A Complete Guide to Korea’s Popular Fortune-Telling Experiences — Types, Prices, Tips, and Recommended Spots
Hello everyone! This time, I’d like to introduce you to one of the most fascinating cultural experiences you can try during your trip to Korea — Korean fortune-telling culture.
In fact, fortune-telling is much more deeply rooted in everyday life in Korea than in Japan. Especially among young people and women, it’s quite common to seek advice about love, career, or personal luck through various types of fortune readings.
From casual fortune-telling cafés that you can easily stop by during your travels, to alleys filled with professional fortune-tellers, there are plenty of places where even tourists can enjoy this unique aspect of Korean culture.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most popular types of Korean fortune-telling, their price ranges, what to watch out for, and recommended spots to try during your trip!
Popular Types of Fortune-Telling in Korea
1. Saju Palja (Four Pillars of Destiny / 사주팔자)
This is the most traditional and widely practiced form of fortune-telling in Korea.
Based on a person’s birth year, month, day, and exact time, along with their birthplace, the fortune-teller analyzes the individual’s destiny, personality, and compatibility using principles from Chinese Yin-Yang and the Five Elements theory.
Many Koreans even consult Saju to decide on important matters such as naming a child, choosing a wedding date, or starting a business.
💡 Recommended for you if:
- You want a comprehensive and in-depth reading of your life and destiny.
- You’re curious about compatibility with your partner or friend.
- You’re seeking guidance on career or life direction.
2. Tarot Reading (타로)
Extremely popular among young women, tarot readings provide intuitive and emotional insights into love, relationships, and future decisions.
Compared to Saju, tarot readings are more casual and often available in relaxed “fortune-telling cafés.”
💡 Recommended for you if:
- You’re facing love or relationship concerns.
- You want a quick, light-hearted session.
- You prefer intuitive and direct messages rather than deep analysis.
3. Face Reading (Gwan-sang / 관상)
This method interprets a person’s fortune and personality through facial features and expressions, and is often featured in Korean dramas.
For example, “People with ○○-shaped eyes are likely to have good financial luck.”
Some fortune-tellers also combine palm reading or body analysis with face reading for more accuracy.
💡 Recommended for you if:
- You want to learn about your luck through physical appearance.
- You’re interested in using it as a reference for beauty or cosmetic surgery (many Koreans actually do!).
💰 How Much Does a Fortune-Telling Session Cost in Korea?
In tourist areas or stylish cafés that offer fortune-telling services, you can usually enjoy a session at a reasonable price.
Below are the average rates as of April 2025:
| Type of Fortune-Telling | Duration | Price (KRW) | Approx. in JPY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarot Reading | About 15–30 minutes | 10,000–30,000₩ | Around ¥1,100–3,300 |
| Saju (Four Pillars of Destiny) | About 30–60 minutes | 30,000–60,000₩ | Around ¥3,300–6,600 |
| Face / Palm Reading | About 20–40 minutes | 20,000–50,000₩ | Around ¥2,200–5,500 |
⚠️ Note:
Prices may be higher for popular or well-known fortune-tellers, and some places require reservations, so it’s best to check in advance before visiting.
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind When Getting a Fortune-Telling Reading
1. Check if Japanese or English is available
Some fortune-telling cafés in tourist areas have fortune-tellers who can speak Japanese or English, but many local ones only speak Korean. It’s a good idea to have a translation app ready just in case.
2. Don’t rely on it too much
Korean fortune-tellers can be quite persuasive, but taking every word literally might cause unnecessary anxiety. Treat the reading as a helpful reference or fun cultural experience, rather than absolute truth.
3. Ask if recording is allowed
If you’d like to record the session so you don’t forget the details, ask for permission first. Some fortune-tellers don’t allow audio recording, so always confirm beforehand.
4. Bring cash
Not all places accept credit cards. Especially at street-style booths or small fortune-telling tents, cash payment is the norm, so it’s best to prepare some in advance.
🔮 Recommended Fortune-Telling Spots for Tourists
1. Myeongdong Tarot Café (명동 타로카페)
Located in the heart of Myeongdong, this is one of the most accessible and tourist-friendly fortune-telling cafés in Seoul.
There’s usually a Japanese-speaking fortune-teller available, so you can relax and enjoy your session while sipping on a drink in a cozy café atmosphere.
- Hours: 11:00–22:00
- Japanese Support: ◎
- Nearest Station: Right in front of Myeongdong Station, Exit 6
2. Insadong Fortune-Telling Alley (인사동 운세골목)
This is like a spiritual hub for traditional Korean fortune-telling, with rows of experienced fortune-tellers specializing in Saju and Face Reading.
It’s perfect for those who want a more serious and authentic reading, rather than a light, tourist-style experience.
- Hours: Varies by shop
- Japanese Support: △ (translation app recommended)
- Atmosphere: Traditional and professional
3. Hongdae Fortune-Telling Cafés (홍대 운세카페)
In the youthful and trendy Hongdae area, you’ll find many modern tarot cafés with stylish interiors.
These spots are often popular on social media, offering a fun, casual experience — great for taking photos too!
- Easy to enter thanks to the relaxed café setting
- Some places offer service in English or basic Japanese
- Love and compatibility readings are especially popular here
🔥 Latest Trends in Korean Fortune-Telling
Thanks to SNS buzz and word of mouth — “It’s so accurate!” — fortune-telling has made a strong comeback, especially among young women.
One of the hottest trends right now is “idol compatibility readings”, where fans have their fortunes read to see how well they match with their favorite K-pop idols. It’s become a fun subculture among Korean and international K-pop fans alike.
Online fortune -telling has also become more common — if you understand some Korean, you can even have a session via Zoom or other video platforms.
In addition, “fortune-telling × café × aesthetic photo” concepts are trending, where people visit stylish fortune-telling cafés not only for readings but also to take Instagram-worthy photos of the experience.
Summary
Korean fortune-telling culture is extremely diverse and deeply embedded in everyday life, even compared to Japan.
There are many places where you can easily experience it while sightseeing, making it a valuable opportunity not just to check your luck, but also to immerse yourself in Korean culture itself.
Next time you visit Korea, consider taking a peek into the world of fortune-telling — it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Fortune-telling is, after all, just a hint to better understand yourself.
Why not try experiencing Korean fortune-telling as a memorable part of your trip, or as a brief opportunity for self-reflection?
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