What to See, Eat and Do in Korea (and Beyond)
The Hangang Drone Light Show is back with 5 shows planned for the spring season starting with a BT21 themed show on April 10th. This will be kick off the Seoul Spring Festival and each session includes special performances and a mini drone show in addition to the main drone show. I’ve been to quite of few of these over the years and honestly they just keep getting better and better.
There’s a very specific moment every year in Seoul where the city blossoms. The air gets warmer. People stay outside longer. The Han River starts filling up again. And right now, that moment is happening. The Seoul Spring Festival isn’t just one event, it’s the whole city turning itself into a giant, ongoing experience. So, if you’re in Seoul right now, this is what you’re actually stepping into.
The Spotify x BTS “SWIMSIDE” cruise might be one of the most uniquely curated events of this entire comeback era (so far) and I actually managed to snag an invite. The SWIMSIDE cruise was part of a larger global campaign between Spotify and BTS celebrating their comeback album “Arirang.” For three nights only (March 27–29, 2026), selected fans boarded a themed cruise departing from Yeouido Hangang Park and sailed along the Han River.
The BTS “Love Quarter” is part of the larger “BTS THE CITY: ARIRANG SEOUL” project, which has basically spread BTS related experiences across multiple locations in the city. Unlike other events in the city, the BTS “Love Quarter” exhibit isn’t loud or flashy. It’s not merch centric. It doesn’t try to overwhelm you.
And that’s exactly why it stands out.
Right now from January 15 to March 16, 2026, the Grammy Museum is hosting a special pop-up exhibition dedicated to Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, one of the most influential Latin artists in music history. This is kind of a once in a lifetime display for fans because many of her personal items are being shown outside of Texas for the first time ever.
Imagine strolling along a softly lit stream in the heart of Seoul, surrounded by glowing lanterns of every shape and size, from traditional hanji lanterns inspired by Korean history to playful media art and interactive light experiences all set against a winter night’s backdrop. That’s the Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제), one of our favorite events of the year!
One of the most popular Christmas markets in Seoul is the one held every year at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeoido. This visually stunning Christmas market pop-up is held on the 5th floor and features a new theme every year. This year’s theme is Atelier de Noël and it engulfs you in a woodsy Christmas workshop wonderland.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and Seoul is no exception. As soon as November comes around, Christmas decorations, events and festivities all start to roll out. For a little over two months, Seoul is engulfed in holiday cheer. Here’s some of our favorite ways to take in those sweet Christmas vibes.
It is officially winter in Korea which means it’s going to be cold. Snow isn’t always guaranteed, but sub-zero temperature and chilly nights are. So we’ve got tips to keep you warm and your holidays bright this December!
For my money, Mangwon Traditional Market (망원시장) has been a long time favorite of mine. It’s not massive compared to some markets, but that’s part of the charm. It’s smaller, more manageable, packed with personality and it’s been around for over 40 years. You’ll find fresh produce, dried goods, snacks, street-food stalls and even hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
Located inside Canal City Hakata (a huge shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka), Pokémon Center Fukuoka just reopened in June with a full makeover and Latias and Latios front and center. Latias and Latios were chosen as the Fukuoka’s mascots for their connection to Kyushu, the island where Fukuoka is located and the real-world inspiration for the Hoenn region in the Pokemon games.
Right now the Seoul Regional Tourism Center is hosting a free “Local Trip Thu-Fri-Sat” program. The feel is “travel-without-leaving-Seoul” so you get a taste of countryside or coastal region culture (depending on the theme) while staying in the city.
