someone who loves to hike, this sunset hike was very enjoyable and one of my favorite parts of the trip. I encourage you to add it to your itinerary, as it was a perfect way to take in a clear view of the city before and after dark.

6. Take a Korean Cooking Class

On the first day of my trip, I participated in a Korean cooking class to get a better feel for different popular dishes. Little did I know it would be the highlight of my trip. Seoul Cooking Club holds group classes where instructors guide you through the preparation of seven classic Korean dishes. 

As someone who doesn’t normally enjoy cooking, I found the process to be really fun and unique. On top of that, we were able to eat everything we made, though it was a lot of food. My favorite dishes were the bibimbap, kimbap, and kimchi pancakes. By the end, I was completely full from all of the delicious food! 

One of the coolest parts of the class was bonding with our diverse group, as all of our fellow classmates came from different countries. With the hospitality of the teachers and the exciting experience they provided, Seoul Cooking Club is a spot I would surely recommend to visitors.

7. Stroll Through the Palaces Encompassed in the City

Throughout the city, you will run into beautiful palaces where you can walk through traditional Korean architecture and admire extensive gardenscapes. Even though they sit between busy streets and large skyscrapers, the palaces offer a sense of peace with their quiet courtyards and elegant wooden structures. 

When I visited in Spring, the cherry blossoms filled these spaces with soft pink color, making the scenery even more beautiful. Whether you prefer to roam freely and enjoy the environment or learn about the broad history of the setting with a tour guide, the palaces provide pleasant grounds for everyone. Besides, the balance between the modern scene and the ancient palaces really accentuates the culture in Seoul, adding to its unique environment.