When most people think about Korea, they connect it to Seoul. Seoul is a great city but the country is more than just that one famous city! Korea is packed with exquisite scenery, rich culture and delicious cuisines, all within the many cities, towns, villages, etc.
Read on as we fill you in on where else you must go to provide yourself a fuller experience of what Korea has to offer!
1. Boseong
Boseong is known for being one of the only few counties in Korea to produce tea on their farms. Tourists will be able to spot local women handpicking the tea leaves in the fields, while being surrounded by the beautiful mountainous landscape. The green tea produced in Boseong is also known to be of top quality. It is recommended to do a mini trail up to the top of the mountain to get the best money shots. After a little work, treat yourself to some green tea flavoured food!
How to get to Boseong?
Take the bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal, the journey will take approximately 5 hours, depending on traffic. You also opt for a more relaxing train ride from Yongsan Station to Boseong Station.
2. Jinhae
If you are planning a trip to South Korea in Spring, you should consider dropping by Jinhae, especially for its annual spring cherry blossom festival. Psst, here’s a tip: the best Instagramable spot for the blossoms is by the Gyeonghwa Station, where there is a mile-long stretch of trees. Besides the serene walkways, the festival features cultural performances, arts, food scenes and parades too!
How to get to Jinhae?
The most convenient way to get to Jinhae is by bus. This will cost 25,000 won and it will take about four hours to get there from Seoul. If you are planning to head there during the festival, you will be able to take the train from Changwon station.
3. Juknokwon
A perfect getaway from city life, Juknokwon best known for its beautiful bamboo forest. There are as many as eight different trails that have its own unique themes you can venture through. After a trek, enjoy some bamboo-infused food such as ice-cream, tea, and everyone’s favourite, beer!
How to get to Juknokwon?
Take a train to Gwangju station from Seoul station. Once you exit, head out through the front and board the local bus 113 and alight at Juknokwon. The bus journey is about 50 minutes and it will cost 2,500 won each way.
4. Yeongam Gurim Village
Yeongam Gurim Village is a historical South Korean village, best known for pottery and well-preserved old buildings. While you’re there, head over to the Wolchulsan National Park. While this is one of the smallest and least known parks in South Korea, it is 800 metres above sea level at its highest point, which makes it a perfect spot to be at if you’d like to have an unobstructed view of the surrounding. You’re going to be able to capture the most beautiful sights without fighting with other tourists. The village also offers many traditional programmes such as understanding wedding ceremonies, paper craft, rice cake pounding, fishing, straw hat-making and many more!
How to get to Yeongam Gurim Village?
From Central City Terminal, board an express bus to Yeongam Passengers Terminal. Next, you will need to transfer Nongeochon Bus (Gurim Yangjang) and alight at Baekam-dong bus stop and walk 600m in the previous direction to reach the cosy village.
5. The Korean Militarised Zone (DMZ)
The Korean Demilitarised Zone, DMZ for short, was created at the end of the Korean war in 1953. It is a buffer zone between South and North Korea. This is where you can get a better understanding of the conflict between them and its current state of affairs as there will be guided and informative sessions throughout the day. You’ll also get the chance for a little peek of North Korea too!
How to get to Korean Militarised Zone (DMZ)?
The best way to get there is by taking the DMZ Peace Train that runs from Seoul to DMZ only on Wednesdays through Sundays. Once you have arrived DMZ, you will need to transfer onto a planned bus course to experience the sites within its restricted areas.
6. Busan
The second largest city in Korea, Busan provides a mixture of stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and ancient temples. The city is also famous for hosting Asia’s biggest international film festival. Take your itinerary up a notch with some hiking to the summit of Jangan Mountain, earning yourself some breathtaking views. Besides Jangan Mountain, there are many other areas that only gives you more than just a great view. Check out temples nestled in Busan, where you’ll get an authentic experience of cultural rituals too.
How to get to Busan?
The easiest way of traveling to Busan would be taking the train from Seoul station to Busan station. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight from Seoul to Busan.
7. Pyeongchang
Did you know that Pyeongchang has served as the host city for many winter sports events, including the Winter Olympics? There are two main resorts in the county – Alpensia and Yongpyong, it’s where adrenaline junkies gather for activities like skiing, snowboarding, and luging.
How to get to Pyeongchang?
To get to Pyeongchang, take a train from Seoul Station. Once you reach Pyeongchang station, hail a taxi to Pyeongchang. The total estimated time for the whole trip is 1 hour and 54 minutes.
8. Chuncheon
To some, Chuncheon is famed to be a food paradise but for most Korean drama lovers, this is where some of the famous scenes from Winter Sonata was filmed. Besides the film site, there are other places of interest to check out, including the Le Petite France, a small French-style colourful village overlooking Cheongpyeong Lake. You can also consider getting a ride on Gapyeong Rail Bike and enjoy the light breeze on your face as you enjoy the scenic view.
How to get to Chuncheon?
Take a bus from East Seoul Bus Terminal to Chuncheon. This is the fastest and cheapest way to get there. It takes only 1 hour and 10 minutes and about 9,000 won.
9. Gyeongju
Gyeongju is South Korea’s ancient capital, making this the perfect destination for history buffs. The city is rich with cultural attractions and traditional architecture. You will be able to stumble upon ancient sites, ruins, and relics. Gyeongju is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its top tourist hotspots are the Gyeongju National Museum, Bulguksa Temple, and the Royal Tombs.
How to get to Gyeongju?
To get to Gyeongju, you will first need to take a train to Donggaegu Station from Seoul Station. From there, you need to take the bus from Dongdaegu to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal.
10. Deokjeokdu
Just a few hours of boat ride from the mainland, there is Deokjeokdo, an island famous for its many challenging hiking routes and relaxing tropical beaches. Don’t forget to visit Neungdong Jagal Beach, where tiny black pepples can be found on the beach, naturally giving your feet (take your shoes off!) a massage as you make your way to another location.
How to get to Deokjeokdo?
We highly recommend taking the subway from City Hall Station to Incheon Station. From Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal, you need to take a ferry to Deokjeokdo.
11. Suwon
Suwon is one of the many cities in South Korea that is rich with culture and ancient history. Here, you can visit the huge UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Hwaseong Fortress, which dates back to the Joseon Dynasty – Hwaseong Dynasty. Besides the tourist sites, you will also get to enjoy special performances and events too.
How to get to Suwon?
The fastest way to get to Suwon is to take a train from Seoul Station and alight at Suwon station.
12. Seoraksan National Park
If you’re sick of the city and want to have the ultimate getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life, escape to Seoraksan National Park. Be sure to pack your hiking, climbing and camping essentials and get ready to be awed by the mountain range and unleash your inner shutterbug with its crystal clear lakes, serene streams within the many pine forests, jagged and rocker mountain peaks. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to witness native wildlife as you hike!
How to get to Seoraksan National Park?
To get to Seoraksan National Park, you need to board the bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Inje. Once you reach Inje, take a taxi to the national park.
13. Jeonju
Another popular destination for Korean travelers, Jeonju is known for its historic architecture and incredible food scene. It is said that this city is the birthplace of bibimbap, a bowl of rice topped with chili paste, vegetables, and an egg. After having your fill of street food, take a stroll along the streets that are filled with hundreds of hanoks, the traditional homes of the Korean upper class. Many of them have been converted to guesthouses, so book a stay in one of them if you want a unique experience.
How to get to Jeonju?
We highly suggest taking the train to Jeonju Station from Yongsan Station. If you prefer taking a bus, there is a straight bus available from Seoul Central City Bus Terminal to Jeonju too!
14. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village dates all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty and is home to hundreds of hanoks – traditional homes. Many of these hanoks have been converted to cultural centres, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, guesthouses, and tea houses, breathing a new life into these historic architecture. The new-meets-old juxtaposition gives the village an interesting vibe that you can’t find anywhere else.
How to get to Bukchon Hanok Village?
To save some extra cost, you can walk to Bukchon Hanok Village from Seoul. This will only take 22 minutes if you follow the instructions here.
15. Dadohaehaesang National Park
Dadohaehaesang National Park is South Korea’s largest national park, it has seven different areas along the southwestern coast from Mokpo to Yeosu. The park covers over 1,000 large and small islands and a few rock structures surrounded by the sparkling sea in between. This is another great place for hiking. You can even jump into the sea and enjoy a swim, if you’re up for it!
How to get to Dadohaehaesang National Park?
To get to Dadohaehaesang National Park, you will need to take two buses and a ferry. Head to Seoul Central City Bus Terminal and take a bus to Gwangju. From Gwanju, you will need to transfer to another bus to Wando. Once you alight at Wando, take a ferry to Cheongsando. The entire journey will take approximately 7 hours and 54 minutes.
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