11 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Seoul: My Favorite Hidden Gems

I spent a full month living in Seoul, and somewhere between the palaces and the popular spots, I started to find a completely different side of the city. Slower, quieter, and a little more local. It’s the side that made me love Seoul the most.

If you’ve already saved the typical itinerary, then read on to discover some of the most amazing hidden gems in Seoul.

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My favorite Neighborhoods in Seoul

• Yeonnam-dong – where I based myself. It’s right next to Hongdae but without the chaos. I found some of my favorite cafes here.
• Yeonhui-dong – a local neighborhood with indie shops and cafes
• Mangwon-dong – home to a more low-key market than Gwangjang and cool side streets nearby to explore.
• Ihwa Mural Village & Naksan Park – colorful murals everywhere and sunset views from the hilltop.
• Euljiro (Hipjiro) – tucked-away bars and a retro feel
• Eunpyeong Hanok Village – a less busy version of Bukchon Hanok Village
• Mullae – a neighborhood full of murals, which was once an industrial steel factory district
• Haebangchon: Located near Itaewon with incredible views from hidden cafes. It’s magical at sunset. Head to Cliff Cafe for the best views.

Non-Touristy Things to Do in Seoul

1. Visit Eunpyeong Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is often compared to Eunpyeong Hanok Village, but the latter has much fewer crowds. I visited at 830 am, and not many people were around – I think it wouldn’t be overly busy later in the day, too. I went to a cafe and left around 11ish, and it was still pretty chill around the village.

But interestingly enough, Eunpyeong Hanok Village was only built in Dec 2014. This project was led by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in efforts to promote traditional Korean architecture. So it’s quite new, while Bukchon Hanok Village dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (from 1392 to 1910). Don’t let that put you off from visiting; it still felt truly authentic and worthy of visiting. I loved the mountain backdrop with the beautiful hanok homes clustered all together.

Although this village was quieter, the cafe I visited definitely was on the busy side. It’s called 1in1jan and has become popular through social media. I still really enjoyed it because the views were really incredible from here. You can head up to the 6th floor for unobstructed panoramic views of the village.

I’d try to snag a window seat (if you’re lucky) on the 3rd floor so you can enjoy your coffee and dessert with a view.

2. Cafe hop in Yeonnam-dong

I spent an entire month living in this neighborhood of Seoul. I came to know it really well, and it was my favorite neighborhood I visited! Yeonnam-dong is located right next to Hongdae, but it has a completely different vibe. It’s much quieter but still super trendy. It has a neighborhood feel and is full of cute cafes and shops.

My favorite cafes include You Make Cookie, Oh Range, Poesia Portuguese Cafe, and Koriko Cafe.

If you want the most incredible French Toast you’ll ever eat, then visit Ilgi. It doesn’t have any cinnamon (which I don’t like!) on it – instead, it’s actually potato bread topped with the most delicious potato cream. It’s a true hidden gem, and I only found it by walking past its little window and peeping in. It’s got such an intimate, cozy interior and the most wonderful owner.

Be sure to read about my favorite cafes in Seoul, many of which are in Yeonnam-dong.

3. Explore Haebangchon with incredible views of Seoul

Haebangchon is located near Itaewon but is much less explored by tourists. It was one of my favorite hidden gems in Seoul. You will find incredible views from hidden cafes here, and it’s magical at sunset. Head to Cliff Cafe for the best views. One street to the right of Cliff Cafe is very scenic and one of the best hidden viewpoints in Seoul. It’s pictured above.

4. Get lost exploring the artwork in Ihwa Mural Village

I absolutely love creative and colorful places. Ihwa Mural Village was just that. You will find artwork painted on the walls, colorful staircases, and cute, narrow alleyways. This neighborhood was once very poor, as it was built by low-income refugees after the Korean War.

In order to bring it back to life, the South Korean Ministry of Culture launched the “Art in the City” project in 2006. The village became a bit more famous because it was featured in K-dramas and became an Instagram hotspot. The locals actually started to get annoyed since people were taking photos in front of their homes so some of the most famous murals were sadly painted over.

So when visiting, show your respect and keep quiet while enjoying the atmosphere. After enjoying taking pictures here, I went to a hanok cafe called Cogito. They have great coffee and an outdoor garden area with seating.

5. Catch golden hour at Naksan Park

I don’t see this one on a lot of blog guides, and it’s one of the best hidden gems in Seoul (at least to an international audience). Not to be confused with the famous Namsan Park, where you can go up to the Seoul Tower, Naksan Park was even more beautiful to me. If you visit the Ihwa Mural Village, it’s located right above the village. I loved strolling here for sunset. You can walk along the walls of the city and capture the most amazing photos.

After you end your stroll, I highly recommend ending your evening at Gaeppul Cafe or San 1-1 for a drink with a view. I loved the atmosphere here with all the cafe seats perched up on the hill. There are endless views up here, so it’s the best place to relax and soak in the views.

6. Try street food at Mangwon-dong market

Exploring Mangwon-dong is one of the most non-touristy things to do in Seoul. It’s got a true local feel and is home to the Mangwon Market, which can be an alternative to visiting the famous Gwangjang Market. You will still find a lot of people here, but it’s more local.

Be sure to walk the streets surrounding the market for so many nice cafes and shops. I enjoyed a light lunch at l’ Atelier Le Pli. I loved this small, intimate spot full of plants and simple decor. Giggle is another cafe around the corner, selling sweets and coffee.

7. Stroll Seoul Forest

Seoul Forest is a peaceful park that locals love. If you’re looking for a spot to escape the business of the city, then head to Seoul Forest. It’s especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season. So, if you’re lucky to be here in April like I was, you’re in luck. It also looks gorgeous in autumn, but anytime is a great time to visit. You will also spot deer here, reminding you of Nara, Japan!

It’s located not far from Seongsu, so don’t miss this spot if you’re looking for more off-the-beaten-path things to do in Seoul.

8. Take a perfume-making class

One of my favorite things I did in Seoul was taking a perfume-making class. I’m obsessed with my new custom perfume!

So first, you fill out a questionnaire about the kinds of scents you like, whether it’s floral, woody, clean, or sweet.

Then you go around smelling all the fragrances laid out and pick your favorites. You write them down, and they help you start blending your own combinations.

You use droppers to mix everything and test different ratios each time. I made SIX different versions before choosing my final scent.

Once you pick your favorite, you measure it out on a scale and make your actual perfume.

You even get to choose your own bottle and customize it with a sticker.

I loved the experience, and now I have a scent that’s completely mine. So I highly recommend adding it to your Seoul itinerary, especially if you’re in search of more unique things to do in Seoul.

9. Eat at a Chicken Speakeasy

You’ve heard of speakeasy bars, but did you know Seoul has a speakeasy fried chicken joint? Kyochon Pilbang is hidden away behind a dark door in Itaewon. To get in, you must pull a giant brush. I didn’t have a reservation and came on an evening. There was about a 15-20 minute wait to get inside. Once you make it in, the place is decorated with more brushes like the one that let you in! There’s even a huge one displayed in the center of the restaurant and surrounded by mist.

The main thing on the menu is, of course, the chicken and beer pairings. It comes out with many different sauces – honey, garlic, and soy, I believe. The paintbrushes come into play again and you can paint the sauces onto your chicken.

I ate here solo and felt a bit greedy because there was so much food. You can’t order smaller portions, and it’s mostly a place to go with groups. Some places in Korea do turn you away, saying their portion sizes are for 2 or more, but the staff here welcomed me kindly. They let me box it up and take the leftovers home. It was still good the next day!

10. Day trip to Bucheon Wonmi Park for Azaleas

This was the most beautiful park I’ve ever visited. I can’t believe this is only an hour from Seoul, South Korea, and so many people miss it.

Bucheon Wonmi Park is completely covered in endless azaleas (around 150,000!). It truly felt like a fairytale.

I’ve never seen this many in one place. It’s honestly one of the most magical spots I’ve been.

It takes about an hour to get here from Seoul. You can take the train or a bus.

If you’re coming by subway, get off at Bucheon Stadium Station (Line 7) and from there it’s just a short walk. The entrance is right past the stadium on your left.

Once you’re in, follow the trail uphill, and you’ll see some of the most incredible azaleas and blossoms.

📸 I visited on April 13, 2026, and it looked exactly like this: fully in bloom and absolutely unreal. Watch my Instagram reel to see more of this amazing place!

I believe that it’s worth visiting even if you aren’t there in April as different flowers bloom later on. I think you’ll find roses in May!

It’s free to enter and is open 24 hours. It’s best visited early in the morning for fewer crowds. But I still seemed to have it to myself til at least 10 am. Regardless, the place is huge enough that I’m sure you can find a quiet corner.

11. Day trip to Suwon

Suwon is the easiest day trip from Seoul and is so underrated.  I was actually surprised by how much I liked it, as I didn’t expect too much. 

There were magical double blossoms in bloom (see my Instagram post: filmed on April 21, 2026, at Kyung Hee University) 

My favorite was the hidden mural village and walking along the fortress walls for all the beautiful views. 

You can wander through the different gates – it’s really beautiful and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There’s a mix of history, quiet streets, and local spots that make it feel completely different from Seoul. Around the fortress, you’ll find endless cafes and cute local shops.

There’s even a huge mall and a library that rivals the one in Seoul at Starfield Suwon!

This is the perfect day trip if you want something slower, scenic, and still close to Seoul. I recommend taking this organized day trip, which will take care of the transport and activities for the day.