South Korea is a unique country where the modern high–tech era is intertwined with ancient buildings carefully protected by the state. The sights of South Korea are ancient palaces, amazing nature, and modern megacities. What to see in South Korea if you are in this country for the first time? Especially for you, we have selected the most interesting places of this colorful Asian country.
What to see in South Korea first of all
Those who like well-organized and informative excursions definitely need guides in South Korea, who can express their wishes and go sightseeing at the agreed time. If you prefer to travel by yourself, then from the list provided, easily select the appropriate places to visit.
1. Gyeongbokgung (Seoul)
Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung is the main palace of the country, which many rightfully call the Korean Kremlin. Travelers can easily find it in the heart of Seoul. It is impossible to visit a tourist city and forget to look at this place. The palace itself was built back in the XIV century. For a number of reasons, he was constantly changing his appearance. Most of the buildings that make up Gyeongbokgung are made of wood.
On the way to this landmark in South Korea, there are several monuments dedicated to a medieval admiral named Lee Soon-sin. It was he who invented the armadillos at the time. Also, near the entrance to the palace, you can see a monument that was erected in honor of the ruler of Sechnoj, who created the Korean script. Behind this figure is the gate that opens the way to the attraction. The gate consists of three entrances at once. The main entrance is always closed, as it is intended for the legitimate ruler.
Tourists are surprised by the costumed guards of the palace, who have a beard glued on to give them solidity and stateliness. There is a changing of the guard every morning. This procedure is accompanied by a vivid presentation, which is always interesting to watch.
Official website: https://www.royalpalace.go.kr
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2. Changdeokgung Palace (Seoul)
Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul
Many excursions in Seoul include a trip to Changdeokgung Palace. He was one of the few who managed to keep his original appearance. The palace constantly had to be rebuilt and restored, but during the work the masters tried to preserve the real appearance of the structure. Thanks to this, this landmark of South Korea still manages to convey the architectural style that the Joseon dynasty adhered to. Emperor Sungjong, remembered in history as the last monarch of the country, lived within the walls of the palace until his death. In 1955, the architectural monument became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The territory of the palace turned out to be quite picturesque. This result was achieved for the reason that during construction it was necessary to take into account the non-standard terrain.
Thousands of tourists come to the foot of Eagle Peak Mountain to admire the beauties of Changdeokgung. Locals continue to believe that there is a unique energy in these parts, which once filled the bodies of the departed emperors with amazing power and knowledge. Thanks to this, they could manage the whole country wisely for many years.
Official website: https://eng.cdg.go.kr
3. Soraksan National Park (Sokcho)
Bright colors of the mountain landscape of Soraksan Park in Sokcho
Soraksan National Park is a cozy corner of nature. Travelers who have not decided what to visit in South Korea can safely go here to enjoy the incredible scenery. The park is famous all over the world for its waterfalls and geysers. Buddhist temples, which have been around for centuries, have not been ignored. Interestingly, for this landmark of South Korea, an area was allocated in four neighboring cities at once. Locals consider the park to be the main advantage of the country.
The National Park successfully combines jagged peaks, beautiful waterfalls, deep caves and dense forests. Walking around Soraksan, tourists can come across the Shinhingsa Temple, which is one of the oldest Buddhist buildings of religious significance.
Many travelers come to the park to enjoy the wildlife. They are fascinated by the amazing mountain slopes with non-standard shapes and outlines. The forests of Soraksan look most advantageous in the autumn period, when the foliage of the trees begins to change color. On the mountain slopes you can see many rare representatives of the flora world, which you will not find anywhere else.
4. Hwaseong Fortress (Suwon)
The watchtower and part of the fortress wall of Hwaseong Fortress
When going on a trip to South Korea, be sure to set aside a whole day to visit the “blooming castle” in the capital of Gyeonggi province. It will take exactly one day to stay in the fortress. After all, Hwasong is so large in scale that it could compete with the Moscow Kremlin.
On the territory of the “Diamond Fortress” (another name for the castle) there are numerous palace buildings and tall former watchtowers – a total of 40 buildings. You can get inside by passing through the majestic gates located along the perimeter of the castle to all four cardinal directions. It is still possible to explore the walls on foot with a length of more than five kilometers, but getting around them is not an easy task.
Some of the fortress buildings are located on the top, while the other part is on steep hills. Although a special tram can come to the aid of travelers.
The title of “blooming” was awarded to the fortress for its picturesque panoramic views. The mighty stone walls of the castle stand proudly in the midst of green gardens. If you haven’t seen Hwaseong, then you haven’t seen the real sights of South Korea.
5. Hahwe Village (Andon)
Hahwe Village in Andon
As soon as they do not call this picturesque place, located on the banks of the Naktongan. This is also a “folklore” village or land near the “winding river”, and they identify the village with the “lotus flower floating on water”, and even talk about Hahwa as a symbol of the unity of two polar principles. All these names and descriptions actually reflect the world that opens before the eyes of a tourist who has fallen into the atmosphere of an ancient era.
In terms of the number of cultural heritage items that the village preserves, all other attractions of South Korea pale. There is a real school of Confucianism and architectural structures from the Joseon Dynasty. The air in Hahwa is literally saturated with traditions, so be sure to go on an excursion in order to learn the story right from the scene.Another pride of the village is the wooden carnival masks. The locals know the craft of making them perfectly and still practice it. These works of art can be purchased as a souvenir. The village of Hahwe gives every tourist the opportunity to take a piece of history with them.
Official website: https://www.hahoe.or.kr
Feel the atmosphere of South Korea in this beautiful video!
6. Jeju Island (Korean Strait)
Stone sculptures made of black basalt on Jeju Island
If you’re wondering what to see in South Korea, then you haven’t been to the “island of three plentiful” yet. The countless treasures of Jeju are stones of volcanic origin, which have absorbed the history of more than four hundred million years. There are several extinct volcanoes on the island, the most famous of which is called Hallasan.
Another natural feature of Jeju is a real riot of the elements, when the most powerful gusts of wind roam freely among the rocks. The island is also famous for the distinctive national character of the locals. After all, the main earner here is a woman, and a man does household chores and raises children. And the islanders themselves are already like the specific sights of South Korea, with their curious local dialect, which sometimes even native Koreans do not understand.
In addition to the breathtaking island nature, with its waterfalls and mountain caves, tangerine plantations, bonsai and orchids, here you can admire unusual stone sculptures – giant three-meter tall tolharubans, which are considered the guardians of Jeju. You should also definitely visit the famous Bridge of the Seven Nymphs. All this must be seen with your own eyes!
7. The temple of Hedong Yong-gunsa (Busan)
Buddha statue at the temple of Hedong Yeongsa in Busan
The sights of South Korea are very diverse: architectural monuments, natural parks, historical heritage and much more. A good example is the Hedong Yenggunsa Temple, located on the outskirts of Busan City.
The Hedong Yenggunsa Buddhist Temple is considered one of the most beautiful among those that can be seen in the south of the state. But that’s not the only thing that makes him popular. There is an ancient belief that every sincere prayer or wish made from the bottom of your heart will come true within the walls of the temple. You can ask for anything: health, financial well-being, family happiness and much more.
Another feature of this landmark is its unusual location. For the most part, such buildings occupy a place somewhere in the mountains. Hedon Yengunsa is located a few meters from the sea. According to one legend, it was here that the sea king advised to build it, who appeared to the monk in a dream. The latter desperately asked for help for a country suffering from severe droughts, famine and crop failure. The sea king said that the temple built by the sea would make Korea happy forever. Thus, in 1376, the foundation of Hedong Yenguns was laid.
On the territory of the temple you can see a lot of interesting things: altars, pagodas, healing springs, sacred statues of Buddha, etc.
Official website: https://www.yongkungsa.or.kr
8. Namisom Island (Chongpyeong Dam)
The colorful autumn landscape of Namisom Island
The natural attractions of South Korea begin from Namisoma Island. It covers an area of more than 450,000 m2 and is a crescent moon. Namis owes his appearance to the Chongpyeong Dam.
The island has a lot of features and interesting places:
- The burial of General Nami, who lived from 1441 to 1468. He was responsible for the suppression of the uprising that took place in 1467, when King Sejo of the Joseon dynasty ruled the country. By the way, the name of the island came from the name of this general. A cable car that was installed in order to draw attention to eco-tourism. It is considered the largest road in all of Asia. Its height reaches 80 m.
Another distinctive feature of the island is the complete absence of telegraph poles. The wires are neatly laid in the thickness of the earth. Thanks to this, Namisom looks very natural.
What to visit in South Korea on Namisom Island? In addition to sightseeing, tourists can enjoy outdoor activities, such as swimming in the pool, water skiing or amusement rides in the park. You can also walk through the forest to see with your own eyes the huts, similar to the dwellings of ancient Koreans. And, of course, tourists have the opportunity to try amazing Korean cuisine.
Official website: https://namisum.com
9. Demilitarized zone (4-kilometer zone between South and North Korea)
Demilitarized zone facility
Another attraction in South Korea that you should definitely visit are the facilities located in the demilitarized zone. This is an area covering 4 km. It is located between two countries – South and North Korea. The DMZ appeared in the summer of 1953, during the period when a temporary truce was declared in the Korean War.
DMZ consists of 7 cities. It is almost impossible to visit them all in one day due to the abundance of interesting places:
- Imzhingak Peace Park. It can accommodate more than 20,000 people at a time. It contains a large number of various exhibits and artifacts related to the Korean War. Tunnel No. 3. It is a structure for the transition from North Korea to South Korea. It was first discovered in 1978. The length of the tunnel is impressive – 1635 m. Panmunjom. This village, formerly called Nolmuri, is located on the military demarcation line. There are two buildings on the territory of the village: one is white and the other is blue. The first is run by the UN military, and the second is run by the North Korean army.
When deciding what to see in South Korea, the demilitarized zone should not be the last place. It’s a reminder of how far war can take you.
10. Jeongme Temple (Seoul)
The ancient temple of Jeongme in Seoul
If you want to explore the sights of South Korea, then you need to start from the capital. Seoul is a city where history and modernity, religion, architecture and beautiful nature are harmoniously combined. And one of the interesting and beautiful places is the Jeonme Temple.
This building is part of the world cultural heritage. According to scientists, Chongme is the oldest Confucian temple that has survived to the present day. It was erected back in 1394 by King Taejo. It was then that Seoul received the status of the capital of the state.
Jeonme was once the longest building in the whole of Asia. But during one of the wars it was destroyed. After the restoration in 1601, only a part of the buildings remained. And this is despite the fact that the temple was always restored first.
Now Jeonme consists of two large halls and several additional buildings that perform household functions. One of the halls is called Jeongjong. A funeral ceremony is usually held there. The second hall is called Yongnenjong or the Room of Tranquility and Peace. There is an amazingly beautiful park in front of the entrance, where tourists can relax and hide from the bright sun.
The Jeongme Temple is open to both tour groups and individual tourists.
Official website: https://www.cha.go.kr
Sights of South Korea: what else to visit while in South Korea
In addition to the well-known monuments and parks, there are many tourist sites in the country, about which there is not much information. So that you can choose excursions in South Korea, taking into account all your preferences, we offer descriptions and photos of really unusual places. You can visit them both independently and with an experienced guide.
11. Seoul TV Tower (Seoul)
Seoul TV Tower
What to visit in South Korea? Answering this question, each guide will mention the Seoul TV Tower. This building is included in the list of the ten most popular places in the Korean capital. What is it notable for?
The Seoul TV Tower is a kind of observation deck. It is located on Namsan Mountain at an altitude of over 240 m. The height of the tower is 236 m. It turns out that it allows you to admire Seoul from a height of 479 m.
Construction of the facility began in 1969. Just 2 years later it was ready, and 4 years later a cafe, a museum, an observation deck, etc. opened there. The first visitors appeared here in 1980.
Visiting the Seoul TV Tower leaves an unforgettable feeling. The view from it of the capital will amaze even the most sophisticated tourists. This explains the fact that more than 8 million people visit it every year.
The structure consists of 3 parts, each of which has its own characteristics. For example, Lobby N has a living museum and a gift shop. There is a unique Teddy bear museum in Tower N, and in Plaza N, which occupies 2 floors, you can relax on the terrace and have a snack in the cafe.
All the sights of South Korea, including the Seoul TV Tower, help to get to know not only the history of the state, but also the life of modern people.
Official website: https://www.nseoultower.co.kr
12. Myeongdong Cathedral (Seoul)
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Seoul
What to see in South Korea in its capital? Myeongdong Cathedral is a great option. Its second name is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It belongs to the Archdiocese of Seoul. The Virgin Mary is the patroness of the city, so the cathedral is the main shrine of the Korean Catholics. In addition, the cathedral is one of the most interesting examples of the Neo-Gothic style in architecture.
Myeongdong Cathedral has a lot of features:
- The height of the structure is 23 m. If we take into account the spire with the clock hanging on it, then the height is 45 m. In the fall of 1977, the temple became part of the list of National Historical Monuments, which includes many other attractions in South Korea. The stained glass windows attract special attention of tourists. They show the birth of Jesus, the magi who brought gifts, as well as Jesus along with the 12 apostles. The remains of Christian martyrs who died for their religious views are kept on the territory of the cathedral. These people were canonized by the Pope in 1984.
There are not many ancient artifacts on the territory of the Myeongdong Cathedral. By the standards of the Christian religion, he is still very young. But, as religious scholars say, its construction in 19th–century Korea is a real breakthrough.
Official website: https://www.mdsd.or.kr
13. Temple of Pul Guks (Gyeongju)
Pul Guks Temple in Gyeongju
The Temple of Pul Guks was created during the prosperity of the United Kingdom of Silla. He became the personification of the concept of Buddhism. Like many other similar buildings of a religious orientation, the temple surprises with the sophistication of its forms and unique beauty.
The gates of the Hooks Bullets are guarded by eternal guardians – painted giants made of wood. Each of them faces one of the cardinal directions. There is a stream behind the gate, which is crossed by a bridge. It is believed that this is the path between reality and the world of the Buddha. The stream itself originates in a pond. There is a beautiful legend associated with it, which has existed for many centuries. You can hear it from the locals.
The monastery, which tourists can observe today, is a restored version of the temple. In the last century, the president issued a decree to reconstruct this landmark of South Korea, but only the main premises, which were a small part of the entire complex, were restored. But even this restored part makes it possible to understand what beauty the temple of Pul Guks possessed at one time. It still arouses genuine admiration among the guests of the city, as it allows them to plunge into the history of this place.
14. Olympic Park (Seoul)
Olympic Park in Seoul
To find out what to see in South Korea, you need to look at the tourist guide. In it, the traveler will definitely find the Olympic Park in Seoul, which is of great interest to the guests of the country.
In 1988, Korea was honored to host the next Olympic Games. It was on this occasion that the Olympic Park was erected. It accommodates gyms, wellness centers and rental points for various equipment. The park covers an area of at least one thousand hectares. Especially for the guests of Seoul, museums have been built in this South Korean landmark so that its visit is not only interesting, but also informative.
Tourists take pictures with great pleasure near the architectural structures that are located throughout the Olympic Park. There are more than two hundred sculptural and other figures that were created by the best masters of modern art.
In the very center of the park square there is a unique composition of various stones. They differ in size and origin. On each stone there is a signature of one of the participants of the last Olympiad. For many, this composition has become the epitome of the sporting spirit and record victories.
Official website: https://www.olympicpark.co.kr
15. Korean National Village (Yongin)
Ethnographic Museum Korean National Village in Yongin
Yongin City has a unique attraction that is definitely worth a look. The museum of ethnographic orientation, located right in the open air, received a lot of positive feedback. It was named the Korean National Village.
A huge territory has been allocated for this landmark of South Korea. It is noteworthy that not only tourists come here, but also locals. For many, the village has become a family vacation destination. The purpose of creating the national village was the desire to show visitors from other countries the life and culture of the Korean people. The idea was realized thanks to the placement of a huge number of exhibition items in the tourist area. There are exact replicas of houses in the village that belonged to people of different social circles. The masters did not forget about the market, where traders put up traditional treats and outfits for sale.
Talented dancers and performers are responsible for the entertainment part. All sorts of traditional ceremonies, including weddings, are often held in the national village. They allow guests of South Korea to get acquainted in more detail with the daily life of the indigenous people.
Official website: https://www.koreanfolk.co.kr
16. Myeongdong Street (Seoul)
Seoul Central Shopping Street
South Korea has long positioned itself as a country of fashion and style. Tourists from all over the world flock to its capital not only to explore the sights, but also for grand shopping. In addition to the already sensational South Korean cosmetics, there is a lot of everything you want to fork out for. What is worth visiting the major shopping district of Seoul — Myeongdong. On an area of 0.91 square kilometers, there are a lot of boutiques and branded stores where clothes, shoes and accessories of high-quality and well-known brands are sold, and all this can be bought at relatively affordable prices. In addition to boutiques, you can also see here: Chinatown, where national cosmetics, products and medicines are sold, numerous beauty salons, restaurants with national and European dishes, theaters, hotels and many more interesting things.
17. Rainbow Fountain Bridge (Seoul)
Rainbow Fountain Bridge in color design in the center of Seoul
Nowadays, few people can be surprised by fountains. But the Korean masterpiece will surprise the most sophisticated tourist. The Rainbow Fountain Bridge is both a bridge and a fountain, combined in an original design and creating an inexpressibly beautiful spectacle. From the pipes installed on both sides of the Banpo Bridge along its entire length, streams of water burst out, which, describing a huge arc, noisily fall into the Hangan River. This spectacle is complemented by the illumination of water streams, which shimmers with different colors of the rainbow and creates a truly enchanting spectacle. Therefore, this creation is especially beautiful in the evening and at night, if you observe it from the southern bank of the river. The Banpo Bridge is two-tiered, and it is also interesting to be on its lower tier to feel as if inside a waterfall.
18. Toksugun Palace Complex (Seoul)
The traditional Korean building of the Toksugun Palace Complex in Seoul
Panorama of the Toksugun Palace Complex in Seoul
There is a palace complex in Seoul, which includes 5 royal palaces. Toksugun is the smallest of them, it is the only one decorated in European style. The rest of the buildings have traditional South Korean facades. It is also noteworthy that on the territory of the Toksugun Palace there are several structures designed by a Russian architect at the beginning of the last century. In general, the castle complex once included 180 structures, but most of them were destroyed during the Japanese colonial period and in a fire in 1904. Today, in the west wing of the castle you can visit the branch of the National Art Center, and in the east you can see the collection of palace treasures.
Official website: https://www.deoksugung.go.kr:8081
19. Pomosa Temple (Busan)
Colorful Buddhist statues in the temple of Pomosa
Pomosa Buddhist Temple Complex on the edge of Mount Geumjonsan in Busan city
Religion, like the culture of South Korea, is based on ancient traditions and customs that have their own unique history. Buddhism, being the main religion of the country, has absorbed ancient interpretations of Confucianism. The holy sites of South Korea testify to the history of the formation of the Buddhist religion, which dates back more than 2 millennia. The top five most important South Korean shrines include the Pomosa Temple in Busan. The temple complex covers an area of about 8 square kilometers, on which there are 160 different structures — priests’ huts, rooms for privacy and other buildings. There are also a number of valuable cultural relics here — for example, the 3-storey pagoda, Ilchumun Gate or the main building of Duencheon, which is an example of the beautiful architecture of wooden structures of the Joseon era.
Official website: https://www.beomeo.kr
20. Cheomseongdae (Gyeongju)
The “Stargazing Tower” in Gyeongju National Park
The famous Cheomseongdae Observatory in the Wolson area of Gyeongju National Park
Despite the fact that Seoul is a real treasure trove of valuable historical, cultural and natural monuments, other cities in South Korea deserve attention. For example, Gyeongju city was the capital of the state for a millennium, during the reign of the Silla Dynasty. Among its attractions, the astronomical observatory of Cheomseongdae stands out, which is listed as a national treasure of the country. This structure was built back in the 7th century AD during the reign of Queen Seondok, from 362 blocks of granite (according to another version — 366), the number of which symbolized the number of days in the lunar year. At one time, the observatory was used not only for stargazing, but also for weather forecasting.
Official website: https://english.knps.or.kr
21. Museum of Illusions (Busan)
Panorama of the “Sea Monster” at the Trick Eye Optical Illusion Museum in Busan Indiway.com
Panorama “Unicorn” at the Museum of Illusions in Busan Indiway.com
The Museum of Optical Illusions is a Busan landmark that is loved by both locals and visitors to the city. The institution, opened in 2013, has gained huge popularity in a short period of its existence. Because the exhibits of the museum are 3D paintings that you can not just watch, but also take part in the painted three—dimensional plots yourself. These paintings are all interesting and funny in their own way, and the photos on their background turn out to be as realistic as possible, thanks to the skillful use of perspective features by the authors. Both adult visitors and children are delighted with the opportunity to become the hero of a scene with a sea monster, sit next to the “real” Mona Lisa, launch Angry Birds from a slingshot, feel like a prince on a white horse or find themselves inside a soap bubble.
Official website: https://trickeye.com
22. Lotte World Amusement Park (Seoul)
Lotte World Theme Park in Seoul Ziggymaster
The largest ice rink in the indoor area of the underground floor of the Lotte World SJ Yang amusement Park
Like a number of other unique facilities, the world’s largest indoor park is located in the capital city of Seoul. However, Lotte, which created the Lotte World amusement park, did not limit itself to creating an indoor area. An outdoor complex was also built — an entire island with countless attractions. The total area of the park is 128 thousand square meters, and every year new entertainment, cafes, souvenir shops appear on its territory, so the complex continues to please even those who have been there dozens of times. The indoor area includes four above—ground floors with attractions, food courts, restaurants and one underground floor with an ice rink. The outdoor area is a variety of attractions and cafes, as well as the fabulous Aurora Castle, where you can just take a walk and watch the show.
Official website: https://adventure.lotteworld.com
23. Bukhansan National Park (Seoul)
Bukhansan National Park is popular among nature and tourism enthusiasts
Sometimes the sights of North Korea and South Korea are so close that it would seem that both can be covered in one trip. But, alas, the political regime of these countries is making its own adjustments, and crossing the border, which is very close, is very problematic. Very close to the border, in the north of Seoul, right in the city limits is the beautiful Pukhasan Nature Reserve Park. You can quickly get from the bustling city to the picturesque mountain landscapes by metro, and you can climb to the height using one of the many routes — all of them are so well thought out that you can master any of the trails without special preparation. The height of the mountains reaches 1000 meters, and from there you can enjoy magnificent views of numerous gorges with crystal streams and waterfalls.
Official website: https://english.knps.or.kr
24. Chagalchi Fish Market (Busan)
Inside the largest Chagalchi fish market in South Korea, Weli’mi’nakwan
Trading and cooking fish dishes at the Chagalchi Fish Market in Busan yeowatzup
One of the most colorful places in the Republic of Korea is the Chagalchi market in Busan, which is one of the largest markets in the entire Asian space. Its territory stretches for as much as 11 kilometers in length and has become not only a shopping area, but also a place of numerous entertainments, holidays, festivals and even rock concerts. As for the products, a wide variety of seafood is offered on the shelves of this market — the emphasis is mainly on trading the freshest, most often living marine life. It is here that Korean restaurateurs most often stock up on seafood in order to offer their visitors excellent national dishes. Any visitor can stock up on some delicacy here and transfer it to the restaurant, where a delicious dish will be prepared literally before his eyes.
25. Cheonggecheon (Seoul)
Cheonggecheon Creek is a popular place for walking in the center of Seoul among locals and tourists
If you are going to South Korea in the spring and are looking for something to see in Seoul in May, it is worth noting that it is too early to start a beach holiday during this period, but visiting beautiful parks and various natural monuments is the right time. This is facilitated by the most comfortable weather of the year, with a predominance of the sun and average daily temperatures at 20-25 degrees. Cheonggecheon Park is one of the most suitable places: a recreation area about 10 kilometers long is located right in the center of Seoul, along the creek of the same name. This is a real oasis among the stone jungles of the metropolis: alleys, benches, beautiful fountains are located almost along the entire length of the stream, and in the evening and at night this place becomes truly magical, thanks to thoughtful lighting and flickering from the surrounding skyscrapers.
Official website: https://www.sisul.or.kr
Next to South Korea is the country of sakura – Japan. While staying in Korea, think about visiting the land of the rising sun. Read about the sights of Japan and get inspired for your further journey through Southeast Asia!
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