Best Place to Visit in Korea (Our Top 10 Picks)
Best Places to Visit in South Korea
While only 60 years ago, South Korea was considered a developing country, the times have changed. It’s now one of Asia’s economic and cultural leaders. From ultra-modernism to ancient history, Korea has it all. It is very tough to pick out places now, as there are hundreds of important places available in Korea. I still pick out the top 10 places that you should visit when you come to Korea. Let’s jump into it.
Seoul, the capital city of Korea, is the perfect starting point for your visit to the country. The city is filled with a wide range of tourist attractions of all types, from outdoor adventures to indoor fun. When you have just arrived at Incheon International Airport in Korea, why would you miss the Seoul trip first?
- Transmission Tower beams
- Bakchon Hanok Village
- Myeong-dong street
- Myeong-dong Catholic Church
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Lotte World Amusement Park
In Seoul, you can visit the first integrated transmission tower for beams, television, and radio broadcasts. Although it opened to the public in 1980, it has become a favorite landmark among locals and visitors.
A particular neighborhood that stands out for its architectural beauty and history is the Bukchon Hanok Village. It has been preserved over time and was home to highly ranking officials from the Joseon dynasty. You will be able to enjoy the beauty of its streets while walking around wearing the traditional Korean costumes of the time.
Let’s walk through Myeong-dong street, where you can find everything you need. From renewing your closet to enjoying delicious street food and dishes from various restaurants in the surroundings.
As you walk through Myeong-dong, why would you not visit the Myeong-dong Catholic Church? It is the first Catholic church built in South Korea, with a fascinating Gothic style that you can’t miss.
Going forward to Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the five palaces that prevail from the Joseon dynasty era, is a significant step. It is the most important of all palaces, a large complex that towers over the city and holds a special place for Seoul’s people.
We know that fun is something you always look for when visiting a new place, and Lotte World Amusement Park has it all. However, being a top-rated amusement park, be ready for very big crowds. Nonetheless, it’s an experience you should not miss.
Busan
The second place you must visit is Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea. Busan is a pretty exciting place, and it’s famous for hiking and visiting the Buddhist Temples located deep within the region’s mountains.
- The Beomeosa Temple
- Dongbaek Island
- The Nakdong River Estuary
- Haeundae Beach
- Gwangbokdong Food Street
- Gamcheon Culture Village
Do you love history? If not, no problem, because you will fall in love with the history of Korean people and how they lived life in the past. The Beomeosa Temple, founded in 678 AD, is perhaps one of the most frequented temples in the area, and is always packed with worshipers and tourists.
For art buffs, Busan offers several museums and historical buildings. If scenery is your thing, then visiting Dongbaek Island is a must, or you can birdwatch at the Nakdong River estuary. Haeundae Beach, a remarkable beach that you can barely believe, is at the edge of such a massive city.
I am hungry. Let’s go straightaway to Gwangbokdong Food Street, a skinny street teeming with food shops and restaurants.
Gamcheon Culture Village is another favorite destination. It’s far away from the hustle and bustle of the town. You will feel the calm, artistic flair, quirky atmosphere, and stunning views of the surrounding area. You can explore the narrow alleyways adorned with murals, sculptures, and art installations, making it an ideal location for leisurely strolls and photo opportunities. Additionally, visitors can purchase maps for a scavenger hunt to discover hidden gems within the village.
Incheon
From art, entertainment, fashion, history, and nature, Incheon has it all and even more. Throughout the city, historic sites and places of historical importance await tourists.
- Gwangseongbo Fortress
- Incheon Chinatown
- Incheon Grand Park
- Jeondeungsa Temple
- Incheon Art Platform
- Wolmido Island
Andong
We went to very exciting places that were modern. Now, it’s time to find something cool and delve deep into nature. Andong is a traditional and historical place, which was founded 2000 years ago, and Buddhist temples are pretty famous in the area.
- Andong Fold Village
- Bongjeonsa Temple
- Wolyeonggyo Bridge
- Hanok Village
Andong Folk Village is a traditional folk village from the Joseon dynasty, preserving Joseon period-style architecture, folk traditions, valuable books, and the tradition of clan-based villages.
If you are interested in how people in the past used wood in art, the best place to visit is Bongjeonsa Temple, which showcases the wooden architecture of Korea.
Taking a walk at Wolyeonggyo Bridge, which is the longest wooden bridge in Korea, you’ll come across a small Hanok Village. The bridge is better known as the Moonlight Bridge. It is recommended that you visit the place in the evening so that you can enjoy the beauty of the night and the city’s annual traditional dance festival. Let yourself be enchanted for ten days.
Suwon-si
Suwon is a historical landmark and the biggest city in the province of Gyeonggi. It is almost entirely enclosed by 18th-century fortifications.
Suwon city center showcases an astonishing fusion of old and new. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hwaseong Fortress provides a remarkable introduction to Suwon. Scroll along the city walls to discover fascinating military innovations used by the fort’s architects.
If you are visiting Suwon, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is a must-visit attraction. Inside the palace, you can still find the goods and items that were used during the Joseon Dynasty. If you come and visit Hwaseong Palace, please enter in the evening to explore the day and night of the heritage city. A visit to Suwon would not be complete without exploring it.
- the Yeonmudae.
- Paladulmun Gate.
- Korean Folk Village
Gyeongju-Si
Looking for history? It is the main destination in South Korea for visitors who are interested in the cultural heritage of Silla and architecture of the Joseon dynasty.
- Bulguksa Temple
- Donggung Palace
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex
- Cheomseongdae Observatory
- Gyochon Traditional Village
Bulguksa Temple is famously known as the “Temple of the Buddha Land”. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to 528 during the Silla Kingdom.
Donggung Palace is another popular spot, especially for nighttime views of Gyeongju. As a detached palace for Silla-era royals, Donggung was used as a residence for princes and for holding banquets for special occasions or guests. You can also see the large ancient tombs of kings and nobles of the Silla Kingdom around Gyeongju at the Daereungwon Tomb Complex.
Another tourist destination is the Cheomseongdae Observatory, which was originally constructed in the 7th century. It is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia.
Let’s finish up the Gyeongju-si tour by visiting another village called Gyochon Traditional Village. You will enjoy visiting the old villages and experiencing Korean tradition, along with many other activities.
Jeonju
Jeonju, with a slogan as explicit as “Feel Korea,” is explained far too well why it is the cultural capital! Although it is not precisely hidden, the influx of tourists to this city is way less than it could be. This is why you will enjoy some of the most relaxing and entertaining days of your visit.
Museums are free, you know, in the city, so when you come to Jeonju, don’t forget to visit various thematic museums.
Another thing is, if you want to wear traditional clothes, you are in the right place. So next, grab a hanbok and experience Korea on all levels while strolling around Gyeonggijeon Shrine.
Nami Island
It’s like a crescent moon, where people can access various activities to relax and entertain themselves – the magnificently beautiful Nami Island. It is the perfect place for whoever wants to enjoy nature peacefully.
If you want to enjoy entire Island, you should take ten hours to make the most of your stay by purchasing a ticket to enter the Island, you can take a round trip ferry from the Gapyeong pier without any problems.
Geoje
It’s more than just an island; Geoje is well known as the Blue City. Its charm lies in the many proofs of its relevance as a strategic place for the country’s defense. A significant number of fortresses mix with breathtaking natural attractions.
Visiting Hakdong Mongdol Beach, you will love the beautiful panoramic views, and sports lovers will be delighted with this ideal hiking route.
To complete your visit to Geoje, consider visiting the Mundong Waterfall! It’s the perfect place for those who love outdoor sports such as hiking or climbing. There is no excuse not to kick back and enjoy.
Yeosu
Yeosu is skyrocketing itself towards the top of the most beautiful beach cities in all of Asia. When you get a glance at the city guarded by mountains and small islands, you can see why.
One of the most satisfying things to do is to visit the local beaches, explore the murals of Angle Alley, a super charming area of Yeosu. Visiting Hyangiram Hermitage, a temple by the sea surrounded by the most impressive sceneries – views of the sea and eye-pleasing nature. You can also take a cable car to Dolsan Park. It’s a fun way to cross the water and see the city from afar.
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