UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Book Attractions in Advance

Skip the lines at Korea South's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, palaces, and experiences across Korea South.

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Changdeokgung Palace Complex

Explore the harmonious Joseon Dynasty palace and its secret garden in Seoul, showcasing traditional Korean architecture.

Especially serene during seasonal blooms, perfect for guided tours and hanok experiences.

Gyeongju Historic Areas

Discover ancient tombs, temples, and the Bulguksa Temple with its intricate stone carvings.

A blend of Silla Kingdom splendor and archaeological sites that captivate history enthusiasts.

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Hwaseong Fortress

Admire the massive walls and gates of this Suwon fortress, a marvel of 18th-century military engineering.

Festivals and reenactments create a lively hub perfect for immersing in Korean heritage.

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Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

Visit the granite Buddha statue in the grotto and the elegant temple complex near Gyeongju.

Combining Buddhist art with mountainous serenity in a spiritual setting.

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Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites

Uncover prehistoric megalithic tombs and museums highlighting Korea South's ancient roots.

Less crowded, offering a peaceful alternative to urban sites.

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Historic Villages of Korea (Hahoe and Yangdong)

Visit these preserved Joseon-era villages for insights into traditional rural life and Confucian culture.

Fascinating for those interested in folklore and architectural preservation.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures

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Seoraksan National Park

Hike through granite peaks and valleys, ideal for adventure seekers with trails to waterfalls and temples.

Perfect for multi-day treks with scenic viewpoints and wildlife spotting in autumn foliage.

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Jeju Island Beaches

Relax on volcanic black-sand shores like Hyeopjae with coastal walks and fresh seafood cafes.

Family-friendly fun with water sports and ocean breezes in summer.

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Jirisan National Park

Explore mountain ridges and forests via hiking paths, attracting nature photographers.

Serene spot for camping and birdwatching with diverse ecosystems and wildflowers.

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Bukhansan National Park

Wander rocky peaks near Seoul, perfect for day hikes and urban escapes.

This city-adjacent park offers a quick nature adventure with fortress ruins.

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Nakdong River Valley

Kayak along the river with wetlands and villages, ideal for water sports near Busan.

Hidden gem for scenic cycling and riverside picnics in spring.

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Boseong Green Tea Fields

Discover terraced tea plantations with walking trails and cultural experiences.

Agricultural tours connecting to Korea South's tea heritage and misty hillside charm.

Korea South by Region

🌆 Seoul Capital Area (North)

  • Best For: Modern cities, palaces, and K-culture with vibrant neighborhoods like Myeongdong and Insadong.
  • Key Destinations: Seoul, Incheon, and Suwon for historic sites and urban nightlife.
  • Activities: Palace tours, street food sampling, K-beauty shopping, and hiking in nearby mountains.
  • Best Time: Spring for cherry blossoms (April-May) and autumn for mild weather (Sept-Nov), with 10-25°C temperatures.
  • Getting There: Well-connected by KTX trains from Incheon Airport, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.

🏙️ Gyeongsang Region (South-East)

  • Best For: Ancient history, beaches, and seafood as a cultural hub with Busan and Gyeongju.
  • Key Destinations: Busan for coastal vibes, Gyeongju for Silla ruins, and Daegu for markets.
  • Activities: Temple visits, beach festivals, hot springs soaking, and traditional hanji papermaking.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but summer (June-Aug) for beaches and events like the Busan Fireworks Festival.
  • Getting There: Gimhae Airport in Busan is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.

🌳 Jeolla Region (South-West)

  • Best For: Foodie havens and natural beauty, featuring wetlands and historic towns like Jeonju.
  • Key Destinations: Jeonju for hanok villages, Suncheon for bay reserves, and Gwangju for art.
  • Activities: Bibimbap tastings, wetland kayaking, temple stays, and local pottery workshops.
  • Best Time: Spring for bamboo forests (April-May) and autumn for harvest festivals (Sept-Oct), 15-25°C.
  • Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring rural areas and coastal villages.

🏔️ Gangwon & Jeju (East & Island)

  • Best For: Mountains, islands, and adventure with ski resorts and volcanic landscapes.
  • Key Destinations: Gangneung for beaches, Seoraksan for hikes, and Jeju for lava tubes.
  • Activities: Skiing in winter, trail running, seafood barbecues, and haenyeo diving experiences.
  • Best Time: Winter for snow sports (Dec-Feb) and summer for island escapes (June-Aug), with 0-30°C ranges.
  • Getting There: Direct KTX from Seoul to Gangwon or flights/ferries to Jeju from major cities.

Sample Korea South Itineraries

🚀 7-Day Korea South Highlights

Days 1-2: Seoul

Arrive in Seoul, explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, visit Myeongdong for street food, and experience Namsan Tower views.

Days 3-4: Gyeongju & Busan

KTX to Gyeongju for ancient tombs and Bulguksa Temple, then head to Busan for Haeundae Beach and Gamcheon Village.

Days 5-6: Jeju Island

Fly to Jeju for volcanic hikes at Hallasan, black-sand beaches, and fresh seafood dinners.

Day 7: Return to Seoul

Final day in Seoul for Insadong shopping, hanbok photo sessions, and departure with K-culture souvenirs.

🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer

Days 1-2: Seoul Immersion

Seoul city tour covering palaces, DMZ day trip, Bukchon Hanok Village, and local markets for bibimbap.

Days 3-4: Gyeongju & Busan

Gyeongju for historic sites including Cheomseongdae Observatory and temple visits, then Busan for coastal walks.

Days 5-6: Jeolla Region

Jeonju for hanok stays and bibimbap classes, then Suncheon Bay for reed wetlands and birdwatching.

Days 7-8: Gangwon Adventures

Seoraksan National Park hikes, Sokcho beach relaxation, and fresh market seafood experiences.

Days 9-10: Jeju & Return

Jeju Island for Manjanggul Cave and Seongsan Ilchulbong sunrise, before flying back to Seoul.

🏙️ 14-Day Complete Korea South

Days 1-3: Seoul Deep Dive

Comprehensive Seoul exploration including palaces, museums, K-pop districts, and food tours in Hongdae.

Days 4-6: Gyeongsang Circuit

Gyeongju for Silla artifacts and tombs, Busan for beaches and Jagalchi Market, Daegu for herbal medicine spa.

Days 7-9: Jeolla Adventures

Jeonju hanok village, Gwangju art museums, Boseong tea fields, and wetland kayaking in Suncheon.

Days 10-12: Gangwon & Chungcheong

Gangwon hikes in Jirisan, Gangneung coffee streets, and Gongju for Baekje ruins and tombs.

Days 13-14: Jeju & Seoul Finale

Jeju volcanic trails and haenyeo shows, final Seoul experiences with shopping before departure.

Top Activities & Experiences

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Temple Stay Programs

Participate in meditative retreats at Bulguksa or Jogyesa for insights into Buddhist practices.

Available year-round with guided meditation and traditional meals for spiritual renewal.

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Korean BBQ & Food Tours

Sample galbi and kimchi at bustling markets and restaurants across Seoul and Busan.

Learn cooking traditions from street vendors and Michelin-starred chefs.

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Hanbok Wearing Experiences

Dress in traditional Korean attire for palace visits and photo sessions in Insadong.

Discover silk weaving and historical fashion with rental shops everywhere.

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Hiking Trails

Explore national parks like Seoraksan on well-marked paths with bike rentals in Jeju.

Popular routes include coastal paths and mountain ascents with stunning vistas.

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K-Drama & K-Pop Tours

Visit filming locations in Seoul and attend concerts or cafes in Gangnam.

Experiences with idols and behind-the-scenes at studios for pop culture fans.

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Jjimjilbang Hot Springs

Relax in traditional saunas and baths like Dragon Hill Spa in Seoul or Oedo Island.

Many offer sleeping areas and cultural rituals for immersive wellness.

Explore More Korea South Guides