Seoul is easy to explore and sightsee on your own but for those looking to experience Seoul on a deeper level, there are plenty of experiences and programs offered that are sure to enhance your visit!

One such popular way is through Korean food. Luckily for Korean food lovers there are plenty of food tours offered by a number of local organizations and private companies. You can choose tour options around themes like Korean barbecue and Korean drinks, royal Korean cuisine, traditional markets, and more. If you prefer to learn how to make a few Korean dishes, select from the numerous companies that offers Korean cooking lessons of varying levels. One example is the Korean Cuisine Cultural Center to learn how to make Korean dishes and desserts as well as learn about Korean cuisine.

You can’t leave kimchi out of Korean cuisine and for kimchi lovers everywhere you won’t want to miss the Museum Kimchikan. This recently-opened museum provides a deep explanation on kimchi, its history, and its many, many varieties. The museum was even deemed by a major international publication as one of the top food museums in the world! If you really want to get involved though, be sure to sign up for a kimchi-making class which will not only teach you how to make kimchi but they’ll also package it up so you can easily and safely bring your homemade kimchi back home on your plane.

Another class that’s growing in popularity are makgeolli-making classes. Makgeolli is a traditional alcohol made with rice popular for its fizzy and slightly sweet qualities. Interest in makgeolli making has grown to the point that there’s even a certificate course conducted in English which visitors can take.

Scattered around Seoul are also a number of cultural centers that are geared towards visitors. The Bukchon Cultural Center, the Seoul Global Cultural Center, and the Gangnam Tourist Information Center are just a few institutes that offers not only tourist information but numerous experience programs. Visitors can try on the beautiful Korean clothing of hanbok, learn and practice calligraphy, make traditional crafts, take part in traditional tea ceremonies, and more. Many museums around the city such as the Seoul History Museum and the National Folk Museum of Korea also regularly offers lectures and experience programs. Check the respective homepages of these cultural centers and museums for detailed information on the programs offered, times, and for reservations.

Major Buddhist temples around Seoul such as Jogyesa and Bongeunsa are popular with visitors for cultural programs such as tea ceremonies, traditional crafts, and trying Korean Buddhist cuisine. For a truly immersive experience, find out about the many temple stay programs that will offer a deeper look at what life is like for a practicing monk.

Korean traditional music classes are offered at the National Gugak Center as well as the Jeongdong Theater where you can learn to play Korean instruments, traditional Korean dance, music, and more. History buffs and culture lovers will appreciate the Seoul City Walking Tours which are free guided tours that take visitors through traditional markets, historic sites, and scenic venues. For a real immersive experience, try a traditional Korean hanok homestay by staying in one of the many renovated traditional Korean homes for visitors. K-Pop fans, meanwhile, will want to visit the SM Coex Artium to learn K-Pop choreography, take singing lessons, and even receive a K-Pop star makeover!

Do also check the Visit Seoul homepage and the Seoul city homepage for information about ongoing festivals during your visit such as the Kimchi-making festival in the fall or the currently ongoing free retro love story-themed public production in Myeongdong- the Postman’s Proposal.

Lastly, if you have some time in Seoul and you’re curious to learn the language, the Seoul Global Center and the Yongsan District Office regularly offers Korean language courses of varying levels. You can also search and join one of the many numerous language exchange clubs that are all around the city as well.