Things to do in South Korea
As Singaporeans, we just can’t seem to let the Hallyu Wave die out. You’ve got K-pop fans crashing Ticketmaster whenever their favourite group comes to perform, while even my dad’s absolutely hooked on the latest K-dramas on Netflix. And then you’ve got the ones who simply can’t resist the allure of South Korea, jetting over to the country every other month.
Far too often, you’d catch snippets of their escapades on IG stories, whether they’re hitting up the unique cafes in Seoul or taking in the picturesque scenery on Jeju Island. Well, if you’re already tempted to hop on a plane to take in these sights in-person, here are some new things to do in South Korea if you’ve not been there in a hot minute.
The current exchange rate is ₩1,000 = ~S$0.96 as of 18th November 2024.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in South Korea
- What travel apps are best for navigating South Korea?
- When is the best time to visit South Korea?
- 1. The Hyundai Seoul
- 2. Cafe Sanare
- 3. Sanrio Lovers Club
- 4. Starbucks Wave Seoul
- 5. Legoland Korea
- 6. Do Ho Suh Artland exhibition
- 7. Waveon Coffee
- 8. Lotte World Adventure Busan: Magic Forest
- 9. Gyeongnam Masam Robot Land
- 10. CLUB D OASIS
- 11. Momo Art Cafe
- 12. Amoene Cafe
- 13. MRNW Daegu
- 14. Liebevoll
There are plenty of apps to use for your South Korea trip that will make navigation so much easier. Here are a few that you should have installed on your phone before your trip:
Papago – English-to-Korean translator
The Papago app is essential if you don’t speak fluent Korean. Have your messages translated immediately by typing it into the translator or speaking into the mic. There’s also a camera function that translates signs, menus, and images you see when you’re out and about.
Download Papago (App Store | Google Play Store)
Naver Maps – More accurate than Google Maps
While Google Maps may be the de facto navigation tool in most places in the world, it’s Naver Maps that runs South Korea. We’ve found Naver Maps to be more accurate in providing travel routes, including providing walking directions through alleyways, which Google Maps was unable to do.
Download Naver Maps (App Store | Google Play Store)
Subway Korea – Updated subway routes for 5 cities
Use Subway Korea for an overview of the metro system in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju. It’s updated on all train station closures and disruptions and will provide you with the fastest routes with minimal transfers based on your current location.
Download Subway Korea (App Store | Google Play Store)
Kakao T – E-hailing app for private hire vehicles & taxis
Taxis are considerably cheap in Seoul, with base fares starting from ₩4,800 up to 1.6km. You can expect to pay ₩100 every 150m thereafter. If you want to book a taxi or private hire vehicle to get around, download Kakao T, which has an English interface and can be used in major cities in Korea.
You’ll need to create a Kakao ID first, which can be done on the Kakao website. Thereafter, just key in your pick-up location and destination address to book. In the payment option section, you’ll need to swipe right till you see “Pay to the driver” in order to pay by cash. Credit card payments are only allowed from Korean banks.
Download Kakao T (App Store | Google Play Store)
Catch Table – Reserve tables at popular restaurants & cafes in Korea
If you’ve been drooling watching Culinary Class Wars on Netflix, you’ll want to download Catch Table the next time you visit Korea. It’s a table reservation app to all the hottest dining spots in Korea – including the restaurants run by the chefs featured in the cooking competition. Just note that some restaurants require a deposit up front, which will be refunded to your credit card after you’ve dined in.
Download Catch Table
When is the best time to visit South Korea?
Mid-March to early April would be an ideal time frame to go if you want to catch the cherry blossom in full bloom and enjoy the spring weather. Meanwhile, fall typically begins any time between October and November, so plan your trip around this time to see the warm orange autumn foliage.
For those who prefer travelling a little off-peak but don’t want to be caught right smack in the middle of summer, May and June are nice periods so you can enjoy the cooling breeze from spring.
– Seoul –
From shopping at aesthetic malls to unique art exhibitions in the Buk-Seoul Museum of Art, check out these things to do in Seoul for your upcoming trip.
1. The Hyundai Seoul
Visit a whimsical forest-themed mall with an indoor waterfall
8m-wide walkways and a 12m-tall waterfall at The Hyundai Seoul.
Image adapted from: @thirdonmay via Instagram
The Hyundai Seoul is a 12-storey, forest-themed mall with around 600 shops. It first opened in 2021 and has since become a favourite haunt of influencers and celebrities alike because of its whimsical interior. In fact, former SNSD member Jessica Jung featured this mall in one of her vlogs back in 2021.
What sets this mall apart from its glitzy peers is its nature-inspired interior that’s filled with greenery. In the atrium lies a 2-storey waterfall measuring about 12m tall, reminiscent of the one at Jewel Changi.
Skylights in The Hyundai Seoul create a glasshouse-like atmosphere.
Image credit: @zero_grapher via Instagram
Basement 2 is where you’ll find fashion labels that are popular with young people, such as Korean streetwear brand thisisneverthat and Swedish lifestyle-cum-fashion brand ARKET.
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2. Cafe Sanare
Dine at a dreamy mountainside cafe
Image adapted from: @cafe_sanare via Instagram
Located next to Bukhansan mountain, a popular hiking spot in South Korea, Cafe Sanare is a dreamy cafe filled with lush greenery. Cafe Sanare’s name means “cafe under the mountain”, and judging by its location, the name is more than fitting.
Despite being a quiet mountainside cafe, Cafe Sanare is actually only a 5-minute walk from the Bukhansan Ui Station on the Ui LRT line.
Image adapted from: @cafe_sanare via Instagram
The interior of Cafe Sanare features a clean design boosted by full-length windows that grant visitors a front-row view of the gorgeous greenery of the surrounding area. Head outside and you’ll find an outdoor seating area that’s particularly breathtaking in the autumn.
If you’re lucky, you may come across a lounging stray cat or two.
Image adapted from: @cafe_sanare via Instagram
Do note that Cafe Sanare is a “no kids zone” and children under 14 aren’t allowed to enter. Our guide to the “no kids zone” and other things you need to take note of before visiting Korea delves into this further.
Check out more unique cafes in Seoul.
3. Sanrio Lovers Club
Go gaga over Sanrio characters at a themed cafe
Image adapted from: 솜비 via Naverand @sanrio_lovers_club via Instagram
If you’re a lover of all things cute, check out the Sanrio Lovers Club that’s been trending on social media recently. It’s a merch store, themed cafe, and photo zone all rolled into one. Every corner has the potential to be a photo spot, and the whole place is decked out with Sanrio paraphernalia.
Giant Hello Kitty chilling in a bathtub.
Image credit: @_____uc___ via Instagram
The most eye-catching part of Sanrio Lovers Club has got to be the feature wall lined with Sanrio plushies next to the bathtub with a giant Hello Kitty chillin’ and living her best life.
When you’re done taking photos for the ‘gram, head to the cafe for a tea break. There, you’ll find character-themed desserts in pastel hues that look almost too cute to eat. The cafe rolls out new limited edition menu items every month, so you’d have something to look forward to even if this isn’t your first time visiting.
Image adapted from: @sanrio_lovers_club via Instagram
You can book your trips to Sanrio Lovers Club via Catch Table. Reservations open on the 9th and 30th of every month, and visitors have noted that slots during Friday and the weekends are particularly hard to snag, so you might want to plan your visit earlier in the week.
4. Starbucks Wave Seoul
Watch the sunset from a floating Starbucks on Han River
Image credit: @kim_92 via Instagram
South Korea is a nation with a robust cafe culture, and it only stands to reason that even their Starbucks outlets are next level. One such outlet is Starbucks Wave Seoul, which looks like it’s floating on water.
Image adapted from: @slow__solos via Instagram
Starbucks Wave Seoul is housed in Seoul Wave Art Center, a cultural complex that serves as an art gallery and space for exhibitions. If the place looks familiar to you, that may be because the first floor has been used as a filming location for K-Pop artistes and groups such as BTS, Oh My Girl, and Chungha.
Image credit: @mihee_seoulite via Instagram
Thanks to the lofty ceilings and full-length windows, Starbucks Wave Seoul feels way bigger than it actually is. We recommend picking a seat by the window for maximum vibes, and so that you can pretend to be the main lead in a romantic K-drama pining after your unrequited crush.
5. Legoland Korea
Family-friendly Lego-themed attractions
Image credit: LEGOLAND Korea Resort
Legoland Korea is a resort dedicated to everyone’s favourite plastic building block.
Legoland Korea is actually located in Gangwon-do, not Seoul. However, it’s only 1.5 hours away from Seoul if you drive or take a bus – that’s like taking the MRT from Tuas Link to Changi Airport – or 2.5 hours by train.
Image credit: LEGOLAND Korea Resort
Legoland Korea comprises 2 parts: a 28,000sqm theme park and a 154-room hotel. The theme park is split into 7 zones, namely Brick Street, Bricktopia, Lego Castle, Pirate Shores, Lego Ninjago World, Lego City, and Mini Land. In total, there are 40 rides and attractions.
Image credit: LEGOLAND Korea Resort
Since you’re likely to be exhausted after a whole day of exploring the theme park, you’ll need a place to rest for the night. That’s where Legoland Hotel Korea comes in. The hotel is, of course, Lego-themed. There’s even a treasure hunt with clues hidden in each room, which will surely keep you or your kiddos entertained.
6. Do Ho Suh Artland exhibition
Take pics at an avant-garde clay structure
Do Ho Suh’s Artland.
Image credit: Prudence Cumings Associates
Artland was an interactive and ever-changing art installation by Do Ho Suh, a London-based Korean sculptor. In earlier instalments, viewers could collaborate and add on to the existing structure, However, it’s been since converted to a permanent viewing exhibition from 29th February 2024.
It’s currently being exhibited in the Buk-Seoul Museum of Art, where it’ll remain till 31st December 2025.
Artland first started out as a simple project made of children’s modelling clay by Suh and his family. But over the past 7 years, the structure has grown to become a representation of a thriving, fantastical ecosystem of alien flora and fauna.
Both kids were adults are encouraged to make and add their own clay figurines to the installation.
Image credit: Seoul Museum of Art
Those curious about what Artland looked like originally will be glad to know that the exhibition includes a 3D rendering of the original structure. Also, visitors will be given a workbook titled The Wonders of Artland. Written by Suh’s children, the workbook contains drawing activities and also serves as a guide to the world of Artland.
– Busan –
Take a day trip to Busan for cafes with seaside views or fuel your adrenaline rush with the rides at Lotte World and Gyeongnam Masan Robot Land.
7. Waveon Coffee
Sip on coffee at an aesthetic ocean-side cafe
Image credit: Waveon Coffee via Facebook
Probably one of the most well-known cafes in Busan is Waveon Coffee, and you’ll understand why right from the get-go. Its distinct architecture is a haven for those on the prowl for pretty pics, and they’ve even set-up bean bags outside if you’d like to take your drinks al fresco.
Image adapted from: @hj_0130__ & @travel._jay via Instagram
Head on up to the rooftop for snaps of the ocean, or watch the crashing waves from a cosy nook within the cafe. Alternatively, make your way to the back of the cafe, where parasols and outdoor furniture have been set-up for visitors to enjoy their cuppa joe while getting their daily fix of vitamin D.
Image credit: @from.pindaily via Instagram
Speaking of which, their selection of coffees is impressive, but you’re unsure of what to order, any one of their drip coffees is a safe bet. They’ve also got an on-site bakery which pumps out fresh bakes daily; dig into a delicious Strawberry Pistachio Tarte , or pair your drinks with a fluffy Black Sesame Roll.
8. Lotte World Adventure Busan: Magic Forest
Fulfil your fairytale dreams at a magic forest theme park
Image credit: Lotte World Adventure Busan
Lotte World Adventure Busan: Magic Forest is a theme park that looks like a magical fairytale version of Europe. The park consists of 6 themed zones, including a royal garden-themed section featuring a ride inspired by Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, and Joyful Meadows, a section dedicated to kid-friendly rides.
Though it only has 17 rides compared to the 46 in Seoul’s Lotte World, the premises of Lotte World Adventure Busan are 20% larger. In other words, it’s less crowded here even when things get busy.
Image credit: Lotte World Adventure Busan
Adrenaline junkies will want to check out the Giant Swing, Giant Digger, and Giant Splash rides in Underland, an area inspired by a Korean fairytale called the Ogre’s Magic Club.
Queen Lorry’s castle and her royal garden.
Image credit: @myuniverse_mj via Instagram
But if you treasure a peaceful life, head to Queen Lorry’s Royal Garden, where you can lepak and take chio photos to show off to your friends. As it’s a great photo spot that’s popular with couples, there are professional photographers stationed here, in case you’re in need of their paid services.
And unlike the castles in Disneylands all over the world, the one at Lotte World Adventure Busan is open to all visitors. There’s even an observatory on the 2nd floor, and we recommend heading up for a romantic view when the sun sets over the theme park.
Book tickets to Lotte World Busan.
9. Gyeongnam Masam Robot Land
Step into the future at a robot theme park
Image adapted from: 리니히니 via Naver
Gyeongnam Masan Robot Land isn’t technically in Busan, but it’s close enough and worth a day trip. The theme park is located in Changwon, which is only 30 minutes away from Busan by car, 1 hour by bus, and 1 hour 45 minutes by train.
The robot-centric theme park is the first of its kind in the world, and you’ll find about 250 robots here. All in all, there are 22 rides and 11 robotic experimental facilities in Gyeongnam Masam Robot Land, which is as big as 150 football fields.
Image adapted from: 뿅뿅이삼촌 and 리니히니 via Naver
Key rides at this theme park include a 65m-tall Gyro Drop, a 90° rollercoaster with 360° twists, and a Viking Ship. Brave kids can try riding the 11m-tall Gyro Drop, which is enough for an adrenaline rush but safe enough so that parents won’t have to worry. Less risky rides include the merry-go-round and bumper cars, though they’re no less fun.
10. CLUB D OASIS
Splash around in a 3-storey water park & spa
Image credit: Klook
Other than its magnificent seaside views, Busan is also well-known for the various hot springs peppered around the city. But, if you’d like to splash about in a water park right after a nice soak in one, then CLUB D OASIS is the place to be. The 3-storey water park and spa is even located right across Haeundae Beach, so you won’t have to stray too far to visit Busan’s most famous beach.
Image credit: CLUB D OASIS
Families will have a blast at the facility’s expansive water park, which is separated into indoor and outdoor sections. For starters, adrenaline junkies can go on the 200m long water slide, while the little ones can wade a water playground or float down a lazy river.
Image adapted from: CLUB D OASIS
Another one of CLUB D OASIS’ hotspots is its 80m-long infinity pool. Those looking to catch some sun can recline on its sailing boat-like sun beds, or go right to the pool’s edge to soak in views of Haeundae Beach.
Don’t worry, that’s not wine; it’s the minerals in the hot spring’s water that give it a violet shade.
Image credit: @coco_young__ via Instagram
As far as hotsprings go, CLUB D OASIS plays host to the first and only urban hot springs in the country, and they’ve been approved as the 8th national wellness hot spring in all of South Korea. They’ve got 5 hot springs to choose from, and even the decor surrounding the pools are pretty IG-worthy, as the stone path leading to them is flanked by willowy plants.
– Incheon –
11. Momo Art Cafe
Live out your cottagecore dreams at a workshop cafe
Image adapted from: Onest Kim via Naver
Momo Art Cafe first started out as a space for horticultural and ceramic art workshops for adults and kids alike. Later, the place was expanded to include a cafe space so that adults could have a place to chill while their kids were attending workshops.
The greenhouse where gardening workshops are held.
Image credit: Onest Kim via Naver
The premises include a greenhouse, garden, huge backyard, and a building where indoor workshops are held. In the summer, there are kiddie pools set up in the backyard. Do note that you’d need to make reservations via Naver should you wish to make use of these pools.
Image adapted from:, gyeyang_gu via Naver
Admission to Momo Art Cafe costs ₩8,000, which includes a free drink. We recommend trying one of Momo Art’s ades – Konglish for lemonade soda drinks.
Admission: KRW8,000/adults (~S$8.04), free for children under 12 months
Address: 33 Yeokgol-ro, 43 beon-gil, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: +82 32-555-7378 | Momo Art Instagram
12. Amoene Cafe
Trippy topsy-turvy cafe with Alice in Wonderland vibes
Image credit: @beary_pic via Instagram
For a mind-boggling coffee run, look no further than Amoene Cafe. You’ll spot it from a mile away, as it resembles 2 houses collapsing into one another, Dr. Strange style. But, you’ll find that its peculiar design extends to even its interior.
Image adapted from: @mini_pon_ and @true___c via Instagram
Past the cafe’s cute heart-shaped doors, expect to peer out of slanted windows and navigate through askewed doors; even the door to the bathroom is misaligned. Of course, the cafe’s table and chairs are perfectly level, so you don’t have to worry about your drinks or bums slipping onto the floor.
Image adapted from: @soon._.hang & @amoene_cafe via Instagram
If you’re not queasy from the trippy decor, Amoene Cafe specialises in a variety of cakes and tarts, so feel free to order some to quell your rumbling bellies. Their Muscat Yoghurt cake is the go-to for grape lovers, and cheesecake fans can opt for their Sweet Potato Crumble Cheesecake or Chestnut Cheesecake.
– Daegu –
Get ready to be surrounded by modern art and cafes in nature by adding these places to your itinerary when planning what to do in Daegu.
13. MRNW Daegu
Get in touch with nature at a tree farm-turned-exhibition space
Image credit: SPACE
According to SPACE, MRNW Daegu started as a landscaping tree farm. MRNW stands for “miraenongwon”, which means “future farm”.
The original owner grew landscaping trees and plants in the huge compound, both for business and as a hobby. Later, his son – the current owner – inherited the farm and turned it into MRNW Daegu.
Image adapted from: @hyuggy_hammy and @yunhejl via Instagram
The landscaping trees from the original owner have been painstakingly preserved in the expansive gardens at MRNW, so that’s what visitors come here for – besides taking numerous photos of the Insta-worthy building.
The best part of MRNW, in our opinion, is the fact that you’ll spot cute ducks roaming around the garden.
Image credit: SPACE
MRNW regularly runs events such as art exhibitions and gardening workshops, the latter of which is conducted in conjunction with Seoul Gardening Club and will appeal to aspiring plant parents out there.
And when you’re done exploring MRNW, head to the in-house cafe called Piper, where you can rest your weary body and recharge with a good cup of coffee.
14. Liebevoll
Explore a Secret Garden-esque cafe
Image credit: @92.115ss via Instagram
Located in Seongju County, which lies west of Daegu, Liebevoll is an unusual cafe with premises measuring approximately 9,917sqm. The majority of the space is taken up by gardens and it honestly looks more like a forest than a cafe. For Singaporeans who have lived all their lives in the city, this #cottagecore cafe will be a novel experience.
Image credit: @92.115ss via Instagram
This place is so big that they even have a mini creek and waterfall, so you could easily spend a whole day here exploring the grounds.
From time to time, you’ll find flea markets being held at Liebevoll. The cafe is particularly magical come Christmastime, when the owner decks out the entire place with winter-themed decorations, creating a Narnia-esque cosy atmosphere.
Image adapted from: @liebevoll_art via Instagram
Liebevoll is technically a “no kids zone”, but there are some caveats – the cafe allows kids above 12 years old and babies under 12 months old to enter.
Address: 1433, Deokun-ro, Suryun-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm | Sat 11am-9pm | Sun 11am-8pm | Closed on Wednesdays
Contact: +82 10-4434-2018 | Liebevoll Instagram
What to do in South Korea
Now that we’re frantically fighting fires during the year-end workload, perhaps a trip to South Korea is in order once everything is said and done. But before you jet off, read up on things to know about visiting South Korea – you won’t find these tips in regular guidebooks.
Check out more things to do in South Korea:
Originally published on 27th September 2022. Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 18th November 2024.
Cover image adapted from: @92.115ss, @kim_92, @rikorikoleeriko via Instagram, & One Fine Day,