Last Updated on 2025 年 12 月 5 日 by 総合編集組
Top 10 Brand-New Seoul Attractions You Cannot Miss in 2026 A Complete Insider Guide to the Hottest Spots in Seoul
Seoul never stops evolving. As we step into 2026, the city has unveiled a series of groundbreaking landmarks that blend futuristic architecture, immersive art, luxury shopping, and cultural experiences. Here are the absolute must-visit new attractions that dominate every traveler’s itinerary this year.
1. HAUS NOWHERE SEOUL – The Ultimate Futuristic Landmark in Seongsu-dong Opened in September 2025, HAUS NOWHERE SEOUL is a 14-story experimental retail universe created by the parent company of Gentle Monster. This is not a department store — it’s an immersive art installation you can shop in. Highlights include a breathing mechanical dachshund, larger-than-life cake sculptures by Nudake, the surreal Tamburins fragrance flagship, and the breathtaking Nudake Tearoom on the top floor with panoramic Han River views. Location: 8-minute walk from Seongsu Station (Line 2). Best time: weekday afternoons for crowd-free photos.
2. Hanwha Galleria – The Glass Hourglass Luxury Department Store in Apgujeong Reborn in 2025 under the design of Heatherwick Studio (famous for Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay), Hanwha Galleria’s façade consists of thousands of movable glass panels that shimmer like flowing water. Inside, spacious luxury boutiques, Michelin-starred chef takeaway counters, and seamless tax-refund service make it the new favorite among high-end shoppers. Connected directly to Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Bundang Line).
3. The Hyundai Seoul – Still the Most Beautiful Department Store in Korea Even years after its opening, The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido remains unbeatable. The 12-meter indoor waterfall, the Sounds Forest botanical garden on the 5th floor (now with nightly light shows), and the expanded Korean designer zone on B2 keep drawing massive crowds. Pro tip: arrive at 10:30 AM on weekdays to photograph the waterfall without people.
4. Animage & Ghibli Exhibition at Yongsan I’Park Mall Running from June 6, 2025 to February 22, 2026, this is the longest overseas Ghibli exhibition ever. Life-sized moving sets from Totoro, Spirited Away, and Laputa, hundreds of original Animage magazine covers, and an insane limited-edition merchandise section. Tickets available online and on-site; pre-booking highly recommended.
5. LV The Place Seoul – Six Floors of Pure Louis Vuitton Magic Louis Vuitton transformed six floors inside Shinsegae Department Store into a vertical lifestyle destination. Retail on floors 1-3, Le Café Louis Vuitton (overseen by world’s best pastry chef Maxime Frédéric) on floor 4, the “Visionary Journeys” archive exhibition on floor 5, and the upcoming Michelin-level restaurant JP at Louis Vuitton opening January 2026 on floor 6. Korean traditional Saekdong rainbow motifs appear throughout the stunning interior.
6. DDP Rooftop Full Course Open – 652-Meter Skywalk The entire 652-meter rooftop walkway of Dongdaemun Design Plaza is now fully accessible. Walk above Zaha Hadid’s iconic curves and enjoy unobstructed views of old and new Seoul.
7. Seoul’s 12 New Skyview Observatories Project By 2026, twelve mountain-top observatories will be completed, including new platforms on Namsan, Yongmasan, and Achasan. Wooden decks blend perfectly with nature — perfect for sunset chasers.
8. Frieze House Seoul – Permanent Contemporary Art Space in Yaksu-dong Frieze (the team behind Frieze Seoul art fair) opened a year-round gallery complex in 2025, bringing blue-chip international galleries to a beautifully renovated building.
9. Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower – Still the Highest & Most Breathtaking 123rd floor, 500 meters above ground. The glass-floor corner and the fastest elevator in the world continue to deliver heart-stopping views, especially at night.
10. Han River Drone Light Show – Now a Weekly Event Confirmed as a permanent Saturday-night spectacle from late 2025 onward. Best viewing spots: Yeouido Hangang Park and Banpo Bridge.
Practical Tips for 2026 Seoul Travelers • Use Naver Map instead of Google Maps for accurate indoor navigation • Most new venues accept T-money or Korean mobile payment • Winter temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can exceed 30°C — dress in layers • Taxi fare between Seongsu-dong and Yeouido is only around 8,000-10,000 KRW
Seoul in 2026 is bolder, more artistic, and more photogenic than ever. Save this guide, charge your camera, and get ready for the most futuristic chapter of the city yet.
