Sprawling, surprising, and endlessly exciting, Seoul is a magnetic city with an electric vibe. This megatropolis pulses with 24/7 energy and at first glance its throbbing neon streets can be overwhelming — life moves fast in Seoul, as does the traffic on its multi-lane highways, the sleek elevators in its towering skyscrapers, and the throb of its K-pop-fueled, fashion-obsessed, undeniably youthful and optimistic crowds.
There is a seemingly inexhaustible supply of things to do in Seoul and things to see in Seoul, so much so that newcomers can have a difficult time deciding where to begin.
A great place to start your Seoul journey is with a bit of the royal treatment. Visit two of the most beautiful and peaceful attractions in Seoul: the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Seoul is actually home to no fewer than five royal palaces, but Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are considered the most beautiful, the most grand, and the most important when compiling your “What to do in Seoul” list. At the imposing black-and-white Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can catch the elaborate and dazzling changing of the guard ceremony; while at Changdeokgung, you will have the opportunity to slip into a nature fairytale at the enchanting Huwon, or Secret Garden (it’s recommended to prebook tickets for the garden).