First time visiting South Korea? Looking for places to go? Follow this guide on the must-visit destinations in South Korea.
Busan
Located in the southeastern province of South Gyeongsang, South Korea, it is the second largest city and largest port in South Korea. There are many attractions to explore, from the world's largest department store, beautiful beaches and mountains to the spa and delicious seafood in a bustling market.
Must-Visit: Seokbulsa Temple (์๋ถ์ฌ)
Cuisine: Hagfish (๊ผผ์ฅ์ด), Raw Octopus (์ฐ๋์ง) and Marinated Duck (์ค๋ฆฌ๋ถ๊ณ ๊ธฐ)
Located in Gyeongsangbuk-do, the city is famous for its wooden masks, soju, mackerel, and a UNESCO-listed cultural village where you can participate in folk dances. Visitors have the unique opportunity to experience Joseon-era rural life or hike to the Buyongdae Cliffs for panoramic views of the village.
Must Visit: Andong Hahoe Doenjang Village (์๋ํํ๋์ฅ๋ง์)
Cuisine: Andong Gan Godeungeo (์๋ ) and Andong Jjimdak (์๋์ฐ๋ญ)
Rediscover this mountainous province in northeastern South Korea. Behind the most spectacular highland views and mountainous landscapes lie the laid-back coastal towns and beaches of the East Sea. The beautiful coastline is the perfect place for those who love nature and the outdoors.
Must Visit: Seoraksan National Park (์ค์ ์ฐ๊ตญ๋ฆฝ๊ณต์), Goseong DMZ Museum (๊ณ ์ฑ DMZ ), Sokcho Beach (์์ดํด๋ณ)
Cuisine: Dried yellow Alaskan pollock (ํฉํ), Hanwoo beef (ํ์ฐ) and Ojingeo Sundae - squid stuffed with tentacles, mushrooms, vegetables or sweet rice (์ค์ง์ด์๋).
Jeju is more than just an island; As a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the "New Seven Wonders of Nature", this volcanic island of South Korea is fast becoming a world-class tourist destination. It's no wonder it's a favorite domestic vacation destination for locals, and many will travel for beautiful beaches, fresh signature cuisine, and stunning views.
Must Visit: Seongsan Ilchulbong, Manjang Cave, Hallasan Mountain
Cuisine: Jeju Black Pork (์ ์ฃผํ๋ผ์ง), Fresh Abalone (์ ๋ณต) (in rice porridge, hot stew, or sliced raw abalone), Fresh Seafood Platter (์ ์ ํ ) (octopus, sea urchin, sea cucumber, and other shellfish )
Suwon is a historical landmark and the largest city in Gyeonggi province. Enclosed by the walls of Hwaseong Fortress in the 18th century, this place is a beautiful juxtaposition of the old and the new. While Suwon is primarily known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hwaseong Fort, it's not the only place to visit here; Explore every nook and cranny of the street full of shops and markets!
Must Visit: Suwon Hwaseong Fort [UNESCO World Heritage] (์์ [์ ๋ค์ค์ฝ ]), Korean Folk Village (ํ๊ตญ๋ฏผ์์ด) and Manseok Park
Cuisine: Suwon Chicken Street (์์ ) and Suwon Wang Galbi (์์์๊ฐ๋น)