Top 10 Must Visit Places in South Korea
South Korea also has several beautiful national parks and areas where you may relax and enjoy the scenery. There are innumerable things to do, see, and ... read more...experience on your next trip to South Korea, from the islands off the coast to the dangerous border zone in the middle of South Korea. Let’s follow our list of the must-visit places in South Korea!
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Seoul is absolutely one of the best places that no one wants to miss when visiting South Korea. Seoul is South Korea's largest metropolis and a popular tourist destination in East Asia. If you are going to stay in the country for any length of time, you will almost certainly visit Seoul. The city's attractions are endless, but many visitors begin with a visit to one of Seoul's many palaces.
The spectacular Gyeongbokgung and the 15th-century Changdeokgung are two of the top choices. Ancient temples and shrines, lovely public parks, cutting-edge design, retail complexes, and some of Asia's best food can all be found here. Seoul has been selected as the World Design Capital for 2010.
Place: Seoul
Best time to visit Seoul: March to May and September to NovemberSome of the best Seoul attractions are:
- Bukhansan National Park
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace
- Gwanghwamun Square
- Bukchon Hanok Village
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Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Kingdom in ancient times. Gyeongju is a city in North Gyeongsang Province. It is about an hour's drive or bus journey north of Busan, and it is a great day trip for anyone looking for a different kind of cultural experience. This gives the city a history of over 2,000 years. Gyeongju is a fantastic location with numerous temples and cultural festivals.
You can begin your journey with the Bulguksa Temple, a true work of Buddhist art and religion dating back to the 8th century. Then, from the temple, take a climb up to the Seokguram Grotto to see even more Buddhist culture and treasures. The Covered Market, which sells everything from Silla trinkets to freshly prepared Korean specialties, is a must-see place.
Place: Gyeongju
Best time to visit Gyeongju: March to May
Some of the best Gyeongju attractions are:
- Bulguksa Temple
- Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
- Cheonmachong Tomb
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Yangdong Folk Village
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The demilitarized zone, or DMZ, is the border between North and South Korea. It is regarded as a "no-fire zone". The DMZ is open to visitors. However, not all portions of the zone are secure. The JSA, or Joint Security Area, is the only part of the DMZ that is open to the public.
Although you will be inside a structure that also houses South Korean soldiers, you will be literally standing in North Korea in the JSA. You can also shop for stamps, wine, and cash from North Korea in a North Korean gift shop. It is important to note that the only way to see the DMZ is on a licensed and guided trip. The DMZ is incredibly long, stretching from coast to coast through two provinces in South Korea, and the climate will vary along its length. The eastern region of the country is particularly mountainous and freezes in the winter.
Place: DMZ (demilitarized zone), on the Korean peninsula that demarcates North Korea from South Korea
Some of the best DMZ attractions are:- Third Tunnel of Aggression
- Heyri Art Valley
- Dorasan Station
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Jeju Island, South Korea's only Special Autonomous Province, is located off the country's southern coast. Jeju, often known as the "Island of the Gods", is a subtropical location that is popular for honeymoons and vacations in South Korea. Jeju has a huge range of tourist attractions and amusement parks, in addition to stunning beaches, lava tubes, and lush green nature.
At the Seongeup Folklore Village, you can learn about the local culture, or go to Glass Castle, a theme park centered on glass sculptures. Loveland, a theme park with romantic and adults-only attractions, is perhaps Jeju's weirdest and most divisive attraction. Swimming, hiking, eating, and road-tripping are just a few of the activities available on Jeju Island.
Place: Jeju Island
Best time to visit: November to MaySome of the best Jeju Island attractions are:
- Seongsan Ilchulbong
- Udo Island
- Hallasan National Park
- Hamdeok Beach
- Manjanggul Cave
- Spirited Garden
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Andong is the next place that Toplist would like to suggest if you are searching for a place to go in South Korea. Because of its 2,000-year history, Andong is commonly referred to as the Capital City of Korean Spiritual Culture. Andong Hahoe Folk Village, where local cultural history is preserved and shared with visitors, is perhaps the city's most popular attraction.
A trip to Andong will be wonderful for anyone who loves food. This city, Andong, is home to a number of regional specialties, including the famous jjimdak chicken and noodle dish. Andong is also home to a unique form of Korean alcoholic beverage known as soju, so take a sip before leaving.
Place: Andong
Best time to visit: August, July, and JuneSome of the best Andong attractions are:
- Andong Hahoe Folk Village
- Woryeonggyo Bridge
- Hahoe Mask Museum
- Dosanseowon Confucian School
- Bongjeongsa Temple
- Andong Folk Museum
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Seoraksan National Park is the next name on the list of the best places to go in South Korea. You must visit the Seoraksan National Park if you want to go hiking, view South Korea's most famous mountain range, or just take some awesome photos. Pine forests, craggy and steep mountain summits, magnificent lakes, and crystal clear streams can all be found inside this beautiful park.
You can also find more than 2,000 animal species in Seoraksan National Park. You should begin your trip at the National Park Visitor Centre, where you may obtain both free English and Korean maps. After that, you can take advantage of the park's miles and miles of well-marked hiking trails. Some of the top destinations in Seoraksan National Park are Ulsanbawi Rock, Gwongeumseong Fortress, and the Bronze Buddha Statue.
Place: Seoraksan National Park
Best time to visit: All seasonsSome of the best Seoraksan National Park attractions are:
- Ulsanbawi Rock
- Gwongeumseong Fortress
- Bronze Buddha Statue
- Seoraksan Cable Car
- Sinheungsa Temple
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Jeonju is the next best place that you should miss when visiting South Korea. At its peak, Jeonju was the Joseon Dynasty's spiritual capital. Jeonju is now one of the top destinations to visit in South Korea, with several temples and museums. Make your way to the Jeonju Hanok Village if you wish to learn about the local culture and history.
There, you can visit traditional dwellings from the early twentieth century, produce Hanji paper, and drink soju made locally. The spectacular Jeonju National Museum, which houses an astounding collection of relics, is another famous destination in the city. Try the famous Korean cuisine Bibimbap, which originated in this region, while you are in Jeonju.
Place: Jeonju
Best time to visit: May, June, July, August, September, and OctoberSome of the best Jeonju attractions are:
- Jeonju Hanok Village
- Gyeonggijeon Shrine
- Jeondong Catholic Church
- Omokdae and Imokdae
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Which is the next place on the list today? Busan is the answer for you. In South Korea, Busan is the second most populous city. It is also a significant port, and it is famed for its gorgeous beaches, hot springs, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Gamcheon Cultural Village in Busan, dubbed "the Santorini of Korea" is a vibrant hillside village with a view of the water.
You will also have the opportunity to visit various temples while in Busan, the most prominent of which is the Beomeosa Temple. While the city has all of the shops and museums that one would expect from a metropolis of its size, Haeundae Beach, Taejongdae Park, and the magnificent Nakdong River Estuary Migratory Bird Sanctuary are among the most popular attractions.
Place: Busan
Best time to visit: May, June, July, and SeptemberSome of the best Busan attractions are:
- Busan Tower
- Kim Jae Sun Gallery
- Gamcheon Culture Village
- Haeundae Beach
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Chuncheon, the capital of Gangwon Province, is surrounded by beautiful lakes and high mountains. This is also the ninth name on the list of the best places to visit in South Korea. Winter Sonata is a popular Korean soap opera that is filmed in Chuncheon, and many visitors come to witness some of the most regular filming locations.
Other visitors come to Chuncheon for the food, as Chuncheon is known for being a foodie's dream. Head to Dakgalbi Street after visiting significant sights like the Soyang Dam, Statue Park, or Cheongpyeongsa Temple. The cuisine Dakgalbi, grilled chicken dinner with spicy veggies and rice, is popular on this street. Hundreds of restaurants line the street, each serving a slightly different version of the same renowned dish.
Place: Chuncheon
Best time to visit: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and NovemberSome of the best Chuncheon attractions are:
- Nami Island
- Jade Garden
- Gugokpo Waterfalls
- Gangchon Rail park
- Gubongsan Mountain Observatory
- National Museum of Chuncheon
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Suwon is the name that finishes our list of the best places to visit in South Korea. Suwon is the capital of Gyeonggi Province and is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Seoul. It is easily accessible by vehicle or train from Seoul, yet it is frequently overlooked by tourists.
If you go to Suwon, you will be able to view the World Cup Stadium, often known as "Big Bird", which hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. If soccer is not your hobby, you can choose to visit the famous 18th-century Hwaseong Fortress, where you can tour the architecture and even try your hand at archery. Other top attractions in Suwon include the Samsung Innovation Museum, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, and so on.
Place: Suwon
Best time to visit: May and OctoberSome of the best Suwon attractions are:
- Hwaseong Fortress
- Samsung Innovation Museum
- Hwaseong Haenggung Palace
- Hwahongmun Gate
- Suwon World Cup Stadium