What to Do in Korea When It Rains? Top Destinations for a Rainy Day
Korea offers plenty of indoor attractions and cozy experiences that are perfect for rainy days. Whether you want to explore cultural sites, enjoy traditional Korean tea, or experience the country’s rich history and art, many places can turn a gloomy day into a memorable one. Here are some of the best rainy-day destinations in Korea.
1. Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Museum of Korea
Even on a rainy day, Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul offers a beautiful and tranquil experience. The wet stone pathways and misty hanok rooftops create a peaceful atmosphere that makes the palace feel even more majestic.
Things to Do:
✔ Wear a hanbok and take stunning photos in the rain with traditional Korean architecture as the backdrop.
✔ Watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the palace gates (held even in light rain).
✔ Visit the National Palace Museum of Korea, located inside the palace grounds, to learn about Joseon Dynasty artifacts.
If you prefer to stay completely indoors, head to the National Museum of Korea, which features extensive collections of art, history, and Buddhist relics from Korea’s past. The museum is free to enter and has several exhibitions showcasing Korea’s rich cultural heritage.
Location: Seoul
Best for: History lovers, cultural travelers
2. Relax in a Traditional Korean Jjimjilbang – Korean Sauna
A jjimjilbang, or Korean sauna, is the perfect place to relax and warm up on a rainy day. These large bathhouses offer hot baths, saunas, and relaxation areas where visitors can spend an entire day unwinding.
Best Jjimjilbangs to Visit:
✔ Dragon Hill Spa – Seoul: One of the most famous jjimjilbangs, featuring hot stone rooms, herbal baths, and a rooftop pool.
✔ Spa Land – Busan: Located in Shinsegae Centum City, this luxurious jjimjilbang has 13 different spa rooms.
✔ Siloam Sauna – Seoul: Known for its medicinal hot spring baths and unique oxygen therapy rooms.
Things to Try in a Jjimjilbang:
✔ Enjoy a Korean body scrub for silky smooth skin.
✔ Try sikhye, a sweet Korean rice drink, while lounging in the relaxation area.
✔ Experience different hot and cold rooms, such as charcoal rooms and Himalayan salt therapy rooms.
Location: Available nationwide
Best for: Relaxation, wellness travelers
3. Enjoy a Traditional Korean Tea Experience in Insadong
When it rains, nothing is more comforting than a warm cup of traditional Korean tea. Insadong is one of the best places to experience Korea’s tea culture, with many traditional hanok-style tea houses offering a cozy escape from the rain.
Best Tea Houses to Visit:
✔ Tteuran: A peaceful hanok tea house serving medicinal herbal teas.
✔ Osulloc Tea House: Specializes in Jeju green tea and desserts.
✔ Dawon: A classic tea house inside the Kyungin Museum of Fine Art, featuring a beautiful indoor garden.
Teas to Try:
✔ Yuja-cha – Citron tea, a sweet and refreshing option.
✔ Omija-cha – Five-flavor berry tea, known for its health benefits.
✔ Jujube Tea – A warming tea made from dried jujube fruit, perfect for rainy days.
Location: Insadong, Seoul
Best for: Tea lovers, cultural travelers
4. Visit COEX Mall & Starfield Library – The Perfect Indoor Experience
COEX Mall in Seoul is one of Asia’s largest underground shopping malls, making it an excellent place to spend a rainy day. The mall is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment facilities, and cultural attractions.
Things to Do in COEX:
✔ Go shopping – Over 300 stores selling everything from fashion to Korean cosmetics.
✔ Visit Starfield Library – A massive, beautifully designed library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
✔ Explore COEX Aquarium – A fun and interactive indoor attraction featuring thousands of marine animals.
✔ Watch a movie in luxury – The COEX Megabox theater offers premium reclining seats for the best movie-watching experience.
Location: Seoul
Best for: Shopping, entertainment seekers
5. Discover Korea’s Art Scene at the Leeum Museum of Art
If you love art and culture, visiting a museum is a great way to spend a rainy day in Korea. Leeum Museum of Art in Itaewon is one of Korea’s best museums, featuring a mix of traditional Korean art and modern contemporary works.
What You’ll See:
✔ Traditional Korean Art – Calligraphy, ceramics, and Buddhist paintings from the Joseon Dynasty.
✔ Modern & Contemporary Art – Works from Korean and international artists, including Lee Ufan and Nam June Paik.
✔ Architectural Beauty – The museum itself is designed by world-famous architects, creating a stunning space for art lovers.
Don’t Let Rain Stop Your Adventure in Korea!
A rainy day in Korea doesn’t have to ruin your trip. Whether you choose to explore historical sites, relax in a jjimjilbang, sip traditional tea, or immerse yourself in art and shopping, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Korea even when the weather isn’t ideal.
For more information about Korea’s best cultural experiences, food, and travel destinations, check out ETAPORTAL. If you’re planning a trip to Korea, applying for KETA is simple and convenient—make sure to apply through ETAPORTAL before your visit!
