15 Unique And Unmissable Cultural Experiences In South Korea

What better way to learn and understand a country than by experiencing its culture? Nothing, right? That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 15 unique activities that will give you more than a glimpse of South Korea’s traditions and customs. Without further ado, let’s immerse ourselves into the country’s vibrant culture!

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1. Wearing a hanbok and visiting a Palace

Although you can wear a hanbok pretty much anywhere in Korea, in my humble opinion, nothing beats wearing a hanbok while visiting a palace and feeling like a princess or prince of the Joseon era.

One of the symbols of the country, this traditional clothing made up of two pieces (an upper garment and a lower garment) is usually worn for special celebrations such as first birthdays, weddings…

But if you decide to rent a hanbok and visit a palace in Seoul, the other great advantage you’ll have, apart from looking amazing, is that you won’t have to pay the entrance fee, as wearing a hanbok will get you into every palace for free.

If you need a nice adress to rent your hanbok: Daehan Hanbok (located right next to Gyeongbokgung).

2. Traditional cooking/ceramics/pottery classes

If you’d like to learn new skills while tasting delicious traditional cuisine, your best bet is to try your hand at a cooking class where you’ll be taught authentic and famous dishes in a friendly environment. Plus, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your new culinary talents when you get home.

And if cooking isn’t really your thing, you can choose other classes like ceramics, pottery and even perfume-making and bring home unique gifts or memories while crafting your own masterpiece.

3. Jjimjilbang

I don’t know if there’s a more immersive cultural experience than going to a Jjimjilbang (spa) in Korea. These public bathhouses are not only a way to relax and have a nice rest, they’re also kind of an icon of Korean culture. Families sometimes even come here together to enjoy the facilities which are often open 24 hours a day, and where you can even spend the night.

And that’s what makes it the preferred option for those who’ve had one too many drinks, as the rate is rather cheap (~10,000 KRW = $8 for the more traditional Jjimjilbang).

So if you want to try something different and get pampered at the same time, look no further and opt for this authentic experience where jacuzzis, saunas and scrubs await you. And of course, don’t forget to make cute head towels (the yangmeori way), drink sikhye (traditional rice-based drink) and eat hard boiled eggs.

Pro tip: for a slightly more modern and “luxurious” experience, head to Spa Land in Busan!

4. Museums

Museums are a great way to learn about a country’s history, its significant events and artists, at no cost. Because yes, you’ll be happy to know that most museums are actually free in South Korea. So now you have no excuse not to go!

Oh, and let’s not forget to mention that it’s also a great activity when it’s raining outside and you can’t spend your day hiking amidst the bautiful nature and mountain scenery. So do yourself a favor, dont let yourself get depressed in your room, watching the rain fall on your windows and go to a museum to spark your curiosisty while reflecting on how the country has changed over the years.

5. Doing a temple stay and participating in tea ceremonies

Waking up inside a thousand-year-old traditional temple and experiencing life as a Buddhist practitioner for a few days is a special journey that you’ll probably only make once in your life. Discover a new perspective on life, different practices like meditation and even participate in tea ceremonies, a relaxing and elegant tradition in Korea.

A temple stay is also a great way to heal as well as discover yourself in a peaceful and beautiful environment.

If you’re interested, here’s a website including all the temple stays in Korea!

6. Street food

Cultural experiences don’t just consist of activities or places, they also encompass one of the simplest things you’ll find anywhere in a country, and which is in fact probably the most delicious representation of the country in question: I’m talking, of course, about food.

I mean, what better way to know a culture and its people than through its cuisine? None, I guess, because food is simply life, and it’s also what brings us all together, whatever our origins or our beliefs!

And it’s no different in Korea where you’ll have the opportunity to try plenty of delicious dishes! With many stalls offering a wide range of dishes, street food is an obvious choice, especially as it’s actually cheaper to eat out in South Korea than to cook yourself! I hope you like spices, though!

7. DMZ

The DMZ, or Demilitarized Zone, is what you might call a different and singular activity. Defining the border between the two Koreas, the place is not only a symbol of peace between North and South Korea, but also a symbol of the constant conflict that still opposes the two nations.

Quite popular with tourists because of its significant although complex history that divides the two countries, you’ll also be surprised to see how nature thrives in the area where no one is allowed, showing how peaceful the zone can be when no one interferes, and how life goes on as normal despite the separation.

8. Hiking

I can’t really leave out an important aspect of Korean life in this post, because well, if you’ve never traveled to Korea, let me tell you that they are big fans of hiking and when you see their panoramas and the beauty of their mountains, it’s no surprise, really!

And with 70% of its territory being mountainous, the country has a lot to offer anyone looking for a bit of adventure in a peaceful and stunning natural setting. Some of my favorite and recommended hikes include Bukhansan, Hallasan, Inwangsan, Geumjeongsan, Jirisan…

9. Theme Parks

If you like theme parks, you should definitely check out Korea’s! Often consisting of an indoor and outside park, you’ll find all the thrill rides you’d expect and more. What I found most amusing and nice was how much fun the staff actually seemed to be having, all the while introducing the safety rules before a ride, and sometimes even dancing, for example.

But what I also loved is that you can rent school uniforms (quite the trend in Korea) to reminisce about your school days, or for me just to try something new since I never had the chance to wear one during my school years as it’s not required in my country!

10. Staying in a hanok

When it comes to cultural experiences, one of the first things that comes to mind is staying in a hanok. A hanok, which is a traditional Korean house, is appreciated not only for it aesthetic architecture, but also for its simplicity: you’ll generally sleep on a futon and enjoy an unccluttered interior while appreciating the tranquility of your surroundings.

If you’d like to spend a night in this kind of authentic house, head for the cities of Jeonju or Gyeongju.

11. Festivals

Koreans are very fond of festivals, to say the least. With over a thousand to choose from, I guess you can say it’s not hard to find one that suits your tastes. Whether you want to participate in an event representing the country’s traditions and customs or simply have fun in the mud, you’ll be spoilt for choice here.

Whatever the season, get ready to be amazed by these unique and enriching experiences. And if you’re wondering which ones you shouldn’t miss, here are my 10 favorite festivals in the country!

12. K-pop dance lesson

If you travel to Korea, you’re most likely familiar with the world of K-pop and K-dramas, right? And if you love dancing to the the beats of energetic music and following choreographed moves, sometimes even learning them by heart (no, I’m not talking from experience, or am I?), then taking a K-pop class seems pretty obvious.

And since K-pop has definitely helped South Korea gain popularity around the world, I think it’s a fun cultural experience that will leave lasting memories for those who love to dance to their favorite songs and sweat a little.

13. Noraebang (karaoke)

Interested in more musical entertainment, but this time you’ll be the main actor of your own show? Karaoke or Noraebang as Koreans call it, is the right choice for you then.

This incredibly popular social activity is the answer you’re looking for if you ever feel bored in Korea, which you probably won’t be. Is it raining outside and you’re looking for a nice activity? Noraebang! Don’t want to go home after a hearty dinner with friends or colleagues? Noraebang! Want to have fun on a budget? Noraebang again!

Not only are they cheap (between $5-$11 for an average room), loved by all and a great way to unwind, but you actually don’t need to be many to enjoy them, as there are even solo room for singing depressive songs after a breakup, for example, or if you’re just in the mood to be alone and sing at the top of your lungs with no one around!

14. Folk Village

Wondering what life was like in the Joseon era for those who didn’t live in palaces? A visit to a folk village is another cultural experience I’d recommend.

You’ll see the different styles of old architecture, with thatched or tiled roofs, depending on the social class to which people belonged back in the day. These living museums are one of the best ways to learn more about Korean history, discovering that each building had its own purpose and spending a day experiencing and imagining the lifestyle of the residents of the time.

Naganeupseong Folk Village and Jeju Folk Village, for example, are definitely worth a visit if you’re ever interested in one.

Pro tip: if you want to find out a little more about everyday life, important events and artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries, be sure to visit the National Folk Museum of Korea in Seoul!

15. Nanta show/Pansori performance

Immersing yourself in a culture as I previously mentionned can be done simply by tasting the local food, but if you really want to dive into a country’s way of life, you should also try to learn about their past and ancient art like pansori performances, which is a form of musical storytelling where a singer is accompanied by a drummer.

You can also attend concerts of stringed instruments and let yourself be carried away by their melancholy yet harmonious sounds.

Another traditional show to include on your list is the famous Nanta Show, which consists of a group of comedians showing off their cooking skills while performing a few acrobatic stunts, all without speaking and accompanied by traditional Korean music. A fun and original evening!

That’s a wrap for this post on unique and unmissable cultural experiences you can have on a trip to South Korea! What do you think? Which would you like to try first? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments!

🎯 Would you like to go straight to my recommendations?

👩‍🍳 Seoul Kimchi Cooking Class
♨️ Spa Land in Busan
🪖 DMZ Tour
🎢 Lotte World Ticket in Seoul
🎶 K-Pop Dance Class
🔪 Nanta Show Ticket in Seoul

Would you like to discover some of Korea’s most beautiful temples? Here are my 15 favorites!