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Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, is a city that never sleeps, with a unique blend of ancient traditions and modernity. While popular tourist spots often make it to the top of everyone's list, there's so much more to explore beyond the beaten path. Here are five overrated spots in Seoul and where to go instead to uncover the city's true essence.
Did you truly experience Seoul if you didn't indulge in some shopping? Myeongdong offers abundant shopping opportunities, from the latest fashion trends and high-quality beauty products to mouthwatering street food. Nevertheless, it's worth considering whether Myeongdong is the right fit for you unless you have a particular affinity for designer items or the latest trends. With more affordable and less crowded alternatives now available, even the locals have shifted away from shopping in Myeongdong.
While Hongdae boasts numerous shops, it's far from empty. You'll certainly need an entire day to thoroughly explore every corner of this vibrant neighborhood. Unlike Myeongdong, Hongdae exudes a livelier ambience, featuring nighttime street entertainment. You'll have a wide array of dining options and budget-friendly clothing shops to choose from as well.
A trip to Seoul somehow feels incomplete without including Gyeongbukgung in your itinerary. This historic site undoubtedly draws a larger crowd of tourists than its less frequented counterparts. Yet, it's easy to see why, considering that Gyeongbukgung is the largest and oldest among them. Furthermore, its proximity to other popular tourist attractions like Bukchon Hanok Village makes it a convenient and compelling choice.
For an authentic K-drama experience without the hassle of photobombers, make your way to Changgyeonggung. If you can plan your visit for spring when the palace is adorned with cherry blossoms, it's even more enchanting. Here, you can admire the architecture of a similar calibre while enjoying the added advantage of fewer tourists in the vicinity.
Who wouldn't want to savour the breathtaking Seoul cityscape? Most visitors head to Namsan Tower for this very reason. It offers an observation deck, a café boasting a panoramic 360-degree view, and countless love locks to symbolize everlasting affection. Like many other popular Seoul destinations, Namsan Tower is bustling with people.
The notion that Seoul is only filled with skyscrapers is far from the truth! You can hike to Bukhansan Mountain in Seoul and be treated to stunning city vistas. The trail offers a great option for beginners, as it's reasonably manageable. Alternatively, experienced hikers can choose from different trails. Bukhansan Mountain, recognised by the Guinness Book as the most frequented national park, caters to the widest audience.
Nami Island was a "must-visit" destination in Seoul, but that was probably a decade ago. Today, the island has become heavily commercialised, which is understandable since it's a privately owned island transformed into a tourist hotspot. Its fame soared as the filming location for the beloved Korean drama Winter Sonata. If you're interested in European-style architecture or flower sightings in Gapyeong, consider visiting Petite France instead.
While South Korea doesn't have its own Disneyland, Wolmido Theme Park is a worthwhile alternative, especially if you find Lotte World or Everland on the expensive side. It also carries a charming old-world ambience. The great thing about Wolmido is that it's free to enter, and you only need to purchase tickets for the specific rides you want to enjoy. Additionally, you can explore Wolmi Traditional Park to admire its scenic gardens and traditional homes.
Unless you have a penchant for luxury shopping, aside from the highly Instagrammed Starfield Library, there isn't much to explore at Coex Mall or its nearby vicinity. We're categorising this as one of the overrated places to visit in Seoul because some other superior malls and bookstores deserve your attention.
Just as Starfield Library gained fame on Instagram, Korean dramas have a fanbase at Book Park Seoul and the Seoul Book Repository. The Seoul Book Repository houses an impressive collection of 120,000 volumes, primarily comprising used and vintage books sourced from esteemed bookstores across Seoul. The Seoul government established this cultural centre to allow visitors to read these books. Another haven for bibliophiles is Book Park Seoul, where you'll find a vast selection of art and science literature that might leave you wondering where to start. Each floor also features a cafe where you can enjoy coffee while delving into your book.
