10 Cool and Quirky Things to Do in Seoul! ✴️🗺

Seoul is a city that thrives on surprises, blending modern architecture with ancient traditions. Let's step off the beaten path and dive into unusual experiences that reveal its rich history and quirky spirit.
From mural villages to hidden breweries, this guide reveals 10 unique and unusual activities ideal for adventurous souls seeking a fresh perspective on this dynamic city. Let’s explore the fun!

1️⃣ Ihwa Mural Village
➜ What It Is
A hillside neighborhood in Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, adorned with vibrant murals and street art, near Hyehwa Station (Line 4, Exit 2).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Hunting for colorful artworks on walls and stairs turns a stroll into an interactive art adventure, with photogenic spots that offer a creative urban playground for explorers.
➜ The Story
Once a decaying suburb slated for demolition in the early 2000s, it was revitalized in 2006 through the Naksan Project, where over 70 artists painted murals to breathe new life into the area; the initial tourism boom led to resident complaints, resulting in some removals, but it now balances community and visitors, showcasing Seoul's innovative urban renewal.
🔴 As this is a residential area, please respect the locals by keeping noise levels low, avoiding flash photography, and visiting during daylight hours.

2️⃣ Buam-dong Neighborhood
➜ What It Is
A peaceful hillside enclave in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, featuring alleys, cafes, and galleries, accessible by bus from Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 3).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Wandering cobblestone paths with mountain views and hidden spots from films like "Parasite" creates a romantic, exploratory vibe for history buffs and casual strollers.
➜ The Story
Nestled between Bukhansan and Inwangsan mountains, it flourished as a geisha district in the Edo era and holds Korean War ties, including the 1968 Blue House Raid memorial; today, it's a cultural haven with hanok libraries and art spaces, reflecting Seoul's layered past and adaptive charm.
🔴 Tip: Respect quiet residential areas; best in daylight for hikes.

3️⃣ Seochon Village
➜ What It Is
A historic area with hanok houses and alleys in Seochon, Jongno-gu, near Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 2).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Discovering quaint cafes, artisan shops, and literary traces in maze-like lanes offers a serene, immersive peek into local life, making for a relaxed cultural dive.
➜ The Story
One of Jongno's oldest neighborhoods from the Joseon Dynasty, it was home to kings like Sejong and artists like poet Yun Dong-ju; blending traditional hanok with modern sensibilities, it preserves Seoul's literary and royal heritage amid urban evolution.
🔴 Tip: Open 24/7, but cafes vary; explore on foot respectfully.

4️⃣ Mangwon Market
➜ What It Is
A lively traditional market at 14 Poeun-ro 8-gil, Mapo-gu, near Mangwon Station (Line 6, Exit 2).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Sampling affordable street eats like dakgangjeong and croquettes in a bustling yet relaxed setting provides an authentic, flavorful treasure hunt away from tourist crowds.
➜ The Story
Tucked in a residential neighborhood near the Han River, it's a post-war hub that has evolved into a trendy spot for locals and students; known for budget snacks, it embodies Seoul's vibrant street food culture and community resilience.

5️⃣ Goto Mall
➜ What It Is
An expansive underground shopping arcade at Jiha 200, Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, in Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7, 9).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Browsing 620 stalls for Y2K fashion, quirky souvenirs, and bargains in endless aisles feels like a subterranean adventure, ideal for shopaholics seeking deals.
➜ The Story
Opened in 2011 as Gangnam Bus Terminal Underground Mall and renovated in 2012, it's Seoul's largest underground retail space; born from transit expansion, it highlights the city's innovative use of subterranean areas for commerce.

6️⃣ Arario Museum in Space
➜ What It Is
A contemporary art museum at 83 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, near Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 1).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Navigating maze-like corridors with bizarre artworks creates a surreal, thought-provoking journey, incredible for art lovers craving unconventional exhibits.
➜ The Story
Housed in a 1971 building by architect Kim Swoo-geun, it opened in 2014 to showcase collector Kim Chang-il's 5,000-piece collection, blending historic architecture with modern art and representing Seoul's fusion of past and present creativity.

7️⃣ Jeongdong Observatory
➜ What It Is
A panoramic viewpoint on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun Building 1, Taepyeong-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, near City Hall Station (Lines 1, 2, Exit 11).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Sipping drinks while gazing at Deoksugung Palace and cityscapes offers a relaxing, bird's-eye escape with historical photos adding intrigue.
➜ The Story
Transformed from a storage room in 2013 and reopened in 2022 post-pandemic, it overlooks Jeong-dong's diplomatic past from the 1900s, offering free access and capturing Seoul's blend of royal history and modern vistas.
🔴 Tip: Weekdays 9 am-9 pm, weekends shorter; cafe optional.

8️⃣ Ranch Brewing Company Euljiro
➜ What It Is
A craft brewery at 11 Eulji-ro 12-gil, Jung-gu, near Euljiro 3-ga Station (Lines 2, 3, Exit 4).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Entering through a hidden fridge door for beers and Detroit pizza sparks a speakeasy thrill, perfect for quirky nightlife seekers.
➜ The Story
Part of Daejeon-based Ranch Brewing, it opened in Euljiro's industrial area, honoring the district's past with hip design; known for award-winning brews, it taps into Seoul's growing craft beer scene.

9️⃣ Drunken Bean Cafe
➜ What It Is
An NYC subway-themed cafe at 56 Sapyeongdae-ro 55-gil, Seocho-gu, near Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9, Exit 5).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Posing in subway replicas with glitter drinks and cakes delivers playful, Instagrammable escapism in a basement wonderland.
➜ The Story
Opened mid-2010s amid kawaii trends, it's a social media hit blending global themes with Korean cafe culture; located in Gangnam backstreets, it reflects Seoul's love for immersive, themed dining.

🔟 Seongsu-dong Cafe Street
➜ What It Is
A trendy strip of cafes and shops in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, near Seongsu-dong Station (Bundang Line, Exit 5).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Hopping between unique eateries with park views offers a chill, creative vibe for foodies, K-pop fans, and wanderers seeking hipster haunts.
➜ The Story
Former industrial zone transformed into a cafe hub beside Seoul Forest in the 2010s; symbolizing urban renewal, it mixes nature with youthful energy in Seoul's "Brooklyn."

💥Ready to dive into Seoul’s quirkiest corners? These adventures await—share your favorites! #seoulhiddengems #quirkyseoul #offthebeatenpathseoul #seouladventures #hiddenseoul