16 Wacky Challenges In South Korea To Conquer Your Bucket List

As hallyu (Korean wave) continues to take the world by storm, it’s no wonder that many tourists flock to South Korea to experience a taste of their rich culture. But aside from having delicious cuisine and fashionable trends, the country has more to offer for those seeking an unconventional Korean adventure. Here are 16 wacky challenges daredevils need to attempt in the country to prove themselves truly worthy of their well-earned title.

1. Scream your heart out at Jeongseon County Zipwire

Slide down on one of the country’s longest and steepest zipline at the Jeongseon County Zipwire. Launched from high atop a cliff, you will get to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the valley while whizzing down the 3,900-feet long cable alongside three other companions. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, this ride will get your adrenaline pumping and etch memories you will never forget!

2. Expose your true self at Deulmusae (Penis Cafe)

You’ve heard of cat- and owl-themed cafes but have you heard of a penis-themed cafe? When Deulmusae was first opened in 1996, the cafe was deemed to have too much “female” energy and prompted the owner to incorporate male genitalia into their ceramic ware. Today, the cafe offers a variety of dishes and beverages to its diners: all served on penis-shaped and vagina-shaped plates and cups for an out-of-the-world photo-op experience. This is definitely a pervert’s paradise that you have to go personally and experience for yourself!

Also read: 24 Fun Things to Do in Seoul on Your Very First Visit

3. Spam photos at Dreamy Camera Cafe

This beautiful cafe is opened by a South Korean couple who are avid lovers of photography!  They turned their dreams into reality by building a quaint little cafe shaped like a classic Rolliflex twin-lens camera. HOW COOL IS THAT?! Have an affogato along with piping hot churros, while gazing out into the rolling green hills surrounding the cafe in the countryside…Ahhh, pure bliss.

4. Get drunk at Cheongdo Wine Tunnel

Opened in 2006, this tunnel has been used as a wine cellar for storing persimmon wine, a speciality of Cheongdo. There is a cafe and bar in the Cheongdo Wine Tunnel where you can sample and purchase a variety of wines available! The tunnel is 13–15 degrees celsius throughout the year, hence making it popular in the summer as a refuge from the sweltering heat, or in the winter to avoid the blistering cold. And the best part? Admission is FREEEE!

5. Try out gross-looking Bondaegi (Silkworm Pupae)

What is the point of travelling if you don’t try out the local cuisine? Here in Korea, Bondaegi, or silkworm pupae, is a very popular street snack! Served hot and seasoned, and a rich source of protein, this delicacy will certainly leave you with unforgettable memories of Korea.

6. Sample long and wriggly Gaebul (Live Spoon Worms)

I hope you haven’t lost your appetite yet! Gaebul is another delicacy enjoyed thoroughly by many Koreans! These phallic worms are often eaten raw or grilled with salt and pepper. Despite its unappetizing appearance, they are known to be really chewy and delicious! Eat it if you dare.

7. Chew and swallow Sannakji (Live Octopus) thoroughly

You can end up staring at this dish forever as the tentacles of the octopus continue to wriggle and squirm around, or chew and swallow it like a boss. Be careful to chew it thoroughly before swallowing though, or the suckers on the tentacles may stick to your throat and choke you! Fresh and lightly seasoned with sesame oil, it is surprisingly delectable!

8. Take part in a Silent Disco

Although the Silent Disco experience is not exclusive to Korea, it allows you to just have fun and enjoy the fresh air outdoors with your friends! A new type of clubbing experience, participants are given wireless headphones where music is transmitted by DJs. Embrace this shared, liberating experience of dancing in solidarity on the streets! Better yet, you also get to provide entertainment for other passer-bys, who will find a huge group of people dancing in silence highly amusing for sure.

Also Read: 16 Things to Know Before Travelling to Korea

9. Watch movies in a 4D cinema

Taking movie-watching experiences a step further, 4D cinemas in Korea offer you a unique opportunity to truly immerse yourself in movies! The theatre has special effects including wind, scent, vibration, and water, which will make you feel as if you are actually in the film! This is the best chance to watch longggg action movies. Some find the effects annoying while others actually find it exciting, so try it and decide for yourself!

10. Spook yourself out at Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital

If you like creepy and spooky places, the Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital is perfect for you! Claimed as one of the scariest places in the world, it was abandoned in 1996 after a slew of mysterious patient deaths, and the owner fled to the States. So if you are feeling adventurous and seeking out some paranormal activity, make your way down to this abandoned building to satisfy your ghoulish curiosity! Be careful not to offend any spirits when you are there…

11. Bungee jump off a crane

The highest bungee jump platform in Korea is at Cheongpung Land, 62 metres above ground. This will certainly get your adrenaline pumping and blood racing as you strike it off your bucket list! Gather your willpower and pluck up your courage for a rewarding experience you will not regret! TAKE THE PLUNGE.

12. Pretend you’re in the countryside at Thanks Nature Sheep Cafe

IT’S SO FLUFFYYYYYY! At the Thanks Nature Cafe, you can go up close and personal with adorable furry sheep and take selfies with them! Look at their smooth, white fur that’s just calling for a cuddle! Enjoy an iced coffee, chill, and watch them roam around a small pen. Perfect for the urbanites who have not had the chance to go to the countryside or experience life on a farm, this offers a great opportunity to interact with these cute sheep!

13. Liberate yourself at a Jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse)

Unwind like a local at the numerous jjimjilbangs around Korea, for a relaxing and invigorating experience! Each bathhouse has a wide variety of unique pool offerings, from indoor to outdoor pools, as well as different saunas with different minerals. They also have massage chairs, TVs and mats for you to lie down and catch a quick nap. Slurp up a bowl of delicious ramen along with refreshing iced sikhye (barley tea) after a good sweat! Sounds like heaven already!  

14. Get a mud bath at Boryeong Mud Festival

It’s time to get down and dirtyyyyy! Join in the chaos and mad splashing at the annual Boryeong Mud Festival! Catapult down huge inflatable slides, dunk each other in mud pools, or go for mud facials and lounge around! Add Kpop entertainment acts and fireworks in the equation and there you have it: THE HIGHLIGHT EVENT OF THE SUMMER. Mud is beneficial  for your skin so go all out and DON’T leave any inch of your body clean!

15. Stay at a themed pension room for a night

Spice up your accommodation plans by staying at THEMED pension rooms! Perfect for spamming pictures and selfies while enjoying a unique sleeping experience! Cozy Theme or Unique Pension at Gapyeong offers these interesting rooms, ranging from Gucci heels to banana milk. You’ll love it so much, you won’t want to leave at all!

16. Step into North Korea at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

If you’re an avid history buff, you would definitely love this place. This dangerous divide allows you a peek into the world’s most isolated country, North Korea. Explore the Panmunjeom (Joint Security Area), the 3rd Tunnel, and the Dora Observatory to get a better understanding of North-South confrontations. You get to brag about stepping into North Korea AND gain much more knowledge about the unique humanitarian crisis that Koreans face! This is definitely an experience not to be missed!

SO…have you booked your tickets to Korea yet?! I know you’re dying to try out all these fun-filled activities already!