Top 10 Unusual Things to Do in Seoul

The capital of South Korea is one of the most vibrant and modern cities in Asia. It’s therefore no wonder that Seoul is filled with bizarre attractions and places. From karaoke rooms and bathhouses to alcohol-tasting and templestay programs, visitors looking for unusual things to do in Seoul will not be disappointed.
Korean food tour
Koreans are extremely proud of their unique cuisine, and rightly so. When you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, you might be overwhelmed with the rich selection of food. A great way to get an overview of popular dishes is to join a food tour. Local tour guides, like Seoul Eats, will direct you to the best homemade delicacies, served in restaurants that have been in business for generations. You’ll be able to try anything from Korean BBQ and Kimbap rolls to Bingsu ice-cream.

Raccoon café
Raccoon café
Seoul is famous for its large number of themed cafés. One of the most popular venues is a raccoon café called Blind Alley. This place is home to two mischievous raccoons who love to interact with guests. They have their own area away from the café all to themselves, but visitors are welcome to play with them or feed them snacks. On top of that, the café also serves delicious drinks and does not charge an entrance fee unlike other themed cafes.
Address: Blind Alley, 63-20 Cheongpadong 2(i)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Cute raccoon at Blind Alley Café | © Linda Dunsmore
Seoul fashion week
In spring or fall the city hosts one of the largest fashion weeks in the world. Big names in the international fashion industry have been reserving their seats to shows in advance since the founding of Seoul Fashion Week in 2011. Among them are buyers from Selfridges, Saks Fifth Avenue, Harvey Nichols Hong Kong and Parisian concept store L’Eclaireur, as well as editors from American, French and Italian GQ, Dazed, Vogue, and Another Man. Follow the trendiest Korean fashion bloggers and you’ll know exactly which show to visit and when.

Singing rooms (Noraebang)
If you want to explore Seoul like a local, you should visit a singing room (Noraebang). Private rooms of different sizes come equipped with high-tech karaoke facilities, and are available for groups of friends, families or even colleagues. Going out to sing songs and drink is a common pastime for many Koreans. Don’t know any K-Pop? No problem. Every Noraebang offers a wide selection of popular English hits.

Korean bathhouses
Bathhouses are a prominent part of Korean culture. However, you might be surprised to find out what a casual day at a Korean spa looks like. Jjimjjilbang, or Korean bathhouses, are gender-segregated, with only some common areas. Head to one of the most impressive spas in Korea, such as the Dragon Hill Spa in Seoul. Once done showering in the aroma pools, visitors can enjoy the saunas or relax in the common area. It’s also worth noting that most Korean spas are open 24/7, allowing visitors to spend the night. This makes for the perfect low-budget accommodation, priced at only 10,000 KRW (US $8) for a ticket.
Address: Dragon Hill Spa, 40-712 Hangangno 3(sam)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Princess café

Princess café
Seoul is filled with everything cute and adorable. No wonder that one of the most popular themed cafés offers visitors the opportunity to play princess. Located in the Ehwa district, Princess Diary is a cute café offering locals and tourists a variety of flamboyant dresses – both traditional Korean garments and ballgowns of all sorts. Dresses cost between 10,000 to 40,000 KRW (US $8 – US $30) for an afternoon. However, the fun doesn’t stop there. The café features various photo corners filled with royal-themed accessories such as tiaras, hairpieces, decorative flower headbands and more. You’ll have batches of cute holiday photos after a visit to Princess Diary in Seoul
Address: Princess Diary, 54-9 Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Princess Diary Café | © Linda Dunsmore
Templestay at Jogyesa Temple
Buddhist Temple

Trick Eye Museum
Art Gallery, Museum

Korean alcohol-tasting classes
One of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Korea is a type of rice wine called makgeolli. The Korea Tourism Organization even claims that makgeolli sales overseas have increased by 20–25% in recent years. Baesangmyeonjuga, a liquor company well-known for producing a wide selection of Korean drinks, hosts lessons on how to make makgeolli. Classes are held in Korean and take place every Saturday, and the first and third Friday of each month. For only 25,000 KRW (US $20), you get to make your own Korean makgeolli and take 2 bottles home with you.

Bukhansan National Park
Park

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.