Unusual Date Ideas to Try in Seoul

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A great way to crank up the heat (literally) is by enrolling in a cooking class. O’ngo Food Communications hosts a number of classes for all levels in which participants can learn how to make Korean classics such as bulgogi (soy sauce-marinated beef) and haemul pajeon (savory seafood pancake).

The enthusiasm and excitement that comes with a little friendly competition often leads to physical attraction. Sports Monster, the world’s first ‘sportainment’ theme park, is the perfect place for couples to battle each other out in a fun athletic challenge. Indoor rock-climbing, an LED sports court, trampolines, a dizzying rope course and Icarus flying experience are just a few activities that can be had at the site in Starfield Mall.

Unlike conventional art venues, the Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae gives visitors the unique opportunity to actually become a part of the art on display. World-renowned works of art have been reinterpreted to create the illusion that the objects in the images are three dimensional – providing for some fantastic photo ops that will allow you and your date to cheese out together, all the while making plenty of fun memories.

Want a great outdoor dining experience without all the hassle? Then try Indian Soul Teepee just outside Bukhansan National Park, where you can have a proper Korean-style BBQ inside a teepee or camping tent – a great way to finish up an afternoon of hiking.

Want to know what your date is really like under pressure? Together, you can test your logic, creativity and teamwork as you try to follow the clues to break out of one of No Escape’s escape rooms. The English-speaking staff and bilingual rooms make it easy for anyone to participate.

Korea is famous for its outlandish themed cafés, but it is also home to a number of themed hotels. For a fun night away, hop on the Seoul metro and head out to Gapyeong’s Cozy Theme Pension, where you can sleep in beds that resemble giant soju bottles, banana milk and ramen bowls.

The recently opened Lotte World Tower – the tallest building in Seoul – is home to Seoul Sky, the world’s highest glass-floored observation deck. The deck, which stretches from floors 117-123, is accessible via a double-deck elevator, which travels at a whopping 600 meters (1,967 feet) per minute. Upon arrival, you and your date can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Seoul and beyond, air quality permitting.

If you do decide to go the traditional route and take your date to a movie, do so in style at one of the city’s luxurious theaters. CGV Cheongdam Cine City gives visitors the option of watching the latest film in its Veatbox theater, where each seat is equipped with a pair of Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, or in its 4DX room which adds an extra dimension to 3D movies. For something more romantic, head up to the Sweetbox Premium theater, where you can cuddle up next to your date on two-seater, couch-like seats without any armrests to get in the way.

Want an excuse to hold your date close? Then take them on the Dark Side of Seoul ghost tour, which leads brave participants down the dark alleys of the city’s forgotten 600-year history of bloody massacres, seedy hideaways, and mourning ghosts. They’ll be begging you not to leave their side for the rest of the night!

Dating on a budget? Then trek up the slopes of Naskan Mountain in northern Seoul to Ihwa Mural Village. In the past decade or so, this once-dilapidated neighborhood has transformed into a quaint attraction thanks to government-funded beautification initiatives. Wander past creative art installations, sculptures, murals and signboards, while occasionally popping into one of the charming snack shops for a cheap bite to eat.