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Seoul, South Korea – a metropolis where modernity and tradition coexist harmoniously. The city is known for its beautiful palaces, lively markets, impressive museums, and much more. However, beyond these well-known attractions are unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences for travelers who enjoy breaking off from the crowds. From experiencing Korean gaming culture to visiting charming cafes, this captivating city offers surprises for those who want to experience what they can’t experience anywhere else in the world. As a local living in Korea for 3 years, I’ve put together my ultimate bucket list of unique things to do in Seoul.
This list is especially great for repeat visitors or those looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences. If it’s your first time in Seoul or you want to focus on the highlights, check out my list of the top things to do in Seoul.
Unique things to do in Seoul: FAQs
How to book the best hotels in Seoul?
The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in South Korea is Agoda. It’s owned by the same company as Booking.com but is based in Asia, making it great for finding any hotels you need. If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Seoul is no exception. Book your Seoul accommodation on Agoda today:
Don’t want to search for the best option, or just don’t have time? That’s what I’m here for! As a professional travel advisor, I’ve vetted or personally stayed at the suggested properties below.
Where should I stay in Seoul?
Seoul is a huge city, so it’s best to prioritize staying in an area that is not only exciting but also well-connected to the rest of the city. For this reason, I recommend staying in Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Insadong. Each of these neighborhoods has something to offer every traveler, including entertainment, street food, shopping, cultural sites, and convenient locations.
For more on why to choose one of these neighborhoods, check out my local’s guide to where to stay in Seoul.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Seoul neighborhood | Why stay in this neighborhood? | Best affordable hotel |
| Myeongdong | Shopping, street food, good location | Philstay Myeongdong Station |
| Hongdae | Nightlife, shopping, budget | Nabi Hostel Hongdae |
| Insadong | Culture, history | Grid Inn |
How to book the best activities and excursions in Seoul?
The best activity and excursion booking platforms for South Korea are Klook and GetYourGuide. Both websites have thousands of trustworthy travel experiences with verified user reviews. I use Klook and GetYourGuide to book almost all my excursions in Asia, and you’ll find links throughout the article to great experiences I’ve personally vetted or experienced myself.
How can I get around Seoul?
Seoul is extremely well-connected by public transportation, with an extensive subway and bus system that can get you anywhere. You will need to head to a convenience store first, such as 7/11 or CU, to buy a T-Money card, which can be used to pay for both buses and the subway. You can refill these cards at a ticketing kiosk at any station. The ticketing kiosks have an English setting that makes it an easy process. Be sure to carry cash, as you can only fill up your transportation card using cash. When you ride on the bus or subway, you will swipe this card upon both entering and exiting.
Apple Maps and Google Maps do not work well in Korea. You will want to download Naver Maps and Kakao Maps for accurate directions.
Taxis are also decently cheap, which you can call through the Kakao Taxi app.
How many days do I need in Seoul?
I recommend spending at least 3 days in Seoul but preferably a week. You can see the main attractions in Seoul in just a few days, but I highly recommend allotting time for day trips such as the DMZ and other unique areas in Seoul’s vicinity. Read more on the best day trips from Seoul here and check out my 1-week or less Seoul itinerary to help plan your trip.
Where else should I visit in Korea, besides Seoul?
If you have a week or more in Korea, you should definitely venture beyond Seoul! There are so many options, but Busan, Jeju, and Gyeongju are the best if you’re short on time.
Have 2 weeks to spend in Korea? Check out my South Korea itinerary, including a week in Seoul, a few days in Jeju, and a few days in Busan and/or Gyeongju.
Unique things to do in Seoul
1. Enjoy the best cafe culture in the world by cafe hopping for an afternoon
The cafe culture in Korea is no joke, with Seoul being a hotspot of trendy cafes. From amazing aesthetics to delicious drinks to pretty pastries, you can dedicate an entire day to exploring world-class cafes. I recommend you head to Yeonnam-dong, Sinsa-dong, Ikseon-dong, or Seongsu-dong – these are my favorite neighborhoods for cafe hopping with endless options.
2. Take a magkeolli brewing class
Taking a food-related class is one of the best ways to get in touch with the culture you’re visiting, and I highly recommend this cooking class with a local family in their home if you want an amazing food experience. But have you considered taking a brewing class for a more unique experience? Magkeolli is Korean rice wine, soju’s lesser-known (and less strong) counterpart. It’s milky, carbonated, and a little bit sweet and sour depending on the variety. At Baekusaeng Magkeolli, you can learn how to make traditional Korean magkeolli at home. You’ll also get some delicious samples brewed in-house and learn a lot about magkeolli’s past and present. I loved this class, and Joe was an awesome teacher (not sponsored!).
3. Dress up in hanbok and stroll around the palace grounds
Hanbok (한복) is traditional Korean clothing that has been around for over 5000 years. To this day, Hanbok is very important and unique to Korean culture and society, making it one of the most unique experiences to have in Seoul. Men typically wear trousers, vests, and jackets, while women typically wear underskirts, outer skirts, undershirts, and jackets. Hanbok comes in many different patterns, colors, and themes, along with a variety of accessories. The best place to dress up in Hanbok in Seoul is at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces. Hanbok rental is affordable and gets you free entry to the palace! Traditional hair styling is often available for free, and you can rent other accessories to complete the look.
To choose from over 500 Hanbok near Gyeongbokgung Palace, make a rental reservation here.
4. Sing, dance, and cheer at a lively baseball game
Trust me when I say that a Korean baseball game is unlike any other baseball game in the world! Instead of the laid-back games that I’m used to in the US, these games are lively and exciting because of the energy of the crowd. Most people choose to stand the entire time, and everyone participates in singing and cheering for their team. There is even a hype team for each team, including a center hype man and dancers. While you’re there, don’t forget to try the iconic stadium food, including the beer and chicken cup. This ingenious invention includes a cup of beer at the base and a circular food holder for fried chicken and fries around the straw. If you’re a sports lover visiting during the baseball season (April to October), don’t miss this unique thing to do in Seoul! You can buy Korean baseball tickets from Interpark or specific team websites. You can also buy tickets at the stadium before the game, which I recommend if you don’t speak any Korean. Just be sure to show up early to make sure they aren’t sold out.
5. Pile on the adorable props at a photo booth
Going to a Korean photo booth is the perfect way to have fun while getting a keepsake to remember your Korea travels. Inside the stores, there is a variety of cute props to choose from, from headbands to sunglasses to stuffed animals. Grab your favorite props and head into the photo booth where you can take your pictures and customize the final product with cute borders and filters.
6. Take a K-dance class at 1 Million Dance Studio
1 Million Dance Studio is based in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, but has worldwide recognition in the dance community. Their YouTube channel has racked up over 26 MILLION subscribers, and their choreographers work with many famous K-pop idols. Taking a class at 1 Million is an exciting, heart-pounding way to enjoy an evening. Best of all, their classes are perfect for attending just once as a tourist because they teach new choreography every class. Check their schedule and sign up for a class here.
7. Find your perfect palette with a personal color analysis
You may have heard of a personal color analysis before, but did you know the trend developed in Seoul? Many celebrities and influencers travel to Seoul to have their personal color analysis done. Because Korea is known for its beauty scene, it took the lead in developing a way to determine your most flattering colors. From finding your perfect makeup shade to the best clothing color, a color consultant will help you find your perfect palette. For suggestions on the best color studios to visit, check out this article by Tatler.
8. Get a K-style makeover featuring K-beauty makeup and hair styling
K-beauty trends have taken the world by storm. K-beauty products have a reputation for being effective, innovative, and best of all, budget-friendly. Not only are K-beauty products unique themselves, but the method of application and styling is different as well. Luckily, Seoul is home to some of the best hair stylists and makeup artists who are in touch with the most trendy looks and methods.
Spoil yourself by spending a day getting a personalized K-style makeover at a salon that has served many K-pop idol celebrities. Reservations are required, so book in advance here.
Experience Seoul like a local, not a tourist
From hidden spots to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, I help travelers design custom itineraries that go beyond the typical tourist sites. I lived in Korea for 3 years, so you can trust my insider knowledge to create a trip that feels personal, seamless, and truly unique.
Let’s start planning your one-of-a-kind Seoul adventure today!
9. Look (or even step) into North Korea by taking a day trip to the DMZ
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a buffer zone between North and South Korea where no military activities are allowed. A day trip to the DMZ allows you to learn about the history and politics of the two Koreas while visiting the neutral zone between them. At the end of the tour, you’ll even get to look into a North Korean village through binoculars. If you want to take it a step further (literally), you can tour the Joint Security Area (JSA), where North and South Korean troops stand beside each other on the borderline. Although this tour is on most visitor’s radars, it’s one of the top unique things to do in Seoul because it cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.
You must join a guided tour to visit the DMZ because of the security of the area. I recommend this tour, which I personally did and found very informative and interesting.
Currently, tours of the JSA are not running for non-Korean nationals. You can check the status of JSA tours for foreigners here.
10. Enjoy traditional Korean saunas and spas at a jjimjilbang
A jjimjilbang (찜질방) is a Korean bathhouse where locals come to unwind. Through a variety of pools, saunas, spas, and spa treatments, you can relax the Korean way. Jjimjilbangs are separated by gender in the wet areas because everyone is completely naked! In the common areas, you’ll wear a provided robe set. For the ultimate experience, be sure to get a body scrub and try the Korean spa eggs in the snack area.
My favorite spa in Korea is Paradise City Cimer near Incheon International Airport. For information on how to enjoy a spa day at Paradise City Cimer, read my complete guide here.
11. See the spectacle of a K-pop concert
Even if you aren’t a fan of K-pop, attending a K-pop concert is an experience that everyone should experience at least once, especially in Korea itself. Calling it a “concert” isn’t fitting; it’s a full-out show including impressive choreography, lights, fire, visual effects, and vocals. The environment is also completely different than anywhere else, as the fans coordinate outfits, fan chants, and light sticks to create a magical atmosphere. The best websites are Interpark and Yes24 to find and buy tickets to upcoming K-pop concerts. Keep in mind that popular groups will sell out right away!
12. Game in a cyber heaven at a PC bang
A PC bang (PC방), literally meaning a “PC room”, is an internet cafe primarily designed for gaming. These PC rooms feature high-speed internet, comfortable gaming chairs, and large, high-quality monitors. You’ll experience low to no lag time, making it perfect for gaming with friends across the world. They even sell snack food, so you never have to leave. There are PC bangs on almost every corner in Seoul, and you can buy hourly access for a cheap price. Don’t miss this unique thing to do in Seoul if you’re a gamer.
13. Test out your luck and gaming skills at a Korean arcade
Want to game but a PC room doesn’t sound like your thing? Experience another side of Korean gaming culture by heading to an arcade (오락실). Arcades are an important part of the rich and strong competitive gaming culture in Korea. At arcades, you can find all sorts of games, including shooting games, strength testers, electronic darts, Dance Dance Revolution (which they take VERY seriously!), and claw machines. Make sure to take out cash before heading to the arcade, as the machines only take cash. There are often bill breakers and coin makers in the arcades.
14. Sing your heart out in a karaoke room
Karaoke rooms, known as noraebangs (노래방 – “singing room”) in Korean, are small, private rooms that you rent by the hour. They have microphones, flashing lights, and a karaoke system with almost any song you can think of. Yes, they have popular English songs! Most noraebangs even sell drinks like soju, making it a great place to start a night out.
15. Experience legendary Seoul nightlife by enjoying an all-nighter on the town
After hitting the noraebang (karaoke room), you can get the rest of your night started! Seoul is truly a city that never sleeps, so nightlife goes all night. Many people stay out so late that they catch the morning trains home around 6 a.m. The best areas to experience nightlife are Hongdae or Apgujeong. Hongdae is a college area full of bars, clubs, and pochas, which are bars with cheap food and drinks (this is where you can try soju!). It’s a great area for any type of nightlife. Apgujeong is smaller and more expensive, with fewer but better quality options. For the “typical” Seoul nightlife experience, Hongdae is the best option. If you want a less overwhelming atmosphere and less of a college crowd, Apgujeong might be a better fit.
Seoul is a city filled with unique experiences if you know where to find them. How many of these bucket list activities can you squeeze into your visit? Seoul has so much to offer, but you won’t regret including these unique things to do in Seoul in your itinerary. Nowhere else in the world can you have these same experiences, and wandering on the path less taken will provide unique, unreplicable memories. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time in Seoul, we hope this blog encourages you to uncover the unique things to do in Seoul.
Keep reading:
- 20 best things to do in Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul itinerary: Local’s guide to 1 week or less
- Where to stay in Seoul, South Korea: A local’s guide
- 15 BEST day trips from Seoul
- 2 week South Korea itinerary & travel guide from a local
- South Korea Solo Travel Guide: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- 16 best things to do in Busan, South Korea
- Busan itinerary: 2, 3, or 4 days in South Korea’s coastal gem
- 10 best day trips from Busan
- What to know before going to South Korea: 33 tips from a local
- Vegetarian in Korea: The ultimate survival guide
- South Korea packing list: A local’s guide to what to pack
- 31 unmissable things to do in spring in Korea
- 22 best things to do in summer in Korea
- Fall in Korea: The 26 best things to do
- 25 unmissable things to do in Korea in winter
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