{"id":424568,"date":"2026-09-23T14:48:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T12:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/10-places-to-discover-in-south-korea"},"modified":"2026-10-06T16:09:59","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T14:09:59","slug":"10-places-to-discover-in-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/blog\/inspiration\/10-places-to-discover-in-south-korea","title":{"rendered":"10 Places to Discover in South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea<\/a>\"Visit<\/a> is a land of contrasts. In Seoul, it\u2019s all about neon-lit streets, modern architecture, and bustling neighborhoods. Just outside the city, centuries-old temples, lush mountain landscapes, local markets, and charming coastal towns await. During his trip, Travel Designer Michel discovered just how much variety the country has to offer. From impressive natural scenery to cultural highlights and unique cities: here are 10 places he believes are must-sees on any trip through South Korea. Where the world can’t find you…<\/em><\/div>\n
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1. Seoul<\/h2>\n
Seoul<\/a> is a city where the old and the new constantly come together. Amid futuristic skyscrapers and bustling shopping streets stand centuries-old palaces, traditional hanok houses, and charming temples. In <\/span>Hongdae<\/strong> is all about creativity, music, and street food, while <\/span>Insadong<\/strong> and <\/span>Bukchon<\/strong> offers a glimpse into traditional Seoul. At <\/span> Gyeongbokgung Palace<\/strong> Korea\u2019s history comes to life, and at <\/span>Noryangjin Fish Market<\/strong> Daily city life is in full swing. For those who want to leave the hustle and bustle behind for a while, there is <\/span>Bukhansan National Park<\/strong> within easy reach. And after an afternoon of shopping in <\/span>Myeong-dong<\/strong> offers the <\/span>Han River<\/strong> plenty of space to view the city from a more peaceful perspective.<\/span><\/div>\n
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“What a vibrant city it is! Every neighborhood has its own charm and sights\u2014from the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village to the trendy and modern Gangnam. A centuries-old temple nestled among the skyscrapers. It\u2019s wonderful to wander through the night markets, with all those unique, delicious-looking, and tasty dishes. So diverse and colorful!\u201d <\/em><\/div>\n

2. Jeju Island<\/h2>\n

Off the southern coast of South Korea lies Jeju-do<\/a>, a volcanic island with rugged coastlines, green forests, and dark lava rocks. In the center of the island stands Hallasan<\/strong>, which, at 1,947 meters, is South Korea\u2019s highest mountain. On the east coast lies Seongsan Ilchul-bong<\/strong>, a volcanic rock formation that rises from the sea and is known as one of the most beautiful spots to watch the sunrise. Learn more about the island\u2019s volcanic history at Jeju Stone Park<\/strong> and during a hike through the nearly 9 km long Manjanggul lava tube<\/strong>. <\/span>Along the coast, waterfalls, lava fields, and jagged rock formations alternate. The haenyeo<\/strong>\u2014female divers who harvest seafood from the coastal waters\u2014are also inextricably linked to the island. <\/p>\n

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\u201cThis volcanic island is truly beautiful. During a hike along a section of the Olle Trail, I enjoyed the beautiful views of the south coast and Sunrise Peak, Seongsan Ilchulbong. But I was also fascinated by a visit to the Dongmun Night Market in Jeju City.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

3. Busan<\/h2>\n

Busan<\/a> is nestled between the mountains and the sea, giving it a very different character from Seoul. The South Korean port city is known for its beaches, markets, and lively neighborhoods. On the coast lies Haedong Yonggungsa<\/strong>, a 14th-century Buddhist temple with a view of the sea. At Jagalchi Market<\/strong>, South Korea\u2019s largest fish market, fresh fish and seafood take center stage. Nestled against the hills is Gamcheon Culture Village<\/strong>, a colorful neighborhood with narrow streets and houses in all sorts of colors. Haeundae<\/strong> and Gwangalli<\/strong> are popular spots for beaches and views, with the latter particularly known for its view of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge. In the evening, the markets and street food stalls really come to life. <\/p>\n

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\u201cA bustling, sprawling city, beautifully situated along the southeastern coast of South Korea. Escape the hustle and bustle by taking a walk along one of the city\u2019s beaches or along one of the designated coastal trails. The Songdo Cable Car and the Skywalk offer a completely different perspective on the city\u2019s skyline.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

4. DMZ<\/h2>\n

A short distance from Seoul lies one of the most extraordinary borders in the world: the DMZ<\/a>, a demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. The strip, approximately four kilometers wide, was established in 1953 following the armistice of the Korean War. During a visit, you can see observation points, watchtowers, and the Third Tunnel<\/strong>, which was dug from the north under the DMZ. From the Dora Observatory<\/strong>, you can see the North Korean landscape. <\/p>\n

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\u201cThe tense relations between North and South Korea make the Demilitarized Zone, just north of Seoul, a unique and historic place. The museum moved me, the tunnels dug by North Korea intrigued me, and the view of the unknown North fascinated me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

5. Seoraksan<\/h2>\n

Seoraksan National Park<\/a> is located in the northeastern part of South Korea; it is a vast mountainous region known for its jagged ridges, granite peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests. The park surrounds Seoraksan<\/strong>, one of the country\u2019s most famous mountains, and is popular with hikers. Various trails wind past mountain streams, rock formations, and ancient temples, offering ever-changing views of the surrounding landscape along the way. Seoraksan is especially beautiful in the fall, when the forests turn shades of red, yellow, and orange. The mountainous landscape offers a striking contrast to South Korea\u2019s bustling cities and densely populated coastal areas. Other nature areas are also worth visiting, such as Jirisan<\/strong>, Dadohaehaesang<\/strong>, and Hallasan National Park<\/strong>. The Nakdong and Han<\/strong> Rivers reveal yet another side of the Korean landscape. <\/p>\n

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6. South Korean Cuisine<\/span><\/h2>\n
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South Korean cuisine is known for its<\/a> bold flavors and surprising contrasts: spicy and sweet, fresh and savory, crunchy and soft. Rice, vegetables, fish, and seaweed form the foundation. Meals often include a variety of small side dishes, known as banchan<\/strong>, such as marinated vegetables, seaweed, and kimchi<\/strong>. Korean barbecue<\/strong> is also popular, where meat is grilled at the table and shared. On the streets and in markets, snacks like tteokbokki<\/strong>\u2014spicy rice cakes in a sweet-and-spicy sauce\u2014 gimbap<\/strong>\u2014rice rolls with various fillings\u2014and hotteok<\/strong>\u2014a sweet pancake\u2014are very popular. Bibimbap<\/strong> is another classic: a bowl of rice with vegetables, egg, and gochujang, a spicy Korean chili paste. <\/p>\n

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\u201cSouth Korean cuisine\u2014in hindsight, perhaps the best reason to visit South Korea. In any case, it\u2019s truly remarkable to see how important food is to the local people and their culture. And the cuisine is so diverse: from intimate, specialty restaurants and Korean BBQ spots to small street food stalls and huge indoor markets. From traditional to modern. There\u2019s something for everyone.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

7. Andong<\/h2>\n

Andong<\/a> is located in eastern South Korea, a city where traditional Korean culture is still clearly visible. The best-known example is Hahoe Folk Village<\/strong>, a historic village with traditional hanok houses, surrounded by green hills and rice paddies. The Nakdong River flows past the village and, together with the hills, forms a distinctive landscape. Andong<\/strong> is also home to several ancient academies and temples, which demonstrate how important education, culture, and traditions have been here for centuries. The city is also known for the Hahoe masks<\/strong> and the traditional mask dances performed with them. <\/p>\n

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8. Gyeongju<\/span><\/h2>\n

Gyeongju<\/a> was the capital of the Silla Kingdom for nearly a thousand years and is therefore often referred to as South Korea\u2019s \u201cmuseum without walls.\u201d Remnants of this period can be found throughout the city. Daereungwon<\/strong> is home to the large burial mounds of former kings and nobles, while the ancient Bulguksa<\/strong> Temple and the nearby Seokguram<\/strong> Grotto, with its large Buddha statue, are among the most famous attractions. At Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond<\/strong>\u2014a former palace complex with a pond\u2014the illuminated buildings are reflected in the water at night. In Hwangnidan-gil<\/strong>, caf\u00e9s, restaurants, and shops housed in traditional buildings create a modern atmosphere. <\/p>\n

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\u201cIn addition to the old town, with its cozy bars and restaurants, I found a visit to the beautifully lit Wolji Pond and Donggung Palace as evening fell to be a truly special experience. It was wonderful to stroll around there among the locals. Make your stay in Andong even more special with an overnight stay in a traditional hanok in the Hahoe Folk Village.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

9. Hanok<\/h2>\n

Anyone looking to experience traditional Korea will soon come across a hanok<\/a>, a traditional Korean house featuring wooden elements, courtyards, and distinctive rooflines. In neighborhoods like Bukchon Hanok Village<\/strong> in Seoul, these houses are clustered closely together along narrow streets and hillsides. Outside the capital, Jeonju<\/strong>, Andong<\/strong>, and Gyeongju<\/strong> are among the well-known places to stay in a hanok. Some houses have been converted into small guesthouses, making a stay in a hanok a viable option. Traditional details such as ondol, the Korean underfloor heating system, wooden doors, and paper walls give the houses a unique atmosphere. <\/p>\n

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\u201cA stay in a traditional hanok is a must during a trip through South Korea. You can do this in places like Jeonju and Gyeongju, for example. Traditionally, you sleep on a mattress on a heated floor\u2014for the die-hards\u2014but these days there are also hanoks with comfortable Western-style beds.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

10. K-pop, K-drama, and K-beauty<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
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From sold-out concert halls to world-famous Netflix series: South Korean culture<\/a> has gained enormous international appeal in recent years. In Seoul<\/strong>, much revolves around K-pop, with entertainment companies, music stores, caf\u00e9s, and places where fans can follow their favorite artists. Korean TV series also play a major role. Palaces, caf\u00e9s, streets, and nature reserves are regularly used as backdrops and have thus become recognizable landmarks for fans. Outside of Seoul, cities such as Busan<\/strong>, Gyeongju<\/strong>, and Andong<\/strong> also frequently appear on screen. <\/p>\n

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\u201cThe Korean \u2018wave\u2019 has taken the world by storm in recent years. Everywhere you look, you see images of major Korean K-pop stars like PSY, BTS, and BLACKPINK. People walk around in traditional costumes, and if you\u2019re wearing a traditional hanbok, you can sometimes even get in for free. And \u2018everywhere\u2019 you can get a beauty treatment.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Travel Proposal<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Does any of these destinations sound interesting? Based on your wishes, Travel Designer Michel will put together a customized trip for you, fully tailored to your preferences for accommodations, trip duration, and unique experiences. Feel free to contact<\/a> us with no obligation. We\u2019d be happy to advise you! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Visit<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

According to Travel Designer Michel, these are the places you shouldn’t miss on a trip through South Korea<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":314,"featured_media":424559,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[592],"tags":[],"blog_category":[856],"country":[368],"continent_category":[217],"class_list":["post-424568","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration","blog_category-inspiration","country-south-korea","continent_category-asia"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424568","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/314"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=424568"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424568\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":426658,"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424568\/revisions\/426658"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/424559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=424568"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=424568"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=424568"},{"taxonomy":"blog_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_category?post=424568"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=424568"},{"taxonomy":"continent_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.untamedtravelling.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/continent_category?post=424568"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}