A multitude of reasons make beautiful South Korea an interesting destination for tourists from all parts of the world. South Korea will amaze you for its natural as well as man-made beauty, plus tradition and modernity. The scenic beauty of the country with its diverse landscape comprising hills, mountains, plains, beaches, and national parks will keep any tourist enthralled optimally.
Once you have made up the mind to visit and enjoy its nature, life, and attractions, do consult your trusted travel company to plan out the details and line up the procedures for the trip.
For a South Korea tour from Dubai, UAE passport holders do not need a visa for South Korea, but residents have to get the visa via the prescribed steps for it.
Next is the time for updating more about South Korea's best cities, natural attractions, best things to do in South Korea, cultural landmarks, shopping avenues, food, and entertainment.
South Korea charms with its fervour for modernity and innovation, yet Koreans are deeply rooted in their traditional moorings. Take the capital city of Seoul as an example. The big city houses hundreds of futuristic buildings, including the awe-inspiring Dongdaemun Design Plaza. At the same time, there is an extreme passion for the preservation of traditional Hanok cottage neighbourhoods.
Similarly, a tourist will discover the reverence of Koreans for traditional cultural elements such as the wedding culture, attire, food, folk wrestling, etc., making the country a truly multifaceted country with a repertoire of attractions.
Let us now dig into some of the best places in South Korea for a fruitful tour.
Seoul is one of the sought-after cities in Asia, much like Bangkok, Tokyo, Bali, and Hong Kong. It is one of the most visited cities in the world. Seoul sizzles with its vibrant districts, eclectic fashion scene, delicious street food, and hub of K-pop and Hallyu. It is also famous for cultural and historical sites reinforcing the underlying traditional culture. Seoul charms with beautiful parks and a dizzying mix of modern architecture, promenades, pop culture, and glitz, making it one of the most famous places in South Korea and the best cities to visit in South Korea. Seoul is not only a bustling urban hub but rich in history and culture too. You will spot chic restaurants, stylish boutiques, and many gorgeous places. The chic shopping district of Gangnam showcases the ritzy side of the city.
This stunning island 85 km off the coast is one of the beautiful places in South Korea. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature due to its pristine beauty. The sight of surreal white sand beaches surrounded by pine forests, volcanic craters, and lava caves is a must-visit. The island off the southern coast of Korea is the largest Korean island. Formed by volcanic activity. The country’s tallest mountain with volcanic activity, Hallasan Mountain, dominates the island. The island has a north side, with Seogwipo-si as the south side. The north side of Jeju-si is home to Jeju City, where half a million people live. Jeju City has a busy airport with flights landing every ten minutes from Seoul and Busan plus flights from Yeosu, Cheongju, Daegu, Gwangju, and others. Jeju’s most popular natural sites are Jeongbang Falls and Cheonjiyeon Falls. You can travel throughout the island by bus or taxi from the southern city base.
Amongst famous South Korea attractions, the DMZ is one of the most unique places to visit in South Korea. The DMZ demarcates North Korea from South Korea. It is a 150-mile-long territory on both sides of the cease-fire line after the Korean War (1950–53) was called off. Within the fortified areas there is a “truce village, in Pianmunjom. It runs for 240 km across the peninsula. At DMZ, you can take a peek into North Korea at the observation post and feel the adventure thrill while walking through the infiltration tunnel. Go for a guided tour covering the Joint Security Area (JSA).
The second-largest city is famous for hosting the largest international film festival. It has an interesting mix of skyscrapers, majestic mountains, beautiful beaches, and magnificent Buddhist temples. The popular places include the Haedong Yonggungsa temple and Jagalchi fish market. Busan is a gourmet city, and you can dig into the best seafood at the numerous restaurants and local street outlets. The main seafood dish is eomuk, or fish cakes in various shapes and flavours served on sticks soaked in a delicious broth.
To explore the Korean heritage, head to Gyeongju with its nick name of Open Air Museum. In this ancient capital of the Silla kingdom, there is a treasure trove of cultural and historical places. The ruins are many millennia old. The region houses a UNESCO heritage site, Bulguksa temple, and the National Museum with valuable artifacts offering deep insights into the history and culture of the country. Among the must-visit places in Gyeongju include Woljeonggyo Bridge. It turns its colors after the sun sets; from red it takes golden hues and glows at night. It is the biggest wooden bridge in South Korea. Others include Gyeongju Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Golgulsa Temple. Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park; Gyeongju Tower and Cheonma Palace; and the Healing Trail Luminar Night Walk spot.
This largest national park in Korea covers 1700 large and small islands and rock structures. One of the scenic islands is the Cheongsando island, noted for its surreal landscapes. Hongdo and Heuksando are other islands where you can take a boat trip to admire the natural sites. Dadohaehaesang National Park, known as a marine paradise, has seven different areas with coasts Mokpo and Yeosu. There are clusters of Virgin Islands, salty peninsulas, and deep blue waters. The nature pocket also faced a few volcanic eruptions in the past.
This amazing place is best for hiking and a must-visit for any South Korea tour experience. You feel tranquility and pleasure in scenic beauty. Part of the Taebaek Mountains, this picturesque county is some 200 km from Seoul. It is a hiker's paradise with trails going up the snow-peaked mountains where famous ski resorts Alpensia and Yongpyong operate. Many Buddhist shrines are also here. It is best to visit during the winter. It hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics and was a refreshing escape with its pristine natural beauty. The area houses temples like Woljeongsa and the renowned Odaesan National Park. The culinary scene is exciting, with local specialties including buckwheat dishes like Makguksu noodles and Memiljeonbyeong pancakes in high demand.
It is a magnificent place and capital of the Gyeonggi province and a testament to Korea’s rich heritage. It is famous for its unique landmark, Hwaseong Fortress, especially for its imposing stone walls and impressive archways. It is a UNESCO world heritage site adorned by four pagoda-style gates, observation decks, and artillery towers. The headquarters of smartphone giant Samsung is also in Suwon. The city’s vibrant nightlife in Ingyedong is famous, and the location is some 30 km south of Seoul.
The heritage site has a giant Buddha, and the National Park is one of the most mesmerizing places to witness autumn in Korea. It is a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve. The name translates to Snowy Crag Mountains. The snow-covered peaks of the Seoraksan range offer a majestic backdrop to the park temple. Enjoy hiking and a cable car ride up the mountain for spectacular views. Located on the northeast coast of Korea, Seoraksan is near Gangneung and Yangang. It is Korea’s third-largest mountain. The national park has many peaks, rivers, atypical rocks, waterfalls, and is rich in diverse flora and fauna.
Called “Mysterious Island, the Uleung Island Seaside Road is an exciting place in South Korea. It is a weekend getaway spot for the people of Seoul and a calming site for visitors. An array of rock formations, waterfalls, and shore cliffs, the Seaside Road is hard to miss. The unusual shape of the island is borne of multiple volcanic eruptions. If you reach the top of the highest peak, Seonginbong, you will see the scenery of the villages on the beach. Just sail around the islands of Gwaneumdo, Elephant Rock, Ulle Ungdo, and Lion Rock to enjoy more scenic views.
To know the merit of slow-paced life that is environmentally caring and “Slow City”, there is Damyang’s Juknokwon with a variety of tourist attractions. Juknokwon is a thick bamboo land with different trails and eight unique themes to walk through. You can see tender green tea shoots from the dew falling off the bamboo leaves. This bamboo forest in Damyang is open year-round and stays beautiful in every season. To reach Juknokwon, the Express Railroad shuttle train from Gwangju Songjeong Station to Gwangju Station is the easiest transport. The Damyang Bamboo Crafts Museum shows all traditional and modern bamboo products. It is also a filming location for Korean movies. It is lit up in the evenings for fun-filled night walks. You can also try out bamboo tea and bamboo ice cream in the place.
Bulk of the country’s tea is produced in Korea; these famous fields are full of scenic beauty. It is also a famous backdrop for many Korean films. It has been billed as one of the top 5 places to visit in South Korea. Boseong is fine to visit year-round. Still, the spring season between late March and April is ideal to see the first buds on tea plantations, or the summer time from May to August when the tea bushes are ripe for plucking. In late autumn or winter, the hillsides will be filled with white snow, making for another beautiful spectacle.
While visiting Jeju Island, do not miss watching the sunrise at Seongsan Peak. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was formed by the volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. Many rare species of plants are found there. The sun rising is a magical experience; the spark of early rays over the vast ocean and then spreading its golden hues, tearing open the clouds of darkness, and splashing the sky with a plethora of colours is like seeing a firework. Located on the far eastern side of Jeju Island, people trek in the wee hours to see the sun rise, treading countless stairs and dark roads for moments of superb delight while welcoming the sun.
Now for watching live sunsets, there is a beach. The white sandy beach gives a sun-set experience far different from others. There is a unique twin rock formation on the beach called Granny and Grandpa Rocks. The dutifully sinks between the two rocks, and the sky lights up in a tangerine color. On the last evening of the year, on December 31, people throng to the beach to see the sunset and believe only good things will happen in the new year if they see the last sun set of the year. Ggotji Beach is the largest beach in Anmyeondo Island, known for creamy beaches.
The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival in South Korea is very famous, with thousands of cherry trees bearing bright pink flowers that bloom in all parts of the city, making it a beautiful garden. The festival of cherry blossoms happening in March is the largest spring festival, and Jinhae Gunhangje Festival tops the charts with more than 2 million people visiting it every year. The Yeojwa Stream at the Cherry Blossom Road is also too famous as a romantic spot. Here lovers cross the “Romance Bridge,” named so after a Korean drama Romance, which was shot in the bridge.
Let us look at a sample itinerary packing a standard five-day tour starting from Seoul city and then traveling south to the heart of the country's cultural heritage. You will uncover the history of South Korea's former rulers, folk arts, and religious roots. Go with your guide to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul and see the wonder of more than 7,000 rooms.
As you arrive in Seoul on the first day of the tour, pick one of the 25 districts of Seoul to start your exploration of the large city. Depending on your arrival time, set the time for exploring the inner city.
Head to the Insadong neighborhood for a short tour covering tea houses, shops, and restaurants, and walk along the cobblestone streets lined with ginkgo trees. Look around for antique stores, vending porcelain, wood, metal, and earthenware pieces, and Korea's traditional handicrafts.
Enjoy a lavish lunch or dinner at the Gwangjang Market to taste the best street food. You will love yummy items like dak Gangjeong (fried chicken), kkochi (skewers), and mandu (dumplings). Watch the glittering nighttime skyline views at the observation deck, Seoul Sky, with its glass floor high above the city.
After a tete-a-tete with the beautiful Seoul City, it is time to see other landmarks in the coming days. Spare a day for visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Blaze your curiosity to the interiors of Gyeongbokgung Palace and learn its history and glory of the Joseon dynasty.
Stroll along Bukchon Hanok Village, the erstwhile royal sidewalks. Try a tea house for lunch and head to Namsan Park, the highest peak in the city with massive hiking trails offering fabulous city views. Enjoy a cable car ride to the top of the mountain above the Hangang River and take in the copious delights of Seoul.
The trip to Gyeongju via Andong will be educative and entertaining. At Andong, you will learn about the folk traditions and arts of Korea dating back to bygone centuries. From Seoul, it is about 2.5 hours drive. Andong was a spiritual center, and visitors learned about its folk traditions in the guided tour.
The Andong Hahoe Folk Village will make a nice memory with its Hahoe Byeolsingut Mask dance. The ritual dance has performers making steps to the rhythm of drums wearing special costumes followed for centuries. You can see the same types of masks on display at the Hahoe Mask Museum as well.
Andong’s favourite cuisine for lunch is grilled Andong salted mackerel and Jim-dalk chicken served with vegetable stew and noodles. During the travel from Andong to Gyeongju, you can enjoy the sights of the former Silla kingdom.
Do cover Bulguksa, Seokguram Grotto, and the National Museum in a full day. Bulguksa Temple is an 8th-century temple at Mount Toham. The Seokguram Grotto is one of the significant religious art complexes. Here you will pass through wood and stone prayer halls and pagodas with sculptures decorating its vast grounds.
Now head to Tumuli Park, and the 23 royal tombs in grassy hills built in the fifth century will be a sight to watch. From the park, you can go to the oldest astronomical observatory, Cheomseongdae Observatory.
You can wrap up the South Korea visit with photo sessions at the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. At the pond, the dance of lights on the water to the tune of melodies will be a memorable spectacle to take home.
