Unique Korean Activities and Attractions – 15 Unique South Korea Things To Do

South Korea is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination – but what are the uniquely Korean activities and encounters?

From history to hidden gems, K-Pop to kimchi, we take a deep dive into the most unique South Korea attractions, covering cities such as Seoul, Daegu, Busan and beyond.

Featuring man-made attractions like the Pohang Space Walk and the brand new Galaxy Robot Park to the gorgeous green delights of Boseong tea-fields, here is our guide to most unique South Korea things to do.

South Korea checklist

We love using agoda.com, expedia.com and booking.com for researching and booking all our hotels, and Hostelworld for booking hostels.

For booking tours, transfers and SIM cards we recommend Get Your Guide, Viator, Trazy or Klook.

For booking rental cars visit Discover Cars. For private drivers and taxis, check out our Transfer guide >

Find safe storage spaces across South Korea with Bounce (and get 5% discount).

Check out our South Korea travel booking resources >

All set for South Korea? Do one final check with our Seoul first timers guide and our South Korea packing list

1. DMZ / The Korean Demilitarized Zone

One of the most common day trips from Seoul yet obviously unique to South Korea, a DMZ tour is a must visit. The Joint Security Area (JSA) is now PARTIALLY reopen to foreign tourists and available to book on sites like Klook.

The DMZ is the heavily controlled border separating North Korea and South Korea. DMZ tours from Seoul have various border elements you can visit including the tunnels, Freedom Bridge and the Dora Observatory where you can peer into North Korea using powerful binoculars.

There are also quite touristy ‘attractions’ too (which surprised us) like a DMZ gondola, large cartoon statues and the obligatory gift-shops.

Some DMZ tours also include a visit to the Joint Security Area visitor center – although please note as of August 2026, you still cannot enter the famous blue Panmunjom buildings.

Other DMZ tours from Seoul allow you to meet and hear from North Korean defectors or be led around by a retired Korean Military Officer.

From prices to frequently asked questions, here is our guide to DMZ tours from Seoul.

Check out these DMZ tours on Klook >

2. Pohang Space Walk

Like no other attraction in South Korea, the Space Walk 스페이스워크 alone makes it worth the trip to Pohang.

An engineering miracle and a superb sculpture to take a stroll on with sea views, Pohang Space Walk is like a wicked walkable rollercoaster.

Opened in late 2021 in Hwanho Park, the Space Walk looks like a theme-park ride from afar but this is a ‘rollercoaster’ with a difference – you can actually walk on many parts of it including huge loops and curves.

Whilst possibly not suitable for those who aren’t fans of heights (and the sculpture sways a little in the wind), this is a fantastic free Pohang attraction that has excellent photo opportunities and Instagram moments – the sunset views are incredible.

From opening times to sunset photos, here is our ultimate guide to the Space Walk 스페이스워크 >

More things to do in Pohang >

---

3. Sky Capsules / Haeundae Blueline Park

You might get a sense of deja-vu when you first see the Haeundae Blue Line Park – the multicolored Sky Capsules (monorail) that travel along the coast with incredible sea views are very popular on social media and a must do when in Busan – well if you can manage to book it!

As with the DMZ, the topic of trying to secure Sky Capsules tickets before they sell out is a common one in our Facebook group – Sky Capsules ticket sales usually open 4 weeks in advance every Tuesday at 7am (Korean time); sunset tickets are usually the hardest to secure.

The journey takes place between Mipo Station and Cheongsapo Station taking about 30 minutes, and gives stunning views of East Busan’s coastline.

We last rode the Haeundae Blueline sky capsules in April 2026 – here is our Busan sky capsules guide (including tips on how to ride it if you don’t have a reservation).

Get your Blueline tickets in advance with Klook >

More things to do in Busan >

---

4. K-Pop concerts

There are dozens of K-Pop groups and K-Pop concerts to enjoy whilst in South Korea, from epic annual festivals like Psy’s Summer Swag (mainly for local university students) to more under-the-radar locally loved bands – we try to list all the big ones in our monthly event guides.

The great news is that you might be able to catch a K-Pop concert (and it so cool to see Korean K-Pop bands in front of a home crowd, with thousands of light-sticks swaying in unison).

There are regular big K-Pop concerts and festivals (usually with several groups at a time) held regularly in Seoul, Incheon and Busan.

We were lucky enough to go to the most recent BOF K-POP concert in Busan held at the Busan Asiad Stadium featuring bands like ZeroBaseOne, NCT127 and Oh My Girl. OMG, it was amazing and one of the best things in Busan we ever did!

Book your K-Pop concert tickets with Trazy or NOL Global (formerly Interpark) – registration is required.

---

5. Andong Hahoe Folk Village

The number one thing to do in Andong and nowhere else we have been in South Korea – like taking a step back in time, Andong Hanok Village 안동 하회마을 is a historic homestead where local families have lived for over 600 years.

It is also one of Korea’s most famous hanok villages and very different from the likes of Jeonju hanok Village or Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul.

Hahoe Folk Village is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and regularly appears on the Korean Tourism Organization’s annual ‘100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Korea’.

Surrounded by mountains (Hwasan and Taebaeksan) and with lots of small alleys to explore, this is an incredible Andong activity suitable for all ages. K-Drama fans may recognise the village from ‘Mr Sunshine’ starring Squid Game Front Man Lee Byung-hun.

Along the way, you’ll see locals at work (we saw the farmers ploughing fields) and villagers selling goods and souvenirs in little thatched roof stalls – you can also take a ferry across the river to Hwacheon Seowon, an old school house and temple built in the 1780s (sadly the river was too shallow to allow boat trips when we visited).

Andong / Hahoe Masks are an important part of tradition here (a listed National Treasure) and you can visit the Hahoe Mask Museum 하회세계탈박물관 which has old and new masks from all over Korea and other parts of the world. Slightly surreal, it also has a trick art and photo zone too.

More things to do in Andong >

6. Galaxy Robot Park

Newly opened in 2026 and located in Eastern Seoul, Galaxy Robot Park 갤럭시 로봇파크 is billed as the world’s first robot-focussed cultural complex – in other words, the world’s first robotic theme park!

From epic exhibits to live shows and K-Pop performances by AI robots, this is set to be the new spectacular attraction in South Korea. Brought to you by Galaxy Corporation, an entertainment company that manages G-Dragon and other well known Korean performers.

There will be up to 6 robot performances a day (they don’t need a lie-down after eh) in the specially built arena – outside, the park offers various AI experiences like robotic dogs walking around or robot staffed stalls and concierge desks.

The entrance price for the Galaxy Robot Park Seoul is 66,000 Won for adults, 44,000 Won for teenagers (ages 13–18) and 33,000 Won for children.

The nearest MRTs are Godeok (purple line 5) or Amsa History Park Station Exit 3 (pink line 8).

Find Galaxy Robot Park 갤럭시로봇파크 on Google Maps and Naver Maps.

7. HiKR Ground

Overlooking Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul, time to ‘K-Pop’ along to HiKR Ground, a free cultural center dedicated to all aspects of Korean life.

Opened in 2022 and a modern visitor attraction brought to life by cutting edge technology, there are five floors of activities, pop-up exhibitions and a cafe – it is perhaps best known as the place in Seoul to shoot your own K-Pop style videos at no cost!

Many of the exhibitions are temporary so you never know what to expect at HiKR Ground – but most people head straight to floor two where there are permanent music K-Pop video stages where you take photos in a Korean laundry set, Seoul Subway recreation, a space-shuttle or on the epic and immersive ‘My Stage’.

Read our HiKR Ground Seoul guide >

8. Juknokwon Bamboo Forest

Traditionally associated with Japan, did you know there are big bamboo forests in South Korea too? Juknokwon Bamboo Forest 죽녹원 in Damyang (1 hour north of Gwangju) is a beautiful walking spot and popular historical K-Drama filming location.

We spent half a day exploring the beautiful bamboo groves of Juknokwon Bamboo Forest – onsite, you’ll find everything from hanok style villages to cute cafes and even a waterfall surrounded by pandas (models – not the real thing)!

But the star of the show is the bamboo forest itself, with many photo opportunities plus places to rest and relax along the way (you can even relax in hammocks looking up at the bamboo or have a foot spa). Read our Juknokwon Bamboo Forest guide >

More things to do in Gwangju >

---

9. Korea’s Green Tea Fields

One distinctive Korean activity that is definitely our ‘cup of tea’ is a visit to a Jeju Island tea plantation or Boseong Green Tea Fields – near Gwangju or Suncheon.

The most popular tea plantation on Jeju Island is the Osulloc Green Tea Museum, on the western side of the island which opened in 2001 (it is generally quite busy as many Jeju Island tours visit here).

Boseong has lush green tea fields which you can explore – hike to the top for coastal views or enjoy green tea ice cream in the cafe overlooking the tea plantation.

From cherry blossom trails to bamboo forests, waterfalls to wonderful panoramic views, here is our guide to Boseong >

PS If you only want to do one, we thought the Boseong tea fields were more scenic than Jeju’s.

Join our Facebook South Korea Travel Planning and Tips Group!
Need help with your itinerary or have any South Korea related questions? Head on over to our friendly and active Facebook group with over 185,000 members!
Click here to join our group >

Or if you just want to see more of our South Korea photos, follow our South Korea Facebook page >

10. DDP Rooftop tour

See Seoul from a different perspective with a Dongdaemun Design Plaza rooftop tour – easily one of the best Dongaemun things we did on our latest 2026 trip.

There are DDP rooftop guided tours in English (usually 11am) and all participants are given safety equipment, a radio so you can hear the tour guide, plus a special pouch to keep your phone in. Locker facilities are included too.

Along the way, there are several photo spots plus you learn more about the local area and the history of the DDP. The views from the top are stunning and you can see everything from Namsan Tower to Heunginjimun Gate and Seoul Fortress Wall in the distance.

In April 2026, we paid 26,000 Won per person (£13 / $18 USD or $24 USD) for the one hour tour which includes the guide, equipment and a printed souvenir photo.

We thought this very good value compared to other rooftop tours we’ve done elsewhere – height, age and weight restrictions apply.

Participants must be between 18 to 70 years old, be a minimum height of 140cm and weigh between 40kg to 100kg. Visit the DDP website for dates, to book and more information.

11. Museum Kimchikan / Kimchi Museum

The Museum Kimchikan (formerly Kimchi Museum – because even kimchi deserves a rebrand) is a uniquely South Korea museum and once named as one of the top food museums in the world by CNN (hands-up if you can name the other 10).

The process of making kimchi is UNESCO designated, such is its cultural significance. At Museum Kimchikan, you can learn about the history of kimchi, the different types and how it is made.

Note the museum is closed on Mondays and admission price is 5,000 Won per adult as of summer 2026.

You can also hone your kimchi culinary schools at the nearby Kimchi Academy where you spend several hours learning about the history of this spicy dish before attempting to make some yourself.

Check out this Seoul Kimchi and Culture Experience on Klook or read our Korean street food guide.

12. Traditional Korean public bathhouses (Jjimjilbang)

After a busy day of sightseeing, time for some relaxation in a Korean spa (“Jjimjilbang”) – you’ll find these all over South Korea and many are open 24 hours a day, complete with lots of extra facilities.

You could relax and unwind in Busan’s biggest jjimjilbang / public bathhouse and spa, Spa Land Centum near Haeundae Beach.

Located in the Shinsegae Department Store Centum City, this is an authentic South Korean spa and sauna experience which stays open in the evening. Spa Land Centum uses hot spring water full of sodium bicarbonate, which is pulled up from underground wells.

There are almost 20 different hot springs and 13 theme spas to choose from including the Ice Room and Pyramid Steam Room. We visited Spa Land Centum as part of the Visit Busan Pass.

Don’t miss out on the best Busan spa experience – book your discounted Spa Land Centum tickets with Klook. You’ll get more ‘Jjimjilbang’ for your Bucks – for an authentic South Korean sauna experience!

13. Eat at a Pojangmacha

Pojangmacha are traditional South Korean street food stalls inside outdoor tents set up along sidewalks or near subway exits in big cities.

People sit on plastic stools to eat, drink and talk late into the night. All manner of South Korean street food is served in these pojangmacha food stalls such as grilled seafood, tteokbokki, odeng, gimbap and fried foods, plus alcoholic beverages like soju and beer.

They generally open in early evening around 6pm until 2am or later. In Seoul you can find pojangmacha near Jongno 3-ga subway station, near Yeongdeungpo Station and near Changdong Station.

In Busan you can find them behind the Lotte Department Store in Seomyeon, near Jagalchi Station exit 7 and Yeongdo Pocha Street.

14. Nanta Show

Culture vultures rejoice – there are many theatre shows to see in Seoul at night but perhaps the most famous (and long-running) is the NANTA theatre show.

This world renowned comedy cooking show has been packing in audiences worldwide since 1997. Possibly the best known Korean theatre show, NANTA Theatre has been performed over 50,000 times in over 60 countries and is a fun mix of slapstick and physical comedy.

There are very few spoken words used throughout so not understanding Korean (or English) won’t be an issue. There is also some audience participation and several audience members get to take part – luckily when we went, we didn’t get dragged on stage!

Myeongdong NANTA Theatre is located on the third floor of the UNESCO building along Myeongdong Walking Street. There are at least two NANTA performances every day, with evening shows held at 5pm and 8pm Monday to Saturday (on Sundays, it is 2pm and 5pm).

BOOK IT: Myeongdong Nanta Theater Show Ticket >

Get 20% off NANTA show tickets with the Discover Seoul Pass.

---

Our final unique South Korea activity

15. Starbucks Daegu Jongro Old House (Starbucks Hanok)

There are many beautiful Starbucks in Korea but perhaps the most famous is the Starbucks Daegu Jongro Old House 스타벅스 대구종로고택.

Housed in a hundred year old hanok house with a gorgeous green courtyard, this is a cute and calming place for a cup of Starbucks in Korea (well, if you can get a seat as it can be busy…)

Located in the heart of Daegu in the bustling Jingolmok Alley, this is one Korean Starbucks in a hanok you must visit (especially if you collect Starbucks mugs).

From directions to what to expect inside and in the garden outside, here is our guide to Korea’s Starbucks Daegu Jongro Old House >

You might like our guide to Starbucks Korea mugs and collectibles or the best 5 Starbucks in Seoul.

You can follow South Korea Hallyu on: 
Instagram
Facebook group
Facebook page
TikTok