South Korea · Asia

Discover Seoul with Rafeek

Seoul, officially Seoul Special Metropolitan City, is the capital and largest city of South Korea, and the largest city in the whole of Korea.

Seeing Seoul without the story is only half the trip

The problem

Group tours run on someone else's clock, printed signs say too little, and searching for context on your phone pulls you out of the moment. Most travellers leave Seoul with photos but no sense of what they actually saw.

How Rafeek fixes it

Rafeek is a personal audio guide in your pocket. Press play at each landmark in Seoul, listen at your own pace, and keep your eyes on the place instead of a screen. Guides work offline, so no roaming or signal worries.

What you'll discover in Seoul

36 landmarks with their own audio guide — tap any one to read what you'll hear.

63 Square

An iconic gold-clad skyscraper on Yeouido Island, 63 Square offers stunning views of the Han River and Seoul's skyline from its 63 Art observation deck. The building also contains an aquarium, making it a popular entertainment complex.

Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site

This archaeological site offers a fascinating look into a Neolithic-era settlement that existed around 6,000 years ago. The site features reconstructed pit-houses and a museum displaying artifacts, providing insight into the daily lives of prehistoric inhabitants.

Bongeunsa Temple

Located in the modern Gangnam district, Bongeunsa is a thousand-year-old Buddhist temple offering a peaceful sanctuary. It is famous for its towering statue of the Maitreya Buddha and its Temple Stay program, which allows visitors to experience monastic life.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Nestled between two royal palaces, this residential village is home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses called 'hanok'. It offers a glimpse into the Seoul of 600 years ago, with its narrow alleyways and preserved architecture now housing guesthouses, tea houses, and cultural centers.

Bukhansan National Park

Often called the 'lungs of Seoul', this national park offers incredible hiking opportunities with granite peaks and stunning city views. The park is easily accessible by public transport and is home to numerous temples, historical sites, and diverse wildlife.

Changdeokgung Palace

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this palace was favored by many Joseon princes for its seamless integration with the natural landscape. It is particularly renowned for its Huwon, or Secret Garden, a stunning example of traditional Korean garden design.

Changgyeonggung Palace

Originally built as a residence for queens and concubines, this palace has a poignant history, having been converted into a zoo and botanical garden during the Japanese colonial period. It has since been restored and offers a tranquil space with beautiful architecture and landscapes.

Deoksugung Palace

Located at the corner of Seoul's busiest downtown intersection, Deoksugung Palace is unique for its blend of traditional Korean and Western-style buildings. The palace is famous for its picturesque stone-wall road and was the site of many turbulent events in the final years of the Joseon Dynasty.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the DDP is a futuristic landmark and a hub for design and fashion. Its iconic, curving structure houses exhibition spaces, conference halls, and shops, hosting major events like Seoul Fashion Week.

Gangnam District

Made famous globally by Psy's hit song, Gangnam is an upscale district known for its luxury shopping, high-end dining, and major entertainment companies. It represents the modern, affluent, and trend-setting side of Seoul.

Gwangjang Market

One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, Gwangjang is especially famous for its authentic Korean street food. Visitors flock to its bustling food alleys to savor local favorites like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace and served as the heart of the capital city. It houses the National Folk Museum and the National Palace Museum of Korea within its vast grounds, showcasing the splendor of Korean royal architecture.

Hangang Park

Stretching along the Han River, this collection of parks is a favorite recreational spot for Seoul's residents. It offers extensive bike paths, sports facilities, and scenic spots for picnics, as well as hosting various festivals and events.

Hongdae

Centered around Hongik University, this neighborhood is the epicenter of youth culture, known for its indie music scene, street art, and unique clubs and cafes. It's a vibrant area where you can discover emerging artists, fashion trends, and urban art.

Insadong

Insadong is a neighborhood that represents the culture of the past and the present, with its main street lined with art galleries, traditional craft stores, and tea houses. It is a perfect place to experience traditional Korean culture and purchase unique souvenirs.

Itaewon

Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Itaewon is Seoul's most diverse and international district. It offers a vast array of international cuisines, unique shops, and a vibrant nightlife scene, attracting both expats and locals.

Jogyesa Temple

As the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Jogyesa is a spiritual center in the heart of bustling Seoul. The temple is known for its colorful Dancheong paintwork on the main hall and the ancient trees that stand in its courtyard.

Jongmyo Shrine

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a royal Confucian shrine dedicated to the memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. It is a place of profound spiritual importance where traditional ritual music and dance are still performed today.

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

This prestigious private museum showcases a remarkable collection of both traditional Korean art and contemporary international works. The museum itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed by three world-famous architects: Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas.

Lotte World Tower & Mall

Soaring 123 stories high, the Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea and offers breathtaking views from its Seoul Sky observatory. The complex also includes a massive shopping mall, a luxury hotel, and an aquarium, making it a premier entertainment destination.

Myeongdong

A premier shopping district, Myeongdong is a bustling hub of activity, packed with department stores, international brand outlets, and countless Korean cosmetics shops. It is also a paradise for food lovers, with a vibrant street food scene that comes alive in the evening.

Myeongdong Cathedral

As the first and main cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul, this Gothic-style church is a symbol of Catholicism in Korea. It has also served as a focal point for the country's pro-democracy movement.

N Seoul Tower

Perched atop Namsan Mountain, the N Seoul Tower is an iconic city landmark offering 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city. It is a popular destination for couples, famous for the 'locks of love' that adorn its observation deck fences.

Namdaemun Market

Operating for over 600 years, Namdaemun is the largest and oldest traditional market in South Korea. This sprawling market offers a vast array of goods at wholesale prices, from clothing and accessories to housewares and local delicacies.

National Museum of Korea

As the flagship museum of Korean history and art, this institution houses an extensive collection of over 310,000 artifacts. Its exhibits trace the rich cultural heritage of Korea from ancient times to the modern era.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA)

Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, MMCA Seoul is the city's premier venue for modern and contemporary art. The museum features a diverse range of works from both Korean and international artists in its dynamic exhibition spaces.

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market

This bustling, 24-hour market is one of South Korea's largest seafood markets, offering a vibrant and authentic cultural experience. Visitors can witness live auctions, purchase fresh seafood, and have it prepared immediately at one of the market's restaurants.

Olympic Park

Built to host the 1988 Summer Olympics, this massive park is now a multi-purpose leisure space for the public. It features world-class sports facilities, concert halls, the SOMA Museum of Art, and vast green spaces dotted with impressive sculptures.

Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this tranquil park in the bustling Gangnam district contains the royal tombs of two Joseon kings and one queen. The site provides a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the Confucian burial traditions of the Joseon era.

Seoul Botanic Park

A massive park in western Seoul that combines the features of a botanical garden and a public park. Its centerpiece is a large greenhouse showcasing plants from twelve different tropical and Mediterranean cities, alongside various themed outdoor gardens.

Seoul City Wall (Hanyangdoseong)

Built during the Joseon Dynasty to protect the capital, this ancient wall stretches over 18.6 kilometers along the ridges of Seoul's four inner mountains. Restored sections of the wall now form popular hiking trails, offering historical insights and panoramic city views.

Seoul Forest

This large urban park, once a royal hunting ground, provides a natural oasis within the city. It is composed of five distinct themed areas, including an ecological forest with deer, a botanical garden, and a cultural art park.

Seoul Museum of History

This museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of Seoul from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day. Through detailed dioramas, artifacts, and special exhibitions, it chronicles the city's transformation into a modern metropolis.

Starfield COEX Mall & Library

Located in the COEX convention center, this underground mall is famous for its stunning Starfield Library. The library features towering 13-meter-tall bookshelves and has become a cultural space and an iconic photo spot for visitors.

The War Memorial of Korea

This museum offers a solemn and comprehensive look at the military history of Korea, with a particular focus on the Korean War. It features both indoor and outdoor exhibits with military equipment and poignant memorials to honor those who sacrificed their lives.

Unhyeongung Palace

This was the residence of Heungseon Daewongun, the influential father of King Gojong, during the late Joseon Dynasty. This smaller, well-preserved palace provides an intimate look into the life of the 19th-century royal family.

How Rafeek works in Seoul

Download Rafeek

Get the app on iOS or Android and pick your destination.

Choose a guide

Browse the landmarks nearby and choose the ones you want.

Press play and walk

Listen as you go, at your own pace, online or offline.

About Seoul

Seoul, officially Seoul Special Metropolitan City, is the capital and largest city of South Korea, and the largest city in the whole of Korea. The broader Seoul Metropolitan Area, encompassing Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, emerged as the world's sixth largest metropolitan economy in 2022, behind New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, and London, and hosts more than half of South Korea's population. Although Seoul's population peaked at over 10 million, it has gradually decreased since 2014, standing at about 9.6 million residents as of 2024.