I live in what Koreans call the jin-jja shi-gol (진짜 시골), or the deep countryside, so whenever I get the chance to visit Seoul, I’m always seeking out new experiences. Growing up in a time when K-culture wasn’t well-known or considered cool, I’m still surprised by how many tourists visit now. It’s been fascinating to see what has caught their eye as a trending “must-do” and how quickly trends can cross borders—faster than getting an F-4 Visa (Overseas Korean Visa).
Although I’ve lived in Korea for a few years now, I’m constantly learning about new trends and experiences from friends who are traveling here. Scrolling through Instagram and my algorithm recommendations, I also find reels and posts from Korean brands and experiences that are on the rise. I don’t always have time to check out every single one when I’m in Seoul, so it’s nice to have friends who can vouch for or vent about the experience.
From personal experiences to recommendations, here’s a curated list of 10 must-dos experiences on your next trip to Seoul. While it’s good to note that you can do just about all of these experiences all over Korea, Seoul will provide the largest number of options that are often just around the corner.
Hope they add some extra color and fun to your next trip. Let me know how you enjoy them!
1. Get Your Personal Color Analysis
You might have seen this all over social media–getting your personal color analysis (aka seasonal color analysis) is a trend that has taken off in Korea. A trained consultant helps determine what color palettes and shades compliment you best based on your skin tone, hair color, and eye color.
During your session, the consultant will ask you about your goals and expectations, evaluate your skin under natural light, and drape various color swatches over you to determine your perfect shades. After their analysis they will recommend a seasonal palette (spring, summer, winter, or fall) that will guide your choice of clothes, cosmetics, and jewelry.
Summer and winter colors are considered cool, while spring and fall are considered warm. In Korea, your recommendation also goes beyond a seasonal palette and breaks down these categories further into bright, mute, true, or deep colors.
Estimated Costs
Prices will vary on popularity and location of the consultant. Basic sessions typically range from ₩50,000 to ₩150,000 ($40 to $110), while more advanced consultations can cost between ₩150,000 and ₩300,000 ($110 to $220). Group sessions are also an affordable option, costing around ₩30,000 to ₩80,000 per person ($20 to $60).
Korean and English Speaking Places We Recommend
Vics Lab
3rd Floor, 100-13 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울시 마포구 양화로 100-13 3층
Website | Instagram
Price Range: ₩40,000 to ₩120,000 | $30 to $90
A Moment Studio
2nd floor, 8 Seongmisan-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 성미산로6길 8 2층
Instagram
Price Range: ₩95,000 to ₩120,000 | $70 to $90
Ocollor
2F, Jungwon Building, 20 Gangnam-daero 156-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
서울 강남구 강남대로156길 20 정원빌딩 2층
Website | Instagram
Price: ₩225,000 | $164.99
Meime Color and Beauty
10 Gangnam-daero 51-gil, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
서울시 서초구 서초동 강남대로 51길 10
Instagram
Price: ₩164,000 | $120
2. Get the Best Scalp Treatment You Ever Had
Getting a scalp treatment is something I haven’t done yet, but is high on my list to check out. From friends and influencers who have experienced it, it seems divine. Your session will usually start with a consultation that includes a close examination of your scalp’s condition with a microscope. From here the specialist will recommend a selected spa course, and then the procedures begin.
During the scalp spa, your scalp will be exfoliated and deep cleaned then heavily mositurized. My favorite part that I have seen from IG reels and YouTube videos is the gentle flow of warm water on your scalp mixed with the steam. It’s very easy to fall asleep during this process, so if you’re in need of some RNR this is for you.
After the spa procedure, the specialist will reexamine your scalp and compare the before and after. The results are astounding! While consitency is key for maintaining a healthy scalp, even after one experience many report signficant changes to scalp health, hair shine, and texture. Korea is the land of beauty treatments, so it’s definitely worth a visit on your next trip here.
Estimated Costs
Prices will range depending on the type of treatment and location. You can expect to pay between ₩50,000 – ₩100,000 ($40 – $80) for a basic procedure. Then, for advanced scalp treatments expect to pay between ₩100,000 – ₩300,000 ($80 – $230) and for premium treatments at high-end clinics around ₩300,000 – ₩600,000 ($230 – $450). Definitely not cheap, but worth the splurge!
Korean and English Speaking Places We Recommend
Eco Jardin, Aeogae Branch
204 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 마포대로 204, 2층, 201-1호, 201-2호, 202-1호, 202-2호
Website | Instagram
Price Range: ₩180,000 to ₩290,000 | $132 to $214
Junohair Myeongdong Street
41 Myeongdong 10-gil, 7th Floor, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울 중구 명동10길 41, 7층
Instagram
Price Range: Prices not listed. DM for all inquiries.
Park Jun Beauty Lab
Priem Shopping Center, 6th floor, Myeongdong 8-ga-gil 7, Seoul
서울 중구 명동8가길 7 프리엠 상가 6층
Website | Instagram
Price Range: ₩120,000 to ₩180,000 | $90 to $132
Lee Moon Won
37-11 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
서울 강남구 청담동 37-11번지
Instagram
Price: ₩495,000 | $364
3. Visit a Korean Dermatologist
We aren’t joking when we say Koreans have the best skin game, and with conversion rates currently working in favor of the USD, take this as your sign to schedule an appointment. In general, healthcare and beauty treatments are more affordable, and you often don’t have to make appointments in advance.
Even if you don’t have Korean health insurance, you will be paying a fraction of the price. Expect your appointment to be short and to the point, and if the doctor prescribes you any medicine you can usually expect just a few minute wait at the nearby pharmacy. Many of your maintenance products that might be suggested to purchase, can also be found at K-Beauty stores like Olive Young.
For more involved procedures like laser treatments or chemical peels, prior consultation and appointments are often required. It’s also important to note the difference between a dermatologist clinic, which will often only focus on aesthetic treatments and a medical dermatologist office that focuses on skin troubles like ance or eczema.
A good way to tell the difference is in the name. A clinic (클리닉) will most likey only handle aesthetic treatments, while doctors (피부과 / 의원) will handle medical treatments and procedures. It’s important to note the difference before booking or choosing a dermatologist to visit.
Estimated Costs
Like most things in this list, cost is really dependent on where you go and what you need done. Here’s a estimated list of expected costs:
- Basic consultation – ₩20,000 – ₩50,000 ($15 – $40)
- Prescription medication / creams – ₩10,000 – ₩30,000 ($8 – $25)
- Acne Treatment (laser / peels) – ₩100,000 – ₩300,000 ($80 – $230)
- Skin rejuvenation or anti-aging treatments – ₩150,000 – ₩500,000 ($115 – $380) per session
- Skin cancer screening / mole removal – ₩50,000 – ₩200,000 ($40 – $150)
- Premium clinics / specialized procedures – ₩500,000 – ₩1,000,000+ ($380 – $760+)
Korean and English Speaking Places We Recommend
Theme Dermatology
Hanseung Building 7th Floor, 423 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
서울 서초구 강남대로 423 한승빌딩 7층
Website | Instagram
AMOA640
2F, 640 Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
서울 강남구 삼성로 640 2층
Website
The Heal Dermatology
504-11 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
서울 강남구 신사동 504-11번지
Website
*Please note, for exact quotes and consultations you will need to contact the offices, since Korean dermatology treatment and packages range widely based on individual skin goals.
4. Learn K-Beauty Secrets From a Pro
With the rise of K-Beauty culture taking off worldwide, Korean makeup artists have started to offer workshops, classes, and 1-1 tutorials. Classes will include a mini-lesson and plenty of time to practice with guided instruction.
You will also learn what separates Korean beauty trends from Western or American trends. For example, contouring and eye makeup is usually more natural, and preferred eyebrow shapes are flat vs. arched or round. Many makeup artists will help share what colors will look good on you based on skintone, and give you insider tips and names of trending brands to check out.
K-Beauty focuses also on health, hydration, and making the face bright and youthful. Many classes also provide instruction on how to uplift dull and dry skin, and will recommend or provide product samples for you to buy or try out. Beginner classes will run you through skincare prep with the same degree of priority as the application of foundation, eye makeup, lip color, etc.
Estimated Costs
For a basic makeup lesson either in a 1-1 session or small group you will pay anywhere between ₩50,000 – ₩150,000 ($40 – $110). Group classes that are larger in sizes are also a great way to take a class for less and range between ₩30,000 – ₩80,000 per person ($25 – $60). These classes are usually offered at makeup or beauty academies, and are better suited for beginners who don’t need a lot of 1-1 support.
Intermediate and customized makeup lessons will cost around ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 ($110 – $230). In these classes you can expecct more tailored tips to your face shape and skin type, as well as more advanced and specific techniques (e.g., contouring and smokey eyes).
The most expensive classes are offered by premium beauty salons or from celebrity makeup artists. These classes are often recurring sessions or longer in length, so expect to pay about ₩300,000 – ₩600,000 ($230 – $450).
Korean and English Speaking Places We Recommend
K-Beauty Makeup Class at Amore Pacific Seongsu
Achasan-ro 11-gil 7, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
서울 성동구 아차산로11길 7
Website | Instagram
Price: Free class with approved application.
K-Beauty AirBnb Experience
Near Gongduk Station, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 공덕역
Website
Price: ₩120,000 | $90
Korean Makeup Class by Park Si-young
Near Sinnonhyeon Station, Seoul
신논현역, 서울
Website
Price: ₩82,000 | $60
5. Create Your Custom Foundation at Laneige
Another experience high on my to-do wishlist is the personalized foundation at Laneige. Bookings can only be reserved online 14 days ahead of the desired appointment time, and at 12AM KST. You will need to be quick because spots are almost always sold out in minutes.
On the day of your appointment, professional counselors will provide a 1-1 consultation with a personalized color diagnosis. From here the best color for your skin tone will be matched and mixed with their instant robot manufacturing. You’ll walk away with either your perfectly matched compact or liquid foundation or foundation, and a few samples to try.
While Laneige in recent years has increased their foundation tonal range, it’s important to note that as a company there’s still a lot of improvement needed for full inclusivity.
Estimated Costs
The cost of the experience is the cost of the makeup you want to purchase. The Bespoke Neo Cushion (15g) will cost ₩45,000 ($33) and the Bespoke Neo Foundation (30g) will cost ₩60,000 ($45)
Where to Go
Laneige Custom Foundation Studio
Laneige Showroom 50-17, 1F, Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울 중구 명동2가 50-17, 1층
Website | Instagram
Price Range: ₩45,000 to ₩60,000 | $33 to $82
6. Take a Traditional Korean Arts & Craft Class
As a creative, I have really loved learning about traditional Korean arts and crafts. Having taken a range of classes like calligraphy, Korean traditional painting (minhwa or 민화), and in-laid mother of pearl (najeon-chilgi or 나전칠기), I have felt a lot closer to my cultural roots.
What I love about these classes is that they teach you not only themedium and craft, but the cultural signficance, as well. From here, you will always have ample time to practice and work on your own and have guidance as needed from your instructor.
Some of the most popular classe for you to check out include:
- Seoye (서예 )- Korean calligraphy
- Hanji (한지) – paper crafting
- Dojagi (도자기) – pottery
- Bojagi (보자기) – Korean gift-wrapping
- Najeon-chilgi (나전칠기) – mother-of-pearl or shell inlays on items like keychains, jewelry boxes, mirrors, soju glases, etc.
- Minhwa (민화) – traditional Korean painting
- Dojang (도장) – Korean seal stamps with your name in hangul (한글)
If you’re interested in more modern Korean art and craft classes try out classes to make your own perfume, leather goods, or jewelry.
When looking for Korean and English-speaking classes try out sites like AirBnb, Klook, and Trazy. You can also try out your luck searching on Naver, or Korea’s equivalent of Google. Not all experiences you find on Naver will offer English translations, so it’s important to research or ask the staff. Exact addresses for studios and instructional places will usually be given out after the experiencce has been booked.
Estimated Costs
Classes will depend on the instructor and medium, but here are rough estimates:
- Basic classes (e.g., painting, calligraphy, hanji, pottery) – ₩50,000 – ₩150,000 ($40 – $110) per person
- Specialized or intensive workshops (e.g., advanced pottery, fine arts) – ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 ($110 – $230) per person
Korean and English Speaking AirBnb Experiences We Recommend
Experience Mother-of-Pearl Craft [Korea’s Proud Tradition]
Located near Seoul Station, 378 Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
서울역, 서울, 용산구, 청파로 378
Website
Price: ₩30,000 | $22
Draw Folk Art with a Minhwa Painter
Located near Gwangna Station, Gwangjin-gu
광나역, 광진구
Website
Price: ₩60,000 | $44
Carve a Stone Seal with a Craft Woman in Insadong Seoul
Located in Insadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울시, 종로구, 인사동
Website
Price: ₩60,000 | $44
Create a Calligraphy Scroll with Helen in Insadong Seoul
Located in Insadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울시, 종로구, 인사동
Website
Price: ₩60,000 | $44
Korean Traditional Ceramics_Blue and White Porcelain
Near Haengsin Station
행신역
Website
Price: ₩100,000 | $74
7. Make Something Cute & Cozy: Try Tufting
Tufting has really taken off in Korea. It’s the art of taking dense loops of yarn and looping them at rapid speeds with a machine or hand-tool through cloth. The results are usually unique and creative rugs, accessories, or garments that are playful and out of the box in nature.
While I haven’t done it yet, I’m personally obsessed with the idea of going into a studio for a few hours and learning a new medium and craft. When you sign up, the instructor will usually walk you through the process along with any important notes on safety. After some assistance and training, you’re left on your own to enjoy the remainder of your studio time and tuft to your heart’s content.
From the classes and workshops I have seen in Korea, you usually work on a small final deliverable like a small rug, mirror frame, or studio pre-drawn or self-drawn image. Most classes are several hours to one-day long. However, it’s also possible to sign up for multiple sessions, longer workshops, and open studio time.
Estimated Costs
When you sign up for a tufting class you can expect to pay around ₩80,000 – ₩150,000 ($60 – $110) for a beginner-level class where you work on small pieces. All the supplies are usually covered in the costs, but some places might charge extra for certain types of yarn and larger frames.
More intermediate classes, longer studio hours, or larger and more detailed tufting projects (e.g., a medium-sized rug) will cost anywhere from ₩150,000 – ₩250,000 ($110 – $190). Some studios alo offer private, advanced, and extended workshops or studio days for prices ranging between ₩250,000 – ₩400,000 ($190 – $300).
Korean and English Speaking Places We Recommend
Trazy: Tufting One-Day Class
Studio Sipda near Mapo-gu Office Station
4 World Cup-ro 30-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
4 서울 마포구 월드컵로 30길
Website
Price: ₩130,000 | $95
AirBnb Experience: Capture Your Colorful Seoul with Tufting
Near Mangwon and Mapo-gu Office stations
망원 및 마포구청역
Website
Price: ₩130,000 | $95
8. Buy a Beautiful Hanbok
Korean hanboks are traditional clothes today now only worn for special occassions or holidays. You can buy ready-made hanboks, or visit a shop and design a custom-made hanbok. For custom-made hanboks, it usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to complete after your consultation and measurements are taken. This will also depend on the design and the fabrics selected
Nowadays, modern hanboks are also popular and offer an array of cute and stunning designs. Brands like Hoya also offer a beautiful variety of inclusive sizes, and have large trending Instagram followings.
Estimated Costs
Hanbok costs will rangee depending on the fabric, designer, and style. For basic and ready-made hanboks you will pay around ₩100,000 – ₩300,000 ($75 – $230). These hanboks are usually made in standard sizes and can be found at markets or hanbok rental shops that also sell.
Custom-made hanboks are tailored to fit, and typically made from higher-quality fabrics such as silk and satin. Expect to pay ₩300,000 – ₩700,000 ($230 – $530). High-end and luxury hanboks will cost ₩700,000 – ₩2,000,000+ ($530 – $1,500+) and be sold thrrough well-known botiques and/or designers.
Modern hanboks also range in price based on basic styles and custom designs. For simpler designs expect to pay ₩100,000 – ₩300,000 ($75 – $230), and for more custom or designer hanboks expect to pay ₩300,000 – ₩700,000 ($230 – $530).
Places We Recommend
Hoya – Modern Hanbok
Toegye-ro 68-gil 10, Seoul 04614
퇴계로 68길 10, Seoul 04614
Website | Instagram
Price Range: ₩120,000 to ₩650,000 | $88 to $478
Leesle – Modern Hanbok
136-11 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 어울마당로 136-11
Website | Instagram
Price Range: ₩108,000 to ₩922,000 | $78.99 to $676.99
Gwangjang Market Hanbok Shops (광장시장 한복매장) – Traditional Hanboks
88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 창경궁로 88
Website
Price Range: The great thing about the marketplace is custom care. We recommend you go in-person and talk to vendors directly about prices, as many vendors take a more traditional approach.
9. DIY Your Own Tote Bags or Luggage Tags
Something that I have done a few times in Korea is make my own personalized tote bag or luggage tags. It’s a fun activity that doesn’t take much time, but leaves you with a really special memory.
At these DIY press-on patch stores, you choose the item you want to decorate (bags, keychains, luggage tags, etc.), choose your press-on patches, and the way you want the patches to be laid out. The store clerks will then press your patches in place and after waiting a little bit you can walk out the store with your very own creation.
Pro Tip: My tip before you leave is to make sure it’s pressed on well and for the allotted amount of time because if not the patches risk falling off.
Since the first time I tried this activity in 2019 until now, I’m amazed at how popular this activity has gotten. When I was in Hongdae this past summer, there were literally a few chain and independent press-on patch shops within 5 minutes walking distance of each other. It’s an activity popular with tourists and locals alike.
Estimated Costs
The final price will be determined by the size of the item you choose, the type of item, and the number of patches. Many places also have different tiers of prices for different patches, so keep that in mind as you’re picking them out. For a average sized tote, expect to pay ₩20,000 – ₩50,000 ($15 – $40), and for larger items and/or multiple items with premium patches expect to pay ₩50,000 – ₩100,000 ($40 – $75).
Places We Recommend
My Name (Though many people online claim this store has no name.)
One of the most popular stores is in Ssamziegil in Insadong. It’s tucked in one of my favorite neighborhoods and artisan areas in Seoul.
Ssamziegil, Floor 2, 44 Insadong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
서울, 종로구. 인사동길 44, 2층 삼지길
Price Range: ₩10,000 to ₩100,000 (depends on number of patches and item) | $7.50 to $74
Wappen House Myeongdong
You will find this chain all over Seoul! I counted a few in Hondgae the last time I was there.
11 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울 중구 명동8가길 11
Instagram
Price Range: ₩10,000 to ₩100,000 (depends on number of patches and item) | $7.50 to $74
Object Sangga
More than just patches there’s a lot of other crafty and cute things to buy here!
서울 마포구 와우산로35길 13
13 Wausan-ro 35-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Website | Instagram
Price Range: ₩10,000 to ₩100,000 (depends on number of patches and item) | $7.50 to $74
10. Take a Photo with Your Favorite K-Pop Idol
Can’t get tickets to a K-Pop fan meeting? No worries! You can still get your perfect group (or solo) photo op with your favorite idol. There are many photobooth companies and special locations around Seoul that offer this experience. Just head into the photobooths like Photoism Box, choose your favorite group and idol and snap away.
While some options only print the idol-related designs on the border background, other options will allow you to virtually pose next-to an idol. While many different photobooth companies offer this experience, Photoism Box (a subsect of Photoism) is well known for new and rotating collaborations with various idols.
This past year, I also visited the SM Entertainment building and checked out their store KWANGYA (광야). Just walking into the store itself feels like a whole set with infinity mirrors and beautifully designed displays full of merch. In addition to the check-out line you will find most people queued in the photobooth line. Here you can take photos with various SM artists and K-Pop groups. While you might not see Aespa members walk-through SM at least you can walk away with a cute pic.
Estimated Costs
It’s important to note that compared to standard photobooth prices, which might just be a few dollars (USD) K-Pop idol-themed photobooths will be a bit pricer. At the base level starting prices usually range from ₩8,000 – ₩10,000 ($6 – $8), but if you print out more than one in a session the final figure will add up.
Around Seoul, you can also find K-Pop idol photobooth sets. While you won’t be virtually posing next to the group you stan, you can feel like an idol yourself. Prices for these experiences typuically range from ₩15,000 – ₩30,000 ($12 – $23).
Places We Recommend
KWANGYA (광야) – Inside there’s an SM photobooth
Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, 1동 685 700
서울 성동구 왕십리로 83-21 아크로포레스트 디타워 B1
Instagram
Price: ₩8,000 (per photo) | $5.88
Photoism Box Photobooths
There are so many around Seoul, so use Naver Maps and search for “Photoism Box” in Korean (포토이즘 박스). You can also check on Instagram to see which idols are currently available for photo ops.
Instagram
Price: ₩7,000 (per photo) | $5.10
See-ik Self-Photo Studio
While there’s no photos with idols offered, enjoy being on a K-Pop idol styled photoshoot set. Now’s your chance to be your own idol.
101 Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
서울시 강남구 논현로175길 101
Website
Price: ₩20,000 | $14.80