The 8 Best Outdoor Activities in Seoul

Seoul is a city where tradition and modernity live in perfect harmony. Its massive skyscrapers contrast with the centuries-old temples and mountains that surround the city, creating the perfect setting for outdoor activities.

With a climate that varies from cold, snowy winters to hot summers, each season offers a different way to discover South Korea's capital. Here are some must-do experiences to experience Seoul outside of the enclosed spaces.

Seoul is the perfect city to explore on two wheels. Its numerous bike lanes run along the Han River, through historic neighbourhoods and along the modern avenues of Gangnam, allowing you to explore the city in a dynamic and sustainable way.

If you want the full experience, you can join a bike tour and cycle with a local guide who will take you around the most emblematic parts of the capital.

Just an hour from Seoul, the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is one of the most striking places in South Korea. This territory, which separates the two Koreas, is a living testimony to recent history and a site laden with symbolism.

During your visit, you can see the Freedom Bridge, the tunnels dug by North Korea and the lookout point from which, on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the neighbouring country.

Seoul is full of urban parks that offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Places like Namsan Park, home to Seoul's famous N Tower, or Hangang Park, on the banks of the Han River, are ideal for strolling, picnicking or just enjoying the outdoors.

And in autumn, the parks turn red and gold, making them perfect backdrops for spectacular photographs.

About two hours from the capital, Nami Island is a perfect destination for those seeking a day of nature and tranquillity. Famous for its tree-lined avenues and appearances in Korean dramas, it's an ideal place to stroll, cycle or just enjoy the scenery.

Each season gives it a different colour: in spring the cherry blossoms bloom, in summer it is a green oasis, in autumn it is filled with reddish tones and in winter the snow creates a fairytale setting.

If you enjoy hiking, Bukhansan National Park is the perfect place for an outdoor excursion. With several trails through forests, temples and rock formations, it offers incredible panoramic views of Seoul from its summit.

The route can be demanding, but the reward is spectacular scenery and the chance to see a more natural side to the city.

Banpo Bridge, which crosses the Han River, is famous for its night-time light and water show. Its fountain, the longest in the world, lights up in vibrant colours to the rhythm of music, creating a magical atmosphere.

It is an ideal place for an evening stroll, either on foot or by bicycle, while enjoying the river breeze and views of the illuminated city.

Seoul's palaces are a window into Korea's past. Gyeongbokgung, the largest and most important, is a must-see if you want to understand the country's history. You can walk through its courtyards, gardens and pavilions while watching the changing of the guard, a colourful and traditional ceremony.

For an even more authentic experience, you can rent a hanbok (traditional Korean costume) and feel like part of Korean royalty as you stroll through the centuries-old halls.

Strolling through Seoul's open-air markets is one of the best ways to get a taste of local life. Gwangjang Market is famous for its street food, where you can try dishes such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and kimbap.

Dongdaemun Market, on the other hand, combines tradition and modernity, with stalls selling clothes, accessories and souvenirs to suit all tastes.