6 Quirky, Unique Experiences You Can Only Have In South Korea

NDTV

28-05-2025

If you're thinking South Korea is all K-pop concerts and skincare shops, think again. Sure, Seoul's got enough neon-lit excitement to keep you buzzing for weeks, but some of the country's most memorable moments come from the downright unexpected. From sleeping in traditional houses inside amusement parks to sipping cappuccinos made by robots, South Korea has a flair for mixing the modern with the totally offbeat. Here's a shortlist of the most unusual travel experiences in South Korea that are anything but ordinary — and definitely worth the detour.
Here Are 6 Unusual Experiences For Your South Korea Trip:
1. Sleep In A Hanok Inside A Theme Park
Ever wanted to step back in time without giving up creature comforts? Try sleeping in a hanok — a traditional Korean house — inside Korean Folk Village in Yongin, just south of Seoul. Yes, it's part of a theme park, but this isn't some tourist trap. The recreated Joseon-era village doubles as both a cultural museum and a place where you can actually stay the night. Think heated ondol floors, rustic wood beams, and tranquil courtyards — minus the 15th-century plumbing issues. You'll wake up to the sounds of traditional music, surrounded by actors in historical costumes and craftspeople practising centuries-old trades. It's surreal in the best way.
2. Soak At A Korean Rice Spa
Move over, charcoal masks. In South Korea, people soak in rice water for that luminous, glassy skin. At spas like Spa 1899 Donginbi in Seoul and Gyeongju Seorabeol Healing Spa, the baths are infused with fermented rice, believed to nourish and soften the skin. Some spas even use by-products of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) fermentation. The result? A skin-smoothing soak that feels oddly luxurious and smells faintly like sake. Many locals swear by its anti-ageing properties, and let's be honest — it makes for a great story when you're back home.
3. Sip A Latte From A Robot Barista In Seoul
Cafes in Seoul aren't just about coffee — they're experiences. But nothing quite prepares you for the surreal joy of being served by a robot. At cafes like b;eat and Cafe Bot Bot, mechanical arms whip up drinks with the precision of a Swiss watch. At Cafe Bot Bot, a six-axis robotic arm handles your latte with more grace than most humans. It's not just a gimmick either — these bots are fast, consistent, and, dare we say, polite. The experience is a peek into Korea's tech-forward culture, served with a splash of oat milk.
4. Eat Your Way Through A Traditional Korean Market
Food in Korea isn't just a meal, it's a full-on event. And nowhere is that more obvious than at traditional markets like Gwangjang Market in Seoul or Seomun Market in Daegu. These aren't the clean-cut food halls you'll find in shopping malls — they're chaotic, noisy, and downright addictive. Try mayak gimbap (literally "narcotic rice rolls"), mung bean pancakes, or spicy tteokbokki. Many vendors have been in business for decades, often perfecting a single dish. Ask questions, hover uncomfortably, and don't be shy — vendors are used to tourists and usually more amused than annoyed.
5. Ride The Songdo Marine Cable Car In Busan
If you're afraid of heights, this might be your ultimate test. The Songdo Marine Cable Car in Busan glides 86 metres above the sea, offering jaw-dropping views of the South Korean coastline. The ride stretches 1.62 kilometres between Songnim Park and Amnam Park, with "crystal" cabins featuring transparent floors for that extra dose of vertigo. It's not just about the views, either. Songdo Beach, where the ride begins, is known as Korea's first public beach, and it's lined with quirky photo zones and seafood stalls. Do it at sunset for maximum drama — and a killer Instagram shot.
6. Take A Mud Bath With Thousands At A Traditional Festival
Held every July on Daecheon Beach, the Boryeong Mud Festival is South Korea's messiest, happiest celebration. It started as a clever marketing stunt in the late '90s to promote Boryeong's mineral-rich mud. Now, it's a full-blown party that attracts over a million people each year. Expect giant mud slides, mud wrestling pits, and even mud marathons. It's chaotic, sludgy, and ridiculously fun. Don't bother trying to stay clean — within minutes, you'll be covered head-to-toe in grey goo. There are even spa areas where you can indulge in a more relaxed, face-mask-style experience if full-body mud warfare isn't your thing.