10 Unique Cultural Experiences to Have in South Korea

There are activities, and then there are activities you can only do in South Korea. It’s a land of quirk, so these must go places in Seoul reflect the one-of-a-kindness of the place. The Chinese term, Hallyu means ‘Korean Wave.’ This collective term refers to the staggering growth of Korean culture; music, movies, drama games and cuisine. South Korea is king when it comes to unique things to see and do. Here’s a list of Korean hidden gems you’re gonna wanna write home about. Weird and wonderful awaits!  

Are you a K-pop tragic? Then this is the single-focus dedicated spot for you – head on over to the SMTOWN Museum Ticket in Seoul. This is an interactive, cultural space where you can access the glitz and glamour of SM artists. Audiovisuals, costumes, accessories and music for a start!

Check out the themed zones where you’ll go behind the scenes to see the artists at work and ‘meet’ these uber-famous faces via augmented reality! Take souvenir shots with your favourite idol (virtually speaking) in this don’t miss museum. BTW, this attraction is BTS Discover Seoul Pass compatible.

Your SBS MTV ‘The Show’ Package gets you behind the scenes access to one of the country’s intergalactically popular music shows: SBS MTV The Show. If you love K-pop, then pop in here and go backstage to check out the incredible sets and see the show-prep in action. It takes loads of work to stage these regular K-pop extravaganza’s, and you’ll love every moment of this insight.

Get a guided tour of the broadcast studio and meet the SBS Prism Tower staff. If you’re lucky, you may even score front row seats! And if you’re extra-lucky – see the megastars of K-pop rehearsing, performing and recording their act: live! Your English speaking guide will give you heaps of info.

This eccentric TV show is the definition of unique. It’s South Korea’s #1 variety show which tasks guests and celebrities with challenges and adventures. With a global audience, the Running Man Thematic Experience Center Ticket in Seoul allows you to be part of these escapades and experience the hilarious challenges yourself.

The Running Man Thematic Experience Center recreates the popular TV show and lets you enter the word as you seek out treasure and R coins with loads of LOL. With six experience zones taken from the series, you must finish your missions in a race format to get as many coins as you can in one hour. This is the next best thing to being on the show. And this attraction is BTS Discover Seoul Pass compatible.

When in South Korea, there’s a way to experience K-pop in the most participatory way! Take a K-Pop Dance Class. Learn the latest and most-loved dance moves from a pro dancer who gets their inspo from some of K-pop’s big names. This is an insight into dance culture in Seoul. If you’re a beginner, no worries, you can easily join in and practise the routine until it’s stage-ready.

This is expert, world-famous K-pop choreography, and you get to learn in the biggest studio in Hongi University. These K-pop dance lessons will definitely give you the K-pop experience in Seoul that you've been looking for. When the dancing is done, you’ll receive a certificate as well as photos and a video of your class! What better way to keep the moves going when you get home.

Ever wanted to try out your vocal talent? With the K-Pop Recording Experience at Seoul King Studio, see your pro audio equipment being set up, then participate in the soundcheck process: check-one-two! Once you’ve chosen your song, you can record it and let your lah-lah lose! After the recording, the audio and vocals will be tweaked so you get the star treatment and turn out your best work.

You’ll be led through the process by bona fide vocalists and sound engineers who’ve worked with K-Pop stars. The outcome of this authentic experience is a final recording in mp3 format so you can play it and impress your nearest and dearest. Get 3-5 prints of the behind-the-scenes recording session photos in this ultimate K-pop experience.

Get the full K-pop treatment with the K-pop Photoshoot with K-Beauty Makeup and Hair Styling Half Day Experience. The full celebrity experience awaits with a megastar makeover from an industry-renowned Korean makeup and hair artists. Language is no barrier as on-site translators work with you and the industry professionals to get you looking wow!

When you’re all dressed up to the elevens, you’ll head to the studio to meet a seasoned photographer. Don’t worry if you feel awkward; your photographer will help you with your posing to get top shots. After your shoot, you can download 10-20 photos to keep forever. For Hallyu fans, this is a don’t-miss glam experience.

Photo Credit: KBS2

South Korea is the land of Hallyu, so while you’re here, take a self-guided tour to these K-drama sites. See the filming location from loads of your favourite shows, from ‘You Who Came From The Stars,’ at Petite France to ‘Boys Over Flowers’ at N Seoul Tower. 

 

The art of scent making is all about the craft of creating aromas. Perfume Making Experience with Professional Perfumers at The First Established Perfume Making Studio is held in the heart of Seoul at the first perfume-making studio in Korea. Go through the perfume process in detail as you select from 150 perfume bases and 20 natural flavours to produce your signature scent.

Fragrance is the name of this one-of-a-kind game; learn the tricks of the trade from your perfume pro with English, Japanese and Chinese speaking staff on site. Take home your unique bottle with your choice of inscription to give to a loved one or keep for yourself. 

 

Head to trendy Hongdae to get amongst virtual reality. With the VR Arcade (inside L7 Lotte Hotel) Ticket in Hongdae, you get access to Seoul’s famous VR arcade where you can confuse reality from illusion for four hours of fun. Play the most recent VR games for a variety of adventures.

See dinosaurs, jet through the cosmos, go head-to-head with badies and zombies and race your friends. You can move in-sync with what you see, and have a blast doing it. 

 

Despite its name, this is not a s*#t place. Poo Poo Land gives is wall-to-wall fun for kids and adults alike. And while you’re here, you can learn all about your digestive system via interactive gameplay. Simulating the gastrointestinal tract, you move down two floors as you make your way to exiting as waste.

We’re not kidding! Purchase poo-inspired stuff at the gift shop in this poo place. It’s hours of hilarious entertainment.

 

Part of South Korea’s culture and history is the traditional practice of handmade stamp engraving. Create your name stamp or customise a logo as your selfie-seal. What better way to add a personal touch to your letters and cards?

Work with customary tools and techniques as you engrave the stone: design the seal and use calligraphy and knife technique. Fashion something fabulous to bring home as a lasting souvenir of your time in Seoul.

For a unique funny experience, book your Nanta Show Ticket in Seoul. This immersive, non-verbal performance blends martial arts, music, acrobatics and culinary skills. Watch as the performers bring the culinary absurdity to life. Be the audience for some on-stage cooking in Korea’s longest-running 90-minute show! Only in Seoul!

Still very South Korea, it’s time to try something more demure – get decked out in traditional Korean Hanbok! The Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling lets you dress up in a special occasion formal dress to channel the Joseon period. Choose from over 500 Hanboks, then style-up and accessorise your hair with daenggi decorations. The take-home pics with film and TV show-themed backdrops are truly quirky.

The Discover Seoul Pass is one of the most useful cards to carry while in Seoul. It’ll get you free entry to up to 30 different attractions and give you discounted entry to another 30 different attractions. This little card is big on having you covered and doubles up as a T-Money transport card. In terms of hidden places to visit in Seoul, this is the card for you!