By Vanessa Niven and Haley Beham
History, culture, and kimchi: South Korea travel offers something for everyone. Indeed, the food alone is reason enough to head to South Korea. However, there’s also 5,000 years’ worth of history and culture to explore, including 14 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The bustling capital city of Seoul seems to be in perpetual motion. However, Jeju Island, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, offers a peaceful escape. Keep reading for the ultimate South Korea Travel Guide.
Seoul
Seoul is a city that never sleeps. As such, there’s so much to see given all the Korean cultural experiences and historic sites on display. The Blue House Sarangchae Museum, located across from the president’s official residence, houses cultural and tourism-related exhibitions.
Also visit the 15th century Changdeokgung Palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It harmonizes its natural setting with the official and residential structures originally constructed during the Joseon Dynasty.
Additionally, take time to stroll through the Insadong shopping district, where local shops and restaurants make their home. For skincare enthusiasts, Sulwhasoo is one of South Korea’s most famous luxury holistic skincare brands. This speaks volumes considering how many amazing brands the country has spawned. Pop in for a massage or facial treatment at the Sulwhasoo Spa Flagship store, a delightfully designed space of glass and metal.
Don't Miss
The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is the only existing military buffer zone in the world accessible to tourists. For those interested in the Korean War, it’s a must-visit and is about an hour’s drive from Seoul. But take note, the only open tunnel is not easily accessible to those with mobility issues or those over 5'9".
Gyeongju
Gyeongju is the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Silla. It therefore offers a destination where Korea’s traditions and ancient culture take center stage. The entire city is essentially a museum with some of the best Buddhist art and architecture you’ll find.
Explore Yangdong Folk Village, a Joseon Dynasty yangban (Korean aristocracy) village. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has carefully preserved traditional Korean building styles and folk arts. Just to the north of the village, Mt. Seolchang offers several viewpoints of the stunning greenery covering this peak.
Then visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex with royal burial mounds from the Silla period. Also stop at Cheomsongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia still standing. After the sun sets, explore Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. Both popular sites light up splendidly after dark.
Don't Miss
Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Silla-era site. It still serves as one of the head temples of Korean Buddhism and boasts well-preserved art and architecture. Visit during the spring when the flowers are blooming if you can. The flowers juxtaposed with the brightly painted statues creates a truly beautiful sight.
Busan
The port town of Busan offers a mix of urban living. South Korea’s second largest also features many natural wonders like hot springs, beaches, and national parks.
Visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, the only UN cemetery in the world. In addition to the graves of soldiers killed during the Korean War, the site houses 29 permanent memorials and the Wall of Remembrance. Stunning red rose bushes intermingle with the graves. When in full bloom, the roses add a layer of ethereal beauty to this somber location.
Many refer to Gamcheon Culture Village as the “Machu Picchu of Busan” because of its layered streets and homes built up the mountainside. The city originally developed it in the 1920’s and 1930’s to house the poor population out of sight. Yet it also resided within easy enough access of the bustling port to provide cheap labor. A 2009 renovation project saw improved infrastructure and homes painted in bright colors. This has, in turn, attracted small retailers, museums, and artist installations to the district.
Don't Miss
Spa Land in Shinsegae Centum City offers a modern take on the jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse). It features 2 floors with 22 different spas and a delightful assortment of themed rooms. Visitors only receive four hours to explore and soak, so take advantage of every minute of it!
Jeju
South Korea’s largest island and home to Mount Halla, the country’s tallest peak, Jeju offers plenty to see and do. Indeed, the island houses at least 100 museums. Highlights include everything from the lighthearted (teddy bears or Zippo lighters) to the educational (seashells or computers). It also features the culturally significant (the Tadao Ando-designed Bonte Museum of contemporary and traditional art).
Visit Seongeup Folk Village. Locals still inhabit the village and continue a number of heritage activities like the production of traditional alcoholic spirits omegisul and gosorisul.
Also make sure to explore the island coastline. From Jusangjeolli Cliff, you can see the Jisatgae Rocks, hexagonal stone pillars formed during an ancient volcanic eruption. As such, they have similar features to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
Finally, take a walk around Sangumburi Crater, home to a large diversity of flora. While these plants and flowers make it a beautiful sight year-round the crater is especially magical in autumn. At this time, the silvergrass in full bloom presents waves of gold and silver leaves undulating in the wind.
Don't Miss
Make a visit to the Haenyeo Museum. Learn about the incredible tradition of women who free dive for seafood and mollusks, sometimes up to 30 feet deep, without oxygen support.
Put This South Korea Travel Guide to Use
We’re just scratching the surface of all there is to see and do in South Korea. Let Ker & Downey’s team of destination specialists craft the perfect trip for you utilizing this South Korea Travel Guide. Contact a Travel Designer to start planning your trip to South Korea. For even more travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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