10 Things To Do Alone In Seoul - Updated 2024

Melanie
Melanie 
Updated
| 5 min read

In the past few years, Seoul in South Korea has become a favorite destination for solo travelers because it offers safety and security. Above all, it features a rich culture that features a good blend of modern and traditional, has amazing cuisine, and provides a great shopping experience, especially for fans of fashion and cosmetics. Nevertheless, traveling solo can be a daunting experience, especially for those who will be doing it for the first time. If you are leery about coming up with your own itinerary, check out the tours below so you can still enjoy what Seoul has to offer even if you’re flying solo.

1. Gangnam District tour in Seoul (from USD 98.0)

If the pop ditty “Gangnam Style” tickled your curiosity about what the Gangnam district has to offer, this is the package for you! This guided tour takes people around this district in the morning, followed by a visit to the COEX Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in South Korea featuring 14 zones, first thing in the afternoon. This is followed by a scenic Han River cruise, which allows tourists to enjoy seeing the city’s waterfront, along with its known landmarks. To cap the day, the guide will bring guests to Bongeunsa, a temple that houses over 3,000 Buddhist scriptures.

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Gangnam Tour in Seoul: COEX Aquarium, Han Cruise, Bongeunsa

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

16 reviews

2. Half-day Korean DMZ tour (from USD 45.0)

The demilitarized zone (DMZ), a strip of land that separates North and South Korea, is not open to visitors unless they are part of a guided tour. Those who want to have a deeper understanding of their history, including what transpired during the Korean War, can join this tour. Besides the actual DMZ, this also takes travelers to Imjingak Park which features the Freedom Bridge, a landmark that serves as a reminder of the tragedies that happened during the Korean War.

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Korean DMZ Tour with Expert Tour Guide from Seoul - No shopping

Duration: 6 to 9 hours

1429 reviews

3. Mt Bukhan hike with Korean-style spa (from USD 150.0)

Those who are fit and looking for an outdoor adventure can join this trip which takes them to the top of Mt Bukhan, Seoul’s highest mountain (the path to be taken will depend on the group’s preferences). The trek can be completed within 2-3 hours, depending on the group’s skill level. Afterward, remove the kinks from your tired body by soaking in a “Jjimjilbang”, a traditional Korean spa, complete with a full-body scrub, an oil massage, and a face mask.

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Mt. Bukhan Hike with Traditional Korea Spa Experience in Seoul

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

61 reviews

4. Korean Palace and market tour (from USD 89.0)

Seoul is not without its share of palaces, and this tour allows you the opportunity to visit them. Start the day by driving past the Blue House which serves as the official residence and office of the South Korean Head of State, and then head to Gyeongbokgung Palace which was built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, and is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces. The group will then proceed to the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, the main Buddhist temple in Seoul. The next Palace on the list is Changdeokgung Palace which is included in the list of World Heritage Sites. The last stops are to Insadong and Namdaemun Market where tourists can do some shopping.

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Seoul Palace and Market Tour: Insadong and Gyeongbokgung

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

151 reviews

Seoul Tour Guide

Raymond Pahk

Raymond Pahk

Discover a vibrant mix of past, present, and future of Korea on a journey you'll never forget. Our tours unlock the secrets of Korean history and culture, offering a profound understanding of the people who make this nation unique. Explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, each whispering stories of Korea's fascinating past. Immerse yourself in traditional practices, savor delicious cuisine, and witness the dynamic modern scene. Engage with warm and welcoming Koreans, gaining insights into their lives and perspectives. Share your interests, and we'll tailor a personalized experience that ignites your passion. Join us and create unforgettable memories in Korea. Let us guide you on a journey that will touch your heart and enrich your soul.

Tours by Raymond

5. Day trip to Nami Island, Petite France, and the Garden of Morning Calm (from USD 89.0)

The half-moon-shaped Nami Island came to fame when it was featured in the popular Korean drama “Winter Sonata”. However, serving as the setting of the show is not the only thing that this destination boasts of; it also features beautiful grounds that would make stunning backdrops for photographs. Also included in the tour are side trips to the Garden of Morning Calm which is frequently used as a festival venue, and Petite France, a small French village with brightly-colored buildings.

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Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm from Seoul

Duration: 10 to 12 hours

323 reviews

6. Seoraksan National Park and Naksansa Temple (from USD 545.0)

seoraksan national park and naksansa temple

This package is another option for outdoor enthusiasts. The tour’s highlight is a trek to Seourak Mountain, also known as Mount Seoul and Mount Seoulbong, which is the third highest mountain in South Korea and considered as one of its most beautiful thanks to its near-permanent coating of snow. Follow the path to reach Baekdamsa Temple which is surrounded by beautiful scenery. The next and final stop is Naksansa Temple which has a history that spans over 1,000 years.

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Seoul: Seoraksan National Park & Naksansa Temple Day Trip

Duration: 11 hour

38 reviews

7. Full-day tour of MBC World (from USD 17.0)

Fans of Korean drama and musical acts should not miss out on this tour which takes visitors to a tour of MBC World, the theme park of MBC, South Korea’s biggest broadcasting company. Visit the sets of your favorite shows through virtual reality, or enjoy watching hologram concerts of your favorite K-pop stars.

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Seoul: Full-Day MBC World

Duration: 4 hours

3 reviews

8. K-Live hologram concert and guided Gwangjang market tour

k-live hologram concert and guided gwangjang market tour
Source: www.viator.com

This is another option for K-pop fans who do not want to leave Korea without seeing their favorite musical act in concert. Klive K-Pop Experience is located in Lotte FITIN, and it is here where travelers can see a 3-D hologram performance of their favorite K-pop stars. After the show, guests will then be brought to Gwangjang Market where they can buy souvenirs ranging from clothes to lacquerware, or try out some of the famous Korean street food sold by the hawkers. If you prefer to enjoy a sit-down meal, there is a food court in the area where you can try out local dishes.

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K-Pop Experience: KLive Hologram Concert and Guided Gwangjang Market Tour

Duration: 5 hours

9. Full-day essential Seoul tour (from USD 97.0)

If you only have one day to spare to see the sights of Seoul, this is the package for you. Able to accommodate up to 15 people, this tour takes travelers to Jogye Temple, the Blue House, Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Bugak Skyway, and Myeongdong so you can see the city’s highlights in the space of eight hours. A tour guide will accompany the group to give them more information about these destinations. Rates are already inclusive of lunch and entrance fees.

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Full-Day Essential Seoul Tour

Duration: 7 to 8 hours

10 reviews

10. Historic walking tour of Seoul (from USD 35.0)

History lovers should not miss out on this tour which takes them to lesser-known destinations that nonetheless will make them have a better appreciation of Seoul’s culture and history. Among the attractions that travelers can expect to see here are the statue of Great King Sejong and General Lee Soonshin of Joseon Dynasty, monuments to commemorate the anti-Japanese Independence movement, and the Jogyesa Temple, which is at the center of Korean Buddhism. The Ikseon-dong Hanok village, where travelers can see traditional Hanok houses, shop for traditional Korean dresses and musical instruments, and get their fortunes told is also part of the itinerary. The last stop is a trip to the rice cake museum where guests can learn more about the food history of Seoul.

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Exploring Historic Sites by Walking Alleys of Central Seoul

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

2 reviews

Rich culture, amazing food, fantastic fashion

With its rich culture, amazing food, and fantastic fashion, what’s not to love about Seoul? Even so, the sheer number of attractions in the city can quickly overwhelm you and make it hard for you to choose which places to go to, a dilemma especially if you have a tight schedule. Make the most of your trip to South Korea’s capital by booking a tour that will allow you to see the city’s attractions that must grab your attention.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Melanie is a freelance travel writer. She considers freelancing for Trip 101 to be a combination of two of the things she loves: writing and traveling. She has gone sightseeing with family,...Read more

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