Winter in Seoul is not just about skiing across snow-covered hills. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the city if you’ve already tried their winter sports and need a break from the cold weather. Here are spots and things to do in Seoul that will keep you warm even when it’s frosty and freezing everywhere.
Head to a Jjimjilbang
Winter is the perfect excuse to finally try jjimjilbangs, or public bathhouses, in South Korea. Dip your freezing body in a hot tub. Ease the stiffness of your muscles as you receive traditional massages and try saunas in different temperatures. Don’t miss the signature mugwort steam room, a traditional Korean folk therapy, of LK SPA Sauna in Seoul. This therapy is popular for easing body pain. After braving the chilly Seoul weather, allow your body to relax from head to toe with the spa’s scrubs and facial services. Book this one-of-a-kind retreat here.
Step Inside a Beautiful Hanok
A hanok is a traditional house in Korea built in a square and enclosing a courtyard in the middle to retain heat. Hanok is designed to weather the heat of summer and chilliness brought by winter. During winter, Ondol, a floor-based heating system, is used to help Koreans survive the cold. You can visit the famous Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, where a large hanok is free for public viewing. You can even rent a Hanbok and enjoy a photoshoot in the streets and alleys of the village.
Make Some Tea in a Charming Teahouse
If you want something to warm you up inside, Korean tea is the perfect drink for you. Filled with health benefits, Korean tea is made of roots, grains, herbs, fruits, and flowers. Some of the teahouses in Seoul you can visit are:
Dawon Traditional Tea Garden
11-4 Insadong 10-gil, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu Seoul, 110-300, South Korea
Shin Old Tea House
47-8 Insadong-gil, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu Seoul, 110-300, South Korea
Tea Therapy Haengrang
74 Yunposun-gil, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 135-120, South Korea
Suyeonsanbang
8 Seongbuk-ro 26-gil, Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu Seoul, 136-020
You can also make this traditional refreshment yourself by attending a Seoul Herbal Tea Sampling & Traditional Refreshments Making Experience.
Eat at Restaurants that Serve Korean Soups and Grilled Dishes
Turn a cold, depleted day into a fun culinary adventure! Try different Korean soup dishes, from the spicy Yukgaejang (beef soup) that bites back to something as hearty as Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup).
Then, delight in a dinner that features grilled meat alongside traditional Korean dishes. Visit Korea House, the award-winning restaurant in Seoul and popular for its authentic, royal Korean cuisine. Choose from different menus. Try their abalone skewers, silkie chicken soup, steamed croaker, grilled tenderloin with pumpkin sauce, grilled rib patties with white flower shiitake mushrooms, grilled marinated sirloin, grilled eel and shiitake mushrooms, and grilled bulgogi.
You can also witness a traditional dance and music performance while enjoying your set meal. Experience this beautiful feast and reserve your seats at Korea House here.
Shop Indoors at Seoul’s Most Popular Malls
Don’t let the chilly air and damp roads stop you from enjoying your Korea trip. This is your chance to go shopping, buy souvenirs for friends, and purchase items that you can only find in Seoul. Here are some of the malls that are popular to tourists and locals:
Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center
124 Toegye-ro, Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Starfield COEX Mall
513 Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Yeongdeungpo Underground Mall
489-13 Yeongdeungpobon-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Lotte Department Store
81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Mecenatpolis Mall
45 Yanghwa-ro, Mapgo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
I’Park Mall
55 Hangang-daero 23-gil, Hangangno 3(sam)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Join fun-filled indoor workshops
If you’ll stay indoors during winter, might as well spend the time learning something new and gaining new skills! Seoul is rich in culture so you won’t run out of crafts and hobbies to discover even if you’re inside a museum or studio.
You can join a DIY ring making class at the popular Ring University and bring home accessories that you carved yourself. You can also come up with your own signature scent at a perfume making class in Seoul. Let professional perfumers guide you in learning this unique craft. Spend an afternoon baking cupcakes at a cupcake baking class and take them home in a beautiful gift box.
Ready for your unique winter activities in Seoul? Stay connected throughout your trip with South Korea Unlimited 4G/LTE SIM Card.
*Featured image from KKday Supplier
