The Best End-of-Summer Activities to Do in Seoul

As summer winds down in Seoul, the city still has plenty of things to enjoy before the cool autumn breeze fully arrives. Whether you’re into culture, shopping, or just soaking in the last of the warm weather, here are some of the best end-of-summer activities to make the most of your time in the capital.

1. Explore the National Museum of Korea 🏛️

When the heat lingers but you want a calm, air-conditioned escape, the National Museum of Korea is the perfect spot. With thousands of artifacts spanning Korea’s rich history, it’s a chance to learn more about the culture while staying cool indoors. Best of all? Entry is free for the main exhibits, making it a budget-friendly day out.

Come to the Museum with Us (Instagram Reel)

2. Shop and Stroll Through Department Stores 🛍️

End of summer is the perfect time for shopping in Seoul’s iconic department stores. Many run seasonal sales as they prepare for autumn collections, so you can snag discounts on fashion, cosmetics, and home goods. Even if you don’t buy much, department stores like Lotte, Shinsegae, and Hyundai are an experience in themselves, with gourmet food halls, rooftop gardens, and art exhibitions.

5 Best Department Stores in Seoul

3. Picnic at the Han River 🌅

No Seoul summer is complete without a Han River picnic. As the evenings get cooler, it’s the best time to gather friends, order chicken and beer straight to the riverside, and watch the sunset over the city skyline. Many parks along the Han also host seasonal outdoor concerts and movie nights, so keep an eye out for special events while you’re there.

4 Best Parks at the Han River

4. Café Hopping in Trendy Neighborhoods ☕

Seoul’s café culture never disappoints. Late summer is a great excuse to explore neighborhoods like Seongsu, Ikseon-dong, or Hapjeong, where you’ll find everything from retro-inspired cafés to minimalist design studios. Cool drinks, unique interiors, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments await.

Seoul Neighborhood Guide: Seongsu

5. Evening Walks & Night Markets 🌙

When the daytime heat starts to fade, head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) or traditional markets like Gwangjang Market. Evening walks are cooler, and the markets buzz with energy well into the night. From sizzling street food to late-night shopping, it’s a fun way to end a summer day.

Useful Korean Phrases for Ordering Food

Final Thoughts

Seoul is a city that never really slows down, even as summer comes to an end. From riverside picnics to museum trips, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the last stretch of warm weather while easing into autumn.

And if you’re thinking about making Seoul more than just a seasonal destination, Korea Kaja can help you apply to Korean language programs at top universities in the city. Learn the language, explore the culture, and make Seoul your second home. 🌏

Tour Companies for Young Travelers in South Korea

 

Traveling around South Korea is an adventure in itself:  Think vibrant cities, breathtaking mountains, island escapes, and rich cultural traditions at every turn. But if you’re new to the country, navigating transport, booking activities, and figuring out where to go (and when) can be overwhelming…especially if you don’t speak much Korean.

That’s where specialized tour companies come in. Across Korea, there are travel providers that cater specifically to young travelers, offering fun, social, and budget-friendly trips. Whether you’re looking for weekend getaways from Seoul, seasonal festivals, hiking excursions, or cultural immersion programs, these tours let you experience Korea’s best spots—without the stress of planning everything yourself.

In this post, we’ll introduce some of the best tour companies in South Korea for students, exchange participants, and adventurous young travelers. (Links included!) Get ready to make new friends, see the sights, and tick off your Korean bucket list!

1. The Dragon Trip

Focus: Budget-friendly cultural and adventure tours across Asia.
South Korea Tours: 9-12 day itineraries covering Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.
Ideal For: Backpackers, solo travelers, and students.
Group Size: Up to 29 people.
Age Range: 7 to 75 years old.
Highlights: Immersive cultural experiences, local cuisine, and historical sites.
Website: https://thedragontrip.com/search-results/?tour-search=&tax-destinations=south-korea-group-tours&month=

2. Under30Experiences (U30X)

Focus: Small group trips for travelers aged 21–35.
South Korea Tour: 9-day itinerary including Seoul, Jeonju, and Busan.
Activities: DMZ tour, hanbok rental, taekwondo class, food markets, and nightlife.
Group Size: Small groups for personalized experiences.
Website: https://www.under30experiences.com/trips/south-korea?utm_source=chatgpt.com

3. Contiki

Focus: Social group tours for 18–35-year-olds.
South Korea Tours: 9-12 day trips focusing on major cities and cultural landmarks.
Ideal For: Young travelers seeking a balance of sightseeing and socializing.
Group Size: Up to 99 people.
Website: https://www.contiki.com/en-sg/destinations/asia/south-korea

4. Trazy

Focus: Online platform offering tours, activities, and tickets tailored for foreigners in Korea.
Offerings: K-pop concerts, cultural workshops, city tours, and seasonal festivals.
Ideal For: International students and expats looking for curated experiences.
Website: https://www.trazy.com/things-to-do/korea

5. Goh Travel Korea

Focus: Customized educational trips for foreign and international school students.
Services: Tailored excursions combining fun and learning experiences.
Ideal For: International schools and student groups seeking educational tours.
Website: gohtravelkorea.netgohtravelkorea.net

6. Golden Blue Marina

Focus: Water leisure experiences on the Han River in Seoul.
Activities: Yacht rides, kayaking, paddle boating, and special events.
Ideal For: Young travelers seeking unique aquatic experiences in the city.
Website: https://leadyourtrip.com/en/program/option-program-en/yachtticket/

7. Teamax Adventure

Focus: Outdoor adventure sports—bike tours, kayaking, camping, and backcountry skiing across Korea.
Ideal For: Adventure seekers and nature lovers wanting an active, hands-on experience.
Website: https://teamaxadventure.com/main/en/index.html 

8. Adventure Korea

Focus: Customized adventure and educational tours—examples include sea kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, and retreats like the Ulleungdo/Dokdo Island trip.
Ideal For: Student groups and international schools seeking outdoor, educational, and cultural programs.
Website: https://adventurekorea.com/ 

9. The Seoul Pub Crawl

Focus: Nightlife tours featuring pub crawls in Hongdae and Itaewon. Includes VIP access to bars/clubs, free shots, and skip-the-line entry.
Ideal For: Young travelers looking to meet people and experience Korea’s nightlife in a fun, guided setting.
Website: https://www.seoulpubcrawl.kr/ 

10. Seoul Pub Crawl via GetYourGuide

Focus: Similar nightlife experience—guided nights out visiting multiple bars/clubs, with free entry and drinks.
Ideal For: Social travelers wanting to explore Seoul’s party scene safely and conveniently.
Website: https://www.getyourguide.com/south-korea-l169035/-tc2161/ 

Exploring South Korea can be more rewarding when you can focus on the experience instead of the logistics. The right tour company can help you discover hidden gems, join seasonal events, and meet fellow travelers who share your sense of adventure. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, hiking volcanic peaks, or diving into Korea’s vibrant nightlife, these tours make it easy and unforgettable. So pack your bag, bring your camera, and get ready to experience Korea like never before! 🧳📸🇰🇷

5 Great Hikes in Seoul for Beginners

 

Seoul may be a bustling metropolis, but it’s also surrounded by stunning mountains that offer a breath of fresh air — literally. Whether you're visiting the city or living here and looking to escape the urban rush for a few hours, there are plenty of beginner-friendly hikes to enjoy. Here are five great hiking spots in Seoul that are accessible by public transport and perfect for novice hikers.

1. Inwangsan

Why go: Inwangsan offers one of the best panoramic views of downtown Seoul — including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and the Han River. It's a short but slightly steep hike, with large granite boulders and part of the old Seoul Fortress Wall lining the path.
Trail info: ~2 hours round-trip, moderate incline, well-maintained trail.
How to get there:
Take Subway Line 3 to Dongnimmun Station, Exit 2. Walk straight for about 10 minutes toward the Inwangsan Jarak-gil Trail entrance.

2. Achasan

Why go: This trail is perfect for beginners who want an easy, scenic hike with river views. The summit is relatively low, but it still offers fantastic vistas of the Han River, Lotte World Tower, and the eastern part of Seoul.
Trail info: ~1.5 hours round-trip, gentle slopes, mostly dirt paths and stone steps.
How to get there:
Take Subway Line 5 to Gwangnaru Station, Exit 1. Walk straight and follow signs to the Achasan Ecological Park trailhead.

3. Bukhansan (Baegundae Peak – Easy Route)

Why go: Bukhansan is Seoul’s tallest and most famous mountain. While the full hike to Baegundae Peak can be strenuous, beginners can take the easier route via the Bukhansanseong Trail, which is less steep and shaded.
Trail info: ~3–4 hours round-trip to Baegundae via Bukhansanseong Trail, mostly well-marked trails and stone steps.
How to get there:
Take Subway Line 3 to Gupabal Station, Exit 1. From there, take bus 34, 704, or 8774 to the Bukhansanseong Entrance stop.

4. Eungbongsan

Why go: This is more of a hill than a mountain, but it's perfect for a quick and easy hike. It's especially popular in spring when the forsythia flowers bloom. The top offers fantastic views of the Han River and Seoul Forest.
Trail info: ~30 minutes to summit, stairs and light trails, good for families and casual walkers.
How to get there:
Take the Jungang Line to Eungbong Station, Exit 1. Walk straight and follow the signs uphill — the summit is a short walk away.

5. Namsan

Why go: Right in the heart of the city, Namsan is famous for its iconic N. Seoul Tower. Multiple trails lead up the mountain, and you can even combine the hike with cultural stops like the Namsangol Hanok Village or the Seoul City Wall.
Trail info: ~1–1.5 hours depending on the route, paved and forest paths, night views are stunning.
How to get there:
Take Subway Line 4 to Myeong-dong Station, Exit 3. Walk toward the cable car station, and from there you can follow the trail signs to hike up instead of taking the lift.

Final Tips

• Always bring water and wear proper footwear — even the easier trails can be slippery after rain.

• Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking in Seoul thanks to the mild weather and beautiful foliage.

• Weekdays are less crowded if you’re looking for a quieter hike.

Seoul's mountains are more than just scenic escapes — they’re a way to experience Korean culture, history, and nature all in one afternoon. Whether you're a complete hiking newbie or just looking for a light weekend activity, these trails are a great way to get started. 

Happy hiking! 🥾