I’ve been to Seoul four times since 2016, and believe it’s a truly underrated destination among Australian travellers.
As Aussies flock to Japan in huge numbers – with the country’s government urging travellers away from inundated tourist spots – South Korea is an excellent East Asian alternative for those wishing to escape the crowds, and takes just one 12-hour flight.
Though there are many other towns worth exploring in the country, Seoul offers travellers all the high-tech, commercial centre energy of Tokyo, the sprawling temples and gardens of Kyoto, and the riverside urban jungle full of street food that is Osaka.
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The Hwangwonjeong Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul in autumn. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
At the same time, it would be unfair to reduce this city to merely a Japan-alternative.
Seoul and South Korea have so much culture and history for travellers to enjoy, from its delicious food scene, to its world-famous skincare and music, to its complex and ancient history.
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The Asian holiday destination becoming an Aussie favourite
As it happens, it’s also far less overrun by foreign tourists, making it easier to experience authentically.
Here are our top picks to visit for your first trip to the South Korean capital.
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(Nine/Graphic: Polly Hanning)Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Folk Museum
While one of the most popular tourist sights for travellers, Gyeongbokyung Palace and its surroundings are a must-see – particularly if it’s your first time.
The magnificent former royal palace was built during the 14th century, home to rulers of the Joseon Dynasty, which ended in the early 20th century with Japan’s annexation of the country.
Wander through the surrounds, which include several other stunning historical buildings used by the royal family, and is the site where many historical K-dramas are filmed.
The Hwangwonjeong Pavilion is particularly beautiful, a picturesque two-story pavilion surrounded by a water moat and trees.
Personally, though, the National Folk Museum, also located on site, is one of the highlights of this area, offering a window into historical Korea free of charge, including the insides of traditional houses, utensils, clothing, and art.
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Me and a friend at the royal palace in 2023. (Supplied)Bukchon Hanok Village
Another locale frequented by many tourists but worth the hype, Bukchon Hanok is a gorgeously-restored 14th-century village located uphill near the royal palace.
If visited during the off season, or at a quiet time of day, this area will completely transport you to a different time, with its tiny winding backstreets interspersed with cosy restaurants serving up traditional food.
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Cosy old narrow street and traditional Korean houses of Bukchon Hanok Village. (Getty)Jongno
After you’ve explored the sights of historical Seoul, head down to Jongno District for a stroll through pretty and quaint backstreets, full of little boutiques and cafes with local feel.
I’ve stayed near Jongno all the times I’ve visited Seoul, and it’s a great spot if you want to be centrally located but not amid the crowds of more touristy or commercial areas.
There are also plenty of no-fuss restaurants to dine here at night.
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At a cute cafe in the backstreets of Nagwon-dong in the Jongno District. (Supplied)Hongdae Shopping Street
Hongdae is arguably the most popular area for nightlife in Seoul, a shopping and hospitality district near several universities that give it a distinctly young, cool vibe.
At night, head to the vintage shops, which stay open late, for some amazing finds, enjoy the live street music and performances, often K-pop, or grab some food and a beer at a restaurant.
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Tourists and local people are shopping and walking at Hongdae street market at night. (Getty)Gangnam
Popularised to the world by the 2011 song, Gangnam is an (in)famously wealthy suburb south of the Han River that bisects Seoul (it’s name literally means ‘south of the river’).
It’s home to skyscrapers, luxury shops, stylish nightclubs, and expensive cars, which can be soaked up by strolling along its mainstreet, Gangnam-daero, and the surrounding ones.
However, for a more local, intimate feel, head to Sinsa-dong or Garosu-gil, both fashionable, popular streets in the north of Gangnam District lined with trees, stylish boutiques, and trendy eateries.
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Sinsa-dong is an upscale area with countless boutiques and cafes (Getty)
Iconic Korean brands in the area include Gentle Monster, Tamburins, Ader Error and 3CE, while international brands include Diptyque and Aesop.
The streets in this area also draw an ultra-cool crowd, perfect for people watching.
Starfield Library in southeast Gangnam is also worth a visit – a beautifully designed, futuristic library and arts centre located in COEX Mall.
Sinchon-dong, Yonsei University and Ewha University
You’re almost guaranteed to find interesting areas near universities in Seoul.
Sinchon is a leafy, pedestrian-friendly urban area near a bunch of them – Yonsei University, Ewha Women’s University, Sogang University, and Hongik University.
It’s one of the most popular shopping districts in the city yet often unknown by tourists, attracting the university crowd.
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Because of this young demographic, Sinchon and the neighbouring Ewha University Fashion Street are full of cheap clothing and beauty stores as well as casual eateries.
You can also head up to Yonsei University and explore its gorgeous, leafy grounds with stone buildings, climbing plants, and neat hedges reminiscent of European architecture.
Sinchon-dong is famous for the numerous stores there selling fashionable but cheap goods. (Getty)Myeongdong Shopping Strip
While its probably the most famous shopping strip in Seoul, I had to include Myeongdong.
If you want to truly feel like you’re in the capital of K-culture, you have to walk along this shopping strip at least once – even though, after a few visits, I think it’s overrated.
Shop your way up the main street – full of iconic beauty shops including Olive Young, a pharmacy chain famous for its affordable makeup and skincare – and definitely try some of the street food from the vendors scattered around the area.
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Our soup at Myeongdong Kyoja. (Supplied)
After that, head to the LOTTE Department Main Store, one of biggest department stores in the city with an incredible food court where I recommend grabbing lunch.
Myeongdong Kyoja, a restaurant institution also in the area, is also a must-try if you can get in, famous for its noodle and dumpling soup with a side of super garlicky kimchi, that’s slurped up all through winter and summer.
The Dongdaemun Design plaza. (Getty)Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is arguably the most recognisable landmark in this district – a vast, undulating cultural centre designed by Zaha Hadid and Samoo that’s an architectural marvel to look at.
There are also several famous marketplaces in the area worth strolling through, including Dongdaemun General Marketplace and Gwangjang Market (great food).
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