There are way too many things in South Korea to list everything, but these attractions should be enough to get you started with planning your trip. South Korea has plenty of places to visit so there'll definitely be a few things that we miss so be sure to let us know in the comments if there's something you think a tourist to the country would enjoy.
We've tried to include a good range of Korean attractions and include both traditional places to visit like UNESCO World Heritage sites, something for those who like to visit a good temple or museum, as well as things that really highlight traditional and contemporary Korean culture.
Alive Museum & Dynamic Maze
The Alive Museum & Dynamic Maze in Seoul is an art gallery with plenty of opportunities for family photos and optical effects that you use on your socials. There are versions of works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Manet.
The Dynamic Maze is like an escape room where groups are tasked with solving problems and puzzles to get out!
Alpaca World Korea
As the name suggests, Alpaca World Korea is a park with lots of alpacas as well as deer, and birds. If you or the little ones love animals, this could be a nice way to spend the day. There are also opportunities to feed the animals.
It's not the easiest place to get to on public transport, but you can always rent a car to get there. Once you have your car, you can always visit Nami Island (more on that later) or even Petite France, a France-themed theme park in Gyeonggi Province.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is an example of Korean architecture from 600 years ago. The village is located in Seoul and built onto a hill which adds to the beauty but also gives some wonderful views and opportunities for photos.
Discover Korean classes Sydney here on Superprof!
There are also plenty of museums and cultural centres to visit for those interested in the Joseon Dynasty and Korean history. As the village is actually just a village, you don't need to pay to visit it, but there are things there to visit.
Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden
The Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was constructed during the 15th century during the Joseon Dynasty.
Along with Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace is a wonderful example of the architecture of the time and how it works in harmony with the natural surroundings rather than imposing itself on them.
These grounds were important politically as they were the residence of the royal family. It's a sight to behold and well worth a visit.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream is a bit of a misnomer as while there's certainly a waterway, this is an urban renewal project that has taken the “stream” in the centre of Seoul and made it a nice place to walk, hang out, or just visit.
Initially, the plan was unpopular due to the cost but has since become a popular part of Seoul for locals and tourists alike. Again, don't think of this like a stream in the woods, it's much more like an urban park with a waterway running through it.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Dongdaemun Market
Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Dongdaemun Market is a futuristic-looking building and a great place to go if you're interested in shopping. Rather than high-end fashion, this is an excellent place to find affordable purchases and there are plenty of places to eat once you're done with your retail therapy.
It's also not too far from a few other recommended attractions including Meyongdong Street, which we'll get to later on.
Everland
Everland is the biggest theme park in South Korea and one of the world's most popular in terms of visitors. In addition to the park, there's also a zoo and a water park.
There are various themed areas taking inspiration from Europe, the US, and Aesop's fables plus plenty of rides.
Roller coaster enthusiasts will enjoy the T Express, which is the world's steepest wooden roller coaster in the world and the first to be built in South Korea. There are also more relaxing rides for more casual visitors and children.
While theme parks are traditionally quite touristy, it can still help to learn some important Korean phrases before you go.
Ewha Shopping Street
This area by Ewha Womans University is home to plenty of stalls selling clothing, shoes, and accessories primarily for young women. Naturally, this makes the destination popular with girls and can be reached from the Ewha Womans University subway station.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village is a town in Busan that features colourful houses built in a hilly area. This was initially an impoverished area for the working class, but rejuvenation and restoration efforts have turned the area into a popular tourist destination.
There are plenty of art installations and street art within the twisty alleyways of Gamcheon Culture Village and the town itself has been likened to Santorini in Greece, albeit far more colourful!
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of South Korea's oldest and most important palaces. It was initially built towards the end of the 14th century and was the main palace for the Joseon Dynasty.
For many, this is the most beautiful of Korea's palaces and also the largest. Entry to the palace is free on the last Wednesday of the month so it's definitely worth visiting if the timing works out for you then.
It's also a good idea to visit as early as you can as it's a popular destination.
Hongdae
Hongdae is an area of Seoul that's popular with the alternative and indie music and art scene. It's famous for clubs, shops, and street art.
The area is home to one of South Korea's top art colleges which explains the relationship it has with the arts and the Korean indie scene, in particular.
It's also an excellent place to go shopping for clothes in vintage and independent clothing stores or grab a drink in themed cafés.
Hwadam Botanic Garden
Hwadam Botanic Garden is less than an hour from Seoul by car and certainly worth a visit if you love nature.
The botanic garden includes several themed areas, but don't expect to be left alone with nature as the park is quite popular.
Insadong Street
Insadong Street is one of Seoul's popular and colourful areas. There are plenty of alleyways with different attractions and there's a combination of both traditional and modern Korean culture, which could be useful if you're considering immersing yourself in Korean culture.
This is also where you'll be if you're visiting the Alive Museum & Dynamic Maze or the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple (more on that in a moment).
There are shops, restaurants, cafés, art galleries, tea houses, and places to buy souvenirs.
Jogyesa Buddhist Temple
The Joygesa Buddhist Temple is incredibly beautiful and great for photos as it's home to statues of colourful characters and lots of gorgeous greenery.
Be sure to check out the 500-year-old pine tree as you enter the temple! It's both beautiful and classified as a Korean natural monument.
Lotte World Seoul
Lotte World is an entertainment complex in Seoul and home to two theme parks: an indoor park and an outdoor park!
Theme park enthusiasts can debate long into the night as to which park is better, Lotte World or Everland, but the only way to really be sure is to visit both.
Manjanggul Lava Tube
The Manjanggul Lava Tube is exactly that; a tube of lava! Of course, the lava has since cooled and hardened and was formed somewhere between 300,000 and 200,000 years ago.
Want to learn with a qualified tutor? Find Korean classes Melbourne on Superprof!
The lava tube is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site and also home to what could be South Korea's largest colony of bats.
Myeongdong Street
Myeongdong Street is another excellent street in Seoul for shopping, eating, and just visiting. Whether you're hungry for shopping or hungry from shopping, Myeongdong is worth a visit.
Myeongdong could be compared with Hongdae but it's quieter with less nightlife. It's also a popular area for tourists to stay in since it gives them immediate access to places to eat and drink.
Naejangsan National Park
Naejangsan National Park is a wonderful area of natural beauty and an excellent place to hike. You'll probably have to drive if you want to get there, but once you do, you can enjoy a casual 4-hour hike to Ipamsan Mountain.
If you don't want to drive and are staying in Seoul, getting there will take you about 3 hours so consider it a day trip.
Nami Island
Nami Island is another area of natural beauty in South Korea and can be accessed by ferry or by zipline. The zipline trip, however, is one-way and not because it's dangerous but rather because there's no zipline in the other direction. If you take the zipline there, you'll need to take the ferry back off the island.
You can get to Nami Island from Seoul in about an hour and a half via train, bus, and then the aforementioned ferry or zipline.
This might be too far away from Seoul for a short trip, but if you're planning on living in Korea and learning the language, this becomes a must-visit destination!
Namsan Seoul Tower
Last but not least is the Namsan Seoul Tower, a symbol of the city itself and South Korea's first general radio tower.
It dates back to the late 1960s and will likely feature in a number of your holiday photos. You can visit the tower and even eat in the revolving restaurant at the top for a meal with a view.
Of course, these aren't all the attractions you can find if you decide to visit South Korea and if there are any you'd recommend for a trip to South Korea, feel free to include them in the comments.
Ready to learn Korean? Find a qualified tutor on Superprof!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
