Things to do in South Korea

As the largest of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung is essential. Time your visit for the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate. For a magical experience, rent a hanbok (traditional dress); not only do you get stunning photos against the historic backdrop, but you also receive free admission. Don’t miss the National Folk Museum of Korea located on the grounds.

Extra Tip: Visit during spring cherry blossoms or autumn foliage for the most picturesque scenery. If you want to avoid crowds, go early in the morning or join an evening lantern-lit tour when available. The palace grounds are vast, so allow at least 2 hours to explore thoroughly. Gyeongbokgung is conveniently accessible via Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), making it easy to include in your Seoul itinerary.

Korean street food is a world of its own. Skip dinner and dive into Myeongdong Night Market in Seoul. Must-try items include hotteok (sweet syrupy pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and gunbang-eo (giant grilled lobster tails). For a more local vibe, Gwangjang Market offers incredible bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (addictive mini rice rolls).

Extra Tip: Don’t overlook regional night markets. For example, Jeonju is famous for bibimbap and handmade sweets, while Busan’s BIFF Square is known for sizzling ssiat hotteok (seed-filled pancakes). Night markets usually open around 5 PM and get liveliest after 7 PM. Bring cash, as some stalls don’t accept cards. A pro tip is to arrive hungry and share plates with friends so you can sample more without filling up too quickly.

A UNESCO World Heritage site and a perfect day trip from Seoul, this 18th-century fortress is an architectural marvel. You can walk, bike, or even take a trolley along its 5.7 km-long walls, which snake over hills and through the city. It offers a unique perspective on Korean history and engineering, far from the crowds of the capital.

Extra Tip: Time your visit during one of Suwon’s cultural festivals when traditional martial arts demonstrations and archery shows bring the fortress to life. The Hwaseong Palace inside the fortress is also worth exploring, with colorful royal ceremonies held on weekends. Suwon is just 30 minutes by subway (Line 1) from Seoul, making it an easy getaway. Don’t leave without trying Suwon’s famous galbi (marinated short ribs) at a local restaurant—a regional specialty that pairs perfectly with your fortress adventure. Before visiting, make sure your travel documents are in order you can find everything you need to know about getting a South Korea visa to make your entry smooth and hassle-free.

Jeju Island is a natural wonder, but its most unique cultural treasure is the Haenyeo, or "sea women." These female free-divers, many in their 70s and 80s, harvest seafood from the ocean floor without oxygen tanks. You can see them at work near Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a testament to a matriarchal culture and incredible human endurance.

Extra Tip: Visit the Haenyeo Museum in Jeju to learn more about their history and traditions. If you’re lucky, you might catch a live demonstration where Haenyeo prepare freshly caught seafood for visitors. Combine this with a sunrise hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong for an unforgettable day. For food lovers, many seaside restaurants in Jeju serve Haenyeo-caught abalone, sea urchin, and conch, making it one of the freshest seafood experiences in Korea.

Once a precarious hillside slum, this village was transformed by a public art project into a "Lego-like" maze of brightly painted houses, murals, and sculptures. Follow the map to find hidden art pieces and the iconic statue of "The Little Prince." It’s a powerful story of community revitalization through art.

Extra Tip: Go early in the morning to explore before the crowds arrive, and don’t forget to stop at a café with a terrace view over the village and Busan’s port. Photography lovers will find endless backdrops, while families can enjoy the scavenger-hunt style map that encourages exploring every corner. The village is about 15 minutes by bus from Toseong Station (Line 1), so it’s easy to pair with other Busan highlights like Jagalchi Fish Market or BIFF Square. If Busan’s coastal vibe draws you in, plan your trip with insights from tourism guide to South Korea.

Challenge yourself with a hike up South Korea's highest peak. Hallasan is a dormant shield volcano that forms the bulk of Jeju Island. The Seongpanak Trail is the most gradual, leading you through a fairy-tale forest to the summit crater lake, Baengnokdam. The panoramic views from the top are a reward worth the strenuous climb.

Extra Tip: There are two main summit trails, Seongpanak (longer but easier) and Gwaneumsa (shorter but steeper). Both take 8–10 hours round trip, so start early and bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers since the weather can change quickly at higher elevations. If you don’t want to summit, several shorter trails like Yeongsil and Eorimok still offer breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes and seasonal wildflowers. Hallasan is particularly beautiful in spring when azaleas bloom, or in winter when its peak is snow-capped.

Often called "the museum without walls," Gyeongju was the capital of the thousand-year-old Silla Kingdom. Spend a day exploring the Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO site renowned for its architectural beauty, and the nearby Seokguram Grotto, which houses a serene granite Buddha. At night, wander through the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where ancient royal burial mounds are beautifully illuminated.

Extra Tip: Don’t miss Anapji Pond (Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond), especially at sunset when the palace structures reflect in the water, one of Korea’s most photogenic sights. Rent a bicycle to easily explore the city’s many archaeological sites scattered across town. Gyeongju is about 2 hours from Busan by KTX train, making it an easy day trip. For foodies, try ssambap (rice wrapped in fresh greens with side dishes), a regional specialty.

For any music fan, a pilgrimage to Gangnam is a must. Walk the K-Star Road to see giant statues of popular groups. Visit the SMTOWN COEX Artium, a multi-story complex dedicated to SM Entertainment artists, featuring a museum, merch store, and even a hologram concert hall.

Extra Tip: Beyond SM Entertainment, explore K-pop culture at HYBE Insight (home of BTS and other groups) or check out live performances at smaller venues like Rolling Hall in Hongdae. Gangnam itself is also known for upscale shopping, chic cafés, and nightlife, making it a great place to spend both day and night. If you’re visiting in October, look out for the Gangnam Festival, which features live K-pop concerts and fashion shows on the main streets.

As Korea's most famous beach, Haeundae is a vibrant social hub. In the summer, it's packed with sunbathers, swimmers, and international sand sculpture festivals. The surrounding area is lined with sleek hotels, seafood restaurants, and trendy bars, making it the perfect place to experience Busan's lively coastal energy.

Extra Tip: Haeundae is just as lively outside of summer, visit in winter for the Haeundae Light Festival when the beach glows with illuminations. Walk the scenic Dongbaekseom Island trail at the western end of the beach for beautiful coastal views and a quieter escape from the crowds. If you’re a foodie, head to Haeundae Traditional Market nearby for fresh seafood pancakes, grilled clams, and Busan’s famous eomuk (fish cakes). The beach is easily accessible via Haeundae Station (Line 2).

The Demilitarized Zone is one of the most politically charged places on earth. A guided tour takes you to the Third Infiltration Tunnel, dug by North Korea for a surprise attack, and the Dora Observatory, where you can use binoculars to peer into North Korea. It's a fascinating and sobering look at the reality of a divided nation.

Extra Tip: DMZ tours usually depart from Seoul and require booking through an authorized operator. Be sure to bring your passport, as it’s checked at security checkpoints. The Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom, where North and South Korean soldiers stand face-to-face, is the most intense part of the tour, but access can be restricted depending on political conditions. Tours typically last half a day to a full day, so plan accordingly. Many travelers combine it with Imjingak Park, which features memorials and exhibits about the Korean War.

Escape the mountain temples and visit this breathtaking 14th-century temple built on the coast. Unlike any other in Korea, its pavilions and pagodas are perched dramatically on the cliffs above the crashing waves. It's a particularly powerful place to visit at sunrise or during Buddha's Birthday, when it's draped in thousands of lanterns.

Extra Tip: Haedong Yonggungsa is about 30 minutes from Haeundae Beach by bus or taxi, making it an easy half-day trip. Arrive early to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before tour buses arrive. The temple is free to enter and offers stunning views year-round, especially in spring when cherry blossoms frame the coastline. Don’t miss the golden Buddha statue overlooking the sea, a popular spot for prayers for health and prosperity. Combine this visit with nearby attractions like Songjeong Beach or the Busan National Science Museum.

This is more than a meal; it's a cultural ritual. Head to a local BBQ joint, order a few cuts of meat like samgyeopsal (pork belly) or galbi (marinated short ribs), and grill them yourself at the table. Wrap the sizzling meat in a fresh lettuce leaf with garlic, ssamjang (paste), and kimchi for the perfect bite. Mapo-gu in Seoul is famous for its BBQ alley.

Extra Tip: Korean BBQ restaurants typically provide unlimited banchan (side dishes), so try everything from pickled radish to bean sprouts. Some spots also serve naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) as the perfect refreshing ending to a meaty feast. While Seoul has countless BBQ restaurants, you’ll also find regional specialties: Jeju pork BBQ is legendary, and Busan’s grilled eel is a local favorite. If you’re not sure what to order, most restaurants offer set menus designed for sharing.

Nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, this historic neighborhood is filled with hundreds of traditional hanok houses. While it's a popular spot for photos, take time to explore the quiet alleys. For a deeper experience, book a hanok stay or participate in a traditional craft workshop like janggyeong (embroidery).

Extra Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist crowds and capture the best lighting for photos. Several hanoks have been converted into tea houses, art galleries, and cultural centers, allowing you to step inside and experience the architecture up close. For a less crowded alternative, head to nearby Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, where traditional homes have been transformed into chic cafés and boutique shops. Bukchon is easily reached from Anguk Station (Line 3).

This is not just a library; it's a monumental architectural feat and a cultural landmark. Located in the center of the Starfield COEX Mall in Gangnam, the library features towering, 13-meter-high bookshelves filled with over 50,000 books and magazines. It's a stunning public space that has become one of Seoul's most Instagrammed locations.

Extra Tip: The library is free to enter and open to everyone, making it a great stop on a rainy day. Since it’s located inside Asia’s largest underground shopping mall, you can easily combine your visit with shopping, dining, or even exploring the COEX Aquarium. Come in the evening when the space is beautifully lit and less crowded, offering a calmer vibe. For book lovers, many international titles are available, and cultural events like author talks and exhibitions are often hosted here.

For some of Korea's most dramatic natural scenery, head to Seoraksan. The park features jagged rocky peaks, dense forests, and ancient temples like Sinheungsa. The cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress offers spectacular views with minimal effort, while hiking trails like Ulsanbawi Rock provide a more challenging and rewarding adventure, especially during the brilliant autumn foliage season.

Extra Tip: Located near Sokcho, about 2.5 hours from Seoul by bus, Seoraksan can be visited as a long day trip, though an overnight stay allows more time to explore. Autumn is the most popular season, but winter offers a quieter, snow-covered landscape that feels like a wonderland. Be sure to stop at Sinheungsa Temple near the park entrance, home to a giant bronze Buddha statue. After hiking, reward yourself with a hot bowl of dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) in Sokcho, a regional favorite.