Seoul dazzles with glass towers and centuries-old architecture, and offers many hidden cafes, restaurants and nightspots with charismatic personalities off its main roads if you know where to look.
One such hidden gem is the Poop Cafe. Aptly named, this cafe does not cater to those who find the subject matter disturbing, featuring decorations revolving around poop-shaped objects in toilet bowls and rose-coloured lattes with pink-tinged lattes shaped like toilet poop! Tel Aviv to Seoul flights can be booked from Cathay Pacific.
Ihwa Mural Village
Ihwa Mural Village (or, Ihwadongbyeoghwamaeul) is one of the four iconic mural villages in South Korea (alongside Dongpirang Village (dongpirangmaeul in Tongyeong), Gamcheon Culture Village gamceonmunhwamaeul in Busan and Jaman Mural Village jamanbyeoghwamaeul in Jeonju). It offers visitors an enjoyable walking experience that showcases unique cafes and stores.
Ihwa Mural Village is well known for its vibrant murals adorning houses and buildings in Ihwa Village. These unique art pieces bring local scenes as well as foreign cultures vividly to life on these murals, providing tourists with a popular tourist attraction and resident photo opp. Many take photos with themselves or family in front of these unique works of art!
Ihwa Village boasts some of the finest Korean restaurants and shops, making it an excellent way to experience local life in Seoul. While other popular areas like Myungdong or Hongdae may draw more people in, the Ihwa village is quieter and more local – an ideal setting to spend quality time with loved ones or simply unwind and relax.
In 2006, as part of an urban revitalization effort in its neighborhood, The Mural Village was created in order to draw tourists. Artists used city history in their designs including old sewage pipes turned art gallery; flowerpots, telephone poles, stone fences and stairs all featured as street art in this display.
But as its popularity increased, it fell victim to overtourism. Tourists started crowding the neighborhood and creating disturbances for residents living there, who became increasingly disgruntled at noise levels and frequent visitor presence. Signs were posted asking tourists to keep their voices down and respect privacy of neighbors; but this didn’t help much either.
Over time, residents began removing some artwork by themselves. Most notable among this was a flower staircase mural painted over with grey paint in April 2016. A colorful irregular tile staircase decorated with colorful tiles was replaced with a fish painting instead. Yet even with these challenges present, Ihwa still boasts beautiful murals worthy of visiting.
Naksan Park
Naksan Park offers an ideal vantage point from which to take in all that the city has to offer from afar. Established in 2002 to protect what remaining green spaces remained after much of the mountain was demolished during Japanese occupation, the park is now popular among residents who love strolling or jogging through it while taking in its scenery – with bright spring blooms giving way to vibrant autumn foliage colors throughout its expanse.
Naksan Park not only boasts beautiful vistas, but is also home to an assortment of recreational facilities for visitors. These include a sports center, exhibition hall and hexagonal pavilion – as well as several walking trails featuring hiking paths with both flat surfaces and steps – ideal for novice hikers and experienced trekkers. Reeds, silver grass and mustard flowers add another delightful element to the scenery at Naksan Park.
Nature enthusiasts and romantic couples alike flock to this park. Perfect for an evening stroll, its sunsets and night views offer breathtaking scenery; in fact, many flock here during October’s World Fireworks Festival as it serves as one of the primary viewing locations!
There is also a variety of activities you can enjoy in the park, from yoga classes and cycling to hiking and picnicking. Picnicking here offers an ideal combination of relaxing atmosphere and plenty of space, plus access to numerous sports facilities like soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts and badminton courts – perfect for outdoor celebrations!
Naksan Park in Seoul has quickly become one of the city’s hidden treasures due to its spectacular views and natural beauty. Conveniently accessible via public transit, Naksan Park makes visiting easy for visitors; furthermore it lies within close proximity of major landmarks like Namsan Tower and Yongsan Family Park.
Eunpyeong Hanok Village
Eunpyeong Hanok Village is an undiscovered treasure offering visitors an authentic Korean experience. Boasting 158 traditional Korean houses called hanoks for rent by visitors, Eunpyeong offers visitors various cultural activities like traditional handicraft making lessons, tea ceremonies and pottery classes as well as offering a peaceful environment that allows visitors to relax and unwind in this charming spot.
Eunpyeong Hanok Village stands apart from Bukchon Hanok Village by opening up their traditional houses for tourists to experience. Visitors can stay in one, enjoy traditional crafts, dine at local restaurants and stay for special events like lantern festival and flower festival held throughout the year in Eunpyeong Village.
One of the best ways to explore this charming village is by strolling its winding pathways and admiring its exquisite hanoks. Narrow alleyways recall another time while its cafes and restaurants offer tasty meals and beverages.
Sabina Art Museum stands out with an award-winning exterior, designed by architect Soo-Jin Moon. Inside is a variety of exhibits for all ages as well as Sabina Kids programs specifically tailored towards children.
Visit Eunpyeong Hanok Village and experience some of Seoul’s breathtaking natural landscape. Situated among mountains and hills, the village provides the ideal environment for relaxation away from city life.
To reach Gupabal Village quickly and efficiently by subway line 3 is to exit 3 of Gupabal Station at Gupabal Station; then taking Bus 7211 or 7723 for approximately 40-45 minutes journey time to Gupabal village. Alternatively, book a private van tour through Trazy that includes pickup and dropoff at your hotel – perfect for groups of 10+.
Namsan Park
Namsan Park is one of the top tourist spots in Seoul and one of its most beloved tourist spots, home to both iconic structures like N Seoul Tower as well as numerous exciting activities and sights.
Just by taking a cable car ride or walking up to the mountain, you’ll discover breath-taking views that provide stunning panoramic views over Seoul and its environs. This makes for an ideal spot for visitors who wish to unwind while appreciating its beauty – particularly at night when N Seoul Tower’s advanced LED technology illuminates it in myriad hues and patterns, showing its perfect harmony between nature and modern infrastructure.
Exploring the grounds, you will come across traditional Korean houses, gardens, theaters and capsule plazas – not forgetting Seoul’s largest trail of cherry trees! In springtime you can also visit this landmark of sightseeing as it hosts one of its biggest cherry tree trails! Not only that – N Seoul Tower also acts as an observation deck offering stunning city views from above with dining options like N Grill or Sky Terrace for those on a budget as well as food courts or bakeries within its confines!
Another highlight of the park is the Love Locks area where visitors can use individual locks to show their affection for someone special – similar to Paris where it has become an activity popular with couples and friends. There is also a Wishing Pond where they can throw coins to make wishes come true!
N Seoul Museum provides an in-depth glimpse into Korea’s history through multimedia exhibits, black-and-white documentary footage and artifacts. Open from 10am-6pm daily.