South Korea is renowned worldwide for being a complete destination. It has something for everyone, whether you are a shopaholic, a history buff, a sightseeing enthusiast, or somebody who looks forward to relaxing in the lap of nature. South Korea is listed as one of the best party destinations in the world, and amongst the Asian continents, it reigns supreme. Seoul, its capital, is injected with new life as soon as the sun goes down, making the night an exciting time to explore a variety of experiences the city has to offer.
Seoul is decidedly a modernised city, but remnants of its ancient past can be found in pockets around the city. One such pocket is the Seoul Wall Fortress. Over the years, sections of this wall were brought down to make way for construction, but other well-preserved parts remain. It is along these sections that the nighttime hike is organised. There are several sections over the 2.3 km trail from where you can start your hike, the most popular being the Mount Bugaksan section. The trail takes you through age-old buildings and forests, with flat trail sections and different stairs. It is the perfect mix of adventure and history for everyone.
This annual feature of the Korean capital is one of the most popular attractions among locals and tourists. The Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market is open until 27 October this year and is held in six locations throughout the capital. Each area has a unique theme, and the stalls are local and international. There are performances, local arts and crafts, native handicrafts, and food stalls worldwide. These markets celebrate Korea’s cultural heritage alongside its global character. The markets have everything from DJ parties to conservation and environment-friendly flea markets to youth-focused markets. It is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and should not be missed.
In recent years, South Korean cuisine has gained immense popularity worldwide. There is no better way to explore a country than by experiencing its cuisine, and a nighttime dining tour of Seoul is sure to open your eyes to its wonders.
A food guide will accompany a group of people to four different local eating joints. The group will enjoy sampling local delicacies like Korean barbecue and rice cakes, accompanied by the national beverage, soju. The group will also taste Korean gelato, made of unique ingredients that can only be found in Korea. The tour will conclude with a walk through the traditional villages, where the group will learn the local catchphrases and drinking games.
Noraebang roughly translates to singing rooms in Korean, meaning they are essentially karaoke rooms. The Luxury Su is one of the most popular noraebangs in the art and party district of Hongdae. It caters to university students and working individuals, and people travel far and wide to come here. With its sleek chandeliers and giant glass windows, the room is exposed to the busy street. Inside are fake cherry blossoms with an artificial stream flowing to the reception. The karaoke has hits from South Korea and the local music scene, making it ideal for tourists.
Dragon Hill Spa is a luxurious bath house in the heart of Korea that offers an authentic Korean bath experience. It is open from 8 pm to 5 am. It is a massive space that offers private massage rooms, outdoor saunas, and a range of other facilities. Experiencing a traditional Korean bath is a bucket list experience, and the stones used in some of the massages have healing properties. To get a whole experience of sauna, sleeping rooms, and massages, visit it at night.
An architectural must-see in the capital city of Korea, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, referred to as DDP by the locals, is one of the world’s most significant atypical structures. It is home to numerous art exhibitions, the Seoul Fashion Week, shopping spaces, and several hotels within the building. One of the unique aspects of the building is that there are no windows, which allows considerable privacy.
If you are near DDP at night, head to the rooftop gardens. The garden is rendered luminous by the exhibition of 21,000 LED roses, with each rose detailed down to the petal. Initially a seasonal exhibition, it is now a permanent feature owing to its popularity. The Design Plaza is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
After an adrenaline-filled day of adventurous rides and dazzling performances in the Disneyland equivalent of Seoul, stay back to witness the iconic Let’s Dream Night Parade, with its spectacular fireworks and lights. Featuring flashy costumes, lanterns, aerial balloons, and the showstopping fireworks, Lotte World at night is a breathtaking experience. It is a 30-minute-long show and is included with your tickets, and the parade allows you to interact with the individuals who make the place fun. It is the perfect place to visit if you wish to awaken the child in you for a day.