Are you part of the Korean wave? South Korea is trending as a travel destination and there is a lot to love about this place. The delicious food, K-Pop, shopping and so much more. Wondering what to do when you’re in Seoul?
Here are 5 unique things to do while in Seoul; visit a cat café, hire a hanbok, go shopping, visit a temple or shrine and see Seoul Tower.
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Cat Cafe
Are you a cat lover who wants to spend time with our furry friends? Well, you’re in for a treat. There are many cat cafes littered across Seoul. 🐈
Cat cafes are a safe environment where cats and people can interact and roam. As part of your entry fee, they give you a drink and you can play, take selfies or watch the cats in real time.
Here are some photos from my visit to Cat’s Playground.
It’s quite a treat being greeted by inquisitive cats as you enter. The rest of the 50 cats in the cafe are relaxing, sleeping, playing, or socialising. Some are more playful than others, but one thing is for sure, you’ll have an entertaining visit!
Hire a hanbok
Hanboks are traditional pieces of Korean clothing which you’ll see a lot of on the streets of Seoul. The colourful hanboks are made of silk, cotton or ramie and include a top and a skirt for women and shirt and pants for men.
You can hire a hanbok for the day and walk through the city. If you’re a tourist and are wearing a hanbok, you’ll get free entry into the five Grand Palaces of Seoul.
Shopping
Ok. Shopping is not so unique, it’s actually a must when in South Korea.
The shopping experience is like being a kid in a candy store. On every street corner, you have an abundance of stores to choose from and you’ll want to visit them all. Shopaholics get ready!
One of the most popular shopping strips in Seoul is Myeongdong. There are miles and miles of shopping at your finger tips. Get ready to bag some bargains and make sure you have comfortable shoes on because you’ll do a lot of walking.
Want to know the 5 best bargain shopping places in Seoul? Check out this post.
Need to book cheap flights to Seoul? Book with Trip.com here
Visit a temple or shrine
If you are looking for a rich cultural history of Korea, look no further than any of the 900 temples/shrines scattered throughout Seoul.
A popular shrine to visit is Jongmyo, in central Seoul. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest and best preserved Confucian shrine in the world.
Nearby is Tapgol Park, a public park which features in the history of Korean independence. It was the site where Korean activists read out a declaration of independence to break free of Japanese colonial rule. Its also been a popular place for demonstrations.
Seoul Tower
If you want a 360 degree panoramic view of Seoul, Seoul Tower is a must see. Seoul Tower is 236 metres (774 feet) tall and is the second highest point in Seoul (the first is Mount Chiri).
Many Koreans go to the Seoul Tower to celebrate important occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and New Year’s Eve. The tower has an observatory deck, a museum, cafe, a gift shop, and of course, a revolving restaurant.
Need to book cheap accommodation for Seoul? Book with Booking.com here
Suggested post: 5 best bargain shopping places in Seoul
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Need to book travel activities in Seoul? Book with Viator here
Linda is an Amazon author, writer and travel blogger. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.