Best things to see and do in Korea
Korea is a country rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. In this article, we will explore some of the top Korean tourist attractions and why they are worth visiting.
Whether you like in history, nature, or simply experiencing the unique culture of Korea, there is no shortage of attractions to explore. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each of these attractions and provide more detailed information on what makes them special. So, let’s begin our journey through the fascinating world of Korean tourist attractions.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
by Chloe from Chloe’s Travelogue
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the Joseon Dynasty’s main palace in Seoul. With its historical and cultural significance, it is one of the unmissable places you should include in your Seoul itinerary.
The ancient palace boasts a traditional beauty featuring peaceful surroundings in the middle of Gwanghwamun Square, the busiest intersection in a modern metropolitan. It is rare to find such a place in an urban jungle like Seoul.
I recommend wearing a hanbok for taking Instagram-worthy shots with the palace as a stunning backdrop. Renting a hanbok is easy at many hanbok rentals nearby.
One of the highlights you should not miss is the Changing of Guards ceremony at 10 am and 2 pm every day. The reenactment ceremony takes place at the Gwanghwamun Gate.
Inside the palace, there are many different areas featuring unique charm:
- the king’s office quarters (Geunjeongjeon, Sujeongjeon and Sajeongjeon),
- the queen’s residence (Gyotaejeon),
- the crown prince’s residence (Donggung),
- royal garden (Hyangwonjeong Pavilion) and more.
You can easily spend a day walking around the palace on your own. However, it is best to join a guided tour to understand the history and architecture better. Also, note that you can only visit the Gyeongheoru Pavilion (royal banquet hall) via a special guided tour, which you must reserve well in advance.
Gyeongbokgung Palace – good to know
by Alex of Adventure to Every Country
Location: Northern Seoul, within a ten minute walk of Gyeongbokgung and Anguk Stations on line 3 of the Seoul Metro
Cost: 3,000 won (£1.81/$2.28) for an adult. Half price for children aged 7-18 and free for anyone under 7, over 64, or any age wearing a traditional Korean hanbok.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most popular Korean tourist attraction in Seoul, and for good reason.
The palace is 600 years old, from the era of the Joseon Dynasty. It is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces this dynasty built. After Japanese forces destroyed it, two rebuilds took place.
Today it is popular to visit both for the history and the photo opportunities. The traditional Korean architecture attracts many visitors wanting a picture beside it.
A lot of shops have popped up around the palace selling hanboks – traditional Korean clothing usually worn on special events.
Tourists can rent a hanbok for the day to wear whilst taking photos in-front of the palace buildings. Rental costs around 10,000-20,000 won (£6-12/$7-15).
Highlights within the palace complex include Gwanghwamun Gate, the station of the guards. Also Geunjeongjeon Hall, best known for its beautiful architecture. And lastly Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a serene pond.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is undoubtedly one of the best Korean tourist attractions.
Starfield Library, Seoul
by Olivia McDonald of Defining Decade
Let me tell you about the absolute gem that is the Starfield Library in Seoul, and why it’s one of the must-see Korean tourist attractions.
First things first, imagine stepping into this massive, futuristic space filled with endless rows of books reaching up to high ceilings – it’s a book lover’s paradise. And it’s free so if you’re on a budget, this is a great attraction to add to your South Korea itinerary. The unique ambience is pure magic. Sunlight pours in through the gigantic glass walls and loads of colourful books make for Instagrammable photos.
You’ll find people from all walks of life. Students bury their heads in textbooks, travellers taking it all in, and avid readers digging through the shelves of over 70,000 books to find their next read.
A range of events take place here such as author meet and greets, book talks, poetry reading, lectures, book concerts, and more. So, make sure to keep an eye out on what’s coming up.
What sets the Starfield Library apart is its location – right smack in the heart of Coex Mall in Gangnam. So, after you’ve explored the impressive collection of books, you can enjoy a shopping spree or treat yourself to some top-notch Korean cuisine.
Whether you’re a bookworm, a casual reader, or just someone looking for a cozy spot to escape the bustling city, the Starfield Library is the ultimate go-to.
Seongsan Ilchulbong
by Joel of In My Korea
One of Jeju Island’s most iconic tourist attractions is Seongsan Ilchulbong. Another name for it is “Sunrise Peak” due to the crowds that gather here to watch the sunrise. Watching the sunrise from Seongsan Ilchubong is especially popular on New Year’s Day and it’s one of the best winter festivals on Jeju Island. It’s a beautifully unique volcanic tuff cone that formed from volcanic eruptions when molten lava hit the sea water over 5,000 years ago.
Hiking Seongsan Ilchulbong
The best way to take in the breathtaking formation is to scale a series of steep staircases winding up to the 180 meter summit and gaze out over the cone and the blue seas beyond. The hike takes around an hour each way and is definitely possible for most people. There are places to rest on the way if you get tired.
Once at the peak, you’ll admire the phenomenal 360 degree panoramas. To one side, you can peek down the strikingly green crater. In the other direction, endless coastal vistas open up to bright blue seas dotted with black lava rocks.
Just sitting there soaking in the dramatic views is incredibly peaceful and a great way to end a day hiking on Jeju’s Olle Trail or seeing other Korean tourist attractions in the area. As you descend the wooden walkways, you’ll pass interesting hexagonal rock columns formed over centuries of changes in temperature and precipitation.
Even if you skip the hike up, just seeing the symmetrical cone from below is an impressive Jeju highlight. You can enjoy it from one of the many nearby cafes.
Admission is 2,000 KRW for adults, 1,000 KRW for children, which is a great price to see the views at the top of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to visit Seongsan Ilchubong is for sunrise when vivid hues light up the sky and sea. Alternatively, end the day here and look west to see the sun setting on the other side of the island behind Hallasan Mountain.
Address:
284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
(제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 284-12)
Opening Hours:
March-October 07:30 to19:00
November-February 07:10 to 18:00
DMZ
By Anne Sutherland-Smith of South Korea Travel Planning
You may not realise that the Korean War between what is now North and South Korea never actually ended – an Armistice was signed on 27 July 1953 which was effectively a truce dividing the nations along the 38th parallel. To reduce the risk of further conflict, South Korea created a 4km / 2.5 mi buffer zone: the DeMilitarized Zone (or DMZ), the northern side is the actual border with North Korea.
Visitors to South Korea and South Korean residents can visit the DMZ in several places, with the most popular location being Paju, which is a one hour drive north from Seoul. You can join a tour to visit Korean tourist attractions within the DMZ, as well as visiting the Imjimbak Resort Area, which is the gateway to the DMZ.
Attractions within the DMZ
- The Joint Security Area (JSA), which is on the border with North Korea. On site is the conference room, which is used for meetings between the two countries.
- The Third Infiltration Tunnel, where you can descend a steep ramp to walk through a section of a tunnel constructed by North Korea as part of their invasion plans.
- Dora Observatory, where you can view across the border into North Korea to see the Kijong-Dong Propaganda Village.
Within Imjimgak Resort you can visit the following attractions:
Freedom Bridge and the surrounding parks and memorials, where you will learn more about the Korean War.
Ride the DMZ Gondola across the Imjim River.
The easiest option to visit the DMZ is to book either a half day or full day tour. Tour prices start from $US40, and can be more depending on the length of your tour and the number of included activities. Note that the JSA tours are often not available, and all DMZ tours can be cancelled at short notice.
Insa-dong
by Zhen of A Love Letter to Asia
Insa-dong is a cultural hotspot in Seoul, South Korea and is a must-see Korean tourist attraction that should be included in any Seoul itinerary.
It’s full of independent shops, Korean eateries, and art galleries and is free to enter. Some of the shops on the main road sell tourist twat. But if you wander down the little streets to the left and right of the main street, you’ll find old-school Korean tea houses and restaurants set in traditional Korean houses (hanok.) Sitting down for a cup of Korean tea is one of the best things to do in Insa-dong. (I recommend the Maesil-Cha, or Korean plum tea.)
There is also Ssamzigil, an open-air shopping mall, with wonderful shops selling handmade items. You can even take part in a craft workshop there, and make your own small musical box, for example. Near Ssamzigil, you can find an arts and crafts market, selling items by Korean makers and designers. There are usually a few artists who will be happy to capture you in comic form for a small fee (typically under US$10.)
In the evenings, often musicians busk at the top of the street, close to the subway station. There, you might be able to catch a future K-pop star in the making!
N Seoul Tower
by Hanit of Gotta Love New York
N Seoul Tower is the tallest point in Seoul at 777 feet tall, and a great place to get a 360 degree birds eye view of the city. Located on Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower provide amazing panoramic views of Seoul.
N Seoul Tower has three observation decks at multiple levels which offer sweeping views of Seoul. Recent additions are the digital telescopes and an immersive media art exhibit. There are multiple options for restaurants with varying cuisines and price points. The foot of the Tower has a love lock bridge where couples put a lock and throw away the key to signify eternal love.
The time to visit is a personal preference as you can see the natural surroundings by day, and the city looks very beautiful when it is lit up at night. Evenings can be a good time to visit to experience the views before and after sunset.
Tickets for adults are 21,000 won and for children and elderly are 16,000 won each. It is recommended for first time visitors to take a cable car to go up to N Seoul Tower. A free shuttle bus takes you from the Myeondong Station to the Cable Car, or the Namsan Oreumi Elevator from the station that goes to the cable car well.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
by Hanit of Gotta Love New York
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul is a stunning plaza designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. It offers a futuristic design with curving lines and structural elements that make it a one of a kind plaza in the city that is steeped in history with traditional architecture. It has three underground levels and four levels above ground, making it a large complex in the heart of Seoul.
DDP offers cultural events, art exhibitions, retail stores and public spaces that make it a popular attraction and a vibrant hub for the arts. Nearby you will find shopping, dining and entertainment options, including the Dongdaemun Fashion Town with its Dongdaemun night market, which is an important destination for fashion in Seoul. It also houses a design museum and design lab, and a history and culture park.
DDP is a great destination to visit by day to appreciate the architecture, and by night to get a different view with the lighting, with the added attraction of visiting the night market. I recommend to walk around the complex as the walkway and curved lines make it a very interesting and unusual experience.
DDP offers a free guided architecture tour in Korean and English that I highly recommend to fully understand the plaza and its impact on the city.
Nami Island
by Jackie of Life Of Doing
If you’re looking to take a day trip from Seoul, consider visiting Nami Island (also known as Namiseom or Naminara Republic) in the Gapyeong area.
This beautiful island is a popular Korean tourist attraction for photos of seasonal plants and trees. From the pink and white cherry blossoms in spring to the red maple leaves and yellow ginkgo leaves in the fall, you can visit at any time and get stunning photos.
You need a couple of hours here to explore the attractions. Rent a bicycle or walk around to see beautiful nature opportunities, wildlife such as ostriches, and filming locations from top Korean dramas. If you’ve seen “Winter Sonata,” you can go on a scavenger hunt and find snowmen statues from the drama.
There are a few ways to get to Nami Island. A popular way is to take a 40-minute train ride from Seoul and then ride a shuttle bus to the attraction. An easier way is to take a direct shuttle from Seoul to Nami Island via a guided tour.
Since Nami Island is not connected to the mainland, you have a choice on how to get there. The most exciting and adventurous way is to zipline across the waters to the island. Or, take a motorboat or a short 5-minute ferry ride.
The admission cost is 16,000 KRW for adults, 13,000 KRW for Seniors and middle school students, and 10,000 KRW for 3 years to elementary school students. The ticket cost covers the ferry, but going by zipline or motorboat is an additional cost.
Afterward, visit the other attractions in the area such as Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, or the Gapyeong Rail Bike.
Hahoe Village
by Jamie of Travel Addict
Hahoe Village is a UNESCO site near Andong in South Korea. Hahoe Village is a well preserved Joseon dynasty era village which showcases the traditional way of life. It is nestled in a curve of the Nakdong River, among stunning scenery. The quaint and picturesque village is one of the msot popular Korean tourist attractions.
Hahoe Village is a living museum which still has many residents observing the traditional way of life and preserving the Korean cultures and customs. The village has a unique layout and many sites to wander through and visit. It includes traditional Hanok houses.
The key sites to see during a visit to Hahoe Village include:
- Hanok Houses – any of the open houses will give great insight into the way of life during the Joseon dynasty
- Yangjindang and Chunghyodang House – some of the best preserved homes in the village
- Sacred Tree of Hahoe – centrally located in the village this 600 year old tree that to the locals consider sacred
- Hahoe Mask Museum – although located just before the village, and at additional cost, this museum has a fantastic display of historical masks.
Entry to the village costs 5,000 won, a nominal fee to support the village. Although there are some local buses that include it on the route the best way to reach the site is by car.
Final thoughts
As we come to the end of our journey through the fascinating world of Korean tourist attractions, it’s clear that this country has so much to offer. From the ancient palaces that transport you back in time to the breathtaking landscapes that leave you in awe, Korea truly has something for everyone.
One of the highlights of visiting Korea is experiencing the unique culture and traditions that have been preserved throughout the centuries. Whether it’s witnessing a traditional dance performance or trying on a hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, you’ll be immersed in a rich cultural experience that will stay with you long after you leave.
But perhaps what makes Korean tourist attractions truly special is the warm hospitality and friendly nature of the Korean people. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a smile and made to feel welcome. The locals are always eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors, creating a truly memorable experience.
In conclusion, a trip to Korea is not just a vacation, but a journey of discovery. Whether you’re exploring the ancient palaces, hiking through the mountains, or simply enjoying the delicious cuisine, you’ll be captivated by the beauty and charm of this incredible country. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Korea.
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