Best Things to Do in South Korea

South Korea offers everything a traveler could want from a destination, and more. The country has a long and intriguing history, traditional and modern cities, incredible food, architecture from ancient dynasties, and some of the nicest locals you'll ever meet. South Korea has become increasingly popular among travelers, and we can see why! These Top 10 Attractions are sure to amaze and inspire you. Be sure to find or include them in your South Korea vacation package.

1. Gyeongju

Gyeongju is a coastal city with a rich history. The area is full of important historical landmarks that have been preserved since the 10th century. With 52 different designated historical sites, along with a vast number of archeological sites and cultural properties, you'll definitely be in for an educational trip!

The city has 31 National Treasures, and the Gyeongju National Museum holds over 16,000 artifacts. While in Gyeonju, you don't want to miss the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto - where a softly lit Buddha statue sits in a dome facing the direction of the sea.

Low mountains scatter the area of Gyeongju, and along the coastline are 12 small harbors. Gyeongju has a milder climate than the rest of South Korea, with temperatures ranging from lows in the 40s to highs in the 80s.

2. Temple Stay

It's not everyday that you can stay in a temple where monks currently reside and get a glimpse into their daily life. Temple Stay is a cultural experience that gives you a better understanding of Korean traditional culture and Korean Buddhism.

Here you get to learn about Korean Buddhist values and practices, eat temple food, practice meditation, and sleep in a humble guestroom. You may find the experience eye-opening, and perhaps take something life changing away from the experience.

There are three templestay options for travelers to choose from. A one-day Templestay lasts 2-3 hours and is for those travelers who want to keep busy during their trip. You will enjoy a tour of the temple, meditation, and a tea ceremony. An overnight experience-oriented templestay allows you to experience the Korean monastic life, including morning chanting, Buddhist meals, meditation, and making prayer beads and lotus lanterns. An overnight rest-oriented templestay is nothing but relaxation. You have the opportunity to center yourself, rest your mind, and escape your busy everyday life under the shelter of the temple.

3. DMZ

The DMZ (demilitarization zone), where South Korea and North Korea meet, is a weapons-free buffer zone between the two countries. The zone is 160 miles long, and about 2.5 miles wide. Though the zone itself is demilitarized, the border beyond it is one of the most heavily militarized borders in the world.

The designated area came about when North and South Korea agreed to a ceasefire in 1953. thus allowing visitors to safely visit the zone and learn about the war up close and personal. Your tour guise will educate you on the brutal history between the two countries, and how they look forward to peace in the future.

History buffs will love the DMZ, and so will wildlife lovers! Due to the natural isolation of the zone, an involuntary park has been created that is one of the most well preserved areas of temperate land in the world. There are several endangered species of plants and animals that make their home in the DMZ.

4. Gyeongbokgung Palace

The largest standing of the 5 Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty of South Korea, is Gyeongbokgung Palace, which lies in the middle of the country's metropolitan city of Seoul. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty until 1592 when it was destroyed in a fire during the Imjin War.

In the 19th century, 500 buildings and 7,700 rooms were restored incorporating traditional Joseon architecture. Much of the palace was destroyed again early in the 20th century by Imperial Japan. It is still gradually being restored today.

Within the walled palace complex is the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum. Many events take place at Gyeongbokgung Palace, including Royal Tastings, nighttime viewings, and the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, which happens several times a day at the palace entrance.

5. Jimjilbang

Although it translates literally to “spa room”, this isn’t like any western spa you may have seen. A jimjilbang is a public bathhouse in South Korea that typically includes hot tubs, showers, traditional kiln saunas, and massage tables.

The walls are decorated with woods, crystals, stones, and metals to create a natural scent, and produce an ambient mood.

Starting with a locker, you’ll soak in baths that vary in minerals and temperatures. Next, be sure to get a Korean body scrub! They charge a little extra but the staff exfoliates every inch and crevice of your body - guaranteed that your body will feel silky smooth by the time you’re done. After using the classic steam, sauna, and salt rooms, you’ll also come across snack, nap, and even exercise rooms!

6. Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok village is a Korean traditional village located in Seoul, which has preserved its 600 year old environment. It features traditional houses (hanok), built in the 12th century, plus many small alleyways, cement walls, and tiled roofs that will make you feel as though you’ve transported back in time. Every corner you turn will be more picturesque than the last, making it a great photography spot and historical experience.

The village originally housed high ranking government officials during the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors may enter a designated hanok for free and tour the Korean traditional house in 15-20 minute sessions.

7. Jeju

Jeju Island is an island at the most southern tip of South Korea. It is the only self governing province in the country, and is run entirely by local natives, not the mainland government. It is is known as the country’s tropical and laidback destination of South Korea. The climate on Jeju is mild, even in winter, with temperatures never falling below freezing.

There is a lot of natural beauty and heritage sites to see here, such as the Seongsan Ilchubong Peak, and Jeju Volcanic Islands and Lava Tubes, both of which are World Heritage UNESCO sites. In this region you can also find some lesser known dishes and fruits.

Fun fact - locals here speak a dialect that’s almost completely different from the what’s spoken on the mainland!  

8. Andong Hahoe Village

Situated in central South Korea, between Seoul and Busan, lies a village from the Joseon Dynasty that is known for its traditional houses. The village was built around the geomantic guidelines of Korean feng shui, and is the shape of a lotus flower.

The village has preserved many of its original Joseon buildings, like the Confucian school, and has maintained many folk traditions, like Hahoe Mask Dance.

The tiled-roof houses sit on a mountain, with scenic views of the Nakdong River and regional delicacies such as heotjesabap, a rice dish that only nobles were allowed to eat back in the day. It's another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a must see when in South Korea.

Queen Elizabeth visited Hahoe Folk Village on April 21, 1999, which has made it a well-known area ever since!

9. Jeonju Hanok Village

Over 800 traditional hanok houses remain inside Jeonju, which is otherwise a modern city. It is famous among tourists for the traditional buildings that contrast the modern buildings of the rest of the city.

The village was designated a Slow City for its relaxed lifestyle where traditional culture reins. The roofs of these buildings are arched towards the sky, making them look especially unique from other hanok villages.

With Jeonju Hanok village are many can't miss attractions, including Jeonju Hyanggyo, a Confucian temple and school built during the Joseon Dynasty, and Pungnam Gate, which enclosed the city during the Joseon Dynasty.

Visitors to Jeonju are able to sample some of the country's most traditional foods, where the recipes and ingredients differ from other regions in South Korea.

10. Jagalchi Fish Market

The largest seafood market in South Korea is located in the beachfront city Busan. It is considered a landmark of Busan, and attracts many visitors and locals who will come here to shop for all kinds of seafood.

You can bargain with the cheery ajummas (grandmas) who are eager to practice their English. You may find them selling giant octopus, Alaskan king crabs, sea squirts, sea cucumbers, and other sorts of fish that are uncommon in western countries.

After you’ve bought your catch of the day, bring it upstairs to any of the restaurants that will happily prepare it for you however you’d like.