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Pocket these amazing Korean beauties to plan for a poetic trip. Check out the list below!
The mysterious and enchanting landscapes of Korea beckon every traveler to experience its wonders. There are traditional villages and bustling urban centers, stunning islands, and magnificent natural scenery.
If you're wondering where to go in Korea, this is the list of top attractions in Korea, from famous landmarks to undiscovered gems, from rural villages, grand temples, and palaces to ancient fortresses and high-tech cities.
An interesting fact is that when it comes to Korea, most people only know about the capital Seoul and think that's the only worthwhile destination. However, Seoul is not all there is. Follow #teamKlook to explore the most new and amazing places in Korea that you can visit and discover.
1. The Capital Seoul
Seoul impresses you with its dizzying blend of modern architecture, vibrant nightlife, mass culture, beautiful parks, and glittering streets, making it one of the most famous spots in Korea and the best city to visit in Korea.
Seoul's vibrancy is not just a bustling urban center but also rich in history and culture. With its glamorous palaces, upscale restaurants, and fashion boutiques, Seoul is always captivating. The National Museum and War Memorial will take you through the country's history, while Gangnam's cool shopping district brings you the taste of the city's luxury about why you came to visit Korea.
- Ideal for: Nightlife, Shopping, Culture, Architecture
- Main attractions: Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Lotte World Theme Park, Bukhansan National Park, N Seoul Tower.
2. Jeju Island
Jeju Island, just 85km off the coast, is one of the most beautiful places in Korea and one of the most famous spots in Korea. Voted one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the pristine beauty of Jeju-do will leave you breathless.
Supernatural white sandy beaches surrounded by pine forests, volcanic craters, and lava caves, beautiful botanical gardens, and rich culture are some of the highlights of this natural paradise among the places near Seoul you definitely have to visit.
- Ideal for: Nature, Photography
- Main attractions: Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Hallasan National Park, Seopjikoji Promontory, Hyeopjae and Hamdeok Beaches, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.
3. Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Among Korea's famous attractions, DMZ stands out as one of the most renowned places to visit in Korea to gain deeper insights into the conflict between North and South Korea and the current situation. The DMZ features many intriguing sites providing a fascinating lesson in modern history.
You can glimpse into North Korea at the Observation Deck and feel adventurous walking through the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel. It's advisable to take a guided tour including a visit to the Joint Security Area (JSA).
- Ideal for: Historical Landmarks
- Main attractions: Freedom Park, Dorasan Station, Observation Deck
4. City of Busan
Skipping Busan on your Korea sightseeing itinerary would be unfair. The country's second-largest city hosts Asia's largest international film festival, boasting a captivating blend of skyscrapers, majestic mountains, beautiful beaches, and grand Buddhist temples, making it one of the most enticing places to visit in Korea.
Among the popular attractions in Busan are the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and the fascinating Jagalchi Fish Market. Food enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of seafood at numerous restaurants along with local delicacies at street food stalls scattered throughout the city.
- Ideal for: Beaches, Culture, Cuisine
- Main attractions: Haeundae Beach (with Sea Life Aquarium and Folk Square), Beomeosa Temple, Gwangalli Beach with the stunning backdrop of Gwangan Bridge, Hurshimchung Hot Springs.
5. Ancient Capital Gyeongju
Now's the time to explore Korea's historical treasure trove. Gyeongju served as the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, making it the earliest capital of Korea, enriched with numerous earliest and prehistoric sites. History enthusiasts will find their traditional roots and rich heritage here.
Gyeongju is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, often dubbed the “museum without walls” due to its plethora of cultural assets and archaeological sites like Bulguksa Temple and the National Museum housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts. Since the 5th century, it has been a significant center of Korean Buddhism.
- Ideal for: Culture, History, Nature
- Main attractions: Anapji Pond, Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, Seokguram Grotto.
6. Dadohaehaesang National Park
If you're looking for an unforgettable time amidst the ocean, head to Dadohaehaesang – the largest national park in South Korea, an archipelago comprising 1,700 islands and islets scattered across the East and West Seas. Here, you can either opt for leisurely beachside relaxation or add adventurous escapades to your bucket list with mountain hikes and sea kayaking.
Most islands in Dadohaehaesang National Park are uninhabited. You can swing by Cheongsando Island to enjoy fields of golden rape flowers, shimmering barley fields, or leisurely boat rides to admire the scenery at Hongdo and Heuksando islands.
- Ideal for: Nature, Tranquility, Photography
- Main attractions: Hongdo Island, Heuksando Island, Geomundo, and Baekdo
7. Pyeongchang Ski Resort Area
Nestled in the Taebaek Mountains, 180km from Seoul, Pyeongchang is a picturesque destination famed for long-distance hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. The prestigious Winter Olympics were also held in Pyeongchang in February 2018.
Odaesan National Park beckons avid hikers with snow-covered trails up the mountains, while ski resorts like Alpensia and Yongpyong are popular among skiers and snowboarders. You'll also find Buddhist temples nestled amid the hills.
The best time to visit is during autumn or winter to partake in all the exciting activities. It's a must-visit destination in South Korea to experience tranquility and inspiring natural beauty.
- Ideal for: Nature, Photography, Spirituality
- Main attractions: Woljeongsa Temple, Bongpyeong Village
8. Suwon City
As the capital of Gyeonggi-do Province, Suwon is renowned for Hwaseong Fortress, an iconic wall recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, featuring four temple-style gates, artillery towers, and observation decks.
Another magnificent structure here is Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Haeggung-dong Mural Village, and the old town area at Janganmun Gate. The unique destinations seem to be close to each other, making the city even more wonderful for day trips. A city bursting with interesting traditional and modern elements awaits you in Suwon.
- Ideal for: History, Architecture
- Main attractions: Suwon Hwaseong Museum, Everland Park, Gwanggyosan Mountain, Samsung Innovation Museum
9. Seoraksan National Park
#teamKlook loves a good long hike! Seoraksan National Park in Gangwon-do Province will greet you with temples, waterfalls, cable cars, and more throughout your journey. It's a UNESCO-protected national park, one of the most captivating places in South Korea, especially during autumn. Additionally, Seoraksan is enchanting in winter with misty mountains and snow-covered peaks, attracting many locals and tourists to enjoy the wilderness.
You can trek countless trails or simply enjoy a gondola ride up the mountain to admire some breathtaking views. As you wander through the 400,000 km2 biosphere reserve, prepare to be amazed by the giant Buddha statue too.
- Ideal for: Hiking, Adventure, Photography, Nature
- Main attractions: Baekdamsa Temple, Gyejo-am Hermitage, Yukdampokpo Waterfall, Nami Island
10. Andong Hahoe Village
Located along the beautiful Nakdong River, Andong Hahoe Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing a splendid picture of traditional Korean culture and rural life. Noteworthy about this village is its existence since the 9th century, where both commoners and nobles resided.
The village is also a fantastic place to sample traditional Korean delicacies, such as spicy Andong jjimdak chicken. Additionally, you'll get to explore local culture through festivals or handicrafts. Don't miss the traditional mask dance performances by locals.
- Ideal for: Culture, Tranquility, Nature
- Nearby attractions: Bongjeongsa Temple, Buyongdae Cliff, Hahoe Mask Museum
11. Upo Marsh
As Korea's largest natural marsh, Upo is an unmissable destination and one of the best free tourist spots in Korea. The wetland spans three different areas of Changnyeong-gun with a total area of 2,314,060m2.
They say the wetland area was formed nearly 140 million years ago, when the land collapsed and water flooded the area, creating marshes and lakes. It's home to about 1,500 species of plants and animals, and dinosaur footprints can be found in the nearby Sejin-ri area. You'll spot migratory birds flying low as you hike or bike through this terrain.
- Ideal for: Cycling, Nature walks, Photography, Birdwatching
- Nearby attractions: Upo Wetland Eco Center, Bugok Natural Hot Springs, Hwawang Mountain
12. Juknokwon City
If you're seeking a slow-paced life in Korea, head to Juknokwon, a bamboo forest with 8 paths featuring unique themes. What's fascinating is that Juknokwon is almost an evergreen forest, meaning even in the chilly winter, under a blanket of snow, this forest retains its vibrant green color. Particularly, you might spot some green tea buds sprouting from dew on bamboo leaves, known as Jukro tea.
You can take a leisurely 3 to 4-hour stroll through the towering bamboo forest, enjoying the fresh air, providing relaxation for the mind and body.
- Ideal for: Nature walks, Photography
- Nearby attractions: Damyang Gwanbangjerim Forest, Siga Culture Village, Bonghwangnu Observatory
13. Boseong Green Tea Fields
Boseong is one of the largest green tea producing regions in South Korea, accounting for 40% of the country's total tea production. Moreover, it offers a lively scenery often used as a backdrop for many Korean films and TV shows.
When visiting Boseong, you can hike through the lush greenery and enjoy the scenic views from above. Most people visit in spring (late March to late April) to see the first leaves sprouting on the tea bushes, or in summer (May to August) when the tea bushes are at their peak. If you plan to visit in May, make sure not to miss the grand green tea festival here. Additionally, in winter, the fields are illuminated, creating a dazzling, sparkling landscape.
- Ideal for: Nature walks, Photography
- Nearby attractions: 1913 Songjeong Station Market, Darangee Village
14. Kkotji Beach
For sunset enthusiasts, Kkotji Beach on Jeju Island is a must-visit destination in South Korea.
Located in Anmyeon-do, Kkotji Beach boasts a 5km stretch of white sandy beach and attractions such as Halbaebawi and Halmaebawi Rocks. Halmaebawi Rock is said to have been a real woman named Mido, who lived during the Silla period. Her husband went away and never returned. Mido sat by the ocean every day waiting for him to come back, eventually turning into stone. Further out to sea, there is a large natural rock formation nicknamed Halbaebawi.
Many visitors come to Kkotji Beach throughout the year to enjoy the beautiful scenery and stroll along the beach. The sunset view also becomes a favorite spot for photographers, as the sun sets between the two majestic rocks, and the sky lights up in orange hues.
- Ideal for: Sunset, Beachcombing
- Main attractions: Anmyeondo Leisure Forest, Island Resom Oasis Sunset Spa
15. Gacheon Daraengi Village
If you want to explore the rural life of Korea, you should visit Daraengi, a preserved village with beautiful terraced fields on a steep hill in the Seolheulsan mountainous region.
Situated in the south, the village enjoys a cool climate in winter and spring greens (such as mugwort and bina vegetables) sprouting earlier than anywhere else in Korea. The land of friendly people and fertile soil is also where the Darangee Rice Field Festival takes place every spring. The festival offers a range of fun activities, allowing visitors to experience traditional farming and learn about the cultural and natural heritage of Darangee Village, such as: rice planting, Ssireum wrestling (Korean wrestling), rice pounding, running on the fields, log carrying, and colorful performance events.
- Ideal for: Backpacking
- Nearby attractions: Hallyeohaesang National Park, Seomi Garden, Dumo Village
16. Jeungdo Ujeon Beach
Ujeon Beach stretches 4km along the southwest coast of Jeungdo Island, home to the largest natural salt production in South Korea. It's a treasure island not only for its massive salt reserves but also for the ancient artifacts found beneath the ocean floor.
The silver-white sandy shores along with the meandering coastline dotted with over 90 uninhabited islands make Ujeon Beach one of the most enticing coastal destinations. Additionally, clean water and pine forests provide perfect shade for visitors in the summer.
The beach is rich in germanium stones and often hosts the Germanium Festival every summer.
- Ideal for: Sightseeing, Scenic views
- Main attractions: Jjangttungeo Bridge, Taepyeong Yeomsaeng Botanical Garden, Salt Museum
17. Hapcheon Haeinsa Temple
Haeinsa Temple is one of the three largest temples in South Korea, founded by monks Suneung and Ijung in the third year of King Ae-jang's reign (802). The name 'Haein' comes from the phrase 'Haeinsammae of Hwaeomgyeong' (Buddhist Sutra). The woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana (National Treasure) and the Depository of the Stone Sutras (National Treasure), along with various treasures, are kept at Haeinsa Temple.
The best time to visit is late April and early May, when Buddha's birthday is celebrated vibrantly. Additionally, you can stroll around nearby Hapcheon Lake. It's said that many literary geniuses have been inspired by the grandeur of this lake.
- Ideal for: Sightseeing, Religious exploration
- Nearby attractions: Hongryudonggyegok Valley, Gayasan National Park, Gayasan Wildflower Garden
18. Naganeupseong Folk Village
For a more enriching experience during your trip to Korea, plan a visit to Naganeupseong Folk Village in Jeollanam-do, where you'll be transported back to the Chosun Dynasty era. The quaint thatched-roof houses, castle, guesthouses... all look very picturesque.
The village comprises three neighborhoods along the East, South, and West sides of the fortress walls. The village is well preserved overall, allowing visitors to observe the houses and lifestyles passed down from the past. Naganeupseong is highly regarded as a historical and cultural resource for studying traditional folk customs.
You'll truly enjoy your time here even if you're not a history enthusiast.
- Ideal for: Sightseeing, History
- Nearby attractions: The Deep Rooted Tree Museum, Naganminsok National Folk Village
19. Gyeonghwa Station
Gyeonghwa Station, famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, is a small railway station in Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. The station is located next to Seongjusa Station to the North and Jinhae Station to the South. Railway services to and from Gyeonghwa Station ceased in 2006, but it still attracts many tourists to admire the cherry blossoms.
Here, you can walk along the railway surrounded by rows of cherry blossom trees, creating a tunnel of flowers. Along with Anmingogae Road and Yeojwacheon Bridge, Gyeonghwa Station is one of the top three cherry blossom photo spots in Jinhae. This area has appeared in Korean TV dramas and films such as “Boy Goes to Heaven” (2005) and the TV drama “Spring Waltz” (2006).
Every year, during the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, there's a 'cherry blossom festival shuttle train,' where visitors can admire the cute flowers on a slow-speed train ride. The sight of the train entering the station under the cherry blossom tunnel is incredibly magical and simply unmissable.
- Ideal for: Sightseeing, Photography
- Nearby attractions: Environmental Science Energy Museum, Anmingogae Hill, Jehwangsa Park
20. Incheon City
Whether you're seeking delicious Chinese cuisine or colonial-era architecture, Incheon is the place for you. Among all the top destinations to visit in Korea, Incheon stands out. In Incheon, you'll find parks, markets, temples, ancient islands, and fairy-tale villages, where stories seem to come to life.
This city on the border of Seoul and Gyeonggi played a significant role in the Korean War. So, it's a great place to visit to learn about Korea's history. Whether you're interested in history or architecture, islands or parks, hills or villages, here you'll find every tourist spot you're interested in.
- Ideal for: Sightseeing, History, Culture, Photography
- Nearby attractions: Open Port Cultural Quarter & Incheon Chinatown, Baengnyeongdo Island & Daecheongdo Island, Central Park Songdo
With 20 beautiful destinations in Korea, from wild nature to modern lifestyle, you surely have your own itinerary for your upcoming trip to Korea. So why wait any longer to plan your Korean visa application and start your journey to explore the land of kimchi? Check out more interesting articles about Korean travel, Korean Street Food, Famous Korean Palaces, 7 Days 6 Nights Korea Travel Itinerary, Jeju Travel Shopping Guide, 7 Days 6 Nights Korea Travel Itinerary, 9 Days 8 Nights Korea and Japan Travel Itinerary…
Take time for yourself and admire the wonderful sights of Korea!
