South Korea

South Korea Highlights

South Korea, a country where ancient traditions coexist with cutting-edge technology, offers a fascinating blend of old and new. Seoul, the bustling capital, is a city of contrasts, from the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village to the modern skyscrapers and the vibrant nightlife of Gangnam. Busan, with its beautiful beaches and the stunning Beomeosa Temple, and Gyeongju, known as the `museum without walls`, offer a glimpse into the country`s rich history. Don`t miss Jeju Island, known for its volcanic landscape, beautiful waterfalls, and unique local culture. Korean cuisine, known for bibimbap, bulgogi, and the fiery kimchi, is a gastronomic adventure. Visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival or the vibrant Busan Film Festival for a unique cultural experience. Whether you`re exploring the bustling markets of Insa-dong or hiking the Seoraksan National Park, South Korea offers a unique travel experience.

Top 10 Attractions

Bongeunsa Temple

Situated in the heart of the modern Gangnam district in Seoul, Bongeunsa Temple offers a peaceful retreat. It`s an active Buddhist temple where visitors can participate in temple stay programs, tea ceremonies, and meditation sessions. more

Situated in the heart of the modern Gangnam district in Seoul, Bongeunsa Temple offers a peaceful retreat. It`s an active Buddhist temple where visitors can participate in temple stay programs, tea ceremonies, and meditation sessions.

Bukchon Hanok Village

This traditional village in Seoul preserves a significant aspect of Korea`s cultural heritage. The hanoks, traditional Korean houses, offer a peek into the lifestyle of the Joseon Dynasty. Walking tours are available to explore the alleys and traditi... more

This traditional village in Seoul preserves a significant aspect of Korea`s cultural heritage. The hanoks, traditional Korean houses, offer a peek into the lifestyle of the Joseon Dynasty. Walking tours are available to explore the alleys and traditional tea houses.

Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon

Another beautiful Joseon dynasty palace, Changdeokgung Palace, is notable for its `Secret Garden` (Huwon). The garden is filled with beautiful pavilions, ponds, and time-worn trees. The palace and garden are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. more

Another beautiful Joseon dynasty palace, Changdeokgung Palace, is notable for its `Secret Garden` (Huwon). The garden is filled with beautiful pavilions, ponds, and time-worn trees. The palace and garden are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

This 11-km long modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul offers walking paths, waterfalls, and numerous bridges crossing the stream. The Cheonggyecheon Stream is beautifully lit up at night and hosts art installations and performances. more

This 11-km long modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul offers walking paths, waterfalls, and numerous bridges crossing the stream. The Cheonggyecheon Stream is beautifully lit up at night and hosts art installations and performances.

DMZ

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula that serves as a buffer between North and South Korea. It`s a poignant reminder of the Korean War and division of the country. Tours often include the Joint Security... more

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula that serves as a buffer between North and South Korea. It`s a poignant reminder of the Korean War and division of the country. Tours often include the Joint Security Area, tunnels, and observatories.

Gwangjang Market

Established in 1905, Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea. It`s famous for its food section, where visitors can try Korean dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and bibimbap. more

Established in 1905, Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea. It`s famous for its food section, where visitors can try Korean dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and bibimbap.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is a stunning example of traditional Korean architecture and design. Built in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty, the palace has a 600-year history. Within the complex, you can find the National Folk Museum and the National Palace Mu... more

Gyeongbokgung Palace is a stunning example of traditional Korean architecture and design. Built in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty, the palace has a 600-year history. Within the complex, you can find the National Folk Museum and the National Palace Museum of Korea, which display artifacts from Korea`s past.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Situated on the coast in Busan, the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is unique among Korean temples, which are typically found in the mountains. Its stunning ocean backdrop makes it a popular spot for sunrise prayers. more

Situated on the coast in Busan, the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is unique among Korean temples, which are typically found in the mountains. Its stunning ocean backdrop makes it a popular spot for sunrise prayers.

Haeundae Beach

Located in Busan, Haeundae Beach is one of South Korea`s most popular beaches. With its fine sand, clear waters, and surrounding modern skyline, it`s a great place for leisure and water activities. more

Located in Busan, Haeundae Beach is one of South Korea`s most popular beaches. With its fine sand, clear waters, and surrounding modern skyline, it`s a great place for leisure and water activities.

Insa-dong

Insa-dong is a vibrant neighborhood in Seoul that is a hub for Korean culture and crafts. Its streets are lined with art galleries, traditional tea houses, shops selling Korean traditional crafts, and street food vendors. more

Insa-dong is a vibrant neighborhood in Seoul that is a hub for Korean culture and crafts. Its streets are lined with art galleries, traditional tea houses, shops selling Korean traditional crafts, and street food vendors.

Jeju Island

Known for its beach resorts, volcanic landscape, and spectacular waterfalls, Jeju Island is a popular holiday destination. Its natural wonders, including the UNESCO-listed Geomunoreum lava tube system and the iconic Hallasan mountain, offer various o... more

Known for its beach resorts, volcanic landscape, and spectacular waterfalls, Jeju Island is a popular holiday destination. Its natural wonders, including the UNESCO-listed Geomunoreum lava tube system and the iconic Hallasan mountain, offer various outdoor activities.

Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It plays a key role in Korean Buddhist events and is beautifully adorned with lanterns during the Lotus Lantern Festival. more

Jogyesa Temple is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It plays a key role in Korean Buddhist events and is beautifully adorned with lanterns during the Lotus Lantern Festival.

Jungsik

Jungsik in Seoul offers a modern twist on Korean cuisine. As one of Asia`s 50 Best Restaurants, it`s renowned for its innovative use of local ingredients, presentation, and exceptional service. more

Jungsik in Seoul offers a modern twist on Korean cuisine. As one of Asia`s 50 Best Restaurants, it`s renowned for its innovative use of local ingredients, presentation, and exceptional service.

Myeongdong

Myeongdong is a bustling district in the heart of Seoul, known for its shopping streets. It`s the go-to place for cosmetics shopping, trendy clothes, and Korean street food. The Myeongdong Cathedral, a striking Gothic-style church, is another attract... more

Myeongdong is a bustling district in the heart of Seoul, known for its shopping streets. It`s the go-to place for cosmetics shopping, trendy clothes, and Korean street food. The Myeongdong Cathedral, a striking Gothic-style church, is another attraction in the area.

N Seoul Tower

The N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower, offers stunning panoramic views of Seoul. The tower also houses several restaurants, cafes, and shops. The "Locks of Love" is a popular attraction where couples leave padlocks to symbolize their love. more

The N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower, offers stunning panoramic views of Seoul. The tower also houses several restaurants, cafes, and shops. The "Locks of Love" is a popular attraction where couples leave padlocks to symbolize their love.

Namiseom Island

Namiseom Island, often called Nami Island, is a half-moon-shaped isle known for its tree-lined pathways, especially the Metasequoia Lane made famous by the Korean drama `Winter Sonata.` It`s a great place for a day trip from Seoul. more

Namiseom Island, often called Nami Island, is a half-moon-shaped isle known for its tree-lined pathways, especially the Metasequoia Lane made famous by the Korean drama `Winter Sonata.` It`s a great place for a day trip from Seoul.

National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in Korea, housing a vast range of artifacts from Korea`s cultural history. Its collections include archaeology, history, art, and an outdoor exhibition area. more

The National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in Korea, housing a vast range of artifacts from Korea`s cultural history. Its collections include archaeology, history, art, and an outdoor exhibition area.

Seoraksan National Park

One of the most beautiful national parks in South Korea, Seoraksan is known for its stunning autumn colors, snowy peaks, and ancient temples. It offers hiking trails for all levels and panoramic views from the Gwongeumseong Fortress. more

One of the most beautiful national parks in South Korea, Seoraksan is known for its stunning autumn colors, snowy peaks, and ancient temples. It offers hiking trails for all levels and panoramic views from the Gwongeumseong Fortress.

Tosokchon Samgyetang

Tosokchon Samgyetang is a famous restaurant in Seoul known for its Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), a traditional Korean dish. Housed in a hanok, the restaurant offers an authentic Korean dining experience. more

Tosokchon Samgyetang is a famous restaurant in Seoul known for its Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), a traditional Korean dish. Housed in a hanok, the restaurant offers an authentic Korean dining experience.

War Memorial of Korea

This expansive museum is dedicated to the memory of the Korean War. Its indoor and outdoor exhibits showcase weapons and artifacts, while a peace plaza, children`s museum, and several war memorials are also on the site. more

This expansive museum is dedicated to the memory of the Korean War. Its indoor and outdoor exhibits showcase weapons and artifacts, while a peace plaza, children`s museum, and several war memorials are also on the site.

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