Best Places To Visit In South Korea

Seoul
The vibrant, modern city of Seoul definitively lives up to the ‘24-hour party’ tag that other cities can only pay lip service to. A buzzing urban expanse that is striving to reshape its hardened concrete and steel edges with gorgeous city parks, cultural landmarks and tasteful design. You’ll find a host of exciting places to eat, drink, shop and relax, whether you’re in Hongdae’s chic bars and restaurants or the stylish boutiques of Apgujeong. Those shopping for arts, crafts, jewellery, antiques or souvenirs, should head to the wonderful markets and shops of Insa Dong.
Whilst Seoul is embracing all that is modern, it is also rich in history. In the city there are five major palace complexes, which were built under the Joseon Dynasty and provide fine examples of traditional architecture. Whilst all of the palaces are worthy of a visit, Changdeokgung Palace with it's beautiful Secret Garden and the ornate Gyeongbokgung Palace which has an hourly changing of the guard ceremony with soldiers dressed in Joseon-era uniforms are highly recommended.

1. Gyeongju

Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, Gyeongju is a coastal city in South Korea with a rich selection of cultural and historical attractions. Its Silla heritage stretches back over 1000 years, with ancient sites, relics and ruins found throughout the city. The Gyeongju National Museum is home to countless treasures and the 23 ton Emille Bell cast in AD771. Gyeongju's other highlights include the scenic Anapji Pond, Tumuli Park which is the site of incredible giant grass-covered burial mounds and the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Listed Bulguk-sa Temple. Just out of town, dramatically located on the slopes of Toham Mountain, Seokguram Grotto is another must see! Gyeongju is the historical and cultural heart of South Korea, providing an unrivaled insight into the country's history, religion and culture.

1. Seoraksan National Park

Designated as a Biosphere Protection Site by UNESCO, the 400 000 sq km Seoraksan National Park’s unique rock formations, wildlife, hot springs, dense woodland and temples from the Silla-era make it an area of South Korea that simply has to be visited. Each area of this incredibly beautiful park has its own unique appeal and attractions. Translated as Snowy Crags Mountain, Seoraksan is the third-highest mountain in South Korea. Seoraksan provides a spectacular backdrop for the park's two temples - Sinheungsa and Baekdamsa.

1. Jeju Island

Although it lies only 85km off the coast of South Korea, Jeju Island (more specifically Jeju-do) has developed its own unique history, traditional dress, architecture and linguistic traditions. With a moderate climate that differs surprisingly from the mainland, Jeju-do has a sub-tropical southern side and a more temperate northern region. On the island, which was recently voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, you’ll find exquisite botanical gardens, sandy beaches, lava caves, a folk village and the O’Sulloc Tea Museum where you can learn about South Korea’s famous traditional tea culture.

1. The Demiliterized Zone (DMZ)

The Korean DMZ or Korean Demilitarized Zone is a buffer zone between North and South Korea. Created in 1953 at the end of the Korean War, the DMZ remains as one of the most militarized regions in the world. The Military Demarcation Line (MDL) runs directly through the middle of the DMZ, marking the exact point where the front lines were before the agreement between the Soviet Union, The People’s Republic of China and North Korea, and the UN and South Korea.
Although tensions still exist between South Korea and North Korea, fascinating tours operate to the DMZ, allowing visitors to get a better understanding of the events that resulted in Korea’s division and take a peak into North Korea! Visit Imjingak Park, which commemorates all those who lost their homes or were separated from their families when South Korea was divided.

1. Andong & Hahoe Folk Villages

Andong’s peaceful, rural surroundings are in stark contrast to the buzz of Seoul. Set in the heart of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Andong is noted for having preserved much of its traditional spirit. A great place to see Korean traditions unfold is the cultural village of Hahoe, where the noble Ryu family originated and have lived for the past 600 years. Traditional buildings, beautiful surroundings and a range of cultural activities make a visit to Andong and Hahoe Village a good opportunity to take in the local culture and learn a thing or two about Korea’s rich heritage.

1. Pyeongchang

A peaceful place with astonishing scenery, Pyeongchang has seen a lot of development in recent years. It’s found in the Taeback Mountains region with parts of it sitting 2,300 feet above sea level. With lots of seasonal snow and maximum temperatures reaching just above freezing in January, it’s the perfect location for the 2018 Winter Olympics. The two main ski resorts in the region, Alpensia and Yongpyong, attract avid skiers and snowboarders with their slopes which reach up to 1.4km. The area is also popular with mountain hikers who make their way through the snow-capped peaks. The Pyeongchang Hills are home to dozens of ancient Buddhist temples, some dating back to the 7th century, including the Woljeongsa Temple. Visiting these temples is a great insight into Korea’s Buddhist past.

8.Busan

South Korea’s second biggest city, Busan brings together tropical beaches and majestic mountains, ancient Buddhist temples and a glamorous film festival. Busan is famous for its delicious seafood with many restaurants and the Jagalchi fish market. For incredible vistas of the intriguing city, hike to the top of Jangan Mountain. While many of Korea’s temples are nestled in hills and mountains, the Haedong Yonggung Temple is on Busan’s coast overlooking the Sea of Japan. Alongside all this natural beauty, there are many cosmopolitan offerings including the world’s largest department store Centum City and the Busan International Film Festival every October, Asia’s biggest. The city has 450 spas making it the ideal place to try the country’s jjimjilbang culture, with 20 of the spas using all natural-spring water.

9.Suwon

Suwon is the largest metropolis of Gyeonggi-do, the province which surrounds Seoul. The Hwaseong Fortress was built in 1794 by the Joseon dynasty ruler King Jeongjo with the aim to move the capital from Seoul to Suwon. However, before this could happen King Jeongjo died and power stayed in Seoul. But the fortress encircling the original part of Suwon remains today, stretching for nearly 6 km and includes four gates, bastions, artillery towers and observations decks. This impressive defensive wall was designated a UNESCO site in 1997 and takes nearly two hours to walk around. Another spectacular building left over from the ruling of King Jeongjo is the Hwaseong Haenggung Palacem, built at the base of Mount Paldal.

1. Dadohae Haesang National Park

At the bottom of South Korea is the Dadohae Haesang National Park, 1,700 islands spread out across the southern coastal waters. These islets vary in size with some home to isolated communities while some hold merely a few dozen trees. Cheongsando is one of the larger islands. Translated to ‘Blue Mountain Island’, it’s a ‘slow city’ meaning it’s one of the best places to discover genuine and authentic culture. This island is definitely off-the-beaten-track and travellers will find themselves joining mostly Koreans on their holidays. Hongdo is the most popular of the islands with boat trips around the island the best way to see the rocky arches, steep mountains and pebbled beaches.