Things to Do in South Korea: Seoul, Busan & More

Quick answer

In Seoul, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in a hanbok, walk Bukchon Hanok Village, eat your way through Myeongdong and Gwangjang Market, and see the city from N Seoul Tower. Take a DMZ tour and a Nami Island day trip. Then ride the KTX to Busan for Gamcheon Culture Village, Haedong Yonggungsa temple and Haeundae Beach.

13 things worth your time in South Korea

01
Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok
Landmark
The largest of Seoul's five Joseon-era palaces, with the changing of the guard at Gwanghwamun gate and the National Folk Museum inside the grounds.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹190 (₩3,000); free in hanbok, rental ₹950–1,900 (₩15,000–30,000)
Closed on Tuesdays. The guard ceremony runs at 10 am and 2 pm.
02
Bukchon Hanok Village
Landmark
Lanes of tiled-roof hanok houses on a hillside between two palaces, with views over the city.
1–2 hoursFree
Tourists are barred from the core lanes between 5 pm and 10 am, and fines apply. People live here, so keep your voice down.
03
Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden
Landmark
A UNESCO-listed palace whose rear garden, Huwon, can only be visited on a guided tour. Gorgeous in autumn.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹190 (₩3,000), plus about ₹350 (₩5,000) for the garden tour
English garden tours have limited slots. Book online a few days ahead.
04
N Seoul Tower and Namsan
Landmark
The best night view of Seoul, the love-lock terraces, and walking trails along the old city wall.
2–3 hoursObservatory about ₹1,650 (₩26,000); cable car about ₹900–1,100 return
05
Myeongdong street food and shopping
Shopping
K-beauty flagship stores by day and food carts from about 5 pm. Many shops offer instant tax refunds on purchases over ₩15,000.
Evening₹200–450 per snack (₩3,000–7,000)
Carry your passport for tax-free shopping.
06
Gwangjang Market
Food
Seoul's oldest covered market, famous for bindaetteok (mung-bean pancakes) fried on huge griddles, plus fabric and vintage clothing upstairs.
1–2 hours₹400–600 for a mung-bean pancake
Some pancakes contain pork or kimchi with fish sauce. Ask for the plain mung-bean version.
07
DMZ tour
Day trip
The Third Tunnel dug by North Korea, Dora Observatory, Imjingak park and the last station before the border.
6–8 hours₹3,800–6,300 (₩60,000–100,000) with guide and transport
Carry your passport. Joint Security Area (Panmunjom) visits have been suspended for long stretches, so confirm what's included.
08
Nami Island and Petite France
Day trip
A tree-lined river island made famous by the drama Winter Sonata, best in autumn colours or under snow. Often combined with the Garden of Morning Calm.
Full dayNami entry with ferry about ₹1,000 (₩16,000); tours ₹3,800–6,000
09
Lotte World Tower and Lotte World
Experience
Korea's tallest building with a glass-floored deck at the top, next to an indoor-outdoor theme park and Seokchon Lake.
Half to full daySeoul Sky about ₹1,950–2,200; theme park about ₹3,900–4,200 (₩62,000–66,000)
10
Hongdae and the Han River parks
Experience
Street buskers and K-pop dance crews in Hongdae, then a picnic or bike ride at Yeouido or Banpo, where the bridge fountain runs on spring and summer evenings.
EveningFree; public bikes cost a few hundred rupees
11
Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan
Landmark
A hillside of pastel houses, murals and small galleries built by refugees during the Korean War.
2 hoursFree; stamp map about ₹130
The lanes are steep. Take a taxi up and walk down.
12
Haedong Yonggungsa and Haeundae, Busan
Landmark
A Buddhist temple on the rocks above the sea, then Busan's main city beach and the Blueline Park coastal sky capsules.
Half dayFree
Go to the temple early on weekdays; weekend tour groups arrive by 10 am.
13
Jeju Island extension
Nature
A volcanic island with Seongsan Ilchulbong crater, lava tubes, waterfalls and Hallasan, Korea's highest peak.
2–3 daysFlights from Seoul ₹3,000–7,000 one way
Jeju's 30-day visa-free entry for Indians applies only when you fly in directly from abroad. Via Seoul, you need a Korean visa.

What are the best things to do in South Korea?

A first trip to Korea usually means Seoul plus Busan, linked by the KTX bullet train in about two and a half hours. Seoul alone needs four days: palaces and hanok lanes in the old centre, markets and street food, a tower view at night, and day trips to the DMZ and Nami Island. Busan adds two days of coast, temples and seafood markets.

Entry fees are low by global standards. Palaces cost ₩3,000 (about ₹190), and many sights are free. Tours, theme parks and observation decks are where the money goes.

Is it worth wearing a hanbok at the palaces?

Yes, and not only for photos. Visitors in hanbok enter Seoul's royal palaces free, and rental shops around Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon charge about ₩15,000–30,000 for two to four hours, including hair accessories. In winter, ask for a padded version or wear a coat; the palace courtyards are cold and windy.

Getting around

Buy a T-money card at any convenience store and top it up with cash. It works on the metro, buses and most taxis in Seoul and Busan.
Google Maps is weak for walking and transit directions in Korea. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap instead.
Book KTX tickets on the Korail website in English, at least a week ahead for weekends.

Indian passport holders need a visa for mainland South Korea. Jeju is the exception only when you fly there directly from abroad. Read the South Korea visa guide before booking.

Use our 7-day South Korea itinerary for a day-by-day plan and the South Korea trip cost to budget. Vegetarians should read the Korea food guide first; it isn't an easy country to eat in without planning.

Frequently asked questions

Is the DMZ tour safe?

Yes. DMZ tours run under military supervision on fixed routes, and thousands of visitors join them every week. You'll need your passport, and photography is restricted in some areas. Tours can be cancelled at short notice for military reasons. Joint Security Area visits at Panmunjom have been suspended for long periods, so confirm what's included before paying.

How many days do you need in Seoul?

Four days covers Seoul well: one for palaces and Bukchon, one for markets, Myeongdong and N Seoul Tower, and two for day trips to the DMZ and Nami Island. With seven days in Korea, add two nights in Busan. K-pop fans, shoppers and cafe lovers can easily fill an extra day in Hongdae, Seongsu and Gangnam.

Do I need cash in South Korea?

Very little. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and most market stalls, and international Visa and Mastercard cards generally work. Carry ₩50,000–100,000 in cash for T-money top-ups, which usually need cash, and a few small stalls. Licensed money changers in Myeongdong often give better rates than the airport.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.