Historical sites in South Korea

This collection spans over a millennium of Korean history, featuring the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul and the ancient Silla capital of Gyeongju. It includes UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the 8th-century Seokguram Grotto and Haeinsa Temple, home to the Tripitaka Koreana. From the Baekje-era mountain fortresses in Gongju to the traditional thatched-roof houses of Seongeup Folk Village on Jeju Island, these landmarks showcase Korea's evolving architectural styles, royal funerary traditions, and deep-rooted Buddhist heritage.

South Korea's Historical Sites — Map

by hojusaram / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

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.

Steve / CC BY 2.0

B

Bukchon Hanok Village

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

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

C

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.

螺钉 / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Gwanghwamun Gate

Built in 1395, this is the main and the largest gate leading to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the house of the royal dynasty.

Marcin Białek / GFDL

E

Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung also known as Gyeongun-gung, Deoksugung Palace, or Deoksu Palace, is a walled compound of palaces in Seoul that was inhabited by…

Daderot / Public domain

F

Changgyeonggung (Palace)

Changgyeonggung is a palace located in Seoul, South Korea.

Tom Hove () / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

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

H

Seokguram Grotto

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

Vdubbs / CC-BY-SA-3.0

I

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

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

Top6bin / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Cheomseongdae Observatory

Cheomseongdae is an astronomical observatory in Gyeongju, South Korea.

Jiang shang / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Namhansanseong

Namhansanseong is a historic Korean fortress city in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.

by Julien Ambrosiano / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Cheonmachong

Cheonmachong, formerly Tomb No. 155, is a tumulus located in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.

Steve46814 / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Seonjeongneung

Seonjeongneung is a burial ground from the Joseon dynasty, located in Seoul, South Korea.

Rheo1905 / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa is a Korean Buddhist temple located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu in Seoul, South Korea.

Steve46814 / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Beopjusa Temple

Beopjusa, is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is situated on the slopes of Songnisan, within Songnisan National Park,…

Jung Mookyung / CC BY-SA 4.0

P

Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress

A mountain fortress from the Baekje period that served as a royal palace and defensive center for 64 years. The site features reconstructed gates, stone walls, and pavilions overlooking the Geumgang River.

Sarawut Paspanthong / CC-BY-SA

Q

Seongeup Folk Village

A traditional village on Jeju Island preserved to showcase local life from the 15th century. It features authentic residential houses with black lava stone walls, thatched roofs, and ancient zelkova trees.

Adbar / CC BY-SA 3.0

R

Gyeonghuigung Palace

Gyeonghui Palace is a palace located in Seoul, South Korea. It was one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the Joseon Dynasty.

Lawinc82 / CC BY-SA 3.0

S

King Sejong the Great (Statue at Gwanghwamun)

A statue dedicated to King Sejong, who invented the Korean alphabet - Hangeul.

T

Buyeo Jeongnimsaji

The archaeological site of a central temple from the Baekje Kingdom's Sabi period. It contains a rare 7th-century five-story stone pagoda and a seated stone Buddha dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty.

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