Things to do in Seoul this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Seoul this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
CultureJongno
Free entry in hanbok; changing-of-the-guard at 10am and 2pm.
Bukchon Hanok Village
CultureJongno
Hillside maze of traditional houses between two palaces.
Han River Parks
OutdoorsYeouido / Banpo
Bike loops, chicken-and-beer picnics, Banpo bridge rainbow fountain at night.
Hongdae
NightlifeMapo
University district — buskers by day, clubs til sunrise.
Itaewon & Gyeongnidan
NightlifeYongsan
Craft beer, speakeasies, the best soju cocktails in the city.
Gwangjang Market
Food & DrinkJongno
Bindaetteok mung bean pancakes and live octopus — Netflix-famous.
Where to eat
Jungsik
$$$$Modern Korean · Gangnam
Two-Michelin-star tasting menu — bibimbap rethought as fine dining.
Mingles
$$$$Contemporary Korean · Cheongdam
Three-star tasting from chef Mingoo Kang.
Tosokchon
$$Samgyetang · Jongno
Ginseng chicken soup the presidents eat — go before noon.
Myeongdong Kyoja
$Noodles · Myeongdong
Kalguksu hand-cut noodles in chicken broth — four-item menu only.
Live & on stage
Ultra Korea
Olympic Stadium · Jun · EDM Festival
Pentaport Rock Festival
Incheon · Aug · Rock
K-pop concerts
Gocheok Sky Dome · Year-round · K-pop
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Han River Parks. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.