South Korea has experienced its fair share of conflict, well beyond the Korean War most visitors are familiar with. The War Memorial of Korea, housed in the former headquarters of the Korean infantry, documents this history with a focus on the country's relationships with North Korea, China, and Japan. .
Discover the ancient charm of Gongsanseong Fortress, a cultural treasure in South Korea’s Chungcheong Province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the Baekje Kingdom (1st century BCE to 6th century CE). Today, it’s renowned for its strategic mountain ridge location, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Running through the Korean Peninsula for more than 310 miles (500 kilometers), the Han River (Hangang) is one of the most important rivers in South Korea. As it flows through the heart of Seoul, the river has become a gathering place complete with recreational paths and riverside parks with playgrounds and cafés.
Once the easternmost of four main gates to the capital city, the Dongdaemun Gate (Heunginjimun)now serves as a tourist attraction and a beacon for shoppers—both Korean and international—to browse the sprawling market for souvenirs, folk items, clothing, and a wide array of traditional Korean and fusion cuisine.
Boasting hundreds of teddy bears from around the world, Jeju’s Teddy Bear Museum is a must-see attraction for lovers of the cuddly toy. Highlights include the world’s smallest teddy bear, which measures just 4.5 millimeters, and an art gallery where teddy bears replace the human subjects of world-renowned artworks. The museum’s garden has teddy bear sculptures, plus fantastic views of Jungmun Beach.
Seoul’s Jongmyo Shrine originally served as the ancestral shrine for Joseon Dynasty kings. Built between 1335 and 1408, this UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises 19 rooms, each dedicated to a different Joseon king, and it’s an excellent example of traditional Confucian architecture.
Situated along an old stone road and tucked among a handful of Western-style buildings, Deoksugung Palace is the only one of Seoul’s five traditional Joseon palaces in the bustling neighborhood of Jung-gu. It’s also the only one open in the evening, when the grounds and buildings are illuminated.
Situated in Seoul’s stylish Gangnam district, Bongeunsa Temple was founded in 794. Though it has been rebuilt many times, the temple remains an important center of Seon (Zen) Buddhism in South Korea. Panjeon, the oldest hall in the complex, is home to some 3,000 woodblocks carved with Buddhist scriptures and religious art.
Beomeosa Temple was founded in 678 BC by Buddhist monk Ui Sang. Perched on Geumjeongsan Mountain, the current temple complex was built in 1613 after the original was destroyed in the Imjin War with Japan. The complex includes a pagoda, several pavilions, three ornate gates, and 11 hermitages.
The city of Seoul is divided into two parts by the Han River, and one of the city’s best green areas sits on an island in the middle of this river. Yeouido Park is a favorite among locals for walking, jogging, biking, and playing sports. During spring, it’s one of the loveliest spots in Seoul to see cherry blossoms.
For better or worse, Korean rapper PSY's 2012 hit song "Gangnam Style" has drawn the world's attention to Seoul and the district of Gangnam. Long before the K-pop hit rocketed to the top of the charts, Gangnam was already one of Seoul's hippest neighborhoods—a spot in the southern part of the city where the young come to see and be seen.
The rocky seaside cliffs of Taejongdae Resort Park are situated on the southernmost tip of Yeongdo Island. The area, named after King Taejong of the Silla Dynasty, offers access to a rock beach, a lighthouse, a few temples, an observatory, and plenty of nature trails.
Eighty stone pagodas defy gravity around the grounds of Tapsa Temple, a secluded Buddhist temple on the slopes of Maisan Mountain near Jeonju. These stone towers, including the 44-foot (13.5-meter) high Cheonjitap tower, are believed to have been built by one lone scholar—a feat that piques many visitor's interests.
The tallest building in South Korea, the Lotte World Tower stands a soaring 1,821 feet (555 meters), and houses an observatory, a hotel, offices, and even an art museum. You’ll also find the massive Lotte World Mall complex, where you can shop to your heart’s content, visit the aquarium, or catch a show at the music hall or cinema.
Not only is the National Museum of Korea one of the best museums in the country, it’s also free. Offering a sweeping introduction to Korean art, culture, and history, the museum houses more than 150,000 artifacts with around 12,000 on display. There’s always plenty to see, even if you’ve been to the museum before.
The ancient burial mound of Cheonmachong in Gyeongju, South Korea, is an impressive example of the Silla Kingdom's technological advancements and historical significance. Visitors can explore the interior of this UNESCO World Heritage Site to see hundreds of artifacts and get an immersive look at Korea’s Silla dynasty period.
Lotte World ranks among the largest indoor amusement parks on the planet. Housed largely in glass to permit natural light, the complex offers country-themed districts, complete with full-scale parades, feature films, laser light shows, souvenir shops, rides, and an impressive array of international cuisine.
As the name suggests, Jeju Glass Castle in west Jeju is devoted to the art of glass. Hundreds of sculptures by artists from around the world span three zones. Highlights at this glass-themed, indoor-outdoor park include the Magic Forest walking trail and a stunning mirrored room. You can take short classes in glassblowing, glass painting, and a technique called lampworking.
The Alive Museum in Seoul’s artsy Insadong neighborhood is the largest of its kind in South Korea—two floors packed with more than 100 pieces of art. Unlike most art museums, Alive Museum invites visitors to interact with the murals, digital media, and other “trick art” by snapping photos to create optical illusions.
One of Seoul’s five Joseon Dynasty-era palaces, Gyeonghuigung Palace was built in 1623 by King Gwanghaegun. Portions of the structure were rebuilt after a 19th-century fire, and today, you can visit several reconstructed living and meeting halls. The Seoul Museum of History and SeMA Museum of Art are also located on site.
Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum was the first natural history museum to open in South Korea. Inside the museum, you can see flora and fauna specimens, coastal fossils, rock samples, and a model demonstrating the volcanic eruption that created the island. It also hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on pertinent aspects of Jeju culture, such as the famous female free divers.
The Noryangjin Fish Market, one of the largest seafood markets in Korea, has been in operation since 1927. On any given day, you’ll see vendors selling more than 800 varieties of seafood, both retail and wholesale. It’s the place to go, to sample the freshest Korean seafood, prepared traditionally right in the market.
Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market buzzes with energy. It's where locals come to haggle over daily catches while tourists savor local delights such as crispy dak gangjeong sweet and sour chicken, chewy susu-bukkumi rice cakes, and savory seafood tempura. Renowned for its seafood, this market is a foodie's haven in Sokcho, a taste of authentic Korean flavors at every turn.
Whether you’re a fan of Korean historical dramas or are interested in learning more about them in a period setting, Dae Jang Geum Park (previously MBC Dramia) is a fun destination. Operated by the South Korean television network MBC, the park is used as a set for dramas, music videos, commercials, and documentaries.
Exhibits at the Seoul Museum of History, which documents the history and culture of Seoul and its people, include a large-scale model of the city and numerous relics from the Joseon dynasty. The museum also hosts themed temporary exhibitions and stages workshops and musical and cultural events.
Nestled in Gayasan National Park, the colorful Haeinsa Temple complex boasts over 1,200 years of Buddhist history and two of Korea’s National Treasures. Visitors can happily pass a few hours wandering the spectacular UNESCO-listed grounds or, to become more immersed in the setting, experience an overnight temple stay (at an additional cost).
Challenge yourself physically and mentally at Insadong’s Dynamic Maze, which offers an exciting indoor course and adventure experience for the whole family. Solve puzzles, complete strategic tasks, and overcome a range of obstacles to escape from the maze.
Seoul Land, one of South Korea’s oldest theme parks, sits amid the scenery of Cheonggyesan mountain. The park is divided into five themed areas, where park-goers find some 40 rides and roller coasters geared toward both kids and adults. Days at the park culminate in a nightly fireworks and laser show.
Nestled off of South Korea’s coastal city of Yeosu, on the East China Sea, Odongdo Island beckons visitors with its lush landscapes, rugged cliffs, and vibrant plant life. An easy journey from the mainland, this tiny island is a family-friendly sanctuary for locals and travelers seeking tranquility, whether for an hour or a whole day.
Formerly known as Pagoda Park, this small public gathering place was once the home of a Buddhist temple and still holds an important place in Korean history. This significance dates back to the March 1 Movement, part of the nation’s push for independence from Japanese rule, which began here in 1919.
