# Gyeongbokgung Palace 7
Gyeongbokgung with its wonderful royal court architecture of high historical significance and attractive gardens is the largest and arguably the most beautiful of the five Joseon palaces in Seoul and the most visited tourist site in Korea.
Among the many fascinating sights in this huge complex including hundreds of edifices, don't miss the two-story hexagonal Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and its distinctive arched bridge (Chwihyanggyo) over a small lake, the Gwanghwamun gate, where you can see the changing of the guards, the Main Throne Hall (Geunjeongjeon) and the Royal Banquet Hall (Gyeonghoeru), the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum.
Palace Reconstruction, still ongoing
# CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE 7
While the colorfully painted buildings of the palace grounds are remarkable, the highlight of the Changdeokgung is its vast 78-acre (32 ha) beautiful Secret Garden 'Biwon', with its lotus pond, fountains, and pavilions surrounded by 26,000 trees.
The Secret Garden can be visited through a guided tour.
Palace Complex with Gardens 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1997
# Lotte World Tower 7 
Completed in 2017 and standing at a height of 555 m, the sleek Lotte World Tower is the sixth-highest building in the world.
From the observation deck "Seoul Sky" located on the 117th to 123rd floors of the tower, which is at 554 m the second highest in the world (after Shanghai World Tower) you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Skyscraper Total Height: 555 m | Observation Deck Height: 554 m | Completed: 2017
by Cyberdoomslayer / CC BY-SA 4.0
# N Seoul Tower 6 
Built in 1969, this 236.7 m (777 ft) communication and observation tower sits on top of Namsan mountain (243 m or 797 ft).
N Seoul Tower — a symbol of Seoul — is renowned for its unique 360-degree view of the city.
Observation Tower Total Height: 236 m | Observation Deck Height: 168 m | Completed: 1975
by Cyan / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Dongdaemun Design Plaza 6
Designed by the world-renowned Iraqi-born British architect Zaha Hadid and inaugurated in 2014, this extremely futuristic structure resembles a giant spaceship.
The vast $466 million complex houses ultramodern retail stores, large global exhibition spaces, a walkable park on the rooftop, and parts of the restored Seoul fortress.
# National Museum of Korea 6
The impressive and immense National Museum of Korea holds an extensive collection of artifacts and art covering ancient history, medieval and early modern history.
Leading exhibits include the 13 m-high 14th-century "Gyeongcheonsa Ten-Story Pagoda" and the fifth-century Silla gold crown.
Archaeological Museum Gallery Space: 27,090 m2 / 291,600 ft2 | Opened: 1909, relocated 2005 | Visitors (2017): 3,476,606
by Ian Muttoo / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Myeongdong 6
The dense grid of streets found in this lively neighborhood is the most popular commercial and shopping area in Seoul.
Except for early morning and late-night delivery hours, the atmospheric district is pedestrian-only.
# War Memorial of Korea 5 
Established in 1993, this huge museum and memorial displays military airplanes, tanks, weapons, and other military equipment.
Museum Highlight of the collection: Replica of an ironclad turtle warship (Geobukseon)
by Adbar / CC BY-SA 3.0
# JONGMYO SHRINE 5
Completed in 1395, Jongmyo Shrine is the earliest surviving Confucian royal shrine in the world.
Shrine 🌏 World Heritage Site since 1995
by João Trindade / CC BY-SA 2.0
#11 | Insadong 5
Insadong is a neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea, renowned for its traditional culture and artistic vibe.
The area is filled with antique shops, art galleries, and traditional tea houses.
by S h y numis / CC BY-SA 4.0
#12 | Hongdae 5
Hongdae is district in Seoul renowned for its lively nightlife. It features dynamic clubs, bars, and street performances, drawing a youthful and international crowd.
The proximity to Hongik University contributes to its youthful and dynamic culture.
by U0894629 / CC BY-SA 4.0
HWASEONG FORTRESS 6 
Located in Suwon, Hwaseong Fortress, built by King Jeongjo in the late 18th century, is a UNESCO-listed military stronghold known for its blend of Eastern and Western architectural elements.
The fortress spans 5.74 kilometers and includes impressive walls, gates, and observation towers.
City District 🌏World Heritage Site: since 1997 | Distance from Seoul: ca 30 km
by 문화재청 / CC BY-SA 3.0