Do you not have any travel plans in stall for 2023? If you’re looking for a big adventure this spring, South Korea should be high up on your list. South Korea is becoming more and more of a popular destination for all types of tourists as it has brilliant food, rich history and culture, and jaw-dropping nature. In this blog, we share our top 5 places that you MUST visit in South Korea:
Seoul
Where better to start your trip to South Korea than Seoul? The buzzing capital city rich with history and culture is graced with endless charm, beautiful gardens, marvelous palaces and chic restaurants. Climb the N Seoul Tower for amazing views of the city, discover the secret gardens at the Changdeokgung Palace or meander through Bukchon Hanok village for the complete, authentic Korean experience.
Jeonju
The provincial capital of Jeollabuk-do, Jeonju, should be high up on your list of places to go in South Korea. Jeonju was the spiritual capital during the Joseon dynasty, so the city is filled to the brim with so much history and culture from that era. Everywhere you look you’ll find traditional houses dating back to the early 20th century not to mention the odd hanbok here and there. Jeonju is also the birthplace of the heavenly bibimbap, so you’re guaranteed to have a memorable meal or two while you’re there. The dream destination for history buffs and foodies alike, Jeonju won’t disappoint.
Jeju Island
Just 85km off the coast of the mainland, Jeju island is a natural paradise and dream location for any tourist. Voted as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature’, it’s easy to see why with surreal white sand beaches, never-ending pine forests, dramatic volcanic crates and so much pristine, untouched landscape. If you’re lucky enough to go, don’t forget to catch sunrise at the Seongsang Peak and go for a long walk along Ggotji Beach.
Bulguksa Temple
At just a short trip away from Gyeongju, lies the historic and awe-inspiring Bulguksa Temple. The head temple for the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and home to 6 national treasures, Bulguksa Temple is one of the most scenic sites in South Korea with its grandeur, beauty and eye-catching granite pagodas. Rightly added as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, this stunning temple is well worth a visit.
Seoraksan National Park
If you’re travelling around Korea during the autumn, be sure to stop off at Seoraksan National Park. Take the gondola up to the Ulsan Rock for remarkable views over the park, meander through the forest by the striking Yukdam Popko waterfalls and don’t forget to stop off at the magnificent giant Buddha at the Baekdam-sa temple.
Honourable mentions: Busan, Gyeongju & Pyeongchang County
Want to learn Korean before your trip? Take an online or face-to-face course with IH London to kick-start your Korean and to master the essentials. Find out more about our upcoming courses here.