Seoul is serving up a diverse array of unique experiences this season, from innovative wine tasting to international craft workshops and romantic dessert adventures. Three distinctive venues are capturing attention for their creative approaches to dining, culture, and romance, offering both locals and tourists fresh ways to explore the city's vibrant scene.
At Tap Shop Bar, wine enthusiasts can revolutionize their tasting experience by pouring their favorite wines directly from taps instead of traditional bottles. The establishment operates five locations across Seoul, including branches in Dosan-daero, Dongdaemun, Cheonggyecheon, Yeouido, and Hapjeong. This self-serve wine system addresses the common challenge faced by non-wine experts who often feel overwhelmed by countless bottle options and regional varieties.
Inside each location, approximately 40 taps connect to a customized wine cellar, with each tap dispensing from a different bottle. Guests can browse labels and pour single glasses at a time, sampling wines from around the world without committing to purchasing full bottles. For those who discover a favorite, an integrated wine shop sells bottles at near-retail prices, packaged in ice for convenient takeaway. The establishment also offers whiskey for patrons preferring stronger spirits.
The food menu at Tap Shop Bar is designed to be as approachable as the drink selection. Dishes range from anchovy and oyster pasta to innovative fusion options like roquette cheese tteokbokki, roasted potatoes, and kimchi fried rice, all offered at affordable prices. The spacious seating arrangements accommodate both group gatherings and solo visits, with flexible options for customers who want to simply sip a glass or enjoy a full wine-and-dine experience. Operating hours vary by location, with the Dosan-daero branch open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Meanwhile, the Seoul Museum of Craft Art is hosting the 2025 World Craft Festival on Friday and Saturday, promising two days of hands-on creativity and global cultural inspiration. The festival begins Friday with special presentations by international artists working in Korea. At 1 p.m., Finnish glass artist Annaliisa Alastalo will share her artistic journey, offering insights into the delicate interplay of flame and form in glasswork. At 4 p.m., Seoul-based TV personality and businessman Mark Tetto will explore Korean craft beauty from an expatriate's perspective, providing a cross-cultural lens that presents familiar traditions in an entirely new light.
Saturday transforms the festival into a fully interactive experience, featuring traditional craft-making opportunities from 12 different countries. Participants can try their hands at Czech glass creation, Polish paper art, Hungarian decorated eggs, Jordanian crafts, Turkish glasswork, Vietnamese bamboo weaving, and Mexican textiles. Korean artisans will guide visitors through traditional Korean knot-making and lacquerware techniques, offering opportunities to rediscover the elegance of homegrown crafts.
Fans of the popular series "KPop Demon Hunters" can participate in a special Netflix-themed craft experience, including making norigae (traditional Korean accessories) and lacquered chopsticks, plus attempting a cover-dance challenge. Additional festival highlights include traditional games and musical instruments from various countries, a stamp tour featuring Korean desserts as prizes, and photo booth opportunities for friends and families. All festival programs are free and open to everyone, with complete schedules available on the museum's official website and social media channels.
For those seeking a romantic twist to their Seoul adventure, Romantic Romantic offers a charming combination of international ice cream and personalized keepsakes. Located near the historic Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu district, an area renowned for its beautifully restored traditional Korean houses, this dessert shop aims to bring guests a genuine touch of romance before the chilly weather arrives.
Operated by a Korean and Russian couple, Romantic Romantic specializes in rich vanilla ice cream imported from Moscow, with single scoops priced at 3,500 won ($2.49). The menu also includes various cold beverages such as coffee milk, cola, and lemonade to complement the ice cream offerings.
The cafe's standout feature is its hands-on keyring creation experience, where visitors can draw pictures of themselves that are then transformed into custom keyrings. This make-your-own keyring activity is available at no additional charge for customers who spend at least 5,000 won per person at the establishment. The combination of international desserts and personalized crafting creates a unique romantic atmosphere that sets Romantic Romantic apart from typical Seoul cafes, making it an ideal destination for couples and creative individuals alike.
