Even when the number of tourists decreased due to the coronavirus, Seoul did not stop.

Was that an attempt to forget about social distancing and business hours restrictions blocking Seoul’s daily life?

Since then, Seoul began to seek and create more private, more luxurious, short but intense pleasure, resulting in the accumulation of simple experiences that usually were taken for granted.

So how has Seoul changed over the past two years?

The 'Seoul these days' trend has appeared to satisfy both Seoul first-comers and those who haven’t visited here for a while.

A lot of concept cafes with unusual entrance styles or colorful desserts become very popular in Seoul with the number of tea cafes and tea rooms offering private tea courses increasing. They call it Tea Omakase using the simple combination of the words Omakase and Tea.

* Recommended Tea Cafes in Seoul

It is always fun to enjoy a cup of tea while observing the quiet view of hanok.

Instagram: @gallery_the_square

Address: 128, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

A place where you can taste Korean local tea brands. Choose your Omakase taste among infusions, leaf or flower teas, and don’t skip the dessert!

Instagram @_omot_

Address: B1, 12, Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Here you can enjoy authentic leaf tea. Both Yeonnam and Dongdaemun branches are loved for their different and unique atmospheres.

Instagram @chacha_willbegood

Address: 4F, 5F, 6, Donggyo-ro 30-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Yeonnam branch)

            13, Jong-ro 46ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Changsin branch)

As shown by Instagram and Facebook, memorizing moments is not only a pleasure, it’s also a daily routine. But why don’t you take an instant photo at a photo booth if you want to make it a little more special? These days, instant photoshops are booming in Seoul’s popular tourist areas such as Gangnam and Hongdae. Each machine offers a different atmosphere, adding to the fun of taking pictures. Sending photos and videos to your mobile phone is also available and free of charge, so be sure to experience its advantage when traveling to Seoul! Preparing a posture in advance could be a good idea as well.

* Recommended Seoul Photo Booth Shops

Four cuts that are fun to take alone or together! You can take your time to freely select and reveal your facial expressions without worries that someone may interfere.

Instagram: @life4cut

Haru Film is loved for its unique ambiance. The option to choose the color of background paper makes the place even more popular.

Instagram: @haru.film_

Here you can take selfies using a remote control! A variety of templates provide even more atmospheric shots.

Instagram: @photoism_box

In Korea, jjimjilbangs and public baths are parts of daily life. Although their use has been continuously restricted due to Covid 19, how could it stop people from enjoying moments of warm and comfortable healing?

* Recommended Seoul SPA centers

Individual sessions are available at SPA Heum - a luxury women-only sauna. Since the therapy takes place in a single room, there is no need to worry about the spread of coronavirus or the burden of sharing the space with other people. You can experience the true value of a Korean-style body scrub performed by Seshin professionals and get refreshed from head to toes.

Address: Room 102, B1, Rose 1 Tower, 311, Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Bandal Hair SPA offers treatments ranging from scalp care to ear cleaning. The VIP course is especially popular because it includes both massage and cleansing. Ear care is effective not only in removing debris and foreign bodies, it also improves blood circulation.

Address: Bandal Hair Spa, 4th floor, Hoseong Building, 43 Samseong-ro 85-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Known as one of the top 3 SPA centers in Seoul, De Oriental SPA offers a variety of therapies. Famous for its hotel-like luxury SPA procedures available at a reasonable price, it is also popular as a couple dating course.

Address: 4th floor, Wonyoung Building, 69 Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul