Top Things to Do in South Korea

The Korean Wave has officially swept across Australia, igniting an unprecedented surge in travel to South Korea. Recent ABS figures shows a 12 percent year-on-year increase in trips and PassportCard Australia has seen a 47 percent jump in travel-insurance sales to the destination over the past six months alone – outpacing overall growth by 7 percentage points.

This phenomenon is largely fuelled by the explosion of Korean culture, from the infectious beats of K-Pop and the allure of K-Beauty to the global hit film “KPop Demon Hunters“. Indeed, nearly 2 in 3 (65%) Australians admit this cultural boom has made them more likely to visit, with some families even reporting their kids are begging to see the land where pop culture heroes double as demon hunters.

Scroll down to read Visit Korea’s list of top places to explore and things to this in this captivating nation.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Featured in Jinu’s flashback scene in KPop Demon Hunters, this is the most visited palace in Seoul and a must-see for first-time travellers. Many visitors rent a traditional hanbok from one of the dress shops nearby and wander the palace grounds – which is also a hotspot for pic opportunities. Several stores even offer “Your Idol”-style hanboks, inspired by Saja Boy’s iconic look.

2. N Seoul Tower

The setting of the KPop Demon Hunters final showdown, N Seoul Tower offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take the cable car to the top, hike up, or ride the local bus to reach the observation deck, which is a great spot to see Seoul by day or night.

3. Naksan Park

Where Jinu and Rumi meet in secret in KPop Demon Hunters, Naksan Park is one of Seoul’s most scenic walking tracks, blending the charm of traditional Korea with sweeping views of the modern city skyline. It’s ideal for travellers looking to capture both cultural heritage and city life in one stroll.

4. Kpop Dance classes

Since the release of KPop Demon Hunters, K-Pop dance classes have surged in popularity, offering fans the chance to learn routines to both the film’s soundtrack and other chart-topping K-Pop hits. These classes are available across Seoul and Busan and are perfect for anyone wanting to experience Korea’s pop culture firsthand.

5. CU/Convenience stores

Korea’s convenience stores have become destinations in themselves, famous for their KPop Demon Hunters-themed cup ramen and kimbap. Locals and tourists alike flock to the Han River to enjoy ramen cooked fresh using in-store noodle machines. A simple, yet quintessentially Korean experience.

6. Olive Young

A must-visit for beauty lovers, Olive Young is Korea’s biggest and most beloved beauty and skincare chain, found on almost every street. It stocks everything from sheet masks and serums to the latest trending sunscreens. Myeongdong is the go-to district for beauty shopping, with flagship stores and entire streets dedicated to Korean skincare and cosmetics.

7. KBBQ

No trip to Korea is complete without a traditional samgyeopsal (K-BBQ) feast. You can find KBBQ basically on any street, however, the Ikseon-dong and Jongno-3ga districts are home to Seoul’s famous BBQ Alley, where locals gather after work to grill meats outdoors, creating a lively and authentic Korean dining experience.

SOURCE: PASSPORTCARD x VISIT KOREA RESEARCH

An online survey was conducted by PureProfile among 1,023 Australians aged between 18-65 who have travelled overseas in the last 18 months, or plan to. The research fieldwork took place between 10 October-13 October, 2025.

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Visit Korea x PassportCard: Top Things to Do in South Korea