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Top 24 Hidden Attractions & Secret Places to Explore in Seoul

How many times have you returned from your holidays in Seoul only to find out that you have missed a nice cool place close to where you have visited?

 

Have you been to Seoul a few times and wonder what other unique or hidden places that you can do for that instagram-perfect shots and be the first to share among your friends?

Which are the popular local places and things to do in Seoul that are not covered on the official tourism websites or guides?

Here are KoreaToDo's TOP Hidden Attractions & Secret Places to Explore in Seoul

(not in any particular order):

Experience the beauty of a Seoul Mountain walking along the 7km elevated wooden deck that encircles the entire Ansan Mountain, passing through forest of sky-tall trees and scenic lookout points in 2.5 hrs or exit halfway to the popular Sinchon Shopping Street.

 

This barrier free forest trail is accessible from a subway station and is wheelchairs and baby carriages friendly too!

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Mountain Ansan Jarak-gil Trail | KoreaToDo
Ansan Jarak-gil Trail
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Mountain Ansan Jarak-gil Trail | KoreaToDo
Ansan Jarak-gil Trail

A rustic village located at one of the entrances (/exits) to Inwangsan Mountain hiking trail.

Hongje-dong Gaemi Village is a favourite photography hot spot for murals (artwork on wall) and Korean village scenes by the local photographers and photo enthusiasts.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Hongje-dong Gaemi Village | KoreaToDo
Hongje-dong Gaemi Village
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Hongje-dong Gaemi Village | KoreaToDo
Hongje-dong Gaemi Village

Newly opened in July 2020.

Walk across the outdoor bridge, 541m above the ground at Korea's tallest building, Lotte World Tower.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Sky Bridge Tour | KoreaToDo
Sky Bridge Tour
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Sky Bridge Tour | KoreaToDo
Sky Bridge Tour

Visit the real-time historical prison located at Seodaemun Independence Park, within 5 mins walk from its nearest subway station.

Besides its large compound and red-brick building structures, Seodaemun Prison History Hall is also a popular filming location for many Korean dramas (e.g. Goblin, Hide and Seek, Doctor John) for scenes when the characters are released from the prison.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Seodaemun Prison History Hall | KoreaToDo
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Seodaemun Prison History Hall | KoreaToDo
Seodaemun Prison History Hall

If there is one photo that always stay on your mind and you wish you can be there, Gwanaksan Mountain would have to be one of them!

The view of a Korean temple on the cliff edge is simply extraordinary.

Over the years, with the stairs built, this mountain is more accessible and you can enjoy the temple's view right from the observatory.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Gwanaksan Mountain | KoreaToDo
Gwanaksan Mountain
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Gwanaksan Mountain | KoreaToDo
Gwanaksan Mountain

The cultural park was once a hidden petroleum reserve base of 5 oil storage tanks, holding enough oil reserves to power Seoul for 1 month, if needed.

Now, this strictly controlled area for 41 years is open to the public.

Explore the transformed huge oil tanks and cultural spaces at Oil Tank Culture Park, within walking distance to Haneul Park and World Cup Stadium Station. 

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Oil Tank Culture Park | KoreaToDo
Oil Tank Culture Park
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Oil Tank Culture Park | KoreaToDo
Oil Tank Culture Park

Dined at the famous Ginseng Chicken Soup Restaurant, Tosokchon Samgyetang?

 

Packed your lunch box at Tongin Market?

Yes, Seochon (Sejong) Village is in the same area. Besides its many quaint cafes, it is also the birthplace of King Sejong, the creator of Korean alphabets (& the face on the green Korean 10,000 won bank notes). Seoul's oldest bookstore, Dae-o Bookstore is here too!

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Seochon (Sejong) Village | KoreaToDo
Seochon (Sejong) Village 
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Seochon (Sejong) Village | KoreaToDo
Seochon (Sejong) Village 

Once the official office and residence for Korean Presidents since 1948.

On 10 May 2022, it was opened to the public for the first time in 74 years, on the day of inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Visit the Blue House by making an online appointment or on-site application.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) | KoreaToDo
Cheong Wa Dae

Ever wonder where the beautiful photos of the autumn tree-tops along Deoksugung Stone-wall Road and Deoksugung Palace are taken?

Have you been looking for a observatory in Seoul that is free or conveniently located with subway access?

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Jeongdong Observatory & Cafe Darak | KoreaToDo
Jeongdong Observatory
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Jeongdong Observatory & Cafe Darak | KoreaToDo
Jeongdong Observatory

Want to experience traditional Korean village life but Korean Folk Village is far while there is too much walking (esp. uphill) at Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul?

Check out the surprisingly pleasant Namsangol Hanok Village so near to Myeongdong Station (1 subway stop / 15 mins walk).

 

💡From there, you can walk to N Seoul Tower, particularly beautiful in Spring and Autumn.

Namsangol Hanok Village - Hanok 11.jpg
Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village - View of N Seoul Tower in Autumn-2 bright.jpg
Namsangol Hanok Village

If you are at Seoul Station or shopping at Lotte Mart, don't miss out sky garden walkway!

There are different interesting plants, trees and flowers for each season.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Seoullo 7017 | KoreaToDo
Seoullo 7017
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Seoullo 7017 | KoreaToDo
Seoullo 7017

An easy to reach hilltop park right next to the well-known Ihwa Mural Village. Naksan Park offers picturesque view of Daehangno and a good section of Seoul City Wall remains.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Naksan Park | KoreaToDo
Naksan Park
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Naksan Park | KoreaToDo
Naksan Park

Have you been to most of the well-known shopping places like Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Gangnam? You have also been to the popular university shopping districts like Edea, Hongdae and Kondae?

If so, check out Sungshin Women's University Shopping District, only few subway stops away from Dongdaemun and stop by their traditional Donam Jeil Market for the popular local eats.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Sungshin Women's University Shopping District | KoreaToDo
Sungshin Women's University Shopping District

BBQ on a king-sized pot lit?

The best hidden BBQ restaurant, uniquely in Seoul. Located within 5 mins walk from Sangam DMC (Digital Media City) subway station.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Hansang Gadeuk Korean BBQ Restaurant | KoreaToDo
Hansang Gadeuk BBQ
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Hansang Gadeuk Korean BBQ Restaurant | KoreaToDo
Hansang Gadeuk BBQ
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Hansang Gadeuk Korean BBQ Restaurant | KoreaToDo
Hansang Gadeuk BBQ

A hilltop park of many surprises!

Golf-cart shuttle service available to take you to the top of the park too!

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Haneul (Sky) Park @ World Cup Park | KoreaToDo
Haneul Park
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Haneul (Sky) Park @ World Cup Park | KoreaToDo
Haneul Park
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Haneul (Sky) Park @ World Cup Park | KoreaToDo
Haneul Park

Wanna ride on duck boats on the beautiful Han River or rent a bicycle?

Check out the 240m long J-Bug cultural complex and paintings on the pillars below the bridge.

Enjoy the Hangang park with direct subway access and full of activities.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Ttukseom Hangang Park | KoreaToDo
Ttukseom Hangang Park
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Ttukseom Hangang Park | KoreaToDo
Ttukseom Hangang Park

Enjoy cruising along Han River with the seagulls! 

 

Surprisingly affordable with many theme cruises (from 40 mins day cruise to 90 mins dinner cruise) for your picking.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Han River Cruise | KoreaToDo
Han River Cruise
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Han River Cruise | KoreaToDo
Han River Cruise

Bring home your favourite paintings or hunt for your best buy at this largest underground mall with 600 shops in Seoul.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall | KoreaToDo
Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall | KoreaToDo
Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall

Wanna do something different in Seoul?

 

Why not walk across the bridge overlooking the beauty of Han River?

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Dongho Bridge Walk | KoreaToDo
Dongho Bridge Walk

Have a sumptuous local meal at the base of a mountain near Gangnam and be impressed.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Cheonggyesan Mountain | KoreaToDo
Cheonggyesan Mountain
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Cheonggyesan Mountain | KoreaToDo
Cheonggyesan Mountain

This nature beauty is easily accessible on Seoul subway. Go on a walk or rent a bicycle to explore the area, including strawberry picking (Nov-Jun) at one of the farms around.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Yangpyeong Dumulmeori | KoreaToDo
Yangpyeong
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Yangpyeong Bukhangang Railroad Bridge | KoreaToDo
Yangpyeong
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Semiwon Garden | KoreaToDo
Yangpyeong

Want the best jajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles) in Korea? Look no further than Incheon Chinatown, the birthplace of jajangmyeon in Korea.

After a hearty Chinese meal, have fun at Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village and Wolmido Island's Wolmi Theme Park.

Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Incheon Chinatown | KoreaToDo
Incheon Chinatown
Incheon - Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village 10.jpg
Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village
Top Hidden Places in Seoul - Wolmido Island | KoreaToDo
Wolmiido Island
KoreaToDo TOP PICKS - Tours, Activities & Discount Tickets

➥ Handpicked experiences by KoreaToDo for their uniqueness, value, popularity, price competitiveness and at times, tedious to reach by public transport.

Yeo Yong Guk Korean Traditional Medicine Spa Packages

Yeo Yong Guk Korean Traditional Medicine Spa Packages

4.7★

must-go wellness place by KTO

Incheon Day Tour (Ganghwa Luge, Rail Bike, Wolmido & Fairy Tale Village)

Incheon Day Tour (Ganghwa Luge, Rail Bike, Wolmido & Fairy Tale Village)

4.6★

enjoy the best of Incheon!

Discover Seoul Pass (incl. access to Lotte World, COEX Aquarium, Han River Cruises)

Discover Seoul Pass (incl. access to Lotte World, COEX Aquarium, Han River Cruises)

4.7★

free access to over 60 attractions

Alpaca World, Gubongsan Mt. Observatory & Hyundai Premium Outlet Space1 Tour

Alpaca World, Gubongsan Mt. Observatory & Hyundai Premium Outlet Space1 Tour

4.6★

newly opened outlet in 2020

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Gamaksan Suspension Bridge Day Tour

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Gamaksan Suspension Bridge Day Tour

4.9★

the only 1 tour for DMZ+bridge!

4G SIM Card (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (3/5/10/20/30 days options)

4G SIM Card (KR Airport Pick Up) - KT OLLEH (3/5/10/20/30 days options)

4.8★

data, calls & texts/24 hrs pick up

Vivaldi Park Resort Pass (Luge World, Sheep Farm, Sky Swing) Day Tour

Vivaldi Park Resort Pass (Luge World, Sheep Farm, Sky Swing) Day Tour

4.7★

plenty of exciting adventures!

​​Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS): bullet trains to Busan & other areas (2, 3, 4 or 5 Days)

​​Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS): bullet trains to Busan & other areas (2, 3, 4 or 5 Days)

4.8★

instant pass & tourist exclusive!

 KoreaToDo recommends Klook.com, Asia leading in-destination service provider.

🌾SEASONAL FAVES🌾 Handpicked Experiences from Seoul

Incheon Chimaek (Chicken & Beer) Festival & Incheon Day Tour

Incheon Chimaek (Chicken & Beer) Festival & Incheon Day Tour

15 Jun 2023

₩48,800

visit Wolmido Island & Incheon Chinatown

Jarasum Flower Festival, Nami island (& Alpaca Ranch) Day Tour

Jarasum Flower Festival, Nami island (& Alpaca Ranch) Day Tour

26 May - 30 Jun 2023

₩75,900

take instaworthy photos with the flower fields

Boryeong Mud Festival, Daecheon Beach & Suspension Bridge Day Tour

Boryeong Mud Festival, Daecheon Beach & Suspension Bridge Day Tour

21 Jul - 4 Aug 2023

₩79,500

Korea's famous mud festival!

Pocheon Art Valley, Strawberry Picking & Herb Island Day Tour

Pocheon Art Valley, Strawberry Picking & Herb Island Day Tour

6 Feb - 29 Jun 2023

₩95,000

monorail & strawberries (500g)

Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival

Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival

31 Jul - 3 Aug 2023

₩103,700

fishing activities & feast on your catch

Pocheon Art Valley, Apple Farm Experience & Luge World Day Tour

Pocheon Art Valley, Apple Farm Experience & Luge World Day Tour

2 Jul - 9 Nov 2023

₩95,200

apple jam & pie making (Jul-Aug)

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