Seoul is far and away the biggest city in South Korea, and it’s the cultural, political, and educational center of the country. Just about everyone visiting the ROK ends up here at some point in their trip, and for good reason. It’s a vibrant city that blends traditional and modern aspects of life in Korea. With so much to do in this Asian metropolis, planning a trip here can be a bit intimidating. In order to help you out a bit, here are ten things you just can’t miss in Seoul:

1. Visit an Ancient Palace

Seoul is home to a few ancient palaces, foremost of which is Gyeongbokgung. Similar to the Forbidden City in Beijing, this massive complex was once home to Korean royalty. Today it is a major tourist attraction that includes a few museums. A stroll around the grounds is a great way to learn a bit about Korean culture and history, and it’s a great introduction to the country.

2. Take in the Views at N. Seoul Tower

Although the building itself isn’t the best looking, the views from the top of the N. Seoul Tower make it well worth the trip. You may see some interesting things out in front of the tower as well, such as this funky flying man.

3. Go Museum Hopping

Seoul is full of great museums, so get out there and learn something. Not only is the National Museum full of fascinating exhibits and artifacts, but it’s also totally free for visitors. Well, you can pay to enter certain exhibits, but there’s enough in the free section to keep you busy for hours. In a country whose history has been defined so much by war, the War Memorial is a must-see.

4. Chill in a Local Park

Sometimes you’ve just got to get off of the busy roads and out of the hustle and bustle of a big city. Thankfully, Seoul has plenty of green spaces for you to do so. A visit to a local park is a great way to see how the people of Seoul unwind and relax. Situated along the river of the same name, Hangang park is a great place to spend an afternoon. Rent some wheels to cruise along the riverfront or simply pitch a tent and enjoy a picnic.

5. Visit Namsangol Hanok Village

See what traditional hanok (한옥) homes look like at this replica village in Namsan Park. Four of the five homes on display are actually originals that were moved from other parts of Seoul. Dating from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), these homes give you a glimpse into traditional Korean life. These days, most people live in high-rise apartments, but it’s great to take a peak into the city’s past.

6. Go Window Shopping in Insa-Dong

This trendy neighborhood represents the culture of the past and present, showcasing historical and modern sides of Seoul. Shooting off from the main road are tons of alleys full of galleries, restaurants, teahouses, and more. It’s a popular spot with locals and tourists alike, and it’s a great place to pick up a unique souvenir, especially for the art aficionado.

7. Hang Down by the Stream

In the evenings, many people gather along the Cheonggyecheon stream to relax and chat. It’s a cool place for a short walk, especially when the laser light show kicks in. Water, lights, and sound all come together, resulting in quite the trippy show.

8. Eat Kimchi Jigae

Kimchi is without a doubt the biggest staple in Korea’s diet. This fermented spicy cabbage is served at every meal, and is used in a variety of ways in Korean cuisine. Perhaps the most delicious of all is kimchi jigae, a kind of stew made with the national dish. On our visit, we spent a good hour or so wandering around small alleys to find one restaurant in particular. Thanks to some friendly locals, we finally got to sit down and enjoy this fantastic culinary creation that we had heard so much about.

9. Party in Hong Dae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNn-Lm16N2o

When the sun goes down, Seoul really comes to life. While there are countless options for nightlife, one go-to bet is Hong Dae. As a big university district of Seoul, this place is packed with restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs. Every night of the week is a party here, so don’t worry if your visit doesn’t happen to fall on a weekend. Down some soju, sing some karaoke, and have yourself a very Korean night out on the town.

10. Relax in a Jimjilbang

Instead of forking over big won for a hotel room, just spend the night in a Korean spa. Known as jimjilbang (찜질방) in Korean, these places are incredible. For about 10 bucks, you get 12 hours inside a massive complex full of hot tubs, pools, saunas, and more. There are plenty of options for food and drink, game rooms, and places to relax. You can also get a massage, body scrub, or plenty of other treatments. When you’re ready to crash, there are rooms with sleeping mats – just don’t forget to bring ear plugs, because there’s plenty of snoring going on.