Top 9 Iconic Architectural Landmarks in South Korea

Along with Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto is one of the most exquisite and renowned Buddhist masterpieces, commissioned by a king of the ancient Silla Kingdom. Nestled in a serene natural setting, visitors can feel the heartfelt devotion of the artisans who sculpted these sacred statues over a thousand years ago. It is only through unwavering dedication that such solid granite stones could be meticulously carved into these delicate works of art. Given its historical and artistic significance, these two landmarks are essential for any Buddhist devotee visiting South Korea.

Seokguram Grotto is not a tourist destination but a sacred site, a Buddhist sanctuary for personal reflection and spiritual growth. Over a thousand years ago, during the Silla Dynasty in Korea, a young boy named Kim Dae-seong, living in Moryang village, faced economic hardship and worked odd jobs to help his family. After attending a sermon by a Buddhist monk, he was inspired to convince his mother to donate their family's only possession, a piece of farmland, as an offering to accumulate blessings.

As a structure deeply influenced by Confucian philosophy, Jongmyo Shrine serves as a sacred site for royal burial rituals and is the eternal resting place for the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Established during the golden age of Joseon (1329 - 1910), the shrine became the most prominent symbol of Confucian thought as the philosophy spread across the Korean political and cultural systems. In ancient times, the shrine hosted important rituals to honor and worship ancestors through music and dance, a tradition that continues to this day in Korea. The shrine spans 19.4 hectares and is designed within an oval-shaped compound, surrounded by majestic valleys and low hills, making it an ideal location for royal worship and traditional ceremonies. Despite being damaged during the Japanese-Korean wars, the shrine has endured and remains a proud symbol of national heritage for the people of Korea.

Jongmyo Shrine contains 19 memorial halls dedicated to the 49 kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. The main hall, Jeongjeon, is the longest wooden structure in Korea. With its detailed architecture, from doors to columns, the shrine is regarded as a prime example of refined Korean architectural art. The purpose of the shrine is to honor the royal family, so there are 19 different rooms, each dedicated to a different monarch. These rooms are simple and unadorned, emphasizing minimalism rather than grandeur. Nevertheless, the overall structure conveys the majesty of the royal family through its impressive design.

Located in Gyeonggi Province, Hwaseong Fortress and Castle were built in the 18th century by a renowned architect of the Confucian school, primarily to protect the tomb of the late Joseon king. The massive fortress represents a unique blend of architectural styles, combining influences from Japan, China, and medieval Europe. Recognized as a pinnacle of military architecture worldwide, the fortress spans 5.74 km and is surrounded by 48 structures made from brick and granite. Known as the 'Fortress of Filial Piety,' Hwaseong was also a nearly impenetrable defensive stronghold and served as the southern capital of Korea during its time.

The Hwaseong Fortress was constructed by King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, to honor his father, Crown Prince Sado. Crown Prince Sado was tragically locked in a rice chest by his father, King Yeongjo, and left to die. Upon ascending to the throne, King Jeongjo moved his father's tomb to Mt. Hwasan in Suwon, renamed the city to Hwaseong, and built the fortress as a new capital to relocate the population. Hwaseong Fortress is considered a masterpiece of 18th-century military engineering, combining the finest Eastern and Western techniques, with its walls and structures still intact and capable of both defense and trade functions.

Unlike the bustling and vibrant cities of Seoul or Busan, visitors to Gyeongju are immediately greeted by a serene, ancient atmosphere that permeates its landscapes, architecture, and even the air itself. Once the capital of the Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju was a pivotal city in the unification of the Korean Peninsula into a single, independent nation. The Silla Kingdom, known for its golden age, laid the foundations for Korean civilization and Gyeongju was one of the largest and most advanced cities in the world at the time. Although the Silla Dynasty eventually fell, the cultural and historical marks it left behind continue to resonate, and Gyeongju remains the most significant testament to this legacy.

Gyeongju is renowned for its royal tombs, ancient temples, and magnificent palaces. The city is home to at least three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Gyeongju National Park, along with many other fascinating attractions. In fact, it’s often said that even a week or a month may not be enough to fully experience the beauty and history of this city. One striking feature of Gyeongju is the scattered royal tombs that dot the landscape. More than 200 tombs of kings and queens are preserved here, many of which are covered in grass and mounded high, resembling small hills. The most famous of these is the Heavenly Horse Tomb, which belongs to a Silla king from the 5th century, a dynasty that produced over 10,000 priceless relics now housed at the Gyeongju National Museum.

Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia, located in Gyeongju, South Korea, is one of the most fascinating landmarks in the country. This observatory holds the distinction of being the first scientific observatory in the world built in the form of a stone tower. Besides being a popular tourist destination, it also attracts young people who come to learn about history and engage in cultural exchanges. According to historical records, Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty (632 - 647) commissioned the construction of the observatory in the 7th century. The structure, made entirely of stone, combines ancient architectural styles and stands 9.5 meters tall. It is considered the 31st treasure of South Korea and a significant part of the Gyeongju historical site. On December 20, 1962, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

With its unique stone tower shape, Cheomseongdae is celebrated as the oldest and most magnificent astronomical observatory in history. As a jewel of the Silla Dynasty, this stone observatory was ordered by Queen Seondeok during the 7th century. Standing 9.5 meters high, it was not only an ideal spot for studying the stars but also a mesmerizing sight at sunset, captivating every visitor who comes to admire its beauty. Today, this ancient structure continues to attract students and tourists who come to explore Korea's history and engage in cultural learning.

If you're looking to explore the rich traditions and unique culture of South Korea, don't miss out on visiting Bukchon Hanok Village. Nestled within the heart of Seoul, this historical village lies between the Jongmyo Shrine, Changdeokgung Palace, and Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is a well-preserved traditional village, maintaining its charm for over 600 years, and is home to narrow alleys, hanok houses, and ancient temple rooftops. The village was constructed with a distinctive architectural style, not only remarkable for its simple yet sturdy exteriors but also for the harmonious interior designs.

The buildings here primarily use natural materials, meticulously chosen to stand the test of time. As a result, many of the houses still retain their ancient appearance, tucked away under ginkgo trees. The doors of the houses in Bukchon Hanok Village are wide and made from wood, adorned with intricate decorative patterns. Most of the houses are numbered, and the winding streets, grey-tiled roofs stretching along the sloping alleys, cobblestone pathways, and jars of kimchi and soybeans by the doorsteps create a nostalgic atmosphere. While few people live in the village today, the houses are now used as traditional restaurants, guesthouses, tea houses, and cultural centers. The village is a perfect space to immerse yourself in the historical essence of Korea.

Located in the heart of Seoul, the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace is regarded as the most iconic architectural landmark of South Korea. Founded in 1392, it served as the residence of the royal family and the center of governance during the mighty Joseon Dynasty. The palace grounds are divided into three main sections: the ceremonial hall, the common living quarters, and the resting areas. The most significant building is the Gwanghwamun Gate, where the first thing you see upon entering is the Geunjeongjeon Hall, the site where important court meetings were held and where the king and queen resided. The palace combines Eastern architectural principles with natural, harmonious details, making Gyeongbokgung a true masterpiece of Korean heritage.

The palace gardens are a beautiful reflection of Korean landscaping artistry, showcasing the perfect blend of nature and human craftsmanship. Visitors may even be lucky enough to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, a reenactment of the glorious traditions of the past. The Geunjeongjeon Hall, the most important structure within the palace, was used for the king’s meetings and diplomatic ceremonies. Another notable site within the palace is Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a two-story structure where royal banquets and performances were held. It is adorned with intricate dragon and floral designs, with 48 stone pillars supporting its first level, reserved for lower-ranking officials, and the upper level reserved for the king and foreign diplomats.

Two Moon is a unique structure that combines two different architectural elements, blending both the exterior design and the interior connection seamlessly. While offering privacy, the design also reflects the unity between the two parts of the building. Located in the northwest of Seoul, South Korea, with a plot size of 711 m² and a building footprint of 598 m², the Two Moon building follows the Moon Hoon architectural style. The project was led by architect Moonbalsso, with ideas contributed by South Korean architects Yang Dukhyun and Park Jungwook.

The building was designed to reflect the vision of its owners, brothers Park Jaehong and Park Junhong, who wanted the structure to resemble two crescent moons standing side by side. The building features a lighting system inspired by the Sagittarius and Taurus constellations, and the entire project cost 500 million KRW (almost 1 billion VND). Situated in an area with a relatively free-flowing urban layout, the design integrates with surrounding buildings, which include commercial spaces, residential apartments, and government offices. The building is divided into two parts, with a central open space between them, allowing for parking and addressing urban planning challenges in the city.

Built during the Silla Beopheung era, Bulguksa Temple has had a profound influence on the lives of the people at that time. During this period, Buddhism was the state religion in Korea, which led to a significant investment in the construction and decoration of the temple. The intricate designs of the temple feature small stone pieces arranged in traditional patterns, such as lotus flowers, the sky, and birds, with shimmering colors that symbolize the aristocracy. This temple is considered a masterpiece representing the golden age of Buddhism in Korea. Over the centuries, Bulguksa has faced destruction and reconstruction, but it continues to attract tourists and researchers alike for its historical and cultural value.

Like many other temples, Bulguksa offers a peaceful atmosphere that brings a sense of tranquility to visitors. The temple also preserves numerous valuable Buddhist heritage items. For these reasons, Bulguksa was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Visiting Bulguksa offers a unique experience, where one can appreciate the artistry and devotion behind the temple's creation. The temple is home to seven sacred treasures of Korea, such as the Dabotap Stone Pagoda, the Blue Cloud Bridge, and the gilded Buddha statue. The finely carved stone artworks were recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage in 1995.