Best places to visit in South Korea

South Korea Essentials

This collection spans South Korea’s history from the 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple to the modern skyline views of N Seoul Tower. It features UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Seokguram Grotto and Haeinsa Temple, alongside the volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island’s Mt. Hallasan and Seongsan Ilchulbong. Urban highlights include the traditional hanok houses of Bukchon, the street food stalls of Gwangjang Market, and the diplomatic significance of the Panmunjeom border site.

by hojusaram / CC BY-SA 2.0

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Historic royal palace built in 1395 as the main residence of the Joseon dynasty, known for its traditional Korean architecture and cultural significance.

Thaepris / CC BY-SA 4.0

N Seoul Tower

Communication and observation tower featuring panoramic city views, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Steve / CC BY 2.0

Bukchon Hanok Village

Historic neighborhood featuring hundreds of traditional Korean hanok houses from the Joseon dynasty, surrounded by major palaces and cultural sites.

Globaljuggler / CC BY-SA 3.0

Panmunjeom

Panmunjom, also known as Panmunjeom, now located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea or Panmun-guyok, Kaesong, North Korea, was a…

ChongDae / CC BY-SA 3.0

Gwangjang Market

Historic traditional market known for its food street, textiles, and local products. It provides an authentic glimpse into cultural heritage and market life over 110 years old.

Paul Evans / CC BY-SA 3.0

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

A dramatic tuff cone formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions approximately 5,000 years ago. This UNESCO World Natural Heritage site features a massive, bowl-shaped crater and jagged rocky ridges, rising 182 meters above the sea on the eastern edge of Jeju Island.

hyolee2 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village is a town within Gamcheon-dong, Saha District, Busan, South Korea.

Tom Hove () / CC BY-SA 3.0

Haeinsa Temple

Haeinsa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Seon Buddhism in Gayasan National Park, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.

by steveslep / CC BY 2.0

Seokguram Grotto

The Seokguram Grotto is a hermitage and part of the Bulguksa temple complex in Gyeongju, South Korea.

Michaela den / CC BY-SA 3.0

Myeongdong Shopping

If you fancy some shopping, this district is the right place for you. You will find everything here, from clothing stores and skin care…

riNux / CC BY-SA 2.0

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, formerly known as Anapji, is an artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park, South Korea.

Sha Chunsha Cassiopeia / CC BY-SA 4.0

Haeundae Beach

Million dollar beach. Definitely the most famous and loved one in Korea!

//flickr.com/photos/parrhesiastes/ / CC BY 2.0

Jogyesa Temple

Historic Korean Zen Buddhist temple established in 1395, serving as the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It features historic architecture, ancient trees, and hosts cultural events related to Buddhism.