The Republic of Korea, or South Korea, occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. South Korea is a truly modern, interesting, and exhilarating tourism destination, completely separate and autonomous from its northern neighbour.
Cities like Seoul, with its pulsating nightlife and access to cutting-edge technology, provide everything an urban traveller could want from a major city.
Top 10 Places to Visit in South Korea
There are, however, beautiful national parks and other areas in South Korea where you may relax and take in the scene. There is so much to see and do in South Korea, from the coastal islands to the dangerous border region in the middle of the Korean Peninsula.
1. Suwon
Located around 30 kilometres (20 miles) outside of Seoul, Suwon serves as the provincial capital of Gyeonggi Province. It is simple to get there from Seoul by either vehicle or train, but few visitors bother to stop there.
The World Cup Stadium, often known as Big Bird, held the quarterfinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and may be seen if you travel there. If you’re not into soccer, you can always visit the Hwaseong Fortress, which dates back to the 18th century and features beautiful architecture and even an archery range.
2. Chuncheon
The main city of Gangwon Province, Chuncheon, is located in a beautiful region characterised by picturesque lakes and high mountains. Many tourists visit Chuncheon in the hopes of seeing the sites from the hit Korean soap opera Winter Sonata, which is filmed there.
Others visit Chuncheon due of its reputation as a culinary paradise. Visit Dakgalbi Street after seeing significant sights like Soyang Dam, Statue Park, or Cheongpyeong-sa Temple. Dakgalbi, a dish of grilled chicken with spicy veggies and rice, can be found on this street. Many eateries along the strip all serve a variant of the same famous meal.
3. Busan
Busan is the second-largest city in the country. In addition to being a major port, it is well-known for its stunning beaches, therapeutic hot springs, and plenty of outdoor activities. The Gamcheon Cultural Village in Busan has been called the “Santorini of Korea” for its picturesque location atop a hill overlooking the harbour.
You can also visit various temples in Busan, the most well-known of which is Beomeosa Temple. Haeundae Beach, Taejongdae Park, and the stunning Nakdong River Estuary Migratory Bird Sanctuary are just a few of the most visited attractions, along with the usual array of shops and museums one would expect in a city of this size.
4. Jeonju
Jeonju served as the Joseon Dynasty’s spiritual capital during its golden age. Temples and museums have made modern-day Jeonju one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations. Visit the Jeonju Hanok Village to immerse yourself in Korean history and culture.
There, you may learn how to produce Hanji paper or sip locally crafted soju, as well as see historic homes that date back to the early 20th century. The spectacular Jeonju National Museum, housing an astounding collection of relics, is another famous destination in the city. Bibimbap, a staple of the Korean diet, may be traced back to Jeonju.
5. Seoraksan National Park
Visit Seoraksan National Park for hiking, sightseeing, or epic photo ops at South Korea’s most famous mountain range. Pine forests, rugged mountain summits, clear streams, and beautiful lakes can all be found within the park’s boundaries.
More than 2,000 different kinds of animals make Seoraksan National Park their home. The National Park Visitor Centre has free maps available in English and Korean, and is a good place to start your exploration of the park. Then, take use of the park’s extensive network of well-marked hiking paths.
6. Andong
Andong’s long history has earned it the title of “Capital City of Korean Spiritual Culture.” Andong Hahoe Folk Village, where local culture is preserved and shared with visitors, is one of the city’s most popular destinations.
Foodies, however, are the ones who will have the most fun in Andong. Jjimdak, a famous chicken and noodle dish, is only one of the many city delicacies. Andong is the birthplace of a distinctive brand of alcohol known as soju; sample some before you go.
7. Jeju Island
Jeju Island, the sole Special Autonomous Province in South Korea, is located off its southern coast. The subtropical island of Jeju, sometimes known as the “Island of the Gods,” is a popular honeymoon and holiday destination in South Korea.
Jeju is known for its abundance of natural and manmade attractions, including beaches, lava tunnels, and verdant landscapes. The Seongeup Folklore Village is a great place to learn about Korean history and culture, and nearby Glass Castle is a theme park dedicated to glass sculptures.
Loveland, a theme park with romantic and adults-only attractions, is one of the more unusual and contentious places to visit on Jeju.
8. DMZ
North and South Korea are separated by the demilitarised zone (DMZ). This area is designated as a no-fire zone. Travelers are welcome to the DMZ, but some parts of the zone should be avoided. A limited section of the DMZ, the Joint Security Area (JSA), is accessible to the general public.
You can actually step foot in North Korea in the JSA, although in the same building as South Korean troops. There is also a gift shop where you may purchase North Korean stamps, wine, and cash. Keep in mind that the Demilitarized Zone can only be visited by those on a sanctioned and guided tour.
9. Gyeongju
In the past, the Silla Kingdom called Gyeongju its capital. This means the age of the city exceeds two thousand years. There are many temples and cultural festivals to enjoy in Gyeongju, making it a fantastic travel destination.
Visit the Bulguksa Temple to kick off your vacation, a Buddhist architectural and artistic marvel from the 8th century. Visit the Seokguram Grotto, located a little distance uphill from the temple, to learn more more about Buddhist history and art.
The Covered Market is a must-see, since it houses a wide variety of shops offering anything from Silla trinkets to freshly prepared Korean treats.
10. Seoul
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is the country’s largest metropolis and a popular tourist destination in East Asia. It’s likely that you will spend at least some time in Seoul if you travel to South Korea. There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Seoul, but the city’s various palaces tend to be where first-time visitors start.
Two of the best palaces are the 15th-century Changdeok-gung and the spectacular Gyeongbok-gung. In addition to some of Asia’s finest restaurants, you’ll find ancient temples and shrines, gorgeous public parks, innovative architecture, modern retail centres, and more.
