Summer in Korea (July and August) is known for its hot and humid weather with high rainfall and temperatures over 30ยฐC. If youโre planning a trip to Seoul during this time, check out the list of popular spots where you can beat the heat! From the most popular mega shopping malls to indoor amusement parks, get ready for your exciting summer trip, no matter the weather.
The Largest Shopping Mall in Seoul
1๏ธโฃ The Hyundai Seoul
The largest in Seoul and one of the top 10 mega department stores in Korea. The Hyundai Seoul holds a wide range of shops featuring famous global and Korean brands, along with great restaurants and entertainment spaces. The highlight of The Hyundai Seoul is its exciting pop-up stores. You can run into pop-ups of K-idol groups or trending brands that provide you with unique experiences. Some pop-ups require advance reservations, so make sure to check websites before you visit.
- Matin Kim
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Popular among the younger generation in Korea and Japan, this brand sells not only clothing but also bags, shoes, and other accessories. If you're interested in Korean fashion trends, check out this shop! ยท Location: B2
- TAMBURINS
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Beauty and perfume brand loved by Korean women in their 20s and 30s. They sell products with various scents, and their hand cream products are perfect gifts, thanks to the luxurious scents and packaging at an affordable price. ยท Location: 1F
- Sound Forest
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Indoor garden located at the center of the building. There is a resting area with comfortable chairs under green trees. Please note that shows and markets are held each season, and you can take insta-worthy photos at their special photo zones. ยท Location: 5F
Hybrid Cultural Space in City
2๏ธโฃ COEX
COEX offers a lot to see with its grand shopping malls and dynamic exhibition halls. The highlight here is the Starfield Library, which features a 13-meter-tall bookshelf. This is a public library where you can spend time as much as you want! You can take amazing pictures by passing through each floor with the escalator. COEX also boasts a variety of popular restaurants, an aquarium, and a 4-cuts photo booth. There is a direct bus to Incheon International Airport from COEX, so it's a great place to stop by right before you fly home.
- Starfield Library
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Mega library located at the center of the shopping mall. There are chairs all over the space, making it a perfect spot to take a break while shopping. The library is more beautiful in the evening with the lights that shine brighter as it gets darker. ยท Location: B1
- Aquarium
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Large aquarium with mystical vibes. You can meet about 40,000 marine creatures inside the aquarium. Special programs such as shark feeding and mermaid shows are also held. ยท Location: B1
- OLIVE YOUNG
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Drugstore featuring all the popular beauty items in Korea. The OLIVE YOUNG in COEX Mall is large and well-stocked, making it a great place to try and purchase recommended items. ยท Location: B1
New Hot Spot Near Seoul
3๏ธโฃ Starfield Suwon
Mega shopping mall opened in 2024. Starfield Suwon is not located in Seoul, but it's easy to get there by taking a subway (line 1) from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station, making it perfect for a day trip. You can find another Starfield library that's larger and more glamorous than the one in COEX, which is why they are viral on social media. In addition to hundreds of brand shops, the mall offers a variety of indoor activities you can enjoy without worrying about the weather. If you are hungry, we recommend you to visit 'London Bagel Museum'! It's one of the hottest bakeries in Korea right now, and this is the only branch outside of Seoul.
- Starfield Library
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Library located at the center of the mall. With a grand bookshelf spanning four floors and seating areas, it's a great place to take a break. Make sure to take a photo with the glowing bookshelf in the back! ยท Location: 4F
- London Bagel Museum
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A must-visit cafe. They sell bagels in various flavors such as blueberry, green onion, and potato, filled with cream cheese. You can also buy cute items at the store and bring them home as souvenirs. ยท Location: 2F
- SMOP Suwon Branch
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Indoor sports center, a playground for grown-ups. Enjoy 25 different activities such as a 360-degree swing and an indoor climbing. Please note that you must wear sneakers and pants to enter. ยท Location: 7F
Affordable Shopping
4๏ธโฃ GOTO MALL
Underground shopping center located at the Express Bus Terminal Station. The mall is close to Gangnam, and there is a direct bus to Incheon International Airport. To find the mall, you need to enter through G8-1 or G8-2 at the Express Bus Terminal Station. GOTO mall offers a variety of products such as clothing, accessories, and small items at affordable prices! However, some stores may not accept cards, so make sure to bring some cash.
- Bags
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Buy the latest trendy Korean bags at reasonable prices. However, prices may vary by store for the same design, so make sure to compare the price before you purchase.
- Pajamas
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From cute character pajamas to feminine ones with lace. Most of them are around 10,000 KRW, which is comparatively cheap but with great qualities.
- Accessories
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You can find quality hairpins that remind you of famous luxury brands. Koreans often buy 'claw clips' here.
Exciting Experiences
5๏ธโฃ Lotte World & Lotte World Tower
Theme park at the heart of Seoul. You can find a variety of exciting indoor rides, including vikings. There are restaurants and food stalls here and there, so simply drop by one of them when you're hungry. Lotte World is connected to Lotte World Tower, one of the tallest building in Seoul. Inside, you'll find dining zones and duty-free shops, with its highlight being the 'Seoul Sky' observatory at the top. We recommend you to spend the day at Lotte World and visit the observatory in the evening for magnificent night views.
- Flume Ride
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Enjoy a quick water slide! Your clothes may get wet, so we recommend you to buy a disposable raincoat in advance. Photos taken during your ride can also be printed out. ยท Location: Lotte World 1F
- French Revolution
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The most popular ride at Lotte World. The roller coaster track is circular, making it even more exciting. Make sure to book the ride in advance at kiosks in front of the location at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 5 PM. ยท Location: Lotte World 2F
- Gamseong School Uniform (Lotte World Branch)
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It's a trend in Korea to wear school uniforms at theme parks. They have many colorful and pretty designs you can wear to take special photos. Although there are many uniform rental shops near Lotte World, this one is the closest to the park. ยท Location: Near the main ticket office of Lotte World
- Seoul Sky
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The tallest observatory in Korea. Once you reach the top floor, you can see the entire city of Seoul and the Han River stretching out. It's recommended to visit at dusk to see both the sunset and the night view. There's a thrilling glass floor section as well. ยท Location: Lotte World Tower 117F
Explore History in Seoul
6๏ธโฃ National Museum of Korea
The representative museum of Seoul. There are over ten thousand artifacts displayed in different theme zones across seven floors. The museum provides you with audio commentaries in multiple languages. Aside from the main exhibition hall, you can explore video halls and seasonal theme exhibitions. After you look around, we recommend you to visit a popular museum shop in Korea! They sell items inspired by cultural assets, from interior accessories to highly practical everyday items.
- Museum Shop
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Items made in miniature size of major cultural assets in the museum are famous to locals. We recommend phone accessories, stationery, and pouches for your everyday items. ยท Location: 1F, 3F
- Room of Reflection
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Dark room with soft lighting and two statues of Bodhisattvas in the middle. There are no protective barriers around them, so feel free to enjoy a 360-degree view. ยท Location: 2F
- Digital Realistic Video Hall
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You can watch films on a large screen, and the films vary by day and time. The Hall 1 on Floor 1 is the largest and most beautiful. ยท Location: 1F, 2F
- Photo Spot
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The stairs at the entrance of the museum. Namsan Tower can be seen in the distance, making it a popular photo spot. Try taking a photo using backlight to capture the silhouette of Namsan Tower and yourself. ยท Location: Near the external exhibition hall entrance of the museum
Urban Oasis
7๏ธโฃ Seoul Botanic Park
Experience the freshness of summer inside the greenhouse. Various flowers bloom each season, and in July and August, you can see morning glories, hydrangeas, and the national flower, Mugunghwa. Among the various sections of the indoor greenhouse, the 'Mediterranean House' is perfect for taking beautiful photos. It maintains a pleasant Mediterranean climate, making it a refreshing visit. There are also dining areas and a gift shop, so you can stay longer to avoid the heat and rain.
