Myeongdong Takes the Crown! Seoul's Most Popular Tourist Spots Revealed: Top 5 Destinations for Foreign Visitors

As the global tourism market fully recovers, South Korea's popularity as a travel destination continues to rise. But where do foreign tourists love to visit most in Seoul? On the 22nd, the Seoul AI Foundation released a new big data analysis report, tracking foreign visitor flows across 16 major tourist sites in the city. The results show that Myeongdong, long known as a shopping paradise, has secured the top spot with an average of over 100,910 foreign visitors per day—nearly double the number of the second-place destination—once again making it the top choice for international tourists visiting Korea.

Seoul's Top 5 Most Popular Tourist Destinations by Daily Foreign Visitor Count

🥇 1. Myeongdong: 100,910 visitors 🥈 2. N Seoul Tower (Namsan): 57,370 visitors 🥉 3. Samseong Station & COEX: 46,813 visitors 4. Gangnam Station: 41,210 visitors 5. Hongdae: 40,213 visitors

Myeongdong Dominates, with N Seoul Tower and COEX Following Closely

According to the analysis, Myeongdong attracts an average of 100,910 foreign visitors daily, ranking first. The iconic N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain comes in second with 57,370 visitors per day. In third place is the Samseong Station and COEX area, a hub combining department stores, convention centers, and shopping malls, drawing 46,813 visitors daily. Gangnam Station ranks fourth with 41,210 visitors, while Hongdae, popular among younger travelers, ranks fifth with 40,213 visitors.

The rankings confirm that foreign tourists prioritize shopping, dining, and urban sightseeing, reaffirming Seoul’s core commercial districts as key engines of international tourism.

Looking at actual visitor reviews of Myeongdong, tourists rave: "Myeongdong is a must-visit for shopping in Seoul. From trendy fashion and accessories to a wide array of delicious Korean street food, it’s fun and satisfying—always on my itinerary." "My first company trip to Korea was to Myeongdong Shopping Street! So much to buy and explore! Street food stalls everywhere—so overwhelming! The cheese-baked lobster was amazing, and the owner was so fast!" "I shopped until my back and feet hurt, but I couldn’t stop! There are so many album shops, and you can find almost anything you need. Olive Young stores are denser than convenience stores—every trendy brand and souvenir is here." "Myeongdong is fantastic! Highly recommended—shopping, dining, entertainment. I also watched the Nanta show, visited Shinsegae Department Store and duty-free shops, and enjoyed Korean fried chicken. It was a wonderful memory." "Myeongdong is truly a shopping paradise—almost every brand is available, the streets are comfortable to walk, and the scenery, especially at sunset, is stunning! I hope to return soon." "Myeongdong is a must-visit on every trip. I usually arrive on a weekday evening, drop off my luggage, exchange money in Myeongdong, then have dinner. The night market food is slightly pricier than elsewhere, but the variety is excellent, and it’s lively even on weekdays—no long waits. Many global brands have opened stores here." "So many cute shops! I went in the cool afternoon and met friendly staff. Everything is convenient, and the street food is amazing! I’ll definitely come back! I can find everything I want in one place—super convenient, super lively, and I love it." "I came to Korea for my first concert with my family. The nearby Myeongdong area was bustling—Korean fashion, beauty products, and celebrity merchandise were all available. I loved it and will return."

Differing Travel Habits by Nationality: Shopping, Heritage, and Cultural Experiences

Beyond the overall rankings, the report analyzed travel preferences by country, revealing clear differences in tourist behavior.

Southeast Asian travelers show a strong preference for cultural and historical sites, with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village—areas preserving traditional Korean architecture and heritage—being the most popular. Chinese and Japanese tourists prioritize shopping, frequently visiting commercial districts such as Myeongdong, Namdaemun Market, and Gwangjang Market.

In contrast, travelers from the Americas favor immersive local lifestyles and emerging cultural districts. Seongsu-dong, a rapidly rising creative neighborhood, and Seoul Forest, known for its green spaces and leisure activities, are popular destinations. European tourists show deep interest in traditional Korean culture, with Bukchon Hanok Village attracting the most European visitors.

Seoul Tourism on the Rise: Big Data Reveals New Trends

The Seoul AI Foundation conducted this analysis of foreign visitor flows across 16 representative city sites to understand international tourism trends and inform future urban tourism policies and marketing strategies.

The latest data confirms that shopping districts remain the primary draw for foreign tourists visiting Seoul. However, preferences are increasingly segmented by nationality—spanning cultural experiences, culinary exploration, and lifestyle interests—indicating that Seoul’s tourism model is evolving toward greater diversity and precision.