There are many interesting places to see in South Korea. My first time in South Korea was on a long layover where I organized flights to spend two nights in Seoul. It fascinated me so much and I had so many places to see that I have returned to spend two weeks touring the country. It has everything, modern cities, culture, traditional palaces, temples, natural wonders...
In this post I talk about the 25 best places to see in South Korea and on the blog you have many more articles about the Palaces, cities and towns in detail in South Korea.
25 BEST PLACES TO SEE IN SOUTH KOREA
1. Seoul, the most essential city to see in South Korea
Seoul, the capital, is a must see on any trip to South Korea. Seoul is a huge city, with many places to visit and where you never get bored. I have been on two separate occasions, more than 10 days adding up the two trips, and there are always places to see in Seoul. It is a perfect combination between modernity and tradition. In any visit, you cannot miss its 5 royal palaces, its street food markets or its streets full of shops. You can start getting to know the city by doing a free tour in Seoul.
Posts from Seoul that may interest you:
2. Bukchon Hanok Village, one of the most beautiful traditional neighborhoods in Seoul
Another essential place to see in South Korea is this neighborhood of traditional houses called hanoks. The wealthiest people lived there during the reign of the Joseon dynasty. Today, the neighborhood has been renovated and is full of small boutique hotels, small shops, restaurants and cafes. It is located on a hill that allows you to see the skyscrapers in the background. Is beautiful.
The Royal Palaces of Seoul
Seoul has a total of 5 royal palaces and some residences. They are a must see in South Korea. You have a post explaining what to see in each of them on the blog:
8. The Korean Demilitarized Zone
The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a unique visit in the world. Unfortunately, Korea is the only country that remains divided as a result of the Cold War. The border area between South Korea and North Korea is completely uninhabited and militarily controlled.
On one side is the North Korean army and on the other the South Korean army together with the US military. Although you can visit for free, it is advisable to visit the area with an organized tour with a guide.
9. Seoraksan National Park, an essential place to see in South Korea
A great National Park to see in South Korea is Seoraksan. Here you can do several hiking trails with incredible landscapes. There are impressive rock formations, waterfalls and views of the 30 peaks that make up the range. Seoraksan is the third highest mountain in South Korea.
10. Gyeongju, the ancient Korean capital
Gyeongju is an essential city to see in South Korea. It has a much calmer atmosphere than Seoul, although in its day it was also the capital of the country. There was the center of power of the kingdom of the Silla dynasty. They dominated much of the Korean peninsula between the 7th and 9th centuries. The city many interesting places to see from that period. Here is the post with the essential things to see and do in Gyeongju.
11. Bulguksa Temple, one of the most beautiful temples to see in South Korea
One of the best places to see in South Korea is the Bulguksa Temple and it is located in the city of Gyeongju. This temple was built in the year 528 during the Silla dynasty and is considered as a very important piece of Buddhist architecture during the reign of Silla. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1995. Bulguksa also houses seven of the national treasures of South Korea. The most important are the Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas located near Daeungjeon and its main hall.
12. Nami's Island
Nami Island is known for its promenade of trees that turn reddish in autumn and pink in spring. Seeing the trees bloom in spring is one of the most popular things to see in South Korea. This island is located near Seoul and to visit it it is advisable to book an excursion.
13. The garden of calm, one of the most beautiful places to see in South Korea
Garden of Morning Calm is one of the most beautiful gardens to see in Korea. It has more than 5,000 species of plants. The most visited time is in autumn for its warm colors and in spring for the beautiful flowers.
14. Busan, the second largest city to see in South Korea
Busan is the second most populous city in South Korea. It is a coastal destination with many cultural attractions. You have many things to see in Busan, among the best are its walk of fame, the Jagalchi market, the Gamcheon Culture Village, the Yongdusan park or the Beomeosa temple, among many more.
Busan posts that may interest you:
15. Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, the most picturesque neighborhood to see in South Korea
The most picturesque area to see in Busan is Gamcheon Culture Village. This neighborhood of narrow streets was built in the 1920s and was becoming obsolete. But they gave it a facelift by painting its facades in colors and filling every corner with urban art. It is a great area to walk without haste and have a drink in one of its cozy cafes.
16. Haedong Yonggunsa
In Busan you will find one of the most beautiful temples to see in South Korea. Haedong Yonggunsa is a Buddhist resort by the sea. It was built in the 14th century, but unfortunately it was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1592. The current version dates from 1930. I recommend going at sunset, it's the perfect time to visit.
17. The Damyang Bamboo Forest, a magical place to see in South Korea
Damyang Bamboo Forest is a peaceful and magical place to see in South Korea. You can get there from Gwangju by bus. Along the walk through the forest you will find a small temple, a small waterfall and a small garden.
18. Samgwangsa during the Lantern Festival
During the month of May, South Korea celebrates the Lantern Festival at the Samgwangsa Temple. Buddha's birthday is celebrated by decorating it with hundreds of colored lanterns during the first half of May. It is one of the best things to do in South Korea if you travel at that time.
19. Pocheon, one of the natural wonders to see in South Korea
This incredible valley for unreal. It is a beautiful valley with impressive cliffs, surrounded by vegetation. With this excursion you will visit the well-known Art Valley, the lake surrounded by cliffs, Herb Island and you will also make a stop at a strawberry and apple farm.
20. Yeongwol, a very authentic area to see in South Korea
The Yeongwol region is one of the most beautiful rural areas to see in South Korea. It is an area little known by travelers, who tend to stay visiting only Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju. Although if you have a few more days on your trip to South Korea, I recommend you visit the Yeongwol region. It is full of historical temples, some royal tombs, fortresses and a very beautiful environment.
21. The Boseong Tea Plantations, one of the most beautiful places to see in South Korea
Visiting the Boseong tea plantations is a good excursion that you can do from Busan or Gwangju, on your own or with an organized tour. The landscape that dominates the territory is beautiful with an intense green color. This plantation alone produces 40% of Korean tea. The fields are beautiful all year round, although the best time is in spring.
22. Suwon-si
To the north of the country is one of the most interesting cities to see in South Korea. In it you will find some of the most incredible architectural wonders of the country such as the Hwasong fortress, Hwaseong Haenggung, Paldalmun, Hwahong Gate... among many more places.
23. Hwasong Fortress, a historical monument to see in South Korea
One of the most important monuments to see in South Korea is the Hwasong fortress located in the city of Suwon-si.
The Joseon dynasty, the same dynasty that built the royal palaces in Seoul, also built this fortress in the late 18th century. The objective was to demonstrate his power to the people. It has a wall of more than 5 kilometers, various gates and all kinds of military installations inside. It is considered a World Heritage Site for its great historical value.
24. Bukhansan National Park
Another of the national parks to see in South Korea is the Bukhansan National Park. It is easy to access from Seoul by public transport and there are trails for all levels. It is a perfect place to surround yourself with nature and have beautiful views of Seoul at your feet.
25. Jeju Island, a paradise to see in South Korea
Located in the south of the country there is an incredible paradise island. Its terrain is volcanic and is full of vegetation, waterfalls and beautiful beaches. If you travel to South Korea between May and September, I recommend that you add a few days to enjoy this wonder.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to South Korea and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
If you liked this article, subscribe to the blog so you don't miss out on upcoming destinations, curiosities, travel tips and inspiration for your trips.
A hug and see you soon!
Comments