{"id":81717,"date":"2023-07-22T02:35:56","date_gmt":"2023-07-22T02:35:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/?p=81717"},"modified":"2023-11-26T01:54:10","modified_gmt":"2023-11-26T01:54:10","slug":"things-to-do-in-seoul-alone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/things-to-do-in-seoul-alone\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Wonderful Things to Do in Seoul Alone"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Venturing out on a solo journey can be one of the most rewarding experiences, and if your destination is Seoul, you’re in for an exceptional treat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Famed for its vibrant mix of modern skyscrapers, ancient traditions, mouth-watering street food, and dynamic nightlife, Seoul is a city that knows how to captivate its visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Embarking on a solo adventure can seem scary, especially when the city is as vast and varied as Seoul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rest assured, this city is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for solo explorers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, wondering where to start? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
No worries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is a handy guide that will highlight some of the most engaging activities that solo travelers can enjoy in Seoul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From serene temples to bustling markets, from tranquil mountains to trendy shopping districts, this guide has got you covered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s dive in and start this unforgettable journey through the heart of South Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seoul’s diversity is best experienced by visiting its various districts. In Gangnam, you’ll witness the modern side of Seoul with its upscale malls, high-tech offices, and trendy cafes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A visit to the COEX Mall, Asia’s largest underground shopping mall, or Starfield Library, an open public space with towering bookshelves, is highly recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, Insadong offers a more traditional Korean experience. Here, you’ll find art galleries, antique shops, and tea houses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The main street, Insadong-gil, is car-free in the afternoon, making it a perfect place for a stroll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most famous royal palace in Seoul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t miss the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony, an opportunity to witness a historical reenactment in colorful traditional ropes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Changdeokgung Palace, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is most famous for its Secret Garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The 78-acre garden is a splendid example of Korean landscape gardening, including a lotus pond, pavilions, and landscaped lawns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deoksugung Palace, with its unique blend of Korean and Western architecture styles, hosts a beautiful nighttime illumination, giving visitors an enchanting view of the palace under the moonlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bukchon Hanok Village, located between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, offers a unique experience with its winding alleys, traditional houses, and spectacular views of the city from the hilltop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Namsangol Hanok Village not only features traditional houses but also a traditional garden, a time capsule square, and a performance area for traditional Korean arts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can even try on a Hanbok (traditional Korean ropes) and take some beautiful photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gwangjang Market is a foodie’s paradise and the perfect place to try Korean street food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Must-try delicacies include Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), Mayak Kimbap (rice and seaweed roll), and Yukhoe (Korean-style raw beef tartare).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myeongdong Street Food Market, apart from being a shopping haven, is famous for its food stalls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t leave without trying the famous Cheese Hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with molten cheese) or the spicy Tteokbokki (rice cakes in sweet and spicy sauce).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, there are many other great street food markets in Seoul<\/a> that you can explore during your stay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: This food tour through Seoul<\/a><\/strong> is a wonderful option as you’ll get to explore hidden markets and food stalls! You’ll also get to join other travelers, which is a wonderful way to meet people! BOOK HERE.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dongdaemun is Seoul’s largest shopping and entertainment district. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s home to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a modern architectural landmark, and countless malls like Migliore and Doota that are open late into the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in South Korea with various goods available, including clothes, glasses, kitchenware, toys, mountain gear, fishing equipment, stationery, fine arts, accessories, hats, carpets, flowers, ginseng, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The National Museum of Korea is the largest in Korea and houses precious Korean cultural assets that narrate the history and art of Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The War Memorial of Korea, with its indoor and outdoor exhibitions, offers a poignant insight into the Korean War’s impact on the nation’s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bukhansan Mountain offers several trails for varying levels of hikers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Baegundae Peak trail, though challenging, is the most popular due to the panoramic view of Seoul you’re rewarded with at the top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes for a great day trip, since the mountain is located about an hour north of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: This tour<\/a><\/strong> includes pickup and dropoff in Seoul, a full day of hiking, and a Korean lunch! BOOK HERE.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With the season running from March to October, baseball is more than just a sport in South Korea; it’s a cultural event filled with high energy, cheerleading, and entertaining audience participation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Attending a baseball game in Seoul can be a thrilling experience, even for those not typically interested in sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city is home to two teams, the Doosan Bears and the LG Twins, both of whom play at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Watching a game here is an opportunity to meet with locals, watch some basic K-pop performances, learn some team cheers, and immerse yourself in the passionate atmosphere that Korean baseball fans are famous for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also enjoy some classic game food, such as Chimaek (chicken and beer) while cheering for your chosen team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: <\/strong>Purchase skip-the-line tickets here<\/a><\/strong>. It also includes a food experience where you’ll be able to meet other travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dining out in Seoul is an adventure. You must try the famous Korean BBQ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit a local restaurant, order some Samgyeopsal (pork belly), and enjoy grilling the meat right at your table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seoul also has an array of noodle options. From the thick, knife-cut Kalguksu to the icy-cold Naengmyeon, the options are endless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Solo visitors will be happy to learn that eating out in Seoul alone is quite common. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cafe culture is huge in Seoul. Trendy, minimalist cafes like Caf\u00e9 Onion in Seongdong-gu offer an excellent environment to relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a unique experience, visit an animal cafe. Blind Alley is a famous raccoon cafe, and Thanks Nature Cafe allows you to enjoy your coffee while playing with cute sheep!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those seeking tranquility, consider a meditation stay at a monastery outside Seoul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This unique experience offers a break from city life and a chance to immerse in Korean Buddhist culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Geumsunsa Temple: Nestled in the Bukhansan National Park, this serene temple provides an authentic Temple Stay program where you can learn about Korean Buddhism and partake in meditation sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Magoksa Temple: Located in Gongju, about two hours from Seoul, Magoksa Temple is surrounded by mountains and a river, offering an idyllic setting for a meditation retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jeondeungsa Temple: Situated on Ganghwa Island, Jeondeungsa offers Temple Stay programs in a peaceful, historic setting dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This full-day sightseeing tour of Seoul<\/a><\/strong> covers the city’s major landmarks, including Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk Museum, N Seoul Tower, and Namsangol Hanok Village. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The tour also includes a traditional Korean lunch in Insadong, a stop at a traditional ginseng center, and the opportunity to watch the changing of the guards at Gwanghwamun Gate. <\/p>\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
2. Marvel at the Palaces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Go back in time and experience Hanok Villages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You may also like:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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4. Explore Vibrant Street Food Markets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Go Late Night Shopping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6. Visit a Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Hike Bukhansan Mountain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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8. Go to a Baseball Game<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Dine Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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10. Relax in a Cafe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
More from our things to do alone series:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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11. Do a Meditation Stay outside Seoul<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Best Seoul Tours and Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Seoul City Sightseeing Tour (see the main sights!)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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