●■●● How to Enjoy Leisure
Time After Studying in Korea
Korea is not only a great place to study but also a country full of beautiful nature and endless things to enjoy after class.
With clear skies, four distinct seasons, and landscapes where mountains, rivers, and the sea coexist,
you can find peace in a short walk or discover new scenery every weekend.
From cozy cafés and stylish streets to parks, fashion, culture, and creative hobbies —
international students can experience both relaxation and personal growth through a perfect balance of nature and urban life in Korea.
This guide introduces practical and affordable leisure ideas
that foreign students can easily enjoy while studying and living in Korea.
⬤⬤🟧 1. Relaxing in Cozy and Emotional Cafés
⬤✅ Korea is famous for its unique and emotional café culture.
→ You can visit trendy cafés popular on Instagram or hot café districts
to study with friends or enjoy a peaceful break alone
→ Not only in Seoul areas such as Seongsu-dong, Yeonnam-dong, Itaewon, Gangnam, and Hongdae, but also in regional cities you can find cafés with diverse atmospheres
→ While enjoying delicious drinks and desserts at a café, reading
a book or listening to music can also be a wonderful leisure activity
⬤⬤🟧 2. Walking and Relaxing in Parks for Health
⬤✅ Korea’s parks and riversides are perfect places in the city for rest and healing
→ Hangang Park is one of the most popular spots where you can enjoy cycling,
picnics, walking, running, yoga, and more
→ At Yeouido, Ttukseom, and Banpo Hangang Parks, you can relieve stress
while enjoying chicken and beer with friends
→ Seoul Forest, Olympic Park, World Cup Park, and Namsan Park are good places to stroll or take photos while enjoying nature
→ Many regional cities also have beautiful parks surrounded by nature
Busan’s Haeundae and Gwangalli Beaches, Daegu’s Suseong Lake,
Gyeongju’s Bomun Lake, Jeonju’s Deokjin Park, Gangneung’s Gyeongpo Lake and
Anmok Beach, Jeju’s Halla Arboretum and Hamdeok Beach,
Daejeon’s Hanbat Arboretum, Yeosu’s Odongdo and Marine Cable Car, Tongyeong’s Yi Sun-sin Park and Hallyeosudo Observation Deck all offer pleasant walking and relaxation
💊 Korea is one of the best countries in the world for walking.
Not only in Seoul’s Hangang Park and many urban parks,
but also in regional nature-friendly spots, you can
enjoy beautiful scenery while taking a leisurely walk.
Even people who didn’t usually walk in their home countries often adopt walking as
a new hobby and healing activity thanks to Korea’s well-developed walking paths.
After study and classes, find the places that suit you, experience different walking trails and parks,
and you will gain health, healing, and relaxation all at once.
⬤⬤🟧 3. Shopping and Fashion Exploration
many shopping destinations nationwide
→ Seoul – Myeongdong, Hongdae, Garosu-gil, Apgujeong Rodeo Street, and
Dongdaemun Fashion Town are Korea’s most iconic shopping districts
In Dongdaemun, wholesale and retail stores operate 24 hours,
where you can buy the latest fashion items at affordable prices.
In Myeongdong and Hongdae, it’s easy to find trendy products such as cosmetics, clothing, and accessories
→ Department Stores & Shopping Malls – Shinsegae, Hyundai, and Lotte department stores feature luxury brands as well as a wide variety of F&B outlets,
so you can enjoy shopping and dining at the same time
Large complex shopping malls like COEX Mall, Times Square, and
Lotte World Mall are also great for a full-day outing
→ Regional Cities – Busan’s Seomyeon Youth Street, Gwangju’s Chungjang-ro,
Daegu’s Dongseong-ro, and Daejeon’s Eunhaeng-dong are the representative
shopping areas outside of Seoul where you can enjoy not only fashion and
clothing but also cafés and restaurants
→ Traditional Markets & Flea Markets – Namdaemun Market,
Gwangjang Market, and Tongin Market offer a wide variety of experiences
from traditional clothing and souvenirs to street foods
At weekend markets such as the Hongdae Free Market and
Banpo Hangang Night Market, you can purchase unique handmade products
→ Fashion Culture Experience – Korean street fashion has a global influence,
so visiting neighborhoods such as Hongdae, Seongsu-dong, and
Euljiro to observe street fashion and get style inspiration is highly recommended
→ Online Shopping – Online platforms like Coupang, Musinsa, and
Zigzag are popular among international students thanks to fast delivery and
reasonable prices
By comparing offline and online shopping, you can better understand
Korea’s unique shopping culture
💊 Shopping in Korea is not just about buying goods — it is a comprehensive leisure activity that combines fashion, culture, and food.
International students can experience Korea’s trends through different shopping
places and discover their own unique styles.
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⬤⬤🟧 4. Exploring Korean Food and Enjoying Cultural Experiences
⬤✅ Explore different regions of Korea, experience their special foods and culture, and create unforgettable memories with friends
→ In Seoul, neighborhoods like Gangnam, Jongno, Itaewon, Mangwon-dong, and Seongsu-dong are full of unique restaurants
→ In regional cities, you can taste representative local dishes such as
Busan’s fresh seafood and pork soup rice, Jeonju’s bibimbap and Korean table d’hôte (Hanjeongsik),
Chuncheon’s dakgalbi, and Daegu’s grilled makchang
→ After a delicious meal, it is a special Korean culture to end the day leisurely by
chatting with friends at a cozy café nearby
→ Also, places like Noryangjin Fish Market, Gwangjang Market, and food trucks offer chances to enjoy a wide variety of Korean foods at affordable prices
💊 In Korea, there is a well-developed culture of enjoying good food with
friends and having relaxed conversations in cafés.
By directly experiencing this unique lifestyle, you can enjoy a richer and
more fulfilling life in Korea.
⬤⬤🟧 5. Cultural Life and Performance Viewing
⬤✅ Korea offers the best environment to enjoy a wide range of cultural life and performances
→ In Daehak-ro, you can see various performances every day such as plays,
musicals, and small concerts
→ At the Seoul Arts Center, Sejong Center, and National Theater,
you can enjoy high-level performances such as classical concerts, opera, and ballet
→ By attending K-POP concerts, fan meetings, and idol performances,
you can experience Korean culture even more deeply
⬤⬤🟧 6. Sports and Hobbies
→ In Korea, Pilates, yoga, and fitness centers are very popular
→ Indoor climbing gyms, table tennis halls, and
bowling alleys are great places to have fun with friends
→ You can also experience Korean culture more deeply by learning
Taekwondo, Korea’s traditional martial art
⬤⬤🟧 7. One-Day Trips and Sightseeing
⬤✅ Various one-day trip destinations near Seoul and in regional areas
are perfect places for refreshment and relaxation
→ If you live in Seoul or the metropolitan area, you can easily
visit Heyri Village in Paju, Nami Island in Gapyeong, Chuncheon Dakgalbi Street,
and Songdo Central Park in Incheon within a day
→ If you live in a regional city, you can conveniently visit various attractions
using KTX or express buses, such as Busan’s Haeundae and Gwangalli Beaches,
Jeonju Hanok Village, Gangneung’s Gyeongpo Pavilion and Anmok Beach,
or Daejeon’s Sung Sim Dang bakery tour
→ From Busan, you can take one-day trips to Hwangridan-gil in Gyeongju,
Ganjeolgot in Ulsan, or Oedo Botania in Geoje
→ From Daegu, you can easily visit Hahoe Folk Village in
Andong, Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, or Homigot in Pohang
→ From Jeonju or Gwangju, you can enjoy beautiful nature and culture at
Damyang Bamboo Forest, Suncheonman Wetland, Odongdo Island and
Dolsan Park in Yeosu, all within a day
→ From Gangwon-do, you can easily visit Seoraksan National Park, Daegwallyeong
Sheep Ranch in Pyeongchang, Sokcho, and Jumunjin Beach in Gangneung
→ From Chungcheong-do, you can take day trips to Baekje historic sites in
Gongju and Buyeo, Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, or Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan
💊 All of these destinations are easily accessible by public transportation,
and with plenty of sights and foods to enjoy, they are perfect for
creating unforgettable memories with friends
⬤⬤🟧 8. Language Exchange and Social Networking
⬤✅ During study abroad in Korea, making friends is the most important thing,
and it is essential to make many good friends
→ Through language exchange apps or various meetups, you can communicate
not only with Korean friends but also with people from many different countries, deepening mutual cultural understanding
→ While studying and classes are important, in reality, you can often gain much more through interactions and exchanges with close friends
→ Use social media to find information about events and gatherings,
participate actively, and increase your opportunities to meet new people and
make more friends
→ Friendships built through studying together and
sharing thoughts will become a very valuable asset in your life in Korea
⬤⬤🟧 9. Reading and Various Self-Development Activities
⬤✅ Here are various self-development activities to spend your leisure time more meaningfully and productively
→ Preparing for language certifications
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), TOEIC, TOEFL, JLPT, HSK, and other certifications will be very helpful for your future career and employment
→ Learning IT and practical skills
Taking classes in programming, web design, Photoshop, or video editing at academies or online can be useful for your future work
→ Obtaining practical certifications
Barista, Korean cooking, beauty (nail art, makeup, etc.) certifications can go beyond hobbies and even connect to business or employment opportunities
→ Joining economic and investment study groups
Participating in finance-related study groups or courses helps improve financial literacy and can be applied to real-life investments and money management
→ Experiencing arts and creative activities
Photography classes, oil and watercolor painting, music lessons (guitar, piano, vocal, etc.), and handicraft classes can nurture creativity and enrich your emotions
→ Participating in volunteer activities
Joining volunteer programs at local community centers or international exchange organizations will give you social experience and allow you to broaden your network with diverse people
💊 Through such self-development activities, you can gain not only academic knowledge but also real-life experiences and wider networks
Your life in Korea will become more meaningful and fulfilling
💊 Leisure activities in Korea are not only about rest and fun, but they can also be connected in the long run to various visa applications such as Job-Seeking Visa (D-10), Employment Visa (E-7), Specific Activities Visa (E-7-4), or Startup Visa (D-8-4)
Keep in mind your future visa plans, and actively find and experience activities that suit you best
●●🟧 10. Affordable and Budget-Friendly Leisure Life
⬤✅ Although the cost of living in Korea may feel a bit high, there are many ways for international students to enjoy leisure affordably
→ Student discounts – At movie theaters, theaters, musicals, and exhibitions, simply showing your student ID can get you 20–50% discounts
→ Public bicycles – Seoul’s “Ddareungi,” “Tazo Bike” in Gyeonggi/Incheon, and shared bicycle services in regional cities are cheap and convenient for moving around the city as well as for leisure
→ District cultural centers & public libraries – You can apply for programs such as yoga, painting, photography, and Korean culture experiences for free or for a small fee, making them affordable and practical leisure activities
💊 For international students, actively using student discounts and public programs is the key to a smart leisure life
⬤⬤🟧 11. Leisure in Korea Through the Four Seasons
⬤✅ Korea has four distinct seasons, allowing you to experience a variety of leisure activities suited to each season
→ Spring – Enjoy walking and taking photos at cherry blossom spots such as Yeouido Yunjung-ro, Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, and Bomun Complex in Gyeongju
→ Summer – Visit Haeundae and Gwangalli Beaches in Busan, Jeju beaches, Gyeongpo Beach, the West Sea, or water parks such as Caribbean Bay and Ocean World for water activities
→ Autumn – Go hiking to see the autumn foliage at Naejangsan or Seoraksan, walk along Bukhansan Dulle-gil, or join autumn festivals
→ Winter – Experience skiing and snowboarding at Pyeongchang, Yongpyong, and Vivaldi Park ski resorts, or enjoy hot spring healing at Asan and Deokgu Hot Springs
💊 The ability to enjoy unique leisure in every season is a special strength of life in Korea, providing international students with new experiences every year
⬤⬤🟧 12. Night Culture and 24-Hour City Life
⬤✅ Korea is a country where you can safely be active at night and enjoy various 24-hour cultural facilities
→ Late-night cafés and convenience stores – Spaces where you can study or relax until late hours
→ PC rooms and karaoke – Open until dawn, perfect for relieving stress with friends
→ Han River night views – Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, Yeouido Light Park, and more are popular spots for evening strolls
💊 The safe environment for enjoying leisure late at night is a great advantage of life in Korea, offering a unique experience compared to other countries
⬤⬤🟧 13. Participation in Local Festivals and Cultural Events
⬤✅ Across Korea, many festivals and cultural events are held every year
→ Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival, Boryeong Mud Festival, and Andong International Mask Dance Festival are representative festivals popular with foreigners
→ Busan International Film Festival, Seoul Fireworks Festival, and Jeonju Hanok Village Cultural Festival let you experience both traditional and modern Korean culture
→ As a student, you can also join local festivals connected with your university and build friendships with Korean students
💊 Festivals are not just sightseeing — they are valuable opportunities to interact with local people and gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture
⬤⬤🟧 14. Making Friends and Networking
⬤✅ In your study abroad life in Korea, making good friends and building networks is one of the most important things
→ University clubs – Join sports, music, volunteer, or academic clubs to naturally bond with Korean students
→ Language exchange platforms – Apps such as HelloTalk, Tandem, MeetUp, and InterNations allow you to connect with friends from many different countries
→ Social media – Participate in foreign community events through Facebook groups, Instagram, or KakaoTalk open chat rooms
💊 The greatest asset of study abroad life is “the friends with whom you study and share memories.”
Actively join gatherings and broaden your connections
⬤⬤🟧 15. Attending Academies and Learning New Skills
⬤✅ Korea has a highly developed private education culture, and international students can take a variety of courses to use their leisure time meaningfully
→ Language academies – Not only Korean, but also English, Japanese, Chinese, and other language classes are open and easy to register for
→ Hobby academies – Classes in drums, guitar, vocals, dance, art, photography, cooking, baking, etc. are widely available, making it fun to learn and meet new friends
→ Certification academies – Courses such as barista, baking, and IT certifications are linked to practical skills and can help your future career
→ Study + Networking – You can build connections with people you meet at academies, gaining both academic and networking benefits
💊 Korean academies are not just places of study, but lifestyle platforms that connect hobbies, certifications, languages, and networking.
If you make good use of your leisure time attending academies, you can improve both your self-development and quality of life in Korea
💊 Note: Most Korean certifications are not legally recognized abroad, but for customers they carry strong value because of the trust and unique image of “studied in Korea.”
Especially in fields like barista, beauty, nail art, and baking, having learned in Korea can be a powerful marketing point when running a café or beauty shop abroad
In other words, the real strength lies not in the certificate itself but in the combined story of gaining both experience and certification in Korea, which leaves a strong impression on customers
→ IT & digital skills – Courses in programming, web design, and video editing are globally applicable and can be directly used for jobs or freelancing in your home country
→ K-culture courses – K-pop dance, makeup, traditional instruments, and Korean cuisine courses can help you establish yourself as a Korean culture expert abroad
→ Sports & health – Courses such as fitness trainer, Pilates instructor, and Taekwondo master can even lead to running gyms or dojangs in your country
→ Business & startup education – Café startup, restaurant management, and SNS marketing courses provide practical knowledge directly applicable when starting a business
→ Volunteering & social participation – Volunteer experiences at welfare centers or international exchange groups can help with visa extensions, scholarships, and also build social trust back home
💊 In short, studying at Korean academies is more than just a “leisure activity.” It can connect to differentiated career paths, brand value, and social experience in your home country.
By strategically using academies during your stay in Korea, you can strengthen your studies, self-development, and future career all at once
⬤⬤🟧 This article was written by BP Korea, a professional agency for studying in Korea
⬤✅ Studying abroad and preparing for visas in Korea is easy and safe with BP Korea
🌐 Website:https://bridgeplankorea.com/ (◀ Click to visit the BP Korea homepage)
📧 Email: visa@bridgeplankorea.com
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