Finding the perfect spot in Seoul to enjoy a complete rest without having to travel far to the provinces is the wisest way to spend this weekend. Quiet palaces and spaces with expansive views are waiting for us, offering a break from the usual crowded tourist spots. If you’ve been fidgeting with your smartphone, unsure of where to go on weekends, this article will serve as an excellent guide. We will explore a balanced mix of cozy strolls that help you forget the city’s complexity and exhibition spaces that spark artistic inspiration. You will discover that breathtaking scenery is hidden in alleyways and building rooftops that you usually pass by without a second thought. I hope you will carefully review the hidden gems introduced below and plan your weekend outing accordingly.
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Top 5 Places to Visit in Seoul This Weekend & Hidden Gems
1. Deoksugung Stone Wall Path and Cecil Maru Rooftop Observatory
Walking along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Path makes it easy to reach the Cecil Maru Rooftop Observatory, a popular spot for many. This resting space, located on the rooftop of the Cecil Concert Hall building, offers a bird’s-eye view of the Seoul Cathedral of the Catholic Church and the Jeongdong area. The charming traditional houses hidden among the high-rise buildings blend harmoniously with the exotic architectural style of the Anglican cathedral, creating a unique landscape. It has gained a reputation among photography enthusiasts for allowing them to enjoy views that are usually only seen from below, from a fresh perspective. With no separate entrance fee and easy access, it is the perfect place to stop by spontaneously during a light walk.
When visiting, it is best to wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere of Jeongdong Street. Visiting on a weekend afternoon allows you to soak in the romantic mood of the setting sun over Deoksugung Palace and take stunning commemorative photos. There are also numerous old coffee shops nearby, making it easy to spend a leisurely time with a warm cup of tea. Despite being in the heart of a bustling city, it has a surprisingly quiet and cozy atmosphere, making it ideal for finding peace of mind. This weekend, I recommend holding hands with a loved one or family member to fully experience the serene charm of Jeongdong.
The Deoksugung Stone Wall Path and Cecil Maru Rooftop Observatory are the best walking course to enjoy exotic scenery and leisure simultaneously in the city.
2. Seoul Museum of Art Seosomun Main Building and Special Exhibitions
If you love culture and art, you must not miss the diverse exhibitions held at the Seoul Museum of Art Seosomun Main Building. The museum offers in-depth artistic experiences, ranging from large-scale retrospectives honoring pioneers of Korean abstract art to works by world-renowned photographers. As you appreciate the artworks in the museum’s characteristic calm and intellectual atmosphere, you will feel your daily stress melt away. The spacious indoor area serves as the perfect refuge to enjoy cultural life comfortably, regardless of the weather. After touring the exhibition halls, sitting in the museum courtyard to chat while enjoying the autumn breeze is also a source of great happiness.
The museum is well-equipped with explanatory materials to help understand the artworks, allowing even those unfamiliar with art to immerse themselves easily. After viewing, a popular course is to take a light walk along the nearby Jeongdong Street to prolong the afterglow of the experience. Since visitors may be crowded on weekends, checking your schedule online in advance is highly recommended to save time. It is an excellent cultural space for both enjoying solitary reflection and sharing impressions with loved ones. This weekend, consider heading to a museum in the city to recharge your emotions.
The Seoul Museum of Art Seosomun Main Building is a must-visit course to fill with artistic inspiration by viewing high-quality exhibitions regardless of the weather.
3. Unhyeongung and Namsangol Hanok Village History Experience
Unhyeongung and Namsangol Hanok Village, filled with the scent of tradition, are historical landmarks in the city that people of all ages can enjoy comfortably. At Unhyeongung, where the footprints of the old royal family remain, you can leisurely stroll while appreciating the antique architectural beauty of the Joseon Dynasty. Moving to Namsangol Hanok Village, you will be greeted by a stunning landscape where traditional houses scattered across Seoul have been gathered in one place. It serves as a living history classroom for children and evokes nostalgic memories of childhood for adults. In one corner of the courtyard, you can directly experience traditional games, providing visitors with plenty of small joys.
The pond and pavilion deep within the village create a serene atmosphere, making it the perfect place to clear your mind and take a walk. If you visit wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), you can take beautiful, lifelong memorable photos with the traditional houses as a backdrop. Another major advantage is the abundance of sights, with diverse traditional cultural events held during holidays and weekends. The autumn sky viewed from the eaves of the traditional houses offers a deep emotion that is rarely felt in the city. If you want to fully enjoy our unique charm and romance without traveling far, this should be the first place that comes to mind.
Unhyeongung and Namsangol Hanok Village are historical and cultural spaces to heal in the city by feeling the beauty of traditional architecture and experiencing various games.
4. Ansan Mountain Trail and Autumn Foliage Forest Walk
When the autumn breeze blows gently, I strongly recommend the Ansan Mountain Trail as a great place to push a stroller or walk with the whole family. The slopes are gentle and the wooden decks are well-laid, allowing people of all ages to enjoy a comfortable walk without getting out of breath. The moment you enter the lush forest, the noise of the city disappears completely, and you are welcomed by fresh air and the sounds of insects. The landscape where ginkgo and maple trees harmoniously blend to form waves of red and yellow is so fantastic that you cannot take your eyes off it. Benches and pavilions are generously provided along the path, allowing you to rest whenever you get tired, making it perfect for taking it easy.
Upon reaching the summit, an expansive view of the Seoul cityscape unfolds, offering a refreshing sensation that clears your mind. It is a highly rated walking course because even those who found steep hiking trails burdensome can enjoy nature without strain. There are also many charming cafes and delicious restaurants nearby, so you can comfortably fill your stomach before or after the walk. For parents who always struggle to find weekend outing spots, this is the safest and most perfect choice that never fails. This weekend, I hope you will walk through the beautiful forest path where green and red coexist, completely blowing away the fatigue of daily life.
Ansan Mountain Trail is a landmark suitable for everyone to enjoy nature and walk without burden, featuring gentle slopes and beautiful autumn foliage forest paths.
5. Seodaemun Museum of Natural History and Family Outings
If you want to spend a fulfilling weekend with your children, it is hard to find a place more educational and fun than the Seodaemun Museum of Natural History in Seoul. Greeted by a massive dinosaur spine fossil at the entrance, this place allows you to vividly learn about the mysteries of life and the history of the Earth. It captivates children’s eyes and ears by unraveling the secrets of various dinosaurs, including the Tyrannosaurus Rex, through interesting exhibits and videos. After touring the exhibition halls, you can spend time connecting with nature by walking along the outdoor paths around the museum. It is popular among families with young children due to its relatively well-equipped parking spaces and convenient indoor/outdoor viewing routes.
There are many spaces where you can touch and experience things directly, rather than just viewing exhibits, which keeps children’s attention high. The charming souvenir shop inside the museum offers dinosaur models and science kits, bringing great joy to children. It is also well-connected to nearby neighborhood parks, making it an excellent condition for bringing a lunchbox and enjoying a light picnic. Various educational programs and special experience exhibitions are held on weekends, so checking the official website before visiting will make your trip even more rewarding. If you are looking for an intellectual and beneficial outing spot that satisfies everyone, this is definitely the place to visit.
Seodaemun Museum of Natural History is a family landmark where both children and parents can have a fun time through massive dinosaur fossils and diverse ecological exhibits.
6. Suggestions for a Successful Weekend Outing
The places in Seoul introduced so far are precious spaces that will drive away the boredom of the weekend and restore vitality to your daily life. While traveling far is nice, the joy of finding hidden gems around us one by one is much greater than you might think. This weekend, put down your smartphone screen for a moment and fully enjoy nature and art in the city with your loved ones. You can accumulate pages of unforgettable memories by exploring every corner of Seoul, which shows different charms in each of the four seasons. Please do not forget that a small plan can transform an ordinary weekend into the most special and happy day. I encourage you to leave your home with a light heart without hesitation and walk into the beautiful scenery this coming weekend.
A small plan to visit hidden gems in Seoul makes an ordinary weekend the most special and vibrant time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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