You've finally got a chance to explore Korea and made it here. Now what?
Korea's filled with activities and attractions that are worth checking out, and you're probably sick of seeing the typical suggestions over and over again. Check out the compilation of our local editors' guides below for tips of only locals know and customizing your time here to your liking! Be sure to share your experience with us, too.
Our guide to things to do in Korea are divided locations; nationwide, Seoul and Busan (many more to come!).
NATIONWIDE
Because three sides of Korea's peninsula are surrounded by the sea, there are lots of different beaches that are worth checking out. Check out our beach guide and find out which ones are worth visiting in each province!
Consider some of the editors' favourite beaches, too.
One of the most popular ways for locals to get away on a weekend for healing and relaxation has to be templestay. Spend a night or two at a beautiful temple surrounded by nature and indulge in delicately-cooked temple dishes.
Check out our editors' experience of a templestay in the video below.
Korea's mountainous terrains make it the perfect destination for hikers. Whichever mountain you decided to hike first, you won't be disappointed by the unique nature view each one offers.
What's travelling Korea without mouthwatering deliciousness? You get a huge range of options from street food stalls and rundown local restaurants to fancy fusion dining and tranquil hanok restaurants.
SEOUL
Major Attractions
63 Square
Neighbourhood: Yeouido
Address: 서울 영등포구 63로 50
Hours:
10:00-22:00
Last Entry: 21:30
Price: ₩13,000 → ₩10,500
Aqua Planet is conveniently located at 63 Square, one of the major attractions in the city. Don't miss out on their famous mermaid show while you're there!
Be sure to head up to the observatory to get a view overlooking Yeouido and the city of Seoul, too. Book your package ticket here.
Neighbourhood: Namsan
Address: 서울 용산구 남산공원길 105
Hours:
Weekdays: 12:00-22:00
Weekends: 11:00-22:00
Hours may vary by venues
Price: ₩11,000 → ₩5,500
N Seoul Tower is a classic attraction! It's a great way to enjoy picturesque views of the entire city. How about stopping by a nice restaurant up the tower while you're at it, too?
Reserve your N Seoul Tower ticket for half the regular price here.
Neighbourhood: Gangnam
Address: 서울 강남구 영동대로 513
Hours vary by venue.
Price: COEX Pass ₩90,000 → ₩44,900
Located in the middle of Gangnam's bustles, COEX is a multi-functional complex with loads of clothing shops, a humongous library, an aquarium, and many more. You can easily spend an entire day just inside this complex.
One great way to enjoy COEX for half the original price is by using the COEX Pass. You get an admission into the aquarium, a movie ticket, a limo service, duty free coupons, and more! Book your COEX Pass here.
Neighbourhood: Jamsil
Address: 서울 송파구 신천동 올림픽로 300
Hours:
Sun-Thu: 10:00-22:00
Last Entry: 21:00
Fri-Sat: 10:00-23:00
Last Entry: 22:00
Price: ₩27,000 → ₩24,300
As the world's sixth tallest skyscraper and the tallest in Seoul, the tower offers the best views of the city. Look down through the glass floors for some extra thrills! If you're feeling especially brave, try the new Lotte Sky Bridge, too.
Clothing Rentals
Hanbok Rentals In Seoul | Complete List
Price: ₩8,000 and up
What's a travel to Korea without trying on the colourful hanboks, right? Rent out the beautiful traditional dresses/clothes for the day and roam around the city in the key attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the hanok villages and Ikseondong.
Neighbourhood: Gyeongbokgung
Address: 서울 종로구 돈화문로72 B2
Hours:
13:00-19:00
Tue, Thu: Closed
Reservation required
Price: ₩27,000 and up
Jongno Boutique is one of the places in Seoul that rent out gaehwagi outfits. Gaehwagi broadly refers to the time period of Western civilization.
The outifts from then have unique, classy looks and colours to them and renting out these outfits have been a trend among young locals lately.
Neighbourhood: Gyeongbokgung
Address: 서울 종로구 북촌로5길 56 2F
Hours:
10:00-20:00
Last Rental: 18:00
Price: ₩27,000 and up
Another gaehwagi outfit rental shop, Gaehwagi Boutique rents out dresses and outfits from the classic time period near the palace. If you've already done the whole hanok thing before, this is a great next option for you!
Shopping
Check out our shopping tips below to an efficient and satisfying shopping experience!
- Check out our shopping guides by key areas of Seoul like Myeongdong, Gangnam and Dongdaemun.
- Underground Shopping Malls: Seoul's underground shopping malls can be found at major subway stations with lots of human traffic. Check out which ones there are and find their locations by clicking here!
- Cosmetics: Before you go out for some K-cosmetics, be sure to read about our editors' recommendations of Korean cosmetics.
- Big brand supermarkets like Lotte Mart and E-mart are fun places to shop for snacks and instant foods as well as a wide range of sojus!
- DAISO: You'll find all kinds of cute, useful and unique items at DAISO for around ₩1,000 to ₩5,000. You'll find a DAISO location near any subway station or major areas of Seoul.
- Duty Free Shops: You'll find duty free malls in key locations like Myeongdong and Gangnam. They give out coupons for foreign visitors often, so optimize your deals and get your hands on your dream merchandise!
Exhibitions & Shows
Seoul is full of exhibitions and shows with artistic touches, colours and sounds which are definitely worth checking out. Check out our full guide for the full list and how to purchase your tickets.
Animals
Neighbourhood: Hongdae
Address: 서울 마포구 홍익로 17 4F
Hours: 12:30-22:30
Price: ₩12,000 → ₩10,000
At this exotic raccoon cafe, you'll get to interact with raccoons, meerkats and dogs. Such a fun way to spend time in Hongdae!
Neighbourhood: Hongdae
Address: 서울 마포구 와우산로 146
Hours: 11:00-22:30
Price: ₩10,000 → ₩9,000
This is another exotic animal cafe with a bit more variety. You'll find animals ranging from civets and domestic cats to meerkats, reptiles and many more!
Neighbourhood: Myeongdong
Address: 서울 중구 명동8나길 10
Hours: 13:00-20:30
Price: ₩13,000 → ₩12,000
If you're looking to play with cute animals in Myeongdong, Eden Meerkat Friends is the place to be! They have a variety of friendly animals including wallabies, raccoons, civets, domestic cats, and of course, meerkats.
Neighbourhood: Yeouido
Address: 서울 영등포구 영중로 15 Time Square
Ticket Office: Floor 4
Entrance To The Zoo: Floor 5
Hours:
Weekdays: 12:00-18:00
Last Entry: 17:00
Weekends: 12:00-19:00
Last Entry: 17:30
Closed: First and third Monday of every month
Price: ₩25,000 → ₩20,000
If you're looking for an indoor zoo in Seoul, look no further! Zoolung Zoolung has a good number of themes and a variety of animals from fennec foxes to penguins.
Jjimjilbang
Jjimjilbangs, or Korean saunas, are great ways to rejuvenate and relax. Not only do they offer a wide range of saunas, you'll find hearty food at jjimjilbangs in Korea. Expect to pay around ₩8,000 and up.
Check out our recommendations here and book your tickets at discounts here.
Amusement Park
Neighbourhood: Jamsil
Address: 서울 송파구 올림픽로 240
Hours:
Mon-Thu: 09:00-22:00
Fri-Sun: 09:00-23:00
Last Entry: 1 hour before closing
Price: ₩56,000 → ₩32,500
This is one of the happiest places in Seoul! A classic amusement park of Seoul, you'll find fun rides and lots of snacks throughout the park.
Get Active
Address: 서울 서초구 올림픽대로 2085-14
Hours:
Weekdays: 14:00-22:00
Weekends: 13:00-22:00
Price: ₩16,000 and up
Hangang, or Han River, has to be one of the most loved places of Seoul among locals and visitors alike. Sail along the beautiful waters of Hangang near Sevitseom and take in one of the most stunning sceneriess of Seoul.
Hangang offers lots of things to do from basketball courts to biking rails and swimming pools. How about a chill picnic by the waters?
Find out what each Hangang park offers and which one is the closest to you!
Address: 서울 마포구 서교동 363-7 3F
Hours:
Sun-Fri: 13:00-22:00
Sat: 12:00-23:00
Last Entry: 1.5 hours before closing
Price: ₩29,000 → ₩27,000 (Prices vary depending on day of visit)
How about putting yourself in virtual realities for some fun? If you're looking for something to do in Hongdae, consider playing VR games!
Address: 서울 서대문구 창천동 502-10
Class Times:
Tue, Thu: 19:30-22:00
Sat: 13:30-16:00
Sun, Holidays: 11:30-14:00,
14:30-17:00
Price: ₩50,000 → ₩47,000
We all love our K-pop stars and that's why it would be worthwhile to learn their moves. The class involves a 2-hour lesson and a music video shooting. How fun!
Address: 서울 강남구 영동대로 325 S-Tower B3
Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10:00-22:00
Last Entry: 21:00
Price: ₩28,500 → ₩25,650
Jump from trampoline to trampoline at this gigantic trampoline park! There's an obstacle challenge and basketball hoops for you to destress and get moving, too.
Photo Studios
ID photos in Korea usually come with mild photoshop services and are high in quality. Did we mention they're also very affordable? If the last time you got your ID photos done was a while ago, stop by any of the photo studios below for new shiny ones!
Neighbourhood: Edae (Ewha Womans University)
Address: 서울 서대문구 대현동 이화여대7길 10 2F
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11:00-20:00
Sat: 11:00-19:00
Sun: Closed
Price: ₩22,000
Neighbourhood: Sinsa Garosugil
Address: 서울 강남구 강남대로152길 28 3F
Hours:
Tue-Fri: 11:00-21:00
Weekends: 12:00-19:00
Mon, Holidays: Closed
Price: ₩25,000
Woori Dongnae (Hongdae Branch)
Neighbourhood: Hongdae
Address: 서울 마포구 양화로18안길 10
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10:00-19:30
Sun: 13:00-19:30
Price: ₩30,000 and up
Neighbourhood: Jongno
Address: 서울 종로구 종로70 4F
Hours:
Weekdays: 09:30-19:30
Sat: 10:00-19:00
Sun: Closed
Price: ₩25,000 and up
Neighbourhood: Hongdae
Address: 서울 마포구 동교로 156-13 B1
Hours:
Weekdays: 10:00-17:00
Sat: 10:00-16:00
Sun: Closed
Price: ₩33,000 and up
Neighbourhood: Gyeongbokgung
Address: 서울 종로구 북촌로5나길 19
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Price: ₩15,000 per person
Get your one-of-a-kind photoshoot in hanboks at the palace and indoor studios! They sure make great personalized souvenirs for you to take home.
Neighbourhood: Gangnam
Address: 서울 강남구 논현동111-21 B1
Hours: 09:00-19:00
Mon: Closed
Price: ₩88,000 and up
Lots of visitors to Korea get their wedding photoshoots done in Korea and they seem to enjoy the quality and aesthetics of them. If you're in Seoul with your spouse or fiance yourself, consider getting Korean-style wedding photos!
Beauty
Just a simple look around the streets, you'll soon realize that Korean girls are really good at taking care of their appearances. That's why hair salons, beauty clinics and plastic surgery clinics are booming here!
Check out our Beauty Guide for more information on where to go for hairstyling, beauty consultation, plastic surgeries, eyebrow tattoos and many more.
Guided Tours
If you want to take a break from working on your itinerary for a couple of days, consider these guided tours.
From a night tour around a beautifully lit-up palace to a tour that takes you outside the city, you're bound to find a tour or two that stand out to you!
DIY Classes
Lots of fun DIY classes are open around the city from DIY lotions and perfume to rings and leather goods. A lot of them make great one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home, so definitely try a couple!
BUSAN
Attractions
Address: 부산 중구 광복동2가 용두산길 37-30
Hours:
Sun-Fri: 11:00-20:00
Last Entry 19:30
Sat: 11:00-21:00
Last Entry 20:30
Price: ₩6,800
It's one of the most classic Busan ways of getting the entire view of the downtown and the oceans! The VR and AR attractions add onto the amazing experience.
Clothing Rentals
Hanbok
You'll find hanbok rental shops in touristy places like Haeundae, Yongdusan Park and Gamcheon Culture Village. It's a fun way to tour around Busan while snapping stunning photos!
Neighbourhood: Busan Tower / Yongdusan Park
Address: 부산 중구 용두산길 37-55
Hours: 10:00-18:00
Last Rental: 16:30
Mon: Closed
Price: ₩8,000
Neighbourhood: Haeundae
Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로 369 2F
Hours: 10:00-19:00
Price: ₩13,000
Neighbourhood: Gamcheon Culture Village
Address: 부산 사하구 옥천로 115
Hours:
Winter Season (Oct-Feb): 10:00-18:00
Last Rental: 17:00
Summer Season (Mar-Sep): 10:00-19:00
Last Rental: 18:00
Price: ₩9,000
Address: 부산 남구 용소로13번길 13 Sky Tower 6F
Hours: 11:00-22:00
Price: ₩20,000 and up
If you're looking for a super unqiue way to spend your time in Busan, how about a wedding dress photoshoot? Some might find wearing a wedding dress for no reason strange, but it's been a fun activity among Korean girls recently!
Get Active
Address: 부산 부산진구 중앙대로672 삼정타워 10F
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Last Entry: 19:00
Price: ₩7,500
You can now recreate fun parts from the TV show Running Man. Solve missions and puzzles while running around playing games for high scores that will get you on the Hall of Fame!
Address: 부산 해운대구 해운대해변로84 수영만요트경기장 본관 102
Hours: Click for reservable time slots.
Price: ₩30,000
Talk about travelling in luxury! Yacht Tale is a popular activity loved by locals and visitors who want to hit all the major spots like Dongbaek Island, Haeundae Beach, Gwanganli Beach, The Bay 101 and more.
Address: 부산 남구 분포로 145 더블유 B1
Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10:00-21:00
Last Entry: 19:00
Price: ₩25,650
Have fun on the giant trampolines! It's a fun way to get some exercise in with friends and family.
Beauty
Neighbourhood: Haeundae
Address: 부산 해운대구 중동 중동1로37번길 9
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11:00-22:00
Sun: 11:30-19:00
Price: ₩37,800
Get your beachy nails done at this luxurious nail salon in Haeundae. From gel nails to rhinestones, you can customize the designs to your liking!
Neighbourhood: Seomyeon
Address: 부산 부산진구 부전동 502-20 DH Tower 4F
Hours:
Mon, Tue, Thu: 11:00-19:00
Wed, Fri: 11:00-21:00
Sat: 10:00-17:00
Price: ₩180,000 and up
Get your eyebrows like Suzy's! Their specialty is the Suzy shape, but you can also pick other shapes that suit your features.
Guided Tours
Hours: The tour starts at 8:20 and ends at 19:40.
Price: ₩55,000
Bike along the beautiful Nakdong River and also check out the cool Songdo Sky Walk. Afterwards, you'll get to see the very colourful Gamcheon Culture Village and finish off your local experience at the traditional Gukje Market.
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