Best Places to Visit in south korea 2023

Seoul Tower, Jeju Island, Dadohaehaesang National Park, Upo Marsh, Changdeokgung, Myeongdong, The DMZ, Lotte World, Dongdaemun, Hongdae, Namiseom Island, Alive Museum, Beomeosa Temple, Biff Square, Wolmido Island, and many more. One is sure to be spoilt for a decision when shortlisting places to visit in South Korea, that offer an incredibly great scope for explorations of forgotten natural sites and metropolitan enjoyments. The stark contrasts of colourful landscapes allure tourists and captivate the minds of all. From ancient Buddhist sanctuaries and royal residences to the old walls and innovative metropolitan cityscapes, there are many attractive tourist places in South Korea. There are custom society towns and stylish urban communities, beautiful islands and stunning natural vistas. This country is where tourists find both - tradition and technology co-exhibit. On one side, gigantic skyscrapers like the Seoul Tower are sure to fascinate you and on the other side, ancient temples like Bulguksa Temple - a UNESCO world heritage site. Did you know? South Korea is known to be the home to the friendliest people on Earth! With this country in mind, most people only think of Seoul, the capital; when in reality...there is so much more to discover! If we drill down the most incredible South Korea places to visit, the list is sure to consist of Dadohaehaesang National Park, Bukchon Hanok Village, Namiseom Island and so many other places worthy of a visit! South Korea offers everything a traveler could want in a destination. It has a long and fascinating history, a wonderful culture, amazing food, friendly people, and an excellent tourism infrastructure (including a new high-speed rail system). It's also a country of contrasts, with tourist attractions ranging from ancient mountaintop Buddhist temples like Bulguksa to the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Seoul, like the Lotte World Tower.

#1- Oryukdo Skywalk
Tourists visiting the south Korean Oryukdo island in Yongho-Dong can hardly ever miss the chance to gaze at the horizon and the vast cerulean sea from the Oryukdo skywalk. Opened in october 2013, Oryukdo skywalk acts as a crown to one of the island cliffs and lies still 35 metres above sea level. What drives the tourists to the skywalk is it’s four layers of 12-millimeter glass flooring and the panoramic sea view. It is indeed a very safe spot, so don’t be afraid to click some bonny selfies with your most photogenic smiles!

#2- Sea Life Busan Aquarium
One of the major attractions of Busan’s famous Haeundae Beach is the Sea life Busan aquarium that encompasses around 250 species of marine animals. Here, tourists often get to watch the marine animals being fed inside the well preserved coral rich waters. To enhance the experience moving images of ocean waves are also projected in dark rooms with dim blue lights to indulge the visitors in marine life. Sea life Busan aquarium is certainly the perfect place where education and entertainment goes hand in hand. Thus, making our list of places to visit in South Korea.

#3- Hur Shim Chung Spa
Hur Shim Chung Spa is an extravagant five level spa that can accommodate upto 3000 people at once. Situated in Busan, it is one of the best places in South Korea to relieve stress and rejuvenate the body and mind. The interior architecture of the building is magnificent and catches one’s eyes beautifully. Stepping into the world of luxury, which the spa centre well promises to deliver, one can engage in some pamper time. Additionally, cafes and dining are at your service when you feel hunger. Include this spa centre on your places to visit in South Korea if you are the kind who likes to maintain a balance between outdoor and leisure time on holidays.

#4- 3d Trick Eye Museum Ticket In Busan
Another Trick Eye Museum is located in Busan with a similar concept. The painting and illustrations cause optical illusions and hence proved to be a “trick of the eye.” The paintings and art all over, on the walls, floor and ceiling, is a treat to the eye but looks even more surreal when you become a part of it and click pictures.

#5- Gwangalli Beach
This half-moon shaped beach is the perfect location for the ones who love to get a good tan, walk by the shores and get a clear mind or just intend to play some beachy games like volleyball. The Gwangan Beach (Gwangalli Beach) also offers adjacent alleys filled with restaurants, coffee shops and nightclubs, in case hunger strikes. When a tourist attraction offers a holistic experience, the destination is out to enter the top “tourist places in South Korea.”

#6- Beomeosa Temple
Beomeosa is translated as Temple of the Nirvana Fish and is the head temple of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism along with being the country’s best known urban temple. The temple comprises numerous prayer halls, each with a distinct design. The spectacular landscape of Beomeosa and its surroundings is referred to as “three extraordinary sites of Beomeosa Temple''. What makes for these three sites are: the rock peak behind Wonhyo Hermitage, two rocks in the shape of a chicken at Gym Yeongam Hermitage, and the legendary ‘golden well’ placed on top of Mt. Geumjeongsan. Clearly, the landscape here has an interesting composition.

#7- Korean Film Archive
The Korean Film Archive or mostly called as Korean Federation of Film Archives abbreviated as KOFA is where they collect, preserve and categorize films and related materials. KOFA collects all types of image data, national and international film and non-film materials including videos, audio, posters, stills, scenarios, books, periodicals, costumes, props, and cherished goods of film professionals. The main centre of KOFA is in Sangam-dong which has some public facilities such as Cinematheque Kofa, Korean Film Museum and a public library.

#8- Alive Museum
Alive Museum is an eccentric, family-friendly, all age inclusive place which showcases object art, interactive art, media art, and trick art. It is a very lively and fun museum for all the picture enthusiasts. Every art piece, be it trick art or an interactive art, it's quirky and fun in an enjoyable way. And after you’re done clicking wacky pictures, you could walk around and relish your stomach with some Korean cuisines in the neighbourhood.

#9- Namiseom Island
Namiseom is a half-moon shaped island found in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea. In the later years, a tour company made the land an amusement park after arranging soil for the grave of General Nami, falsely accused of treason. As the name suggests, Namiseom was derived from the name “Nami.” Being a globally recognized destination for tourists, it magnets 3.3 million people annually and mesmerises them with nature and it’s beauty. Namiseom Island is one of the few locations to render scenic landscapes and one of the best places in South Korea.

#10- Trickeye Museum Seoul
The Trickeye Museum is an uncommon art gallery that equips AR Technology (Augmented Reality) along with 2D/3D art illusions. Instead of watching and observing the art the old way, the art-lovers can now communicate with the art depictions because of the newly developed Trickeye Camera Application to make pictures alive and shoot and record them. There is also an Ice Museum where everything is made of ice; for instance - an ice television, an ice kitchen and ice slopes. So, one could derive pleasure with two museums at the cost of one, making it one of the best places in South Korea.

#11- Love museum Seoul
Love Museum is an explicit and once - in - a - lifetime experience for adults, i.e. only people above the age of 18 years of age are allowed inside. The very essence of the Love Museum is love and eroticism.  The museum contains 3D paintings, art pieces, and representations of love and erotica. It is Seoul’s first and only interactive adult museum, divided into six total gallaries: Fun and Sexy, Femme Fatale, Korean Erotic Painting, Erotic Garden, Dream House, and Sex Life. So, for a tourist, it is one of the places in South Korea that offers erotic art.

#12- Cheong Wa Dae
Cheongwadae is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Korea. It is a traditional Korean architectural design with 250,000 metres or 62 acres of land. The building is largely spread and consists of rooms like the Main Office Hall, the State Reception House, The Presidential Residence, Press Hall, and Secretariat Buildings. It is said to be the most secured and protected premises in the entire continent of Asia, that is truly something to witness and therefore worthy of including Cheong Wa Dae on the list of places to visit in South Korea.

#13- Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun Design Plaza, abbreviated as DDP is a landmark of fashion hub and one of the best places in South Korea for all the fashion enthusiasts. In fact, this urban development landmark is known for its unique structure and could be seen in many of the native movies and series today. Well, that's not all, it also consists of a walkable park on the roof, retail stores, exhibition spaces etc.

#14- Seoul Museum Of Art
Located in Deoksugung Palace, this modern art museum is worthy of being on your list of places to visit in Seoul. SeMA has six exhibition halls, a lecture hall for educational programs and a library where visual reference materials are available to the public. One of the exhibition halls is a permanent collection exhibition of the works of the famous Korean artist Chun Kyung Ja. SeMA has international exhibitions twice a year, making it an interactive place for the locals as well as international visitors.

#15- Itaewon
Itaewon is also called the special tourist zone, it is a place in Seoul where the foreigners reside. It is well known for its vibrant nightlife and its foreign-friendly cultural diversity! The place is a hub of entertainment and shopping as it is full of thousands of shops, restaurants, hotels and much more. You can also enjoy multiple cuisines in this district. Another famous part of this place is the antique furniture street, which got its importance due to its role in the war with America.

#16- National Museum Of Korea
If your list of tourist places in Seoul has to include a museum, then this one is it. The National Museum of Korea focuses on the modern or contemporary history of Korea. To educate the visitors about the changes that take place in the nation, various exhibitions and programs are held in the museum. It has four major exhibition halls which talk about the prelude, foundation, development and modernization of the Republic of Korea respectively. The national museum is not only a place for adults, it keeps in mind the interests of children and features a hands-on program for them under the Korean history dream village, giving them an opportunity to learn about modern history.

#17- Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa was titled as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995 and the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The temple confines six National Treasures of South Korea including Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas. It is a must visit place for the tourists to encounter Korean Buddhism. Along with having three large halls, the temple also homes a floating pavilion and quarters for monks since it is also a practising monastery. The original complex of the temple was so huge that it took almost 40 years to build it, however, after a fire accident a few years ago, the area does not measure the same. Undoubtedly, we suggest you tour such places in South Korea.

#18- Daewangam Park
Daewangam Park is a resting place with 942,000 square metres. The park is renowned for its 600 metre long pine forest between the park entrance and the lighthouse. There are dinosaur-like rock formations built on the Daewangam Park beaches, then we have the Day Gwanggyo Bridge, connecting the land to the Daewangam.

#19- Ggotji Beach
If you are a sunset person, then you should not miss this stunning place on Jeju Island. The white sand beaches are a pleasure to the beach lover. It is one of the mesmerizing tourist places in South Korea as when the sun sets, and the sky becomes like a canvas full of shades of turquoise colors. You will notice two massive rock formations on the beach that are known as Granny and Grandpa Rocks.

#20- Ganjeolgot
Ganjeolgot is among one of the most beautiful places in South Korea. It is a park on every tourists’ list to visit because of all the festivities celebrated. Every New Year’s eve, Koreans gather in the park to witness the Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival, that is the first sunrise of the new year. It is only possible because Ganjeolot is the easternmost part of the Korean peninsula. The park also homes the second-largest mailbox, built in 2006. It is believed that one’s wishes come true if written on a postcard and put in the mailbox. It is among the most popular tourist places in South Korea for a reason.

#21- The DMZ
Among many South Korea places to visit, the DMZ is also an exciting place to explore when you visit South Korea. It is the place to give you a clear idea about the conflict between South and North Korea and the situation about current affairs. The DMZ is loaded with intriguing destinations that make for a drawing in exercise in recent history. You can bring a look into North Korea at the Observation Post and feel the surge of experience while strolling through the Infiltration Tunnel. It is suitable to take a guided visit that incorporates a visit to the Joint Security Area (JSA).

#22- Myeongdong
Myeongdong Market is one of the best South Korea places to visit for shopping if you plan to purchase souvenirs on your trip to South Korea. This shopping district is famous for Korean cosmetic and skincare products. You can buy inexpensive clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery, and handbags from local and international brands. Myeongdong also has iconic landmarks including the Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral and Myeongdong Nanta Theatre, which you can explore while shopping. The market has all kinds of shops, from departmental stores to shopping malls.

#23- Gwang-An-Bridge
The Diamond Bridge is a mastermind overpass situated in Busan, South Korea, that connects Haeundae-gu to Suyeong-gu and is a must South Korea place to visit. The street surface is around 6,500 m long, and even though it's anything but a passerby connect, you can, in any case, appreciate the tremendous views on joining and the encompassing area from a far distance.

#24- Gyeongbokgung Palace
This palace unquestionably is the largest and the most beautiful of all the 5 major palaces of Seoul. It is one of the most famous historical sites and speaks volumes about the culture and architectural advancement of Seoul, which makes it a must on everybody’s list of best places to visit in Seoul. The ideal duration one requires to see this palace is anywhere between 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. The palace has parking and restroom facilities.

#25- Bukchon Hanok Village
For tourists who would like to indulge in Korea's tradition and history, Bukchon Hanok Village is a great pick from your list of South Korea places to visit. The village’s preserved area gives one the feeling of what it possibly felt like to live in Korea 600 years ago. Being inhabited by locals even today, the village offers a very authentic glimpse into the local lifestyle. This village certainly is a fun place to spend an afternoon exploring the historic architecture and narrow streets full of Hanoks.

#26- Changdeokgung
A haven of peace in the heart of the busy city, Changdeokgung is one of the best South Korea places to visit. The 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is acclaimed for its remarkable structural details concerning its verdant and extensive gardens. The official and residential buildings that form the complex were designed in sync with the original traditional style palace layout. The buildings and structures comprise an administrative court, royal residential court and official audience court. Biwon, a rear garden situated in the north, features terraces planted with lawns, flowering trees, flowers, a lotus pool and pavilions set against a wooden background.

#27- Seongsan Sunrise Peak
If you are a fan of morning sunshine, head to this peak created by the hydrovolcanic eruptions, some 5000 years ago. A UNESCO world heritage site, Seongsan is rich in its diversity of rare species of plants. The scenic landscape here makes it one of the best places in South Korea; particularly to witness magical sunrise views. Located about 80 minutes away from Jeju City, this peak falls enroute to Jeju Island. So one can easily plan a trip to both these destinations for a fun filled time.

#28- Upo Marsh
Upo Marsh is one of the most visited Tourist places in South Korea, and the best part is that it is a free tourist attraction in Korea. The Upo Marsh is the largest inland wetland in Korea, home to 1500 species of plants and animals. However, some animals are endangered too. This place is fantastic for bird watching as you can also witness some of the migratory birds.

#29- Suwon - Si
Suwon is a place which is based in Gyeonggi Province. The famous place to visit is the Fortress and the massive gate with towering pagodas. Visit this place and witness the royal lifestyle of the king and queen. It is Built by the Joseon dynasty the fortress wall is UNESCO world heritage site with pagoda-style gates and observation decks.

#30- Gyeongju
The erstwhile capital of the ancient Silla kingdom, Gyeongju is a treasure trove of cultural and historical sites. If the idea of digging deep into the history of a place fascinates you, the ancient temple of Gyeongju is your place to be. The temple built in the 8th century is a hub for archaeologists and spiritual buffs; given its vast lifespan. Moreover, the temple also offers mesmerizing sunrise views.

#31- Seoraksan National Park
Considered to be one of the best places to visit in South Korea, this national park is a UNESCO-protected site. The majestic snow-covered mountains form a backdrop to the national park and offer spectacular views from the gondola ride, all the way up to the hill. As you walk through the 400000 sq km biosphere protection place, get ready to be wonderstruck by the giant Buddha statue on your path. This place is a good idea on the list of tourist places in South Korea.

#32- Jeonju
Jeonju is a city in western South Korea. The slow city has many historical tourist places in South Korea. The mesmerizing traditional houses of Korea located in the narrow lanes will take you back to ancient Korea. The Hanok village retains the historic traditions and charms of the past. It has many temples and museums and is one of the best places to visit in South Korea about the rich and fascinating history of the country.

#33- Dadohaehaesang National Park
This is one of the top South Korea places to visit for your next vacation! This place is the largest national park of South Korea and is home to 1700 large and small islands; also to some rock structures. It is considered one of the best places to visit in South Korea because of its surreal landscapes and far from the city chaos.

#34- Jeju Island
Jeju Island is 85 kilometers off the coast and is one of the beautiful places to witness Korea's natural beauty and one of the best places to visit in South Korea. Imagine the surreal white sand beaches surrounding you with pine forests, volcanic craters, and lava caves that will take your breath away. You can visit the Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Halassang national park, Seopjikoji promontory, Hyeopjae & Hamdeok beach, Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls.

#35- Lotte World
Lotte World Tower is a 123- story skyscraper in Seoul, South Korea standing at 555.7 metres. It is the tallest building in South Korea at present while the fifth tallest in the whole world. The popular Seoul Sky is located on the 117th - 123rd floors. On the 118th floor resides the Sky Friendly Cafe and Sky Terrace, the Photozone being on the 119th floor, Seoul Sky Cafe on the 122nd and the infamous 123 Lounge on the 123rd floor to be exact. Lotte World Tower is listed on every tourists’ places to visit in South Korea.

#36- Seoul Tower
When you search for the best views in Seoul,  Seoul Tower is the best tourist place in South Korea. Believe us, it's 500 meters above the city, and you can witness the city's stunning panoramic views from the top. A cable car speeds you up the side of the mountain to the base of the tower. From here, you can go up to the tower and visit any of the four observation decks, one of which is a rotating cafe. The LED light on the outside of the tower gives you a visual cultural experience.  The tower is open every day,  till midnight.