Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

Top things to see in Seoul. The best things to do in Seoul. Best cafes and restaurants to find in Seoul. Mountains, parks, and more things to do in Seoul, Korea. (서울에서 볼 수 있는 최고의 물건들. 서울에서 할 수 있는 가장 좋은 일들. 서울에서 찾을 수 있는 최고의 카페와 식당. 산, 공원, 그리고 한국의 서울에서 할 수 있는 더 많은 것들이 있다.)

  • Urban Space, Myeongdong, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Myeongdong, Seoul: What To Do, What To Eat, What To See, & More!

    The Myeongdong area in Seoul, Korea is probably the most popular shopping district in the entire city with both international brands and local retail shops bursting from the seams. You can find everything you’re looking for from K-beauty to fashion and some awesomely delicious food in between. Myeongdong is so popular with tourists that most vendors are able and very willing to speak multiple languages to get that sale made. You’ll hear English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean as you walk through the alleys of this Seoul hot spot. Because Myeongdong is so popular, I decided to make a guide to some of the spots and surprises you might not know…

  • Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    The Hanok Village You’ve Probably Never Heard About In Seoul: The Eunpyeong Hanok Village

    Everyone knows about the beautiful Hanok homes that make up Bukchon Hanok Village but have you heard of the Eunpyeong Hanok Village (은평한옥마을)? Considering Bukchon residents are looking to limit the number of tourists in and out of their area so they can enjoy more of a residential feel, I thought it high time to let you know about a little spot I found years ago. Actually, I first came upon this area many years back after the hiking club I was with came down off of the Bukhansan Mountain range. At the time only a few Hanoks were standing but it was clear, this was going to be a…

  • Fruit Museum, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley, pink ball pit
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    The Most Colorful Of Places To Find In Seoul RIGHT NOW!

    There’s something about summer in Korea that screams go bold, go vibrant, go colorful… or just go home. Granted, with the heat that is overwhelming the country at the moment, the choice to go home might be really really appealing right now. But, there are far too many things to see and beautiful places to go. So, let’s get out there! It’s been a hot minute since I was out taking Friday adventures since most of my pals work on Fridays, but this week the timing just worked and I found a fun gal pal to catch up on our colorful fun together.  (This post contains affiliate links, which means…

  • Seoleung, Cafe Sanchaek, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험),  Family Travel Friendly (가족 여행 프렌들리)

    Seooreung Royal Tombs & Pretty Cafes Just West of Seoul

    There is quite a bit to see and do when you head up to the northwest of Seoul to Goyang. Heading out to see flowers at First Garden or drink coffee at a greenhouse cafe, I saw this park and knew I needed to make time to actually take a wander there at some point. I love wandering through parks and breathing in the fresh air. One of those parks is the Seooreung Royal Tombs (고양 서오릉). If you’re looking for things to do in Goyang, or something to do near Eunpyeong-gu in the west of Seoul, check out this quiet area. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk…

  • National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관), Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea; view of Gyeongbokgung Palace from above
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    9 Places To Get A Great View of Seoul From Above

    Looking for the best views in Seoul, Korea? We’ve got the list for you. Seoul Sky Observatory is so worth the ticket price in my opinion, BUT if you want a few other options that will make that trip to Seoul very budget friendly, here is a good list of places to check out. They may not be as tall, because the Seoul Sky Observatory is way… way up there, but these buildings in Seoul will give you some great cityscape and tall perspectives of the streets of Seoul. Get ready to get an observatory view of Seoul, Korea. If you’re looking to check out the Seoul Sky Observatory, get…

  • Gyeongbokgung Subway Station, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    What To Do In Seochon Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

    There are some fantastic things to see in downtown Seoul near Gyeongbokgung Palace and most tourists to Seoul miss some great ones entirely. Generally tourists visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, head east from the biggest palace in Seoul and visit Bukchon Hanok Village. This is totally understandable, but Seochon (서촌), the neighborhood to the west of main palace in Seoul is cool too and a bit more popular with the locals. Let’s check out some of the best things to see west of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seochon, or Tongin-dong. What to do and eat in the Seochon Village: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a…

  • Korean Jesa Ceremony, Seollal, Lunar New Year, Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험),  Korean Culture (한국 문화),  Life In Korea (한국의 삶)

    What To Do If You’re Staying In Seoul For Seollal 2025

    This year, 2025, Seollal, or the Lunar New Year, falls on January 29, 2025. Seollal is a big family holiday here in Korea so it’s important to know what to expect, what is open and what is closed. Most Koreans head back to their hometowns to see family and if they celebrate in the traditional fashion will wake very early in the morning and hold a ceremony to pay respects to their ancestors in which they will dress in traditional Korean clothing, or Hanbok, and bow to an altar table set with all kinds of food including meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. My Korean family will partake in this very…

  • Moment Coffee, Hongdae, Brunch Restaurant, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    The Best Places To Eat Brunch In Hongdae

    Brunch places galore. It seems like that’s what the Hongdae vicinity is these days. It’s pretty stunning to me because I’ve been living in the area for the past 9 years and gosh darn it if brunch restaurants were next to none for most of that time. Sure there were a few that popped up and then disappeared but now, they are in full force and deliciously so. If you’re in the area and want some good eats in the morning, and I highly recommend coming over to the area in the morning when the hoodlums have skedaddled and the coffee drinkers have taken over, check out these brunch places…

  • Sewoon Sangga, Maker City, Jongno, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Sewoon Plaza, Reborn as Makercity Sewoon

    When walking down the streets of Seoul, Korea it’s common to notice only what is on the street level nearest you, but there is always so much more to see. Buildings with rooftops, decorated seating, and cool vibes abound and few find them. Want a view out over the Jongno area? You must find Sewoon Sangga (세운상가), also known as Sewoon Plaza and revamped into Makercity Sewoon. Sewoon means “attracts all the energy of the world” and it seems like it does, no matter which of the names above you end up using. The market went from boom to bust and it’s about to go to boom again.  Learn more…

  • Gyeongchun Forest Line Park, Railroad Trail, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험),  Family Travel Friendly (가족 여행 프렌들리)

    New Parks Featuring Trains, Battleships & More In Seoul!

    There is always something to see and do in Seoul and people are forever asking me how I know what’s going on. I just keep my ear to the ground I suppose. I also have good friends who are also in the know and it often happens that I hear about one thing, they hear about another in the same area and a great day trip comes out of it. Here are a few transportation based adventures I’ve had recently that you should know about. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you.…

  • Grandpa Factory, Seongsu-dong, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Seongsu-dong: A Guide To The Brooklyn Of Seoul

    The shoe district that has become the “it” spot to hang out in Seoul, Korea what with the warehouses being converted to art spaces and cafes and the boutique shops has something around every corner. Where to begin in Seongsu-dong?! Some have even called it the “Brooklyn of Seoul” so I knew I’d like it before I even got over there. Everywhere you look there is street art celebrating the district known for shoe factories and design. Young creatives started heading to the area back in 2011 due to the low rent prices and easy access to transportation as happens and with the influx of young blood, the area has…

  • Oil Tank Culture Park, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    The Oil Tank Culture Park: A Cool Regeneration Project In Seoul

    A plot of land sitting across from World Cup Stadium and the World Cup Parks system in Seoul, Korea is home to a surprisingly cool urban reformation project. Now named the Oil Tank Culture Park (문화비축기지), this park is an eye-appealing, if you like that industrial look, and eco-friendly site that uses six old oil reservoir tanks that were transformed for public use. While this isn’t your standard tourist site, it is really intriguing to people interested in urban regeneration, but also of interest if you want to know where local events and performances are held in Mapo-gu. Looking for something interesting to see near Hongdae? Check out this spot:…

  • Perception Cafe, Hongdae, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    15 Cafes Making A Statement in Hongdae

    Café hopping is one of the ultimate past times to have if you visit or live in Seoul, Korea. It’s just utterly amazing how many interesting and new cafes there are are ALWAYS! Korea has unique design concepts and quirky fun cafes too. If you’re visiting Seoul, every day should have at least one interesting cafe stop. If you live in Seoul, then you KNOW you have to get out to see a cool cafe once awhile if not more. Here is a list of the coolest and best cafes to check out in the Hongdae / Hapjeong area of Seoul. This district is known for the young college crowd…

  • Solgaheon, Bukchon, Jongno, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Solgaheon: A Foot Bath & Tea in Bukchon

    (This cafe has closed unfortunately. For another option in the area, head to Tea Therapy where you can also sip tea and have a foot bath.) Bukchon has a handful of experience programs set in traditional Hanok houses that I have been able to try over the years and I have enjoyed every single one of them. There’s just something about the unique traditional setting, the opportunity to learn a bit more about the Korean culture in a different way and the history of the area. A few weeks ago, I headed over to Solgaheon (솔가헌) which specializes in rejuvenation for the immune system through medicinal herbal teas. Walk down…

  • Yongma Land, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Yongma Land: The Abandoned Amusement Park in Seoul

    Yongma Land (용마랜드) is a small failed amusement park in northeastern Seoul that has become popular with photographers and photo-op seeking teenagers in recent years. The abandoned amusement area offers some of the standard rides like the iconic carousel and the “Viking” as well as a mini train that is now covered in vines. Whether you’re looking for abandoned places in Seoul or want to film your own Kpop video to mimic your favorite artists, this is the place to go in Seoul. It’s not the most common addition to a Seoul itinerary, but it’s a cool spot if you want something unique in the capital of Korea. Plan a…

  • Malli-dong Plaze, Seoullo 7017, Seoul, Korea
    Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

    Seoullo 7017: Where To Walk In Seoul, Korea

    If you’re headed down to central Seoul, Korea and happen to be transiting through Seoul Station, then you cannot miss a walk along Seoullo 7017. This elevated pedestrian walkway completely changed the major roadway outside of the ever busy Seoul Station in 2017 and hosts events by day and light shows by night. There’s more to see around Seoul Station than most people realize and this is one thing that has gained a lot of attention not only for what it provides to see like the Seoullo 7017 Skygarden, but also what it provides a safe place to walk for pedestrians in the downtown Seoul area.  If you’re headed downtown…

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