Hollywood Stars Flock to Seoul: From Gourmet Classes to K-Beauty, Foreign Celebrities Enjoy Authentic Korean Experiences

Published on December 2, 2025

Hollywood celebrities are increasingly choosing Seoul, South Korea, as their personal vacation destination as the global K-content craze continues to grow. Unlike their previous visits for promotional or filming purposes, many celebrities are now embracing the quieter, more personal side of the city. Their experiences, whether centred around food, wellness, or local culture, offer a glimpse into how these celebrities are interacting with the vibrant local scene. Let’s examine the various travel experiences that some of the biggest names in Hollywood are having in Seoul.

Gourmet Experiences: Stars Indulge in Korean Cuisine

Among the Hollywood elite embracing the local culinary scene, actress Charlize Theron stands out. Known for her fierce role as Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road, Theron recently visited Seoul with her daughter, August, and participated in a Korean cooking class. At Chef Choi Kwang-ho’s studio, the winner of Master Chef Korea Season 3, Theron, was seen preparing traditional Korean dishes like kimbap and tteokbokki. The class was an immersive culinary experience, where the star embraced the opportunity to learn, cook, and indulge in the country’s rich food culture. A video posted by Chef Choi shows Theron carefully rolling kimbap, and her joy was evident as she danced and smiled after tasting her creations. Her daughter, August, even gave a thumbs-up after trying the kimbap, showcasing the family’s enjoyment of their time in the kitchen.

This type of experience exemplifies the growing trend of celebrities engaging more deeply with local cuisine during their travels. In addition to exploring traditional dishes, many Hollywood stars are now taking cooking lessons to understand the intricacies of regional flavours and techniques, deepening their connection to the culture.

Healing Escapes: Anya Taylor-Joy Finds Tranquility in Seoul

For others, like The Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy, the focus is on self-care and healing. Taylor-Joy visited Seoul last month to unwind and enjoy the serene aspects of the city. She stayed near the Grand Hyatt Seoul in Yongsan-gu, a prime location for leisure and relaxation. Her visit included walks along Namsan Trail, a peaceful escape in the heart of the city, and visits to some of Seoul’s most stylish cafes, including one in Seongsu-dong. The actress, who has previously expressed her admiration for Korean beauty practices, also indulged in a high-end spa experience in Hannam-dong, further contributing to her healing getaway.

Known for her love of Korean skincare routines, Taylor-Joy has often spoken about her experience with Korean beauty products, particularly the essential step of using “essence”, which she discovered during winter months. This indicates that Taylor-Joy’s trip was not only about sightseeing but also about delving into the wellness practices that Seoul is famous for. It reflects a growing trend where celebrities, particularly those in need of relaxation and healing, seek out the calm and rejuvenating elements of a destination.

Experiential Travel: Chase Infiniti’s Fun-Filled Seoul Adventure

A more spontaneous and lively travel style was embraced by rising star Chase Infiniti, who recently visited Seoul and shared her travel story on social media. Infiniti, known for her Oscar nomination for One Battle After Another, is a self-proclaimed K-pop enthusiast. During her visit, she exhibited her Gen Z spirit by participating in some of Seoul’s most unique and fun experiences. Her trip started with a casual group chat and quickly evolved into a spontaneous adventure. Infiniti was seen boiling ramen with friends on a portable stove along the Han River, embracing the relaxed, everyday vibe of the city.

She also took the time to enjoy Seoul’s urban culture, visiting places such as a hanok cafe in Ikseon-dong, a trendy salted butter bread shop in Seongsu-dong, and Olive Young Seongsu, a popular beauty and wellness store. Infiniti, who formed a K-pop cover dance team in Chicago, also visited some of her favourite K-pop landmarks, reflecting her deep connection to the music and culture that shaped much of her youth. Her visit highlights a more vibrant and youthful form of travel, where the focus is on engaging with local culture and experiencing the essence of a city through its everyday life.

Local Life: Simon Pegg’s Relatable Seoul Experience

British actor Simon Pegg, best known for his role in the Mission: Impossible series, approached his trip to Seoul in a more down-to-earth, local fashion. Pegg, who visited Seoul with his family last year, immersed himself in the everyday rhythm of the city. His journey included eating traditional gukbap (soup with rice) at a local Korean restaurant, a staple of the nation’s culinary heritage. Pegg also visited cultural landmarks such as the Nacre Lacquerware Workshop in Bukchon and Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, further connecting with the local arts and crafts scene.

Pegg’s experience was unique not only because of his personal connection with Korean culture but also because of his playful approach to sharing the experience. He cleverly edited footage of himself travelling on the KTX train to Busan, mixing it with scenes from the hit movie Train to Busan, a popular film that brought international attention to Korea. Pegg’s trip was an example of how foreign visitors, including celebrities, can blend cultural exploration with a light-hearted approach, creating a more relatable experience for fans.

Korea’s Growing Appeal for Foreign Tourists

The rise in celebrity visits to Korea is part of a broader trend of increasing foreign tourism to the country. According to the Korea Tourism Organisation, foreign tourist arrivals from January to October 2025 reached approximately 15.82 million, marking a recovery to 108.4% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Tourists from China and Japan continue to dominate the visitor numbers, but there has been significant growth in visitors from Europe and the U.S., with an increase of about 34.5% compared to 2019. This increase reflects Seoul’s growing popularity as a travel destination for K-content enthusiasts as well as tourists seeking out distinctive culinary, cultural, and wellness experiences.