South Korea Guide – 40 Things To Do + Photos 2024
This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
South Korea has it all, from cool cityscapes and beautiful beaches to historic hanok villages and island escapes.
We’ve thought long and hard about the best things to do in South Korea, plus the most ‘mashisoyo’ (delicious) Korean foods and drinks.
Featuring the ancient attractions of Gyeongju, the tropical surroundings of Jeju Island and joyful Jeonju, there is also so much to see in Seoul and behold in Busan.
From K Pop to Korean photo booths, cute cafes to colorful cultural villages, these are the best things to do in South Korea in 2024.
You might like – 90 things to do in Seoul, South Korea >
South Korea checklist
We love using agoda.com and booking.com for researching and booking all our hotels, and Hostelworld for booking hostels.
For booking tours, transfers and SIM cards we recommend Get Your Guide, Viator, Trazy or Klook.
Table of Contents
Things to do in South Korea
1. Go to a K-Pop Concert or K-Pop shopping in South Korea
Hello to ‘Hallyu’! Korean popular music has gone global, with K-Pop groups now worldwide stars – from BTS to Blackpink, Seventeen to Stray Kids, there are dozens of K-Pop groups to enjoy.
If you are visiting South Korea soon and want to buy K-Pop music or merchandise, there are lots of K-pop shops to browse (especially in Myeongdong), but best of all, you might be able to catch a K-Pop concert.
This one of the best things South Korea activities we ever did (although you may need to book tickets far in advance).
We were lucky enough to go to the most recent BOF K-POP concert in Busan held at the Busan Asiad Stadium featuring bands like ZeroBaseOne, NCT127 and Oh My Girl. OMG, it was amazing and one of the best things in Busan we ever did!
Tickets weren’t that expensive either, especially considering the Busan K-Pop concert was over three hours long and had 10 K-Pop bands / performers plus a day tour of Busan.
Book your K-Pop concert tickets with Trazy >
You might like – Our guide to the top 10 K-Pop shops in Myeongdong, Seoul >
Join our Facebook South Korea Travel Planning and Tips Group!
Need help with your itinerary or have any South Korea related questions? Head on over to our Facebook group!
Click here to join our group >
2. DMZ Tour from Seoul
The DMZ is the heavily controlled border separating North Korea and South Korea.
This is a half day tour that starts with a visit to Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park (where you can see the famed Bridge to Freedom and buy North Korean money as souvenirs).
Given the history and complex relationship of North and South Korea, this is an interesting way to learn about this important piece of history and is an easy day trip from Seoul (many tours are available).
At Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park you get to look across into North Korea from the Dorasan Observatory. Using telescopes and state of the art electronic cameras, you can see guards on patrol in North Korea plus farmers and local residents go about their daily work.
Finally, take a long, dark walk down into the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, built by North Korea as a means of invasion (although they still deny this, even though four such infiltration tunnels exist).
Check out these DMZ tours from Seoul with Viator >
You might like – 30 things to do in Seoul at night >
3. Go to a baseball game – one of our favourite things to do in South Korea
South Korea’s most popular sport is baseball so after a day of exploring why not catch a game of baseball such as at the Seoul Jamsil baseball ground.
The baseball season in South Korea runs approximately from April to September every year, and Seoul is fortunate enough to have two home baseball teams – the Doosan Bears and the LG Twins.
There will often be several baseball games a week played at Jamsil stadium (it is a huge stadium, holding 25,000 spectators). Foreigners can buy Seoul baseball tickets at Jamsil stadium for as little as 13,000 Won (around £8 / $10 USD).
We went to see the Doosan Bears take on the Samsung Lions at Jamsil Stadium and had an amazing time watching the baseball (and eating, singing, dancing…).
Click here to read our guide on how to buy Seoul baseball tickets >
4. Haeundae Blueline Park in Busan
You might get a sense of deja-vu when you first see the Haeundae Blueline Park – the multicolored Sky Capsules (monorail) that travel along the coast with incredible sea views are very popular on social media.
The Haeundae Blue Line Park is one of Busan’s newest tourist attractions, opening in late 2020 and consisting of the iconic Sky Capsules and a separate Beach Train that follows the Busan Green Railway coastal walking trail.
Following the old Donghae Nambu Line, the 5km coastal Beach Train journey starts from Haeundae Beach’s Mipo Station to Dalmaji Tunnel, Cheongsapom Daritdol Skywalk (very cool and free), Gudeokpo and Songjeong, taking about 30 minutes, and gives stunning unspoilt views of East Busan’s coastline.
Read our full guide to the Haeundae Blueline Park here >
Check out this Busan 1 day tour with Blue line Sky Capsule and Beach Train >
The Haeundae Blue Line Park Beach Train is also included as one of included attractions in the newly launched Visit Busan pass, which we’ve reviewed here >
5. Visit joyful Jeju Island
South Korea’s most idyllic island getaway, Jeju Island is a popular holiday spot for both domestic and international tourists.
A volcanic island famous for its beautiful beaches and lush tropical landscapes, there are lots of things to do on Jeju Island (including meeting Jeju’s historic Haenyeo elderly women divers – more on this later).
Better still, Jeju Island has so many fine, fresh foods to try. Enjoy tangerine and tangerine flavoured ice-cream, Jeju black pork, freshly caught seafood and moorish matcha green tea – a culinary gem!
Jeju Island has so many diverse natural landscapes to enjoy from underground lava tubes and black sand beaches to historical forests – plus quirky stone statues across the islands.
From Sunrise Peak to wonderful waterfalls, here is our guide to Jeju Island (40+ things to do) >
6. Korean Photo Booths
Time to get ‘snap happy’ at a Korean photo booth – whether you are looking for a superb selfie or gorgeous group shot with your friends or fellow travellers, Korean photo booths are easy to use and inexpensive.
Better yet, half the fun is in the taking of the pictures, with a wide variety of props or backdrops to choose from – you can even be pictured with your favorite K-Pop band or cartoon character; one of the more unique South Korea souvenirs to take home for sure.
Literally located on every street corner, from pricing to poses, here is our ultimate guide to using photo booths in Korea >
Try this – Seoul Food Tours with Viator or Get Your Guide
7. Busan’s Best Beaches
The coastal setting of Busan makes for some of the best beaches in South Korea – blessed with beautiful beaches where the sea meets the city skyline, this is why you should be Busan bound for your big beach trip.
From surfing to paddleboarding, swimming to sunbathing, Busan offers a wonderful world of watersports and beach activities (not to mention beachside bars and restaurants).
There are lots of beautiful Busan beaches to explore from Songdo to Songjeong.
Featuring the epic eastern Busan beaches to the more subdued southern beaches, here is our guide to the 5 best beaches in Busan >
8. Hire traditional hanbok
Many visitors to South Korea’s historical sites wear hanboks and traditional Korean costumes – they are especially popular in Gyeongju, Jeonju and Seoul’s historic Royal Palaces and Bukchon Hanok Village. Some places even allow free admission if you hire hanbok.
They can be easily hired at dozens of hanbok rental shops all around South Korea (such bright colors too).
Hanbok style clothing has been around for over 1,500 years and dressing up in these outfits is a popular family / tourist activity.
Check out this Hanbok Experience at Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung with Korean Hairstyling >
For something a little more modern, there is also a craze for hiring school uniforms to go round theme parks and shopping malls. Try this Ehwa Korean School Uniform Rental Experience in Seoul >
You might like – Our guide to the 15+ best Seoul malls and shopping districts >
9. South Korea karaoke
Time to let off a little steam after traipsing around the streets of Seoul or Busan all day – Hongdae is the go-to place in Seoul for karaoke or Seomyeon in Busan.
With dozens of private karaoke booths in huge high-rise karaoke ‘towers’, sing to your heart’s content without fear of anyone hearing you (unless you want to be heard).
A lot of the karaoke rooms have huge glass windows meaning you can watch people sing (and dance!) from the streets.
Private karaoke booths in South Korea are charged on an hourly rate (prices vary depending on the time of day) and they sometimes do special tourist discounts if you show your overseas ID or passport.
Also daytime karaoke rates are generally cheaper than at night.
You might like – 20+ things to do in Seomyeon & Jeonpo, Busan >
10. Gyeongju
Gyeongju is one of South Korea’s best preserved ancient cities with the most temples, pagodas and former palaces anywhere in the country.
Very different from the big cities of Busan and Seoul, Gyeongju is a marvellous mix of old and new South Korea and once the capital of the Korean Silla Dynasty – for every cool coffee shop, there is a historic hanok house or centuries old site.
From hanbok hire to tranquil temples, night markets to craft beer breweries, check out our guide to Gyeongju >
You might like our guide to taking the bus from Busan to Gyeongju >
Book your Seoul to Gyeongju KTX train ticket on Klook >
11. Gwangjang Market and Kalguksu Alley
Seoul is not short on sublime street-food stalls and two of our favorites are Gwangjang Market and Kalguksu Alley, the latter hidden away in the backstreets of Namdaemun Market.
Gwangjang Market is Seoul’s most famous food market, a myriad of market stalls selling some of the best food you’ll likely taste in Seoul, from bibimbap to Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) – we’ve written this guide to Gwangjang including 30 different foods to try >
It is perhaps best known to tourists and TV viewers from the Netflix Street Food: Asia show, whereby the story of Cho Yonsoon and her knife-cut noodles thrilled millions (read more about visiting her stall here).
We also love the experience of dining at Seoul’s Kalguksu Alley, a densely packed indoor strip of food stalls, a hotpotch of bibimbap and knife-cut noodle dishes.
You might like our guide to dining in Kalguksu Alley or 25 Korean street foods you must try.
12. HBAF, South Korea’s ‘nutty’ souvenir
We’re ‘nuts’ about HBAF flavored almonds! Possibly South Korea’s most scrummy souvenir snack, HBAF almonds are a popular tourist treat that come in dozens of different flavors.
Mosey on by Myeongdong and you’ll find several huge HBAF stores stocked with all manner of almond flavours, nice nuts and perfect pretzels. Plus they can be found in convenience stores all over the country including 7-Eleven South Korea.
There are over 50 different flavors of HBAF plus there is even HBAF merchandise plus HBAF Makgeolli rice wine.
Find out more about all the HBAF flavors and souvenir shops here >
13. Go to a K-League South Korea soccer game
The perfect way to ‘kick-off’ your trip to South Korea, K-League football (or soccer) is a popular sport, up there with baseball.
South Korea K League game tickets are easy to purchase (and very cheap) plus the World Cup Stadium in Seoul has good transport links with its very own subway station.
From purchasing K-League tickets for FC Seoul through to what types of food, drink and entertainment you can expect at the stadium, here is our guide to all things K-League South Korea and the Seoul World Cup Stadium >
14. Go crazy for ‘Chimaek’’ (chicken and beer)
One of the most popular foods in South Korea, no trip is complete without some ‘clucking good’ fried chicken (and possibly beer).
Known locally as ‘Dakgangjeong’, Korean Fried Chicken usually consists of chicken wings or boneless chicken covered in a spicy and sweet sauce glaze with additional seasonings like cut up peanuts or sesame seed.
It can be bought from street food stalls but we’d recommend trying Dakgangjeong / Korean fried chicken with a nice pint of cold Korean beer (like Cass) in a craft beer bar. Fried chicken and beer combined is known as ‘Chimaek’ in Korean – so cheers to Chimaek at night!
One of the best places to have Korean fried chicken in Seoul at night is beer and chicken street in Myeongdong, Nogari Alley in Euljiro, Itaewon World Street or in Hongdae or Gangnam.
You might like – 25+ most ‘mashisoyo’ (delicious) foods to try in Korea >
15. Step back in time at Jeonju, South Korea’s largest hanok village
Literally translated as a ‘perfect’ region’, Jeonju’s laid back low-rise charm and historic heart are the antithesis of the hustle and bustle of Seoul or Busan.
Whilst perhaps most famous for its Jeonju hanok village and the home of the mighty Joseon dynasty, there are also more modern aspects and attractions to enjoy.
Celebrated for its Jeonju bibimbap dish, hanok restaurants and street food stalls, Jeonju-si has been designated as a ‘UNESCO City of Gastronomy’ – there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
From rooftop cafes and hillside shrines overlooking the hanok to craft beer bars and the best bibimbap, there are lots of things to do in Jeonju both by day and night.
A short trip from Seoul, here is our guide to 40+ things to do in Jeonju, South Korea >
You might like – Our step-by-step Seoul to Jeonju by bus guide (and how to buy tickets) >
16. N Seoul Tower and Namsan Park
The most popular viewing tower in Seoul is N Seoul Tower, located in Namsan Park. The views of Seoul and the surrounding park are stunning plus there are two levels to explore, one with a rather nice cafe looking out over Seoul.
Almost 800 metres high, the N Seoul Tower is open until 10pm on weekdays and until 11pm on weekends – so you can even enjoy the Seoul sunset or Seoul at night.
Namsan Park is open until 10pm most days so you can even enjoy sunset or night time views. Love locks adorn all the fences too in and around the immediate area – quite the romantic place, although many of the locks are now quite rusty and orange!
Namsan Park peak is walkable but the paths are quite steep so you may want to make use of the Namsan Cable Car.
Book your N Seoul Tower ticket here with Klook >
‘Free entry’ to N Seoul Tower is also included with the Discover Seoul Pass >
You might like – 40+ Things to do in Seoul with kids >
17. Cheers to South Korea craft beers
The craft beer scene is on the rise in South Korea – it is bursting with brewery bars, craft beer pubs and top taprooms with all manner of beer styles and types.
Korea’s beer scene isn’t just about the bland mass produced beers like Cass or TerraFrom Itaewon’s ‘Beer Valley’ to historic hanok pubs in Jeonju, there is much to raise a glass to in South Korea.
We’d also highly recommend a trip to the Busan Beer Festival or Seoul Myeongdong Beer Festivals, two of the most fun craft beer experiences we had in South Korea (well, the bits we remember) – ganbei!
You might like – Our guide to Seoul’s best craft beer bars or Busan’s best brewery bars
18. Korean teahouses
Visiting a traditional tea-house is a tea-riffic thing to do in South Korea, especially in the Seoul Insadong neighborhood.
In terms of tea-tasting and historic tea-houses, you are spoiled for choice in Insadong.
Down one particular alley (8 and 9 Insadong – gil), you’ll find both Shin Old Teahouse (Sinyet chatjip) and Namusae Tea house – both are hidden away and ooze history.
We visited Shin Old Teahouse one rainy afternoon and were amazed by its interior – the teahouse is wooden timbered with a variety of old furniture, warm snugs and indoor gardens.
Other top traditional tea houses in Insadong include Moon Bird and Dawon Traditional Tea House.
You might like – Our guide to using T-money Cards and public transport in South Korea >
19. Korean BBQ and grilled squid
Korean BBQ is one of the most popular Korean street foods available at most South Korean night markets is Korean BBQs included delicious meat like beef, pork and chicken plus ‘gopchang’ (intestines) as well grilled squid (’Ojingeo Gui’) – they are often served with a spicy coating / sauce.
There are many BBQ restaurants and it is widely available on BBQ street food stalls – just follow your nose (it is one of the more pungent street foods in Korea).
Try this – Seoul Night Private Tour (Korean BBQ, N-Tower, Seoul fortress and a local market) >
20. Watch Hongdae street performers
The K-Pop stars of tomorrow all have to start somewhere and Hongdae is a breeding ground for up and coming street performers.
On all of our daytime visits to Hongdae (particularly at the weekends in summer), we’ve seen dozens of street performers from girl groups to accordionists, street-rappers to beatboxers.
Wannabe K-Pop girl groups in Hongdae seem particularly popular especially with young and old men who bring out their large cameras and telescopic lenses – eek!
Huge crowds gather to watch impromptu performances or join in singalong sessions; we’ve even seen fans bring along K pop light sticks to support their favorite street performers.
The best places to catch street performers are along Festival Street or Hongdae Street.
You might like – 25+ things to do in Hongdae, South Korea >
21. South Korea cool cafes and hipster hangouts
Seoul is never short on cute cafes – from old warehouse coffee shops to historic hanok cafes, you’ll always be able to find somewhere for decadent desserts and charming croissants. Some of the most popular cafes include:
Daelim Changgo
Possibly the best known coffee-shop in Seongsu-Dong (and certainly the most Instagrammed), Daelim Changgo is a wonderful warehouse coffee shop.
Rain Report Cafe
One of the most chic cafes we visited in Seongsu-dong, the Rain Report Croissant Cafe opened in 2023 and even has its own lake outside.
Inside, industrial chic gives way to a two floor cute cafe where the walls are adorned with huge TV screens showing scenes of nature.
Cafe Onion (various locations)
Very rustic compared to the other Onion cafes in Seoul, Cafe Onion Seongsu feels kinda like having coffee and cakes in an abandoned building. They also have famous branches in Gwangjang Market and near Bukchon Hanok Village.
BTS Cafe – Yoojung Sikdang
The beloved BTS cafe in Gangnam where the K-Pop band used to dine before they were superstars, Yoojung Sikdang has now become the ultimate K-Pop pilgrimage in Seoul (and tasty too).
Yoojung Sikdang is a cosy cafe located in Gangnam’s side streets which is literally covered in posters and BTS merchandise – like there isn’t a single surface spared.
You might like – Our guide to Seongsu-dong, Seoul’s trendiest neighborhood >
22. Gamcheon Cultural Village in Busan
Gamcheon Cultural Village is one of the most colorful places in South Korea. Often referred to as the Santorini of South Korea and is one of our favorite things to do in Busan.
One of the most popular (and Instagrammed) South Korea sites, Gamcheon Cultural Village is bright and beautiful (we’d liken it to an explosion in a pastel paint factory!) with incredible scenic views.
Brightly painted terraced dwellings, labyrinth alley-ways and maze-like backstreets are all part of the Gamcheon charm, plus there are cute and colourful coffee shops offering postcard perfect panoramic look-outs.
From the Little Prince and Fox statues to sublime selfie spots and the best views, here is our guide to all the best things to do in Gamcheon Cultural Village >
23. Kakao Friends stores
Whilst in South Korea and Seoul, make sure you visit one of the cute Kakao Friends stores, chock full of charming cartoon character merchandise.
Along with Line Friends (more on these later), Kakao Friends are the most popular chain of cartoon character stores in South Korea.
From Ryan the Lion to Choonsik the Cat, Con the Crocodile to Frodo the Dog, you’ll find all the Kakao Friends across mucho merchandise, both in terms of huge cartoon models or rows upon rows of branded products – everything from phone chargers to kids clothes and even super cute humidifiers.
The two best Kakao Friends stores to visit are in Gangnam at the Times Square Mall and the Hongdae Kakao Friends flagship store.
You might like – Our guide to South Korea’s CU Convenience stores >
24. Visit historic hanok villages – one of our favourite things to do in South Korea
One of the best things to do in South Korea is visit a historical hanok village, full of traditional Korean homes. Many families and friends also hire hanbok dress to explore the hanboks.
The largest hanok in South Korea is Jeonju Hanok Village which has around 900 wooden houses and homes plus numerous shops and cafes – it is a very popular place to experience Korean Culture.
Some of the most famous Korean hanoks to visit include:
- Jeonju Hanok Village >
- Ikseon Dong Hanok Village in Seoul >
- Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village Guide >
- Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul
You might like – Things to do in Gwangalli Beach, Busan >
25. South Korea night markets
South Korea is famous for its night markets and perhaps the most famous one in Seoul is Myeongdong Night Market.
Here you’ll try tasty Korean foods like Korean Blood Sausage (Ssundee), Knife-Cut Noodles (Gohyang Kalguksu) or Fruit Hard Candy (Ddalgi Satang).
For us, one of the best night markets in the whole of South Korea is Dongmun Market in Jeju.
One of the best spots on Jeju Island to try famous Jeju food and fruit like black pork or hallabong tangerines, Jeju Dongmun Market is both a traditional wet market selling fresh fish and meat, plus souvenirs, street food and Jeju fruits.
Dongmun Market on Jeju Island is renowned for all its street food vendors that cook their oh so hot dishes with blow torches.
You might also like – Our guide to Busan’s top food markets >
26. South Korea’s Jeju Haenyeo women divers
One of the best known aspects of Jeju Island’s incredible heritage and history, Jeju’s Haenyeo Divers are older local women (many of who are in their 70s and 80s) who dive to the ocean floor to collect seafood.
The Haenyeo lady divers of Jeju island pop their catch into their bright orange floats – often you‘ll hear their high pitched whistles as they resurface known as ‘sumbi sori’.
Akin to traditional mermaids of Jeju Island, there is a real fear that the tradition of elderly Jeju Haenyeo women divers could possibly die off in the next twenty or so years, with no younger female divers to follow.
There are several ways to watch the Jeju Haenyeo Women divers ‘at work’ – the most touristy way is to watch the daily 2pm show in the cove next to Seongsan Ilchulbong. However the elderly Haenyeo divers women don’t always dive here due to strong tides.
You might like – Our guide to Bulguksa. Gyeongju’s most beautiful temple >
27. The autumn leaves of South Korea
If you happen to be in South Korea between September and October, you’ll be in for an awesome autumn treat as the leaves turn red and orange.
We were lucky enough to be in South Korea in autumn recently and got to see fantastic foliage and colorful leaves at Naejangsan National Park and Nami Island, both an easy day trip from Seoul. The gingko trees in Jeonju are also particularly spectacular.
Check out these South Korea autumn / fall tours with Trazy >
28. Indulge in a Korean ‘Jjimjilbang’
After a busy day of sightseeing, time for some relaxation in a Korean spa (“Jjimjilbang”) – you’ll find these all over South Korea and many are open 24 hours a day, complete with lots of extra facilities.
You could relax and unwind in Busan’s biggest jimjil-bang / public bathhouse and spa, Spa Land Centum near Haeundae Beach.
Located in the Shinsegae Department Store Centum City, this is an authentic South Korean spa and sauna experience which stays open in the evening. Spa Land Centum uses hot spring water full of sodium bicarbonate, which is pulled up from underground wells.
There are almost 20 different hot springs and 13 theme spas to choose from including the Ice Room and Pyramid Steam Room.
Book your discounted Busan LAND Centum tickets here or admission is included as part of the Visit Busan Pass.
29. K Star Road (AKA GangnamDol bears) / Statue of Gangnam Style
One of the most frequently visited things to do in Gangnam are the brightly coloured K-pop bears of K Star Road.
These ‘GangnamDols’ (brightly coloured bear dolls) line a 1 km stretch of road with around 20 big bears representing the cream of K-pop talent and famous K-pop dolls.
As you’d expect, the ‘star’ of K Star Road is a huge Psy bear / GangnamDol (near Apgujeong Rodeo Station exit 2), but other bears include Girl’s Generation, Miss A and 4Minute – and yes, the BTS Gangnam-su bear is incredibly popular.
Nearby, there is a dedicated Gangnam Style pair of golden hands – a weird and wonderful Seoul attraction that is a bronze style sculpture located just outside the East Gate of COEX Mall and COEX exhibition center.
And yes, we and several other bystanders during our visit felt it only appropriate to recreate Psy’s iconic dance in front of the giant pair of hands.
You might like – More weird, wonderful and unique things to do in Seoul >
30. South Korea theme parks
OK, going to a South Korea theme-park might not be for everything but they are great things to do in Seoul with kids or in Busan.
The biggest and best Korea theme-parks are Everland near Seoul plus the two huge Lotte Worlds. Lotte Adventure World Seoul is an epic theme-park near the River Han that has a huge indoor area plus outdoor Magic island area (kinda like a Seoul version of the Disney Castle for kids).
We also really like Lotte Adventure World Busan which we’ve written about extensively here (it is more outdoors than its Seoul counterpart).
Book your discounted Lotte Adventure World Seoul Tickets or Everland tickets.
Lotte World admission is also included on the Discover Seoul Pass or Visit Busan Pass.
You might like – Things to do in Busan with Kids >
31. Nami Island & The Garden of Morning Calm
Two of Seoul’s most popular day-trips can be easily combined into one day – Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm.
Nami Island is home to wonderful woodland walks along the river, beautiful landscapes and an incredible array of wildlife including hundreds of wild rabbits.
Popularised by a starring role in the romantic K Drama ‘Winter Sonata” (there is even a commemorative statue of the characters), Nami Island has dozens of cafes and other attractions to enjoy, from zip lines to boat hire.
From how to get there to admission and attraction prices, here is our Nami Island ultimate guide >
With 30 gardens to explore and cute cafes overlooking gorgeous green spaces, South Korea’s The Garden of Morning Calm is one of the most incredible arboretums in the world. Check out our guide to South Korea’s ‘calmest’ garden here >
Check out this Mount Seorak + Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm Day Trip from Seoul >
Or this Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm package options with Klook >
32. Olive Young, South Korea’s home of K-beauty products
The K-beauty shop Olive Young has become so well known all over the world that many flock to South Korea with empty suitcases just to fill them up with ‘miraculous’ moisturizer or blinged body scrubs.
There are around 1,400 Olive Young K Beauty branches across South Korea and you’ll see the red, green and white logo on every street corner (it’s kind of like the 7-Eleven of the South Korea beauty market).
In late 2023, Olive Young opened their first Olive Young Global store in Myeongdong, specifically aimed at overseas tourists with all their best-selling lines in massive volumes, signs in English, plus multilingual staff and lots of duty-free shopping kiosks.
You might like – things to do in Myeongdong, Seoul >
33. Drink at the highest Starbucks in the world
Have you ‘bean’ to the world’s highest coffee shop? Busan X the Sky is home to the world’s tallest / highest Starbucks.
Located on the 99th floor of Busan X the Sky, the Starbucks here serves coffee with real altitude – the beachside views to accompany your beans are a bonus, plus treat yourself to a pastry with the best panoramic views of Busan.
To get to Starbucks Busan X the Sky, you need to alight on the 98th floor and walk up the flight of stairs to level 99.
Note to visit Busan X the Sky Starbucks at Haeundae Beach, you must purchase an admission ticket to Busan X the Sky first.
Read more in our guide to Starbucks in Busan X the Sky >
Did you also know Seoul has a floating Starbucks (Seoul Art Wave Center) on the River Han? Check out our guide here >
34. BIFF Square and its ‘sweet as’ Hotteoks
As well as its film history, BIFF Square in Busan is known for its street food markets and snack vendors which take up most of the square.
The stalls sell many local specialities such as octopus skewers, yubu bottan (stew with fried tofu), walnut cake (Hodu-gwaja) and candied fruit (Ddalgi Satang).
BIFF Square Market is also home to possibly South Korea’s best hotteok – Ssiat Hotteok – it has queues around the block and is filled full of seedy goodness.
The sticky sweet pancake contains crushed sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds, almonds and peanuts and is absolutely delicious.
Check out our 20+ things to do around BIFF Square and Nampo >
35. Jagalchi Fish Market
No trip to Busan is complete without a walk around Jagalchi Fish Market, South Korea’s biggest seafood market. Unlike other fish markets, most of the stalls and counters are just inside the complex.
There are dozens of stalls outside all with their own seating areas, vying for your attention and custom – and we are talking seriously fresh (so fresh, you can eat dishes like octopus whilst the tentacles are still wriggling).
Jagalchi Fish Market also allows you to purchase your own fresh fish on the ground floor (or via the stalls outside) and then have it cooked by one of the restaurants on the upper levels.
Tip – there is an incredible roof terrace at Jagalchi Fish Market that is free to visit and offers stunning views of Busan port and the hillside towns and villages.
You might like this Jagalchi Fish Market and Korean food market tour in Busan with a local chef or cruise from Jagalchi Fish Market.
36. Buy Socks
Forgot your usual souvenirs of magnets or postcards – South Korea is all about sock shopping!
Like, shed loads of socks! Literally every other stall in Myeongdong and other big cities sells funky, quirky pop socks or cartoon character socks.
Mainly made in South Korea, the socks are cheap too with cutesy colorful ankle socks starting from 1,500 Korean Won (less than a £1) a pop.
From Hello Kitty and Doraemon to slightly non legit branded socks like Starbucks or 7-Eleven, sock shopping in Seoul is a silly and fun shopping trip.
You might like – Our guide to the 12 storey Daiso store in Myeongdong, Seoul >
37. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – Korea’s best known temple
A short bus ride from Gwangalli Beach, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is described as the ‘most beautiful temple in Korea’ with stunning panoramic views of the sea and surrounding coastline.
Incredibly popular (especially with coach groups), the original Haedong Yonggungsa temple was built in the 14th century but later destroyed by bombing and rebuilt in the 1930s.
During celebrations and religious festivals like Buddha’s birthday, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is adorned with lots of bright lanterns across all its paths and roofs making it even more beautiful.
You might like – Our Jeju Airport Limousine Bus 600 Guide >
38. Eat bibimbap and drink soju
For us, bibimbap was one of the most delicious foods we tried during our time in South Korea.
A dish which is served in a bowl with a whole heap of vegetables, barley, kimchi and usually a fried egg on top (and sometimes with meat), bibimbap is bloody tasty.
Bibimbap is best served with soju (probably). Produced from cassava and also known as ‘Korean vodka’, soju is hugely popular in Korea and usually consumed neat. It is around 9 to 20% ABV (so half that of vodka). We found it quite an acquired taste but everyone else loved it so there you go!
If you don’t like alcohol, Korean Barley Tea is a common soft alternative served in many restaurants.
You might like – 20 things to do Dongdaemun, Seoul >
39. Seongsu-dong pop up shops and container mall
A nice Seoul neighborhood and hipster hang-out, Seongsu-dong was once an enclave of industry with limited appeal.
Since its trendy transformation, locals and tourists flock to Seongsu-dong, a happening hybrid of street-art, pop up shops with weird and wonderful warehouse spaces.
Based on our recent visits, Seongdong-gu has to be the place for pop-up shops and one-off stores in South Korea.
Almost every street corner or high street had some form of warehouse or industrial unit transformed into a temporary fashion store or bar – for something a bit different, check out Seongsu-dong’s famous container mall, Common Ground.
You might like – Top Christmas lights & Christmas events in Seoul >
Our final thing to do in South Korea
40. Eat at a Pojangmacha
Head to the night-life district of Seomyeon in Busan at night to enjoy an epicurean experience in these street-tents, open until the wee small hours.
All manner of South Korean street food is served in these Pojangmacha food stalls plus alcoholic beverages like soju and beer.
Given Busan’s proximity to the coast, seafood pojangmacha stalls are popular – chicken and pork trotters are other typical Korean dishes available.
Such is their popularity, these late night Busan stalls often appear in Korean dramas and TV programmes – they are also popular in Jeju and Seoul.
You might like – 22 things to do in Itaewon, Seoul >
Found this things to do in South Korea article helpful?
Did you like our things to do in South Korea blog? Let us know in the comments below:
You can follow CK Travels on:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
YouTube
Pinterest
