South Korea Tours & Trips
Korean women dressed in the traditional hanbok, dancing around the vivacious streets of the country lined with teahouses, paints a colourful picture of the South Korean culture. Marvel at ancient temples beside skyscrapers in Busan, get to know the locals in their thatched houses at Andong or discover your inner K-pop fan in Seoul. From the serene landscapes of Jeju Island to the amazing Gyeongju, a trip to South Korea is filled with colour and contrast. From their year-round festivals, kimchi cuisine and friendly faces, this little pocket of Asia deserves a place in your passport. Combine your South Korea tour with Japan for the ultimate package where technology and traditions coexist.
Gyeongju
For a wonderful collection of historic South Korea attractions, head for the remarkable coastal city of Gyeongju. This ancient capital city of the Silla Kingdom is sometimes described as a museum without walls, which makes complete sense once you start heading from one major ancient attraction to the next. Perhaps the best known place to visit here is Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO-protected Buddhist temple from the sixth century. Here you’ll also find the Seokguram grotto and its striking statue of Buddha. Other major sights around the city include the Anapji Pond and Bomun Pavilion, the latter of which showcases the beauty of Korea in spring with its cherry blossoms.
Gyeongbokgung
Seoul has not one but five main palaces. Painted in hues of red and jade, Gyeongbokgung is the largest and arguably the most important. Often compared with the Forbidden City in Beijing, Gyeongbokgung also houses the National Folk Museum of Korea. If you wear hanbok, the traditional Korean dress for men and women, your visit is free. You can rent your costumes in the city.
N Seoul Tower, Seoul
On Namsan Mountain, in the centre of the city, is the N Seoul Tower. The mountain is 243m above sea level and is the capital’s second-highest point. Go up the 236m tower to experience breathtaking views by day or night. There is a digital observatory and revolving restaurant. Don’t forget to look for the love locks left by couples to signify the promise of their relationships.
Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul
This 10km-long stream in the heart of the city serves as an exhibition and festival area. Especially at Christmas, but also for holidays including Buddha’s birthday and the Lantern Festival, the waterway features illuminations and artworks. With its rows of foliage and splashing water, it can feel so tranquil you can forget you are in a city of 10m people.
Gwanghwamun Square
This new public square lies in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate to the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace. The square features a statue of King Sejong the Great, the inventor of Korea’s Hangul alphabet. Visit on a sunny day and you can enjoy the view of the soaring green hills beyond Seoul’s skyscrapers.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Known by its initials, the DDP is a very cool design center in Seoul’s Dongdaemun area. Dongdaemun is also known for its shopping, there are a lot of department stores and discount stores in the area. The silver, orb-like flowing DDP building looks like something from outer space. It was designed by the late, great architect Zaha Hadid.
Namdaemun Market, Seoul
The largest traditional market in Korea, Namdaemun Market is the place to shop for cheap goods as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. It is also the perfect spot to graze – don’t miss the spicy tteokbokki rice cakes or the mung-bean pancakes, prepared while you wait. The market is open through the night from 11pm to 4am.
Myeongdong Market, Seoul
Seoul’s hectic shopping district of Myeongdong is a magnet for anyone who craves Korean fashion or skincare. You will want to stock up on revitalising facial masks as well as delicious honey-butter-almond snacks. Myeongdong is also the place to go to find quirky themed eating places, including the Hello Kitty cafe.
Lotte World Tower
Seoul’s largest recreation complex is home to the world’s biggest indoor theme park as well as an outdoor amusement park called Magic Island, all linked by a monorail. Lotte World, which is to the southeast of the city centre, has a luxury hotel, a national folk museum, sport facilities and cinemas. To add life and Seoul to your trip, make your way here.
Everland
Everland was Korea’s first family park and is still one of its most popular. There is a safari area featuring lions, tigers and bears, a water park, and some of the country’s most famed, lush gardens.
Bongeunsa
Bongeunsa is one of many Buddhist temples in and around Seoul. It first opened in the year 794 and is a complex of multiple buildings and shrines. It’s easy to visit, as it’s centrally located in the exciting Gangnam area.
War Memorial of Korea, Seoul
The Korean War dominated the world’s headlines for three years from 1950. To find out about it, visit the War Memorial of Korea, opened in 1994 on the site of the army headquarters. Six indoor exhibits pay tribute to the history of the conflict, which involved 58 nations fighting against North Korea and China. Outside there are displays of military equipment and memorabilia.
Banpo Bridge
Is this a bridge too far? It is certainly wonderfully over the top, and the Guinness World Book of Records names it as the longest “bridge fountain” on the planet. The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is lined with jets that take water directly from the river. Coloured lights flash in time to pumping music. It is a multi-hued spectacle that you will not forget in a hurry.
National Museum of Korea
More than 3m visitors a year come to the National Museum of Korea, the country’s largest museum for Korean history and art. That makes this institution one of the most-visited museums in the world. If time is tight make sure you see the golden treasures from the Great Tomb of Hwangnam and the intricate gilt-bronze Baekje incense burner, which resembles a lotus bud on a dragon-like pedestal.
Seoraksan National Park
To explore some of the best natural scenery in the country, travelers should make a beeline to Seoraksan National Park. Home to the nation’s third highest mountain peak, Daecheongbong, this national park is a must-see in South Korea. With impressive rocky ridges and lush flora, it’s a far cry from the urban spaces most travelers first experience upon arrival in the country. It shouldn’t be a surprise that hiking is the most popular activity in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, thanks to its running ridgelines and jagged peaks. One of the most iconic spots in Seoraksan is the so-called “Dinosaur Ridge,” a.k.a. Gongnyong Ridge, whose stone peaks really do earn it its name.
DMZ
Given the tense situation with its neighbor to the north, it’s understandable why a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is among the most popular things to do in South Korea. Taking a tour is the only way to visit the 250 kilometer (155 mile) strip between South and North Korea. Generally, a tour includes a stop at the Joint Security Area, the place where the two nations signed an armistice agreement in 1953 and the only place where they still engage in diplomatic discussions. Other stops on the itinerary include the Third Infiltration Tunnel, an attempt to tunnel under the border and the Observation Post, from which you can have views of North Korea.
Nami Island
Jumping from a spring destination to an autumn one, we have the gorgeous foliage of Nami Island. This half-moon-shaped island wasn’t always an island; it became isolated following the establishment of the Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944. Although it’s possible to visit Nami Island year round, the beautiful trees and forest trails look their absolute best when the colors change in autumn. The island is an especially popular domestic destination due to its use as a filming location for popular TV show Winter Sonata. Beyond that, Nami Island is designed with kids in mind, with a miniature train and playgrounds, plus a zipline for those who are still kids at heart.
Andong Bukchon Hanok Village
Between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung lies a hillside village of more than 400 hanok – traditional Korean houses. Bukchon is loved by Instagrammers, who often wear traditional hanbok dress when they roll up for photoshoots. The village has a sprinkling of cafes and restaurants as well as shops selling crafts and souvenirs.
Boseong Green Tea Fields
A great way to take a trip out to the Korean countryside is with a visit to the gorgeous tea fields of Boseong. Home to rolling fields of tea plantations, Boseong supplies around 40% of all the tea produced in Korea. While admiring the endless rows of tea leaves is a great way to spend time here, visitors can also indulge in all manner of green-tea flavored treats, from green tea ice cream to a green tea take on the classic Korean dish, bibimbap. Come during May and you may be able to experience the area’s green tea festival, while wintertime sees tiny lights bring some cheer to the landscape.
Boryeong Mud Festival
Once a year on Daecheon Beach, the dirtiest festival in South Korea takes place. The mud at the Annual Boryeong Mud Festival is believed to have special beautifying mineral properties. Each year it is brought to the beach in truck loads from the nearby Boryeong mud flats. The festival began in 1998 to promote cosmetics that used Boryeong mud in their products. Since then, the event has exploded. Each year millions visit for the two-week affair. Some of the most popular events take place on the last weekend; including the Mud Prison, mud skiing, and mud wrestling.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Colorful, terraced houses that look seaward characterize Gamcheon Cultural Village in Busan. Before 2009, Gamcheon was a slum; home to refugees from the Korean War. However, various government agencies undertook an initiative to redevelop the area as a tourist attraction and artistic hub. As such, the city received funding to beautify their town. Artists flocked to the area and now art lives around every corner, whether it’s outdoor statues or street art.Today, the best way to experience the city is simply to lose yourself in the colorful alleyways of this unique town.
Gwangjang Market
Seoul’s best food market combines a taste-bud tempting array of street food vendors under one large roof. The market features rows of food stalls, offering every kind of Korean food you can imagine. Most have small chairs in front of them, creating tiny restaurants, where you can sit and have a meal. It’s all about tasting things here, and a smile and request will get you a sample of most of the things on offer.The market is in central Seoul, and it’s open from 9am to 10pm. The most popular things sold here are bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), bibimbap (rice mixed with sauteed beef, vegetables, and gochujang red chili paste), gimbap (Korean sushi), sundae (blood sausage), tteokbokki (stir-fried spicy rice cakes), and various types of noodles. Other parts of the market have vendors selling clothes and household items.The Insadong area really comes alive on Sundays, when it’s closed to traffic and becomes a giant craft and culture fair. Aside from vendors, there are traditional music and dance performances and other cultural exhibits.
Kyeong-Wha Station: Capture The Essence Of Cherry Blossoms
This place is a favourite haunt for photographers who can capture the true essence of the Cherry blossoms falling down on the track and making a picture perfect moment. The visual delight of the train is approaching the station under the cherry blossom tunnel is absolutely unmissable and surreal.
Trickeye Museum Seoul
The Trickeye Museum is an uncommon art gallery that equips AR Technology (Augmented Reality) along with 2D/3D art illusions. Instead of watching and observing the art the old way, the art-lovers can now communicate with the art depictions because of the newly developed Trickeye Camera Application to make pictures alive and shoot and record them. There is also an Ice Museum where everything is made of ice; for instance – an ice television, an ice kitchen and ice slopes. So, one could derive pleasure with two museums at the cost of one, making it one of the best places in South Korea.
Alive Museum
Alive Museum is an eccentric, family-friendly, all age inclusive place which showcases object art, interactive art, media art, and trick art. It is a very lively and fun museum for all the picture enthusiasts. Every art piece, be it trick art or an interactive art, it’s quirky and fun in an enjoyable way. And after you’re done clicking wacky pictures, you could walk around and relish your stomach with some Korean cuisines in the neighbourhood.
Sea Life Busan Aquarium
One of the major attractions of Busan’s famous Haeundae Beach is the Sea life Busan aquarium that encompasses around 250 species of marine animals. Here, tourists often get to watch the marine animals being fed inside the well preserved coral rich waters. To enhance the experience moving images of ocean waves are also projected in dark rooms with dim blue lights to indulge the visitors in marine life. Sea life Busan aquarium is certainly the perfect place where education and entertainment goes hand in hand. Thus, making our list of places to visit
Oryukdo Skywalk
Tourists visiting the south Korean Oryukdo island in Yongho-Dong can hardly ever miss the chance to gaze at the horizon and the vast cerulean sea from the Oryukdo skywalk. Opened in october 2013, Oryukdo skywalk acts as a crown to one of the island cliffs and lies still 35 metres above sea level.What drives the tourists to the skywalk is it’s four layers of 12-millimeter glass flooring and the panoramic sea view. It is indeed a very safe spot, so don’t be afraid to click some bonny selfies with your most photogenic smiles!
Apsan Park
The people of Daegu love to visit Apsan Park for some leisure time and activities, it is one of their go-to places to visit in South Korea. This urban-eco park is the largest in Daegu currently where citizens come to enjoy walking, horseback riding, swimming, and archery. The park is approximately 1,680 sq meters, allowing the vicinity to have more than one walking trail. The park categorizes three main routes varying from 2 to 4 kilometers each. The first trail starts at the park and connects to Apsan Mountain; the second one begins at the park to the Sanseongsan Mountain, and lastly walking to the Daedeok Sun Mountain.
Hoengseong – Welli Hilli Park Snow Park
Recognized for its size and safety by the International Ski Federation (FIS), Welli Hilli Park Snow Park is equipped with an international-sized board walk super pipe. Its FIS certification and variety of facilities have made it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. The snow park offers 20 slopes ranging from bunny slopes to black diamond courses and a mogul course to maximize fun and thrills. The Fun Park is the largest terrain park of its kind in Korea and offers facilities such as C-box, X-box, and wall box for snowboarders to practice their tricks.
Hongcheon – Vivaldi Park Ski World
Vivaldi Park Ski World, located in Hongcheon, has become a favorite among young skiers in their teens and twenties; even the slope names like Hip-Hop, Techno, and Funky are geared towards young adults. Some of the more advanced slopes are uniquely designed with unexpected twists and turns for maximum thrills.For those who are new to winter sports, Vivaldi Park Ski World provides the perfect setting to safely enjoy skiing and snowboarding. There are a variety of slopes with different inclines and distances to give new snow sport enthusiasts the perfect chance to gradually work their way up from the bunny slopes to the more advanced courses. Overall, the park offers 12 different slopes and ten lifts. The resort also includes Vivaldi Park Ocean World where you can relax at the spa after a long day of hitting the slopes.
Pyeongchang – Phoenix Pyeongchang Snow Park
Phoenix Pyeongchang Snow Park is known for its many valley-style slopes and high-quality snow. The resort features ski courses for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers, as well as an Extreme Park for snowboarders, complete with half pipe, table top, round quarter, and rails that follow the Olympic standards. Moreover, Phoenix Pyeongchang hosted various competitions, such as the parallel giant slalom and slopestyle, for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung City, Gangwon Province
Gyeongpo is the largest beach on the East Coast, just one kilometer from Pho Dai (Gyeongpodae Observatory, the famous sunrise spot in Korea). The beach is famous for its smooth white sand and a perfect place to walk on barefoot.
Naksan Beach in Yangyang County, Gangwon Province
Naksan is one of the most beautiful beaches in Gangwon Province, attracting more than one million visitors every summer. The pine trees run along the coastline, stretching with clear water, beside the beautiful natural scenery.
Daecheon Beach
Daecheon Beach is located at a distance of 30 minutes via road and is hardly 3 hours from Seoul. Also, you can find plenty of shells and pebbles on this beach. This beach is one of the largest beaches of Korea where the Boryeong Mud Festival takes place in mid-July. There are plenty of activities that the beachgoers can enjoy during this festival. Earned a great place on the tourism map, this beach is one of the awesome beaches in South Korea near Seoul.
Hyeopjae Beach in Jeju City
Hyeopjae is one of the best beaches on Jeju Island for swimmers, where the water is shallow and calm.Hyeopjae Beach is one of the best beaches on Jeju Island for swimmers, since the waters are shallow with no sudden drops. Tiny shells in the sand give the beach a silver sheen and make for a firm feel that is perfect for walks along the water’s edge.
Haeundae Beach in Haeundae-gu, Busan
The slope of Haeundae Beach is shallow and there is little change in tide, making this beach perfect for swimming. The beach is famous for its views of the sunrise and moonrise as seen from Haewoljeong Pavilion atop Dalmajigogae Hill. Haeundae’s Dalmaji-gil Road, which is located between Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach, is another recommended spot for a romantic view of the moonlight glistening off the water’s surface.
Eulwangni Beach in Incheon City
Eulwangni is very close to Incheon International Airport and Seoul Capital. Besides white sand and natural scenery, the shallow water here is an ideal place for children to play.
Spasis
After you make your way through the extensive list of attractions in Incheon, you are bound to be tires and exhaust. So, what better way to relax than spending a couple of hours taking a relaxing bath.If that sounds like fun, then you must make your way to Spaces, the largest sauna and spa Center in Incheon.The place has on offer many swimming pools, cave rooms, fitness room, movie theatre, restaurants, billiards and children’s room.
1. SEOUL
Seoul is also famous for its dazzling shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes. Some of the best tourist attractions in Seoul are- Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Dongdaemun market, Insa-Dong, Seoul City wall, Cheonggyecheon, Hongdae, Han River cruising, COEX Aquarium, and many more.
2. GYEONGJU
It is a coastal city of South Korea and one of the best places to stay in South Korea, The city has some of the best collections of tombs, rock carvings, temples, pagodas, Palace ruins, and glorifying Buddhist architecture making the city a museum without walls. Some of the best places to visit here are- Gyeongju National Museum, Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Daereungwon Tumuli Park, Wolji Pond, and the list goes on.
3. BUSAN
One of the best cities in South Korea to visit is Busan, a port city that provides a nice contrast to many of the other popular city destinations. The main focus for many visitors to Busan is the city’s gorgeous beaches, with Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach the two best known. The bustling city is also famous as the ‘San Francisco of South Korea’ and as a vintage shopping paradise. Beaches like Haeundae, Gwangalli, Songjeong, Dadaepo, and Songdo are pure love in Busan and also feature in the list of best beaches in South Korea.Other attractions include- Jagalchi Fish Market, Teojongdae Resort Park, Haedong Yonggungsa, Busan Aquarium, Gukje Market, Beomeosa Temple, Oryukdo Skywalk, Gamcheon Culture Village, and many more. Visit South Korea to explore this amazing city and tourist attraction.
4. JEJU ISLAND
It is a famous island of South Korea in the southern part of South Jeolla in Korea Strait.It is also a biosphere reserve having heavenly scenic beauty lined with colorful flowers amidst stunning green valleys, gorgeous hilly background with crater lakes, 368 parasitic volcanoes in the surroundings, and plenty of unique plant species.Another prime attraction here is the Manjanggul Cave, which is an 8km long tunnel formed by cooling lava. Other attractions include Loveland, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, Seonimgyo Bridge, Jeju Folk Village Museum, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Jeongbang Falls, Jungmun Beach, and Jusangjeolli Cliff.
5. SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK
It is a stunning national park in South Korea, and also a UNESCO recognized world heritage site. The prime attraction of this biosphere reserve is Seoraksan Mountain. It is a breathtaking beauty in South Korea that keeps on changing colors season-wise throughout the year.The national park here covers an area of 163.6 sq. km housing 30 mountain peaks, two Buddhist temples- Baekdamsa and Sinheungsa, more than 1,562 animal species, and 1000 plant species.It also offers interesting outdoor attractions like- Seoraksan Cable Car ride, Geumganggul Cave, Hike to Biseondae rocks, and hike to Ulsanbawi rock. It is a must inclusion in your South Korea vacation and undoubtedly has the best of this beautiful country wrapped in its folds.
6. SUWON
It is the largest metropolitan city of Gyeonggi-do province in South Korea at a distance of 30km from Seoul. The most well-known place is the imposing UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hwaseong Fortress. Between its massive walls, you’ll see Haenggung Palace, Hwahongmun Gate, and Paldalmun Gate, each of which goes toward making it such a special place. As the birthplace of tech powerhouse Samsung Electronics, Suwon has a modern side to it as well, and with a visit to the Samsung Innovation Museum, you can find out about the company’s story.The city is entirely wrapped in 18th-century fortifications along with modern shops, shopping areas, important venues, and marketplaces. Some of its best attractions are – Hwaseong Fortress, Hwahongmun Gate, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Haenggung Street, Mr.Toilet House, Suwon Hwaseong Museum, and many more.
7. PYEONGCHANG
It is a county in South Korea in the Gangwon-do province. It is a winter destination in South Korea famous for its ski resorts, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, bobsleighing, and plenty of fun winter activities. The two renowned ski resorts of the destination are- Alpensia and Yongpyong.
8. INCHEON
It is another metropolitan city located in the northwest of South Korea, having borders of Seoul and Gyeonggi. Being the third-largest city in South Korea, it is an important industrial hub and economic center.If you are thinking of what to see in South Korea in Incheon, here are some of the best attractions – Incheon Grand park, Spasis sauna center, Eurwangni Beach, Jeondeungsa Temple, WolmidoIsland, Sorae Pogu traditional fish market, Incheon Museum, Jayu Park, and many more.
9. ITAEWON
Itaewon is a bustling neighborhood of Seoul focused on a few pedestrian streets filled with shops, cafés, and other consumer businesses. If you have limited time in the city, it’s one of the those places that can give you a real feel for Korean retail culture in a short time period. There are food carts, street performers, and some of the side streets are filled with restaurants.
10. INSADONG
This unique neighborhood is filled with stores that sell Korean traditional folk and handicrafts along with art galleries. Stores sell things like hanji (traditional, hand-made paper), hanbok (traditional clothing), teas, pottery, and unique artwork. The galleries in Insadong feature Korean fine art of all types. There are also a lot of tea houses and small cafes, perfect for a break during shopping adventures.
11. JEONJU
It is the capital city of North Jeolla in South Korea. Jeonju, being the food capital of the country and lets you taste the best of South Korean food like Bibimbap, Choco Pie, Hottoek, Makgeolli rice wine, and plenty of other lip-smacking cuisines and drinks. The city has a comparatively slow life, unlike the other south Korean destinations. You can get the best of historical architecture here from ancient times with cobblestone streets having hanoks, which are the traditional Korean homes.
12. ANDONG
It has a perfect laid-back ambiance houses plenty of heritage locations from the past. Some of the best attractions here are- 600 years old Hahoe Folk Village, a Seven-storey brick pagoda, Andong Folk Village, Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, Hahoe Mask Museum, Bongjeoingsa, Gyemyeongsan Recreational Forest, and many more.
13. BOSEONG
The Daehan Dawon tea plantations, Botjae Dawon tea plantation, and the nearby Yulpo beach are some of the best attractions to see. It is also famous for its Green tea festival in the month of May. From sipping a glass of warm tea to rejuvenating in a luxurious tea bath, Boseong is one of the best places to visit in South Korea.