Once upon a time, South Korea was an afterthought to trips to Asia, an overlooked place sandwiched between the cultural powerhouses of China and Japan. However, with the rise of Korean culture such as music, beauty, and movies, the wave of Hallyu has sent a tsunami of interest in South Korea around the world.
Whether you’re staying at Seoul airport for a long layover before traveling elsewhere in Asia, or the capital itself is your final destination, here are 10 things to do in Seoul, South Korea.
1 – Indulge in a Korean Body Scrub
A visit to Seoul is incomplete without a stop. Jjimjilbang (Korean sauna). These bathing facilities range from rooms with small heated pools to skyscrapers with saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold pools, restaurants, arcades and saloons.
But the large and small jjimjilbangs contain saesin (Korean body scrub) to leave your skin feeling refreshed. After being soaked in hot water, it is rubbed vigorously with a viscose cloth “Korea Italian Towel” that feels like sandpaper.
It’s a bit disgusting to watch the dead skin flake off as the treatment progresses, but after the treatment it’s even smoother and smoother than a baby’s butt.check out Insadong Spa & Sauna or women only Spa Ray A real seshin experience.
2 – Buy beauty products in Myeongdong
K-Beauty is an international sensation. The country’s prevalence of serums, creams, gels, lotions and mask sheets is renowned for giving Koreans the most beautiful and glowing skin in the world. These little pots, jars and magic packets can be found in beauty stores all over the city, but nowhere are they more prevalent than on the bustling streets of Myeongdong.
This vibrant shopping district is known for its trendy fashion brands, cheap street food and dozens of cosmetics and beauty stores that line its maze of streets. Popular brands include Olive Young, Etude House and Innisfree.
3 – Get healthy with tea therapy
Buddhist monks brought tea culture to Korea from China in the 7th century. Since then, tea has been used in Korea for relaxation, cultural connection and healing.In fact you can also receive tea therapy A unique café of the same name, owned by a certified traditional medicine doctor. Built in a former president’s mansion, this hybrid space is both a clinic and a school offering tea tastings and classes.
Upon entering, different herbal tea blends tailored to each client’s symptoms are provided to treat symptoms such as stress, insomnia, digestion and headaches. To learn more, sign up for one of our tea blending classes.
4 – Wear Hanbok and walk around the palace grounds
The most anachronistic experience in Seoul is renting a colorful hanbok and strolling through the grounds of Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung.flow Chima (skirt) or baji (Pants) Pair with shorts Jeogori (Jacket) creates a classic silhouette against the backdrop of a 14th-century palace, making for great Instagram content.
Don’t miss the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Gyeongbokgung Palaceand during your visit, be sure to check out the idyllic Secret Garden. Changdeokgung Palace. As a perk, anyone wearing a hanbok can enter the palace grounds for free.
Note: The palace is open all year round, but plan your visit in the spring or fall as the weather in Seoul is at its most beautiful.
5 – Hiking in Bukhansan National Park
Bukhansan National Park is very close to Seoul and is one of the most popular hiking spots in the country. Picturesque streams, craggy granite peaks, scenic cityscapes and easily accessible trails combine to make this national park the perfect day trip from anywhere in Seoul.
At 743 feet tall, Baekundae is the tallest mountain in the 31-square-mile park and acts as an ecological island surrounded by the surrounding urban area.
Bukhansan has a lot to offer, including a 2,000-year-old fortress, 100 Buddhist temples, and more than 1,300 species of flora and fauna.
6 – Spend a night at a Buddhist temple
Those who want to do some soul searching can also spend a night at the temple. Temple stay programs are popular for visitors to travel back in time and experience the serenity, peace and contemplative lifestyle of Buddhist monks.
Templestay programs, generally one to three nights in length, often include typical monastic activities such as meditation, sutra chanting, tea ceremony, and prostration.
Don a simple tunic and pants (provided) and join the monks for a vegetarian meal. There are seven templestay options in Seoul, including the popular templestay. International Seon Center and the Myokakuji Temple Temple stay.
7 – Eat Korean Street Food
From fish-shaped donuts filled with red bean paste to pig’s feet and silkworm larvae, Korean street food offers a wide variety of textures and flavors. Street markets originated in Korea during his Joseon Dynasty in the 1300s, but it wasn’t until after the Korean War in the 1950s that street food really became popular. The simple, portable, and inexpensive option has created a vibrant street food scene in Seoul, where war-torn people can fill their bellies with cheap, hearty meals.
Currently, the best markets to try Korean street food are Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market. Tteokbokki (spicy mochi), Mandu (gyoza), and Tsui Gym (Deep-fried squid, vegetables, and seaweed)
8 – K-Star Lord’s Stargaze
This bustling shopping street in the trendy Gangnam area is a must-visit for K-pop aficionados. The concept is similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but K-pop stars are memorialized in the form of giant bear statues called Gangnamdol instead of stars on the walkway.
The 17 colorfully painted Gangnam Dollars represent groups such as BTS, Girls’ Generation, Super Junior and EXO.of K Star Road The area is also a hub for entertainment companies and music studios, so be sure to keep an eye out for celebrity sightings.
9 – Let’s sing at Noraebang
One of Seoul’s most common sights is Seoul’s flashing neon lights. noraebang (singing room). Korea’s version of karaoke, these ever-present venues fill up as the sun goes down and waves of music fill the streets until dawn.
Instead of singing in public, noraebang There are many private rooms where individuals or small groups of friends can sing to their heart’s content from their own sound system. Rooms range from simple to luxurious and often include disco balls, musical instruments and bar service.
10 – Visit the Kimchi Specialty Museum
kimchi A fragrant dish made from fermented cabbage. Traditionally served at every meal in Korean cuisine, this beloved dish has a history dating back nearly 4,000 years.
Museum Kimchikan Located in the historic Insadong district, the hotel is dedicated to introducing the history and culture of Korea’s national food. There are exhibits that introduce various types of kimchi, a kimchi tasting corner, and a kimchi-making experience where you can fully enjoy kimchi.
