5 Relaxing Things to Do in Seoul

Visit a temple- A meditation retreat at Jeondeungsa Temple will cleanse your mind and relieve you from all the stress piled on. The oldest temple in the region and surrounded by a rich history, this is another popular destination for many tourists. Located up in the mountains, the temple is enclosed by a fortress. Allegedly, the sanctuary was built by the three sons of Dangun, Korea’s founders. The Ssdam Ssdam temple stay is an experimental Buddhist culture program that will help you escape all distractions and commit to a vegan, vegetarian diet for the weekend. Think of it as a perfect getaway to detox both mentally and physically. 

Make a handkerchief in Sochang- Explore the Sochang Experience Center, significant for its status as the first Sochang factory. With over 800 years of fabric manufacturing history, Ganwado Island’s cotton industry dates back to the 13th century. Through old machinery, you will have a hands-on experience of the tedious process of producing cotton, from bleaching to starching and drying. Through their workshops, you will be allowed to customize your own handkerchief with stamps and dyes. For café lovers, long workbenches are converted to coffee tables in the gallery space for industrial aesthetic looks. 

Re-live your K-drama Fever at Paradise City- A common setting for romantic scenes to be shot in this extravagant place that screams glamour and style. Located near Incheon International Airport and consists of a resort, the Art Paradiso, restaurants, casinos, conventions, art galleries, spas, carnivals, and performances. It also features an indoor and outdoor pool open all year round. If you are an art lover, the ‘Art Space’ has a great exhibition with a collection of famous artists. With the captivating, artistic vibe and relaxing atmosphere, the price is high but worth every penny.  

Seafood by the beach at Yeong-Jong-do- The perfect spot to satisfy all your seafood cravings while enjoying the scenic atmosphere by the ocean. Yeong-jong do, an island filled with beaches and seafood restaurants, can be reached via ferry. Here you will see fishermen returning from the sea with fresh catch and heading straight to the Yeong-jong Pier market. At the market, you can select your seafood and have the aunties and uncles prepare it in their kitchens or nearby restaurants. A must is the grilled clams, so do not forget to give it a try! 

Visit the Sorae Ecology Park- Once Korea’s largest salt field is located near the Sorae Park and Fish market. It offers a vast, serene atmosphere of the salt field, mudflat, and wetlands. For history and ecology lovers, you can spot rich varieties of plants and animals, especially during the warmer months. Many migratory birds drop by for a visit. You can learn about salt production and enjoy the park's wildlife inhabitants.