7 Unusual Things To Do In Seoul Off The Beaten Track: Spas, Speakeasies & Street Art

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Along with countries like Japan, South Korea is among those with absolutely out-of-this-world sightseeing pursuits and activities that seem much more advanced than those found in other global destinations. 

This means most of the activities are already well-known. But if you’ve traversed Seoul before, or are the type of traveler who prefers the road less traveled, I’ve spent the time uncovering some of the most unusual things to do in Seoul. 

They’re a mix of out-of-the-box explorations, combined with traditional country experiences that showcase South Korea’s culture — but are not tourist traps. DIVE in and be prepared to fill your trip with worlds of color, excitement, and creativity! 

1. Euljiro “Print Alley”: Artisanal workshops 

Garnering a few nicknames, including Euljiro Printing Street, this concept reminds me of when I lived in Hanoi, and streets were nicknamed after the majority of things you’d find along them. For example, ‘Shoe Street’ and ‘Sunglass Street.’ Judging by this, if you’ve guessed what this one alludes to, you’d be right. The road has been dubbed “print alley” due to the number of artisanal print workshops down its lanes. 

Read more: 8 Unusual Things To Do In Hanoi: A Local’s Guide

This doesn’t refer to big industrial printers — how boring. Instead, artists create the most STUNNING prints, ranging from ink artworks to linocuts. PLUS, you can join some of these workshops and make your own!

Besides the whole printing vibes, the street/area has another nickname: “Hipjiro,” which is a play on words, combining the neighborhood’s name with its hipster connotations. And on that note, it IS a super trendy part of Seoul, filled with cocktail bars, street art, epic little foodie spots (especially down Euljiro Nogari Alley), speciality coffee brewers, craft beer joints, and is a starting point for the Seoul Queer Culture Festival. It’s a no-brainer why it’s one of the cooler unusual things to do in Seoul. 

2. Kyochon Pilbang: Fine dining chicken speakeasy 

You’ve heard of a speakeasy bar…But have you ever come across a KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN speakeasy?! I think not…

Korean fried chicken has reached worldwide fame; so what better place to taste it than whilst you’re in its originating land. And trust me, it’s way, way different from KFC. That’s because the chicken undergoes a double-fry, is coated in corn/potato starch, and then finished with a drizzle of sticky sweet/soy sauce. (My mouth waters just typing that.) 

And whilst Korean fried chicken is usually considered a street food, the whole experience at Kyochon Pilbang is super elevated. You have to make a prior reservation — they do not accept walk-ins — and the atmosphere almost feels fine dining-ish. Not to mention there’s a Moët Chandon vending machine! To enter, tug on the gigantic brush outside. 

3. Jogyesa Temple: A colorful spiritual space 

I’m a sucker for temples, for their air of contagious spirituality as well as for admiring the exquisite architecture that each one beholds. 

Fun fact: Jogyesa Temple is the country’s main Korean Buddhist temple, and is located in the heart of downtown Seoul (which is unusual for Korean temples). This is just one of the reasons why it’s one of the unusual things to do in Seoul.

What I love most about this site is just how colorful it is! There’s a gorgeous garden with two 500-year-old trees (a white pine and a Chinese scholar tree), and always funky flowers in bloom, decorating the space in cutesy patterns and with little character statues (so Korean). Discover the Main Buddha Hall on the grounds, a 10-story pagoda made from stone, and the Korean Buddhist Culture and History Hall.  

4. Aquafield Goyang: A spa like you’ve never seen 

Hopping onto a subway and cruising just 30 minutes outside of the capital city, you’ll arrive at Aquafield Goyang: a spa-meets-waterpark, and unlike anything you’ve probably seen before! It defines everything you imagine South Korea to be, with its zaniness and weird and wonderfulness. 

It feels futuristic, but at the same time, like you’re somewhere in Antarctica with its igloo-shaped buildings. The various spa rooms are super unique, deeming it one of the top unusual things to do in Seoul. 

The main section is the Jjimjil Spa with a media art room where thermal steaming takes place, as well as a yellow-brick kiln (which you enter). At the rooftop infinity pool is also a jacuzzi, and then there are sauna facilities and a food court. They do German sauna performances in the Aufgoose (to get rid of waste, improve blood circulation, and boost immunity). At the waterpark section, join cool events, like silent discos!

5. Insadong Street: The Art District 

I’m a creative through and through, so anything artistic tugs on my heartstrings! This rings especially true when I am traveling, as I love exploring the minds of artsy folk in new countries…

Insadong Street is known as a cultural hub of Seoul, loaded with things I love like vintage stores, craft shops, traditional tea houses, cultural pursuits, art galleries and shops, intriguing museums, and cute boutiques selling one-of-a-kind trinkets you wouldn’t find elsewhere. And, of course, street art!

Here, don’t miss Insadong Culture Street for some photo-snapping, Museum Kimchikan for all things kimchi, the Dongduk Art Gallery, KCDF Gallery, Ara Art Center, Ssamzigil shopping mall, and Sinyet chatjip tea house. 

6. Whipped House: Vegan K-beauty bliss 

Over the past two years, I have slowly started incorporating Korean beauty and skincare products into my daily regimen (the vegan ones only), and so, Whipped House had me there in a flash. Does anyone else agree that K-beauty products just always look so delicious? 

This is more so the case at this spot (which is 100% vegan by the way), and they have purposefully made their products look edible. As they put it, ‘little vegan desserts for your self-care.’ 

But above how yummy their products are, you can even create your very own during a workshop — which reminds me of a baking lesson more than anything. The fact that you can see all the natural ingredients used in Korean skincare is super cool, too!

Also, I love a good workshop or class to learn something new when traveling, so you have to include this among your itinerary of unusual things to do in Seoul. 

7. Seoul Sky: 555 meters off the ground 

Sky jumps and observation decks overlooking cities are not uncommon these days, but the Seoul Sky one trumps many, and it is officially the world’s sixth-tallest building. If you have a fear of heights, I would not recommend this adrenaline-pumping adventure! 

Located at the 123-story Lotte World Tower, the 555-meter-tall building is a shopping center, but the main attraction for many thrill-seekers is the Seoul Sky. Between the two towers is a sky bridge (straddling 541 meters off the ground), which you can walk across. It gives you that walking on air kinda feel.  

The views from this vantage point are unparalleled. Also here is the Sky Deck, Sky Platform, and the 123 Lounge.  

If you have an affinity for East Asia’s wonderfully different countries and are considering Japan next, discover our Ultimate 2 Week Japan Itinerary. It’s one of those countries where you’ll find unique adventures, just like this collection of unusual things to do in Seoul. 

North Korea kind of has this scary rep, right? But you will never know what lies ahead until you try. If you ever find yourself planning a trip to lesser-traveled North Korea, here is Everything You Need to Know About Travel to North Korea. If that’s not enough, here are the 10 Most Beautiful Places In North Korea to get you inspired! 

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