Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace, built by King Taejo, was the main palace of the Joseon dynasty and is the largest and most beautiful of the five palaces. Located north of Changdeokgung and Gyeonghuigung Palaces, it hosted the coronations of many Joseon kings. Though destroyed during the Imjin War, it was later restored under King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong led to its decline as a royal palace, marking the end of the Joseon dynasty. The palace features the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, and Geunjeongjeon Hall, showcasing Joseon architecture. It also houses the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea.

Opening Hours:
October: Mon-Sun 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Last admission 05:00 PM)
November: Mon-Sun 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Last admission 04:00 PM)

Address:
161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Distance (Grand InterContinental Parnas Seoul):
14km | 43 mins (Drive)

Bukchon Hanok Village

Nestled among Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village features hundreds of traditional hanok houses from the Joseon dynasty. The name Bukchon, meaning “northern village,” reflects its location north of Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many hanoks serve as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture. As Bukchon is a residential area, visitors are encouraged to be respectful while exploring..

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat (10:00 AM – 05:00 PM)

Address:
37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Distance (Grand InterContinental Parnas Seoul):
16km | 48 mins (Drive)

Seoul Namsan Tower

Seoul Namsan Tower, Korea’s first multipurpose tower, combines a sightseeing observatory with a broadcasting tower. For 40 years, it has been an iconic landmark and popular tourist attraction. The observatory provides stunning panoramic views of the city, making it a favorite among locals and tourists. The Namsan Cable Car, operating since 1962, transports passengers from the mountain’s base to the tower. Shuttle buses from downtown Seoul to the cable car offer added convenience for visitors.

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri (12:00PM – 10:00PM)

Sat – Sun (11:00AM – 10:00PM)

Address:
105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Distance (Grand InterContinental Parnas Seoul):
14km | 41 mins (Drive)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) has the meaning of ‘Dream, Design and Play’. DDP is a multi-cultural complex designed to support the spread of culture and the development of design and fashion in South Korea. It has staged diverse cultural events including exhibitions, fashion shows, product launch shows, forums and conferences.

Opening Hours:
Tues, Thu, Sat & Sun (10:00AM – 07:00PM)
Wed & Fri (10:00AM – 09:00PM)

Address:
281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Distance (Grand InterContinental Parnas Seoul):
11km | 36 mins (Drive)

Gwangjang Market

Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary adventure at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest and largest foodie havens that was famously featured on Netflix. As you wander through the market, let your senses guide you to the stalls where vendors prepare delectable Korean dishes right before your eyes.

Be sure to savor classic Korean fried chicken smothered in spicy gochujang sauce, indulge in sweet and spicy tteokboki rice cakes, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try soondae, a unique delicacy consisting of meat, rice, vegetables, and blood stuffed into pig or cow intestines, steamed to perfection.

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun (09:00AM – 10:30PM)

Address:
88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Distance (Grand InterContinental Parnas Seoul):
12km | 43 mins (Drive)

Myeongdong Shopping Street

Myeong-Dong is a bustling shopping district in Seoul, offering a plethora of street stalls and retail outlets. It’s a shopper’s paradise with a wide range of stores and malls, selling everything from high-end fashion to casual wear, and a vast selection of Korean cosmetics.

Shopping Type:
Mixed Shopping District

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun (11:00AM – 10:00PM)
Dependent on individual stores.

Address:
8-3 Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Distance (Grand InterContinental Parnas Seoul):
14km | 39 mins (Drive) 

Seongsu Shopping District

Seongsu‑dong, often dubbed the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” has quickly transformed from a traditional shoe‑making and light‑industrial district into one of the city’s trendiest shopping. Here, industrial‑era red‑brick workshops and warehouses house a stylish mix of boutiques—from cutting‑edge Korean labels and indie leather artisans to luxe flagships like Dior, Tamburins, and the newly opened Brandy Melville store. The district also features playful retail hubs in repurposed shipping containers (like Common Ground) and cultural complexes with rotating pop‑ups, offering a vibrant, ever‑evolving shopping landscape. Whether you’re in the market for unique streetwear, artisanal crafts, K‑beauty treasures, or just exploring stylish concept spaces, Seongsu‑dong delivers an edgy, creative, and distinctly Seoul‑hip retail experience.

Shopping Type:
Local Boutique Shops

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun (11:00AM – 08:00PM)
Dependent on individual stores.

Address:
19 Yeonmujang 11-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Distance (Grand InterContinental Parnas Seoul):
5.3km | 22 mins (Drive)

Hongdae Shopping Street

Hongdae Shopping Street is renowned for its lively, youthful atmosphere and eclectic mix of fashion, beauty and art. Packed with trendy boutiques, budget-friendly stalls, K‑beauty shops like Olive Young, and quirky accessory stores, it’s a go‑to destination for the latest Korean street style. The vibrant street art, impromptu busking performances and occasional weekend flea‑markets add a creative, festival‑like energy to every stroll . Whether you’re shopping for fashion finds, catching live music, or snacking on tteokbokki and hotteok, Hongdae delivers an unforgettable dose of Seoul’s urban cool.

Shopping Type:
Trendy Shopping Street

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun (11:00AM – 10:00PM)
Dependent on individual stores.

Address:
365-9 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Distance (Grand InterContinental Parnas Seoul):
20km | 50 mins (Drive)

Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Market is a vast shopping district that includes traditional markets and modern shopping centers. As Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping area, it boasts 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops, and 50,000 manufacturers. Visitors can find a vast array of goods, ranging from fabrics and clothing to electronics, sporting goods, and toys.

Shopping Type:
Traditional & Wholesale Shopping District

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun (11:00AM – 10:00PM)
Dependent on individual stores.

Address:
365-9 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Distance (Grand InterContinental Parnas Seoul):
20km | 50 mins (Drive)

Shinsegae Department Store

Shinsegae Department Store’s main branch occupies the site of the first department store in Korea, the Japanese Misreukkosi Department Store from the 1930s. It underwent a remodeling in 2007 and was transformed into a luxury hall that showcases a wide range of brands, including the top three international luxury brands and new designer brands.

Shopping Type:
Luxury Department Store

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu (10:30AM – 8:00PM)
Fri – Sun & Public Holidays (10:30AM – 8:30PM)
Dependent on individual stores.

Address:
63, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Distance (Grand InterContinental Parnas Seoul):
5.9km | 25 mins (Drive)