14 Date Ideas with Seoul

14 Valentine’s Day Seoul Date Ideas 
                                             at a glance

          In no particular order….

1) Fall in Love at Namsan Tower


    Namsan Tower is considered by many one of the most romantic places in Seoul.   So romantic in fact that park benches tilt inward to encourage cuddling, while you take in the view.  This is one of the highest points in Seoul and gives some of the best views of the city both during the day and at night.  It’s tradition at the tower for lovers to bring a pair of locks and write their names on it, then secure it to the fence “locking your love”  in Seoul.  

Spend the afternoon hiking up to the summit or hitch a ride on the mountain’s bus or cable car. Grab a snack or romantic dinner at one of the many cafe’s and restaurants around Namsan Tower. 

Directions: There are many ways to get to Namsan Tower.  Check out your options here!

2) Take part in an adventure for foodies at                      Noryangin Fish Market

 
Are you and your Valentine foodies with a love for seafood? Instead of going to a typical restaurant this Valentine’s day how about having a little fun with your food. Have an adventure at Noryangin fish market
 
Noryangin is a wholesale and retail fish market as well as an auction house. It is located in the Noryangjin-dong neighborhood in Dongjak-gu, just south of the Han River.  
 
Directions: Subway Line 1- Noryangin Station Exit 1 Walk 100 m over the bridge


3)  Relax with a traditional Korean Spa Day or funky Fish Pedicure

Need some time to relax with your valentine? Spend a day at Seoul’s one of a kind traditional Spas or if you are both feeling adventurous, how about a fish pedicure?
Fish Pedicure Directions: Subway station- Gangnam (Line 2) www.restree.net
4)  Get cultured at a night at the Theater
Get Glamorous Hollywood Style with one of the many award winning shows that are now playing in Seoul!  One of my favorites is Korea’s most popular broadway show NANTA.  It is sure to be a night of great laughs.  If you are looking for something different check out Interpark for an extensive listing.  Current performances include Jersey Boys, Mama Mia, Wicked and more!
If you are tight on funds this year have no fear. Check out Korean Tourism Organizations Rush Tickets and save up to 70% off on last minute tickets. 
5) Practice your couples figure skating routine on an Ice Skating Date
 
 Embrace the chill and practice the winter sport that greatly encourages hand holding: ice skating!  Choose from several great rinks throughout Seoul. 
 
6) Discover Korean culture in and around Insadong 
Spend the day poking around the many shops that are known for their traditional art by both foreigners and locals.  Wandering the streets allows you to witness the culture of the past and present.  Snack on traditional Korean street food from one of the many food carts.  Shop your heart out at the many stores known for stationary, art, pottery and antiques. Visit the oldest bookstore in Seoul, Kyung-in Art Gallery, and many old tea houses.  Watch a calligraphy demonstration or pansori performance.  Wander off the main street to find some of the best Korean food in the world.  Feast on a royal meals consisting of double digit courses. Visit the tourist information center to dress in Hanbok and participate in other traditional activities! Sign up for a couples workshop at Ssamziegil Underground Workshop and learn how to make pottery, crafts and candles.  
Want to make a night of it?  Just a 10 minute walk away is Bukchon Village filled with traditional Hanok homes.  Book one of the many Hanok guesthouses located in the area for an unforgettable experience. 
 
Directions: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6. Go 100m straight, then turn left.
 
 
7) Live large at Seoul’s biggest shopping space Seoul World Trade Center
 
Time Square is Seoul’s largest shopping space.  The huge complex includes shopping, entertainment and dining facilities.  Even if you or your date don’t love shopping, it is still a great place to check out for it’s many other options.  One of the largest movie screens in the world is housed here. Their website hosts “All your needs for shopping, cultural activities, education, wedding and convention, entertainment, fitness, hotel and business could be met by Timesquare.” So why wait? If you know a girl who has everything, take her to the place that allows you to do everything! 
 
 
Directions: Yeongdeungpo Station (Seoul Subway Line 1) > Leave the station through the Lotte Department Store > Cross the intersection, and continue to walk for about 200 meters > Turn left, and you will see Times Square.
 
8) Hit the Slopes
 
Looking for a fun day trip? Hit the slopes with your love at Daemyung Ski-Resort,  just a few hours from Seoul. The resort has 13 slopes named after music genres and great facilities including spas and many dining options. 
 
Directions: Gangbyeon Station(Seoul Subway Lien 2), Exit 3 or 4.Walk towards Dong-Seoul Bus Terminal

 
9) Take in the view at one of the Han River Look Out Cafe’s
 
Want to experience a killer view with your Valentine? (And no we’re not just talking about your dates gorgeous face)  Check out one of the 9 lookouts cafes that have been constructed on top of 6 bridges on the Han-River! 

Each cafe has it’s own menu and style.  Some serve as a place to relax and offer tea, coffee and juice while others also serve alcoholic beverages and have live entertainment. Pick one that suites your style or make a day of it visiting a few! Pick your favorite cafe here!
 
10)  Speed up your love life at the Horse Races 
 
Looking to speed up your love life?  Head to the Gwacheon, Seoul’s Horse Race Park.  11-12 races are held every Saturday and Sunday with opportunities to bet.  Races vary between 1000 and 2300 metres. The park has two main grandstands that can accommodate 80,000 people.  The older stand is called “Happyville” while the newer “Luckyville.” There are two stables housing close to 1,500 horses.

 Choose your perfect seat, whether you choose to get happy or lucky, with your date, and have a fast paced day at the races!  If you’re feeling extra lucky try your hand at betting.  (English betting guides are available.)
 If you need time to unwind head over to the Couples Zone which will allow you to relax close to the finish line.  If you get hungry head to one of the many restaurants or cafes located in and around the park.
 
Directions: Subway line 4- Seoul Racecourse park station exit 1 or 2
 

11) Talk Nerdy to your lover at a Museum

Feeling intellectual?  There is no better place to get nerdy with the one you <3, this Valentine’s day, then Seoul.  With 100’s of Museums ranging in different interests it’s easy to explore your intellectual side together.  Check out my list of 5 fabulous museums for some great ideas! 
 

12) Take a Hike at Seoul Fortress Wall 


Bundle up and let your relationship move on up as you take in the magnificent sights of Seoul Fortress Wall
This location is arguably one of the most beautiful and unexplored places for foreigners in Seoul.  It is slightly over 100 meters high.  On a clear day, from the top of Naksan mountain, you can see the majority of the city of Seoul and a beautiful unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains.
 
Directions: Subway Line 1,4: Dongdaemun Station, exit 7
 
 
 
 
13)  Let your relationship hit a new high (note) at a Karaoke Bar
 
Along every street corner in Seoul you can find what the locals call Norebang.  Literally translating into “singing room”, these private Karaoke facilities allow for an intimate singing date with your lover.  Looking for a party?  Invite your friends on a group date and grab some Soju and beer.  You may just find yourself singing K-pop or American classics into the wee hours of the morning. 
 
14) Have an international dinner date in Itaewon
 
Looking to get away from Korean food for the night?  Head to Itaewon where you can find a restaurant from all corners of the world, no matter what you may be craving.  Feast on all-you-can-eat meat at Brazilian BBQ, chow down on great American burgers or swing into the evening in a hammock chair at Itaewon’s beach bar. Itaewon’s foreign friendly feel has restaurants, cafe’s and bars that offer something for everyone.  Stroll around among the both local and foreign lovers that come to enjoy the night life. 
 
Directions:  Subway Line 6,  Itaewon Station