15 Unique Things to Do in Seoul: Your Ultimate Bucket List

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Seoul, South Korea – a metropolis where modernity and tradition coexist harmoniously. The city is known for its magnificent palaces, vibrant markets, impressive museums, and much more. However, beyond these well-known attractions lie hidden treasures and extraordinary experiences waiting to be discovered. An abundance of lesser-known gems and activities unveil a different side of Seoul. From experiencing Korean gaming culture to visiting charming cafes, this captivating metropolis offers surprises at every turn for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. As a local living in Korea for 3 years, I’ve put together my ultimate bucket list of unique things to do in Seoul. You won’t have these same experiences anywhere else in the world.

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.

Table of Contents

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.

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.

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15 unique things to do in Seoul: An unreplicable bucket list

Unique things to do in Seoul