South Korea is a country of contrasts: a destination in which remnants of ancient cities sit alongside glistening skyscrapers – the result being a unique culture unlike any other. Travelling to South Korea? This guide will help you explore the best things to do and see – along with top tips for planning your trip.
South Korea is one of those places that truly showcases its history and modernity side by side. Walking the streets of ancient cities like Seoul, you can stroll through a 600-year-old hanok village right next door to the latest trending modern K-beauty shops.
You can also admire bright city lights from places like N Seoul Tower or BUSAN X the SKY. Or you can transport back in time to an ancient village like Andong, along the Nakdong River pedestrian bridge or at the Joseon-era Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy.
I won’t lie, I came back from my most recent South Korea trip straight-up obsessed with the country, and I’ve been raving about it to everyone since. It’s all very well someone telling you that you should go to a particular country, but I’m going to take it to the next level and tell you exactly how.
So, what are the must-see destinations and landmarks? Where can you find the best Korean BBQ? And how can you find some hidden gems?
Relax. This handy South Korea travel guide should answer all your questions. Enjoy.
September and October are the best overall months to visit South Korea, but here’s a look at specific times to go to particular destinations.
Busan – Coastal areas like Gwangalli Beach are best in June.
Jeonju – Attending the Jeonju Film Festival? Go in April or May.
Seoul – Seeing historic sites like Changdeokgung Palace in the winter is truly special.
Jeonju is most famous for its historic hanok village (more on that below). Stay at Lahan Hotel Jeonju for luxury rooms near Joseon-era architecture at Omokdae and Imokdae Historic Sites and try one of my favourite BBQ joints at 경성금돼지 – Pork Grill Restaurant.
The laidback city of Gangneung is known for its pine-tree forests and sandy beaches. But it’s also home to an excellent restaurant and coffee scene and the high-end Skybay Hotel on the water.
From epic views at the top of N Seoul Tower to historic Joseon-era pagodas and gardens at Changdeokgung Palace, there’s a ton to see and do in Seoul. Stay at Four Points Josun in Myeongdong to conveniently access K-Beauty shops (Olive Young) and Korean BBQ spots in Myeongdong.
Busan is a great place to learn more about Korean history at the UN Memorial Cemetery and Gamcheon Cultural Village. Stay on the idyllic waterfront at Centum Premier Hotel.
Packing for your South Korea trip? Don’t forget…
Add travel insurance before you visit South Korea. Anytime you travel internationally, there’s a chance your bags might get lost, or you’ll need medical attention. Travel insurance can protect you in either scenario (and many more).
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Jeonju is a city rich in tradition and culture. Walk the UNESCO City of Gastronomy and enjoy aromas wafting out of traditional hanok homes and restaurants everywhere.
But it’s not just about the food. Locals and tourists love to stroll the cobbled streets in a hanbok (traditional Korean outfit) in Jeonju Hanok Village and marvel at the Joseon-era architecture.
Old meets new in the historical capital city of South Korea. Joseon Dynasty palaces are steps away from trendy shops, art galleries, and cocktail bars.
Gwangjang Market is another place to get a taste of the city’s history, serving nearly any street food imaginable for over nearly 120 years.
There is also a ton of open space to take a walk or chill out. You can even hike a mountain at Inwangsan.
Do: Walk and Eat Through the Market With a Local Food Guide
South Korea has over 3,000 islands. Jeju is by far the biggest. It’s a beautiful location with a mix of natural and cultural sites like Jeju Cultural Village’s traditional grass and stone homes.
The sandy beaches, glistening waterfalls, and cavernous Manjanggul Lava Tube offer plenty to do outdoors.
Daejeon is one of South Korea’s most progressive urban centres, home to tech companies and research facilities.
Though the city lights up bright with modern architecture (see this from Sikjangsan Cultural Park), there are peaceful places to relax, too.
Hike through the redwoods at Jangtaesan Recreational Forest to see one of the most beautiful cities in South Korea.
Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, surrounded by water on nearly every side. You can see the sprawling port town best from 400 metres high at BUSAN X the Sky.
It’s rich in history and played an important role as a safe place for refugees during the Korean War.
It’s also full of fun outdoor activities, like paddle boarding at Gwangalli Beach.
Read Next: Learn More About the Best Things to Do in Busan
Damyang County is a gorgeous stretch of nature between Jeonju and Mokpo. Travellers visit to see Joseon-era architecture and gardens and hike one of the many famous trails.
The 160000 square metre Juknokwon Bamboo Forest is by far the most Instagram famous. Driving the Metasequoia-lined Road is another stunning location, with towering redwoods lining both sides of National Route 24.
Andong is an ancient city with traditional markets, Joseon-era architecture, and a laid-back vibe with friendly locals.
It’s also a place where you can experience the history at historic sites like Andong Hahoe Folk Village and traditional cuisine at Andong Set Menu Restaurant 한상채비.
Explore this beautiful coastal city most known for its beaches and pine forests. But there’s a brilliant food scene in Gangneung, too, with great coffee and seafood.
What’s a perfect day in Gangneung like? Pedal along the East Sea on a Jeongdongjin Railbike and take in a large-scale digital exhibit at Arte Museum Valley. Cap it off with a meal at Gangnamchon KBBQ Restaurant to see why I can’t get enough of this charming town.
2-3 Days
Changdeokgung Palace – Korean BBQ at Insadong Hangane Bulgogi Jumak Cocktails at 4 Ace Club and in Itaewon – Views from N Seoul Tower – K-Pop Boutiques at The Hyundai – Shopping for K-Beauty Supplies – Street Food at Gwangjang Market — DMZ Tour – An Evening at Spa Lei
Read Next: The Perfect Seoul Itinerary.
3-5 Days
Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul – Andong Hahoe Folk Village – Jeonju Hanok Village
Spend a long weekend learning about the historical Joseon-era homes in Seoul, Andong, and Jeonju.
Read Next: Learn All About the Jeonju Hanok Village
10 Days
Seoul – Andong – Jeonju – Busan – Seoul
Take a trip to South Korea’s most famous cities for Joseon-era palaces, Korean markets, and beautiful beaches.
Read Next: Discover How to Spend 10 Days in South Korea
2-3 Days
Jeonju Hanok Village – Omokdae and Imokdae Historic Sites – Moju Class – Deokjin Park – Jeonju Arboretum
Read Next: Check Out Everything to See and Do in Jeonju
Songnisan National Park near Boeun offers a unique mix of challenging terrain (the peak is over 1,058.4 metres high) and beautiful scenery.
The autumn leaves are amazing here, and the 5-story Buddhist temple from 553 AD is remarkable to see in person.
Mokpo is a historic harbour city that once accounted for 20% of South Korea’s revenue and was extremely important during the Japanese occupation.
Take in the sunsets and mountain views from Mokpo Marine Cable Car. It’s 150 metres (492 feet) off the ground, so beware if you’re scared of heights.
Also, visit the Mokpo Modern History Museum II, which has a rich collection of photographs from the Japanese occupation.
Just across the Nakdong River from Andong is Buyongdae Cliff. It’s a beautiful lookout point and place to get a short but challenging hike in.
The views of the hanok homes in Hahoe Folk Village from the top of the 64-metre peak are worth the ferry ride over.
Looking for a relatively new alternative to a standard DMZ tour? Drive out to Aegibong Peace Ecopark (a former battleground near the Hangang River) and learn more about the history and wildlife near the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
South Korea has lots of fun, free things to do. You can venture off and explore neighbourhoods in cities like Busan and Seoul on your own or take a guided tour.
GuruWalk offers a nice tour of Seoul, where you’ll pass by Gyeongbokgung, hit up a local tea house, and do some shopping in Insadong. Just bring spending money.
Alternatively, Busan Greeters offers intimate tours of Haeundae Beach and some hidden gems with local guides.
Buchimgae – Korean pancake stuffed with seafood and veggies.
Kimchi – A side dish consisting of pickled cabbage and spices.
Beef Bulgogi – Beef marinated in spices, soy sauce, and sesame.
Banchon – Complimentary sides that range from kimchi to fishcakes.
Fugu (Blowfish) – A fish that needs to be specially prepared or it’s lethal.
Moju – A low-alcohol tonic flavoured with spices and fruit.
Soju – Vodka-style Korean spirit that’s normally drunk neat
Somaek – Beer cocktail made with soju and beer
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