Planning a trip to South Korea's capital but feel like you've been there, done that?
Well, Seoul has a way of surprising you, even when you think you’ve seen it all.
Beyond the big attractions, there’s another side to the city - charming hanok tea houses, quirky museums, and cosy little cafés tucked away in quiet corners.
Whether it’s visiting traditional markets or discovering trendy spots by randomly choosing a subway station to explore, here are the best hidden gems in Seoul (which might not stay so hidden after this list).
Best Hidden Gem Activities in Seoul
1. DMZ and Makgeolli Tasting
Okay, so the demilitarized zone (DMZ) isn’t exactly "hidden" – everyone knows about its history.
But who says you can’t explore it in an off-the-beaten-path way?
Joining a tour is non-negotiable due to security reasons.
But did you know you can combine your visit with a makgeolli tasting and brewing workshop? (Korea’s traditional rice wine)?
Besides the workshop, you'll still also get to experience historical sites like Imjingak, the Peace Gondola, Freedom Bridge, and the underground walk at the Third Tunnel of Aggression (tip: the walk is a bit tiring, so wear comfy shoes).
Sure, you could do a similar workshop in Seoul, but at the DMZ?
It’s a whole new level of cultural immersion at the world's most militarised border.
Oh, and don’t forget to “buy” North Korean currency and barbed wire from the DMZ for an interesting souvenir.
Address: 88-4 Jungse-ri, Cheorwon-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea (map)
Opening hours: Tues to Sun: 9am to 6pm. Closed on Mon.
2. Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960
Tired of the same ol’ cutesy cafés?
Well, coffee lovers, this gem in Seoul will take you back in time.
Photo: @henryjoo3 on Instagram
It’s not exactly every day that you’d describe a Starbucks as "off the beaten path."
But the Gyeongdong 1960 branch, located in the namesake Gyeongdong Theater, is an intoxicating blend of vintage and modern charm.
Photo: @henryjoo3 on Instagram
Once a super popular community spot from the ’60s to the ’90s, it was abandoned after closing in 1994.
Today, however, it’s a proper hangout spot that’s super popular, complete with occasional musical and cultural performances – we know, right? At a Starbucks? Seriously?
Photo: @anzosu on Instagram
Interior-wise, the space’s wooden decor, high ceilings, and theatre-style seating make it a fabulous place to chill out or bring someone on a date.
And if you’re planning to head down, just type “Gyeongdong Market” into Naver, Kakao, or Google Maps – you’ll easily find the space.
Address: 1036 Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun District, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Opening hours: Open daily: 9am to 10pm
Getting there: Take buses 271, 262, 260, 720, 201, and 270 to Jegi-dong Station and walk for five minutes
3. Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
When it comes to hanoks, Bukchon Hanok Village typically gets all the attention, thanks to influencers regularly holding photo shoots there and its role as a filming location in K-dramas like Goblin and The Heirs.
But did you know that nearby Ikseondong Hanok Village is well worth exploring?
Photo: @denissesyy on Instagram
While Bukchon has long been packed with tourist buses (it’s so crowded that visits are restricted after 5 pm to reduce overtourism), Ikseon-dong offers a quieter, less touristy vibe.
As the oldest hanok village in Seoul, its picturesque alleys and narrow streets seamlessly blend traditional hanoks with trendy cafes and pubs.
Plus, it’s conveniently located close to Insadong in the city center.
Don’t miss Cheong Su Dang (청수당), an aesthetic hanok-style café surrounded by gorgeous bamboo; Ikseon Jutaek Coffee & Bar (익선주택) for their highly Instagrammable pancakes; and Hanok Langsom Ikseon (한옥랑솜 익선) for great coffee and a stylish place to chill at.
Address: Ikseon-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10am to 9pm. Weds: 11:30am to 9pm.
Getting there: Take Line 3 from Chungmuro Station and take two stops to Jongno 3-ga Station. It's a 5-minute walk after.
4. Goto Mall
Who would’ve thought that one of Seoul’s best hidden gems is, quite literally, hidden underground – in the case of Goto Mall?
Photo: @maya_koreatrip on Instagram
Arguably Gangnam’s best-kept secret, this ultimate shopping haven is located at the Express Bus Terminal Station.
Getting here is simple: just hop on the Seoul Subway, and you’ll find yourself in a fashion paradise with low-cost drip from a staggering 620 shops spread across two alleys, each stretching nearly a kilometre.
Forget crowded tourist markets – Goto Mall is the spot to discover stylish Y2K outfits, cosmetics that will last you a lifetime, and even paintings, tableware, and quirky souvenirs.
Photo: @kirstiese on Instagram
Pro tip: Cash is preferred here, so be sure to carry enough with you.
Address: 194 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 10pm
Getting there: Hop on Line 3 at Anguk Station and alight at Express Bus Terminal Station. Then, walk for five minutes.
5. Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Seodaemun Prison History Hall might not be at the top of everyone’s Seoul "things to do" bucket list.
But let us tell you why that should change – especially if you’re looking for less-visited places that most tourists miss.
Besides being a popular filming location for many K-dramas (think Goblin and Father, I’ll Take Care of You) for prison scenes, this retro red-brick building surrounded by hills holds a wealth of history.
It offers a raw and intense look into Korea’s fight against early 20th-century colonisation.
Your best bet is to join a guided tour of Seodaemun Prison, where you can enter sombre prison cells, eerie interrogation rooms, and haunting torture chambers where Korea’s brave freedom fighters were once held.
Unlike Seoul’s busier tourist attractions, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall offers a glimpse into Korean history, with plenty of hidden corners to discover on the first floor and beyond.
Address: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Opening hours: Tues to Sun: 9:30am to 6pm. Closed on Mon
Getting there: Get on Subway Line 3 at Anguk Station and alight at Dongnimmun Station. Then, walk for five minutes.
6. Seochon Village
Want to experience a taste of Korean culture, specifically the old Seoul vibes?
Well, another fabulous alternative to Bukchon Hanok Village is Seochon Hanok Village (also known as Sejong Village), the birthplace of King Sejong, who created the Korean alphabet.
Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, this village features gorgeous hanoks alongside boutiques, cafés, art spaces, and the Daeo Bookstore – the oldest bookstore in the capital and definitely one of the more unique national treasures.
Visiting Seochon Village for Daeo Bookstore is worth it. Celebs like BTS’s RM have visited, and it has been used as a popular K-drama filming location many times.
Photo: @kavi.and.seongeun on Instagram
Don’t forget to try Tosokchon Samgyetang’s heartwarming ginseng chicken soup, where a young chicken is generously stuffed with glutinous rice and boiled with ginseng, red dates, and garlic.
To maximise your time in the area, we recommend a Seochon Hanok Village tour to see all the highlights in one go.
Address: 28-1 Tongui-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Getting there: Catch the Jongno 09 town bus and get off at Tongin Market and Jongno-gu Health Center. After that, it’s just a short one-minute walk.
7. Seoul Sky Observatory Skybridge Tour
In a global city like Seoul, it can be tough to discover hidden gems, but did you know you can still find them even at well-known landmarks?
Take the Seoul Sky Observatory at the Lotte World Tower, for example. It’s an iconic building with a popular attraction, but there’s a whole new way to experience it.
You can walk across an outdoor bridge on the top seven floors of this 123-floor giant, which stands 555 metres high (almost 100 metres higher than the N Seoul Tower), and enjoy 360-degree views of the Han River and the city below.
Photo: @forrealzthistime on Instagram
The Skybridge Tour allows you to walk 541 metres above the ground and take in the stunning cityscape.
To join the tour, you’ll need to book in advance through Seoul Sky’s official website - ideally one month ahead.
And if you’re up for more adventure, consider combining your visit with a trip to Lotte World Theme Park nearby for the ultimate day out.
Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Opening hours: Open daily, 10:30am to 10pm
Getting there: Take the train to Jamsil Station. Afterward, walk for two minutes to reach your destination.
8. Oil Tank Culture Park
Photo: @jennysjoberg on Instagram
If you're looking for something for your Seoul itinerary, you have to check out Oil Tank Culture Park, which was originally a petroleum reserve base in the '70s.
Today's remodeled version of the space blends history, sustainability, and culture, and it’s become a popular hangout for the cool kids.
Photo: @brubmaciel on Instagram
Instead of oil in the tanks, you'll now find contemporary art exhibitions, a performance hall with industrial-chic vibes, and Café TANK 6, an ultra-modern, artsy café with huge teddy bear soft toys.
Oh, and once you're done here, take a short stroll to the nearby World Cup Stadium that's within walking distance.
If you're looking for some of the more unique things to do in the capital, this is definitely worth a visit.
Address: 87 Jeungsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Opening hours: Tue to Sun: 10am to 6pm. Closed on Mon
Getting there: Take bus 710 from Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 1 and alight at the south side of the World Cup Stadium
9. Haneul Park
Ever wanted to experience some medieval Korean vibes, with endless rows of tall pampas grass and towering granite mountains in the distance?
Well, you can live out your Kingdom or Six Flying Dragons fantasies with a trip to Haneul Park, one of the five parks in World Cup Park, and arguably the most popular.
Autumn is the best time to visit, with the super Instagrammable and pretty-in-pink muhly grass and the bushy kochia broom cypress on display from October to November, along with sweeping views of the Han River.
We recommend joining a tour to Haneul Park that also takes you to Eunpyeong Hanok Village, which has gone viral on TikTok because of the five-storey Irin Iljan, offering stunning views of the hanoks.
Address: 482 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Getting there: Take bus 710 from Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 1 and alight at the west side of the World Cup Stadium
10. Jeongdong Observatory & Cafe Darak
Think you know Seoul like the back of your hand? Think again.
On the 13th floor of the Seoul City Hall Seosomun Building is one of the best hidden gems in Seoul – Jeongdong Observatory & Café Darak.
At this gorgeous café, you can soak in a bird’s-eye view of Deoksugung Palace and the Jeongdong area, including landmarks like Seoul City Hall and the Seoul Anglican Cathedral.
The place is especially magnificent in autumn, and winter is another great time to visit as you sip on hot coffee while enjoying the scenery.
Once you're done, you might want to join a half-day walking tour of Deoksugung Palace, which is the only palace in the capital that combines traditional and Western-style buildings.
Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 1:30pm to 5:30pm. Sat & Sun: 9am to 5:30pm.
Getting there: Take buses 1711, 7016, or 7022 and alight at City Hall, then walk for 4 minutes.
11. Sanmotoonge at Buam-dong
Yet another cool café spot to check out for some truly breathtaking views is Sanmotoonge, located in Buam-dong - probably Seoul's most laid-back neighbourhood (and most secret find).
The café's got a delightfully retro vibe, with multiple windows offering stunning views of the Inwangsan and Bukhansan mountain ranges.
Oh, and fun fact – it was the filming location for the 2007 K-drama Coffee Prince!
It's a real treat for any mountain lover - you can even spot the Seoul City Wall from the café.
Once you’re done, take some time to explore the art galleries and other restaurants in Buam-dong.
Pro tip: Visit in autumn for breathtaking fiery red foliage.
Address: 153 Baekseokdong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am to 7:50pm
Getting there: Since the café is uphill and a 900-metre walk, it’s best to take a taxi (roughly a 12-minute ride from Gyeongbokgung Palace).
12. Seoul Forest Cafe Street
Want to break away from the usual at Seongsudong Cafe Street? Why not explore Seoul Forest Cafe Street as an alternative?
This charming street, just a stone's throw from Seoul Forest, is a paradise for café hoppers, offering an array of speciality cafés and fashion boutiques.
Some must-visit spots include Teddy's Oven, a whimsical café with excellent coffee and pastries like quiche and pancakes. Or, savour delicious handmade burgers and draft beer at Zesty Saloon.
Pro tip: Start your exploration at the bright pink Samo Ondoh store if you’re arriving from the nearest subway station.
Address: 47 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea (map)
Opening hours: Daily: 24/7
Getting there: Take the Bundang Line to Seoul Forest Station, and it’s just a four-minute walk from there.
13. Starfield Library
The Starfield Library in Seoul might not be the ultimate hidden gem, but if you're after something that'll definitely impress, you can't go wrong here.
Photo: @derekdough on Instagram
Located in the COEX Mall in Gangnam, this place isn’t your average library.
We're talking floor-to-ceiling bookshelves soaring 13 meters high, filled with over 50,000 books and magazines.
The space is super bright and open, with natural light flooding in through a glass roof - perfect for snapping some Insta-worthy shots.
It’s not exactly a non-touristy thing to do in Seoul, but it’s worth a visit all the same.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Yeongdong-daero, 513 스타필드 코엑스몰 B1 (map)
Opening hours: Open daily, 10:30am to 10pm
Getting there: Take Line 9 from Express Bus Terminal Station and get off at Bongeunsa Station. From there, it's only a quick one-minute walk.
Honourable Mentions for Hidden Gems in Seoul:
Hop on a Han River Cruise for some amazing views, or try stand-up paddling there if you're the adventurous sort.
For those craving a bit of nature, check out Seoul Grand Park and the beautiful Gwacheon Lake - just under 30 minutes from Seoul Station.
Also, don't miss the Jamsil Railway Bridge Walk for some cool cityscapes, or take a hike along the Seoul City Wall for a perfect mix of modern and historic vibes - a must-add for any Korea trip itinerary.
Best Hidden Spots in Seoul: Lesser-Known Neighbourhoods
Mullae-dong:
Photo: @eenjohn on Instagram
Once home to small-scale steel factories, attracting artists from the increasingly popular Hongdae area two decades ago, you can visit for graffiti, art galleries, and cosy cafés in an area that is still not overly gentrified.
Seongbuk-dong:
Nestled in the foothills of the mountains, this gorgeous residential area is mostly populated by wealthy households and the elite - think politicians and foreign ambassadors.
However, you can still visit pretty cafés and retro spots like The Old Cinema, a vintage furniture store, and Suyeonsanbang, an old-school tea house tucked along the slope of a hill.
Gangbuk-gu
Ah, Gangbuk-gu – the gateway to Bukhansan Mountain, which you can always climb on a tour (totally worth it, in our opinion).
Come here for an escape from the hustle and bustle, including scaling the lofty heights and craggy peaks of Bukhansan. The North Seoul Dream Forest is also a lovely spot to connect with nature.
Yeonhui-dong
If you're all about that chill vibe, Yeonhui-dong might be right up your alley.
It's a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood with a mix of hip cafés, one of which is Pieces of Seoul, a hidden café tucked away in one of the alleyways. It offers a simple menu with only three espresso-based drinks.
Mangwon-dong
One of the smaller and more underrated neighbourhoods, Mangwon-dong is a laid-back area with small indie shops and a generally retro vibe.
Visit the local Mangwon Market for a less commercial and touristy feel compared to Gwangjang, and check out the scenic Mangwon Hangang Park too.
Nodeul Island
An island "floating" right in the middle of the Hangang River, there's not much to do here except for scheduled events.
But it's still a nice spot to chill out with a great view, especially if you're familiar with the more popular spots in the city.
Hidden Gems vs Must-See Attractions
Seoul’s got the perfect blend of popular tourist spots and hidden gems, each offering its own way to experience the city.
While you definitely shouldn’t miss iconic places like N Seoul Tower and all the palaces on your first visit, it’s the hidden gems that really give you an intimate feel of Seoul’s true vibe.
Even spots like Gwangjang Market can be experienced in a whole new way – imagine joining a Netflix food tour or dressing up in a school uniform at Lotte World Theme Park.
In the end, it’s not just about where you go, but how you experience it that makes all the difference.