Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
Escape the heat wave: 8 must-visit indoor destinations to survive Seoul’s sweltering summer
Sounds Forest, one of Korea’s largest indoor gardens, is seen inside The Hyundai Seoul in this undated photo. Courtesy of Hyundai Department Store
By Kwak Yeon-soo
When the summer sun turns up the heat in Seoul, with temperatures pushing past 37 degrees Celsius and humidity reaching around 80 percent, it is the perfect excuse to discover the city’s indoor attractions.
Even as the Korea Meteorological Administration issues heat wave warnings, Seoul offers countless ways to stay cool and entertained without braving the sweltering streets.
Here are some of the best indoor places to explore in Seoul during the summer.
1. The Hyundai Seoul
The Hyundai Seoul is a cultural hub and home to a wide variety of dining and shopping venues. Directly connected to Yeouido Station (Lines 5, 9) via an underground passage, the mall regularly hosts pop-up events at Creative Ground (B2 level). Japan’s largest discount retailer, Don Quijote, is holding a pop-up booth until Aug. 1.
The mall features the stunning Waterfall Garden, a 12-meter-high indoor waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, and the expansive Sounds Forest, one of Korea’s largest indoor gardens, bathed in natural light from a 20-meter-high glass ceiling. These spaces offer a refreshing, nature-inspired escape from the heat, making you feel like you’re in a botanical garden rather than a shopping mall.
IFC Mall is located right next to The Hyundai Seoul — one can easily walk from one to the other without stepping outside, which makes it convenient and enjoyable, especially during the summer.
Address: 108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul
How to get there: Lines 5 and 9 to Yeouido Station. Walk along the moving walkway into B2 of the mall.
Starfield Library at Coex Mall in Seoul, July 6 / Yonhap
2. Coex Starfield Library
The library’s iconic 13-meter-tall bookshelves and open atrium create a visually stunning space, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seoul. Even if you’re not a book lover, the sheer scale and design are awe-inspiring and provide a cool, relaxing escape from the summer heat. Located inside Coex Mall, which is connected to Samseong Station (Line 2), the library offers various seating options and a cozy atmosphere for reading. It is surrounded by cafes and shops, making it easy to spend hours indoors during Seoul’s hot and humid summer.
Nearby attractions include Coex Aquarium and Megabox movie theater, allowing visitors to enjoy a full day indoors without leaving the complex. The mall also has a K-pop goods store called Ktown4u Coex, where K-pop fans can buy official merchandise and take photobooth pictures with K-pop artist-themed frames. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the massive LED screen wall at K-pop Square right outside the mall, featuring K-pop artists.
Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Line 2 to Samseong Station. Use the passage directly connected from Exits 5 and 6 to Coex mall through Millennium Plaza
Children ice skate at Lotte World Ice Rink in Seoul, July 3. Newsis
3. Lotte World Ice Rink
Catering to everyone from beginners to experienced skaters, this is one of the busiest ice rinks in Seoul, located inside the giant Lotte World theme park. The ice rink features numerous amenities, including electronic lockers, skate and helmet rentals, a multifunction room, a winter sports retail shop and even a nurse’s office. The ice rink often offers various skating programs taught by professional coaches and is surrounded by 400 spectator seats where visitors can relax. The skating rink also has a variety of restaurants and arcade games to enjoy when taking a break from skating.
Visitors can also visit the Seoul Sky Observatory on floors 117-123 of Lotte World Tower for 360-degree panoramic views of the city from one of the world’s tallest buildings. The observatory features glass-floored sky decks, art exhibitions, cafes and souvenir shops — perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery after your time on the ice.
Address: 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Line 2 or 8 Jamsil Station. Use the passage directly connected from Exit 4 to B3 of Lotte World
The National Museum of Korea's new exhibition, "Art of Early Joseon: Masterpieces from the 15th and 16th Century," spotlights the artistic spirit that blossomed in the first two centuries of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty. Yonhap
4. National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is dedicated to Korean art and culture. Regularly changing special exhibitions and offering free English-language tours, there is depth and variety to each visit. The museum also features immersive digital galleries that bring Korean heritage to life with interactive and visually stunning displays — perfect for both adults and children looking for a modern, engaging experience.
Be sure to check out the souvenir shop, where visitors can purchase a variety of goods inspired by the cultural heritage and works displayed at the museum. Whether you’re on the hunt for symbols from "Kpop Demon Hunters" or prefer to spend the day admiring centuries-old Buddhist sculptures, there’s something for everyone to discover and take home.
Address: 137, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Line 4 or the Gyeongui-Joungang Line Ichon Station. Go out Exit 2, and walk 150 meters toward Yongsan Family Park
People attend an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of Namsan Public Library, Oct. 5, 2022. Newsis
5. Namsan Public Library
Namsan Public Library is worth visiting for foreign tourists who appreciate history, architecture and local culture, or who want a quiet retreat with beautiful city views. Opened in 1922 as the Gyeongseong Perfecture Library in Myeong-dong, Seoul’s first public library was then moved to its current location in 1964 and officially renamed Namsan Library in 1965. It was built by renowned architect Lee Hae-seong and was designated a Seoul Future Heritage site in 2013 for its historical and cultural value. The library holds over 500,000 books in its collection, including English books, magazines and newspapers.
A rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of N Seoul Tower and the city. The surrounding area is ideal for combining a library visit with a walk to Namsan Park or a trip to nearby attractions like Namsangol Hanok Village and Namdaemun Market. The cafeteria at Namsan Library is also known for its affordable meals, offering a variety of classic Korean dishes such as pork cutlet, omelet, fried rice and ramen.
Address: 109, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Get on bus 402 or 405 in front of Sungnyemun Gate and get off at Namsan Library Bus Stop
People visit Seoul Botanic Park, April 30, 2019. Newsis
6. Seoul Botanic Park
Seoul Botanic Park stands out as one of the city’s indoor destinations, especially during the hottest days of summer. The main highlight of the park is the massive indoor greenhouse — a glass-domed conservatory that houses about 3,000 plant species from 12 different cities around the world.
While the park also includes extensive outdoor areas such as an open forest, a lake and wetland gardens, the indoor greenhouse is what makes it a top summer destination for those seeking respite from Seoul’s summer heat. Inside, you’ll find vibrant tropical and Mediterranean plants, waterfalls and lush greenery that let you step into a tranquil, natural haven. There are also plenty of innovative programs and exhibitions for the whole family to enjoy.
Address: 161, Magokdong-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Line 5 or Airport Railroad Magongnaru Station. Go out Exit 3 or 4 and walk 550 meters toward Forest Field
Visitors enter Annyeong Insadong in Seoul, March 14, 2024. Newsis
7. Annyeong Insadong
Annyeong Insadong is a vibrant cultural complex that brings together traditional Korean crafts, souvenirs and modern pop culture. It's a great place to explore with a wide range of activities that often take place, such as art exhibitions, live performances, weekend markets and other festive celebrations, so there's always something new to enjoy whenever you go.
Often compared to Ssamziegil, a spiral stairway lined with over 70 shops including handicraft stores, souvenir shops, art galleries and restaurants, Annyeong Insadong is partially indoors and less crowded. If you are looking for Korean retro vibes and local food, consider visiting Inssagol located on the fourth floor of the building. On the fifth floor is Music Complex, a music café where you can listen to LP records.
Address: 49, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Line 3 Anguk Station. Go out Exit 6 and walk 230 meters toward Annyeong Insadong
A man looks at a statue inside the War Memorial of Korea, June 25. Yonhap
8. War Memorial of Korea
The memorial complex offers visitors a comprehensive overview of Korea’s turbulent modern history, including the 1950-53 Korean War. It has six indoor exhibition halls and an outdoor exhibition area displaying over 13,000 items of war memorabilia and military equipment.
The memorial offers free guided tours in English and interactive exhibits. It also has an outdoor exhibition area that features full-size tanks, planes and warships, providing unique hands-on experiences for visitors. One of the most impactful experiences is visiting the Memorial Hall, which consists of rows of black marble monuments inscribed with the names of the U.N. troops who died during the Korean War.
Address: 29, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Line 4 or 6 Samgakji Station. Go out Exit 1 (Line 4) or 12 (Line 6) and walk around 300 meters toward War Memorial of Korea