South Korea is famous for its kimchi, K-pop (the most famous BTS,) K-dramas, and loads of other products including skincare and not forgetting Gangham Style (singer PSY.) However, did you know that you can also have fantastic experiences exploring form cultural sites, gorgeous sceneries, and attractions to the wonder of nature?
Here are some gems that shouldn’t be missed when visiting South Korea.
N. Seoul Tower- Otherwise known as the Namsam Tower, it is the second-highest point in Seoul and is located on the Namsan mountain. It is one of the sites that will entertain families, groups and is a must for romantic couples. Don’t forget to explore this site because you will miss seeing the 360-degree view of the city.
Jeongdong Observatory- Some of the best views across Seoul can be seen from the 13th floor of this building located in the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Seosomun Building 1 you can sip on a cup of coffee or other beverages. This floor were offices but it is now open to the public and not many tourists hear about it, so it’s not often crowded, plus it’s free to visit! You can even look down over the beautiful Deoksugung Palace.
Gwangjang Market- One of Seoul’s more traditional markets, it is a traditional street market in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea, and is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets serving cheap local street food and beautiful handcrafted and traditional goods, including silks, vintage clothing, and unique homewares.
Bamdokkaebi Night Market- If you are a night person and want to explore some of the nightlife, this place is a must. During March and October, the market transforms Yeouido Hangang Park into a festivity of street food and culture. Food trucks offer up a range of yummy dishes from creative young chefs, cultural performances, and live music dazzling visitors to this amazing scene. The market’s street is lined with stalls selling arts and crafts made by hand by local designers.
Myeong-Dong- It is mostly a commercial area in Jung-gu Seoul and is one of the main shopping areas with parade routes and tourist districts. It is also known for two historically significant sites. The Myeong-dong Cathedral and The Myeong-dong Nanta Theatre.
Hangang (Han River)-Korea's most famous river is located in Seoul and is one of the most scenic locations in the city. Hangang serves as a backdrop for lots of movies, music videos, and TV shows. It is also a symbol of the South Korean capital which divides the city’s north and south areas and runs through the city from east to west. It is the most important physical landmark in Seoul. It also serves as a water source for Koreans. Parks and recreational facilities along the river are plentiful and there are 26 bridges across the river. It is also perfect for biking, enjoying picnics, fishing, and river cruising.
Moonlight Rainbow Fountain- Seoul is known for its unique beauty and tourist attractions, but nothing compares to the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on the Han River. It currently holds the Guinness World record as the longest bridge fountain with over ten thousand LED nozzle lights. These LED’s which trails along both sides of the bridge lights up every night and create a stunning rainbow effect.
Haeundae Beach- We can’t leave out at least a beach for the beautiful water, activities, and relaxation. Korea is famous for its world-class beaches as water surrounds the country on three sides, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers. This beach in Busan is one of the most popular and most visited beaches in South Korea. This city beach is busy year-round and most of the tourists are in summer and in October when it hosts the Busan International Film Festival.
The Five Grand Palaces- Seoul has been the capital of South Korea for more than 600 years since the Joseon Dynasty and is the home of Korea’s kings and their famous, beautiful royal palaces. The Five Palaces of the Joseon period are- Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace and each palace has its own story.
Gyeongbokgung remains the largest of all five palaces and its main gate, Gwanghwamun Gate, is the secondary palace for the king. Deoksugung Palace has a distinct and elegant stonewall road and a Western-style garden with a fountain which makes it unique among all the palaces. Changgyeonggung Palace was where the queens and concubines resided. Changdeokgung Palace is the most well-preserved of the remaining palaces of the Joseon period and is known for Huwon,(its back garden,) which is the largest garden of all the royal palaces.
Jeju Island- We cannot forget this beautiful island which like the Hans River has been featured in many K dramas and TV series. Jeju Island is one of Korea’s famous islands and is known as the volcanic holiday destination. Also known as the ‘Hawaii of Korea,’ Jeju Island (Jeju-do in Korean) has a mild coastal climate with four seasons and an average yearly temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. Make this island part of your South Korea itinerary as it is popular for its natural wonders, including waterfalls, a dormant volcano, beaches, national parks, and caves. It is also famous for tangerines, Jeju black pig meat, and haenyo (female) divers.
This list isn’t by any means comprehensive as there were so many to list and it will take you more than one visit to explore and experience this wonderful country. At Inspirational Travel Plus, we will help you put together an exciting itinerary that will be tailor-made for you.
Rowena - ryd@inspirationaltravelplus.com - +1 868 231 0987 - Book a Meeting
Sheree - sd@inspirationaltravelplus.com - +44 7862 430705 - Book a Meeting
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