What Is South Korea Famous For? Top 18 Popular Places & Things in Korea

From prominent K-pop music to striking K-dramas, South Korea has grabbed the global spotlight and is dominating it as well. Their popular culture is an integral part of their identity and has set multiple trends all over the world.

So, what is South Korea famous for, you may ask? You will find an endless list of notable things that makes it so special and worth visiting with your family or friends.

From a history of rich culture to ultramodern innovations, this country will offer you a supreme vacation experience.

On this occasion, let’s find out the famous things in South Korea.

South Korea is a beautiful place to visit. However, it is essential to plan it from a financial perspective keeping its currency in mind. As of November 2022, 1 South Korean Won is about INR 0.061.

Here are some of the famous places in South Korea that you must explore on your trips:

1. Seoul City

Seoul is the capital city and one of the most famous places in South Korea. It represents the country's popular culture along with historical and modern architecture. The city will offer you a wide range to explore if you are an admirer of ancient culture and Buddhist temples. The main attractions of Seoul city include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Blue House, Bukhansan National Park, BukchonHanok Village, Insadong, etc.

2. Namsan Seoul Tower, Seoul

Want the best panoramic view of the entire city of Seoul? Nasman Seoul Tower is your spot. Situated on top of Namsan Mountain, this tower is about 239 m tall. You can take a tour bus to the tower or avail of the popular cable car. This structure includes a rotating café, love padlocks, a wishing pond and other attractions.

3. Lotte World, Seoul

Lotte World is another popular attraction in South Korea which includes the largest indoor theme park in the world. The Lotte World Tower is a skyscraper standing as high as 555.7 m. It is a 123-story tower with the Seoul Sky on its 117th to 123rd floors. In addition, you will also find the 123 Lounge on the 123rd floor giving you the ultimate view of the surroundings.

4. Korean Demilitarized Zone

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) can be considered one of the most famous places in South Korea. If you want to experience the ongoing conflict between North and South Korea up close, you can visit this place. It offers engaging lessons on modern history as you walk through several interesting sites. Overall, this place will give you a sense of adventure while walking through the different sites, especially the Infiltration Tunnel.

5. Seoraksan National Park

The Seoraksan National Park is popular for its astounding views, greenery, and waterfalls. The park has many other hills and small mountains, among which the Ulsanbawi Rock, made up of six granite mountains, is the most famous. You will also find the two famous Buddhist temples, Sinheungsa and Baekdamsa. The temples are of great historical significance, Sinheungsa being the oldest one.

6. Jeju Island

If you are a nature lover, Jeju Island has everything you are looking for. Situated 85 km off the coast, you will admire this island known for its untamed landscape. Furthermore, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The stretch of white-sand beaches along the pine forests is a treat to the eyes and soul. The island is also filled with botanical gardens and is home to the tallest peak in South Korea, Hallasan.

7. Suwon

Let's move on to another stunning capital city in South Korea, Suwon. It is the capital and the largest city of Gyeonggi province, lying approximately 30 miles south of Seoul. It is popularly known for the Hwaseong Museum, Samsung Innovation Museum, Gwanggyosan Mountain and most prominently, the Hwaseong Fortress. The Fortress was established by the Joseon dynasty’s king Jeongjo with the intention of making Suwon the capital city.

8. Dadohaehaesang National Park

Dadohaehaesang National Park is the perfect place for nature and photography lovers. It is the largest Korean national park, with an area of about 1442 miles. Fittingly, this place is also called the marine paradise. The park consists of 1700 islands along with several rock formations. Additionally, you can enjoy a boat ride from the untapped Heuksando and Hongdo Islands and appreciate the beauty of nature.

9. Busan

The next location that is a must-add to your travel list in South Korea is Busan, the second-largest city. The city is known for hosting Asia's largest International film festival every year. Besides this, Busan offers a blend of exciting experiences, such as Buddhist temples on the cliffs of the mountains, skyscrapers, and gorgeous beaches. Furthermore, it is also a great place for cultural tours.

Apart from its extraordinary places, there are various other things South Korea is known for.

Here is a list of some of the popular things:

10. K-Pop

Korean popular music, also known as K-pop, is among the most significant things that make Korea world-famous. In recent years, K-pop has made its position prominent in the global music industry. The two most popular groups BTS and BlackPink, have surpassed all cultural barriers with millions of fans worldwide.

11. Korean Cinema and K-Drama

In addition to its revolutionary music, South Korea has also come a long way in the film industry. Korean masterpieces such as Parasite, Okja, and Host have gained international recognition for their unwavering script and direction. Now, coming to the K-dramas, they are short series with an average running time of 40 minutes per episode. The stories are unique and visually satisfying, portraying Korean culture, lifestyle, and fashion.

12. Kimchi

Your trip to South Korea will remain incomplete without trying out Kimchi. It is a traditional dish and one of the most popular things in South Korea. The most distinct quality of this dish lies in its strong smell and spicy taste. It is prepared with fermented veggies like radish and cabbage seasoned with chilli powder, ginger, garlic, red pepper and a special fish sauce.

13. Hanbok

Hanbok is the traditional attire of South Korea. The term literally translates to “Korean clothing”. Up until the 20th century, Hanbok was worn in Korean societies before western fashion came to light. It is a high-waisted long skirt Chima and a unique jacket, Jeogri. The fabric of this clothing depends on the occasion it will serve.

14. Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossom widely contributes to the things South Korea is known for. Therefore, the ideal time to visit here is during the spring time lasting from March to May. In Seoul, the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival is hosted at Yeouido Park, featuring about 1800 cherry blossom trees along the Han River. Another popular festival is the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival in Gyeongsangnam. It holds the greatest display of over 360,000 cherry blossom trees.

15. Korean Cosmetics

Another popular thing in South Korea that has recently spread across the globe is its cosmetic products. Koreans are well-known for their flawless beauty and youthful appearance. Skincare has always been an important part of their daily routine. The South Korean cosmetology industry combines both natural and scientific methods, creating highly effective products. Their products include unique ingredients such as volcanic clay and snail mucin.

16. Korean Technology

South Korea is also known for its ground-breaking technology and fast internet. Its contribution to science and technology has had no parallel since ancient times. From healthcare to educational, South Korea is driven by its technological advancement. It is home to one of the world's largest electronics producers, Samsung. It is also one of the largest vehicle producers in the world, popular for Hyundai and Kia.

17. Soju

Speaking of popular things in South Korea, it would be unfair to leave Soju out of the list. Soju is a famous traditional alcoholic beverage produced in South Korea. It is mainly made from rice and wheat blended with other grains.  It is often regarded as the Korean version of Vodka. Its alcohol content varies largely from 16% to 53% ABV.

18. Hangul

The next on the list of famous things in South Korea is Hangul. The Korean writing system is unique, just like all its other aspects. Hangul is the alphabetic script used in South Korea. It consists of 24 letters, with 14 consonants and 10 vowels. The same writing system is found in North Korea, which is called Choson Munich. The uniqueness of Hangul lies in its phonetics. This is because; each alphabet corresponds to individual sounds.

So this was a list of all the places, activities, and things to answer what South Korea is famous for. If you are planning a visit to this country, make sure that you do not miss out on these to get a complete experience of the country.