Best 7 Activities in Seoul to make fun memories!
Create unforgettable memories from your trip in Seoul, the perfect reminders of how much fun you had. Dive into this article to discover local recommendations for fun cultural experiences you won’t want to miss!
1. Explore Seoul Markets 시장
Seoul best food markets
One of the best ways to experience Korean culture is through its food. Traditional food markets offer a taste of local life, with street food stalls, restaurants, and grocery shops all in one place. Don’t be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle—enjoy the tempting aromas, food discoveries, and vibrant atmosphere.
Best Eats
Main dishes
Spicy noodles “Bibimmyeon” 비빔면
Korean noodles “Kalguksu” 칼국수
Snacking
Fish cake soup “Odeng Guk” 오뎅국
Spicy rice cake “Tteokbokki” 떡볶이
Desserts
Pan-fried nuts pancake “Hotteok” 호떡
Fish-shaped pastry “Bungeoppang” 붕어빵
Best Eats
Main dishes
Spicy noodles “Bibimmyeon” 비빔면
Korean noodles “Kalguksu” 칼국수
Snacking
Fish cake soup “Odeng Guk” 오뎅국
Spicy rice cake “Tteokbokki” 떡볶이
Desserts
Pan-fried nuts pancake “Hotteok” 호떡
Fish-shaped pastry “Bungeoppang” 붕어빵
Let's Not Forget Professional Markets!
You get the freshest seafood directly at the Noryangjin fish market! Be aware that it is quite a luxury despite its rough atmosphere. Recommended menu items are snow crabs, raw halibuts, and live octopus!
For Professionals and Enthusiasts in Seoul, explore specialized market alleys like the Restaurant Supply Market, Toy Market, Textile Market, Wholesale Market, and unique vintage markets for furniture, apparel, electronics, and cameras. Perfect for finding rare items!
Where?
I’m sharing this map with my favorite markets in Seoul—perfect for you to explore and discover hidden gems! Don’t forget to bring some cash ✨
Food markets 
Wholesale 
Vintage 
Miscellanous
Where?
I’m sharing this map with my favorite markets in Seoul—perfect for you to explore and discover hidden gems! Don’t forget to bring some cash ✨
Food markets Wholesale Vintage Miscellanous
2. Wear a Hanbok
Traditional Korean Garment
The hanbok is known for its vibrant colors, elegant design, and distinctive silhouette. Worn by both men and women, it is especially favored during significant occasions such as cultural festivals, weddings, and ceremonial holidays.
If you wear a hanbok in Seoul, you can access 4 Korean palaces for free! Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace without purchasing tickets (which usually cost around ₩3,000).
Hanbok Rental Costs?
Hanbok rental in Seoul costs 10,000 ~ 30,000 KRW, with premium options reaching 50,000+ KRW. Shops near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village offer accessories and hairstyling at an extra fee.
3. Attend Sporting Events
Seoul World Cup Stadium in Sangam
Built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, hosting major matches, it’s the home stadium of FC Seoul. Football is a huge part of Korean culture, and the energy at the stadium is incredible!
Tickets can be purchased through FC Seoul’s official website or Interpark. Prices vary depending on seat location. Behind-the-goal seats tend to be the cheapest, while main stand seats are more expensive.
Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Attending a baseball game in Seoul is an unforgettable experience! The energy from the cheering crowds and coordinated chants is unmatched. Korean baseball fans truly bring the excitement with their passion and enthusiasm.
Since baseball games can be quite long, stadiums offer spacious group areas where fans can set up tents, parasols, and even enjoy a barbecue for the ultimate game-day experience!
Only in Korea
4. Cafe-Hopping at Seoul Cafe Streets
Korean cafe culture is booming, with Seoul seeing an explosion of unique and themed cafés, from minimalist aesthetics to retro-inspired spots. The number of cafes continues to soar, making South Korea one of the most cafe-dense countries in the world.
Trending Haebangchon
Haebangchon has become a famous hotspot for coffee lovers in recent years! Nestled near Itaewon, this neighborhood has transformed into a vibrant area where cozy, independent coffee shops thrive. Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of specialty coffees, from expertly brewed pour-over to creative coffee cocktails, in unique and intimate settings.
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Ikseon-dong is a trendy and charming neighborhood in Seoul that has become increasingly popular among both locals and visitors, especially for its unique blend of traditional and modern influences.
Ikseon-dong is a mix of traditional hanok-style houses repurposed into stylish cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. The narrow alleyways are filled with these charming hanok cafes, offering a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
5. Korean Sauna in Seoul 찜질방
Sauna Culture
The jjimjilbang is a modern version of the traditional Korean bathhouses that have been central to Korean life for centuries. Combining saunas, hot baths, scrubbing, and specialized therapies for both physical and mental well-being.
Fun Fact: The iconic scrubbing gloves actually originated in Korea!
To get the food grilling experience, I recommend visiting Supsok Hanbang Land, a popular spot featured on TV shows like Running Man. Don’t miss the chance to grill rice cakes, sweet potatoes, and pork belly for a true Korean sauna feast!
Other great authentic saunas: Sparex (Good Morning City), Spa Lei
More Luxurious?
The newest facilities now offer even more amenities, such as a sports room, PC room, reading room, kids’ room, and pools. However, one thing that has always been a staple is the community room and the restoration services, making food and bringing friends an integral part of Korean sauna culture.
Must-Try Food
Tonkatsu (돈까스), a crispy, breaded, and deep-fried pork cutlet, often served with a side of shredded cabbage and rice.
Miyeok-guk (미역국), a comforting seaweed soup typically enjoyed for its health benefits, often served with rice and sometimes accompanied by beef or seafood.
At the food stalls, where you can bring food to the community room, be sure to sip on a cool cup of sikhye, enjoy some fried chicken, and taste the famous sauna eggs dipped in salt.
6. Go Hiking in Seoul
Easy Hikes in Seoul
Namsan Seoul Tower (Namsan Dulle-Gil)
Length: 1 hour (2 km or less, accessible by cable car)
One of the most accessible hikes in Seoul, the Namsan Seoul Tower trail offers scenic views of the city. The Dulle-gil trail is well-paved and takes you to the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Seoul. The walk is short and provides a relaxing outdoor experience right in the heart of the city.
Seoul City Wall Trail (서울 성곽길)
Length: Varies (each section is around 1.5 hour, the full trail is 18.6 km long)
The Seoul City Wall Trail is a historical hiking trail that follows the path of the old fortress wall around Seoul. The wall was originally built during the Joseon Dynasty to protect the city, and today it provides a beautiful hiking route that winds through mountains, parks, and historic sites. The trail offers a combination of both easy, paved sections and more moderate uphill climbs, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers.
Best Seoul view spots
Inwangsan Mountain (인왕산)
Length: 1.5-2 hours
This hike is located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and offers one of the best views of Namsan, along with other famous landmarks in Seoul. From the summit, you get a panoramic view of Namsan Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the Han River.
You can enjoy both the sunrise and the mesmerizing sunset over Seoul, watching the city transform from a warm orange glow to the sparkling lights of the night.
7. Enjoy Seasonal Festivals 축제
Seoul Festivals
Seoul truly comes to life between May and July. From the festivals, pleasant weather, outdoor activities. But one of the standout features of Seoul’s summer months is its outdoor pocha culture—street bars that pop up on sidewalks, offering a lively atmosphere where locals and visitors gather to enjoy soju, beer, and classic Korean dishes.
Seoul Cherry Blossom Festival (벚꽃축제)
When: First 2 weeks of April
The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Seoul’s most celebrated springtime events. While there are many places in Korea where you can see cherry blossoms, Yeouido Hangang Park is particularly famous for their cherry blossom displays and activities.
Seoul Jazz Festival (서울 재즈 페스티벌)
When: Mid-May or end of May
The Seoul Jazz Festival is an international event that brings together jazz musicians from around the world. If you enjoy live music and a great festival atmosphere with picnic-vibes.
For a complete list of year-round festivals and events, visit the Visit Seoul website, the official tourism portal. It offers up-to-date information on festivals, cultural experiences, and event details including dates and locations.
Street Performances
What’s busking?
Artists performing in the streets. You can find dance crews and singers in Hongdae and Sinchon.
Korea is highly competitive, but its young people sure know how to have fun!
Some final words from the writer
Dear readers, thank you for taking the time to read this article! I’ve poured my heart into it, sharing three years’ worth of experience living in Korea.
Which experience sounds the most fun to you? For me, they’re all unique and absolutely worth trying if you have the time. Enjoy your adventure in Seoul, South Korea! 😊✨
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