10 Places To Visit In South Korea That Aren’t The Usual Suspects

In the last ten years or so South Korea Tourism has seen a huge influx of tourists, especially from India. There are numerous places to visit in South Korea, delicious dishes to eat, go on insane shopping sprees and of course soaking in the countries rich and vast cultural history. The country offers its visitors a wide variety of experiences, breathtaking landscapes, an unmatched cultural and historical journey. The country has an efficient public transportation system, it’s very easy to get from one place to another, and you are always within grasping reach of peaceful and tranquil locations.

Also, to a long list of places to visit in South Korea, the country also has a busy social calendar. The locals celebrate numerous festival and events throughout the year. South Korea is also famous for its insane markets and a wide range of products especially cosmetics and beauty products. So, make sure you keep a day or two just for shopping in South Korea.

There are three main cities in South Korea, here is a brief overview of these cities with the list of Places To Visit in South Korea)

1. Seoul 

Seoul is the capital city of South Korea, with a population of 9.9 million people. Its one of the busiest metropolitan cities in the world. The city is significantly more multicultural than the rest of the county and is also the party capital of South Korea.

Main attraction:

• Seoullo 7017
• Changdeokng
• Deoksugung
• Jogye-Sa
• Gyeongbokgung
• Olympic Park
• National Museum of Korea
• Wall Memorial of Korea

Things to do:

• Visit the Trick eye museum
• Visit Mount Namsam
• Visit a cat café
• Take a food tour if the cities bets eateries

Places to Eat:

• Doramu
• Jungsik
• The Beastro

Places to Shop:

• Myeongdong (cosmetics
• Lotte Department Store’s Main Branch
• Ewha Woman’s University Shopping Street

2. Busan

The second largest city in South Korea, Busan is home to many gorgeous sun-kissed beaches. The city is a lovely port town and caters to some expats who have relocated here for business and other purposes.

Places to See:

• Gamcheon Culture Village
• Haeundae Beach
• Gwangandaegyo Bridge
• Beomeosa Temple
• Haedong Yonggung Temple

Things to Do:

• Skiing
• Banquet Shows
• Visit KNN Diorama World
• Cruising

Places to Eat:

• Sharky’s Bar and Grill
• Merciel, Ventanas
• Yong Ggum

Places to Shop:

• Shinsegae Centum City
• Gukje Market
• Buejon Market

3. Incheon

Third largest city in South Korea, Incheon is an even expanding Metropolis. The city serves as the countries main industrial port and is just 36 Km away from Seoul. The city also has its own International Airport.

Places to See:

• Muuido, Jeondeungsa
• Baengnyeongdo
• Jajangmyeon Museum
• The Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing Operation
• Incheon City Museum.

Things to Do:

• Ferry rides to nearby islands
• Visit China town

Places to Eat:

• Baum Galbi
• Gonghwachun
• Liquor Burger
• Ilmi Hwapyeongdong Naengmyeon

Places to Shop:

• Bupyeong station underground shopping mall
• Sinpo International Market
• NC Cube Canal Walk
• Square 1

Here is a list of places to visit in South Korea

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1. Korea Furniture Museum

The museum is an iconic attraction in Seoul, and you must include it on your list of places to visit in South Korea. The museum has on display 10 Hanok aka traditional Korean houses and 2,000 plus traditional Korean furniture pieces.

The museum itself is a beautiful and significant architectural wonder in Seoul. It an ideal tourist attraction in South Korea for the whole family and you can take home some inspiration for your home interiors.

• Location: 330-577 Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu
• How to reach: The nearest subway Station is the Hansang University Station, the museum is a 5 minutes taxi ride from there.
• Cost: approx. INR 2000/- per person.
• Operating hours: 11 am to 6 pm
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry your cameras, water bottles, translation guides, and weather appropriate clothing.
• Type: Museum

2. Bukchon Hanok Village

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Bukchon is without a doubt an iconic historical district in Seoul. Visitors here can stroll at leisure in tiny streets lined with brick walls and traditional Korean houses that vary in shape and sizes.

Unlike the Korea furniture museum, the village has a livelier feel, and there are even an outdoor museum and several tea houses that you can visit. You must include this in your list of places to visit in South Korea.

• Location: Bukchon Culture Center, 105 Gye-dong, Jongro-gu
• How to reach: The nearest subway station is Anguk Station and the village is just 300 meters from there.
• Cost: Free entry
• Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc: Carry your cameras, water bottles, translation guides, and weather appropriate clothing.
• Type: Culture Centre

3. Gwanghwamun Station

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You must be wondering what’s so iconic about a subway station, well if you want to visit three of Seoul’s most popular tourists’ spots, i.e., King Sejong statue, The Cheonggyecheon stream, Gyeongbokgung Palace, you must first make your way here. Everything else is nearby.

In addition to many popular tourist attraction, you can enjoy open views of the cities and spot mountain ranges in the far distance. There are many places to eat, shop, especially if you want to but stationery and designer products.

• Location: 83 Doryeon-dong, Jongro-gu
• How to reach: Take the subway to Gwanghwamun Station, from there you can walk to all the nearest attractions.
• Cost: Entry fees are applicable at different attractions.
• Operating hours: Vary from place to place
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry your cameras, water bottles, translation guides and weather appropriate clothing
• Type: Landmark

4. Insadong

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In the recent years, Insadong has made its transition from a traditional Seoul district to a modern, artsy hot spot.

There are many art galleries, tea shops, artsy spots, souvenir shops to visit and you must include this on your list of places to visit in South Korea.

You can get portraits made here, but cool paintings and traditional handicrafts as well as enjoy tasty teas and scrumptious food.

• Location: Insadong, Jongro-gu
• How to reach: The nearest station is Anguk Station from where Insadong is 100 meters away.
• Operating hours: 12 pm to 11 pm
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry your cameras, water bottles, translation guides and weather appropriate clothing
• Type: Landmark

5. Incheon Grand Park

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Incheon park covers a staggering area equivalent to 727 acres making it the largest park in the city and is among the top South Korea attractions.

On either side of the park are two iconic monuments, Gwanmosan Mountain and Sangassan Mountain. You can visit these monuments and go hiking and hill sledging. A fun activity for kids.

In addition to these great monuments, there are many other attractions such as playing grounds, children’s zoo, botanical gardens and beautiful lakes in the park for tourists to enjoy. One can easily spend an entire day here without getting bored or running out of things to do in South Korea.

• Location: 236 Munemi-ro, Jangsuseochang-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, South Korea
• How to reach: The park is centrally located in the city, you can easily hail a cab to here.
• Cost: Free Entry
• Operating hours: 5 am to 11 pm
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry your cameras, water bottles, translation guides and weather appropriate clothing
• Type: Park

 6. 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. It is recommended to include this on your list of things to do in South Korea.

• Location: 263 Gyeongin-ro, Dohwa 1(il)-dong, Nam-gu, Incheon, South Korea
• How to reach: The nearest station is Dohwa station from there the place is a 10-minute walk.
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Swim Wear and extra clothing
• Type: Tourist attraction

 7. Jeondeungsa Temple

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This is a religious temple located within the Samrangseong Fortress and was built nearly a thousand years ago. In the olden days, the temple was used as a shrine for the family ancestors.

The temple is very grand with several grand structures and significant buildings such as Daeungbojeon, Beomjong Bell, Yangheonsu Victory Monument and Yaksajeon.

In addition to all this, the temple is surrounded by colourful trees and flowers, and you must include this on your list of places to visit in South Korea.

• Location: Once-ri, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon 417-841, South Korea
• How to reach: Distance from airport/ commutation facilities etc
• Cost: Entry Fee approx. INR 180/- per person
• Operating hours: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry your cameras, water bottles, translation guides and weather appropriate clothing
• Type: Temple

8. United Nations Memorial Cemetery

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This is a burial country for the soldiers in United Nations who were martyrs of the Korean War. It’s the only remain burial grounds dedicated to UN soldiers with over 2300 graves.

The cemetery is spread over several acres and consists of many monuments such as Turkish Monument, Greek Monument, Australian Monument and British Common Wealth Monument.

• Location: 93 UN pyeonghwa-ro, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea
• How to reach: Take bus #134 from Busan station, and it will take you straight to the museum.
• Cost: Entry Fee
• Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry your cameras, water bottles, translation guides and weather appropriate clothing
• Type: Historical Monument

9. Gamcheon Culture Visit

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This village is a testimony to the creative and artistic side of South Korea with an abundance of graffiti, artworks, and paintings that decorate every nook and corner of this beautiful village.

The village sits atop a tall mountain, but once you make your way to the top, the scenic views are truly breathtaking. Make sure you grab a map on your way as the streets of the village can be hard to navigate.

When you book your South Korea tour package, makes sure to include this popular attraction.

• Location: 03 Gamnae 2(i)-ro, Gamcheon-dong, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
• How to reach: Best way to travel to the village is to book a guided tour, and you can include a visit to the Eden Valley Ski Resort.
• Cost: Entry is free, but tours can cost approx. INR 3000/- per person
• Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry your cameras, water bottles, translation guides and weather appropriate clothing
• Type: Culture Centre

 10. Haedong Yonggung Temple

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The temple is located along the coastline, was built by Naong a great Buddhist teacher.

The temple was built under the reign of the Goryeo Dynasty and is a testimony to Koreas rich historical past. Make sure you include this historic temple in your list of places to visit in South Korea.

• Location: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang, Busan, South Korea
• How to reach: Best way to visit the temple is to book a guided tour as it will include roundtrip transfers and an English guide.
• Cost: Entry is free, but if you are driving you will have to pay for parking.PLACES
• Operating hours: 5 am to sunset
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry your cameras, water bottles, translation guides and weather appropriate clothing
• Type: Temple

We hope that this guide to the list of places to visit in South Korea, was helpful and you can now start to plan your memorable Korean getaway. Make sure you took in the rich culture and history of this South East Asian country and done forget to shop till you drop. Here are the best handpicked South Korea holiday packages for you.