Hello everyone!
2023 is almost over. I have been to a lot of places in Seoul this year and I would like to wrap up 2023 by introducing 10 places in Seoul and 5 places outside of Seoul among the places I have been to this year. The criteria for 10 picks are the places I liked when I went, the places I went with my friends when they visited Seoul, and the places I would like to take my other friends when they visit Seoul.
So watch this video and try visiting these places when you are here in Seoul.
By the way, the order is not a ranking.
In SEOUL
Haneul Park
Haneul Park is a great place to see nature in the center of Seoul. It is especially famous as a great place to visit in the fall when silver grass blooms. But it’s still good places to visit in other season because it has different looks each season. You can enjoy beautiful nature no matter when you visit. In addition, this place is also famous for its sunset and night views.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/xIh2Mqa7
✔ Youtube: https://youtu.be/DdKyfqn119M
Mangwon
Mangwon is a neighborhood in Mapo-gu. There is Mangwon Market in Mangwon, which is smaller than Gwangjang Market. But I still like Mangwon Market because it's clean and less crowded. I like Mnagwon not only because of the market, but also because of many delicious restaurants and small cafes nearby. Also, unlike other neighborhood which are surrounded by tall buildings, Mangwon is full of low buildings, so it feels a bit cozy. There is also Mangwon Han River Park nearby, so you can grab food in the market and go to the Han River for a small picnic.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/FC43EVqz
✔ Youtube: https://youtu.be/YihMxGyS498
Hapjeong
Hapjeong is another neighborhood located in Mapo-gu. Hapjeong is my go to place when meeting with friends. Hapjeong is famous for food and drinks. There are many different types of delicious restaurants and small cafes. There isn’t much to do other than eating, but it’s right next to Hongdae, so you can hop to Hongdae for shopping. I think Hapjeong is still fun to wander around the alleyways of low buildings going to delicious restaurants and cafes.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/GudYULuI
✔ Youtube: https://youtu.be/YihMxGyS498
Yongsan
Yongsan is another place I visit often. Yongsan is also a place where many people go to eat because there are many delicious new and old restaurants. You can also enjoy shopping at I'Park Mall located at Yongsan Station, and visit Amore Pacific, Hybe, Osulloc, and etc.. There is also a small island called Nodeul Island in Han River next to Yongsan, where you can have a simple picnic and visit a small library in the island.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/FnM2FVHh
Namsan
Namsan is where Namsan Tower, a landmark of Seoul, is located. If I have a friend who is traveling to Seoul for the first time, I take my friend to Namsan Tower. Other than that, I still go to Namsan just to chill looking at Namsan Tower or to walk on the Namsan trail. Also there is Namsangol Hanok Village at the foot of Namsan Mountain. It’s a small Hanok village where you can see traditional Hanbok buildings. It is a particularly beautiful place to visit when it snows.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/GFpBsBO2
Deoksugung Stone Wall Road
Many people will probably visit Deoksugung Palace. Around Deoksugung, there is the stone wall road which is famous for beautiful stone wall that surrounds Deoksugung. This stone wall road connects to a road called Jeongdong-gil where many historical buildings are located. Also, City Hall and many offices are located in front of Deoksugung, so there are many delicious, old restaurants nearby. Watch this video for more info.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/xlW1y6qS
✔ Youtube: https://youtu.be/WJfFd-1wXT4
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the heart of Seoul. This is a place that everyone probably will visit. I often go nearby with my friends. There are many things to do. Starting with Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwanghwamun Square, and Cheonggye Square. Also there is Inwangsan Mountain, which is famous for its night view.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/FLBKTWSB
✔ Youtube: https://youtu.be/WJfFd-1wXT4
Ikseon-dong
This is the place where we had our offline meetup. Ikseon-dong was famous for its hanok renovated to shops and restaurants. After the covid 19, it has become more famous among young people for outdoor sitting restaurants. Here you can see hanok, eat Korean barbecue, and visit small shops. If you want to experience Korean style outdoor restaurant, visit here. But in winter it is cold.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/xmtpL3it
✔ Youtube: https://youtu.be/mje6KxlXPGc
Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace is the palace that is most in harmony with nature among the five palaces in Seoul. Unlike other extravagant palaces, I personally like this palace because it is simple style and in harmony with nature. It is so beautiful. It is a great place for a walk as it has a large backyard, pond, and botanical garden.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/xzcn91cN
✔ Youtube: https://youtu.be/mje6KxlXPGc
Yongmasan Mountain
Yongmasan Mountain is a great place to see the view. It doesn't take long to reach the top, so you can take a short hike up and see all Seoul. Recently, this place became famous on Instagram, so it has become even more popular. You can also see the sunset and night view, so visit on a day when the weather is nice.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/5AmcwtGc
Outside of Seoul
Banghwasuryujeong, Suwon
Suwon is known for Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Inside the fortress, I think Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion is pretty. In the record from Joseon Dynasty, people used this place to enjoy the view. Yongyeon, a small pond, in front of it offers great scenery. Also, the sunset here is amazing.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/IgTNT9Zq
✔ Youtube: https://youtu.be/PJXwBNpMxgs
Cheongpodae, Taean
I uploaded a video of my trip to Taean in the summer. Those of you who watched the video might have seen how good Cheongpodae Beach is. I think it was memorable for me because I enjoyed the mudflat experience there and watching sunset. I especially liked the accommodation we stayed next to the beach.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/xGO0PUZT
✔ Youtube: https://youtu.be/lFdR7ditgaE
Sokcho Eye, Sokcho
I visited Sokcho, located on the East Sea, at the end of fall. The landmark there is the Sokcho Eye Ferris Wheel. It’s been there so long. It’s not that different from other Ferris wheels, but with Sokcho beach next to it, it offered great scenery. I heard that this Sokcho Eye will be taken down very soon, so it became more memorable to me because it might be the last time seeing it. If you want to see Sokcho Eye, be sure to visit there before it disappears.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/xUERqMT8
Gwangalli, Haeundae
It's so famous, right? I think the Gwangalli beach is truly special. The beach is so calm, and the bridge standing in the sea creates unique view. It’s just nice to sit at a cafe that has Gwangalli beach view.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/xTeStct4
Oedaldo
It was my first time visiting this place. It is a small island located about 20 minutes by boat from Mokpo. The experience of taking a boat to Oedaldo Island was memorable, and the accommodation we stayed in was a Hanok with amazing ocean view. That was great too. I had very delicious barbecue while looking at the beach.
✔ Naver: https://naver.me/FDQXRyMI
Today I went over 10 places in Seoul and 5 places out of Seoul among the places I visited in 2023.
Here is a link to my saved Naver Map list:
If you were to recommend one place, which place would you recommend? Let us know in the comments!