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.
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.
Garosu-gil, meaning “tree-lined street” in Korean, is a 0.4-mile-long (700 meter) block in the trendy Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul. The street is lined with gingko trees that offer shade to shoppers who enjoy the eclectic boutiques with elaborate facades, and diners who frequent the neighborhood bakeries, cafés, and bistros.
Situated within Andong Dam Folk Village, Andong Folk Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the traditional folk cultures behind everyday life in the Andong region of Korea, from births to funerals. Learn about the region’s Buddhist and Confucian influences and see how people used to eat, work, and marry throughout past and present eras—from the Confucian coming-of-age ritual known as Gwanrye to jerye ceremonies, meant to honor one’s departed ancestors. The outdoor section is home to more than 20 perfectly-preserved thatched-roof hanok houses.
The district of Jongno constitutes the northern half of Seoul’s main historic area. As the cultural and financial heart of the city, Jongno is home to a wealth of shrines, temples, parks, and other important sights, including four of the five Grand Palaces of Seoul.
Seoul’s Trickeye Museum does just what it says: It teases your senses with an optical illusion technique calledtrompe l'oeil that gives two-dimensional works of art a 3-D appearance. This is also one of the few museums in the world that makes art interactive, so you’ll have a camera full of unique souvenirs to take home with you.
This luxury shopping complex inside a three-story building houses some 270 outlet stores, representing a mixture of international and designer brand names and local retailers. The complex is known for its discounted products, with everything from designer clothing and accessories to homeware and gifts offered at a reduced cost.
Experience the thrilling and hilarious NANTA show—South Korea’s longest-running theatrical performance—at Myeongdong NANTA Theater. One of the most popular shows in the country, the award-winning nonverbal performance combines traditional Korean folk music with comedy, acrobatics, martial arts, pantomime, and audience participation.
Although built in the 16th century, Soswaewon Garden remains a textbook example of a traditional Korean garden. Soswaegong Yang San-bo built the garden after the death of his mentor, and 15 generations later, his descendants continue to care for it. The garden features a variety of tree types, two ponds, a small waterfall, and a bamboo grove.
Located at the top of Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in South Korea, Seoul Sky is the highest observatory in the city at 1,640 feet (500 meters) above sea level. Enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of Seoul from multiple observation decks over several floors, including the glass-bottomed Sky Deck and the open-roofed Sky Terrace.
Built in 1908, Seodaemun Prison was used to house Korean patriots and activists who were tortured and eventually executed here during the Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945. Meant to house 500 prisoners, the facility often held up to 3,500 in squalid conditions at the height of the anti-Japanese protests in 1919.
Surround yourself with your favorite comic, anime, movie, and superhero action figures from Japan, Korea, and the United States at the Figure Museum W in Seoul. Located in Gangnam, the 6-story museum houses an extensive private collection of some of the most popular—and some of the rarest—action figures and collectibles in the world.
Running from Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Square to Nampo Station, Nampo-dong is Busan’s hotspot for street food and world-class shopping. Visitors will find the best of both on pedestrian-friendly Gwangbok-ro Fashion Street. Add to this the curious side alleys and nearby attractions like Yongdusan Park, and there’s something to stimulate anyone’s interest in this energetic neighborhood.
Just as the name suggests, Taekwondo Park is dedicated to all things Taekwondo—a martial art form that relies on unarmed self-defense and originated in Korea. The sprawling campus is the world’s largest training space for Taekwondo practitioners. In addition to multiple practice spaces, the facility features a panoramic observatory overlooking Mt. Baekun, traditional Korean gardens, and the National Taekwondo Museum.
Discover more than 55,000 marine animals from around 650 species at Lotte World Aquarium. Part of the Lotte World Mall, the popular aquarium is the largest in Seoul and features the biggest main tank, the longest underwater tunnels, and the first underwater escalator tunnel in South Korea.
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Foundation passes over the Han River in downtown Seoul, connecting the Yongsan and Seocho neighborhoods. This girder bridge, completed in 1982, entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009 for installing the longest bridge fountain in the world, the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, which puts on a nightly water-and-light show.
Leading directly to Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower), one of Seoul’s most enduring landmarks, the Namsan Cable Car is a must for travelers visiting Seoul for the first time. Cable cars run from morning to night, and their glass cabins provide 360-degree vistas of Seoul’s sprawling cityscape and the mountains of Bukhansan National Park.
The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, tucked away in the hills of Namsan, showcases centuries of Korean and Western art and architecture. Three buildings, each designed by a world-renowned architect, house works from the Samsung Foundation’s extensive collection, ranging from ancient Buddhist artifacts to modern works.
Perched dramatically on Busan’s rugged East Sea coast, Haedong Yonggung Temple (Haedong Yonggungsa) is one of South Korea’s most impressive Buddhist temples. The original 14th-century structure was destroyed in the Imjin War. The rebuilt seaside temple is a rare example of a Korean temple not built in the mountains.
The SEA LIFE® Busan Aquarium, ranked among the best marine life facilities in South Korea, comprises three floors of aquatic displays and attractions, including an underwater tunnel, touch tank, and more than 10,000 fish, algae, reptiles, and amphibians representing 250-plus species.
A popular winter destination for skiing and snowboarding, South Korea’s Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park Ski World is nestled in picturesque surroundings, not far from Seoul. The resort’s dining options are also a draw, along with the Snowy Land sledding theme park.
Nestled in the heart of South Korea’s South Jeolla Province, Naganeupseong Folk Village stands as a testament to the nation's cultural heritage. From charming thatched-roof homes to intricate handicrafts, this well-preserved village invites you to step back in time and immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions that still thrive today.
In 1988, Seoul hosted the Summer Olympics, and the Olympic Park has since been transformed into a massive green space where locals come to relax. Located on the site of the ancient Mongchon Toseong Fort, the park contains grassy lawns, sculpture gardens, pavilions, and walking paths, making it a popular picnic spot on the weekends.
Jeju may not be renowned for its nightlife, but for visitors to the island, watching a Nanta performance at Jeju Nanta Theatre is a must. Nanta performances have become a cultural institution in South Korea, and the non-verbal performance combines comedy and music with martial arts, acrobatics, and traditional Korean dance.
While the Jeongdong Theater only seats an audience of 282, the mark it has made on the Korean performing arts world rivals that of much larger venues. The first modern theater in Korea opened in 1995 and has since staged a wide variety of live performances, ranging from traditional Korean song and dance to more modern works.
Immerse yourself in Korean pop culture and enjoy digital interactions with your favorite K-pop performers at Play K-POP, an engaging museum and entertainment space. Located on Jeju Island, the museum offers more than 30 fun experiences and activities, as well as regular and special exhibits.
Set opposite the modern Jongno Tower, the ornate Bosingak Belfry houses a replica of the city bell originally forged in 1468. Costumed guards patrol the pavilion, which is known for its daily bell-ringing ceremony, during which the bell is rung 12 times to mark the noon hour. The original city bell is on display at the National Museum of Korea.
Hanwha Aqua Planet on Jeju Island is a state-of-the-art aquarium that boasts marine life from each of the world’s five oceans. The aquarium is home to more than 48,000 creatures (from 500 different species) and also boasts a 3D theater and daily educational talks and shows.
Jeju Kimnyoung Maze Park is the first hedge maze ever to be constructed in Northeast Asia, securing its status as one of the top attractions on South Korea’s island of Jeju. The park, located between other popular island attractions, features a traditional hedge maze and skywalks that offer panoramic views.
Home to more than 100 optical illusions, Trick Eye Museum Busan offers opportunities to take a collection of mind-bending selfies and photographs. Interact with all of the 3D-appearing artworks alongside staff who are on hand to ensure your entire group is featured in the photographs.
