21 Fun Things To Do In South Korea As A First Time Traveler

Written by Bianca Versoza

South Korea is a fascinating destination, especially if you consider how its economy only really started to recover after the 1953 Korean War. There’s a lot to learn about their culture, people, land, and constant mindset for progress.

If this is your first time in South Korea, here are the best things you can do based on personal experience:

1. Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace

There are a lot of palaces in South Korea, but Gyeongbokgung in Seoul was definitely one of the most important. It’s the main palace of the Joseon dynasty, Korea’s last years of emperor-led leadership before they were occupied by the Japanese, built by King Taejo in 1395.

If you’ve seen Korean dramas, specifically historical ones, they are usually set during Joseon.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace holds a lot of history and remnants of old Korean culture, and is open for tourists all the way to the Emperor’s Chamber, the deepest part of the area. Every member of the royal family lived here, from the Emperor to his children, and the mothers of his children.

You’ll hear a lot of interesting tales about successions, assassinations, and palace politics if you enter a Gyeongbokgung guided tour.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace you’ll see today is an ongoing restoration effort of the original. The real palace was ransacked, destroyed, and bombed during the 1592 invasion. According to local guides, they won’t be done until sometime in 2050. Apparently, its architects and engineers are determined to build every structure with the original materials they were made out of (including how they were made).

It’s a lot of work, but I have nothing but respect for South Korea’s efforts to preserve an important part of its history.

The admission costs are around 2-3 USD for adults and 1 USD for those under 18 years old; if you wear a Hanbok, the entrance is free.

2. Wear an authentic Hanbok

If you’re off to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, you’ll be more than happy to hear that you can walk through its walls in a Hanbok, one of the most popular styles of traditional Korean clothing. Entrance to Gyeongbokgung is free for those in a Hanbok!

You won’t find the rentals inside the palace itself (a mistake many tourists make) but in one of the many surrounding buildings in the area. Note that an authentic Hanbok rental shop fit should cost no less than 20,000 won, or you’ll be getting a cheap imitation.

From 20,000 won, the price can go up depending if you want accessories with the Hanbok (like the headdress for men and hair accessories for women). The talented owners of Hanbok rentals can even style women’s hair to fit the traditional wear. Women get purses to put their phones in while they have the outfit on. You leave your things in guarded lockers back at the rental shop.

You can choose your Hanbok from a variety of styles and based on your height! Here’s mine:

3. See some real remnants of Korea’s last dynasty in Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress is the only remaining fortress in Korea, built during the Joseon dynasty. Since it’s a “fortress,” you might think that it was built to protect important people during a time of great war, but the truth is the opposite.

The Hwaseong Fortress was built so that ordinary people could live in it and be protected (after all, the royal family lived in the Gyeongbokgung Palace). It is even called the “flower” of the dynasty, a magnificent creation born from a wise king who loved his people more than anything.

If Gyeongbokgung Palace is an ongoing restoration, the Hwaseong Fortress is a completed one. It was so well restored to its original blueprints that it was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage destination despite not being a naturally preserved structure of its time.

4. Eat and shop at Myeongdong

If I were to compare Myeongdong to other places I’ve been to, I’d say something like a cultural fusion between Shibuya Japan and Bangkok Thailand. Myeongdong is a district in Seoul that is famous for its street eateries and shopping malls.

And yes, I know Myeongdong is commercialized right now, and there are cheaper alternatives if you’re looking for anything specific. But if you’re not (or don’t know what you’re looking for) and just want to dedicate an entire day to shopping, Myeongdong is for you.

You can find everything in Myeongdong, from authentic Korean dolls that my mother loves to collect to the Hallyu-type of modern merchandise. There’s also at least two Olive Young buildings within walking distance, which, if you didn’t know, is That Skincare Place locals buy their products from.

At 4pm, the empty streets open with “night market” food stalls for which you can go on a food trip. They have everything here, too, from grilled octopi to desserts like soufflé pancakes.

Remember, the food stalls are open until the wee hours of the night but the shopping buildings close at 10pm. Stuff your face after you’ve bought the things you want!

5. Shop skincare at Olive Young

I’ve mentioned Olive Young briefly above, but know that it’s not a place that can only be found in Myeongdong. There’s an Olive Young three buildings away from the hotel where we stayed, and you’ll probably see more when you ride a bus around the city.

Wherever you are in Seoul, you can purchase Korean skincare products from Olive Young. If that’s your goal, you don’t have to go all the way to another district.

The skincare products you can find in Olive Young are what locals deem their “basics”—that is, everything from night cream to makeup. There’s even a dedicated section for men’s skincare.

The skincare industry in Korea is really competitive. If it’s a product that’s been on the shelf for months, then it’s a good one. A local shared with me how Korean women, in particular, are never afraid to review bomb bad products until the company goes out of business. That’s why their skincare products are known for quality. 

They’re effective and light on the skin; plus, they rarely trigger allergic reactions. In fact, almost every product they sell has testers (and not just the make up).

6. Buy an Amethyst

Amethyst is a rare gem found in many parts of South America, but there’s also a deposit in South Gyeongsang. So, if you’re the type to buy jewelry where it can be mined, the ones in South Korea are local, cheaper, and authentic.

You can visit one of the local jewelry stores to collect them, including the Duty Free, but there’s also a place called Amethyst Factory in Seoul.  I bought a pair of earrings, and the purple color was really as deep as they said they would be.

Amethyst is a gem known to bring a good fortune of the monetary kind to locals. A lot of them even place wallets inside Amethyst Stones and pray for good luck.

Of course, since they’re authentic, they’re also expensive. Fortunately, they also sell smaller jewelry with just a bit of Amethyst in it for them to shine purple, which is a lot cheaper. They’re great options if you’re merely looking for souvenirs.

7. Enjoy some of Korea’s best coffees at Tom & Tom’s

South Korea loves Starbucks—it’s in every mall, on every street, and near every main establishment. However, I do not like Starbucks and generally avoid franchises when traveling.

What’s fortunate is that Koreans love coffee so much that there are a lot of options. I highly recommended Tom & Tom’s, which is one of their bigger chains. Tom & Tom’s espressos are so flavor rich and Afogatos are to come back for.

If you’re the type to enjoy less sweet desserts like me, you’ll have an amazing time in South Korea. They really love their pastries, which have less sugar than most desserts. You can buy a bunch from Tom & Tom’s, too. Try their cakes and croffles—they’re divine.

8. Learn how to make kimbap (Korean sushi)

Kimbap, or Korean sushi, is one of the stable table foods in the country. There will be a ton of restaurants that serve them, but I highly recommend you join a kimbap cooking class and learn to make your own.

Compared to Japanese sushi, kimbap uses sesame oil and normally uses meat (such as ham, spam, or even bulgogi) instead of seafood. South Korea also has local seaweed that they use for making kimbap. They’re crispier and less salty compared to Japanese/Chinese seaweed, which makes them tastier in my opinion.

If you join a kimbap class, you will very likely be given the opportunity to purchase related ingredients—namely seaweed.

9. Ride the Han River Cruise

Seoul is divided into North Seoul and South Seoul. The boundary that divides them is the Han River, the fourth longest river in the country, which stretches 514 km (319 mi). You can take a Han River Cruise to learn more about the city, its buildings, and some of Seoul’s history.

Here’s a quick list of all the common Han River cruises you can take:

  • The Tour Cruise
  • The Sunset Cruise
  • The Moonlight Cruise
  • The Starlight Cruise
  • The Fireworks (with Music) Cruise

The Han River Cruise is at least 15,000 won (10 USD) to 89,000 won (65 USD) depending when you ride it and how long you’ll be on the cruise. The 15,000 won Tour Cruise is the shortest one, which is a quick tour that lasts 45 minutes.

An 89,000 won river cruise would be for those who travel during dinner time. It includes food and fireworks when the night is clear.

10. Climb up the Seoul Tower

Every city or country vying to be known for their architectural prowess will likely have a tall tower (the likes of Tokyo Tower, Shanghai Tower, and One World Trade Center)—and for a country as obsessed over progress as South Korea, it’s bound to have one, too. This is Seoul Tower.

Seoul Tower is a 236 m (774 ft) tower built on one of the mountains (Namsan) in the city. Oddly enough, it’s the second highest point in the city, with number one being the Lotte World Tower. However, the view from the top of Lotte World Tower is less scenic, so visit Seoul Tower instead.

At the base of Seoul Tower, you’ll also find the Love Locks of Namsan Tower, which is a popular shooting location in modern Korean dramas. If you’ve ever been to the Paris Padlocks of Love, it’s exactly like that but more (emphasis on more). You’ll see love locks around the perimeter, on trees, and on gates.

Seoul Tower is only accessible via the Namsan Shuttle Bus. No tour bus nor private car is allowed on its roads to control the flow of traffic in the area. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you are more than free to bike or trek up the road as well, but the slopes are quite steep so I don’t recommend it.

11. Take the train to Busan

While there are a lot of existing things to see in Seoul, South Korea is bigger than its capital city. One location you’ll probably be curious about is Busan, the setting of the Oscars-awarded film Train to Busan. It’s a bit far from Seoul but nonetheless reachable through the KTX bullet train (79 USD). 

Seoul to Busan is a three-hour train ride.

There aren’t zombies in Busan, but you’ll get to see much of South Korea’s more cultural sceneries. I highly recommend a Busan walking tour, which should allow you to see sights such as the Beomeosa Temple, Gamcheon Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa. It’s a provincial and quiet area with amazing seafood.

Locals visit Busan when they want to go to the beach, but you’re not a local, and there are beaches in other countries that are better than Busan’s. 

12. Learn about the history that shaped modern Korea in DMZ

Aside from Busan, another non-Seoul destination you must visit is the Korea DMZ (demilitarized zone)—or, at least, the area near it. The DMZ is a 250 km (160 mi) patch of land that separates North and South Korea. It’s owned by the United Nations.

As you can tell by its name, it’s supposed to be “demilitarized,” meaning a place no military presence can enter. But while the land itself is demilitarized, the zone’s borders on both sides are the most heavily militarized in the world. The area itself is a dense forest that hasn’t been breached in more than 50 years. It’s heavily littered with landmines.

If you visit South Korea’s side of the DMZ border, you can learn more about how modern Korea was built (economically, socially, and politically). They have an observatory that allows you to spot North Korea’s DMZ border, along with the DMZ itself.

13. Taste South Korea’s natural treasure at the National Ginseng Factory

Thanks to the fertile, untouched soil near the DMZ area, South Korea is the only country that exports six-year-old ginseng. It’s their national treasure! You can learn all about it in the National Ginseng Factory in Wonju, an area directly beside Seoul. 

They have guides sourced from most countries, so they can provide the information in your local language.

Did you know? If you book a South Korea day tour, they will take you to the factory. It’s a government-mandated stop for local tour agencies. 

If you see “bad” reviews on SK tours that include the Ginseng Factory, primarily because of the heavy sales pushing the guides do at the end, know that it will never be the website’s fault.

Besides, the tour is very informative! You get to learn about how they grow the local Ginseng, what it looks like during its life cycles, and the only type of plants they’re willing to export. They hoard the best of them in the country to uplift national tourism and the local economy, which I respect.

If you visit the DMZ area, you’ll understand why they’re really keen on progress.

And yes, it’s true that there will be a point where the staff hard sell these products to you, but you do not have to buy anything. In fact, after the room where they offer the expensive herbal teas and capsules, you’ll enter the end store where you can buy more affordable Ginseng products like extract teas, sweets, and other snacks. They’re around 10,000 won to 60,000 won (8 to 40 USD)—completely reasonable take-homes!

For this reason, and all the land ecology you’ll learn about Korea, don’t skip the National Ginseng Factory.

14. Hop on a boat and self-tour Nami Island

A ton of tourists will call Nami Island “overrated” because “there is nothing to see,” but I beg to differ. Nami Island is a nice break you can take during a busy Seoul tour. It’s a gigantic park-like area you can walk, bike, or tour. There are wild peacocks and ostriches, big lakes brimming with cute ducks, and thousands of trees. It’s an amazing eco-tourism site!

If you really need a list of things to do, you can recreate a lot of iconic shots from Korean drama classics (like Winter Sonata and Running Man), visit General Nami’s tomb, and try their torched smores ice creams. 

But, really, the best way to enjoy Nami Island is to visit it in the morning and give yourself the hours to explore as much of it as possible. 

Again, it’s surprisingly big—enough to give you a good workout.

For a measly fee of 13,000 won (10 USD), you can take a five-minute Han River ferry to Nami. Just go to Gapyeong Wharf near Seoul!

15. Take in South Korea’s more natural sights on a Jeju Island guided tour

Jeju Island is a special autonomous province of South Korea, covering an area of 1,833 sq km (707 sq mi). It’s so big that the main road stretches 181 km (112 mi), and the coastline extends by up to 258 km (160 mi). Jeju is mainly known for its amazing natural sceneries, such as the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, Seongsan Ilchulbong (also known as Sunrise Peak), and Manjanggul Cave.

There are also ethnic villages like Seongsan-ri where you can meet locals and help boost tourism in the area. I highly recommend you go on a Jeju Island guided tour so you can hit all of the top spots.

Jeju is its own nation, which is why the local culture and language are vastly different from other parts of South Korea. Much of its area is protected by UNESCO, so I highly encourage you to visit and help preserve one of the most endangered cultures on modern earth. Just be a respectful tourist. 

Don’t harass locals, ask permission before you take photos, and try to buy local goods as much as you can.

Jeju Island also has a ton of fertile volcanic soil, which is why many of the highest quality tea leaves in South Korea are harvested from it. You can visit the Osulloc Tea Museum to learn more about the plantations and local tea traditions. If you want to purchase anything tea-related, do it here as well, as they’ll be pricier when you come back to Seoul.

16. Watch The Painter’s Hero Show

South Koreans have a lot to boast about when it comes to “art,” and The Painter’s Hero Show is a pleasant surprise for anybody watching it for the first time.

Based on the descriptions you’ll find online, you’ll learn that The Painter’s Show is a live performance in which four young men create more than ten art pieces in front of a small audience. What they don’t tell you is that it’s more than the live art pieces.

Are you a fan of video production? Livestreaming? Korean TV comedy? Stage performances? Plays? The Painter’s Show is a one-of-a-kind flex performance that’ll show you how well the country nurtures its talent for all “art” aspects, from live ink painting to modern entertainment.

(Plus, if you’re into hot male idols, isn’t it just a bonus that they’re the stars of the performance as well?)

[Please embed if possible https://www.instagram.com/p/C9gwCARPI2z/?hl=en]

It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak the local language either. You’ll understand everything from start to finish. It was definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Always book a show online so you can guarantee yourself a seat. They usually perform in Hongdae, the art district in Seoul.

17. Take Instagram-worthy shots at the Starfield Library

The Starfield Library is a bibliophile paradise decorated with more than 50,000 books. It’s located in the center of COEX, a giant mall shoppers can also opt to visit.

Some of the books are there for aesthetic purposes (specifically the ones on the top rows), but it is indeed a library. You can read books as long as you don’t take them out. The library houses books from both local and foreign authors. There are even tables and sofas where you can relax and ebooks on the bottom floor. 

However, one of the “selling points” of this space is its Instagram potential. The tall shelves are really good backdrops for portrait photos.

18. Enter Lotte World, South Korea’s indoor theme park

There are theme parks with better and wilder rides in other countries (such as Universal Studios Japan and Six Flags USA), but Lotte World is still a must-visit for the experience. Specifically if you find one of your day plans ruined because of sudden rainfall.

Believe it or not, 80% of the Lotte World amusement park rides and arcades are indoors. I couldn’t believe they managed to fit everything in a building. They even have high-speed roller coasters in there.

Of course, all the thrilling rides are outdoors—though they are closed when it’s raining or during Winter. Though, if you’re given the chance, their outdoor water rides (like Atlantis and Flume) are amazing. 

To avoid the long queues on the big rides, get a Premium Pass (around 54,000 won to 75,000 won, depending on the number of rides). In USD, that’s only up to $55—isn’t it one of the most worth-it premium passes you can ever purchase?

Another thing people like to do here is rent high school uniforms. Lotte World is, after all, a very popular hangout for students.

19. Find a store that meets your hobby needs in Hongdae

Are you looking for K-pop photocards? Sanrio collectibles? Webnovel and webtoon/manhwa merchandise? In my experience, Hongdae is the best location to hunt for them. Hongdae is well known for being “the urban arts/culture street” and is even decorated with amazing graffiti in select parts.

Hongdae is no Akihabara Japan, but it is a neighborhood that students frequent. It’s even near Hongik University, the top art school in the country.

There isn’t one shop for me to recommend in Hongdae; I’d rather you walk its street and window shop. Enter malls, too, so you’ll find the bigger chain places, like Animate. In the afternoon, some of the street food vendors start opening their shops. The food stalls here are cheaper compared to Myeongdong.

20. Buy souvenirs at a local grocery store

If you’re looking to buy take homes, such as snacks, shirts, or even dolls, to take home, do NOT buy them in Myeongdong or Duty Free, visit a local supermarket. The prices are cheaper and you’ll have a ton of variety goods to choose from.

If you find a supermarket more dedicated to foreigners, like Hmart, they’ll often offer taste testers of their snacks. That’s how we ended up with so many Korean snacks, which are very tasty.

21. Enjoy free authentic kimchi… practically in any restaurant!

A visit to South Korea is never complete without kimchi in every meal. Try your best to eat in restaurants during your stay because all the side dishes are free (and refillable)—including the kimchi! If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll be shocked. They have this spicy cabbage even for breakfast.

Kimchi is really good for regulating your gut bacteria. It was why I never felt bloated no matter how much food I ate during my trip (and I love food).

If you’re not a fan of the taste and spice at first, try only a little until you get used to the feeling. I always tell people to approach it the same as miso: don’t just eat it once. It’s like a new friend you slowly have to get to know.

Also, I have a really low spice tolerance, but the kimchi is really good. Try to mix it into your soups for a mode diluted spice but extra flavor.

Visit South Korea, the country of progress and culture

Whenever you’re planning a trip around Asia, South Korea is a must-stop. Most cities and provinces are walkable or commutable via train or bus, and you can hit all the important stops within a week. Just plan your itinerary well.