If all you think when you read travel guides for Korea is “been there, done that,” then we have a treat for you! Below are our recommendations for seven of the newest attractions to open in Korea, trending among locals. Become a trend-setter yourself and visit one of these seven attractions before everyone else!

Seoul Rain Report ┃ Opened April 2023

#seoul #itaewon #rain #uniquecafé

A café where it rains all year round, Rain Report was created with the mindset that coffee strangely tastes better on rainy days. When you visit this café in Itaewon, it’s easy to see why there are over 60,000 hashtags for this coffee shop. Artificial rain falls on the café’s front garden for fifteen minutes in 30 minute intervals. Taking a photo standing on the stone walkway with an umbrella is popular, and on sunny days, you can even catch a rainbow. The black interior emphasizes the relaxing vibe of the rain falling outside the large windows. The café menu also ties into the weather with unique names. On weekends, there is often a waitlist to get into this popular café.

Address: 85, Sowon-ro 40-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 소월로40길 85)
Instagram: @rainreport_official

Yesan Market ┃ Opened January 2023

#yesan #traditional market #baekjongwon #trendingrestaurant

The largest traditional market in Yesan County. The traditional market gained a ton of popularity due to being part of Korean chef, businessman, entertainer, and The Born Korea CEO Baek Jong-won’s Traditional Market Revival Project. Baek CEO’s hometown, the market was revitalized with a heavy emphasis on newtro sensibility. There are currently 20 shops selling grilled pork belly, barbecue chicken, bulgogi, noodles, and unrefined rice wine, all made using locally grown ingredients. Purchase food from one of the vendors and then enjoy it in the large market square.

Address: 967, Hyeongjegogae-ro, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 예산군 예산읍 형제고개로 967)
Website: yesan.theborn.co.kr

Busan ClubD Oasis ┃ Opened July 2023

#busan #spa #waterpark #oceanview

ClubD Oasis is a new spa and waterpark opened right next to Haeundae Beach in Korea’s top resort city, Busan. There are plenty of spas and waterparks to visit in Korea, but none come close to offering the amazing coastal view you can enjoy here! The infinity pool on the fourth floor is a popular photo spot. Other thrilling attractions include the 200-meter-long water slide, and seven different wave pools. If relaxation is more your thing, head to the outdoor spa on the fifth floor, or the walking foot bath on the sixth floor terrace. And don’t forget to go to the five different Korean dry saunas to rejuvenate!

Address: 3-6F, 30, Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 달맞이길 30, 엘시티 3~6층)
Website: www.clubdoasis.com/en (English, Japanese, Chinese)

Gyeongju MCY Park ┃ Opened March 2023

#gyeongju #themepark #photozone #freeshuttlebus

MCY Park in Gyeongju was named for the three colors magenta, cyan, and yellow. The theme park is decorated with brightly lit-up photo zones designed in those colors. The dessert museum’s large donut and ice cream exhibits will have you feeling like you’re in front of the candy house from the story of Hansel & Gretel. Explore America through the 13 school buses in the school bus museum, each imported directly from America and designed in different representative cities from the States. Getting to MCY Park is easy by hopping aboard the free shuttle bus that visits popular attractions in Gyeongju, including Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, Hwangnidan Street, and East Palace Garden.

Address: 196, Cheonbuknam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 천북남로 196)
Website: mcypark.co.kr

Incheon Hwagae Garden ┃ Opened May 2023

#ganghwado #park #monorail #observatory

You’ll find Hwagae Garden at the summit of Hwagaesan Mountain (259 m), the tallest point on the island of Gyodongdo to the west of Ganghwado Island in Incheon. The walking paths are beautifully decorated with thousands of flowers and trees. Unique aspects of this park include the monorail and skywalk observatory, with views of North Korea. The yellow-colored monorail reaches the observatory in just 20 minutes. The observatory itself features a glass floor for a thrilling experience, while offering up views of the ocean around Gangwado Island as well as the Yeonbaek Plains on Hwanghaedo Island in North Korea, just 7 kilometers away.

Address: 6-60, Gyodongdong-ro 471beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon (인천광역시 강화군 교동면 교동동로471번길 6-60)

Chuncheon Infeeld ┃ Opened May 2023

#chuncheon #sonheungmin #soccerballbread #souvenir

Café Infeeld is also known as the Son Heung-min Café, with soccer fans traveling to Chuncheon just to visit this café. The reason is that the café is operated by the family of Son Heung-min, Tottenham Hotspur’s team captain, and the first Asian to score 100 goals in the English Premier League. Located within Son Heung-min Sports Park, the two-story café includes an open rooftop and a large grassy field. Signature menu items include “Cream Come True” iced einspanner, and the oreo cream-filled soccer ball bread. You can also purchase souvenirs like hats and clothing from Son’s fashion brand NOS7. On weekends, you’ll have to sign up for the waitlist if you want to visit this trending café.

Address: 1-2F, 40, Garakjae-ro, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 춘천시 가락재로 40 1~2층)
Instagram: @cafe_infeeld

Jeju Ivar Garden ┃ Opened August 2023

#jeju #exhibitionhall #mediaart #photozone

Jeju’s newest immersive media art exhibition hall has opened in Aewol-eup on Jeju’s northwest coast. Discover the beauty that comes when digital technology and art meet through the large-scale media art displays. The hall is designed in eight themes, with photo spots located throughout. Lose yourself in the pink “flower garden” made with hundreds of lights, the deep blue “ocean garden,” and the “party garden” complete with upbeat music.

Address: 10, Goseongnamseo-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 제주시 애월읍 고성남서길 10)

* This column was last updated in August 2023, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.