5 Unique Experiences in Seoul

While there’s something satisfying about taking a suitcase of luggage home from a trip filled to the brim with souvenirs and goodies, it’s always the memories that stick with us the longest. While we have more than a few trinkets from around the world, it’s things like drinking a fresh passion fruit soda in India or wearing a kimono/yukata in Kyoto that stick with us the most. It’s a lot less of what we buy and a lot more of what we experience that leaves an impact.

So, here are 5 Unique Experiences in Seoul that you’ll remember forever.

1. School Uniforms at Lotte World and Korean Hanboks at Gyeongbokgung

We’ve included these into one item because while they might have entirely different vibes, they both make for great memories and even better photos. It used to be that hanboks got visitors free entry to the palaces during traditional holidays like New Year’s or Korean Thanksgiving. Then it expanded to any day during the year and then expanded again to include any visitor, local or foreign.

School uniforms at Lotte World don’t come with the same perks, but it’s still fun. It used to be a common way for college students to hang out with old friends from high school, but thanks to K-dramas and movies, it’s couples and friend groups in their thirties and forties getting in on the fun.

2. A Traditional Lunch at Tongin Market

It’s sad to say it, but Gwangjang Market is officially a tourist trap with a heavy emphasis on the trap. The Seoul city government has taken multiple steps to reduce overpricing and increase foreigner friendliness, but there are plenty of stories from locals and travelers alike decrying just how rude or overpriced it is.

There are some great alternatives, but Tongin Market is one of our absolute favorites for their Coin Lunch. For 10,000 KRW, you receive a roll of traditional-looking coins which you use to build your own lunch plate. They have everything from fried jeon (Korean pancakes) to tteokbokki and japchae (stir-fried noodles). You can build a plate of your favorites or try new Korean dishes to build a custom lunch plate.

3. Explore an Abandoned Theme Park at Yongma Land

This one takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it if you have a few hours free. Yongma Land is a long discarded theme park located on the edge of Seoul from the nineties. Since then, the park has fallen into decay and looks almost like a well-regulated junkyard for amusement park rides… which makes it an amazing place to visit and take photos.

While the theme park is no longer operational, it isn’t abandoned. There are signs all along the entrance with a phone number which will call the owner to the gate. Once there, you simply pay him an entry fee and gain entry to the park. Keep in mind that Yongma Land only has bathrooms and nothing else. If you’re looking for snacks or drinks, it’s best to fuel up before you arrive.

4. Explore Trendy Pop-ups in Seongsu-dong

Until a few years ago, Seongsu-dong was still an up and coming neighborhood in Seoul. A lot of people drew comparisons to Brooklyn due to the working class make up of the neighborhood not to mention all the industrial warehouses in the area. But now, it’s considered to be one of the best shopping areas in the city thanks to all the pop-ups in the area. That means there are lots of places to explore, take photos, shop and get freebies. Then you can do the whole thing again the next weekend with a completely different set of pop-ups.

The constantly changing backdrop of the neighborhood is the biggest draw, but also the biggest hurdle. Popular events can draw lines and crowds for hours, but the limited-time nature of the events mean you’ll almost certainly have to wait in line if you don’t want to miss your chance.

5. Moonlight Yoga in Gwanghwamun Square

This might be one of the most unique experiences you can have in Seoul. Let’s Yoga hosts Moonlight Yoga events on summer nights in Gwanghwamun Square. The outdoor classes start just as the sun starts to set giving you a great view of the palace against a beautiful sky. The classes are usually in Korean, but the instructors perform all the exercises on a stage overlooking the class. And, occasionally, they do have classes in English.