South Korea has a rich and intriguing history, a vibrant culture, amazing food, warm people, and an outstanding tourism infrastructure. It is also a land of extremes, with tourist sites ranging from old hilltop Buddhist monasteries to ultra-modern skyscrapers.
Currency in South Korea: The official currency in South Korea is the South Korean Won or KRW. 1 KRW is equal to 0.063 Indian Rupees as of 21 March 2023.
*The currency rate is subject to market exchange rate changes.
Some of the most popular places to visit in South Korea are listed below. This includes national parks, UNESCO heritage sites, palaces, museums and top attractions within cities for tourists.
The tourist places in South Korea will give you a plethora of experiences. You can take adventurous hikes to popular natural spots, explore historical destinations, visit UNESCO sites and more. Let’s start with some of the popular national parks in this country:
The Hallyeo Maritime National Park has miles of undeveloped shoreline on more than 300 distinct islands. The Hallyeo Maritime National Park has hiking routes with breathtaking cliff and ocean views along with The Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, a cable vehicle in case you don’t want to hike. You can see wide-ranging views of the surrounding countryside and shoreline from the peak.
Dadohaehaesang National Park is one of the top places to visit in South Korea for its majestic natural beauty. There are almost 1700 islands in this national park, and you can enjoy several activities here. The rock structures of Dadohaehaesang National Park are also worth visiting. Altogether, the place is a perfect destination for nature lovers.
This magnificent natural paradise is Korea's first national park. It consists of mountains, lakes, waterfalls, streams, and miles of hiking routes. Seoraksan National Park is sometimes referred to as the Yosemite of Korea. From Seoul, it takes three hours by vehicle or four hours by bus to get to the park. The park is renowned for its biodiversity with over 1,500 distinct animal species and over 1,000 different plant types.
Bukhansan National Park in South Korea is a popular tourist place for its natural abundance and multiple Buddhist temples. You can stay in these temples and indulge in spiritual activities in a serene atmosphere. Besides, the trekking trails of Bukhansan National Park are also ideal for adventure lovers.
Located on Jeju Island, Hallasan is a famous national park in the southern part of South Korea. The Hallasan Peak is the highest in the country which attracts many mountaineers every year. The picturesque beauty of this hilly region is noteworthy and perfect for enjoying an energetic vacation.
This national park is associated with the history of South Korea as from 57 BC to 935 AD, Gyeongju used to be the Silla Dynasty capital. Thus, apart from enjoying nature and wildlife, you will also enjoy exploring historic structures throughout the national park. Some must-view sites in Gyeongju National Park are the Temple of Bulguksa, Anapji Royal Pond Garden etc.
Jirisan National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in South Korea. The beautiful sunrise of this place is the main tourist attraction here. The variety of flora and fauna and the picturesque surroundings of this region is perfect for enjoying a great vacation altogether.
South Korea has several UNESCO sites that you can visit to explore the richness of Korean culture. These places are as follows:
Changdeokgung Palace was usually the favourite royal home among the five major palaces established by the dynasty of Joseon in the 15th century. It was the residence of the monarch and royal families of Seoul. The palace is a collection of ancient structures, each playing a distinct role. Some were used for lodging, while others were used as bookstores, dining rooms, and conference facilities. This place's exquisite architecture makes it one of the best tourist places in South Korea.
A historic place in South Korea, Jongmyo Shrine is a popular tourist attraction. The place is filled with ancient royal charm, and the peaceful ambience is also very apt for enjoying a great day tour. This is a Confucian shrine, and the archaeological features are worth mentioning.
Listed in 1995, Bulguksa Temple is one of the most popular UNESCO world heritage sites in South Korea. The temple was founded during the Silla dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Buddha. Seokguram Grotto is a part of this temple where you can visit the granite cave, the beautiful statue of Lord Buddha and his disciples and other historic structures.
Hwaseong Fortress is a military structure in South Korea, and it has won the title of a UNESCO world heritage site for its exclusive defensive structure. The fortress has old bunkers, a watch tower, an arrow launching tower, and many other structures you can explore to get an idea about the place. This castle is associated with the history of the Joseon period.
Here are a few palaces and museums that you can visit while on a trip to South Korea:
The enormous Gyeongbokgung Palace complex is one the best places to know about Korea’s history. Built between 1394 and 1405, kings used Gyeongbokgung Palace as a residence until it was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1636. The palace houses exhibitions of Korean culture and art.
Changgyeonggung Palace is a great tourist spot in South Korea which is famous for its marvellous architecture. This palace belongs to the Joseon period, with several beautiful motifs carved on the walls. The palace has witnessed several destructions however, every time, it has been restored properly.
Amidst the busy city of Seoul, Deoksugung Palace is a great tourist attraction that people can visit to explore the royal essence of Korea. This palace has a beautiful one-storey front entrance. The palace is famous for its architecture, central fountain and Greek-style temple. The royal religious ceremonies organised here are great attractions for tourists.
The War Memorial Korea is a popular place dedicated to paying homage to the martyrs from different battles. There is a massive collection of 33000 war artefacts in this museum. Apart from this, the ancient and mediaeval battle weapons are also great tourist attractions here. In addition, tourists can explore different replicas of post-war villages.
The National Museum of Korea is similar to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in NYC in terms of how it cannot be explored over the course of just one trip. The extensive collection incorporates 3,10,000 historically valuable art, history, and archaeology elements.
It is organised to illustrate the evolution of Korean culture and convey the tale of the Korean people. The National Museum of Korea includes Korean artists' creations and Stone Age items.
Do you love to explore the marine lifestyle? Then visiting the National Maritime Museum in South Korea can be a great option. From ocean creatures to the livelihood dependent on the sea, you can explore everything in the National Maritime Museum. Besides, the 4D shows and the aquariums will be perfect for entertaining your children.
The history and evolution of South Korea can be seen amazingly in Gyeongju National Museum. The museum is mainly popular for having instances from the great Silla Kingdom. You can get a huge insight from the artwork exhibitions in this museum. Besides, you can also get a closer look at royal jewellery and crowns in this museum.
The best way to appreciate the culture and beauty of South Korea is to visit these famous city attraction sites:
The theme park is located at the foot of the Lotte World Tower, the fifth-highest structure in the world and the tallest structure in South Korea. The park has a variety of rides, restaurants, and other attractions that make it a great place for families to enjoy together. A favourite among visitors is the Observation Deck which offers sweeping views of Seoul's skyline. Both children and adults will enjoy a visit to the Lotte World.
If you are a lover of Korean products, then you must visit Myeongdong. This busy market in Seoul is full of different attractive things, especially Korean skincare and cosmetics. Apart from cosmetics, you can also find clothes, accessories, shoes and even jewellery. The market has a great collection of international handbags as well. From here, you can collect souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones.
N Seoul Tower is located on the summit of Mount Namsan. The N Seoul Tower organises light stage shows every evening. Do not forget to attend one. It’s an interesting and beautiful way to end your day. Its observation deck offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside, including Mt. Gyeongju. The tower also contains restaurants and shops with plenty of souvenirs for sale. Visitors should note that the elevator takes about 30 minutes to reach the top of the tower.
Ganjeolgot in South Korea is one of the most popular and important places for tourists and locals. This is the easternmost part of Korea, so you can see the best sunrise from here. The place becomes phenomenal during the new year celebration and other local festivals. The large mailbox in Ganjeolgot is also a reason for its popularity.
Here are some great natural tourist destinations in South Korea that you can explore:
This is a wetland in South Korea and is quite popular among tourists. The place is ideal for nature lovers as here they can explore several different types of flora and fauna. The region is also home to some endangered species. Besides, you can also enjoy birdwatching and spot some migratory birds here.
If you are a nature lover, then Incheon Grand Park should be at the top of your South Korea itinerary. This place is blessed with the beauty of tranquil nature. Here you can explore botanical gardens, rose gardens and popular monuments. The park is also popular as a picnic spot.
An ideal place to spend quality time with your friends and family, Apsan Park is a great tourist destination in South Korea. It is an urban-eco park packed with bounteous nature. Besides, there are several means of entertainment available in this park, such as adventure sports, trekking, swimming, archery, horse riding etc.
If you are travelling to South Korea, you can not miss Seongsan Sunrise Peak. Tourists mainly come here to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and the lush greenery of the surrounding. Due to its natural abundance and diverse fauna, the spot has also got the title of UNESCO heritage site. The picturesque surroundings are just ideal for photographers.
If you are a beach lover, South Korea won’t disappoint you. The top beaches you can visit here are:
Eurwangni Beach is located on Yeongjong Island, and it is a part of the Incheon province. The beach is full of life and entertainment options to enjoy a great vacation with friends and family. Some of the great attractions of this beach are jet skiing, banana boat riding, etc. The surrounding nature is also very soothing, apt for a refreshing day tour.
Gwangalli Beach in South Korea is a half-moon-shaped beach, and is the epitome of gorgeous natural beauty. Tourists can enjoy many beachside games and indulge in water sports activities. You can also enjoy the great nightlife here at different bars and restaurants. Enjoying local cuisine is also a great thing you can do at Gwangalli Beach.
Ggotji Beach in South Korea is a popular destination for its amazing seascape. The sky and endless blue sea create an enchanting ambience in this region which is the main cause of tourist attractions. The nightlife is especially beautiful in this region. Grandpa and Granny Rocks, two massive rocky structures, are another great attraction spot here.
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