Local gems in Seoul

Banpo Bridge

Seoul

Bongeunsa Temple

Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace

Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) and is regarded as one of the most beautiful surviving palaces in Korea. Located in the Jongno district of Seoul, east of Gyeongbokgung, it is known together with Changgyeonggung as the "East Palace." Unlike other palaces built on a strict axis, Changdeokgung follows the natural terrain — pavilions, ponds, and pathways blend harmoniously into the landscape. The centerpiece is the Biwon, the "Secret Garden": a vast, naturalistic garden ensemble with ancient trees, ponds, and pleasure pavilions, reserved for centuries exclusively for the king and his entourage. Since 1997 the palace complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is especially popular in autumn, when the Biwon blazes with red and gold foliage.

COEX Aquarium

Seoul

The COEX Aquarium sits in the basement of the COEX Mall in Seoul's Gangnam district, making it one of the most accessible and popular family attractions in the city. Open since 2000, it houses several hundred marine and freshwater species across around 5,000 square metres, including sharks, sea turtles, and a wide variety of tropical fish. A walk-through underwater tunnel and interactive stations make it particularly memorable for children. Its location inside the COEX Mall means it can be visited year-round regardless of weather, directly connected to restaurants, a cinema, and the nearby Starfield Library. A reliable destination for families in the heart of Seoul's busiest shopping district.

COEX Mall

Seoul

COEX Mall is Seoul's most famous underground shopping and entertainment center, nestled within the World Trade Center complex in the Gangnam district. With its long subterranean corridors, hundreds of stores, an aquarium, a cinema, and countless restaurants, it forms its own universe beneath the city. After a comprehensive renovation between 2012 and 2014, the mall received a modern facelift. The iconic Starfield Library section with its towering bookshelf wall has become a beloved photo spot. COEX also serves as a venue for international trade fairs and K-Pop events.

Deoksugung Palace

Seoul

Deoksugung is one of the five great royal palaces of Seoul from the Joseon dynasty and the only one located in the heart of the modern city centre, surrounded by skyscrapers and city hall. Its name means "Palace of Enduring Virtue." Originally a royal villa, it served as the main royal residence in the late 19th and early 20th century during the turbulent years of the Japanese protectorate. The changing of the guard at the main gate Daehanmun, which takes place daily, is a popular attraction. The palace grounds are also well known as a tree-lined walking path and offer a rare peaceful retreat in the heart of the megacity.

Gimpo International Airport

Seoul

Gimpo Airport in western Seoul served as South Korea's primary international gateway until Incheon Airport opened in 2001. Today it operates mainly as a hub for domestic flights and short-haul international routes to the East Asian region, including Tokyo-Haneda, Beijing, and Shanghai. During the Korean War it was used as a US military base designated K-14. For city visitors, Gimpo offers quicker and often cheaper access to central Seoul compared to the more distant Incheon Airport.

Gogang dong Church

Seoul

Gogang-dong Church is a Roman Catholic parish church in the Bucheon district of Seoul, belonging to the Diocese of Incheon. Established in 1961, it reflects the rapid spread of Catholicism in South Korea during the post-war era. The building embodies the modest yet enduring presence of the Catholic community in a neighborhood that transitioned from rural to urban. Today it remains an active parish center for the surrounding faithful.

Hanyang University

Seoul

Hanyang University is one of South Korea's most prestigious private research universities, founded in 1939 with its main campus in Seoul and a second campus in Ansan. It ranks among the country's leading institutions in engineering and the natural sciences, with internationally recognised research institutes in fields such as robotics, nanotechnology and energy research. The expansive Seoul campus in Haengdang-dong combines modern research buildings with green squares and represents a lively university microcosm. For visitors, the campus is publicly accessible and offers an authentic glimpse into Seoul student life — well off the tourist trail.

Heunginjimun Gate

Seoul

Heunginjimun, popularly known as Dongdaemun — the Great East Gate — is one of the original four great gates of Seoul's Joseon-era city wall. The first gate was built in the fourteenth century under King Taejo, founder of the Joseon dynasty; the current structure dates from a reconstruction in the late nineteenth century. Unlike the other great gates, Heunginjimun features a semicircular outer defensive wall — an architectural detail that sets it apart from its counterparts. Although Seoul has grown up around it and the gate now stands in the heart of the city centre, it still conveys something of the character of a historic city entrance. It is one of the few fully preserved structures from the Joseon era in modern Seoul.

Incheon International Airport

Seoul

Incheon International Airport is consistently ranked among the world's best airports since opening in 2001. Located on the artificially expanded island of Yeongjongdo in the Yellow Sea, 52 kilometres west of Seoul, it handled over 71 million passengers in 2024 — ranking 13th globally and sixth for air cargo. The airport serves as the main hub for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. Beyond seamless transit infrastructure, Incheon offers an impressive array of shopping, a cultural centre, an ice rink, and hands-on traditional Korean cultural programmes designed for long layovers.

Jangchung Arena

Seoul

Jangchung Arena is a multi-purpose indoor venue in the Jung District of Seoul, built in 1963. It is one of South Korea's oldest indoor stadiums and was among the most modern sports halls in Asia at the time of its construction. Today it serves as the home arena for the volleyball teams GS Caltex Seoul Kixx and Seoul Woori Card Woori Won. The arena is located near the National Theatre of Korea and Namsan Hill in the heart of Seoul. For sports fans, it offers an authentic glimpse into the passionate world of Korean professional volleyball.

Parc1

Seoul

Dapsimni Station

Seoul