South Korea is a beautiful country that is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. South Korea has something for every type of traveler, from ancient temples and palaces to stunning landscapes and modern cities. If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, here are some must-visit places that you shouldn’t miss.
Seoul
Seoul is the capital city of South Korea and is one of the most vibrant and bustling cities in Asia. The city perfectly blends ancient and modern architecture and boasts a vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and bustling nightlife. Some of the must-visit places in Seoul include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village.
Jeju Island
Jeju Island is located off the southern coast of the Korean peninsula and is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and volcanic landscapes. The island is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jeju Volcanic Island, Lava Tubes, and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a popular spot for watching the sunrise.
Gyeongju
Known as the “museum without walls,” Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage site with many ancient temples, tombs, and ruins that showcase the rich cultural history of Korea. Some of the must-visit places in Gyeongju include the Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the Cheomseongdae Observatory.
Busan
Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea and is a popular beach destination with stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline. Some of the must-visit places in Busan include Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and the Jagalchi Fish Market.
Andong
Andong is known for its traditional architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Hahoe Folk Village. The town is also famous for its traditional Korean masks and the Andong Mask Dance Festival, which takes place every autumn.
Jeonju
Famous for its food, Jeonju is a city located in the southwestern part of the country. It’s known for its traditional Korean cuisine, including bibimbap, and the Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village that has been preserved for centuries.
Sokcho
Located on the east coast of South Korea, Sokcho is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking in Seoraksan National Park and relaxing on the beach. Some of the must-visit places in Sokcho include Naksan Beach, Sokcho Beach, and the Seoraksan Cable Car.
DMZ
The Demilitarized Zone is a 4-km-wide buffer zone between North and South Korea that is open for tourism. You can visit the DMZ and learn about the Korean War’s history and the Korean Peninsula’s division. Some of the must-visit places in the DMZ include the Joint Security Area, the Third Tunnel of Aggression, and the Dora Observatory.
In conclusion, South Korea is a country that has something for every type of traveler. South Korea has everything from ancient temples and palaces to stunning landscapes and modern cities. So if you’re planning a trip to South Korea, be sure to add these must-visit places to your itinerary.
| Destination | Korean Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 서울 | The capital city of South Korea boasts a vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and bustling nightlife. Must-visit places include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village. Recommended for those who want to experience the energy of a modern city while also exploring ancient architecture. |
| Jeju Island | 제주도 | A popular tourist destination is known for its stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and volcanic landscapes. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jeju Volcanic Island, Lava Tubes, and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a popular spot for watching the sunrise. Recommended for nature lovers and adventure seekers. |
| Gyeongju | 경주 | A UNESCO World Heritage site with many ancient temples, tombs, and ruins that showcase the rich cultural history of Korea. Must-visit places include the Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the Cheomseongdae Observatory. Recommended for history buffs and those interested in Korean culture. |
| Busan | 부산 | The second-largest city in South Korea and a popular beach destination with stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline. Must-visit places include Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and the Jagalchi Fish Market. Recommended for beach lovers and those who want to experience a bustling city on the coast. |
| Andong | 안동 | Known for its traditional architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Hahoe Folk Village. The town is also famous for its traditional Korean masks and the Andong Mask Dance Festival, which takes place every autumn. Recommended for those interested in traditional Korean culture and festivals. |
| Jeonju | 전주 | Famous for its food, including bibimbap, and the Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village that has been preserved for centuries. Recommended for foodies and those interested in traditional Korean architecture. |
| Sokcho | 속초 | A popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking in Seoraksan National Park and relaxing on the beach. Must-visit places include Naksan Beach, Sokcho Beach, and the Seoraksan Cable Car. Recommended for nature lovers and those who want to experience the beach and mountains in one trip. |
| DMZ | 비무장지대 | A 4-km-wide buffer zone between North and South Korea that is open for tourism. Visitors can learn about the history of the Korean War and the Korean Peninsula’s division. Must-visit places include the Joint Security Area, the Third Tunnel of Aggression, and the Dora Observatory. Recommended for those interested in history and political science. |
Featured image by Daniel Bernard