Headed to Seoul soon, but want to skip all things touristy for a change? We got you. Read on for your alternative guide to exploring South Korea’s bustling capital like never before!
So you may or may not have paid a visit to the birthplace of Hallyu before. But one thing’s for sure: your to-do list probably includes all things touristy, whether it’s donning a hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace, eating your heart out at Noryangjin fish market, or shopping till you drop in Myeongdong.
And while these are cultural icons that you should be visiting after taking that flight all the way to South Korea, we’re here to present alternatives, especially if you prefer something a little less inundated with tourists. To help you out, we’ve shortlisted some of our favourite tried-and-tested places to eat, play and explore Seoul just like a local. Check out the full list below 👇
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1. Simmons Grocery Store
Image credits: HEYPOP
At one glance, you’d see familiar packaging along the walls and aisles of the vintage shop. But instead of fresh produce, you’d find kitschy accessories packed in candy-coloured milk cartons, styrofoam boxes, and in foil wrappers.
Created in collaboration with mattress brand Simmons, the Simmons Grocery Store is a pop-up joint that also houses a quaint burger joint just upstairs so that you can rest those tired legs and catch a quick snack break after a long day out and about.
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
📍 Address: 14-1 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023 — Check out their Instagram for the latest updates.
2. 4650DESIGNHAUS
Image credits: 4650DESIGNHAUS
Seoul is home to a range of gorgeous museums, but if you’re up for something a little more avant-garde, then we’d recommend 4650DESIGNHAUS.
Geek out over Apple products through the decades, or marvel at cassette players of all shapes and sizes at this museum-cafe. Did we mention you can even purchase some of the items up on exhibit too?
🕒 Opening Hours: Depends on exhibit
📍 Address: 14-1 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023 — Check out their Instagram for the latest updates.
3. MAISON DE PARFUM 121 Le mal du pays
Image credits: 121 Le mal du pays
The olfactory system has an amazing way of connecting smell and memories. So if you’re hoping for an unforgettable travel experience, why not pay a visit to custom perfume atelier MAISON DE PARFUM 121 to create a scent that’ll remind you of your trip with every spritz?
To get started, you’ll first be invited to pick two of your favourite scents (this is probably the toughest part — they have hundreds to choose from!) before the blending begins. Each bottle comes with a customisable leather label, allowing you to name your unique scent — a gorgeous little touch to make the whole experience a lot more special if you ask us!
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 1 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Address: 40 Wausan-ro 13-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
❓ Tips & Tricks: It’s recommended to make a reservation. You can book your slot here.
💰 Price: From ₩40,600 (~S$41.60)
Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023 — Find out more about here
4. Soha Saltpond
Image credits: Soha Saltpond
It’s no secret that Seoul has some of the most Insta-worthy cafes out there, and Soha Saltpond is no exception. This salt-themed cafe is famous for its soft and fluffy salt bread, which comes in a variety of sweet and savoury flavours, including mentaiko, matcha chocolate, caramel, and cheese olive.
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 9 PM
📍 Address: 21-5 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
❓ Tips & Tricks: Arrive early to avoid disappointment — they sell out really quickly!
💰 Price: From ₩3,500 (~S$3.60)
Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023 — Find out more here
5. Sikmulgwan PH
Image credits: Brique Magazine
Fancy yourself a plant parent? Well, then Sikmulgwan PH will have you weak in the knees. Considered one of the leaders of the planterior (yes, it’s a thing!) cafe trends in Seoul, this museum-cafe is truly a work of art.
Be greeted by a stunning curation of plants on the first and second floors where the cafe is housed. You can choose to spend the day here armed with a good book and a warm cuppa, or you can explore the galleries situated on the third and fourth levels instead.
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 11 AM – 8 PM
📍 Address: Gwangpyeongro 34-gil, 24 Gangnam-gu, Seoul South Korea
Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023 — Check out their Instagram for the latest updates.
6. Kimchi Museum
Image credits: Atlas Obscura
Is it even a surprise that there’s an entire museum dedicated to this delicious banchan? The Kimchi Museum first opened its doors in 1986 and was temporarily moved to the Korea World Trade Centre Complex in 1988 to accommodate the throngs of fans who first discovered the wonders of this fermented dish during the Seoul Olympics in the same year. Today, the Museum has been rebranded and is now known as Museum Kimchikan.
Here, you can explore the 1,500-year history of kimchi in its full glory, including the hundreds of variations and how it has evolved over the years. You’ll even get to learn more about the art of kimjang, which refers to the traditional communal efforts involved in the creation of kimchi. It’s such a prominent aspect of Korean culture that this collaborative tradition was recognised as a piece of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013!
If you wish, you can even sign up for their demonstrations and cooking classes. But if not, you can also settle for the sampling station instead, where you get to try a whole variety of kimchi — yum! And if learning about food history is right up your alley, you may want to check out similar museums like the Jajangmyeon Museum, or even the Tteok, or Rice Cake Museum.
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 AM – 6 PM (last admission is at 5:30 PM)
📍 Address: 35-4 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul South Korea
❓ Tips & Tricks: To participate in the classes and demonstrations, reservation is required
💰 Price: Admission from ₩5,000 (~S$5.10)
Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023 — Check out their Instagram for the latest updates.
7. Zoo Sindang
Image credits: Frame magazine
We love a good speakeasy bar, and this one checks off all the boxes! This zodiac-themed cocktail bar looks like a small, rundown temple from the front. But beyond its inconspicuous exterior is an oriental dream, with maximalist decor dressing up the space — think huge decorative lanterns, lush foliage and lights in a spectrum of colours.
Take your pick from their selection of delicious and gorgeous cocktails crafted based on the Korean zodiac signs. If you’re feeling peckish, you can also take your pick from their range of bar bites — curated according to zodiac signs as well!
🕒 Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 6 PM – 2 AM. Saturdays, 5 PM – 2 AM. Sun, 5 PM – 1 AM.
📍 Address: 411 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
❓ Tips & Tricks: Reservations are not accepted, so we recommend going early to secure a seat.
💰 Price: From ₩15,000 (~S$15.40)
Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023 — Find out more here
8. Picnic By Hangang River
Image credits: Korea.net
If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, and a never-ending list of must-try food and drink items, here’s the game plan.
Whether it’s convenience store snacks or pastries from your favourite bakery, pack those up and set up camp at a quiet spot along Yeouido Hangang Park. You have the option of renting a mat from the ajummas manning their stalls, or simply bringing your own. If you’re visiting during the colder months, don’t forget to pack an extra sweater! It can get cold towards the evening, especially if you’re staying to catch the sunset.
🕒 Opening Hours: 24 hours
📍 Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023 — Find out more here
9. Acorn Caricature
Image credits: TheSmartLocal
If you’ve been around on social media long enough, you would know that DIY photo studios are a big hit in Seoul these days. But if you’re camera-shy and would still like a nice little memento from your trip, then we’d highly recommend getting a caricature of yourself drawn!
Unlike the grotesque and often exaggerated caricatures we know, the ones done at Dotori are super cute and minimalistic. We love that you can even request for the artists to draw based off photo references — which means you can add your furry lil’ friends to these portraits too!
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 12 PM – 4 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
📍 Address: 382-29 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
❓ Tips & Tricks: They also have a pop-up store at The Hyundai Seoul, be prepared to queue at either location!
💰 Price: From ₩7,000 (~S$7.20)
Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023 — Check out their Instagram for the latest updates.
10. Coffee Hanyakbang
Image credits: Pheuron Tay
Located in a narrow, unassuming laneway, The Coffee Hanyakbang is a quaint little cafe that screams all things rustic and nostalgic. ‘Hanyakbang’ refers to the traditional Korean medicine room and the aptly-named cafe lives up to this with its coffee beans manually roasted onsite and hand drip coffee being a speciality on the menu — a sign of precision and meticulousness that’s expected of its namesake.
Come for their drip coffee, and stay for their range of gorgeous desserts and pastries, and of course, their vintage-themed interior.
Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 10 AM – 10 PM. Saturdays, 11 AM – 10 PM. Sundays, 11 AM – 8 PM
📍 Address: 16-6 Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
💰 Price: From ₩4,500 (~S$4.60)
Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023 —Check out their Instagram for the latest updates.
It’s Time To Go Seoul Searching
In a city as electrifying as Seoul, one might feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things to do and places to visit. We hope that this list has been a source of inspiration for you as you plan your travel itinerary! But before you leave, don’t forget to load up on your YouTrip Card to enjoy the Wholesale Exchange Rates that’ll help you save in ways you never knew you could.
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*All currency conversion rates are accurate to the nearest 10 cents on 15 March 2023 SGT 02:30. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee.
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