Let's Discover Some New Places!
South Korea has the perfect combination of traditional and modern places to visit, from the busy streets of Seoul where ancient palaces stand beside skyscrapers, to the beautiful nature of Jeju Island. Join us on this virtual journey as we uncover the unique charms, cultural gems, and urban wonders that make these cities a must-visit. If you do not know which cities to visit in Korea then here is a list of some of the places you must visit.
1. Seoul
Seoul is the vibrant capital of South Korea with a rich history. A place that seems to be awake 24/7 and the most famous place to visit among tourists. This city has the perfect combination of traditional buildings and modern skyscrapers. The Han River which flows through the capital is a symbol for Seoul. Exploring the riverside is a great way to spend the day when you are in Seoul.
When going to Seoul you must visit Itaewon which has a great reputation for its international crowd and is also known as Seoul's international district. Or visit Hongdae the busiest district in Korea, with a lot of street food tents and street performers. Gangnam is another great district known for its many nightclubs. For travelers that want to learn more about the culture and traditions in Korea visit the Insadong neighborhood where tradition is still thriving as it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Korea. For some history of Korea visit the palace and temples throughout the city or climb the old city walls of Seoul.
2. Busan
The second largest city in Korea is Busan, located in the south of Korea. Easy to reach by train under four hours from Seoul. The city is less known among tourists but that does not make the place less interesting. It has the largest and most popular beach in Korea, Haeundae Beach. Additionally, you can try delicious seafood while looking at an amazing view of the Gwangali Bridge. Moreover, the city has many activities to try out. Visit the Gamcheon culture village or Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest fish market in the country. Or try the Haeundae Sky Capsule, which are little colorful trains that you can ride along the coastline. If you prefer a less crowded place, then Busan may be a better option than Seoul.
3. Jeju Island
One of the "New7wonders of nature" is Jeju island, the Hawaii of South Korea, and the perfect place to relax in nature. Many Koreans go to Jeju as tourists themselves. Jeju is a volcanic island and is known for the Jeju mandarines and striking views.
Jeju exhibits three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, and the ancient dol hareubang stone statues.
The Island where you can hike up the highest mountain in Korea, walk through lava tunnels, and swim in natural swimming pools. Visit one of the many beautiful beaches, and try the black pork at one of the local markets. If you want to do something different go visit the teddy bear museum, yes, you read it right a museum with teddy bear art. All in all Jeju Island is definitely worth a visit while you are in Korea.
4. Incheon
Next up is the harbor city of Korea, right next to Seoul you can find Incheon. The city is less touristic and is known for its good food and many stores for shopping. Incheon also harbors the only Chinatown in all of Korea. Visit the Songdo Central Park which is based on the New York Central Park. Incheon is a good place to visit for a day trip to explore the historical and economic elements of Korea.
5. Daegu
The city is located in the southeastern part of Korea. Daegu has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its deep-rooted cultural traditions. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Donghwasa Temple and Bullo-dong Ancient Tombs Complex, which provide insights into the region's cultural and religious history. Travelers who really want to delve into Korean culture can try to live as a local. To take a break from the bustling city visit the Suseong Lake located in Daegu or walk through Apsan Park. Daegu offers a blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and unique experiences, making it a compelling destination for those looking to immerse themselves in South Korea's diverse culture and landscapes.
6. Andong
Andong is the hidden gem of South Korea. The place where rich history is stored and breathtaking views can be found. Step back in time and experience traditional Korean culture at the Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. When you are in Andong try out the regional cuisine such as "Andong jjimdak" (spicy braised chicken) and "heotjesabap" (a special type of bibimbap). Food enthusiasts will delight in the city's unique flavors. In a future blog post, we will dive deeper into Korean cuisine.
In summary, Andong is a city steeped in history, tradition, and natural beauty. It offers a glimpse into Korea's cultural heritage and provides a serene escape for those seeking to experience the authentic and traditional side of the country.
7. Gwangju
Gwangju played a big part in the South Korean democracy movement and has therefore a lot of history. Additionally, the city is known as the cultural heart of South Korea as it has multiple galleries, theaters, and cultural events. In Gwangju is also the Asia Culture Center, located which hosts exhibitions, performances, and cultural exchanges.
Moreover, Gwangju has picturesque mountains, offers stunning views, and mouthwatering dishes to try.
8. Ulsan
The city is located next to Busan on the Southeastern coast and is a major shipbuilding hub. This brings a lot of diversity to the city, Ulsan is also a great place to visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Mountains surround the city, and travelers who love to hike must explore the Yeongnam Alps. If you are not that into nature and want to explore the city then there is a lot to do. Try the different street foods or go shopping, from affordable trendy clothes and accessories to high-end fashion Ulsan has it all. As the city is located on the coast visit one of the fishing villages and go to the Gangdong Fish Market and try some of the freshest seafood available.
9. Damyang
Hidden in the Korean country site in the north of Jeollanamdo is Damyang. Known for its famous bamboo forest, also known as Damyang Bosun, which makes the city worth visiting during your trip to Korea. The locals used to trade bamboo and handcrafted bamboo products, unfortunately, it is a dying trade. However, you can still find the workshop places and visit the museum dedicated to bamboo crafts. When you are in Damyang try the bamboo ice cream or cycle through the forest and discover the waterfalls hidden in the forest. Or visit Boseong Tea Fields one of the most famous tea fields in Korea which is located near Damyang.
10. Nami Island
Finally, we have Nami Island located near Seoul, a popular destination in Korea, and a great place for a day trip. The island is known for its walks along the riverside, tree lanes, and incredible scenery. The small island has been used for many K-dramas due to its landscape. The small Island has a lot to provide, take a tour around the island on a rail bike, walk along the riverside paths, or visit the garden of "Morning Calm". If you are doubting when to visit the island don't worry as it does not matter in which season you visit Nami Island as each season has to offer something special.
This concludes our list of South Korea's top 10 must-visit places, we hope you gained some more insights and added a few places to your trip to Korea. From the historic palaces of Seoul to the tranquil beauty of Jeju Island, each place has a unique part of Korea's culture, history, and nature. These ten remarkable destinations have only scratched the surface of what South Korea has to offer. So, when the time is right, pack your bags and start planning your own adventure to these incredible places.