Things to do in London with your Korea-obsessed child
Has your kid been swept up by Hallyu (the Korean wave)? Whether you have a child that is obsessed with K-pop or a teenager captivated by K-dramas, you will be please to know, you don’t have to fly to Seoul to indulge their interests. There are a plethora of Korean things to do in London that are sure to delight young fans of Korean culture. Whether you are Londoners or visiting the city as tourists, dive into our guide on Korean-related activities in central London, you’re sure to find something to please any young Koreaphile.
Korean-related things to do in London
Within Greater London, New Malden, a suburb located in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, has earned the nickname ‘Little Korea’ for its large and vibrant Korean community and it boasts a plethora of Korean restaurants, grocery stores, and businesses. It is, however, somewhat off the beaten track for many visitors and even Londoners (being around a 30 minute train from Victoria). But all is not lost if you want to experience Korean culture without leaving central London, as there are plenty of things to do and great food to eat without leaving Zones 1 and 2!
Visit a Korean Photo Booth
Korean four cuts photo booths are a cultural phenomenon in South Korea, they’re basically you old-style Photo Booth, with a funky twist. In addition to the traditional strip of photos, you get to wear accessories, post in front of colourful backgrounds AND get a little video version to download via QR code.
From teenagers snapping selfies with their friends to families documenting their adventures together, Korean four cuts photo booths have a universal appeal that transcends age and background. And now they have landed in London! Life Four Cuts has a number of shopfronts and booths across London.
Choose your accessories, pick a booth, choose your frame style and then get ready to smile. Once done your photos will be printed and, if you have ticked the QR code option, a code will be printed on your photo to allow you to download a digital copy and you will also get a little video that shows the few seconds before each photo is taken. Pick Pic in Shoreditch is another option for Korean Photo Booth photos.
Go shopping for Korean skincare
Nobody takes skincare more than the Koreans (not even Sephora tweens), it is serious business there – the concepts of ‘glass skin’ and the ’10 step skincare routine’ both come from Korea. With its focus on gentle yet effective formulations with unique ingredients such as snail mucin, and a commitment to self-care, Korean skincare has garnered a dedicated following and continues to inspire beauty enthusiasts around the globe.
Whereas high street shops like Boots and Superdrug might carry certain brands, if you want to find the brands that are going viral on TikTok (and those which are sure to), you need to head for Charing Cross Road, which is home to a handful of shops focusing just on Korean beauty brands.
PURESEOUL stocks a wide range of Korean skincare and beauty products. Pick up a few sheet masks from their wall and have yourself a little spa evening. Just two doors down is Nature Republic, a Korean cosmetics brand. Teenagers will be in heaven.
Take a K-pop dance class
If your teenager wishes they could bust moves like Blackpink, Newjeans or BTS, why not send them to a K-pop dance class? Several dance studios in London offer K-pop dance workshops and classes tailored to different age groups and skill levels.
ARC Studios in Shoreditch offer a variety of classes and don’t have an age limit (although parental permission is required under 16). For older teenagers (16+ minimum), DGC Dance is another option.
Stock up on Korean snacks – TianTian/Oseyo
Maybe it’s just us, but the best bit about travelling somewhere new are going to local supermarkets to check out all of the goodies in store and to buy unique snacks. The good news is that you can easily stock up on and try out Korean snacks in London by visiting one of the many World/Asian supermarkets in the city. Tian Tian Market has its flagship store in Canary Wharf and branches throughout the city and offers a wide variety of South East Asian food. Oseyo (branches throughout the city) offers Korean-specific food and other products. If you want a cheap dinner you could have a Korean cup noodle night in your hotel!
Learn more about the history of Korea
If you want to delve into some of the history of Korea, why not do so through the various artefacts held by the museums of London?
Visit the Korea gallery of the British Museum to see an elegant white porcelain ‘moon jar’, plus fascinating objects dating from as far back as AD 300 to the present day.
At the V&A, explore the museum’s extensive collection of Korean art and design, including stunning examples of traditional crafts, contemporary fashion, and innovative design.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious to learn more about Korea, a visit to either institution promises a rewarding and enlightening experience.
Pay a visit to the Korean Cultural Centre
The Korean Cultural Centre, located just off Trafalgar Square hosts a diverse array of events, exhibitions, and workshops that showcase the best of Korean arts, music, film, and cuisine. The Korean Cultural Centre invites visitors of all ages and backgrounds to discover the beauty and diversity of Korean culture in the heart of London. Pop in to find out what they have going on.
Shop for merchandise
Shop for official k-pop merchandise, k-beauty, stationery and more at SOKOLLAB’s flagship store in London, just minutes from Tottenham Court Road. For those with a real passion for Korean music and beauty, this shop is bound to please.
Follow in the footsteps of K-pop idols
If your child is part of the BTS Army, a massive Blink (Blackpink fan) or part of another fandom, then why not visit places in London where they can literally stand where their bias did?
There are lots of websites that will tell you exactly where K-pop stars have taken photos in London (for BTS try this Tumblr), then recreate them!
Where to eat Korean food in London
Korean cuisine boasts a treasure trove of well-known dishes including bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi and Korean fried chicken. These iconic dishes, along with an array of delectable side dishes like japchae, showcase the rich diversity and irresistible flavors of Korean cuisine, making it a culinary journey not to be missed.
Whether you and your family are K-cuisine connoisseurs, or total newbies to tteokbokki, we’re sure that you’ll find something in London to tickle your pickle from our suggestions.
Bibimbap
Bibimbap, is a Korean dish known for its vibrant colours and flavors. It combines rice with an assortment of fresh vegetables, meat or tofu, and is traditionally served in a hot stone bowl, allowing the ingredients to sizzle and create a crispy layer of rice at the bottom.
The dish is then mixed together before eating, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. In London, bibimbap enthusiasts can satisfy their cravings at various Korean restaurants across the city, including Bibimbap Soho, where you can also order a variety of side dishes including mind (dumplings) and kimchi pancakes.
Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ offers a unique dining experience and London boasts a diverse array of Korean BBQ restaurants catering to every palate and preference.
At these establishments, diners can indulge in a mouthwatering selection of marinated meats, including succulent beef bulgogi, tender pork belly, and savory chicken, all expertly grilled at the table for a sizzling and aromatic feast.
Accompanied by an array of fresh vegetables, dipping sauces, and traditional side dishes like kimchi and pickled radishes, Korean BBQ in London offers a culinary experience that transports diners to the streets of Seoul. The Korean BBQ experience is perfect for older children and teenagers who will love grilling their own food. SuperStar BBQ is a centrally located option that offers a good variety of choices.
Bingsu
Bingsu is a popular Korean dessert that is traditionally made with finely shaved ice and topped with sweetened condensed milk, fruit, red bean paste, and sometimes even ice cream or rice cakes.
In London, bingsu can be enjoyed at several Korean dessert cafes and restaurants, including Shibuya Soho, serving up a variety of flavours including strawberry, mango, matcha, and Oreo, ensuring that dessert lovers can indulge in this delightful Korean delicacy right in the heart of the city.
Self-serve ramen
Such is the love of Koreans for noodles that 24 hour self-serve ramen shops have emerged that offer a unique and convenient dining experience for hungry patrons at any hour of the day. These establishments typically feature a variety of ramen options, allowing customers to customize their meal according to their preferences. Diners choose their desired ramen ingredients and toppings from a selection of fresh vegetables, meats, and condiments, and then cook their noodles at individual cooking stations.
The concept proved so popular that a similar concept store has been set up in Kensington in the form of Saba. Although only open for 12 hours each day, Saba offers customers a choice of 25 different types of ramen. All you have to do is make your decisions then get cooking.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/embed?mid=17rBuphL-aV6PNpYyC02LtFHjj5bcCJY&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]Know a great way to experience Korean culture in London?Share it in the comments!