Another great destination if youre interested in South Koreas natural side is Naejangsan National Park. Dotting this idyllic destination are also a whole series of Dol Hareubang statues carved from lava rocks. When you start planning your visit, a common question where are the best places to visit in South Korea, to enable you to start planning your itinerary. The main temple complex is guarded by four stone lions signifying joy, sorrow, anger, and happiness. In addition to beautiful beaches, lava tubes and lush green scenery, Jeju boasts a long list of tourist attractionsand amusement parks. First built in 1396,the Seoul wallstretches along a length of 18.6 kilometres. On brisk fall mornings, the mountains surrounding this temple are slathered with a sea of clouds, and the sight of the sun rising through this dense whiteness of clouds renders the viewer speechless. The walk-up should take between one to three hours, and will have any nature lover in their element this is one of the best things to do in Daegu South Korea. Jeju Island is a very popular tourist destination with its own international airport. There are a lighthouse, a gingerbread house and some great views of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak from the end of the lighthouse. Popular places for tourists to visit in Sokcho include the following options. Although its possible to visit Nami Island year round, the beautiful trees and forest trails look their absolute best when the colors change in autumn. Originally founded in 794, the temples history expands over more than 1,000 years and offers a tranquil and surreal experience. Tracing the shores of its emerald waters is the regal palace. The most well-known place is the imposing UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hwaseong Fortress. Being the third-largest city in South Korea, there are so many fun things to do in Daegu. 6. The old town of Jeonju is very photogenic and filled with stores and cafes. Awash in a flood of light, the palace gleams as the pond lives up to its name with the reflection of the luminous moon. Gyeongju, an ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty, boasts the nickname "a museum with no walls.". Setting the tone is Busan Port, the oldest and largest in the country (and also the sixth busiest in the world), handling some 80% of South Korea's container cargo. And there you have a wonderful starting point for your travel itinerary for South Korea. Brazil, Argentina, Chile. As the birthplace of tech powerhouse Samsung Electronics, Suwon has a modern side to it as well, and with a visit to the Samsung Innovation Museum, you can find out about the companys story. Purchase the ticket to Apsan mountain just near the entrance to the cable car. 2. Namsan Tower (Mt. 33 Unmissable Landmarks in Florida (2022) | How Many Do You Know? Here are some of the best places in the world to watch the sunrise and fall: 10 Places to watch the Sunset in California, 7 Best Places To Watch Sedona Sunsets, 18 Spectacular Spots for the Best Sunsets in Seattle, 5 Stunning Santorini Sunsets, 8 Sunsets in Ibiza, 19 Spots to watch San Diego Sunsets, 11 Places to see the Venice Sunset, 17 Key West Sunsets Spots for Great Views, 15 Best Places to see San Francisco Sunsets, 6 Spots to Watch Sunrise in Paris, 21 Spots to see the Sunset Ottawa Style, 9 Best Places to see Maui Sunsets, 11 Places to see Sunset Edinburgh style, 16 Places to see the Best Sunsets in the World, 18 Best Places to watch the Sunset in Melbourne, 11 Best Places to watch the Sunset in Tucson, 11 Best Spots to watch the Sunset in Glasgow, 15 Places to see Sunsets in London and 9 Spots to watch the Sunrise in London. The best photographs of Sungsan Sunrise Peak (the first item on this list) can be taken here at Seopjikoji. The temple and its surrounding area also hosts a sweet potato festival early every January. After spending my 20s and 30s as a Marketing Director who made use of every vacation day travelling the world I am now a nearly full time travel blogger who focuses on unique adventures in interesting places which end with a high thread count on the sheets and a decent glass of wine! Also known as the Temple on the Coast or Water Temple, it is a popular spot to watch the sunrise, especially on the first day of the year. Below are some fantastic things to do on Ganghwa island: Dont miss my Korea Itinerary to help you plan your trip. It is very easy to access Cheonjiyeon waterfall it is almost in Seogwipo. Fun fact: Nami Island was not an island until the 1940s, when the Cheongpyeong dam was built. No wonder it is a National Monument. It was quite basic but it did have 2-minute noodles. Home to rolling fields of tea plantations, Boseong supplies around 40% of all the tea produced in Korea. 3. Destinations. A brief steam train ride (they don't make 'em like this anymore, literally) is available for tourists, who can also enjoy a bike hike on a trail bike or a romantic walk beside the train track. The area of Insa-dong is also home to several captivating museums such asKyung-in Museum of Fine Art, the Beautiful Tea Museum and the quirkyAlive Museum. Seoul Forest 8. The scenery of Seopjikoji has also been captured by several Korean films and dramas, including "All In," one of the first Hallyu dramas starring Lee Byung-hun and Song Hye-kyo. The temple's other landmarks include the oldest wooden Buddha statue in Korea (the Haeinsa Vairocana) and a UNESCO world heritage Janggyeong Panjeon ( a "storage hall of Buddhist Sutras"). Whether youre a diehard foodie or a fan of history or you love getting into the outdoors and hiking, travel in South Korea can take whatever form you want it to. The garden is so enormous it takes up 60% of the palace ground. Suwon is another great place to visit on a trip to South Korea. This white sandy beach is perfect for families with its shallow water (average depth of 1.2 meters), nearby amenities, and camping in the pine forest surrounding the beach. November 25, 2021 at 8:38 a.m. EST. Indulge in spa treatments at one of the country's legendary wellness resorts, with programmes that target physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. The Suncheon Bay Reed Festival is held every year in October, but the bay is just as beautiful and charming any other month of the year. The 16th largest city in Korea, Jeonju is a melting pot for an eclectic food scene, historical architecture, hanok guesthouses, scenic environs, and buzzing nightlife. #4 - Gyeongbokgung Palace - Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Seoul Gyeongbokgung is a fascinating historic building in Seoul and a must-visit! Get to know us better on our about us page. If you're looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in South Korea, this activity is for you! Living in Seoul with 10 million other people can urge you to want an escape away from the crowded subways and city streets. Namwon in the Snow Photoshoot. You have successfully joined the South KoreaTravel Planningsubscriber list. 1. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. The beauty of the trails for Mount Hallasan is that there are various routes to choose from depending on whether you want a relaxing, moderate or steep climb. Neighbourhoods Flea & Street Markets. Visitors can hike on Olle road, or opt for a scooter ride along the shore, a submarine excursion or sea fishing. Legend has it that the wife of a base commanding officer in the Shilla Dynasty became the Granny Rock when she died after waiting faithfully for her husband. Gyeongju is easy to get to from Seoul the fast trains make the journey to Singyeongju Station in just over two hours, and from there you can take a bus for 30 minutes to reach the centre of Gyeongju. Required fields are marked *. Daecheongbong Peak, with a height of 1,708 meters, is the highest peak within the parks borders and offers exhilarating views. Although not too well-known among international visitors, Jeonju sees loads of Korean visitors, partly due to its important culinary contributions. In addition, Jeonju has the largest Hanok village in South Korea, with over 600 Hanok houses to stay in and explore. Notable historic sites include Jongmyo, Changdeokgung Palace, and Mandaemun gate. The 2018 Winter Olympics provided a welcome boost to South Korea's economy, as fans, athletes and journalists from all over the world set-up brief residence in the country. 5: Seoul's Royal Palaces & Secret Garden. Gyeongbokgung palace (Seoul): The jewel of Korean history Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main and largest of the five palaces in Seoul. Its traditional architecture dates back to the Joseon Dynasty and is the main reason why Bukchon Hanok Village is among the most beautiful places in Seoul. Korea is trendy and ancient; serene and effervescent; minimalistic and indulgent; religious and romantic all at the same time. The Gyeongju day trip from Seoul allows you to experience multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites in one day. Along with the whimsical appearance, Disney characters wander along the streets. This pass is only available to foreign travellers. Every year, around Buddha's birthday, the biggest Lotus Lantern Festival in Busan is held at Samkwang Temple. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Three buildings stand on three artificial islands while patches of lotus flowers frame the pond. One of the reasons why this Changwon city is among South Koreas most beautiful places is the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival. Insa-dongis one of the more vibrant, livelier areas within Seoul, well known for the vast array of shops and restaurants that line the streets. Hanok is the native word for the traditional Korean houses that brim the district. Despite the fact that Nami Island is a place of historical interest (the island is named after Minister Nami, a Minister of War during the Chosun Dynasty), most visitors come to stroll down the famous Metasequoia road or see where Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo stood or sat during the filming for the original Hallyu drama "Winter Sonata.". Dont miss the Jeonju mural village. Plan to stay in Jeonju for at least 2 days to make the most of your visit, and preferably longer if possible. The temple is on the slopes of Mount Toham in Gyeongju, the ancient capital city of Korea. Popular places for tourists to visit on Jeju Island include the following options. If nature and hiking is your thing, then be sure to take this hiking day trip from Seoul to reach the summit of Mount Seorak. Check out my posts on One Day in Tokyo, 2 Day Itinerary Kyoto, 10 Day Japan Itinerary, What is Japan Famous For? A great way to take a trip out to the Korean countryside is with a visit to the gorgeous tea fields of Boseong. One of them is owned by the last Kings grandson, thus making it the perfect regal abode for anyone willing to taste royalty. Everland is a giant amusement park in South Korea, close to Seoul. For dedicated cyclists, there's a 132 kilometer-long cycle path following the river from Damyang to Mokpo. Busan Gamcheon Culture Village 2,969 Neighborhoods Flea & Street Markets Another reason that makes Jeonju-si one of the best places to visit in South Korea is that here you can sleep and live like royalty. With seven Buddhist temples, ancient stone carvings and an emphasis on biodiversity conservation, this park is known for more than just hiking. With views of Sangasan and Gwanmosan Mountains,Incheon Grand Parkoffers visitors the chance to enjoy the natural landscapes and rural forest away from city life. Itaewon. However, if you are looking to join an organized tour, take a look at Tourradar or read our post on how to choose the best Korea tour package. Generally, a tour includes a stop at the Joint Security Area, the place where the two nations signed an armistice agreement in 1953 and the only place where they still engage in diplomatic discussions. Top Attractions in Busan. Perhaps, with the bungee jumping and water sports adventure in Hoegok-ri, the place also becomes an attraction for thrill-seekers. Korea Travel Planning and Tips Facebook group. South and Central America. The island is an especially popular domestic destination due to its use as a filming location for popular TV show Winter Sonata. When touring the beautiful places in Korea, even the most experienced and well-prepared traveler is in for a pleasant surprise. The beach of Haeundae in South Korea's southern port city of Busan. When it comes to the places to visit in South Korea, a photograph seldom does justice to their splendor. Once heading in the right direction you will see the grandfather rocks follow these to the waterfall. They are thought to represent gods and were placed at the gates to stop demons from entering. Popular places for tourists to visit in Jeonju include the following options. From Busan it is a bus journey of only one hour, so you could also visit as a day trip or day tour from Busan. Cheonggyecheon Stream - For a Leisurely Walk. The additional places worth seeing in South Korea include Daegu and Gyeongju. Historic places to see in South Korea - Gyeongbokgung Palace 1. Today, it is open to the public and allows anyone to breathe in the idyllic views of what can only be described as paradise on Earth. Locals love to golf in South Korea. Other attractions include Dodeok Falls, Geumseon Falls, and Naejangsa Temple, which is a standout due to the pretty trees that lead up to it. . According to legend, the last prince of the Shilla Dynasty wept here after glimpsing a view of his hometown. Dont miss my posts on the Best Things to do on Jeju Island and the perfect 3 Day Jeju Itinerary. Haeinsa Temple Main Attractions: Gwangju, also spelled Kwangju, is centrally located on the peninsula. We decided not to take one of the summit paths. Try to arrive atHaedong Yonggungsa Templeearly if youre visiting over the weekend, as this is one of the most popular Busan attractions. Location - click here for the exact location Opening hours - 9 am to 5.30 pm Entrance fee - two-seater 30,000 won, four-seater 40,000 won 8. The area is also known for the Daegwallyeong Snow Festival, which offers other fun snow activities like snowmen-building competitions and snow sledging. And there are tons of fun interactive activities in Gamcheon Culture Village on the way up. When things warm up, Pyeongchang becomes a great place to go hiking, especially on the trails of Odaesan National Park. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. You can explore the lookout points from Haedong Yonggungsa Busan that offer amazing views. Sangumburi craterboasts an impressive circumference of 2 km. Dotting the place is also a collection of cozy guesthouses, upscale boutiques, tea houses, cultural centers, and restaurants. Address: 15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 13. For a gentler side to life in the country, journey to the Namhae regions Darangee Village. The most important tip would be to keep multiple camera batteries because you will be snapping every few seconds. Physical fitness and mountain climbing experience are prerequisites to viewing these curious peaks in the Seorak mountain range. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Check out my posts on Where to Stay in Busan and my 2 Day Busan Itinerary. Theres also a souvenir shop from where you can get books about the palaces history and replicas of some relics. One of the most recent additions to the UNESCO world heritage list, the village has featured famous guests such as Prince Charles and former UN chief Ban Ki-Moon. Seoul Main Attractions: 2. Manjubong standing guard over Seonyudo's main beach at sunset. Today, it boasts opulent houses, and winding alleys that work as a time capsule to its wealthy era. There are loads of fantastic things to do in Jeju Island.