Seoul is a city brimming with hidden gems, which the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) aims to reveal through initiatives like the ‘Theme Tourism County Competition’ that involves close collaboration with local districts to cultivate novel tourism content, highlighting each area’s unique culture and charm. This endeavour not only boosts local identity but also enhances Seoul’s overall tourism experience.

Embark on an extraordinary journey in Seoul, exploring theme-based adventures and lesser-known attractions in the captivating districts of Gangnam-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Jung-gu, and Songpa-gu, still awaiting discovery by many tourists.

The real Gangnam style

Gangnam-gu offers weekly themes for travellers, encompassing culture, relaxation, history, and trends. By curating small-group immersive experiences and lifestyle-focused content, Gangnam-gu aims to nurture an exclusive and sustainable tourism culture through these following tours:

Bongeunsa Temple & Seolleung Royal Tomb Healing and Culture Tour

At Bongeunsa Temple, visitors can try their hand at Korean calligraphy writing.

Uncover tranquility and historical richness at the Bongeunsa Temple & Seolleung Royal Tomb Healing and Culture Tour. Experience the serene ambiance of Bongeunsa Temple, a distinguished urban temple in South Korea. Travellers can also delve into the enduring legacy of Confucian culture from the Joseon Dynasty as they explore the Seolleung Royal Tomb, gaining insight into its profound impact on modern life.

K-Pop Idol Experience

This captivating experience is a K-pop enthusiast’s dream come true. It offers an immersive journey into the very heart of Gangnam, the iconic birthplace of K-POP culture. Here, fans can engage in electrifying dance classes and makeup workshops, delving into the world of glamour and the unwavering determination that defines K-POP idols.

Real Gangnam Stories

Trace the rich tapestry of upscale Gangnam’s history, characterised by the real estate boom of the 1970s and a vibrant culture of education. Roam the halls of Daechi-dong academies and explore the bustling Eunma Shopping Street to gain insight into the genuine essence of Gangnam.

Night City Run

Witness the stunning transformation of the picturesque Yangjaecheon Stream into a nocturnal urban running haven. Revel in breathtaking cityscape vistas and savor a unique running experience, establishing it as one of Gangnam’s top healing destinations.

Art Tour

Travellers can leisurely explore the galleries of Art City Gangnam, accompanied by expert guides, delving into the captivating world of art exhibitions, where creativity knows no bounds.

Discover Gangnam’s vibrant lifestyle through these tours and more on https://visitgangnam.net/

Travel back in time in Jongno-gu

Walk in the footsteps of ancient guards while collecting stamps along various ‘checkpoints’ in Jongno-gu.

Jongno-gu offers visitors the chance to step into the shoes of the guards of Seoul’s Joseon Dynasty, known as Sunla-gun, who played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city day and night.

Embark on a journey through history with Jongno-gu’s Stamp Tour along Sunla-gil, retracing the guards’ primary patrol route, which now connects significant landmarks including Jongmyo Shrine, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace.

This route, once the royal procession path called Donhwamun-ro, has evolved into a vibrant hub for various industries, featuring jewelry, crafts, traditional Korean music, and Hanbok fashion.

In its dedication to reimagining history with a modern twist, the Stamp Tour gamifies the experience by allowing travellers to collect stamps at different ‘checkpoints’.

A healing escapade in Gangbuk-gu

Sunrise from the top of Bukhan Mountain.

Gangbuk-gu boasts unique assets, including the Bukhan Mountain International Climbing Center, Seoul Hiking Tourism Center, and Ui-dong Mountain Culture Hub. Here, visitors will not only reconnect with nature but also enjoy health-conscious experiences, from tofu cuisine to mountain vegetables.

Gangbuk-gu’s vision is clear: establishing Ui-dong as the ultimate ‘K-Mountain Tourism’ basecamp by building upon the rich heritage of this region, creating a welcoming haven where both locals and visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant tapestry of culture, art, and adventurous experiences.

Whether travellers are in search of a day trip or a revitalising two-day escape, Gangbuk-gu’s unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes can significantly enhance any travel itinerary.

Cheers to the Myeongdong Beer Festival

Tourists of all nationalities raising a toast to good food and beer at the 2023 Myeongdong Beer Festival.

The 2023 Myeongdong Beer Festival, held from 6-8 October 2023, was a three-day extravaganza that delighted beer and street food enthusiasts in Seoul’s Myeongdong district. This year marked the festival’s second edition, with plans for annual future editions.

Visitors savoured a diverse selection of over 50 craft beer varieties and indulged in the offerings of more than 100 Myeongdong street food vendors. From mouthwatering chicken skewers to savoury dumplings, the festival catered to both locals and international tourists, offering an authentic taste of Korea’s street food culture.

Furthermore, the festival provided a comprehensive experience. The ‘Beer Connoisseur’s Pharmacy’ guided newcomers in discovering the perfect beer to suit their taste preferences, along with recommended food pairings.

For those seeking an extra layer of enjoyment, the ‘Stamp Tour’ allowed attendees to collect stamps while enjoying a variety of craft beers.

Songpa-gu’s enchanting Seokchon Lake

Seokchon Lake transforms from season to season, adding to it’s already enchanting appeal, through themed installations.

Seokchon Lake, situated in Seoul’s Songpa-gu district, is the city’s unique natural lake, renowned for its enchanting beauty year-round.

Whether it’s the spring cherry blossoms or the vibrant autumn foliage, Seokchon Lake transcends seasons. To enhance the year-round appeal of visiting the lake, Seokchon Lake offers themed experiences at different times of the year. From 27 October to 3 December 2023, a captivating media art and photo zone will be set up along the West Lake side. This art installation features whimsical visuals that transport visitors into a dreamlike world, providing a delightful experience during both the day and evening.

In addition to the media art and photo zones, Songpa-gu has a plethora of exciting events lined up. Beginning in late October, Seokchon Lake will host the ‘Autumn and Winter Illumination Festival’ (27 October 2023 to 29 February 2024) and the ‘2023 Seoul Ballet Festival’ (8 to 12 November 2023).

This article is brought to you by Seoul Tourism Organization.