Whether you enjoy kimchi, K-pop or K-dramas, here’s how to get your Korea fix on a Singapore daycation!

Jeonju Hanok Village in Korea

Korea is no doubt a top travel destination for Singaporeans. We’re definitely all excited with the announcement of a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) to South Korea happening on 15 November. But why idle, when you can jump straight into the likes of your favourite country, right here in Singapore?

If you’re feeling wanderlust like we are, read on — we’ve curated a special Korean-themed daycation with GrabPay, where you can enjoy your Hallyu-inspired day out and earn up to 2% back in GrabRewards points while you’re at it.

Here are seven things to do for a daebak daycay with GrabPay!

Read also: 7 Things to do in Singapore on a Japan-themed Daycation

1) Experience autumn in “Korea”

Cafe Kreams — Korea-themed Singapore Daycation

Photo credit: @cafekreams via Instagram

The stunning fall foliage makes autumn one of the best times to visit Korea — witness red, orange, and yellow leaves painting the entire nation.

Short of booking a VTL flight, one way to celebrate the start of autumn is by visiting Cafe Kreams. The interior has maple leaves covering the entire ceiling, making it easy to forget you’re still in Singapore.

Dalgona Drink at Cafe Kreams

Remember the Dalgona coffee craze that happened last year? 😅

Insta-worthy decorations aside, the cafe also has a good range of food and drinks. You’ve gotta try their Tiramisu, Korean Crispy Corndog, and Strawberry Croissants. And not to forget, one of their signature items — Dalgona Krafts!

Earn GrabRewards points: Pay with your GrabPay Card to get an additional 0.8% back in GrabRewards points
Opening hours: 9AM – 10:30PM (Mon – Sat), closed on Sun
How to get there: 2min walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT

2) Dress up in K-fashion

Shein Online Shop for K-fashion

Photo credit: Shein

One of the best ways to get yourself in the mood for travel is to dress the part (especially for the next activity, trust me!)

The good news is, you don’t have to shop in Korea just to keep up with the latest fashion trends.

Find your favourites from affordable brands like Shein. And with a click of the mouse, you’ll have stylish clothes to wear on your Singapore daycation.

Earn GrabRewards points: Check out online and complete payment with GrabPay or PayLater Postpaid

3) Go on a DIY photoshoot around “Korea”

Snap some photos at a lighthouse

Lighthouse from Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha K-drama Series

Photo credit: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha via tvN

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is one of the most popular K-drama series on Netflix now. And those hooked on the show will recognise this iconic red lighthouse found in Pohang.

Raffles Marina Lighthouse

Photo credit: @singapore_photographyofficial via Instagram

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Relive some of your favourite scenes from Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha by heading to Raffles Marina Lighthouse for a photoshoot. With the Johor Straits forming a picturesque backdrop, the lighthouse makes a romantic spot to capture some dreamy shots 😍

While you’re there, you can dine in at Marina Bistro or Captain’s Table Chinese Restaurant.

Earn GrabRewards points: Pay for your meal with your GrabPay Card to get an additional 0.8% back in GrabRewards points
Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM
How to get there: 5min walk from Tuas Link MRT

Grab a photo with your favourite Korean idols

Girl taking photos at Madame Tussauds K Wave Zone

Photo credit: @mtssingapore via Instagram

After visiting the filming locations, it’s time to meet the idols in person. Madame Tussaud’s K-Wave Zone features stars like Bae Suzy, Park Hae-Jin and Song Seung-Heon.

You’ll be instantly transported to Korea as you pose with life-size wax figures in front of hanoks (traditional Korean houses) and cherry blossom trees.

Earn GrabRewards points: Book via Klook with GrabPay or use your GrabPay Card
Cost: From S$30/pax
Opening hours: 10AM — 6PM (Mon, Thu – Sun), closed Tue and Wed. Last entry at 5PM
How to get there: From Harbourfront MRT, head to the third floor of VivoCity shopping mall. Take the Sentosa Express to Imbiah Station (1 stop) — 5min walk to Madame Tussauds

4) Satisfy your Korean food cravings

Feast on some Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ — Korea-themed Singapore Daycation

You don’t have to be a foodie to know that a “trip to Korea” isn’t complete without some Korean BBQ.

At Ssikkek Korean BBQ, you can feast like a king without breaking the bank. Their buffet menu includes favourites like beef bulgogi, spicy chicken galbi, and samgyupsal (pork belly). A free flow of tender and succulent meat from just S$18.50 (for a weekday lunch)? Sign me up! 😋

Another restaurant to check out is Go! KBBQ. They’re best known for their 15-day aged meat, but apart from the meat, authentic flavours are also captured in their side dishes, offering diners a real taste of Korea.

Ssikkek Korean BBQ
Earn GrabRewards points: Pay in-store with your GrabPay Wallet via the restaurant’s QR code
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 10PM
Address: 291 New Bridge Rd, #01-01 Oriental plaza, Singapore 088756 (1 other branch)
How to get there: 4min walk from Chinatown MRT, exit A

Go! KBBQ
Earn GrabRewards points: Pay in-store with your GrabPay Wallet via the restaurant’s QR code
Opening hours: Varies
Address: 76 Amoy St, Singapore 069895 (1 other branch)
How to get there: 4min walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT, exit G

Have a home-cooked Korean meal

Blue Basket Korean Online Marketplace

Photo credit: BlueBasket

Rather have a home-cooked meal? Check out BlueBasket, an online Korean marketplace where you can pick out exclusive Korean ingredients to prepare your favourite dishes.

For convenience, BlueBasket even has meal kits. These come with the recipes and ingredients you need, washed, sliced, and portioned so you can whip up a feast in minutes! Options range from Spicy Seafood Jjamppong to Dried Pollack Hangover Soup and other delicious Korean dishes.

Earn GrabRewards points: Check out online with GrabPay

5) Treat yourself to a jjimjilbang

Spa 1 Wellness Centre — Things to do in Singapore

Photo credit: Spa-1 Wellness Centre

What’s a Korea-themed daycation without spending a few hours relaxing at a jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse)? While there aren’t any jjimjilbangs in Singapore, Spa-1 Wellness Centre is a great alternative for you to unwind.

Two Girls at a Spa-1 Wellness Centre for a Korea-themed Singapore Daycation

Don’t forget your Korean sheep head towel! Photo credit: Spa-1 Wellness Centre

The spa features 12 different facilities: A Cassia Seed Sauna, Myanmar Jade Room, and Hot Bubble Pool, to name a few. You can also opt for other treatments, like massages and facials at an additional cost.

Unfortunately, you can’t spend the night there, unlike at a Korean bathhouse. But you’ll still be leaving the spa feeling recharged!

Earn GrabRewards points: Pay with your GrabPay Card
Cost: From S$38/pax
Opening hours: 11AM – 10:30PM
How to get there: 4min walk from Payar Lebar MRT, exit D

6) Indulge in street food at a tent bar

Pocha in a forest Tent Bar — Korea-themed Singapore Daycation

Photo credit: @pocha_forest.sg via Instagram

If you’re a K-drama fan, you’ve probably seen this tent a lot. Most times, there’s a male lead sitting inside, downing bottles of soju to drown his sorrows 🤧

To achieve the pojangmacha (Korean street tent bar) vibes, you’ll find the iconic red tent in the restaurant, Pocha in a Forest. Be sure to order their kimbaps and pancakes for the full Korean experience.

Earn GrabRewards points: Pay with your GrabPay Card to get an additional 0.8% back in GrabRewards points
Opening hours: 3PM – 10:30PM (Mon – Tue, Thu), 3PM – 11PM (Wed), 12PM – 10:30PM (Fri – Sun)
How to get there: 4min walk from Bras Basah MRT, exit D

7) Learn a Korean martial art

Taekwondo at the Global Taekwondo Academy

Photo credit: @globaltaekwondoacademysg via Instagram

After a day of indulging in Korean BBQ and street food, it might be a good idea to get active! Head over to Global Taekwondo Academy for a go at the Korean martial art. Characterised by kicking techniques, Taekwondo is practised by many today — as a sport or for self-defence.

Global Taekwondo Academy has classes catered to various age groups which centre around different skill sets. Children can work on self-confidence and discipline, while adults focus on stress relief and self-defense.

Earn GrabRewards points: Pay with your GrabPay Wallet via the school’s QR code
Opening hours: 1PM – 9PM (Mon – Fri), 9AM – 9PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: 1 Marine Parade Central, #02-08 Parkway Centre, Singapore 449408 (2 other branches)
How to get there: From Eunos MRT, walk 8min to Opp Eunos Stn bus stop. Take bus 966 and alight at Bet Blks 72/74 bus stop (5 stops) — 7min walk to Global Taekwondo Academy

Earning GrabRewards points on your Singapore daycation

GrabPay Wallet and Card

Before embarking on your daycation, here’s a pro-tip — pay via GrabPay to receive up to 2% back in GrabRewards points, which allows you to redeem vouchers!

Here’s how to get up to 2% back when you pay with GrabPay:

Earn up to 1.2% back– Pay with GrabPay Wallet (including GrabPay Card*)
Earn an additional 0.8% back– Pay with your GrabPay Card* on selected purchases (incl. dining, groceries, streaming services)
– Use your card at all Mastercard-accepted merchants
Earn even more points– Tap on special GrabRewards points boosters
– For instance, monthly Power Up Challenge or purchase online on special sales dates like 11.11

*Note: The GrabPay Card is linked to your GrabPay Wallet, drawing funds from the wallet balance directly.

GrabPay #GetToThePoints Arrow

Look out for the #GetToThePoints green arrow! Photo credit: Grab

From online shopping to dining, and attractions — don’t miss out on your opportunity to earn GrabRewards points.

Just remember to download your Grab app and include your GrabPay Card in your packing list. And if you’re travelling around by public transport on your daycation, the GrabPay Card can also double up as an EZ-Link card.

Buildings in South Korea — Korea-themed Singapore Daycation

While we patiently wait for the Singapore-Korea VTL to commence, try out the many fun ways to experience Korea in Singapore. Whether it’s soaking in a jjimjilbang, dressing up in K-fashion or meeting your favourite Korean Oppa!

Girl on a staycation at Heritage Collection — Things to do in Singapore

P.S.: Apart from day activities, you can also earn GrabRewards points when you book a staycation, as long as they accept Mastercard! Here are some ideas:

2021 Long Weekend Staycation Ideas — 7 Newly Opened Luxury Hotels in Singapore
Singapore Staycation 2021 — 16 Underrated Hotels to Spend Your S$100 SingapoRediscovers Vouchers

Which country-themed daycation should we cover next? Let us know in the comments!


This post was brought to you by Grab.

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