Are you planning a trip to Korea and want to steer clear of spots that only tourists flock to?
Here are the most overrated tourist traps in Seoul you might want to skip!
Quick Summary
- For your trip to Korea, you’ve probably listed some famous places, and that’s totally fine! But if you’d rather avoid tourist traps, I’d suggest skipping Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market, and Gangnam.
1. Myeongdong
Myeongdong is Seoul’s glittering shopping ground zero.
You’ll find cosmetics, skincare, street food, and flashy discount signs stretching for blocks.
It sounds amazing if you’re looking for convenience or visiting for the first time.
But what Myeongdong offers is overpriced street food that’s not even Korean.
So, if you’re a traveler who wants authenticity, Myeongdong isn’t really where you’d want to go.
I only went to Myeongdong once when I was 18, shopping with college friends while exploring Seoul on my own for the first time. I never went back, except for work later when I was at a PR agency. Even then, I just went straight to the office and back without bothering with the touristy parts because it was just exhausting.
Still, Myeongdong has its perks. It has easy subway access and plenty of English-speaking staff.
It would be great for one quick evening stroll (1-2 hours tops), but I’d recommend Hongdae for better vibes, and Dongdaemun or The Hyundai Seoul for better shopping.
2. Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is famous for dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), kimbap, and noodles.
But you might find that it’s grown too touristy.
Most Koreans don’t even eat there anymore because some ajummas can be pushy, rushing you to finish or insisting you order more.
Gwangjang Market is definitely overhyped in my opinion.
Some storeowners also price items higher just because you’re a tourist.
If you do visit, try going early and feel free to leave when you get “off vibes.”
I’d also recommend checking out smaller neighborhood markets like Mangwon Market or Tongin Market for food that is wallet-friendly and doesn’t feel too staged.
3. Gangnam
You know the “Oppa Gangnam Style” dance, but otherwise, Gangnam is mostly sleek skyscrapers, and expensive restaurants.
The only reason I’d go to Gangnam is for beauty clinics because prices are competitive there, or for Hagwons (private institutes for English and other subjects).
Places like Starfield Library in COEX look far better on screen than in real life.
I don’t believe it’s worth traveling 40-70 minutes only to spend five minutes taking photos. Every time I go to COEX, it’s ALWAYS super crowded.
Gangnam does deliver luxury and modern vibes though.
A more enjoyable mix of cozy cafés, quirky alleys, and local hangouts will be places like Mullae-dong or Ikseon-dong.
Seongsu-dong is so trendy right now, but that also means waiting in line for everything… even a claw machine.
To be clear, Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market, and Gangnam aren’t bad. They’re landmarks for a reason.
I just wouldn’t take my friends there.
If you’ve only got a week in Korea, use one or two of them as quick pit stops, then spend the rest of your time exploring neighborhoods locals love.
Perhaps, you can find more authentic experiences at outdoor drinking alleys in Euljiro and hidden coffee shops in Seochon.
Tourist traps are fun in small doses, but Korea’s real magic hides beyond the crowds!
