Last Updated on 2025 年 12 月 3 日 by 総合編集組
Top 12 Must-Visit New Attractions in Seoul for 2026 – The Ultimate Guide
Seoul is transforming faster than ever. By the end of 2026, the city will unveil 12 brand-new skyview observatories, a permanent Frieze House for contemporary art, and the fully opened 652-meter DDP Rooftop Tour. This guide collects the latest official updates and real visitor feedback to help you plan the perfect trip.
1. Seoul’s Ambitious Skyview Observatories Project (12 New Free Viewpoints by 2026)
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is building 12 scenic observatories across the city’s mountains, blending nature with breathtaking urban panoramas. • Phase 1 (already open in 2025): 7 locations including four platforms on Namsan, plus Yongmasan, Hoamsan, and World Cup Park. • Phase 2 (completion in 2026): 5 flagship observatories
- Umyeonsan & Bongsan: Forest-retreat style, connected to Seoul Trail, perfect for hikers.
- Baengnyeonsan Eungpyeongjeong & Yongwangsan Yongwangjeong: Traditional Korean pavilion design with modern glass floors and night-lighting effects.
- One final themed observatory (location still under wraps, possibly tied to a major 2026 event).
All observatories are free of charge and built with eco-friendly wooden structures. Early visitors on Korean forums already call Umyeonsan “Seoul’s new mini-Hallasan”.
2. Frieze House Seoul – Asia’s Newest Permanent Contemporary Art Space
Opened in September 2025 in Yaksu-dong (8-minute walk from Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station), Frieze House Seoul is Frieze’s first year-round exhibition space outside London and New York. Designed by award-winning Korean studio Samuso Hyoja, the renovated building keeps a low-profile façade but offers soaring white-cube galleries inside. The inaugural exhibition “UnHouse” (curated by Jae Seok Kim) runs into early 2026 and features 14 international artists. 2026 highlights include a collaboration with Serpentine Galleries (spring) and a rumored Yayoi Kusama mirror installation (summer). Opening hours: Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00 | Suggested donation: ₩10,000–20,000 International collectors describe it as “East London vibes in the heart of Seoul”.
3. DDP Rooftop Tour – Full 652-Meter Walkway Now Open
The iconic Zaha Hadid-designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza finally opened its entire rooftop in late 2025. Visitors now walk 652 meters at 29 meters above ground, enjoying 360° views of historic gates, bustling markets, and the LED Rose Garden glowing beneath their feet. Pilot program satisfaction rate: 94%. Most common visitor comment: “Feels like walking on a spaceship above old Seoul.” Free entry but online reservation mandatory (slots disappear in seconds).
4. Other Rising Attractions for 2026
• Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky: Rumored 123F sky bar opening in the first half of 2026. • Han River Drone Light Show: Becomes a regular event on the 2nd and 4th Saturday every month. • Seongsu-dong extension: New murals and pop-up galleries spreading toward Seoul Forest.
5. Suggested 3-Day Itinerary for 2026
Day 1 – Modern Seoul Morning: Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Evening: Frieze House Seoul (check for extended hours)
Day 2 – Design & History Afternoon: DDP Rooftop Tour + LED Rose Garden at night Night: Explore Yaksu-dong gallery lane
Day 3 – Nature & Sky Early morning: Hike to Umyeonsan or Baengnyeonsan new observatory for sunrise Afternoon: Relax at World Cup Park observatory
Practical Tips
• Public transport doesn’t reach most mountain observatories directly – combine subway + short taxi ride. • Book DDP Rooftop at least 14 days in advance via the official Seoul city website. • Best photo months: April (cherry blossoms) and October–November (autumn foliage).
Seoul in 2026 is no longer just K-pop and palaces – it’s becoming one of the most exciting contemporary cities in Asia. Start planning now!
