Where to Go in Korea Like a Local? 2024 Latest Must-Visit Spots in Korea That Locals Love

During these holidays, some friends came to visit Korea, but they've already been to well-known spots like Gangnam, Myeongdong, and Gyeongbokgung. They want recommendations for must-visit local places in Korea that Koreans love, hoping to experience everyday Korean life. After all, it's already 2024. Besides the famous landmarks crowded with tourists, many new spots have joined the list of must-visit places in Korea. The first on the list are immersive art spaces and similar check-in spots that locals really enjoy. You can appreciate art, culture, and different fashion styles, take very stylish photos, and find various novel pop-up stores. Dance studios made popular by dance variety shows have also become new check-in landmarks for Koreans during their time off.

After a week of work and study, where do Koreans go to spend their weekends at these must-visit local places in Korea? Recently, many people choose to check in at immersive art spaces to heal their tired bodies and minds by viewing immersive art exhibitions, satisfying their souls' pursuit of art. The immersive art space is located on the basement level 1 of the Walkerhill Resort Hotel. Unlike traditional exhibitions, the immersive art exhibitions here use advanced equipment and lighting technology to free artworks from their frames, creating a vivid artistic space. Currently, the venue is hosting exhibitions of two Spanish artists: one is the Spanish surrealist painter Dalí, and the other is the genius architect Gaudí. Visitors, surrounded by a dazzling and colorful space, can interact with the works and the artists, understand the artists' intentions from multiple perspectives, and more deeply feel the profound meanings embedded in the works. There is also a café on the upper floors of this building with a huge floor-to-ceiling window offering a panoramic view of Seoul—remember to go and enjoy the view!

The immersive art space is open from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 6:20 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM. Tickets are 29,000 Korean won. On weekends, opening hours and last entry are extended by 50 minutes for the convenience of weekend visitors. Transportation is easy: take subway line 2 to Gangbyeon Station or line 5 to Gwangnaru Station, then take the hotel's free shuttle bus directly to the hotel entrance. The World of Light and Shadow exhibition is open from 10:00 AM to 6:20 PM every day of the week, with last entry at 5:30 PM. Tickets are 18,000 Korean won. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via kkday and Naver.

Young Koreans also sometimes use weekends to relax on Jeju Island. The World of Light and Shadow in Jeju also features immersive art exhibitions, currently showcasing Korean painter Lee Yul-jong's "Lee Yul-jong, Jeju Island" and the father of modern painting Paul Cézanne's "Cézanne, Light of Provence." Since Trip.com previously offered a 20% discount on tickets, many people bought tickets there. A reminder for those who purchased tickets on Trip.com: the tickets are valid until March 3rd, so don't forget to visit after buying!

Besides immersive art exhibitions, Seoul's diverse pop-up stores are also very popular. From trendy fashion brands to gourmet desserts to the hot K-POP scene, you can enjoy a trendy leisure shopping experience and feel a festive atmosphere—it's absolutely addictive! The areas around Seongsu and Seoul Forest are where pop-up stores gather. If you're there, don't miss them!

Many young Koreans dream of becoming idols, with career goals of debuting, so they go to dance academies or dance studios to experience dance classes. Especially after hit variety shows like Street Woman Fighter and Street Man Fighter became popular in Korea, ordinary people have also taken up dancing as a daily hobby. After work, school, or during holidays, they head to dance studios for an hour or two, sweating profusely and relieving stress. Popular dance studios like 1Million and Justjerk are extremely popular among Koreans and foreign tourists. Occasionally, you can even take classes alongside idols!

Some people also choose to spend weekends and holidays watching professional baseball games or other leisure activities. In short, Korea not only has large shopping districts but also many must-visit local places. When holidays come, why not enjoy an immersive art exhibition at an immersive art space, check in at pop-up stores, pour your passion into a dance studio, or cheer with Koreans at a baseball stadium—for a completely different Korea trip!