There, she mastered the art of Mapo Tofu, later introducing it to Western audiences through her books and documentaries. Join Asia Society and Matt Gross, in a guided cooking session with Chef Lucas Sin, to learn to cook your own mapo tofu. Some insist on a rigid “eight-character standard” (麻辣鲜香烫酥嫩活), dissecting terms like “酥” (crispy: meat or tofu?) and “活” (vibrant: green garlic or intact shape?). Coin noraebang charges per song (₩500-₩1,000 each), while standard rooms cost ₩15,000-₩25,000 per hour. Forget karaoke bars – Korean noraebang gives you a private room with friends, a massive song catalog (including English hits), tambourines, and mood lighting. Try makgeolli (milky rice wine) at traditional bars in Ikseon-dong, sample Korean craft beer at Euljiro taprooms, or take a soju tasting class to learn about the regional varieties. Beyond the markets, Seoul’s street food scene thrives in neighborhoods like Myeongdong (best for variety and tourist-friendly options), Hongdae (trendy fusion snacks), and Euljiro (old-school Korean favorites). The grand public plaza in front of Gyeongbokgung features statues of King Sejong (creator of the Korean alphabet) and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
Seongsu-dong’s 3,000-acre green oasis features forest trails, a deer park where you can feed fallow deer by hand, a butterfly garden, and expansive lawns perfect for picnicking. Korea’s only official Chinatown in Incheon (40 minutes by subway) features ornate Chinese gates, jjajangmyeon (black bean noodle) restaurants, and the scenic Wolmido boardwalk with ocean views and amusement rides. How do you fly to Seoul without going to Incheon airport? The American diver who won a double gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics was Greg Louganis. If you are the kind of traveller who likes the idea of outsourcing all the planning required for your trip, booking with a vegan tour operator is a sure shot way to ensure that everything from food to stay is taken care of! The Secret Garden requires a separate guided tour (₩5,000 additional), but it’s one of the most magical experiences in Seoul, particularly during autumn foliage season. Then we hiked down the mountain with the tour guide, who explained to us the amazing history of the irrigation project. I still remember the first time I walked down Euljiro’s narrow streets in the early 1990s-before it became the Instagram darling it is today. It’s where Korea first opened its doors to the world, creating a fascinating blend of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese influences.
The blend of traditional and modern styles tells a story of cultural evolution, and each building has its own tale to share. South Korea’s tallest building (555 meters, 123 floors) dominates the eastern Seoul skyline. The quintessential Seoul viewpoint. The average annual snowfall in Seoul is approximately 25 to 30 centimeters (about 10 to 12 inches). Less touristy than Bukchon, Ikseon-dong represents Seoul at its creative best: old architecture breathing new life. Combine with a walk along the old Seoul City Wall. Why recapture of Seoul referred to as the meatgrinder? The six below are the highlights, but our roundup of free things to do in Seoul stretches to 30, covering the free-admission days at the major museums, the viewpoints that cost nothing, and the neighborhoods best explored on foot. Seoul’s traditional markets are sensory feasts and some of the best things to do in Seoul for food lovers. One of the biggest misconceptions about Seoul is that it is a concrete jungle. Spend ₩5,000 on a coffee, work for three hours, and no one will bother you. With a Speedometer 3. For those who have almost any queries relating to wherever and also how to work with 노래방, you possibly can contact us from our own site. 1 rating of around 30 and qlop -a reporting 11:25:05 hours for ungoogled-chromium on my current device, however, I’m fairly certain that even the X7 358H will be a significant improvement.
Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth a look. Gangnam’s COEX Mall. Free to visit, it’s one of Seoul’s most Instagram-worthy spots and a genuinely pleasant place to sit and read. One of 2026’s hottest trends in Seoul. Dragon Hill Spa near Yongsan Station and Siloam Sauna near Seoul Station are popular tourist-friendly options. As of October 2025, many “old alley restaurants” in Zone 1 are gradually closing due to downtown redevelopment, but Zone 2 still has many busy establishments serving various Korean dishes including samgyeopsal, along with light beer and cocktails, crowded with people of all ages (see map). Experience animal cafés (sheep, raccoons, meerkats), VR gaming cafés, board game cafés, comic book cafés (manhwa-bang), and wildly themed establishments. By day, explore street performers, quirky independent shops, and themed cafés (animal cafés, VR arcades, board game cafés). Seoul rewards curiosity. The best moments often come from wandering a neighborhood you hadn’t planned to visit, ducking into a restaurant with no English menu, or striking up a conversation with a local at a pojangmacha (street tent bar).
