South Korea is famous for being the land of kimchi, K-pop, K-dramas, tech giant Samsung, automotive manufacturer Hyundai, soju, Korean fried chicken, Korean barbecue, the 12-step skincare routine, and of course, Gangnam Style.
But more than being known for its entertainment, Korea has so much to offer when it comes to arts, culture, history, and more.
Here are the places you wouldn't want to miss if you plan to visit South Korea:
Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. Common products for sale include clothes, shoes, and accessories. Unlike Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many designer brands are sold in Myeong-dong. In addition, several major department stores have branches here, including Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square and M Plaza. The department stores carry many premium labels and other fashionable goods at reasonable prices.
Myeong-dong also has family restaurants, fast food, plus Korean, Western and Japanese dining options. Many restaurants in Myeong-dong specialize in dongaseu (pork cutlet) and kalguksu (noodle soup). Other businesses in the area include hair salons, banks and theaters.
Address: Area of 66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 을지로 66 일대)
Operation hours: Mostly 24/7 but hours vary by shop.
Seokchon Lake
Seokchon Lake was originally part of the Hangang River, but following a land reclamation project in 1971, the lake formed. As part of the Hangang River riverbed development project in 1971, an artificial island was formed by the gradual accumulation of silt brought from upstream.
Address: Area of 66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 을지로 66 일대)
Ideal for: Culture, Nature, Photography
Nami Island
Namiseom Island, designed with the concept of "Storybook Land, Song Island," hosts cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions all year round. The island aims to promote dreams and hopes in children, and love and memories in couples. Main cultural facilities include Song Museum, Picture Book Playground, Art Shop, and UNICEF Hall. Guests can travel the island in comfort by riding on the UNICEF Train, or the Story Tour Bus. Namiseom Island also has restaurants offering various cuisine, and accommodations for overnight stays.
Address: 1, Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1)
Operation hours (ferry): 7:30am to 9pm
Admission (observatory): Adults 13,000 won / Teenagers & senior citizens 10,000 won / Children 7,000 won. Admission includes a round-trip ferry ticket.
Lotte World Tower
Elegance of form was one of the prime objectives, following Lotte's desire to bestow a beautiful monument to the capital city skyline. The sleek, tapered form of the 123-story tower stands out from the city's rocky, mountainous topography and is organized around a stacked mixed-use program, comprising retail, office, officetel, and a 7-star luxury hotel. The building's top ten stories are earmarked for extensive public use and entertainment facilities, including an observation deck and rooftop café.
Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300)
Operation hours: 10am to 10pm
Admission (observatory): Adults 27,000 won / 24,000 won for children aged 3 to 12
Ideal for: Culture, Nature, Photography
N Seoul Tower
Namsan Seoul Tower was the first tower-type tourism spot in Korea. The top of the tower is at almost 480 meters above sea level, including Namsan Mountain (243 meters) and the tower’s own height (236.7 meters), making it one of the tallest towers in Asia. It is comprised of Seoul Tower Plaza, recently opened to public access after 40 years, and N Seoul Tower, operated by CJ Foodville since 2005. The tower was first established as a broadcasting tower to send out TV and radio signals in 1969. As of now, it has become one of the representative landmarks and multi-cultural venues in Seoul.
Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105)
Operation hours: 10am to 10pm
Admission (observatory): Adults 11,000 won / Children & senior citizens 9,000 won * Adults (ages 13-64) / Children (ages 3-12) / Senior citizens (ages 65 & older)
Ideal for: Arts, Culture, Nature, Photography
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces.
The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919).
Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon dynasty, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and the pond around Hyangwonjeong Pavillion have remained relatively intact.
The raised dias and stone markers of Geunjeongjeon showcase the representative art style of their time.
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161)
Operation hours:
– November to February (9am to 5pm)
– March to May, September to October (9am to 6pm)
– June to August (9am to 6:30pm) (Last admission 1 hour before closing)
*Closed Tuesdays
Admission: Adults 3,000 won / Children 1,500 won
Ideal for: Arts, Culture, History, Photography
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok is a Korean traditional village in Seoul with a long history located between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The traditional village is composed of lots of alleys, hanok and is preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. Now it is used as a traditional culture center and hanok restaurant, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty.
Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Admission: Free
Ideal for: Arts, Culture, History, Photography
Jeju Island
With an enchanting natural environment, Jeju Island is a popular vacation spot among domestic and international travelers alike. Visitors can enjoy the island’s stunning natural splendors all year round: fields blanketed with yellow canola flowers in spring; emerald blue sea washing away the heat in summer; silver grass in fall; and camellia flowers in winter. Jeju Island was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 2002, a World Natural Heritage in 2007, and also appointed to the Global Geoparks Network in 2010. As the world’s first recipient of UNESCO’s Triple Crown, Jeju draws an increasing number of travelers every year.
Address: 182, Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
(제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 만장굴길 182)
Operating hours: 09:00–18:00
Last admission at 17:10Closed on the first Wednesday of every month
Admission: Adults 4,000 won / Teenagers & Children 2,000 wonAdults (ages 19 and older) / Teenagers & Children (ages 18 and under)
National Museum of Korea
Introduction
The National Museum of Korea houses a vast collection of over 220,000 artifacts from ancient times to the modern era in a wide range of topics, including art and culture. The museum houses a Children's Museum, where visitors can learn more about the nation's history through educational programs and experiences. The outdoor grounds feature pagodas and other stone artworks too large to be on display inside.
In addition to galleries with a wide array of national and international pieces, the National Museum of Korea is the stage for a number of cultural activities related to collection, preservation, research and analysis, social training, academic publications, intercultural exchange programs, concerts, and more.
Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu
Operation hours: 10am to 6pm
Admission: Free
Everland
Everland is Korea's representative theme park, offering up attractions galore along with a variety of animals, a mix of an amusement park and zoo. The thrilling rollercoasters draw in students and those young at heart, while the cute animals and colorful parades delight children and seniors. The garden, beautiful with seasonal blossoms throughout the year, is a popular photo attraction for couples. Let's head to Everland, where everyone can have fun, regardless of age or stage in life!
Address: 199, Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199)
Operation hours:
– May-October: 10am to 10pm
– November-April: 10am to 8pm
Admission:
– One-day Pass – Adults 56,000 won / Teenagers 47,000 won / Children & Seniors 44,000 won
– Night Pass – Adults 46,000 won / Teenagers 40,000 won / Children & Seniors 37,000 won
– Two-day Pass – Adults 87,000 won / Teenagers 73,000 won / Children & Seniors 69,000 won
* Ride pass includes admission and unlimited rides
Ideal for: Amusement Park, Photography
Lotte World
Lotte World Adventure is the world's largest indoor amusement park, complete with top-of-the-line rides, fantastic parades and performances, and food from around the world. The Folk Museum displays miniature models of Korea throughout 5,000 years in history. Lotte World Garden Stage presents various themed musicals to match each season and Lotte World Star Avenue is the perfect place to experience Korean stars and the entertainment world.
The theme park is divided into the indoor Lotte World Adventure, and the outdoor lakeside Magic Island, with additional amenities including a shopping mall, folk museum, ice rink, hotel, and more.
Address: 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 240)
Operating hours: 10am to 9pm
Admission:
– One-day Pass: Adults 56,000 won / Teenagers 50,000 won / Children & senior citizens 46,000 won
– After 4pm: Adults 45,000 won / Teenagers 40,000 won / Children & senior citizens 35,000 won
Ideal for: Amusement Park, Photography
Itaewon
Itaewon was the first special tourist zone in Seoul, designated in 1997. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors.The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s, when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as many international conferences. Since then, Itaewon has become a popular travel destination.
In particular, Itaewon Global Village Festival, held every October, is a famous festival. Tourists can pay in US dollars, Japanese yen or another currency freely. In addition, visitors can use various languages like English, Japanese, and Chinese with the sellers.
Address: 196, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Operation hours: Mostly 24/7 but hours vary by shop
Ideal for: Shopping, Nightlife, Culture, Food trip, Photography
The Garden of Morning Calm
The Garden of Morning Calm showcases the beauty of Korean horticulture before the backdrop of Chungryeongsan Mountain. Visitors can walk among a profusion of flowers in unique gardens and through a lush forest of pine nut trees. The garden was opened in May 1996 by horticultural professor Han Sang-kyung, and features 20 different themed sections, connected by scenic walkways.
The Sunken Garden is shaped like the Korean Peninsula and is carpeted with beautiful flowers on both sides representing the desire for South and North Korea to be reunited. It is easily one of the most popular and meaningful attractions at the garden. The garden houses about 5,000 kinds of plants, including 300 varieties native to Baekdusan Mountain, known as a spiritual mountain to the Korean people. The garden has served as a filming site for many productions.log
Address: 432, Sumokwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Operation hours: 8:30am to 6pm
Admission:
Ideal for: Nature, Photography
Hongdae
Hongdae is a neighborhood known for its youthful and romantic ambience, underground culture, and freedom of self-expression. Unique cafes, cozy galleries, accessory stores, fashion shops, live cafés and clubs, art markets, and gourmet eateries make this a popular hang-out for local youth and a fascinating place to walk around. These unique places plus the cultural events, street performances, and festivals held here make Hongdae an area that is always packed with people and excitement.
Special streets such as ateliers’ street (lined with private institutions for art students preparing for university entrance exams), Picasso’s Street, and Club Street are also must-go places if you’re hoping to fully experience the Hongdae area.
Address: Area of 20, Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 홍익로 20 일대)
Operation hours: Mostly 24/7 but hours vary by shop
Ideal for: Shopping, Nightlife, Culture, Food trip, Photography
Starfield COEX Mall
As the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, COEX Mall has got everything you need, all in one place. Shopaholics and fashionistas will appreciate the hundreds of clothing and accessories stores carrying both domestic brands and international brands, as well as designer and luxury brands. The dining options are endless with the many restaurants and cafes that are available here.
The Megabox Cineplex, one of Korea's largest movie theater chains, is also located here, with a total of 17 screens. Other popular attractions at the mall include the Kimchi Museum, the COEX Aquarium, the ASEM Plaza and the Event Court, where various performances and exciting events, such as classical concerts, mini concerts, and magic shows are offered every week.
Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operation hours: Daily from 10.30 am to 10 pm (hours vary by shop)
Admission:
Ideal for: Studying, Photography, Shopping
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