What is Open On Mondays In Seoul?
If you’re new in Korea or planning your perfect Seoul itinerary, it might take you by surprise to see that a large number of tourist attractions in Seoul are closed on Mondays. From Namsangol Hanok Village to The National Museum, plenty of tourist attractions take their weekly holidays on Mondays, as they stay open on the busy weekends.
Before you travel to Korea, it’s important to take note of what is open in Seoul on Mondays, what is closed on a Monday in Seoul, and what to do on a Monday in Seoul. This way you can ensure you visit everywhere on your bucket list!
There are plenty of tourist attractions that remain open on Mondays in Seoul, so read on to find out which of the top attractions you can visit.
- What is Closed on Mondays in Seoul?
- 17 Places That Are Open On Monday In Seoul
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
- N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)
- Lotte World (롯데월드 어드벤처)
- Myeongdong Night Market
- Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
- Starfield COEX Mall (스타필드 코엑스몰)
- Aquariums
- Gwangjang Market (광장시장)
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) (동대문디자인플라자)
- Cheongwadae (청와대)
- Ssamziegil (쌈지길)
- Parks
- See A Show
- Color Pool Museum (컬러풀뮤지엄)
- National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)
- National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)
- Jjimjilbangs
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What is Closed on Mondays in Seoul?
Many of Seoul’s tourist attractions, including famous hotspots like Namsangol Hanok Village, and The National Museum, are closed on Monday.
If you’re planning on visiting somewhere in particular whilst you’re in the city, and it just so happens to be a Monday, it’s well worth doing some research beforehand to ensure the attraction you wish to visit will actually be open. You also don’t want to waste a day on your Seoul itinerary.
That said, if you’re planning on going cafe hopping, or doing a spot of shopping, you’re in luck, as most cafes, shops, and restaurants remain open, so you can still find plenty to do no matter where in the city you choose to visit!
17 Places That Are Open On Monday In Seoul
Since many tourist hotspots and quirky cafes and restaurants are closed on Mondays in Seoul, it stands to reason the best question to ask is, “What is open on Mondays in Seoul?”
While you’ll find a ton of cafes, restaurants, and museums are closed on Mondays, there are still a number of major Seoul attractions that are open on Mondays, opting to close on a Tuesday instead (or not close at all).
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
Originally built as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong Gye in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a major historical hotspot right in the center of Seoul. It was notably destroyed in the 1590s during the Japanese invasion before being rebuilt, only to be destroyed again in yet another Japanese invasion. The palace was finally completely restored in the 1990s and stands today in all of its former glory.
On a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, many foreign tourists can be seen wearing traditional Korean hanboks and exploring the grounds of this important historical site. Be sure to rent a hanbok from one of the nearby stores, so you too can enjoy wandering through the palace grounds, and experience life as a member of South Korea’s historical elite. On top of that, if you’re wearing a hanbok, entrance to the palace is free.
One of the five palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-see tourist spot and the only palace open on Mondays while the others are closed.
Be sure to visit at either 10:00 am or 2:00 pm to see the changing of the guards ceremony!
- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161)
- Hours: November – February: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm; March – May & September – October: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; June – August: 9:00am ~ 6:30pm
- Days: Closed on Tuesdays
- Admission: Adults: W3,000, Children 7-18: W1,500, Children under 7: Free
- *Free admission if you are wearing a Hanbok.
N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)
One of the most popular places to visit in all of Seoul is the gorgeous N Seoul Tower. This iconic landmark stands at the top of Namsan Mountain and boasts a spectacular observatory from where you can enjoy sweeping views across the whole city.
There is a selection of unique attractions here too, including the eye-catching and romantic ‘love locks’, a fun cable car ride (which you can use to travel up and down the mountain), and of course, the observatory.
The bathrooms at the top are an attraction themselves, with floor-to-ceiling windows! Be sure to stop by while you’re here!
Start your day in the shopping district of Myeongdong, see the artistic murals in Ani Town and Pil-dong across the street and work your way up to the cable car to end at N Seoul Tower.
- Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105)
- Hours: Weekdays:12:00pm ~ 10:00pm; Weekends: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm
- Admission: Adults: W21,000, Children: W16,000 (dependent on the package)
Lotte World (롯데월드 어드벤처)
Lotte World is one of the most famous theme parks in all of South Korea, and for good reason too! Not only does it stand in a stunning location overlooking a gorgeous lake just south of the Han River, but aside from its central location, Lotte World boasts a great range of theme park attractions both indoors and outside.
If you’re looking for a fun day out, then Lotte World is the place to be! Divided into the main indoor park “Lotte World Adventure”, and the outdoor “Magic Island” situated over the lake, there is a huge variety of rides and attractions, big and small to be enjoyed at this adorable theme park!
- Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울 송파구 올림픽로 240)
- Hours: 9:30am ~ 10:00pm
- Days: Lotte World is open 365 days a year making it especially popular on the holidays when other things are closed.
- Admission: Adults: W62,000; Youth: W54,000; Child: W47,000; Baby: W15,000; After 4:00pm: Adults: W50,000; Youth: W43,000; Child: W36,000; Baby: W15,000
- How to get discounted tickets for Lotte World: Don’t buy tickets at the door if you can help it! You will absolutely get better deals online.
- Klook: Lotte World 1 day Pass. With Klook’s option, you can also add the Lotte World Aquarium, the Fast Track Magic Pass 1, Fast Track Magic Pass 3, Fast Track Magic Pass 5. They also
- Trazy:Lotte World Ticket (+ Premium Magic Pass optional). They also offer a Lotte World 1 Day Pass and Lotte World Aquarium Combo Discount Ticket. Klook also has the Songpa L Pass which would get you into Lotte World Adventure, Lotte World Aquarium, and Seoul Sky at a great discount.
Myeongdong Night Market
Myeongdong is one of the most popular tourist spots in Seoul, and as such, it’s a bustling area every day of the week! Aside from the great shops, the street food at the night market is one of Myeongdong’s main draws, and visitors can dine on a variety of delicious street snacks.
From rice cakes to potatoes, and freshly cooked seafood to mouthwatering chicken, there are a ton of delicious foods to sink your teeth into in Myeongdong.
- Address: 66 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 을지로 66)
- Hours: Varies between vendors, but the majority of stalls are open between 3:00pm ~ 9:00pm
Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
Located near the most famous palaces in Seoul, as well as Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses, known as hanok, which date back to the Joseon Dynasty.
It’s a popular spot for tourists to visit, due to how the picturesque village sits against the backdrop of skyscrapers, making it a stunning spot for Instagram snaps, as well as a hot spot for those interested in Korean historical architecture. Here’s the Bukchon route I recommend.
If you’re planning on visiting this spot, it’s important to note that many of these houses are still home to locals, so ensure you remain quiet and respectful as you walk through the streets. That said, many of the hanoks have been turned into guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses, so it’s a great spot to visit on an evening, as you can find many things to do in Bukchon.
- Address: 37 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37)
- Hours: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm, closed on Sundays
- Admission: Free
Starfield COEX Mall (스타필드 코엑스몰)
Home to the famous Starfield Library and the amazing COEX Aquarium, COEX Mall is one of South Korea’s most popular malls.
If you fancy doing some shopping, feasting on some delicious foods, or simply taking a trip to the Insta-famous Starfield Library, then Starfield COEX Mall, located in Gangnam, is the place to be!
- Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513)
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm
Aquariums
There are great aquariums across Korea, but there are some right in Seoul, too. If you’re looking for a great day out indoors, why not visit one of the city’s top aquariums?
COEX Aquarium (코엑스 아쿠아리움)
Starfield COEX Mall is home to the famous COEX aquarium, arguably the best in the city. At this aquarium, you can simply sit and sip on a coffee whilst the gorgeous rays swim by, feed the koi, and walk through the long tunnel under the sea life.
- Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513)
- Hours: Every Day: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Tickets: Get your tickets online via Klook before you go to get a discount on entrance.
Lotte World Mall Aquarium (롯데월드몰)
Lotte World Aquarium is another popular spot for marine life lovers and boasts the nation’s largest main tank and the nation’s longest underwater tunnel at 85 meters. It’s a great option if you’re in the Jamsil district of Seoul.
- Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300 롯데월드 몰 B1)
- Hours: Every Day: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Tickets: Get your tickets online via Trazy before you go to get a discount on entrance.
Gwangjang Market (광장시장)
Gwangjang Market is famous for being the first permanent market in Korea and still stands today as a popular spot for tourists to enjoy some delicious street food. Go upstairs and there is also a Hanbok market and a vintage clothing market as well!
If you’re on the hunt for some exceptional Korean street food, you can find it along the street connected to the East Gate, North Gate 2, and South Gate 1. Be sure to come hungry and enjoy a huge range of traditional Korean street foods here, including Bindaetteok, Kimbap, Kalguksu, Mandu, Tteokbeokki, Soondae, and many more!
- Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88)
- Hours: Hours vary from vendor to vendor, but the market is open daily 8:30am ~ 6:00pm, and restaurants are open daily 8:30am ~ 11:00pm
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) (동대문디자인플라자)
One of the most stunning architectural spots in the country is the amazing DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza). It boasts stunning grounds, forums, exhibitions, conferences, fashion shows, and a variety of other international events.
Home to Seoul Fashion Week, the plaza remains a fashionable spot to visit in Seoul at any time of year, due to its curved structure, unique modern architectural features, and stunning LED flower garden, which makes it an excellent spot to stop at on an evening.
- Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 을지로 281)
- Hours: Plaza grounds are open all day every day, but be sure to visit between 10:00am and 9:00pm for access to Sallimteo.
- Admission: Free, with the exception of certain events and exhibitions
Cheongwadae (청와대)
Known for the signature blue roof tiles on the main office building, Cheong Wa Dae (also known as the Blue House) stood for a long time as the primary residence for the South Korean President.
Cheong Wa Dae is comprised of the Main Office, State Guest House (Yeongbingwan), Spring and Autumn Hall (Chunchugwan), Rose of Sharon Hill (Mugunghwa), Chilgung Palace, and Nokjiwon Garden.
The grounds stood as the primary residence of South Korea’s President until 2022, and today the grounds are open for the public to view and includes Cheongwadae Sarangchae, an exhibition hall showing the history of the grounds and the Korean Presidency.
- Address: 1 Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 효자로13길 45)
- Hours: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Admission: Free
Ssamziegil (쌈지길)
If you’re looking for a great crafts mall, you can find many adorable handmade goods at the famous Ssamziegil! The stores here sell everything from luxury traditional crafts to modern Korean artworks.
Head all the way to the top and you can find a very humorous and funny Poop Cafe too which is also open every day.
- Address: 44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 44)
- Hours: 10:30 am – 8:30 pm
Parks
When you sit down to plan a trip somewhere, it’s easy to get the major list of awesome museums to visit and historical sites, but don’t overlook the parks. Visit the district of Seongsu, for example, and you can find the gorgeous Seoul Forest (서울숲). If you’re staying in Hongdae, then head to the five-in-one park called World Cup Park. Parks, parks, parks galore.
If those aren’t enough, choose one of the amazing Han River Parks. Each has their own vibes and personality, but all of them are great for picnicking, riding bikes, and other activities. Here are at least 10 ways to enjoy the Han River. Suffice to say, nature is gorgeous in Seoul, if you know where to look.
See a show
Nanta: This is the most popular and longest running theater show in Seoul. The show is a hilarious kitchen-based performance with a talented group of performers who have a mix of traditional folk pieces as well as modern skits.
Don’t worry if you can’t understand Korean, this performance is non-verbal and fun fun fun. Get your Nanta tickets through Klook to get an awesome discount.
The Painters: A new concept art performance that combines colorful live drawings with cutting-edge media art has been remodeled and reopened. Their super luxurious stereoscopic images and live performances create a a new impression of painting.
Get your tickets to see The Painters online with Klook for the discount.
Color Pool Museum (컬러풀뮤지엄)
Not really a museum, but super colorful, Color Pool Museum is a fun photo-op spot with various rooms filled with play balls, bouncy spots, and other fun colorful things to jump on, slide on, and play with.
- Address: 6th floor, Annyeong Insadong Building, 49 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동길 49 안녕인사동 6층)
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)
Just across the street from Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History provides a unique perspective on Korea’s journey from the late 19th century to the present day and there are some fantastic interactive installations to enjoy. The Interactive Gallery is huge and has so many stations on the floor to check out and enjoy.
- Address: 198 Sejongdae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 198)
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Admission: FREE
- Website: https://www.much.go.kr
National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)
If you’re a huge fan of history, one of the best museums in Seoul is The National Museum of Korea. Here you can view over 420,000 national and international artifacts, dating from ancient times to the modern era. It could take you days to see it all.
- Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137)
- Hours: Every Day: 10:00-18:00 (Closed on public holidays and the first Monday of every April and November)
- Admission: Free
Jjimjilbangs
The Korean bath house and sauna is the perfect place to spend a wet and rainy day. Warm up, relax, get a scrub or massage, and just enjoy the day. Your body will thank you.
Aquafield (아쿠아필드): Aquafield is wonderful from an aesthetic appeal down to what they offer. Its a more modern and luxurious sauna and spa. Aquafield has multiple locations, but they’re all upscale. We’ve been to one and definitely recommend the brand.
Dongdaemun SPAREX: A good option if you’re staying in the Dongdaemun area as it’s right across the street from the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, SPAREX is fun because they have super traditional vibes inside.
- Address: 247 Jangchungdan, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울시 중구 장충단 247)
- Hours: 24 hours a day, every day
Traditional Oriental Forest Land (숲속한방랜드): This popular bath house sits at the foot of Ansan Mountain in Seoul near the beautiful Bongwonsa Temple and is a traditional space with hot baths, saunas, and scrubs.
- Address: 75-7 Bongwonsa-gil, Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울시 서대문구 봉원동 봉원사길 75-7)
- Hours: Every day: 6:30am ~ 10:00pm
I hope you found many great places to visit on Mondays in Seoul! Even though many tourist attractions are closed, there’s still plenty to see and do, after all, Seoul is one of those cities that simply never sleeps!
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