South Korea continues to captivate travelers from around the world, and in 2025, it’s more exciting than ever. While many come for the vibrant K-pop scene or cutting-edge technology, there’s something deeply enriching about diving into Korea’s cultural experiences. From ancient traditions to modern reinterpretations, Korea offers a range of fun and immersive activities that let you connect with the heart of its culture.
If you’re planning a trip to Korea this year, or simply curious about what makes Korean culture so vibrant and unique, you’re in for a treat. Here are ten of the most enjoyable and memorable Korean cultural experiences you should definitely try in 2025.
1. Try on a hanbok and walk through a palace
One of the most enchanting experiences you can have in Korea is wearing a traditional hanbok while strolling through one of Seoul’s grand palaces. Hanboks are colorful, elegant garments that date back centuries, and wearing one feels like stepping back in time. The most popular places for this experience are Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, where you can rent a hanbok nearby for a few hours or even a full day.
Not only do you get free palace entry if you’re dressed in traditional attire, but you’ll also feel a deeper connection to Korea’s Joseon Dynasty era. The contrast of ancient architecture and modern city life in the background creates a surreal, almost fairytale-like atmosphere, making this one of the most Instagram-worthy and culturally rich experiences in the country.
2. Relax and socialize at a Korean jjimjilbang
Visiting a jjimjilbang, or Korean bathhouse, is a must if you want to unwind like a local. These multi-story spa complexes are more than just places to bathe—they’re part of Korea’s social fabric. After showering and soaking in hot baths, you can relax in themed saunas, get a full-body scrub, enjoy Korean snacks like baked eggs and sweet rice drinks, or even nap on heated floors.
Many jjimjilbangs are open 24/7, making them a fun overnight adventure. Dragon Hill Spa in Seoul and Spaland in Busan are two of the most famous ones, but you’ll find local versions all over the country. Whether you go solo or with friends, it’s a unique blend of wellness, leisure, and culture that you won’t find anywhere else.
3. Learn Korean calligraphy with a master
Korean calligraphy, known as Seoye, is not only an art form but also a meditative practice. In 2025, there are more workshops and experiences than ever where visitors can learn the basics of brushwork, ink control, and the aesthetics of Hangul (the Korean alphabet). These sessions are often held in traditional houses or cultural centers, providing a peaceful and focused atmosphere.
You’ll be guided by experienced calligraphers who teach you how to write your name in Hangul or craft meaningful phrases. It’s a creative way to slow down, focus, and appreciate the elegance of Korean writing. Plus, you get to take home your own hand-made art piece as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
4. Cook your own Korean dishes in a traditional setting
Korean food is famous worldwide, but cooking it yourself offers a whole new level of appreciation. Whether it’s kimchi-making, learning to grill the perfect bulgogi, or crafting the delicate folds of mandu (dumplings), cooking classes are a fun, hands-on way to experience Korean culture.
Many of these classes are hosted in traditional hanok homes or cooking studios with warm, homey vibes. You’ll often visit local markets first to shop for ingredients, giving you insight into Korea’s everyday food culture. By the end of the session, you’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal you made yourself but also gain confidence to recreate it back home.
5. Spend the night in a temple and live like a monk
Temple stays offer a unique window into Korea’s spiritual life. Staying at a Buddhist temple, even just for a night, can be a transformative experience. You’ll wake up to the sound of temple bells, take part in meditation, learn seon (Zen) practices, and even try your hand at monastic meals and silent meals.
While the experience is rooted in tradition, it’s also designed to be welcoming for foreigners. Many temples, like Beomeosa in Busan or Golgulsa near Gyeongju, have English-speaking programs that explain Buddhist philosophy in a simple, relatable way. The serene mountain surroundings and minimalist lifestyle make this an unforgettable retreat from the chaos of modern life.
6. Experience a traditional Korean tea ceremony
Tea culture in Korea is subtle, sophisticated, and deeply tied to ideas of mindfulness and harmony. Participating in a traditional Darye (tea ceremony) offers an intimate cultural experience that focuses on the aesthetics of serving and drinking tea. The ceremony is slow, deliberate, and often accompanied by traditional sweets and music.
It’s not just about tasting tea—it’s about observing rituals, appreciating beauty in simplicity, and finding peace in the moment. You can book a tea ceremony at tea houses in Insadong or Bukchon in Seoul, where hosts explain the significance of each gesture. Whether you’re a tea lover or not, it’s an elegant way to learn about Korean values and etiquette.
7. Take a Korean traditional dance or drumming class
If you’re looking to move your body while immersing yourself in Korean culture, traditional dance or samulnori drumming classes are an energizing option. These rhythmic, expressive art forms are taught by seasoned performers who make it accessible and fun, even for beginners.
Dance classes might include fan dance (buchaechum) or mask dance (talchum), where you wear elaborate costumes and learn graceful choreography passed down for generations. Drumming classes involve playing a variety of percussion instruments in coordinated patterns, creating a lively group experience that’s impossible not to enjoy.
8. Paint traditional Korean folk art like minhwa
Minhwa, or Korean folk painting, is colorful, whimsical, and full of symbolism. Originally created by commoners to express hopes for happiness and protection, minhwa often features animals, nature, and mythical creatures. In 2025, art workshops focusing on minhwa are becoming increasingly popular among travelers seeking more interactive cultural activities.
These classes allow you to paint your own version of a tiger, peony, or phoenix using traditional techniques and materials. No prior art experience is needed, and the relaxed, playful vibe makes it a great option for families or solo travelers alike. Best of all, you’ll take home a piece of authentic, hand-crafted Korean culture.
9. Join a local festival and dance with the crowd
Korean festivals are vibrant expressions of community and tradition, and participating in one can be the highlight of your trip. There are hundreds of festivals throughout the year, but some of the most fun ones include the Andong Mask Dance Festival, the Boryeong Mud Festival, and the Jinju Lantern Festival.
These events are packed with performances, local food, crafts, and often opportunities to join in the dancing or games. For example, at the Andong festival, you can wear a traditional mask and learn the dances yourself, while at the mud festival, you’ll probably end up covered head-to-toe in mud while sliding and wrestling with locals and tourists alike.
10. Stay in a hanok and experience traditional Korean living
Nothing beats staying overnight in a hanok, Korea’s traditional wooden house. These beautiful homes, with their curved roofs and inner courtyards, offer a deep sense of peace and charm. While some hanoks are now luxury boutique hotels, others remain simple and authentic guesthouses.
Either way, you’ll sleep on ondol (heated floors), open paper sliding doors in the morning, and enjoy Korean hospitality at its finest. Places like Jeonju Hanok Village, Bukchon in Seoul, or the Andong Hahoe Folk Village offer immersive hanok experiences. Waking up in a hanok, surrounded by nature and heritage, makes you feel like you’ve truly traveled not just across distance, but through time.
Bottom line
What makes these experiences particularly special in 2025 is the way South Korea has managed to blend modern convenience with deep respect for its traditions. Booking a hanbok rental or temple stay is easier than ever with English-friendly apps. Cultural centers are offering more multilingual guides. Workshops are tailored for travelers without sacrificing authenticity.
Whether you’re exploring the past through calligraphy or enjoying the present in a bubbling jjimjilbang, you’ll find that Korea’s cultural doors are wide open—and warmly inviting. Beyond just being fun, these experiences give you stories to tell, skills to take home, and moments of connection that go far beyond sightseeing. They allow you to feel, taste, touch, and live Korea in a way that stays with you long after the trip is over.
