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13 things you've got to do in Seoul

If you don't believe Seoul is one of the world's great cities, you haven't experienced this 'best of'
whirlwind of shopping, culture, food and photos. Lots of photos
By Rachel Sang-hee Han (/author/rachel-sang-hee-han) , Frances Cha (/author/f rances-cha) 17 December, 2012

Like Send 909 people like this. Be the first of your friends. 58 Tweet
(http://twitter.com/sh
are)
Korea's tourism industry may be scrambling (http://travel.cnn.com/seoul-tourism-attempts-take-advantage-
gangnam-style-697301) to harness the newfound fame of the Gangnam district south of the Han
River, but the truth is the coolest experiences from a visitor's perspective are concentrated in the
northern part of the city.

Got some spare time in Seoul? Here's what to do.

1. Korea Furniture Museum

Yes, we know, it sounds like the kind of place even your
grandparents would find boring, but hear us out on this
insider's secret.

The Korea Furniture Museum

(http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/visit/most-exquisite-museum-seoul-
302040) houses more than 2,000 traditional furniture
pieces, plus 10 hanok (traditional Korean houses).

The museum itself is one of the most important and

beautiful pieces of architecture in Seoul, and one of the
first places global curators and designers visit when they
hit the city.
Martha Stewart loved it, so will you.
Important: Reservations are required. No walk-ins.

330-577 Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu; +82 2 745

0181; tours and restaurant reservations by appointment only; www.kofum.com (http://www.kofum.com/)

2. T.um
Run by Korea's largest telecommunications provider, SK
Telecom, T.um (http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/play/tum-809028)
offers an amazing look at the technology we'll be using in
the very near future.

The best thing about the sneak preview of these shopping

avatars and self-driving cars is realizing how awesome
your life is going to be in 10 years.

Reservations must be made in advance on the website --

daily 11 a.m. walk-in tours are conducted only in Korean.

T.um, Jung-gu, Euljiro 2-ga 11; +82 2 6100

0601; tum.sktelecom.com
The future is present at T.um.
(http://tum.sktelecom.com/eng/index.jsp)

3. Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon is irrefutably the most beautiful historical district
in the city, a place where visitors wander through tiny
streets and peer over the gabled walls to view old hanok
(traditional Korean houses) of various shapes and sizes.
 Memorable pit stop: the outdoor museum and bittersweet
omija in one of the tea houses.

Bukchon Culture Center

(http://b ukchon.seoul.go.kr/eng/index.jsp) , 105 Gye-dong,
Jongro-gu; +82 2 3707 8388

More on CNN: 20 delicious Korean drinks

(http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/drink/20-b est-korean-drinks-741087)

Prettiest village in the city.

4. Gwanghwamun station

Gyeongbokgung Palace. The Cheonggyecheon stream.

King Sejong statue.

All three of Seoul's major tourist spots are a short walk

from small Gwanghwamun subway station.

Open views of the palace with the massive mountains in

the distance are some of the most impressive in the city.

In the Finance Center's basement levels you'll find the

best lunch options in the financial district, as well as Kyobo
bookstore within the Kyobo building, which has cute
stationery and other design products (accessories,
gadgets, DIY projects, toys).
Korea's wisest king, and most convenient
sub way station.
83 Doryeon-dong, Jongro-gu

5. Insadong
The traditional Insadong
(http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/visit/insadong-art-nostalgia-and-boho-
550899) district has been through some major changes.
Recently, it's shed its tourist trap image of crummy
souvenirs to become a cool artsy spot with a new crop of
galleries and modern tea shops.

Tasty teas and handmade accessories make for a nice

little sojourn in the city.

Insadong, Jongro-gu; english.visitkorea.or.kr

(http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/SH_EN_7_2_2_1.jsp)

Date tea. Or tea date.

6. Korean galbi
When it comes to grilling, Koreans don't mess around.
Knowledgeable staff will help you get galbi (juicy cuts of
beef) smoking perfectly.

Maple Tree is a budget-friendly, cheerful barbecue joint with branches in both Gangnam and
Gangbuk. Here are more of our barbecue recommendations (http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/eat/city-
essentials/seoul%E2%80%99s-5-best-bbq-583679) .

31-1 Samcheong-dong, Jongro-gu; +82 2 730 7416; moderate; the restaurant has two more
 branches in Itaewon and Dogok-
dong; www.mapletreehouse.co.kr

Korean-style b arb ecue.

(http://www.mapletreehouse.co.kr/)

7. Glam
More lounge than club, Glam is one of the few stand-and-
mingle bars in Seoul, and certainly among the hottest
nightlife spots of the moment.

You'll be fighting for air space amid massive crowds --

every night is a party in here.

116-1 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu; +82 2 792 6164

Be warned, you'll b e gasping for air.

http://twitter.co
8 J.J. Mahoney's
Surprisingly, there aren't that many bars with great views
in Seoul -- non-stuffy ones, anyway.
(mailto:?subject=13 things
ou've got to do in J.J. Mahoney's in the Grand Hyatt caters to a slightly older
Seoul&body=http://travel.cnn.com/top- crowd than the average nightlife venue in Seoul, but it's a
hings-do-and-see-seoul-915321) fun place for cocktails and live music -- especially in
summer.

Comment Grand Hyatt Seoul, 140-738 322 Sowolro, Yongsan-gu;

+82 2 797 1234; seoul.grand.hyatt.kr
(http://www.seoul.grand.hyattrestaurants.kr/jjmahoneys/)

Where suits are standard.

9. Octagon
Octagon is the hottest club in the city right now -- having forced the crown from the ridiculously
massive Ellui.

Although Korean clubs are famous in the region for "booking (http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/play/seoul-
booking-made-slightly-less-awkward-157143) culture," don't expect any here (in fact, the whole trend
has been dying out). Periodic laser shows and constant crazy dancing are the big draws.

New Hilltop Hotel, Gangnam-gu, Nonhyun-dong 152; +82 2 516 8847; cluboctagon.co.kr
(http://club octagon.co.kr/)

When you're on top of the heap, you don't

hide it.

10. Doosan Tower

Short for Doosan Tower, Doota has emerged as the most
stylish of the non-brand boutique-studded shopping malls
in the Dongdaemun district (the Korean branches of
Vogue, GQ and W magazines are also located within this
building).

Both men and women go for trendy, budget-friendly

clothes and accessories, particularly at night, as the area
stays open until the small hours of the morning.

18-12 Euljiro 6-ga, Jung-gu; +82 2 3398

3333; www.doota.com (http://www.doota.com)

More on CNN: The supermodel's guide: Where to shop

At night, it's even b righter.
in Seoul (http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/shop/supermodels-guide-
where-shop-seoul-074539)

11. Vatos
We like to take foreigners here -- mostly to watch their
skeptical expressions ("Mexican food in Asia? Ugh!") turn
to surprise and delight. There's a reason why waits can
take up to three hours on weekends.

Recommended: Kimchi Carnitas Fries and shrimp tacos.

Yongsan-gu, Itaewon-dong 181-8 2/F; +82 2 797 8226;

vatoskorea.com (http://vatoskorea.com/)

Kimchi Carnitas Fries at Vatos.

12. Galleria's Gourmet 494

Whoever is behind the foodie makeover at Galleria
Department Store, we applaud you. The luxury store has
taken every hot new restaurant in the city and convinced
them to open branches in its "premium food boutique" in
the basement.

This extends to desserts, in a section on the other side of

the food court.

494 Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu; +82 2 3449 4114;

www.gourmet494.com
(http://www.gourmet494.com/gourmet494/index.jsp)

It's true -- a luxury food court is one of

Seoul's b est dining options.

13. Bongeunsa
This temple in Gangnam is a wonderfully serene spot in
the middle of the city, providing striking views of the
traditional city juxtaposed with the modern skyline.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Korea's temple

stay program (http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/visit/temple-stay-48-
hours-sudeoksa-temple-936870) , so temples all around the
country are coming up with unique programs catering to
travelers.

73 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu; +82 2 511 6070;

www.bongeunsa.org (http://www.b ongeunsa.org/)

More on CNN: The real 'Gangnam Style': Beauty belt,

Ironically, centuries ago, the temple location
wedding town, 24-hour culture
was chosen for its remoteness.
(http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/life/real-gangnam-style-b eauty-b elt-
wedding-town-24-hour-culture-507941)
 Rachel Sang-hee Han is a freelance writer for CNN Travel.
Read more about Rachel Sang-hee Han (/author/rachel-sang-hee-han)
(/author/rachel-sang-hee-han)

Frances Cha is a Digital Producer at CNN Travel.

(/author/frances-cha)

Read more about Frances Cha (/author/frances-cha)

Tags:
KOREAN TRAVEL (/TAGS/KOREAN-TRAVEL) , SEOUL TOURISM (/SEOUL/TAGS/SEOUL-TOURISM) , SEOUL MUSEUMS
(/SEOUL/TAGS/SEOUL-MUSEUMS) , RESTAURANTS IN SEOUL (/SEOUL/TAGS/RESTAURANTS-SEOUL) , TRAVEL FEATURES
(/TAGS/TRAVEL-FEATURES)

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(http://travel.cnn.com/best-day-weekend-trips-seoul-912241)
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visit-korea-873093)

Best day and Beyond Seoul: 19

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Korea Ancient Mayan

25 comments
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Newest Community Share ⤤ ⚙

Faleh A lghubari • a month ago

well since I came here I haven't done or visited any of those things and places yet <__>
△ ▽ Reply Share ›

K raft y D • a month ago

9. JJ Mahoney's
"Surprisingly, there aren't that many bars with great views in Seoul -- non-stuffy ones,
anyway. "

There are great views in Seoul?

1 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

hy ebin0110 • 2 months ago

Well, I live in Seoul but I never heard about T.um or Doosan tower...
1 △ 1▽ Reply Share ›

GreenT87 • 2 months ago

7. If you are looking for amazing Mexican food with a ton of avocados at a sit down
restaurant that has great food and alcohol, go to Julio. It's located in Gangnam,
Hongdae, and Jongro. It has kimchi fries because that's generic for all Mexican places
in Korea, but the award winner is the 'Clevland Burrito' and choose the vegetarian
option (coming from a meat lover). It is honestly better than anything I've had in Mexican
communities in CA, MI, and NV. But if you are just looking for a WESTERN style
Mexican theme BAR then yes, go to Vatos which is usually packed with nothing but
foreigners (Vatos was started by an American Gyopo, not a Korean so it's a Korean-ish
take on a US restaurant that is serving food from another country).
△ ▽ Reply Share ›

K raft y D > GreenT87 • a month ago

Why would you go to Korea to eat Mexican food?

2 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

Max imuz > GreenT87 • 2 months ago

Julio's? It is overpriced, has small portions, and rather bland. I liked Vatos WAY
more, but that is also overpriced and small portions. Tomatillo is by far the best
 value. If you want true authentic tasting Mexican food, Amigos in Itaewon is the
best, but the owner is rude as hell.
You must not have eaten in many places in California, because despite the
great strides Korea has made since I've lived here, it is no where near the same
level as Mexican food in California. Furthermore, Mexican food in Cantina
(Daejeon City), and Taco K (also Daejeon) are better than both Julio's and
Vatos.

I am Mexican American from California and have traveled extensively in Mexico.

I also happen to be named "Julio."
1 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

GreenT87 > Maximuz • 2 months ago

This article is about Seoul, not Daejeon... But thanks for mentioning your
favorites when in Daejeon...

I disagree with you on Tomatillo and no, I've not been to Amigos but if
what you say is true I don't plan to go. Next, thanks for giving the opinion
that you think both places (Julio & Vatos) are overpriced and give small
portions. Compared to other places I've been to in Seoul, I don't agree
when taking into account the establishment quality and locations. Julio in
Jongro overlooks the Chunguchun and is within walking distance to
many major tourist destinations in Jonggak (also the US embassy since
this website is owned by a US news business).

It is great to know you are proud of being an American Mexican and to

also be named "Julio," but I did not try to compare any place to anywhere
in Mexico... It's great to know though your opinion as an American
Mexican from California who has traveled in Mexico, I'm sure it is going
to be of much value to foreigners who can or want to identify with you
and your opinion...

see more
△ ▽ Reply Share ›

Max imuz > GreenT87 • 2 months ago

My comment about being Mexican-American and having traveled
extensively in Mexico is not a matter of pride, it is to show that I
have some knowledge on the subject. You seem to scoff at this
even though you tried the same thing with:

"It is honestly better than anything I've had in Mexican

communities in CA, MI, and NV."

The info about my name was just an interesting coincidence I

wanted to share, not as a form of qualification.

You are trying to downplay the idea of experience, when your

very argument was that Vatos was too "western" and you had
more experience as you have had it in three different states in
the US.

We were talking about authentic food, so yes, the comparison to

Mexico is definitely appropriate, so sorry if you feel one-uped. My
intention wasnt to one-up you.
see more
△ ▽ Reply Share ›

Max imuz • 6 months ago

When did Insadong become authentic?
2 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

p56741944 • 7 months ago

15 Slander Japan
7 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

dis qus _LJc h28LR24 • 7 months ago

14. Have plastic surgery
13 △ 1▽ Reply Share ›

ros y . hoang • 7 months ago

so interesting!
1 △ ▽ Reply Share ›
Mic hael K • 7 months ago
#9 Octagon is *NOT* in Itaewon. Even the address itself says Gangnam-Gu,
Nonhyeon-Dong. Itaewon is a "Dong" in Yongsan-Gu.
1 △ 1▽ Reply Share ›

Owen Marble • 7 months ago

p5674, Insadong is a place in seoul, not a word or reference to tradition. The 6th picture
is probably Korean galbi.
1 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

Chef Hans • 7 months ago

No:14 PLEASE dont eat dogs and cats...

10 △ 2▽ Reply Share ›

Ian • 7 months ago

Why is so much of this list in Itewon? Tons of other places i would rather go that are
less touristy.
5 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

A laine • 7 months ago

Vatos is awesome. I was so surprised to find out that one of the owners went to my
high school in Texas. Man it's a small world.
4 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

rg • 7 months ago
terrible list. obviously haven't been to Seoul/experienced the real Seoul. And, your Galbi
picture is Japanese, not Korean.
4 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

Carlos Hernandez > rg • 7 months ago

The galbi picture is Korean. Notice the metal chopsticks, which Koreans are all
about using. Japanese like to use wooden chopsticks more (even the fancy
ones). That type of grilled meat is available in both countries anyway.
2 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

TP > Carlos Hernandez • 7 months ago

umm those are metal scissors not chopsticks... fyi
2 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

S oon • 7 months ago

great list! wish i had known about some of these while I was in seoul last - will try to
check them out next time!
1 △ ▽ Reply Share ›

p56741944 • 7 months ago

3 △ 1▽ Reply Share ›

B ernard P arent > p56741944 • 7 months ago

The Galbi eaten now in Japan is actually an influence from Korea -- the
Japanese did not eat meat before the 20th century (it was thought to be
poisonous).

As for tea, the Koreans have a tradition of drinking tea dating back more than
1300 years..:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K...
3 △ 2▽ Reply Share ›

Fred • 7 months ago

Octagon is not in Itaewon. It's in Chongdam / Gangnam area.
1 △ 1▽ Reply Share ›

Tom • 7 months ago

Good list but....

J.J. Mahoney's is effectively a brothel frequented by business travelers. Galleria 494

gathers Seoul's best Western restaurants, removes all their atmosphere and puts
them in a basement. You are in Seoul so why are you eating Western? Bad Western?
17 △ ▽ Reply Share ›
r C o m m e n t fe e d ✉ Su b s cri b e vi a e m a i l