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Finding Stillness in the Summers of Seoul: New Travel Trends

With the second quarter of 2025 coming to an end, most workaholics including myself are likely already feeling the fatigue of the year. Let’s face it. On top of the rising summer heat, and our packed schedules of work, socialising, and late-night meals, modern life could possibly best be described as a constant hustle. We not only work hard, but also eat and drink out with friends and family, and bounce from one place to the next — so much so that we forget to pause, breathe and find our own rhythm.

And this year’s travel trend reflects that very need: intentional rest.

Recent survey show that travelers are choosing meaningful and mindful micro-escapes over long-haul holidays filled with adventure. And it’s not just about preference; it’s also about pressure as the ongoing global economic downturn (not just in Korea) plays a major role in how we plan our holidays and how much of this hard-earned money we’re willing to splurge on travels. But beyond that, there’s also a growing weariness around long-distance travel, as well as a growing desire to escape this sweltering heat via solitude and meditative rest.

With that in mind, I visited three spots in Seoul that reflect this new travel mood. Hope you’re up for a sensory escape without leaving the city, or even stepping outdoors. 

Surakhu: A Forest Sanctuary in the City 

Tucked away in the quieter foothills of Surak mountain, Surakhu offers a rare kind of stillness in Nowon district of Seoul. I took a taxi there and it’s only about a 40 minutes ride from the central hub of the city. Surakhu is not only accessible by distance but also affordable, with rooms ranging from 70,000KRW to 250,000KRW depending on type and occupancy. 

Upon arriving, the walk from the entrance to the rooms feels like forest bathing in itself. The tree houses perched 14 meters above ground instantly brought me back to childhood – whether you were playing hide and seek or pretending to be Rapunzel like I did. The moment I walked inside the room, it was full of the fragrance of wood, which instantly relaxed me as if I walked into a hinoki sauna. 

And instead of TV screens, each room is equipped with an LP player and a Marshall Bluetooth speaker, encouraging digital detox.

I spoke to Dong-jin Jang from the Recreation Forest Management Office of Nowon District during my visit. He told me the tree houses were inspired by those in Fjords, Norway and here are some of his tips and insights to make the most of your stay:

Q: What are some tips and activities to best enjoy Surakhu and its surroundings?
A: There’s a lot to explore. We have a forest deck trail designed for elderly and mobility-impaired visitors. There’s also a “No-worries Spring” where guests can write their anxieties on water-soluble paper and watch them dissolve into the stream.

There are four temples within walking distance, and for those seeking more adventure, a hike toward Dosolbong offers a more challenging trail. You can access a picnic area by the stream, the Seoul Trail, the Bukhansan Observatory, and the Azalea Garden, 

as well as a traditional archery experience at Surakjeong. We’re also preparing a children’s forest experience zone.

We also have a bulmeong zone – a fire pit area using eco-friendly bioethanol burners where you can lose yourselves watching the flickering flames– and a whimsical “Fairy Forest” near the visitor center that’s perfect for photos. In late August, we’ll also offer a forest guide program, though guests are welcome to explore the grounds freely at any time.

Q: What about food and dining?

A: The on-site restaurant sources seasonal ingredients from local farms, so you’d be able to taste fresh and authentic Korean meals depending on the time of your visit. (At the time of my visit, they were serving dishes like stir-fried Jeju pork and Pyongyang-style bulgogi hot pot.)

Q: Is Surakhu foreigner-friendly?

A: While we don’t have dedicated services for international tourists, all signage is in English, and we’ve hired a former hotel manager from Japan to help elevate the guest experience. Reservations can be made through the Forest Outing (숲나들이) website. Translation apps work well, and our staff are happy to assist.

Overdeep Yeonnam: A Coastal 

From the exterior to interior, everything is completely blue. At first glance, it might feel overwhelming, but the immersive design is intentional. This café isn't just a nod to the ocean deep – it plunges you into it. One of their signature items is the Wave Cream Latte, which as pictured above is an ocean in a cup, topped off a swirl of blue foam. Oh, this cafe provides many photogenic spots perfect for your summer Instagram post.

Inside, Mandalaki-style lighting casts soft, rippling shadows across the walls, while jellyfish-inspired media art floats gently in the background. The floor is textured with pebbles, and tables are decorated with coral and seashells, adding tactile layers to the surreal but calming experience. It’s a place where you can truly “mul-meong,” zone out while watching water-like movement without ever leaving the city.

Water Kingdom Habio: Ultimate Indoor Cool-Down

I could not wrap up this piece without mentioning my all-time favorite Korean experience: Jjimjilbang. For many Koreans, jjimjilbangs are more than just saunas; they’re a cultural institution. It’s a place to rest, recharge, and reconnect with yourself or others. And one of the sweetest memories growing up in Seoul was spending a full day at a sauna with my cousins and relatives reading comic books over smoky hard-boiled eggs and ice tea.

Travellers often seek them out as a uniquely Korean wellness experience, and locals treat them as a go-to ritual for stress relief. 

At Water Kingdom Habio, this tradition is elevated. Instead of just sweating it out at traditional jjimjilbang, visitors can also head to a family-friendly indoor water park for a perfect staycation in the city. The water park features everything from splash zones to high-speed slides.

The sauna section of the venue is pretty standard. It includes an ice room, a chilled chamber where you can lie back on stone benches and let your body temperature drop, traditional kiln saunas made of hwangto, sleeping zones, snack bars, vending machines with ramyun, an arcade game zone and even massage chairs. With plenty of space to lounge, nap, or simply chill while scrolling through your phone (or not), it’s easy to spend an entire day here without ever checking the weather outside.

These are just a few examples of how Seoulites like myself are rewriting the rules of vacation and I recommend you get a taste of it this summer. This season’s getaways may be reflecting a broader cultural shift – one that values slowing down, comfort and the quiet luxury close to home. Rest isn’t about retreating from life—it’s about returning to it.