What to Do in Korea These Days? Then vs Now
In the past, the representative courses were sightseeing at famous spots, shopping in Myeongdong, and Akasuri/massage.
These days, trend shopping, skin care, lift-up, and head spa in Seongsu and Hannam are gaining attention.
More and more people are opting for 'my own travel' tailored to their schedule and preferences rather than a 'set course.'
What was the 'correct answer' for travel courses in Korea in the past?
In the past, itineraries typically included famous tourist spots like N Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village. Shopping was done in Myeongdong, and the night usually ended with Korean food.
For relieving travel fatigue, Akasuri (scrubbing) or massage were often mentioned. Even now, these 'standard courses' remain options.
What to do and enjoy in Seongsu and Hannam these days?
Recently, more people are seeking neighborhoods like Seongsu (Seongsu-dong) and Hannam where they can feel the 'current trends' in addition to traditional sightseeing. Interest has shifted towards enjoying the 'atmosphere of the city' rather than just viewing landmarks.
Visiting trendy brand stores or limited-time pop-ups and taking a break at a stylish café has become a more natural route. In the past, places like the Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall (GOTOMALL) or Garosu-gil were frequently mentioned as shopping routes, but recently, there are talks about the increasing presence of Seongsu.
- Seongsu·Hannam: Focus on brand stores, pop-ups, and cafés
- Expanding from 'visiting tourist attractions' to 'enjoying the local atmosphere'
- You can encounter new pop-ups every time you visit
The reason for the shift from 'major surgeries' for beauty purposes to skin care and lift-up treatments
Changes are also evident in the trend of visiting Korea for beauty purposes. In the past, many visits were made for surgeries that significantly altered appearance, such as double eyelid, nose, and contour surgeries.
These days, there is growing interest in 'skin care' or 'anti-aging treatments' aimed at achieving a more natural impression, as well as lift-up treatments that address sagging. It seems that the desire to enhance current strengths while refining skin and facial lines has increased, rather than a focus on 'changing' one's appearance.
Choosing treatments with relatively short downtime according to travel schedules is becoming a travel style in itself, allowing for 'beauty travel' (visits for beauty purposes) that fits one's itinerary and condition.
Instead of Akasuri or massage, these days it's head spa?
When thinking of 'healing' during a trip to Korea, Akasuri or massage used to come to mind. The experience of sweating out and relieving fatigue was often introduced as part of the travel fun.
Recently, head spas have been gaining attention as a new relaxation option. It seems there is an increasing demand for comfort during the relatively leisurely care process along with scalp care.
It is also mentioned as a suitable choice for those who want to take a short break between shopping or sightseeing.
From 'storm shopping' in Myeongdong to exploring brands
In the past, shopping in Myeongdong involved visiting multiple cosmetic stores and buying a lot at once, which was often introduced as 'standard shopping.' Interest in K-beauty continues to this day.
Recently, there seems to be a trend of enjoying the pleasure of checking out trending products at Olive Young while also exploring Korean brand stores in Seongsu, Hannam, and other areas. This trend has expanded to finding 'things that can only be found in Korea,' not just in cosmetics but also in fashion, accessories, and miscellaneous goods.
- Myeongdong Center 'Bulk Buying' → Exploring Brands from Various Neighborhoods
- Visits to Olive Young and Daiso are mentioned together
- Expanding the scope of exploration beyond cosmetics to fashion and accessories
From a 'shopping-only trip' to experience-based activities like pop-ups and DIY
What has been particularly mentioned as increasing in Korean travel lately is 'experience-based' enjoyment. Visiting limited-time pop-up stores or making original items through DIY becomes the goal of 'experiences that can only be done there.'
In Korea, new pop-ups and events continue to emerge, making it appealing to expect different fun each time you visit. The process of planning 'what to experience this time' even before the trip itself becomes content.
| Previous popular course | Current focus points | Core keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Famous tourist attractions (tower, palace, hanok) | Neighborhood strolls in Seongsu and Hannam | Trends/atmosphere |
| Intensive shopping for cosmetics in Myeongdong | Olive Young, Daiso + brand stores | Discovery/taste |
| Akasuri·Massage | Head Spa | Relax |
| Center of Major Changes in Plastic Surgery | Interest in Skin Care·Lift-Up | Naturalness |
| Focus on Purchasing Goods | Experiences like Pop-Up·DIY | Experience |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to go to Seongsu·Hannam when traveling to Korea these days?
It means that rather than being a must-visit course, there are more options for 'walking and shopping in trendy neighborhoods.' The trend of mixing existing tourist spots with personal preferences is being introduced.
What does it mean to include 'beauty travel' in the itinerary?
The original text explains that more people are choosing procedures with relatively short downtime to fit their travel schedule. The specific procedure and recovery period can vary depending on the individual and the treatment.
Is shopping in Myeongdong no longer recommended?
The original text states that it's not that 'Myeongdong is over,' but rather that shopping methods have diversified from the past focus on bulk purchases to visiting Olive Young/Daiso and exploring brand stores.
How can I find pop-ups or events?
The original text emphasizes that pop-ups and events are frequently held in Korea. It introduces a 'experience-centered' plan where you decide on brands of interest and areas to visit before your trip and adjust your itinerary accordingly.
This content is for general informational purposes and may vary based on individual preferences, conditions, and situations. Always consult a medical professional before making decisions related to medical or beauty choices.