Are you dreaming of exploring South Korea but don't know which famous tourist spots to visit? Join Mytour to discover the list of increasingly attractive tourist destinations in South Korea. What's more, some of these places are famous filming locations in Korean dramas!
Unmissable Tourist Destinations in South Korea 2024
Let's explore some of the highlights when visiting South Korea! These are definitely the places that will give you incredibly enjoyable experiences!
Gyeongbokgung Palace
One of the must-visit tourist attractions in South Korea is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Also known as Kyong-bok, meaning 'happiness will reign here forever,' this palace is considered the largest in South Korea. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Gyeongbokgung served as the main royal palace during many Joseon Dynasty reigns. Here, you'll witness the delicate beauty in every architectural detail and the traditional Korean artistry on roofs and walls. Additionally, you'll have the chance to dress up as historical figures such as kings, queens, princesses, princes, and more.
Gyeongbokgung Palace South Korea
Without using an excessive array of colors or extravagant embellishments like the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, Changdeokgung Palace employs only five basic colors: white, red, black, blue, and gold. Along with its simple yet sturdy architectural style, it creates a harmonious atmosphere while maintaining the majestic aura of the Joseon Dynasty.
The total area of the royal palace is 410,000m2, comprising 5,792 rooms and 330 pavilions. The main areas of this royal palace include the administrative area, living quarters, and recreational areas. Nowadays, this location frequently hosts military parades to recreate the glorious past of ancient royal dynasties.
Jeju Island
The next tourist destination in South Korea you shouldn't miss is Jeju Island. This renowned island has been featured multiple times in famous Korean dramas and reality shows that you might have watched before.
This island is the result of the formation of many underwater volcanoes. Besides attracting many tourists with its picturesque and romantic landscapes, Jeju Island also offers various types of tourism such as the Glass Castle, Ghost Road, Jeju Folk Village, and Love Park.
Namsan Tower
Among the top 3 tourist destinations in South Korea, Namsan Tower cannot be overlooked. Officially known as N Seoul Tower, Namsan Tower is a telecommunications tower and observation deck located on Mount Namsan in the capital city of Seoul.
Namsan Tower South Korea
Namsan Tower is the first television and radio tower in South Korea. This place is also famous for thousands of love locks hanging on the fence.
It would be wonderful if you and your loved one come here and engrave your love memories on a love lock together. Couples hang love locks on the terrace near the entrance of the tower along with a note.
Nami Island
Named after General Nami, Nami Island is a beautiful artificial island located 63km north of the capital Seoul. Thanks to the television drama 'Winter Sonata' and its romantic natural scenery, this place has become a popular tourist destination in South Korea.
The island has a relatively small area. Visitors can explore the entire island in just half a day. In addition, the efforts to preserve nature and recycle old items on the island are highly commendable.
Nami Island is a super hot check-in spot in South Korea
Here, you will be delighted by the fresh air and picturesque scenery of Nami. There are 4 roads on Nami Island, with rows of trees on each side, each place only planting a single type of tree. They are: Metasequoia trees, Ginkgo trees, Cherry blossoms, and Rowan trees.
Everland
Designed based on the model of the US Disneyland, Everland is South Korea's first amusement park, opened in 1976. It is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in South Korea, known as the most modern and magnificent entertainment paradise in the land of kimchi.
When visiting Everland, you will have 5 areas to enjoy: Magic Land, Adventure Land, Topia Zoo, European Adventure, and Roller Coaster.
Everland Amusement Park South Korea
Everland Park is the premier amusement park and the highlight destination in South Korea tours. Here, you can indulge in endless fun, explore a world full of romance, and experience thrilling adventures with exciting rides.
Lotte World
Lotte World is considered the most vibrant and sophisticated entertainment complex in South Korea. It boasts the world's largest indoor amusement park. This is one of the most appealing tourist destinations in South Korea.
Lotte World promises to bring you captivating experiences
Lotte World is a complex consisting of a theme park, shopping center, hotel, duty-free shops, and discount shopping area. It can be said that visiting Lotte World, you will satisfy your shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing needs without having to travel far.
Lotte World is divided into two zones: the Indoor Adventure and the Magic Island outdoor area. The Indoor Adventure zone offers many exciting games such as tug-of-war, Spanish pirate ship,... If you enjoy adventurous games like Free Fall, Gyro Drop,... then head to the Magic Island area.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the must-visit tourist spots in South Korea due to its tranquility and ancient charm. This village is preserved and intact according to the traditional design of ancient Korea.
Bukchon Hanok Village in South Korea
You'll have the chance to experience unique Korean culture: home life and decoration; watching dancers in traditional costumes; traditional weddings;... Another wonderful thing when visiting here is to wear traditional hanbok and take photos on the village streets. You'll surely capture some beautiful moments!
As one of the most beautiful ancient villages in Seoul and Asia as a whole, Bukchon Hanok is a place you shouldn't miss when traveling to Seoul, South Korea.
Busan Coastal City
Located in the southeast of the capital Seoul, Busan is the largest port city in South Korea. It boasts vast beautiful beaches, long rivers, hillside houses, and friendly, gentle locals.
Busan City boasts bustling famous beaches such as Haeundae Beach, Songdo, Gwangalli,... Additionally, you can explore Jagalchi Fish Market. It's a large and renowned seafood market nationwide, with thousands of exotic and fresh sea fish.
Busan Aquarium Park
Walking through the tunnel of Busan Aquarium Park, you'll feel like you're strolling along the seabed. This tourist destination in South Korea features countless marine creatures swimming above your head. The park's simulated devices stimulate imagination and provide you with a fresh perspective on life under the ocean.
Busan Aquarium Park South Korea
Morning Calm Flower Garden
Located in Gapyeong city, Morning Calm is a large eco-park with thousands of colorful flowers and beautifully landscaped trees. It's also the garden used to shoot the final episode of the famous South Korean TV series 'Beautiful Girl'.
During the day, Morning Calm emits a gentle fragrance that attracts visitors. As the moon rises high, this tourist spot in South Korea adorns itself with millions of sparkling lights.
Loveland Park
Loveland is a theme park in South Korea not suitable for children under 18. Inaugurated in 2004, the park features unique sculptures on sex education created by college students.
Loveland Park South Korea
The artworks depict intimate poses authentically and candidly, often causing viewers to blush. It's this uniqueness that makes Loveland Park one of the top tourist attractions in South Korea when visiting Jeju.
Seongeup Folk Village
Seongeup Folk Village comprises numerous houses from the Joseon dynasty. It's also a place that preserves and conserves the traditional cultural heritage of Korean history and the people of Jeju Island.
Seongeup Folk Village South Korea
Notably, the village served as the main backdrop for South Korea's most popular drama - 'Jewel in the Palace'. Hence, while exploring this village, you'll come across many posters showcasing scenes from this prestigious drama erected along the pathways.
Gangnam District
Gangnam is the central district located in the southern part of Seoul, South Korea's capital. It's also the epitome of luxury and glamour: an entertainment hub, shopping paradise, home to luxury hotels, and residences of the country's wealthiest individuals.
Additionally, Gangnam boasts other attractions such as the kimchi culinary museum, preserving historical documents and the development process of Korea's iconic cuisine. Not to forget the dazzling skyscrapers illuminating the night sky.
The vibrant atmosphere in Gangnam will make you forget your way back.
Gangnam is likened to Tokyo of Japan or New York of the United States. What's more, Gangnam has become one of the top tourist destinations in South Korea following the craze of the song “Gangnam Style”. The song has somewhat elevated Gangnam's already lively reputation, attracting even more visitors.
Gyeongju Ancient Capital
Situated in the Gyeongsang Province in northern South Korea, Gyeongju Ancient Capital is a must-visit tourist destination in South Korea. It attracts travelers with its ancient charm, along with historical sites, temples, pagodas, and palaces.
Gyeongju - the capital of Korea during the Silla dynasty. It's known as a “wall-less museum” evoking the over 1,000-year reign of the illustrious Silla kingdom.
Gyeongju Ancient Capital South Korea
When mentioning Gyeongju, one immediately recalls the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. For example, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto - revered as the epitome of Korean Buddhist culture.
Samsung Art Museum
The Samsung Leeum Art Museum, established in 2004, is located on Itaewon Street in Yongsan District. Leeum is one of Seoul's most diverse museums, divided into 3 distinct buildings. This tourist destination in South Korea showcases artifacts alongside contemporary works by both local and international artists.
Myeongdong District
Located in the heart of Seoul, Myeongdong District is a shopping and dining paradise for locals and tourists alike. You'll be amazed by the vastness spanning across numerous streets on the ground and underground areas of this shopping district. Here, you'll feel the vibrancy and liveliness of Korea amidst colorful lights and endless invitations.
Seoul National Park – Bukhansan
Bukhansan National Park is situated north of the city center, just a few minutes away by public transportation. Baegundae Peak is the highlight of this park.
From the summit, you'll enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of Seoul. Every year, millions of tourists come here to hike the trails, visit Buddhist temples, observe birds, admire nature, and breathe in the fresh air.
Explore South Korea with Mytour
With the list of tourist destinations in South Korea provided above, Mytour hopes you'll have an unforgettable trip with your loved ones. If you don't want to hassle with arranging your itinerary, you can consider our South Korea tour packages.
Mytour offers a variety of tours, including leisure travel and exploration tours. These packages offer exciting and unique experiences with high-quality service at very affordable prices. Call our hotline Mytour for the best advice!