Although traveling as an independent gal is normally my cup of tea, a girls’ trip to the land of kimchi, K-pop, and beauty products entails fun adventures that I wouldn’t miss for the world. Seoul is a global trendsetter and a hotbed of fashion, home to luxury malls and modern skyscrapers. As much as we loved indulging in this city’s skincare shopping spree, my friends and I were also delighted to explore its centuries-old traditions and rich cultural heritage. We went from sleepless nights of binge-watching our favorite K-dramas to strolling around Gyeongbokgung Palace in pretty hanboks and visiting the iconic N Seoul Tower. In between sightseeing, hitting the street markets, and singing our hearts out in noraebang (Korean-style karaoke), we treated ourselves to mouthwatering Korean dishes such as samgyeopsal and dakgalbi. Check out these activities if you’re spending a short holiday in Seoul, South Korea with an all-girls group.
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1. Dress up in hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace
As a big fan of sageuk (Korean historical drama), I’ve always fantasized about how it felt like to live in the Joseon dynasty. The closest I could get to this daydream was getting dolled up in a lovely hanbok and basking in the almost-autumn beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a picturesque spot to recreate our favorite K-drama scenes. This royal palace built in 1395 is adorned with ornamental gardens, grand pavilions, and majestic architectural marvels.
We first went to a rental shop to pick our traditional clothes and have our hair styled. I chose a dress that resembled something actress Ha Ji-Won had worn when she portrayed Hwang Jini, a legendary courtesan poet. Aside from being a great way to experience the country’s culture, wearing a hanbok in Seoul allows visitors to enter the palaces for free.
2. Marvel at the cityscapes from the N Seoul Tower
You would probably recognize this well-known landmark on Namsan Mountain from many hit series, such as Boys Over Flowers, Itaewon Class, and Rooftop Prince. For a scenic route to the tower, you could ride the cable car just like K-drama main leads Gu Jun-pyo and Geum Jan-di but we opted to take the shuttle bus to get there. This attraction includes a lot of walking, so make sure you’re wearing a comfy pair of footwear.
We didn’t miss the chance to view the panoramic city skyline from the observatory at night. As an old-fashioned girl, I decided to mail a postcard from there. It was also amusing to see the locks of love on the roof terrace and read sweet nothings written in different languages. Drop by some restaurants and gift shops in the complex to dine and buy souvenirs.
3. Be surrounded by books at COEX Mall Starfield Library
If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing reading area or a cozy place to unwind in the Gangnam district, this two-story library in the center of COEX Mall is a perfect choice. My friends and I loved spending time in the library back in our university days, so we were fascinated to see the vast collection of books in this dimly lit atrium. Starfield Library has 13-meter-tall (42.65-foot-tall) bookshelves and around 70,000 books in diverse genres. Those who need to squeeze in some tasks can also bring their laptops and use the tables with electrical outlets.
If you’re lucky, you can even catch cultural events such as poetry readings and literary concerts in this open public space.
4. Play drinking games in the guesthouse
Since we were traveling on a budget and wanted to experience a social hostel atmosphere, our girl group of four booked dorm beds in a simple guesthouse in the Mapo-gu district. Staying there gave us easy access to Hongdae’s youthful, fashion-forward neighborhood and hip vibe. Sure, there are plenty of nightlife spots and cool cafes to choose from in the area, but at times, we would prefer to stay in after a scrumptious dinner.
To counter our boredom, we played fun drinking games with the people we met in the guesthouse. It was also an entertaining way to exchange stories with new friends while enjoying a few shots of soju and beer.
5. Admire traditional Korean houses in Bukchon Hanok Village
Peppered with traditional Korean homes (hanoks) from the Joseon era, Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the must-see sites for history and culture buffs. The streets were a bit crowded when we went there in the afternoon, so it was quite challenging to look for photo opportunities without having hordes of tourists in the background. Still, we couldn’t help but be amazed by the unique architecture and charm of this quaint residential neighborhood.
Some visitors stroll its narrow alleyways in their colorful hanboks. You’ll also find art galleries, teahouses, and restaurants in the area. The village is located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, making it convenient to explore on a day trip.
6. Belt out songs in a noraebang
For those who like going to karaoke bars to have a good time with friends, holding your own concerts in a noreabang is an awesome experience to try in Seoul. This Korean-style karaoke is a well-loved pastime in the country and an enjoyable way to unwind and hang out with your pals. In these private singing rooms, you can release your stress or pretend to be a popular K-pop idol without performing in front of strangers!
We were searching for a cool nightlife spot and randomly found a noreabang, so we had to give it a shot. We rented a small room and paid by the hour. The song list featured mostly Korean songs, but a few English hits were available too.
7. Attend a K-pop concert at Gwanghwamun Square
Seoul is considered the birthplace of K-pop, so a trip to this city won’t be complete without watching an actual concert. Though I’m not an avid follower of K-pop groups, I tagged along with my music-loving homegirls in attending the Seoul Music Festival, an event that aims to cement the capital’s ground as a global music city. That night, Gwanghwamun Square welcomed a huge crowd wanting to see the performances of brilliant South Korean groups, including ATEEZ and EVERGLOW.
It was an amazing experience to witness world-class talents and rising artists performing in different music genres. There were also festival booths and various activities that kept the fans occupied.
8. Hit the stalls in Gwangjang Market
Seeing delicious eats such as knife-cut noodles, kimchi dumplings, and soy-marinated crabs from the Netflix documentary series “Street Food: Asia” made me want to explore Gwangjang Market. This traditional Korean market dating back to the early 20th century is bustling with stalls and foodies who want to sample an assortment of local favorites. Here you can satisfy your cravings for tteok-bokki (spicy stir-fried rice cakes) and mayak gimbap (rice rolls). We also saw plenty of nokdujeon (mung bean pancakes) and eomuk (fish cakes).
After stuffing our tummies with cheap and yummy Korean delights, we continued strolling to check out various goods and handicrafts. Silk and hanboks are also available on the market’s second floor.
9. Take a day trip to Korean Folk Village and Hwaseong Fortress
Want to explore outside the capital? Catch a glimpse of the traditional village life of Koreans during the Joseon dynasty by heading to the Korean Folk Village in Yongin. The 245-acre (99.15-hectare) land features thatched and tiled structures as well as mesmerizing natural scenery.
It also served as a shooting location for two of my favorite sageuks—Kingdom and Dae Jang Geum. The highlight of my visit was witnessing a colorful cultural show that made me feel like I was on the set of a historical K-drama.
In the afternoon, we went to Hwaseong Fortress which also transported us back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Suwon is an 18th-century historical landmark built by King Jeongjo to protect the city and house the tomb of his father.
10. Shop 'til you drop
There’s nothing like enjoying retail therapy with your best girls, especially in South Korea. Seoul’s K-beauty products are a game-changer in Asia with its expansive range of makeup and skincare brands that promise flawless, glass-like complexion. Featuring top beauty stores such as Olive Young and Innisfree, the stylish capital is a treasure trove of cosmetics and skincare essentials. Many of these shops even offer free product samples and tempting promos. Of course, I took this chance to score a mini haul of sheet masks, pore cleansers, and lippies.
This shopping mecca is also a paradise for K-fashion enthusiasts. In shopping districts such as Myeongdong, we found lots of boutiques and fashion outlets. For bargain hunters, there are underground shopping malls that sell trendy yet affordable finds!
Before going home, I also purchased some of my favorite Korean snacks and grocery items from discount shops and convenience stores.
11. Have a lovely picnic in Yeonnam-dong
After a few days of endless walks and commutes to famous attractions, having a picnic on a lazy afternoon was a welcome respite. We bought charming flower bouquets in Yeonnam-dong, a hip and chill neighborhood close to Hongdae, and just relaxed in a park with a bunch of yummy Korean snacks and drinks from a nearby convenience store.
As we sat on the grass reminiscing about the lovely week we had in Seoul, we listened to a young local performer playing beautiful music. Nature lovers can relish the lush greenery at Gyeongui Line Forest Park or hang out in one of the artistic cafes and indie bookshops in the area.
12. Treat your tastebuds to delectable Korean dishes
We’ve always loved dining in samgyeopsal restaurants in our home country, but nothing beats feasting on authentic Korean cuisine in Seoul. Who can resist the sizzling aroma of Korean barbecue—the tantalizing flavor of grilled meat slices dipped in ssamjang and other sauces is a feast for the palate. The best part? It comes with a wide assortment of side dishes! Don’t forget to pair it with a bottle of soju or makgeolli.
It was my first time trying dakgalbi or spicy stir-fried chicken, perfect for the cold weather. Chimaek (the duo of Korean-style fried chicken and beer) was also our go-to order at any time of the day. Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted by the famous strawberry tanghulu, which can easily be bought on the streets.
13. Wander the streets of Hongdae
Hongdae is characterized by its buzzy college town atmosphere and vibrant art and indie music scene. Whether you prefer to get your caffeine fix in a themed cafe or dance the night away in nightclubs, this trendy neighborhood has it all. We also chanced upon several impressive street performances of K-pop dance groups and buskers during our morning strolls. Meanwhile, street art enthusiasts will love the outdoor murals in the area.
It’s also a great place to shop for the latest Korean fashion styles, munch on street food, and have your picture taken in self-service photo booths.
Live your K-drama dreams in Seoul
Whether you enjoy immersing in Korean popular culture and entertainment or want to splurge on top-tier skincare and beauty products, I can confidently say that Seoul is a fabulous pick for a vacation with your best girls. Bask in the vibrant food, fashion, and music scene of South Korea’s sophisticated capital.
Don’t forget to channel your main character energy and visit some of the filming locations of your favorite K-drama series! Refer to some of the activities mentioned above for a holiday that’s one for the books.
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