There are so many great things to do in Seoul, including eating some of the most delicious desserts in the world and buying great skincare products. We have come up with a select list of must-do activities to experience authentic Seoul.

1.Trick Eye museum

A great place to take ridiculous photos, this museum is more an art gallery of optical illusions. The 2D paintings are designed to look 3D when a subject stands within the frame, so you appear to be canoeing or holding a severed head on a platter. It also has an Ice Museum of frozen sculptures next door!

Opening Hours: Every day, 09:00 – 21:00. Last admission is 20:00

Admission fee: Adults 15 000 Won, children and students 12 000 Won

Address: 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu

Nearest station: Hongik University Station, Subway Line 2

2.Gyeongbukgong

A must-see historical site, Gyeongbuk Palace was built centuries ago in 1395. As it is the largest of all the palaces in Seoul, it is easy to get lost in the numerous courtyards and living areas that would have made up the king’s, servants’ and nobles’ quarters. It is effectively a village where all matters to do with the state would have been conducted. We recommend joining a tour to make it easier to navigate once inside.

You can also visit the National Palace Museum of Korea which is located on the palace grounds, south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum, which is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong.

Opening hours: Every day except Tuesdays, 09:00 – 18:00

Admission fee (free guided tour included): 3000 Won for adults, 1500 Won for under 18s.

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu

Nearest station: Jeongdok Public Library, Subway Line 11

3.Seoul Forest

This one is for when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Once a hunting ground for the royal family, Seoul forest is now open to the public and boasts a skate park, forest playground, insect garden, water play area, outdoor stage and more. It also has an area dedicated to providing the natural habitats for wildlife such as deer, elks, chipmunks and spot-billed ducks.

Opening hours: 24/7

Admission fee: Free

Address: 273, Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu

Nearest station: Seoul Forest Station, Bundang Line, and Ttukseom Station, Subway Line 2

4.Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon is a unique and noted place in Seoul, KOREA.Where one can find the trace of traditional life of the ancestors through the Korean traditional houses, alleys and the activities of artisans.

Also dating back to the 14^th Century, this village is sometimes used as a film set for period dramas. To really feel like you’ve gone back in time, rent a hanbok for the day whilst you explore the traditional buildings.

Opening hours: Always open

Admission fee: Free. Some activities such as hanbok rental will incur a charge.

Address: Gye-dong, Jongno-gu

Nearest station: Anguk, Subway Line 3

5.Dongdaemun Plaza

Dream, Design and Play; also known as Dongdaeumun Plaza or DDP, this beautiful building has the curves characteristic of the late Zaha Hadid’s work. The complex houses a fashion zone, history and culture park and art gallery.

Dongdaemun itself is also a great place to shop. Firstly, the station has an expanse of vendors selling clothes and accessories. You then visit the clothes market outside of the station where you will find stylish apparel at very reasonable prices, both at Dongdaemun market and nearby Doosan Tower.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-19:00. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 – 21:00

Admission fee: Free, though you may  will wish to shop!

Address: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu

Nearest station: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Seoul Subway Line 2, 4 and 5

6.Nami Island 

Row of yellow ginkgo tree in Nami Island, Korea

This is technically just outside of Seoul, so it’s definitely a day out. It is a natural retreat that many Korean couples and families enjoy visiting over the weekend. Tree-lined paths, water sports, a theme park and zip-lining mean there is plenty to do. Accommodation is also available on the island if you want to enjoy it at a more leisurely pace.

Opening hours: Every day, 07:30 – 09:45

Admission fee: 8000 Won for adults, though you will need to show your passport to qualify for this discounted tourist fee. Children are charged at 4000 Won. The fee includes entry and a ferry ride to and from the island. Additional activities will incur separate charges.

Address: 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do

Nearest station: Take the shuttle bus from Seoul Insa-dong at 09:30am, or from the Sungnyemun Sq Bus Stop in front of Namdaemun market. The bus leaves at 09:30 and takes you straight to Nami Island. Fees are 15 000 Won for adults and 13 000 Won for children (return).

7.Hongdae

Hongdae is a neighbourhood famed for the street artists that gather large crowds. It can get very busy, mostly with young Korean youths enjoying performances and the ambience. It’s a great place to buy phone accessories – and in fact accessories in general – and hang out at the cafes.

Opening hours: 24/7

Admission fee: N/A (though you will wish to shop)

Address: Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu

Nearest station: Hongik University Station, Subway Line 2

8.Namsan Tower

At an impressive 480m above sea level, N Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of the city.  You can enter the observatory for a reasonable 10 000 Won ( 8000 for children under 13). The views are not the only attraction; as it is atop Namsan Mountain, you can enjoy the green walkways of Namsan Park. Dessert parlors, cafes and restaurants make it the perfect location for a romantic evening out.

Opening hours:

Observatory; Sunday – Friday, 10:00 – 23:00. Saturdays: 10:00 – 24:00

Cable Car: Sunday – Friday, 10:00 – 23:00. Saturdays: 10:00 – 24:00

Admission fee: (see above for the observatory)

Cable car: 8500 Won for adults, 5500 Won for children.

Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu

Nearest station: Take the 402 bus to Huam Mineral Spring from Seoul City Hall

Did you find our Muslim-friendly guide to activities in Seoul useful? Let us know what you get up to in Seoul!

For information on where to enjoy authentic halal Korean food or where to pray during your stay, check out our comprehensive halal travel guide.