Must-Visit Places in Korea – A Traveler’s Guide!
Hey there! Planning a trip to Korea but not sure where to go? No worries—I’ve got you! Korea has a bit of everything—bustling cities, stunning beaches, rich history, and of course, amazing food. Let me take you through some of the best places that foreign travelers absolutely love.
1. Seoul – The City That Has It All
If it’s your first time in Korea, Seoul is a no-brainer. It’s got history, culture, nightlife, shopping—basically everything you’d want in a trip.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace – You can’t visit Korea and not see this place. Rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress), stroll through the palace, and feel like royalty for a day.
- Namsan Seoul Tower – The best view of the city, hands down. Take the cable car up, snap some pics, and leave a love lock if you’re feeling romantic.
- Myeongdong – If you love shopping (or just want to try a million different Korean street foods), this is the place to be.
- Hongdae – The artsy, youthful part of the city. Street performances, cool cafes, and tons of Instagram-worthy spots.
- Gwangjang Market – If you’re a foodie, you HAVE to come here. Try bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak kimbap (tiny addictive seaweed rolls).
💡 Tip: If you’re into K-pop, you’ll find tons of shops selling albums and merch in Myeongdong and Hongdae.
2. Busan – Beaches, Seafood, and Chill Vibes
Busan is Korea’s laid-back, coastal city. It’s got a totally different vibe from Seoul—think ocean breeze, fresh seafood, and colorful villages.
- Haeundae Beach – The most famous beach in Korea. Perfect for relaxing, swimming, or just people-watching.
- Gamcheon Culture Village – A super colorful hillside village with murals, cute cafes, and insane photo spots.
- Jagalchi Fish Market – If you love seafood, this is heaven. Pick your seafood fresh and have it cooked on the spot.
- Gwangalli Beach – The night view here is unreal. Sit by the beach, have a drink, and enjoy the lights of Gwangan Bridge.
💡 Tip: Busan’s dialect is different from Seoul’s—locals have their own way of speaking, which is pretty fun to hear!
3. Jeju Island – Korea’s Little Slice of Paradise
If you love nature and adventure, Jeju is the place for you. It’s known as the “Hawaii of Korea”, and for good reason!
- Hallasan Mountain – Love hiking? This is Korea’s tallest mountain, and the views at the top are totally worth it.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) – Wake up early and catch the most breathtaking sunrise over the ocean.
- Hyeopjae Beach – White sand, crystal-clear water, and perfect for just chilling out.
- Jeju Black Pork & Seafood – You HAVE to try the black pork BBQ and fresh seafood from the legendary haenyeo (female divers).
💡 Tip: Rent a car! Jeju’s public transportation isn’t great, so driving is the best way to explore.
4. Gyeongju – Where Korea’s History Comes to Life
If you’re a history buff, Gyeongju is like stepping back in time. It’s often called "the museum without walls", and for good reason.
- Bulguksa Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea’s most famous temples.
- Seokguram Grotto – Home to an ancient and stunning Buddha statue.
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex – Giant grass-covered tombs that look like little hills, but they’re actually royal burial sites from the Silla Dynasty.
- Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond – Go at night! The way the palace lights reflect on the water is just magical.
💡 Tip: Rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace. It’s super peaceful and scenic!
5. Andong – Experience Traditional Korea
If you want to see authentic Korean traditions, Andong is where it’s at.
- Hahoe Folk Village – A preserved traditional village where people still live today! Walk around, watch the famous mask dance performances, and soak in the old-school Korean vibes.
- Andong Jjimdak – This is Andong’s most famous dish—braised chicken in soy sauce with glass noodles. It’s SO good.
💡 Tip: The Andong Mask Festival happens every year, so check the dates if you want to see it!
6. DMZ – The Closest You’ll Get to North Korea
This is probably one of the most unique experiences you can have in Korea. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is the border between North and South Korea, and you can visit it on a guided tour.
- Third Tunnel of Aggression – A tunnel dug by North Korea for invasion (but South Korea discovered it!).
- Dora Observatory – You can literally see North Korea from here.
- Dorasan Station – A train station that could one day connect North and South Korea.
💡 Tip: You need to book a tour in advance—you can’t visit the DMZ on your own.
7. Nami Island & The Garden of Morning Calm – A Fairytale Escape
If you love nature, romance, and K-dramas, you’ll LOVE these places.
- Nami Island – You’ve probably seen it in Winter Sonata (K-drama fans, you know what I mean!). It’s famous for its tall tree-lined paths and peaceful atmosphere.
- The Garden of Morning Calm – One of the prettiest places in Korea, especially during spring cherry blossom season or winter illuminations.
💡 Tip: Rent a bike on Nami Island—it’s the best way to explore!
Final Thoughts – Where Will You Go First?
Korea is so much more than just Seoul. Whether you’re into big cities, history, nature, or food, there’s something for everyone.
📍 So, where are you heading first? Let me know—I’d love to hear your plans!