Korean K-pop star PSY’s viral hit Gangnam Style has been commemorated as a statue in Seoul. Made of bronze and standing 16 feet (5 meters) tall and 26 feet (8 meters) wide, the bronze statue features the overlapping hands from the song’s iconic horse dance move and has become a popular tourist destination in the Gangnam district.
Dating back to the 15th century, the compact Changgyeonggung Palace has housed Korean queens and royal concubines for hundreds of years. The main hall of the palace—Myeongjeongjeon—is the oldest main hall of all Seoul’s royal palaces and exemplifies 17th-century Joseon architecture with its artful combination of wood and stone, as well as its jade green roof tiles.
One of three sites that comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) is a tuff cone that rises dramatically out of the Korea Strait. There’s a steep and strenuous trail leading to the top, but the effort will certainly seem worth it once you reach the summit and soak up panoramic views of Jeju’s volcanic landscapes.
Across from Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) focuses on contemporary and modern art from Korea and around the world. It's housed in a 21st-century structure that uses traditional Korean architectural concepts, filled with galleries showcasing ever-evolving displays of art.
With a circumference of 6,971 feet (2,070 meters), the Sangumburi Crater is a volcanic formation that boasts lush green landscapes scattered with sculptures and rare flora, such as winter strawberries. The perfectly circular space—which is essentially an upside-down mountain—is a must-visit for nature lovers, as its densely forested grounds offer a serene escape.
Hallasan National Park is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve in Seogwipo on Jeju Island. The park is centered around Hallasan—a dormant volcano and South Korea's highest peak. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, including lush hiking trails, volcanic craters, and serene mountain lakes.
Mt. Seorak (Snowy Peak Mountain, South Korea’s third tallest mountain at 5,604 feet (1,708 meters, stands tall within the UNESCO-designated Seoraksan National Park. Since it became a national monument in 1965, the mountain has been a popular destination for weekend hikers from Seoul. It ranks among the most scenic areas on the peninsula.
Surrounded by gloriously green rows of tea, the O’sulloc Tea Museum explores Jeju Island’s past and present through its tea cultivation. Inside the museum you can explore the fragrant Seogwang tea field, enjoy tasting sessions of tea-based cocktails and many leaf blends, and enrich your knowledge of the culture and production processes. You can also stock up on tea products and souvenirs in its on-site shop.
Constructed for the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 19th annual Asian Games, the Seoul Sports Complex (Jamsil Sports Complex) on the banks of the Han River was designed to resemble the curving lines of a Joseon-era porcelain vase. Two of Seoul’s Korean League teams play at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium, one of several facilities at the complex open to the public.
Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Jeju Island in South Korea, Cheonjiyeon Falls offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking a tranquil escape. Cheonjiyeon translates to sky connected with land, a fitting description for this picturesque waterfall cascading from the cliffs into a clear pool below.
Offering a mile (1.4 kilometers) of silky sand, Busan’s Gwangalli Beach is a popular seaside destination for locals and tourists alike. In addition to being one of Busan's top swimming locales, the beach is also a go-to spot for nightlife, art installations, live music, and shopping. Day or night, Gwangalli Beach offers amusement for all.
Streets and alleys run between quaint houses of traditional Korean architecture at the Jeonju Hanok Village. Among this historic residential area full of old-fashioned homes, known as hanok, lie equally preserved landmarks, such as shrines and schools, that allow this part of Jeonju to look as if it has skipped the centuries of advancement that have shaped the city around it.
Jeongbang Waterfall, located on the southern coast of Jeju Island in Seogwipo, boasts the distinction of being the country’s only waterfall flowing directly into the sea. As one of the island’s most iconic attractions, it offers a serene escape. Whether visiting Jeju for a day or a week, ensure the Jeangbang Waterfall is on your itinerary.
Listed by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest department store—covering an area coming in at 3.16 million square feet (293,905 square meters)—Busan’s Shinsegae Centum City is more than a retail destination. In addition to its 12 floors of stores, you’ll find a golf range, skating rink, cinema, and the famous Spaland bath house, not to mention scores of restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dining.
Explore Gyeongju’s Yangdong Folk Village, Korea's largest traditional settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the legacy of Joseon history, culture, and architecture. In addition to its centuries-old, meticulously preserved houses, it’s also home to an abundance of national treasures and folkloric materials.
On the right bank of the Han River in Seoul, Haneul Park is one of five parks that collectively comprise the World Cup Park. It occupies the site of a former landfill that was intentionally rewilded, bringing a bit of nature back to the Seoul skyline. The park continues to operate with ecological preservation in mind, and relies entirely on natural energy.
Behind a large gate and freshly painted walls lies Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, once a temporary palace in Suwon for Korea’s royal family. Little of the original 18th-century palace is left, except for a single hall, but this careful modern reconstruction within Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress shows off the designs and lifestyles of the period.
What might seem like an ordinary stone tower in Gyeongju is actually the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia. The observatory is famous among South Koreans and a proud historical landmark, while visitors are sure to find the symbolism of its construction interesting and its immediate surroundings incredibly scenic.
63 Building (Golden Tower) is one of the tallest buildings in South Korea. Rising 820 feet (250 meters) above Yeouido Island, it is recognizable by its gold-tinted glass, which seems to glow in the sun. It gets its official name from its 63 floors—60 above ground and three below.
Formerly Jungang Market, Sokcho Central Market is the ultimate representation of the city’s vibrant cultural scene. In this huge commercial space, stalls are piled high with everything from clothing to clams. Here you can sample hot and cold street food, raw fish, seafood, Korean fried chicken, and traditional blood sausage.
Just a few minutes from the North Korean border, Camp Bonifas is a testament to the region's complex history and geopolitical significance. While it may not be a typical tourist attraction, it’s an essential stop on Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tours, providing a rare chance to witness the tense reality of the Korean Peninsula.
Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes of South Korea’s Pyeongchang County, the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm is a family-friendly attraction for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers. With its vast green pastures and hundreds of happy and hopelessly adorable sheep, the farm offers an immersive experience in a serene countryside setting.
Nestled within the mountains of the Seoraksan National Park, Gwongeumseong Fortress is the ruins of a natural stone castle from the Goryeo dynasty. You won’t find much of the former fortress remaining here, but visitors tend to come for the views alone—from its elevated position 2,624 feet (800 meters) above sea level, you can enjoy stunning vistas of the UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve below.
Experience all things football (soccer) at Football Faentasium in Seoul, the first football-themed experience museum in South Korea. Founded by the Korean Football Association, the museum features six different zones with interactive exhibits and virtual reality experiences where visitors can play and learn all about “the beautiful game.”
Once the royal residence of Prince Regent Daewon-gun, Unhyeongung Palace attracts visitors with its ornate halls and impressive gates. Inside the palace are mannequins clad in costumes that reflect South Korea’s colorful past. With luck, you might catch a wedding ceremony, as the palace is a popular place to exchange vows.
Towering over the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Seoraksan National Park, Ulsanbawi Rock is a jagged granite peak that offers panoramic views from its perch 266 meters (873 meters) above sea level. The 2-hour hike to the top might be strenuous, but it’s worth it for vistas of otherworldly rock formations, ancient temples, and thick forests.
Home to 24 themed gardens, the Jade Garden Arboretum in Chuncheon is an outdoor attraction inspired by European horticulture and architecture. More than 3,000 plant species range from maple trees to blueberry bushes and rhododendrons, and highlights include the English Border Garden and the Italian Wedding Garden.
Any time of day, you’ll find locals and tourists alike soaking in the sounds, flavors, and scents at Gwangbokdong Food Street. Boasting over 100 shops, this culinary stretch is often compared to Seoul’s Myeong Dong, but its distinctive street food and Busan culture give it a unique local identity.
Sitting at the heart of Jeonju’s historic center is the Gyeonggijeon Shrine. This 15th-century shrine was built to house the portrait of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty who would go on to rule Korea for over 500 years. Its main hall is set in a shaded park of bamboo and ginkgo trees with several ornate gates leading up to it.
Spanning 727 acres (294 hectares), Incheon Grand Park is the largest urban park in Incheon. Situated between Gwanmosan Mountain and Sangasan Mountain, the park is a popular destination for residents to enjoy the outdoors year-round and offers a variety of gardens, an arboretum, a lake, and a children’s zoo, among other facilities.
