If you’re planning to visit South Korea in 2025, there’s no better place to start your journey than its vibrant capital, Seoul. This city is where ancient tradition and futuristic innovation live side by side. From royal palaces that whisper stories of dynasties long gone, to sky-high towers offering panoramic views of the metropolis, Seoul is a treasure chest of iconic landmarks that every traveler should explore.
Whether you’re a history buff, a K-pop fan, a foodie, or just a curious wanderer, Seoul has something that will leave you in awe. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 most iconic landmarks you absolutely must see when visiting Seoul in 2025.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
No trip to Seoul is complete without stepping into the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Originally built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, it stands as the largest and most majestic of the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul. As you walk through its imposing gates, you’ll be transported back centuries. The architecture is breathtaking, with sweeping tiled roofs, elaborately painted beams, and tranquil gardens that feel frozen in time.
Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate, a vibrant and colorful spectacle that happens daily. In 2025, the palace will continue to offer immersive experiences such as traditional hanbok rentals, guided tours, and cultural performances that make you feel like royalty for a day.
2. N Seoul Tower
Perched atop Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower is one of Seoul’s most beloved symbols. Offering stunning 360-degree views of the cityscape, it’s a must-visit day or night. By day, you can see the sprawling urban expanse set against a backdrop of mountains. By night, the city lights sparkle like a galaxy laid out at your feet.
A ride on the Namsan cable car to the base of the tower adds a touch of adventure. Once you’re at the top, explore the observatory, enjoy a romantic dinner at the revolving restaurant, or leave a love lock at the famous fence. In 2025, the tower’s upgraded LED light displays and interactive exhibits will make the experience even more magical.
3. Bukchon Hanok Village
In a city filled with skyscrapers and high-tech everything, Bukchon Hanok Village offers a serene contrast. This neighborhood is home to hundreds of hanoks, or traditional Korean houses, many of which are still occupied. As you stroll through its narrow, winding alleys, you’ll hear the soft creak of wooden floorboards and smell the scent of pine from centuries-old beams.
What makes Bukchon truly special is how it blends living history with modern Seoul. You can visit traditional tea houses, experience a Korean calligraphy class, or simply admire the view of tiled roofs against the skyline. In 2025, the village continues to be a top cultural attraction, thanks to preservation efforts that keep its charm intact.
4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
If Gyeongbokgung is a glimpse into the past, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a leap into the future. Designed by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid, DDP is a futuristic complex made of sweeping curves and metallic surfaces that seem to defy gravity. It’s not just an architectural marvel; it’s a hub for design, fashion, and innovation.
Inside, you’ll find art exhibitions, fashion shows, startup events, and night markets that keep the place buzzing with creativity. The LED rose garden, which comes alive after sunset, is one of the most photographed spots in Seoul. In 2025, DDP continues to set trends, hosting global design events and exhibitions that draw visitors from around the world.
5. Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon
While Gyeongbokgung is grand and formal, Changdeokgung Palace offers a more intimate and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beloved for its harmonious blend with nature. The palace complex is elegant, but the real jewel here is the Huwon, also known as the Secret Garden.
This lush, secluded space was reserved for royalty and is filled with ancient trees, lotus ponds, and pavilions that look like they’re straight out of a painting. Guided tours are required to protect the fragile ecosystem, and each step you take through the garden feels like entering a living poem. Visiting Changdeokgung in 2025 is like finding a quiet moment in the heart of a bustling city.
6. Cheonggyecheon Stream
What was once a hidden, polluted stream buried beneath highways is now a shining example of urban renewal. Cheonggyecheon Stream stretches nearly 11 kilometers through downtown Seoul, offering a peaceful escape amid skyscrapers and busy streets. With cascading waterfalls, stepping stones, and beautifully lit bridges, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Take a leisurely walk, dip your feet in the cool water, or join a nighttime festival along the stream. The surrounding area is full of street food vendors, shopping arcades, and cultural installations. In 2025, this urban oasis continues to reflect Seoul’s commitment to blending nature and modern living.
7. Lotte World Tower
Soaring over 550 meters into the sky, the Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea and one of the tallest in the world. It’s not just a tower—it’s a vertical city. Inside, you’ll find luxury shopping, fine dining, a hotel, a cinema, and even an aquarium. But the main attraction is the Seoul Sky observatory.
Located on the top floors, Seoul Sky offers one of the most jaw-dropping views in Asia. Glass-floored observation decks give thrill-seekers an added rush. In 2025, the tower also features cutting-edge digital art and virtual experiences that blend reality and imagination. It’s a monument to how high Seoul can reach—literally and metaphorically.
8. Namdaemun Gate
Namdaemun Gate, officially known as Sungnyemun, is one of the oldest wooden structures in Seoul. Built in the 14th century, it once served as the main southern gate to the city. Over the centuries, it has witnessed invasions, fires, and modern urban development. Yet, it stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience.
After a devastating fire in 2008, the gate was painstakingly restored and reopened to the public. Today, it’s nestled in the heart of Seoul’s financial district, a stunning reminder of the city’s enduring spirit. In 2025, the gate continues to be a beloved historical monument, offering guided tours and cultural insights into the city’s ancient defenses.
9. COEX Mall and Bongeunsa Temple
COEX Mall is Asia’s largest underground shopping mall, and it’s a paradise for shoppers, foodies, and entertainment seekers. You can browse international brands, dine at trendy restaurants, catch a movie, and even visit one of the most beautiful libraries in the world—Starfield Library, known for its towering bookshelves and serene reading spaces.
Right across the street from all this modern excitement is Bongeunsa Temple, a quiet Buddhist sanctuary dating back to the 8th century. Stepping into the temple grounds feels like crossing into another world. You’ll hear the soft chants of monks, smell the incense in the air, and feel a calmness that contrasts beautifully with the buzz of the mall.
This juxtaposition of old and new, sacred and commercial, is quintessentially Seoul. In 2025, both COEX and Bongeunsa offer immersive experiences that showcase the harmony between tradition and modern life.
10. Hangang Park
The Han River cuts through the heart of Seoul, and along its banks lies Hangang Park, a sprawling green space that serves as the city’s backyard. With over a dozen different park areas, it’s where locals go to jog, picnic, ride bikes, and enjoy life outdoors. On any given day, you’ll see families flying kites, couples riding tandem bikes, and office workers enjoying lunch breaks under the trees.
In the evenings, Hangang Park transforms into a lively scene with food trucks, live performances, and river cruises that offer scenic views of Seoul’s skyline. During summer, water sports and festivals make it one of the city’s most energetic places. In 2025, new eco-friendly developments and art installations make Hangang Park even more inviting for visitors who want to experience Seoul like a local.
Bottom Line
Seoul is a city that defies expectations. It’s a place where you can explore centuries-old palaces in the morning and step into futuristic design museums by afternoon. You can hike up a mountain, then take a subway straight into a world-class shopping mall. It’s this seamless blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, serenity and excitement, that makes Seoul so endlessly fascinating.
In 2025, Seoul continues to evolve—but these 10 iconic landmarks remain timeless highlights that every traveler should experience. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the charm of these places never fades. They tell the story of a city that honors its past, embraces the future, and welcomes the world with open arms.
