5 Fun Things to do in Seoul

Bugaksan

The best mountain to climb of the many that ring Seoul also happens to be the one behind the President's house. Bastions of history litter the forest leading up to the summit, including the still-standing Seoul fortress wall and reconstructed 15th-century gates that hover over hikers along the trail. The best of the three trailheads is at Sukjeongmun gate, about a ten-minute cab drive from City Hall. Though, if you go, be aware: this is one of the only fun things to do in Seoul that requires a passport, given its proximity to the presidential abode.

Namdaemun Market

Thousands of shops spanning thirty multistory buildings selling everything from diamonds to dumpling soup? No wonder the Namdaemun Market makes the list of top five fun things to do Seoul. Always teeming with people and vendors, who both seem to flow out of the buildings and through the streets, this is a lively market with tons of sights, smells, and sounds to stimulate the senses. Come to find inexpensive jewelry, clothing, appliances, or other gifts, or just to watch the eclectic mix of people.

War Memorial of Korea

One of the most fun things to do in Seoul for any military history fiend, or anyone who wants to know more about the history of Korea, is a visit to the War Memorial of Korea. A peninsula once overrun by invaders, at war with other nations, and even itself, Korea has enough history of conflict to fill several museums, which explains why this museum spills out onto the lawn. Visitors can hop inside the tanks, planes, and helicopters that fill the grass outside the museum, many from foreign countries with bases in Korea. Given the Korean peninsula's current political situation, this memorial is relevant for any visitor to Seoul.

NANTA

Who says fun things to do in Seoul can't also be silly? The name of this critically-acclaimed and long-running musical literally means, “random drum beats,” which are used in this perfectly orchestrated show about four Korean chefs. Traditional Korean drumming, or samullori, forms the soundtrack for this non-verbal performance, as the chefs bang out beats with kitchen utensils while cooking at the same time. At the end of the show, the very real meal is shared with the audience, in the communal vein of a traditional samullori performance, adding an authentic flavor to the hilarity of this Western-style performance. Sure to make you smile, this musical is one of the most fun things to do in Seoul.

Seoul Museum of Art

Housed in the former Belgian consulate, built in 1905, this recently-opened museum exhibits both modern Korean art and classic 1900s architecture. “Eco-sculptures” are a permanent installment, dotting the lawn outside the museum, and include contemporary and conceptual pieces. Cartoons in modern art and works by Korean students are some of the previous rotating exhibits presented.  This museum has fun things to do in Seoul for lovers of modern art, Korean culture, and everything in-between.

Be sure to also visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most beautiful sights in Seoul.