10 Essential Places to Visit in South Korea
South Korea is surrounded by numerous islands that give it great beauty. On the other hand, it is one of the most advanced countries in technology and communication. In addition, its attractive provinces make it particularly touristy.
Are you interested in knowing what things you can do in South Korea? Here we detail the best places to get to know Korean culture.
1. Seoul is a modern and traditional city
Seoul – South KoreaSeoul is the capital of South Korea, a city steeped in history and tradition with countless iconic sites. It ranks first among the must-see places to visit in Korea.
Are you traveling to Seoul? Be sure to visit the following places:
Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace symbolizes the tradition and history of South Korea. When visiting this place, you cannot miss the surroundings, its extensions of land, buildings, architectural beauty and ancient traditions.
N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower
This tower is also known as Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower. It is located in Namsan Park. It is considered as the most outstanding example of Korean culture; If you want to discover Korea, you cannot miss it.
Apart from the tower, there you will see different attractions such as:
– The Observatory
– The Hanbok Culture Experience Center
– The Tower Gates and love locks
– Restaurants
– Namsan Park
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a village located on a hill. It has traditional houses and streets full of stones. It has a tourist information center where visitors receive a map to guide them through the village.
On the site you will find:
- The street of artisans
- The craft center
- A panoramic view of Changdeokgung Palace
- Views of the rooftops of Bukchon
- The most beautiful street in Bukchon
World Tower Lot
Lotte World Tower
The World Tower Lot is the tallest skyscraper in South Korea. It has 123 floors and 58 elevators for the enjoyment of visitors.
2. Busan, the second largest city in South Korea
Busan – South Korea
Busan is the second largest city in South Korea. It is characterized by its beautiful beaches, islands, and parks. It also has other attributes that make it an attractive place to visit, such as:
Haeundae Beach
It is the most famous beach in Busan and one of the best in South Korea. Its beauty and easy access have given it a boom, making it a favorite place for Koreans and foreigners.
Beomeosa Buddhist Temple
Located on the top of Geumjeongsan Mountain, surrounded by forests and valleys.
Haedong Yonggungsa
Haedong Yonggungsa – Busan
It is a very busy Buddhist temple. It is located in front of the sea, northeast of Busan, that characteristic makes it one of the favorite temples of the city.
Bulguksa and Seokguram
The Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple and symbolizes the ideal land of the Buddha. It is considered a masterpiece and contains seven of Korea’s national treasures.
On the other hand, Seokguram is an artificial Buddhist grotto. In its cave contains a statue of the Buddha sitting cross-legged. The main sculpture is surrounded by sculpted images, including disciples.
Both sites are considered Buddhist cultural heritages.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village
It is also known as “the santorini of South Korea”. It is a town full of colorful houses. It offers attractions such as museums, street art murals and spectacular works of art.
All of these places make Busan high on the list of must-see places.
3. Suwon City in Gyeonggi-do
Located in the north of South Korea, Suwon is the capital of the Gyeonggi. It is full of tall buildings. The Hwasong Fortress was built on it. It was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
Hwasong or Hwaseong Fort
Hwasong Fort
It was built by King Jeongio. It is located on a mountain and is a huge fortress with artillery towers. This construction is more than 200 years old.It is a defensive wall that is 5.5 km long. You can get to this place by public transport.
4. DMZ, demilitarized border zone between South Korea and North Korea
In your tour of the western country, you can include the DMZ. This is an area free of weapons and with other security measures. Being in that territory, you will know the history of both countries. An interesting and mysterious place with trains, tunnels, an observatory, the liberation bridges and other monuments.
Korean Demilitarized Zone
5. Gyeongju, ancient Korean capital
Gyeongju is the second largest city at the provincial level in South Korea. It is known as the museum without walls, for the natural treasures it has.
Gyeongju, was the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom. In this town you find places like the following:
Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa Temple
Although the temple was damaged by the Japanese invasion, the stone sculptures survived and can still be seen.
Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory
Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory
It is considered the oldest facility on earth. It is built in stone. Its name means “tower looking towards the stars”. It has green areas where you can fully see the entire tower.
Yangdong Village
Yangdong is a royal village divided into 3 zones, with a stream. It is a colorful place with well-preserved houses.
6. Damyang, famous for its bamboo products
Damyang is surrounded by a forest with giant bamboos. It is an earthly paradise where you can meditate and walk in the open air.
This place is very famous for strawberry cultivation and bamboo production. And if you want you can visit places like the following:
Juknokwon Bamboo Forest
Juknokwon Bamboo Forest
It is the main forest in the city. It is an essential place to visit in South Korea. Its large amount of vegetation, in addition to the attractions along the way, make the forest an unforgettable place.
7. Jeju Island, one of the seven natural wonders of the world
It is a province very famous for its spas, and the landscapes of the volcanic crater. Here the best-known places are:
Land of love in Jeju
Land of love in Jeju
It is an entertainment park that exhibits sculptures. Its theme focuses on sex. Eye-catching art and videos that talk about sex education are on display.
Hallasan National Park
Due to its partly mountainous geography, it allows a pleasant view of the surroundings.
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Seongsan Ilchulbong
It is a striking inactive volcanic crater, where people go on excursions.
8. Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Traditional Korean town with more than 600 years old, a place where it maintains the customs of the Confucian culture.
Hahoe Folk Village with its low thatched houses is surrounded by natural surroundings.
9. Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Seoraksan National Park
The national park is very valuable for its nature reserve. It is a very popular place for its peaks, which reach more than 1,200 meters above sea level.
10. Jeonju, famous for Korean food and historical buildings
It is a traditional area of the Asian country, a modern city that preserves its houses with their traditional appearance. Here you can enjoy places like:
Jeonju Hanok Village
Jeonju, famous for Korean food and historical buildings
Walking the streets of Jeonju Hanok Village is like going back to that traditional era. It is a city that makes Western culture known.
A country full of culture
South Korea is a country that loves and respects its history, traditions, and culture. It gives value to each place no matter how simple it is. Therefore, if you are interested in visiting historical sites, you cannot miss the ones mentioned in this article.
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