Looking for unique experiences in Seoul? You’ve come to the right place. We visited the city for the second time, and after our first trip—where we recommended eight must-try experiences—we returned eager to explore a less obvious side of South Korea’s capital.
This time, we swapped touristy itineraries for off-the-beaten-path suggestions—places that surprised us, authentic moments, and spots you’d rarely find in guidebooks. If you want to know what to do in Seoul in 2025 and escape the usual recommendations, keep reading.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Seoul, check out our guide to the best hotels and neighborhoods in the city
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Exploring Sinsa-dong
We’d been to Gangnam several times but never had the chance to properly explore Sinsa-dong. This time, we took it slow. We wandered through streets lined with independent shops, cozy cafés, and boutiques with a distinct style—far less touristy than other areas. It was one of those afternoons that starts with a casual stroll and turns into unexpected stops at galleries, craft ice cream spots, and more. If you want to discover Seoul’s trendiest, most creative side, Sinsa-dong is a must.
A Chef-Driven Meal with Asian Roots — Y’east
This was hands down one of the most memorable dining experiences of our trip. The Michelin-starred restaurant Y’east serves a 10-course tasting menu inspired by Asian flavors but crafted with seasonal Korean ingredients. Everything is served at the counter, with a direct view of the kitchen. The vibe is relaxed, but the service is impeccable—every detail matters. It’s a flavor journey that stayed with us long after.
Starfield Suwon — More Than Just a Library
We’d already seen the famous library at COEX Mall, with its towering bookshelves in the middle of a Gangnam shopping center. But this time, we ventured to Suwon to visit Starfield Library Suwon—and it was worth the trip. The space is massive, modern, and spans multiple floors with stunning visual impact.
The rest of the mall is just as impressive, with shops for everything and cool cafés. Our favorite was a vinyl-listening café—yes, each table has a record player and headphones. You pay an entry fee (which includes a drink) and can choose from hundreds of records. A super original concept, perfect for a break with a custom soundtrack.
Vinyl Hunting at Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center
If you love vinyl, you must visit the Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center, near Myeongdong. It’s a hidden underground mall with several record shops—both new and used—at very affordable prices. We found true gems, and the atmosphere is perfect for those who enjoy spending hours browsing covers and discovering forgotten treasures.
Walking Along Seoullo 7017
Seoullo 7017 is an old elevated highway transformed into an urban sky garden right in central Seoul. We walked there in the late afternoon and loved the views of the buildings and the calmer pace you feel above the city. It’s a great place to unwind, take some good photos, and see how Seoul has been reinventing its urban spaces.
Korean BBQ Recommended by a Michelin Chef — Sancheong Charcoal Garden
We love trying Korean BBQ, and this time we got a luxury tip. When we were at Y’east, we asked chef Jay Youngdong Cho what his favorite BBQ spot in Seoul was. He recommended Sancheong Charcoal Garden in Euljiro. We went without high expectations, thinking it would be just another place… but we left completely won over. The meat was exceptionally high quality, perfectly grilled, and the local atmosphere added extra charm to the experience.
It’s a place where you’ll likely wait—but it’s one of those Seoul experiences you shouldn’t miss. When we joined the waitlist, there were about 50 people ahead of us. But here’s a tip: two streets down, there’s an identical restaurant on the first floor of a building. It’s exactly the same in quality and service, but with much shorter waits.
Exploring Hapjeong: The Calmer Side of Hongdae
Hongdae is one of Seoul’s most vibrant areas, especially around Hongdae Shopping Street—full of shops, street performers, and tourists everywhere. But if you want to escape the crowds without losing the neighborhood’s youthful, creative spirit, Hapjeong is worth a visit. This quieter area right next door is packed with cozy cafés, brunch spots, and charming concept stores.
We discovered Anthracite Coffee Hapjeong, a former warehouse turned café with interesting industrial decor and a laid-back vibe. The coffee was excellent, we bought beans to take home, and we spent a good while enjoying the space. There are plenty of other unique cafés nearby—perfect for those who want to explore Seoul’s independent scene at their own pace.
Between Itaewon and Hannam — Where Design Meets Perfect Brunch
On this trip, we wanted to explore the area between Itaewon and Hannam-dong, and we ended up spending more time there than we’d planned. The streets are full of tasteful cafés, independent shops, galleries, and spaces showcasing contemporary Korean design. It’s where we found one of our favorite brunches of the trip at Summer Lane—with an Australian touch, fresh, well-portioned dishes, and a relaxed atmosphere filled with plants and natural light.
Right nearby, we discovered Post Poetics, a bookstore and publisher specializing in art, design, and architecture. The space is minimalist and inspiring—the kind where you want to browse everything slowly.
Another spot worth visiting is 91 Hannam, a modern building combining shops, cafés, and restaurants in a carefully curated environment. We stopped for excellent coffee at one of Mardi Mercredi‘s spaces—a Korean fashion brand that also integrates cafés into its stores.
Wandering through this area is an experience in itself—without strict plans, we let the streets guide us and popped into places that caught our eye. And we were almost always pleasantly surprised.
