Category: Winter

Lotte World Tower Observation Deck: Is It Worth It?

The Lotte World Tower in Seoul is 123 floors high, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world (currently the 6th tallest in the world). Inside you can find offices, a gigantic mall, an aquarium, a hotel, and of course the famous Observation Deck and SkyZone. In my personal opinion this is the best tower in Seoul to enjoy the city skyline & views, and in this post I’ve gathered everything you need to know from where to get tickets, what to expect, and best tips on visiting.

My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

Getting Tickets to Lotte Tower Observation Deck

Before you visit, I always recommend grabbing your tickets for popular attractions like this one as far in advance as you can. You can either book directly on their website (unfortunately it kept crashing when I tried) or through third party apps like this one on Klook. Any of these options are great. You can also get tickets in person on the first floor of the Lotte Tower – which is the same spot where you enter to take the elevator up to the Sky Deck. If you aren’t able to find it, then I recommend following the signs in the mall or asking any of the information desks.

When you purchase tickets you have multiple options. You can opt for a single admission to the observation deck (which includes floors 117-123), a Seoul Sky Bridge ticket (which is the special exterior bridge), or even an aquarium and Seoul Sky ticket combo. I’ve only ever done the single admission to the observation deck.

My Favorite Tours Near Lotte Tower :

-> Lotte Tower Seoul Sky Admission

-> Lotte World Admission Ticket

-> Lotte World Aquarium Admission

What to Expect & Best Tips for Lotte Tower Observation Deck

The Lotte Tower Observation Deck experience can vary widely depending on the time of day and which day you visit. For the least amount of other guests, I recommend visiting early in the morning (around when they open at 10:30) and during the week. This will guarantee that you have the best experience and won’t be fighting for space or views at the windows or open air decks.

When you first arrive, you’ll walk through a short art exhibit on the first floor as you make your way to the elevators. From here, you’ll take the very fast elevator up to the 117th floor with a fun visual display on the ride up, and from there you’ll be able to take escalators to each of the remaining floors up to the 123rd floor.

During your visit I recommend taking your time at each floor, making sure to stop at the glass floors, the outdoor decks, and the Seoul Sky Cafe. If you have Seoul Sky Bridge Tickets, I recommend doing that last and enjoying the general admission area before it gets busy. If you stop by the cafe, they have some fun specialty drinks to try like their Tok Tok drink – filled with pop rocks! There’s also a few souvenir booths to enjoy too.

From the various floors you can take in the incredible views of Seoul – including the views of Lotte World, Jamsil Stadium, the Han River and the surrounding mountains, Namsan Tower, and of course, the never ending apartment buildings. In my personal opinion, this is the absolute best tower in Korea for views of Seoul and the surrounding areas – and if you have more time, then Lotte World is right next door!

Watch My Lotte World Adventures Here!

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August 4, 2026
10 Best Things to Do at COEX Mall in Seoul

Coex Mall is one of the most iconic areas of Seoul. From the Instagram famous Starfield Mall to the gigantic gold “Gangnam Style” Statue outside, there’s plenty to see at the mall other than just shopping. You can walk the entire indoor walking track, head across the street to Bongeunsa Temple, or enjoy a book at the functioning Starfield Library.

My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

Getting to COEX Mall & What to Expect

Coex Mall is very easy to get to on public transportation, especially since it’s directly connected to the subway station. Just get on the Green Line 2, and get off at Samseong Station. You can also get there via the Gold Line 9 by getting off at Bongeunsa Station.

You can also get to the Coex Mall by taking a bus, however this can be a bit more confusing since there are more options, or any public car service like KakaoT or Uber. If you want to take the bus, you can find all buses that stop at Coex here.

My Favorite Tours in Seoul :

-> COEX SeaLife Aquarium Admission

-> Seoul Personal Color Analysis

-> DMZ and Suspension Bridge Full Day Tour

10 Best Things to Do at COEX

1. SeaLife Aquarium COEX
The aquarium inside Coex Mall was recently completely remodeled. Although I’m not the biggest fan of aquariums and zoos, it’s definitely a fun stop for families with young kids. They have all kinds of exhibits, and even a fun interactive treasure hunt for kids. You’ll have to check their current schedule, but during different days of the week they have mermaid shows, magic shows, and various animal feedings.

2. Starfield Library
This famous Instagram attraction is what originally drew crowds to Coex. Although it’s really not much more than an actual running library, there’s plenty of photo opportunities inside if you don’t mind the crowds. During various times of year they’ll also have different kinds of popups and seasonal photo areas.

3. Mega Box
A “Mega Box” is Korea’s word for a cinema, and you can often find them in malls. The theater itself might be pretty basic, but at the entrance you can find a large set of steps open for people to sit and enjoy, and a large screen showing short films & commercials. You can also grab some popcorn and enjoy the large arcade at the bottom! If you’re looking for a more unique movie theater in Seoul, I recommend the bean bag movie theater!

4. Shopping
This is no surprise, but there’s plenty of shopping to do at Coex Mall. You can find global brands like Hoka and Adidas, or Korean based brands like Kakao Friends and Style Nanda. I enjoy browsing the smaller Korean boutique stores as they’re typically a bit cheaper than globally famous brands.

5. Grab a Bite to Eat
Along with plenty of shopping, there’s plenty of eating to do too! You can find restaurants sprinkled throughout the mall, but right now, my personal favorite spot is Tomodachi, a Japanese restaurant specializing in Pork Cutlets and rainbow soba noodles! They’re delicious, and not as “busy” as other restaurants.

6. Visit the Gangnam Style Statue
The evolution of K-Pop was catapulted forward in 2012 with the release of Psy’s “Gangnam Style.” Not only was it played around the world, but K-Pop became a common music genre in households everywhere. Right outside of the main Coex Mall entrance you can find a gigantic gold statue of the famous dance move in that song – they also have the song playing on loop in case you need a reminder!

7. Head to Bongeunsa Temple
Out the other side of Coex Mall and across the street you’ll find the Bongeunsa Temple – a local Buddhist temple open to visitors and tourists. Unlike other temples in Southeast Asia you don’t need to worry about a specific dress code, and there’s no entry fee to visit. If you’re interested in learning more about Buddhist culture or what life is like for local monks, you can sign up for a templestay experience!

8. Get Your Korean Beauty Fix
There are plenty of stores in the Coex Mall where you can get your K-Beauty fix, but my personal favorite store is Olive Young. You can find these on almost every corner in Korea, and they even have an app so you can re-order from the U.S. You can think of Olive Young as the Korean version of Sephora or Ulta, and their staff is incredibly knowledgable to help you find what you’re looking for.

9. Relax & Unwind
If you’re looking for something a bit more immersive (compared to shopping) then stop by the Spa Imbellis. They have all kinds of options from facials to scalp care to full body and skin lifting treatments. If you’re wanting to experience K-Beauty at it’s finest, then this is one spot at Coex you won’t want to miss.

10. Spend the Night
If you’re exploring Coex Mall and decide you need some more time to do everything on this list, then I recommend finding a room at one of the nearby hotels! There are two that are connected to the Coex Mall – the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas and the Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul – both of these are excellent options! If you want something more unique, I recommend looking into the Templestay option I mentioned above! (Don’t worry, the hotels will have western beds and not traditional bedding that’s shown above.)

Watch My Templestay Adventures Here!

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August 3, 2026
Is COEX Aquarium Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

The COEX Aquarium was recently completely remodeled and became branded with the “SEA Life” brand. During my visit this summer, I was able to visit after most of the construction had been completed, and to be honest I was quite impressed. With incredible performances, interactive exhibits, and amazing sea life – you might be wondering a visit to the aquarium inside the COEX Mall is worth it.

My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

Getting to the COEX Aquarium (& Getting Tickets)

Finding the COEX Aquarium is quite easy, there’s actually 2 subway stations you can choose to take that lead right to it. Your first option is to take the Green Line 2 to Samseong Station and take Exits 5 or 6 that directly connect to the underground of the Mall. Your second option is to take the Gold Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station and leave through Exit 7, which is technically a shorter walk to the Aquarium.

Getting your Aquarium Tickets is also fairly easy. You can either get them in advance here, which is what I recommend in case you happen to visit on a day when they’re sold out or have a field trip there. Otherwise, you can risk it and get tickets in person at their entrance station. When I visited, they were only accepting cash payments – so this could still be the case. Currently, adult tickets are ₩24,000 online or ₩33,000 at the door.

My Favorite Tours in Seoul :

-> COEX SeaLife Admission Ticket

-> DMZ Day Trip with Suspension Bridge

Honest Review of COEX Mall’s SEA Life Aquarium

The first thing to know as you plan your visit to the SEA Life Aquarium is that there are multiple, scheduled daily shows. When I visited, I was able to time my visit to overlap with the Mermaid Show and the Magic Show. The Mermaid Show is typically 3+ times per day from Tuesday to Sunday, and the Magic Show is usually 2 times a day from Monday to Friday – so if you visit during a weekday you should be able to see both. Personally, I felt both were great shows, and they did a great job entertaining the kids that were there watching. In the auditorium, there are a few tables if you get there early enough, and some vending machines for you to grab a drink and snack at.

The aquarium exhibits were also nicely done. I felt the highlights were the stingray pool, the aquarium tunnel you could walk through, and the “painting” exhibit. Where all sizes of frames showcased different “paintings” – a.k.a. windows into different aquariums. Throughout the aquarium there are signs sharing what could be found inside – from penguins to otters to electric eels – in both Korean and English, making it accessible for visitors also.

Exhibits were also interactive for both kids and adults. There were face painting booths, a “science lab,” and a fun treasure hunt where kids (or adults) could look for special booths to collect stamps in their “passports.” If you’re there for the whole day, chances are you’ll also be able to watch some of their animal feedings or special shows, like with the otters.

Honestly – looking at the exhibits, species, and entertainment included with your visit to the Aquarium – I would say a trip to the SEA Life Aquarium is a great activity for couples or families with young kids. There are so many fun things to do, beautiful animals to look at, and it’s completely inside – making it the perfect rainy day adventure.

Watch My Seoul Adventures Here!

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August 3, 2026

Best Time to Visit Seoraksan National Park (Season by Season Guide)

Seoraksan National Park is one of the best places in South Korea to experience all four seasons. From colorful fall foliage and blooming spring flowers to lush summer hiking trails and snow-covered mountain peaks in winter, the park looks completely different depending on when you visit. If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Seoraksan is, here’s what you can expect during each season so you can decide which time of year is right for your trip.

My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

Best Time to Visit Seoraksan National Park

I’ll be honest, figuring out when the “best time to visit Seoraksan” can be a bit tricky, and really depends on your interests and what you’d like to do and experience while you’re there. If you’re looking for picture perfect fall foliage and comfortable hiking weather, fall is hard to beat, but it’s also the busiest time of year in Seoraksan National Park.

Summer is my personal favorite because all of the hiking trails and the cable car is usually open. The waterfalls are also usually at their strongest, but you’ll need to be prepared for crowds and occasional rainy weather. Spring offers blooming wildflowers, fresh greenery, and much fewer visitors, and in the winter you can expect a quiet, snow-covered landscape that’s perfect for anyone wanting to avoid the large crowds.

No matter when you visit, each season offers a completely different experience, making Seoraksan National Park a top place to visit no matter the season. Below, you’ll find a little breakdown of pros and cons in each season and what you can expect in the park.

Season	Why Visit (Pros)	Things to Keep in Mind (Cons)
🌸 Spring	Blooming wildflowers, fresh greenery, fewer crowds.	Some higher trails may still have snow or temporary closures.
☀️ Summer	Major attractions are typically open, lush mountains, powerful waterfalls.	Busiest season with hot, humid weather and occasional monsoon rainstorms.
🍂 Fall	Korea’s most famous fall colors spot, ideal hiking temperatures.	Extremely popular, expect traffic, full parking lots, and busy trails.
❄️ Winter	Snow-covered mountains and more peaceful hiking.	Cold temps & icy trails, possible weather-related closures.

My Favorite Seoraksan National Park Tours :

->Seoraksan National Park & Temple Tour

->Seoraksan National Park & Nami Island Combined Tour

Seoraksan National Park by Season

Autumn (September, October, November)

During the months of fall Seoraksan National Park transforms into a colorful landscape with reds, oranges and yellows. Even though the weather begins to turn cooler, it’s perfect for hiking, and you usually get clearer skies. However summer is also one of the busiest seasons to visit Seoraksan. Known for being the most popular “fall foliage” spot in Korea, you can expect large crowds and extended wait times for parking lots, especially during the peak fall colors. If you visit in the Fall, you’ll want to dress in layers and try to time your visit for early in the day – this way you can avoid (and hopefully beat) the largest crowds. Peak fall colors usually come through around late September to October, and the temperature really starts to drop in November as Korea begins winter.

Best For : Fall Colors, Hiking

Winter (December, January, February)

Winter in this area of Korea usually feels pretty deserted, and you can expect hardly any visitors – especially compared to the Fall month. This creates a much more quiet and peaceful time to explore Seoraksan National Park. With snow covering the mountain peaks, you’ll want to dress warm with multiple layers and bring some hand warmers. Depending how much snow there is and how icy trails are, you can usually expect some trail closures, meaning there likely won’t be too many opportunities for hiking. If they are open, be prepared for snow and ice (especially if you go higher up) – I recommend wearing crampons or ice cleats.

Best For : Snowy Views, No Crowds

Spring (March, April, May)

Spring in Seoraksan is when things begin to liven and green up for Summer. There aren’t too many cherry blossoms in this area, but wildflowers begin to bloom, and the mountains start to turn green again. Hiking trails also begin to open back up, you might just run into a bit of mud. Weather can still be pretty chilly in the mornings and evenings, so I recommend dressing in layers. If it’s been an especially cold winter season then you might still have ice and trail closures – it really depends on the weather.

Best For : Spring Flowers & No Crowds

Summer (June, July, August)

Similar to other popular tourist destinations in Korea, summertime at Seoraksan is also one of the busiest times of year to visit. You can expect large crowds, especially during midday, but it’s still my favorite time to visit. The mountains are a deep green, usually all the trails are open, and you’ll get a change to ride the cable car (as long as there’s no bad weather). Plus depending how much rainfall the area has gotten recently the waterfalls are usually at their largest and most powerful. There’s so much to explore in the summertime, you’ll just need to fight the crowds. Similar to in the Fall I recommend going early to get a parking spot and to try and avoid the largest crowds. July typically brings the rainy season to Korea, so you’ll want to bring an umbrella or poncho with you.

Best For : Hiking Trails, Cable Car, Waterfalls

Watch My Seoraksan National Park Adventures Here!