From kimchi to K-Pop, South Korea has established itself on the global stage in recent years, which means there’s a lot of interest in visiting the Asian nation.
The country is brimming with reasons to visit and is well set up for tourism. But as any traveller knows, with so many options it can be difficult to craft an itinerary that feels like you’ve truly experienced everything the country has to offer.
Luckily for you, we’ve done the hard work and listed the seven best places to visit in South Korea, meaning you can stop fretting about what to do and start looking forward to your Seoul sojourn!
How many days do you need for South Korea?
If you really want to get to grips with everything South Korea has to offer, you need at least three weeks in the country. However, 10 days to a fortnight is enough time to explore the highlights.
What is the best way to get around South Korea?
South Korea has excellent public transport infrastructure. The intercity KTX high speed trains are ideal for longer distances, and there’s lots of bus coverage for smaller areas. Seoul’s subway is fantastic and comprehensive.
What’s the best time to visit South Korea?
South Korea has something to offer at every time of year, but most would agree the best time to visit climate-wise is between April and June. However, the country has an autumnal charm and more often than not delivers snowy winters, making for a whole new experience.
The 7 must-see places in South Korea
Image source: Supplied
Seoul
There’s no doubt Seoul is the beating heart of South Korea. With over half of the country living within the capital’s metropolitan area, it’s clear to see why this thrumming city is the cultural, political, and business centre of the nation. You could spend your entire trip here without scratching the surface of what it has to offer.
History lovers can stroll through Gyeongbokgung Palace, travellers who love diving into local life can explore the sensory feast that is Gwangjang Market, and those looking for a more refined experience can take in the Dongdeamun Design Plaza, or go shopping in the bustling Myeong-dong. And that’s before we mention the food and drink scene. A city deserving of its capital status.
Busan
The past and the present mix freely all over South Korea, but in Busan this contrast plays out beautifully. The mountainside is dotted with gorgeous ancient temples, but the city is a glass and steel wonderland. Among the skyscrapers and bustling bars, there’s spaces like the Folk Square that maintain a slice of the traditional even in the modern section of the city.
Busan also has one of South Korea’s most popular beaches, so if you’re into nature you’re covered between the stunning shoreline and the rewarding hiking trails that weave through the mountains just outside the city.
Jeju Island
A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site located in the Korea Strait, Jeju Island is blessed with bone-white sand beaches and surrounded by aquamarine waters, and is unlike anywhere else in this incredibly diverse country.
The paradisiacal landmass is brimming with wonders, including countless breathtaking mountain views, a plethora of challenging and rewarding hikes, and a whole host of truly amazing culinary experiences that are unique to this morsel of South Korea. What sets Jeju apart from other beachy islands is its unique culture and history, whether it’s the celebrated local female divers (haenyeo) who can hold their breath for supernatural periods of time, or the charming Seongeup Folk Village.
Gyeongju
History runs through the streets of this ancient coastal town, which is jam-packed with royal tombs, centuries-old pagodas, early observatories, and countless other ancient gems. Gyeongju is also walkable and very green, giving it a different feel to other settlements of a similar size in the country.
The royal tombs are a particular highlight, but the city also has a number of great night-time experiences that give the various attractions a totally different feel. Stargazing at one of the ancient observatories like the ancients did is an unforgettable experience.
Sokcho
Sat by the sea, this mid-sized city blends the rural and urban. The centre sparkles with skyscrapers, and is stuffed with fancy coffee shops, cool breweries, and contemporary dining spots. But Sokcho is also surrounded by some of the best beaches in this part of the world, as well as Seoraksan National Park, where you can hike along the world-famous Dinosaur Ridge for breathtaking mountain views.
If you’re not much of a hiker, there’s also a cable car that gives you all the views with almost none of the effort. A fantastic place to visit in South Korea if you need an escape from the madness of the city.
Gwangju
Gwangju played a huge role in modern South Korean history. The city was the centre of a popular democratic uprising in 1980, which is memorialised in two of its finest attractions: the 5.18 Memorial Park and the 5.18 National Cemetery. The settlement offers a lot more than sober history though, with the expansive Gwangju National Museum and National Asian Culture Center within its borders.
Nature lovers will be drawn to Mudeungsan National Park, full of distinctive rock formations and brilliant hikes. There are also some cracking regional dishes that are popular here, like Oritang, a deep and flavourful duck soup that will leave you happily slurping.
Andong
If you’re keen to gain a deeper understanding of South Korea’s extensive folk culture, then Andong should be top of your list of places to visit here. The Hahoe Folk Village is one of the most iconic places to experience these centuries-old traditions, and visiting is just as eye-opening as it is fascinating.
There’s lots of other history to explore too, whether it’s checking out the elegantly carved Wolyeonggyo Bridge or the stunning Bongjeongsa Temple. October is probably the best month to visit Andong thanks to the famous Folk Festival that takes place. Visitors at this time will get the opportunity to see the famous Hahoetal, or Andong Masks, as locals celebrate with processions and other events — a truly unique experience.
Ready to explore South Korea with new friends, some seriously special stays and learn from the wisdom of local guides? Find out more about what trips Contiki offers here.
