Are you suffering from a rainy day in Seoul that’s come along and messed up your well planned trip? Well don’t worry, this guide to the best indoor activities in Seoul has you covered! There’s something for everyone, including family fun places, cultural wonders, cozy cafes, and exciting activities you might not even know about.
This list of things to do in Seoul when it’s raining is packed full of great activities that you can also use as a guide for when it’s not raining. If you haven’t already planned to visit these places, I’d definitely recommend checking them out during summer in Korea or any other time.
Read on to find out how to spend a rainy day in Seoul without getting soaked and have an incredible day out whatever the weather. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a family, or with friends, there’s always something fun to do in Seoul. I hope you find the perfect indoor activity for you.
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Having A Rainy Day In Seoul?
I know how you feel, there’s nothing worse than planning a day out, only to find that your plans to visit leafy parks, walk the streets, and enjoy the great outdoors have been ruined by the weather. Fortunately, Seoul is a fun, vibrant city with many indoor attractions for you to enjoy.
What Are You Looking For?
To help make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for, I’ve broken this article into the following sections. Click the quick links below to jump straight there or keep reading through all parts.
Indoor Activities
Fun indoor activities for all ages, a rainy day in Seoul doesn’t have to be boring.
Discover Seoul Pass Activities
Some of these activities are free or discounted with the Discover Seoul Pass, a city-pass for foreigners visiting Seoul. The Discover Seoul Pass can save you money on entrance fees across Seoul and is a great investment if you plan to visit attractions like Lotte World or COEX Aquarium.
When activities are covered by the Discover Seoul Pass, I will add details about the discount. If you want to know more about what’s covered by the pass and get some itinerary ideas about how to use the pass and save money, check out my article about Discover Seoul Pass itineraries.
Booking Activities Online
Some of these rainy day indoor activities in Seoul can be booked online on the day or in advance. It is often cheaper to use tour companies like Klook, Viator, or Get Your Guide to book tickets (even last minute) vs. paying full entrance price. When online tickets are available, I’ll include a link for them.
Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.
Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.
How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.
Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).
Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.
Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.
Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.
How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options.
Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.
Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.
How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.
Family Friendly Indoor Activities In Seoul
Want to find somewhere to take the kids while it’s raining in Seoul? Here are 6 really fun indoor activities in Seoul that kids will love.
Lotte World Adventure Indoor Theme Park
If you’re looking for a full day of indoor fun in Seoul, Lotte World Adventure theme park is perfect for you. Located next to the Lotte World Tower, this gigantic indoor theme park has dozens of attractions for visitors young and old. There are thrilling rollercoasters, rides, an aquarium, games to play, attractions, an ice rink, and lots more. Most of the park is inside (great for a rainy day in Seoul), but there’s also an outdoor section called the Magic Island that is very Disney-esque if you can brave the rain.
Location: Jamsil
Address: 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 240
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
Zoolung Zoolung Indoor Animal Theme Park
Enjoy seeing and playing with more than 50 different animal species in Korea’s largest indoor and fenceless zoo. There are animals from around the world, including scaly and furry friends from the Amazon and Africa. Kids and adults will have a great time petting or feeding the animals, or looking from afar. There’s also a 3-storey pirate ship playground to enjoy! Zoolung Zoolung is located inside one of Seoul’s largest shopping malls, Times Square, which offers lots more places to escape the rain.
Location: Yeongdeungpo
Address: 서울특별시 영등포구 영중로 15
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
Seoul Children’s Museum
The Seoul Children’s Museum in Grand Children’s Park is a great place for active young minds to stay dry and improve their mental and physical skills. The museum offers various programs to enhance children’s creativity and imagination while having fun and learning about the world. Kids can practice skills like being an artist or dancer, learn how to be a vet, and discover how sound travels. They can wander through indoor forests, explore space, and get wet learning how things float.
Location: Grand Children’s Park
Address: 서울특별시 광진구 능동 능동로 216
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
COEX Aquarium
Inside the giant COEX shopping centre in Gangnam is the delightful COEX Aquarium. This is a great indoor activity in Seoul for all the family and a chance to see some animals that actually enjoy being wet. This sprawling aquarium introduces some of Korea’s finest fish and will take you on a journey around the oceans of the world. There are feeding shows, touch labs, performances, and so much more to see here. Be sure to check out the rest of COEX Mall, including the Starfield Library.
Location: COEX Mall, Gangnam
Address: 서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
Tayo Kids Cafe
This kids playground and cafe area is based on one of Korea’s most popular cartoon characters, Tayo the Little Bus. There are several Tayo Kids Cafes in Seoul and they have a range of activity zones where young children can ride in kid-friendly buses, play safely in toy-filled padded play areas, watch Tayo cartoons in the movie room, and even have a dance party. Food and drinks are available for visitors young and old.
Locations: Various across Seoul
Address: 서울특별시 동작구 보라매로5가길 16
Kidzania
Kidzania is a unique kid-friendly area in Lotte World that’s designed to allow children the chance to become grown ups and try working in a variety of different jobs. They can learn to fly a plane, perform surgery, or create delicious dishes as a chef, all in specialist areas that are replicas of those working environments. Children also develop skills like handling money, leadership training, and teamwork.
Location: Next to Lotte World, Jamsil
Address: 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 240
Please note: Some activities may be language-dependent. It’s best to check if there are English speaking guides available before booking.
Fun Indoor Activities In Seoul For All
Whether you’re travelling with children, or want somewhere fun to stay dry while it’s wet outside, these indoor activities will keep everyone amused.
Alive Museum & Dynamic Maze
The unique Alive Museum features lots of interactive art displays to create ‘illusionistic art’ and makes for some hilarious shots. Want to see one of the family being eaten alive, part of a video game, or racing around the streets of Seoul? This is the place for you.
The Dynamic Maze (in the same area) is exactly what it sounds like: an action packed maze that has a variety of tasks you must complete to find the exit. Obstacles range from climbing walls, missions requiring attention to detail, screaming and dancing, to simple trial and error.
Location: Insadong
Address: 서울특별시 종로구 인사동 인사동길 12
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
Color Pool Museum
Featuring a rainbow range of coloured halls to check out, each with their own theme, you’re sure to find the chance to take some incredible photos at the Color Pool Museum. Each of the 9 themed rooms has its own colour that reflects its ‘scent’, such as the romantic rose hall (one for couples) or the aquamarine ocean breeze hall (ball pools and unicorns). The rooms are filled with an eclectic mix of giant inflatables, ball pits, slides, balloons, bright colours, confetti, extravagance, and happiness. Discover your true colour and take lots of unforgettable photos at this cool insta-worthy indoor destination in Seoul.
Location: Insadong
Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 49 안녕인사동 6층
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
HiKR Ground (K-Style Hub)
HiKR Ground (formerly K-Style Hub) is an innovative promotional hall that introduces the best of Hallyu (Korean modern culture) to tourists through Extended Reality (XR). Witness some of Korea’s latest cutting-edge technology as you explore 5 floors of cultural displays, each with a different theme. This large, interactive playground is the perfect indoor activity for when it’s raining in Seoul, and offers hours of exploration and technological immersion that’s especially fun for younger travellers (perfect for families). Visit the top floor cafe for a bite to eat and views of Seoul.
Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream
Address: 서울특별시 중구 청계천로 40
Aqua Planet 63
Located in the impressive gold-plated 63 Building on the banks of Yeouido Island in Seoul, Aqua Planet 63 is an immersive aquarium that includes fishy fun and watery plant life to explore. Attractions in Aqua Planet 63 include a mermaid show, Otter Planet, Aqua Garden (with water plants), Penguin Planet, Seal Planet, Coral Planet, Golden Miracle Zone (bright sunflowers), and more. As well as Aqua Planet, why not visit the 63 Tower Sky Art gallery and see rainy sights of Seoul from up high along with paintings and artworks from around the world.
Location: Yeouido
Address: 서울 영등포구 63로 50
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
Hongdae Gaming Arcades
You can’t miss the gigantic arcades that take up whole buildings in parts of Hongdae and other cool districts such as Gangnam and Dongdaemun. Inside these shining, beeping caves are dozens of the latest arcade games to play alone or together. Don’t feel like playing? Stand back and watch the pros on the latest dance or rhythm games instead. If you want something more than regular arcade games, try the latest VR games, which include individual and team games where you immerse yourself in other worlds and fight off aliens, race around the world, or even fight against each other.
Location: Hongdae
Address: 서울 마포구 어울마당로 69
Coconut Box VR Cafe
Coconut Box (formerly the Trick Eye Museum) is a great place for all the family, but especially teenagers. Korea is always introducing ground breaking attractions to the world, and this might be a first. Coconut Box is a massive area (2,300 metres) that allows visitors to play virtual reality games, hang out together away from the rain, and enjoy a range of NFT artworks. Learn more about the future of VR, AR, and metaverse gaming while you stay dry from the rain in Seoul. The inside is designed as a tropical paradise, complete with sun-loungers, ball pond, and wooden huts with coffees and snacks.
Location: Hongdae
Address: 홍익로3길 20 서교프라자 지하 2층
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
SeaLaLa Indoor Waterpark
Why get wet outside in the miserable rain when you could move inside and get wet with beautiful seaside-like surroundings. Visit the Sealala Indoor Waterpark and Sauna to enjoy an afternoon of swimming, soaking, and sitting in a hot sauna. There are so many different facilities to check out in this large, luxurious water park in downtown Yeongdeungpo. Kids will love the water slides and pools in Aqua Kids Land.
Location: Yeongdeungpo
Address: 서울 영등포구 문래로 164 지하 2층
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry (Sauna)
Nanta Cooking Musical
Be sure not to miss Cookin’ Nanta in central Myeongdong. This is a unique, wacky theatrical performance where energetic chefs bang pots and pans while preparing delicious traditional Korean foods. Featuring audience participation, you could have the chance to become part of the action and perhaps even be part of their wedding ceremony during the show! High energy, certain to keep everyone amused.
Location: Myeongdong
Address: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실6동
Boulder Friends Rock Climbing
Feeling fit and want to work out while it’s raining in Seoul? Why not pop into Boulder Friends rock climbing gym in Hongdae and scale their climbing wall with colourful hand holds. The climbing wall is 5 metres high and 50 metres long and caters to all levels. Climb straight up, or push yourself with overhangs and other obstacles. First timers are welcome and rental equipment is available.
Location: Hongdae
Address: 서울 마포구 홍익로 25
Real Escape Challenge
If you’re looking for a brain teasing break from the rain, check out the Real Escape Challenge in Hongdae for some puzzling fun. There are five different escape room scenarios for you to try, including rooms based on Sherlock Holmes, a Korean ghost story, a mad scientist, and more. Escape rooms are popular in Korea and you’ll find plenty of options available in Hongdae.
Location: Hongdae
Address: 서울 마포구 와우산로27길 21 4층
Indoor Sightseeing Locations In Seoul
A rainy day doesn’t have to mean the end of sightseeing in Seoul. It might not be a good time to visit the royal palaces or the N Seoul Tower, but there are still plenty of indoor sights to see.
Lotte World Tower & Seoul Sky Observatory
The Lotte World Tower in Jamsil stands like a diamond finger pointing to the heavens in central Seoul. It’s hard to miss the world’s 6th tallest building which stands at 555 metres above the pristine Seokchon Lake. This is Korea’s largest department store specialising in luxury and duty free goods. When you’ve finished shopping, you can watch the rain from the cafe in the Seoul Sky Observatory on the upper floors. This will give you incredible views of the city, even with the clouds and rain drenching everything.
Location: Jamsil
Address: 서울 송파구 올림픽로 300
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) & Galleries
Visiting the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is an excellent way to spend a rainy day in Seoul and a place I often visit even when it’s sunny. Wander around this iconic building – a futuristic, spaceship-esque design – whilst popping into the various shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and curious little spaces. There’s usually an exhibition or two going on at the DDP, as well as temporary installations. From spring to autumn you might find night markets winding through the centre and outside of the main buildings during the weekend.
Location: Dongdaemun
Address: 서울 중구 을지로 281
Gwangmyeong Cave
Although this is located outside of central Seoul, Gwangmyeong Cave is perfect for visiting on a rainy day as it’s all inside. This is the best cave theme park in Korea (there are several) and is based in old mines that were once full of gold, silver, copper, and other minerals. Now you can see awe-inspiring caves with dazzling light and audio displays in areas such as Aqua World Cave, the Golden Waterfall, the Golden Palace, the Underground Lake, and more. You can see the largest dragon sculpture in Korea here, too.
Location: Gwangmyeong
Address: 경기 광명시 가학로85번길 142
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
Myeongdong Cathedral
Myeongdong Cathedral sits at the end of the popular Myeongdong Street Food Alley and is a popular tourist destination for travellers to Seoul whatever the weather. If you’d like a quiet place to escape the rain and reflect on spiritual matters, this could be the place for you. A welcome relief not only from the bad weather, but also the excessive consumerism and greedy treats that Myeongdong is famous for these days. Entry is free and mass is held there every Sunday in case you want to join.
Location: Myeongdong
Address: 서울 중구 명동길 74
Cafe And Shopping Spots In Seoul
If it’s raining, or even if it’s not, these awesome cafe and shopping destinations in Seoul will be a great place to take a break, have a unique experience, and buy some cool souvenirs.
Thanks Nature Sheep Cafe
One of my favourite things to do when it’s raining in Seoul is to check out one of the many animal cafes. My favorite of those is the Thanks Nature Sheep Cafe, where you can see cute sheep while you sip a refreshing coffee. There are two fluffy, gorgeous sheep that you can visit and feed during certain times, as well as take pictures with. They’re well taken care of and friendly with guests. You can also enjoy some of the sweet treats and good coffee in the cafe area.
Location: Hongdae
Address: 홍익로 10 서교푸르지오상가 지하121호
Cat Cafes
You can’t visit Myeongdong or Hongdae and not see somebody dressed in a giant cat costume advertising a cat cafe. There are many to choose from in these areas and they’re really popular with tourists and locals alike. Relax with a coffee and sweet dessert in the cafe area after getting disinfected and enjoy your time playing with the cats. Wash away the rainy day blues with this purrfect place to relax and catch up with some new feline friends.
Location: Hongdae & Myeongdong
Address: 와우산로21길 36-10 3,4층
Traditional Hanok Tea House
What did Koreans traditionally do during a rainy day in Seoul? Hide in a hanok cafe or tearoom and wait for the weather to change. Which is what I recommend doing if you’re near Insadong or the hanok village in Bukchon. Hanok cafes are the perfect place to get a glimpse of traditional Korean life. They have a rustic charm and provide a tasty range of authentic Korean teas, as well as modern coffee-based delicacies.
Location: Various
Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 47-8
Cafe Yeonnam-Dong 239-20
You might want to check your eyesight when you visit Cafe Yeonnam-Dong 239-20, also known as Greem Cafe. This crazy cafe is designed to look like a black and white comic book and has a unique 2D feel. Not only are the fixtures really stylish, the coffee and desserts are, too. And they’re not overpriced like some other insta-worthy cafes in the area. Take a break from the rain with this unique cafe.
Location: Hongdae
Address: 서울 마포구 성미산로 161-10 그림카페
943 King’s Cross Cafe
Even if you didn’t receive your letter from Hogwarts, there’s still a chance for a magical Harry Potter experience in Seoul. Escape the rain and choose your wand in 943 King’s Cross – a Harry Potter inspired cafe in Hongdae. As you might have guessed, Hongdae is the go-to place for unique cafes. However, few let you have such an immersive experience as this one. A truly magical place in Seoul.
Location: Hongdae
Address: 서울 마포구 양화로16길 24
Grandpa Factory Cafe
The Grandpa Factory Cafe is a hidden charm in Seongsu-dong, close to Seoul Forest and the Ttukseom Han River Park. The name comes from the story behind the cafe – it was a former factory that was gifted to the current owner by his grandfather. He turned it into a large cafe with wide windows looking out on the leafy gardens, but kept an industrial feeling with large statues made from old tires.
Location: Seongsu-dong
Address: 서울 성동구 성수이로7가길 9
Starfield COEX Mall
Shopping enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on the COEX Mall. Asia’s largest underground shopping mall has something for everyone. Local and international brands can be found here, ranging from basic items to the finest luxury bags and goods. Movie lovers will enjoy the 17 screen cinema. You can learn about Korean culture from the various performances on display, too. There’s even the aforementioned COEX Aquarium. Overall, this is a great place for pretty much anyone to spend a rainy day in Seoul.
Location: Gangnam
Address: 서울 강남구 영동대로 513
Seoul’s Traditional Markets
Popping into a traditional Korean Market is one of the things I usually do when it’s raining in Korea. These undercover markets are great for learning about the more traditional side of Korea. They’re also great places for sampling some traditional Korean dishes and picking up some bargains. Check out the underground shops in Namdaemun Market, the indoor shopping in Dongdaemun, the delicious food at Gwangjang Market, and the Seoul Folk Flea Market for some unique experiences.
Location: Various
Address: 서울 종로구 창경궁로 88
Annyoung Insadong
The latest cool place to go in Insadong is the Annyoung Insadong Mall. This building blends Korea’s love of retro and modern concepts to create a bright, open mall with lots of cosy shops and cafes. You’ll find traditional Korean handicrafts, highly addictive Korean snacks, retro Korean goods, unique artworks and accessories by local artists, and lots more. There’s a lot to tempt you in Annyoung Insadong.
Location: Insadong
Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 49
Lotte Town Department Store
Known as Lotte Town, this is a collection of large stores that sprawl across one street in Myeongdong and include the Lotte Department Store, Young Town, and Avenue L. This is Lotte’s flagship department store and is packed with things to buy, try, and taste. I recommend going to the supermarket area to try free samples of Korean treats or stock up on duty-free goods before you travel home.
Location: Myeongdong
Address: 서울 중구 남대문로 81
Time Square Mall
Times Square Mall in Yeongdeungpo is one of Korea’s largest shopping malls and features dozens of shops, restaurants, cafes, and activities to enjoy on a rainy day. It’s home to the CGV Starium, the world’s largest permanent 35mm cinema screen, and also has a multiplex theatre for you to hide away in while it rains outside. This is where you’ll find Zoolung Zoolung, the aforementioned indoor animal park.
Location: Yeongdeungpo
Address: 영등포구 영중로 15 타임스퀘어
Gangnam Underground Shopping
Shop for the latest fashion at the Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Centre directly below Gangnam Station. This is where Seoul’s young and trendy shoppers go to find what’s hot and new in the world of fashion. There are often some great deals here, better than you’ll find at the designer stores in other parts of Gangnam. You can spend hours walking underground here, safe from the rain.
Location: Gangnam
Address: 서울 강남구 강남대로 지하 396
Indoor History And Culture Sights In Seoul
Museums and galleries are one of the best places to visit when it’s raining in Seoul and should be on your travel list regardless of the weather. Please note: some museums close on Mondays.
War Memorial Of Korea
Why not educate yourself by visiting the impressive War Memorial of Korea during a rainy day in Seoul. This museum, dedicated entirely to Korea’s military past, not only includes the ongoing war with the North, but also covers famous military battles with Korea’s neighbours, China & Japan. The interesting displays and models can be enjoyed by anyone and there are plenty of sights to see, such as old castles, historic weapons, and the famous Turtle Ship. Outside there are dozens of planes, tanks, and military vehicles to take photos with.
Location: Yongsan
Address: 서울 용산구 이태원로 29
National Museum Of Korea
Go back to the stone age and see how Korea developed into the modern nation it is now at the National Museum of Korea. Explore dozens of rooms full of exhibitions to learn about, and interact with, Korea’s fascinating history at one of the largest museums in the world! This museum is one of the best free things to do in Seoul in my opinion (special exhibits have a fee) and you can spend a long time wandering this massive museum. Perfect for when the whole day is rained out. There’s also a nice cafe to check out and a well-stocked gift shop.
Location: Yongsan
Address: 서울 용산구 서빙고로 137
Seoul Museum Of History
Experience the traditional culture of Seoul at this really interesting collection of all things Seoul at the Seoul Museum of History. Featuring relics from the past few centuries, as well as modern online cyber-displays, you can really immerse yourself in the life of a Seoulite. You might want to bring an umbrella to see the outdoor exhibition. However, it’s worth getting a little bit wet to see the well-preserved artefacts on display and the nearby Gyeonghuigung Royal Palace.
Location: Jongno
Address: 서울 종로구 새문안로 55
Seodaemun Prison Hall Museum
The idea of visiting a prison might not sound that fun, but this former prison is actually really interesting and eye-opening. If you want to know more about modern Korean history, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall is perfect. This is where freedom fighters against the Japanese occupation were locked up and tortured, as well as anti-government protestors until the 1980’s. See gruesome torture devices, read about the harsh treatment, and get locked up yourself!
Location: Seodaemun
Address: 서울 서대문구 통일로 251
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
Art Galleries In Seoul
Wandering around slowly, taking in some great art, is one of the best things to do during a rainy day in Seoul. Fortunately, Seoul has many great art museums, so you should be within a short distance of one when the heavens open. New exhibitions and installations pop up all the time in Seoul’s best galleries. My personal recommendations include the Seoul Museum of Art, National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art, and the Leeum Art Museum.
Location: Various
Address: 서울 중구 덕수궁길 61
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
Eunpyeong Hanok Museum
The Eunpyeong Hanok Museum is located inside the Eunpyeong Hanok Village, one of Seoul’s largest areas dedicated to showing what traditional Korean life was like. The museum houses exhibitions and experiences showing you what life was like in Korea’s past, allowing you to discover the beauty of hanok architecture. Outside the museum, you can run from hanok to hanok, dodging the rain as you go, to explore more fascinating historical houses.
Location: Eunpyeong
Address: 서울 은평구 연서로50길 8
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
Night-Time And Adult Activities In Seoul
Adults who want to go out and explore Seoul’s nightlife might be surprised at the wide range of fun and relaxing activities there are on offer. From bars to spas, BBQ tours to singing rooms, there are many amazing things to do in Seoul at night that will keep you dry and entertained.
Korean Sauna Experience
Known as a jjimjilbang, Korean saunas are a great place to unwind and recharge your batteries in hot (or cold) water, in a steam room, or in the communal hot rooms. There are great saunas all over Seoul and you can even stay overnight in them if you want to. Saunas are great for relieving your aches and pains and washing away the dirt built up after a hard day of exploring. You won’t mind getting wet during a rainy day in Seoul if it’s in a sauna.
Location: Various
Address: 율곡로6길 36 월드오피스텔 지하1층
Korean Spa Experience
Don’t let the bad weather get you down, relax and unwind with a spot of self-indulgence at one of Seoul’s growing range of luxury spas. Using Korea’s premium cosmetic brands, you can experience an evening of pampering that includes cleansing, soft peeling, deep pore cleansing, lymphatic drainage, face massage, amino acid regenerative masks, and more. Your skin and body will feel amazing at the end and you’ll be ready to explore Seoul’s night scene.
Location: Myeongdong
Address: 서울특별시 중구 명동10길 41
Discover Seoul Pass: Discounted Entry
Noraebang (Karaoke)
There are two good reasons why you should visit a noraebang – a Korean karaoke room. First, this is a great place to visit when it’s raining and other places are closed. Second, you’ll be spending the evening as a large number of Koreans do. Singing and dancing in a noraebang is one of the most popular pastimes in Korea. There are hundreds of noraebang across Seoul and you’ll find a mix of Korean & international songs.
Location: Various
Address: 서울 마포구 잔다리로 20
Seoul Night Food Tour
Perfect for any night out in Seoul, whether it’s raining or not, a food tour is a great way to discover some delicious restaurants, make friends, and see the city. There are plenty of food tours that take you to traditional markets or popular spots that locals love, such as Euljiro or Mangwon. Stay indoors eating some of Korea’s finest street foods, often with complimentary beers and other drinks, too.
Location: Euljiro
Address: 서울 중구 을지로3가
Seoul Casino (Foreigners Only)
Gambling isn’t allowed for Koreans in Korea, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great foreigner-friendly casinos to spend the evening playing casino games or watching others test their luck. Seoul’s casinos come with all modern facilities, including blackjack, roulette, poker, slot machines, baccarat, and more. You’ll also find a wide selection of food and drinks to keep you going through the night. Just don’t forget to bring your passport with you!
Location: Yongsan
Address: 용산구 청파로20길 95 5층
Discover Seoul Pass: Free Entry
PC Gaming Room
Visiting a PC gaming room is what a lot of Korean teenagers (and adults) choose to do regardless of the weather. Online gaming is a massive business in Korea and some of the best players in the world come from Korea. Where do they train? At a PC Room, also known as a PC-bang. You’ll see these all over Seoul, usually near to noraebang and pool halls. If you’re travelling alone, then this could be one of the best things to do in Seoul at night when it’s raining.
Location: Various
Bar Hopping In Seoul
Seoul has plenty of great bars to discover on a rainy night, from Korean establishments serving local beer and soju, to more international venues with global beers, spirits, and cocktails. You’ll find busy bar areas in Seoul in Hongdae, Itaewon, Jonggak, Cheongdam, and across the city. Look for the bright lights and crowds, usually around busy subway stations in each district.
Location: Various
Clubbing In Seoul
Seoul has some great clubs and nightlife. Two of the best locations in Seoul for clubbing are Gangnam and Hongdae. Korea’s nightclubs aren’t reserved for the weekends, as locals like to party any night of the week. You’ll probably find a club open even on a Monday night. If you’re a fan of clubbing, why not escape the rain and dance the night away.
Location: Various
Shooting Ranges In Seoul
Shooting ranges are popular across Korea and you’ll find them tucked away in bar districts with the noraebang and clubs. If you’ve ever wanted to try out a shooting range, then a rainy day in Seoul could be your perfect opportunity. At the Myeongdong Shooting Range you can choose from over 100 firearms, including ones used in Korean action movies and shows.
Location: Myeongdong
Address: 명동8가길 27 션샤인빌딩 3층
Watch A Movie
Watching a movie is a great way to spend a rainy evening in Seoul. There are plenty of cinemas in Seoul, including this IMAX at CGV Yongsan, which includes immersive technologies such as Screen X, which projects the movie on the side walls as well as the main screen. Be immersed in the 4DX technology, which adds in effects, such as rain, scents, and moving chairs.
Location: Yongsan
Address: 한강대로23길 55 현대아이파크몰 6층
Creative Classes In Seoul
If you plan to travel during rainy season, why not make sure you have some interesting and culturally broadening indoor activities to do. These creative classes in Seoul offer just that.
Korean Cooking Class
There are so many wonderful traditional Korean dishes to sample when visiting Seoul, but wouldn’t it be even better if you could learn to make some to share with your friends. Take time out of the rain to get hot and spicy in the kitchen with a Korean cooking class. This Korean cooking class starts with a trip to a local market to buy goods which you’ll use to prepare a traditional Korean meal with 10 different courses.
Location: Mapo
Address: 서울 마포구 방울내로7길 5
Kimchi Making Experience
Spend a rainy day in Seoul indoors learning about the most famous Korean side dish – kimchi. This course is held in a traditional Korean hanok house (the Seoul Kimchi Academy) and will not only teach you how to make kimchi, it will introduce lots of fascinating insights into Korean culture and history. Follow step-by-step instructions to make kimchi, which you can eat for dinner, or take home as a souvenir.
Location: Bukchon Hanok Village
Address: 서울 종로구 계동길 102
Makgeolli making & Tasting
This adult-only course introduces you to the ancient process of making makgeolli – Korean rice wine. Makgeolli has been growing in popularity in Korea and abroad thanks to its sweet, easy-to-drink taste and texture that’s refreshing and cool, especially in summer. On this course you can learn the art of making makgeolli and make your own makgeolli. Of course, you’ll also get to enjoy trying various types of makgeolli, too.
Location: Seongsu-dong
Address: 성동구 왕십리로5길 9-20 B1
K-Pop Recording Experience
Ever dreamed of being a K-Pop star? Well, this indoor activity in Seoul could be the perfect way to stay dry and show off your singing skills. Use professional recording equipment and studio space to record your favourite K-Pop tunes, which will be tweaked using the latest audio editing tech to make sure you sound your best. Once your recording is ready, you’ll get a copy of it, as well as behind-the-scenes pictures of your day in the life of a K-Pop star.
Location: Gangnam
Address: 서울 강남구 삼성로75길 52 B1
Grab An Umbrella And Walk In The Rain In Seoul
This final rainy day in Seoul activity is one of the best. Seoul is an incredible city and there is no excuse to waste a minute of it by staying inside the whole time.
Even when it’s raining, you can still explore with a pair of good boots and an umbrella. You can buy umbrellas from one of the thousands of convenience stores scattered throughout the city.
Make no excuses, get out there, get a bit wet, but see some of the best city views you’ll ever see. Wandering around at night in the rain is a pleasure in itself. If you run out of things to do in Seoul when it’s raining, this is always an option.
Location: Everywhere in Seoul
Visiting Seoul During Rainy Season
If you plan to visit Seoul between June and August, you might find yourself looking for more indoor activities than usual. That’s because summer in Korea starts off with rainy season, which typically runs from late-June until late-July. August is also one of the wettest months of the year in Korea.
Fortunately, there are plenty of summer activities in Korea, both indoors and outdoors. When it’s not raining, the summer temperature is often over 30 degrees during the day and stays above 20 degrees even at night. It’s hard to stay cool in summer, so you might actually welcome so cool, rainy relief.
Here are a few tips to help you out during rainy season:
Umbrella: You can grab umbrellas at any convenience store, stationery shop, Daiso, or department store. A cheap umbrella shouldn’t cost more than 7,000 – 10,000 KRW depending on size.
Rain gear: If you plan to go outside a lot, bring some rain gear such as a waterproof jacket and rain boots. You can always buy these in Seoul. Head to Namdaemun Market or visit a hiking shop.
Taxis: Taxis in Korea are relatively cheap and taking a taxi can be more convenient than public transport. Check out my guide to Kakao taxi to help you call taxis to you at any time.
I’ve tried to provide cheap or even free things to do in Seoul when it’s raining in this article as I know travelling abroad can be expensive. I have lots of tips for saving money in Seoul that can help out frugal travellers so you have more to spend on days, great Korean food, and souvenirs in my Korean travel articles.
Travelling to Busan during rainy season? Then check out these 40 indoor activities in Busan that you can enjoy whatever the weather. Experience Busan’s luxury hot spring spas, attractions, and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about indoor activities in Seoul when it’s raining. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article. If you have any more questions about this topic, please feel free to post a comment at the end of this article.
When does it rain the most in Seoul?
June and July are the wettest months in Korea. These summer months are classed as rainy season in Korea. August also sees a lot of rainfall. There can be heavy rainfall during the summer in Korea which may result in floods.
When is rainy season in Korea?
Rainy season begins around mid-June each year and lasts until mid-July or late-July. August isn’t part of rainy season, but it can also rain a lot during this month.
Does it rain a lot during winter in Korea?
Winter in Korea is one of the driest times of the year in Korea and January and February see the least amount of rainfall. In contrast, the summer months are the wettest with spring and autumn having occasional rainfalls.
What’s the best indoor activity in Seoul for children?
There are many indoor activities in Seoul for children, such as visiting the Seoul Children’s Museum, an indoor theme park like Lotte World Adventure, a play cafe like Tayo Cafe, or an aquarium. Family-friendly indoor activities in Seoul also include Zoolung Zoolung indoor animal park, the Dynamic Maze, Alive Museum, Color Pool Museum, and playing arcade games.
What’s the best thing to do in Seoul on rainy days?
There are many fun activities to do in Seoul on a rainy day, such as visiting Lotte World Adventure, Zoolung Zoolung Indoor Animal Theme Park, COEX Mall & Aquarium, SeaLaLa Waterpark, various museums and galleries, Korean spas and saunas, noraebang singing rooms, seeing a musical or performance, arcades and VR rooms, escape rooms, cafes, bars, and lots more.
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We are thinking of visiting 20 to 30 July can you recommend an itinerary
That’s at the end of rainy season and could be very wet, or it could be hot and sunny. Hard to tell so planning an itinerary for this time is difficult. I would recommend being flexible in your travel plans so you can enjoy the sunny days and stay inside during rainy days.
This article has a few one-week itineraries in it. https://joelstraveltips.com/one-week-itinerary-for-korea/
I would recommend visiting Jeju Island even if it is raining. It’s a beautiful place and you can enjoy so many summer activities there, such as water sports, trekking, horse riding, scuba diving, and sitting by the beach.