South Korea is a unique travel destination filled with mouthwatering delicacies, breathtaking nature, and impressive cities.
The East-Asian country has become increasingly popular due to the spread and appreciation of Korean culture. Being a small country, it is easy to get around to see the phenomenal sights and experience the local culture in one go.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in South Korea, you've come to the right place. Below are some of our favorite attractions and must-see places.
Seoul
Seoul is the bustling capital of South Korea, and the cosmopolitan city is a must-see to experience both the old and new of the country.
There are historical attractions, large markets for gourmet food and bargain shopping, and endless forms of entertainment.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
A historical legacy of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a wonder to behold while you are in South Korea.
It sits on a whopping 40 hectares of land, and you can wander through the exquisite buildings that were built back in 1395.
Busan
For a beach escape from the city, we highly recommend visiting the port town of Busan.
Busan strikes the perfect balance between city and beach, with both superb resorts and shorelines and a vibrant nightlife and food scene.
Sample the local cuisines at the food markets, visit the Gamcheon Cultural Village, and try out fun water activities at the resorts.
Jogyesa Temple
In the heart of Seoul, you will stumble upon the magnificent Jogyesa Temple. In our opinion, this is a must-see attraction in the capital, with the Buddhist shrine as the incredible centerpiece.
You can go for a brief visit in the day, or opt for some of the more immersive experiences that include overnight stays at the Temple, a tea ceremony, or lessons.
Jeju-Si Island
South Korea has a multitude of islands, but the largest and most popular one is the volcanic island of Jeju-Si.
It has beach resorts, nature reserves, historical sites, and more. We found that this was the perfect place to relax in nature after exploring the bustling cities up north.
Enjoy the pristine beaches, embark on a hike, explore the greenery, and savor the local food.
DMZ
If you are interested in the political situation between North and South Korea, you may want to visit the DMZ, which stands for the ‘Demilitarized Zone’. This is the border area between North and South Korea.
To see this, you will need to book an official guided tour. These will usually leave from Seoul, and you will generally get to see other notable points of interest like the 3rd Tunnel.
Bukchon Hanok Village
In many areas around South Korea, you can find ancient villages that have been preserved over time. These are kept in their original state to allow people to visit, learn, and take a step back in time.
One of the most famous of these villages to visit is Bukchon Hanok Village.
Many of the villages are still operational areas where people own and live in properties, and you can also visit various museums and cultural centers to learn more about the history.
Cherry Blossom Trees
Cherry Blossom season is a big draw for tourists, as the country becomes lined with beautiful powdery pink trees. To experience this, you will need to visit around March/April to catch the brief but breathtaking blooming.
In Summary
With such a diverse range of cities and islands in South Korea, you are spoilt for choice when visiting this cultural hub. Getting around is easy, so visit for a few weeks and you will get to experience every part of this incredible place!
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