Tour Attractions
Tourist Attractions near the Conference Venue
National Museum of Korea
Front view of the National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is the country’s largest museum, showcasing Korea’s history and culture from prehistoric times to the modern era. Its vast collection of over 300,000 artifacts spans archaeology, art, Buddhist sculpture, and ceramics, offering visitors a deep insight into Korea’s rich heritage. In recent years, the museum’s “K-Museum Goods” — including the famous Pensive Bodhisattva figurines and Silla gold crown tumblers — have gained great popularity for blending traditional beauty with modern design.
- 20 minute | Official site: museum.go.kr
- Tip (EN): Admission is free — don’t miss the museum shop and English audio guide service.
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Geunjeongmun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace
As the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung represents the heart of Seoul’s history and culture. The palace features the magnificent Geunjeongjeon Hall and the scenic Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, along with the National Folk Museum of Korea located within its grounds. The Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony is a popular attraction, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into Korea’s traditional court rituals.
- 25 minute | Official site: www.royalpalace.go.kr
- Tip (EN): Free admission when wearing a Korean hanbok.
3. Bukchon Hanok Village
View of Bukchon Hanok Village
Once a residential area for yangban, the noble class of the Joseon Dynasty, Bukchon is now home to a dense collection of traditional Korean hanok houses. Visitors can stroll along its narrow alleyways lined with tea houses and craft galleries, experiencing the serene and timeless atmosphere of old Seoul.
- 25–30 minute | Info: visitseoul.net – Bukchon
- Tip (EN): It’s a residential area — please keep your voice low and respect visiting hours.
4. Insadong Cultural Street
Ssamziegil in Insadong
Insadong is one of Seoul’s most iconic cultural streets, lined with traditional craft shops, calligraphy stores, pottery galleries, and tea houses. It is especially popular among international visitors as a place to purchase authentic Korean souvenirs and experience the charm of Korea’s artistic heritage.
- 25 minute | Info: visitseoul.net – Insadong
- Tip (EN): Weekends are lively with street performances — expect crowds!
5. Hongdae Street
Night view of Hongdae Street
Known as Seoul’s vibrant district of youth and art, Hongdae is filled with street performances, indie music, graffiti art, and trendy cafés. It’s a lively area that offers a glimpse into Korea’s contemporary creative culture — a perfect place to explore casually after the conference schedule.
- 10 minute | Info: visitseoul.net – Hongdae
- Tip (EN): It gets crowded on weekend nights — small groups are best for visiting.
6. N Seoul Tower
Night view of N Seoul Tower
Located at the summit of Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic 360-degree views of Seoul’s skyline by day and its dazzling nightscape after dark. The cable-car ride to the top is also famous as one of the city’s most romantic experiences.
- 25–30 minute | Official site: seoultower.co.kr/en
- Tip (EN): Visit around sunset for the best night view of Seoul.
7. Gwangjang Market
Food stalls at Gwangjang Market
Established in 1905, Gwangjang Market is one of Seoul’s most famous traditional markets, offering a true taste of Korean street food culture. Visitors can enjoy local favorites such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap (mini rice rolls), yukhoe (seasoned raw beef), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). In recent years, the market has gained renewed popularity among young people and international visitors through social media and YouTube, and was even featured in the Netflix documentary Street Food.
- 25 minute | Info: visitseoul.net – Gwangjang Market
- Tip (EN): Visit between 5–8 PM for the liveliest atmosphere — both cash and cards are accepted.
Photo Credits: All images courtesy of Visit Seoul (Seoul Tourism Organization)
https://english.visitseoul.net