Top 5 Must-Dos While Studying Abroad in Seoul

I spent a semester studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea. Here are my top recommendations for what you should do and see while you're here! 

5. Seoul Opera House

Nestled in the heart of the arts district of Seoul, with Korean performing arts students running around with their instruments trying to catch the last bus, is the Seoul Opera House. I have always been a big fan of opera, and I was ecstatic to hear that the Seoul Opera would be performing Carmen, one of my favorite operas, while I was there. The Seoul Opera house in of itself is a sight, with many museum halls talking about the history of the performing arts, and cute cafes for concertgoers to stop and get a sweet treat. The performance was absolutely amazing, and the acoustics in the big opera hall were perfect. Even if you're not a music person, I feel like everyone needs to experience the raw talent of Seoul’s operatic singers at least once in their lifetime.

4. Seoul Botanical Gardens

When I initially decided to visit the Seoul Botanical Gardens, it was a spur of the moment decision. I had about a month left in Seoul, and was looking for more “off the beaten path” places to experience. I was absolutely blown away. The botanical gardens are extensive, with both an indoor and outdoor area, and only cost about 5,000 won for access to the entire area. I have always felt like one of the best ways to learn about a culture is through their native plants and agriculture.

One section was explicitly dedicated to traditional Korean plants and trees, and explaining their uses in food and natural medicines. Nestled in between the outside gardens are many places to stop for the perfect photo op: such as a bridge overlooking a small stream, a traditional hanok with Korean retirees taking a mid-afternoon nap, and a small cafe selling refreshing drinks. The interior part of the gardens is sectioned off by different environments and regions across the world. One minute you explore cacti native to my hometown of Texas, and the next you're in the Amazonian rainforest. There is also a cafe inside the gardens, where I had the best chocolate cake of my life amongst miniature terrarium displays. This is always going to be my go to destination recommendation for anyone wanting to visit Seoul.

3. Visiting a Jjimjilbang

Visiting a jjimjilbang, a Korean spa, can sound scary to American foreigners, but is by far one of the things I miss the most about Korea. A jjimjilbang is the perfect place to relax and unwind, some people even sleep there overnight! Most jjimjilbangs feature a communal bathing area separated by gender, a steam area where you wear orange scrubs given to you by the staff, a snack stand or dining area where you can grab a quick bite, and a sleeping area. Most also offer additional spa services, such as a traditional Korean body scrub, massages, and facials.

2. Underground Shopping Malls

Love shopping and thrifting? Forget shoveling through bins of discarded t-shirts at Goodwill. One of the more unique features of Seoul is its robust underground shopping malls scene. I personally enjoy thrifting or finding a good bargain, so my personal favorites are the underground malls found in the subway stations of Yeongdeungpo, Jamsil, and Jonggak areas. If you're looking for some more upscale shopping, the underground malls of Gangnam boast more luxury shopping. Although not technically an underground shopping mall, the Dongmyo Flea Market has some awesome deals as well.

1. Hiking and Temple Hopping

Even if you're not an outdoorsy person or an extreme hiker, you have to go hiking while you're in Seoul. Seoul was built amongst mountain ranges, making spectacular hiking areas and breathtaking views of the city extremely accessible. One of my favorite parts of Korean culture was visiting Korean Buddhist temples, which are often nestled in the mountains, so I would often plan my hikes around various temple sites. Make sure to also bring some snacks when you hike as well. Hiking is very popular amongst the older population of Koreans, who will often want to share their hiking snacks with you, and it's nice to have something to give them in return.

Blog by Ellie Hague, Texas A&M University
Semester in Seoul - Sogang University