From natural landscapes and ancient temples to crowded shopping streets and thrilling theme parks, there’s plenty to do in South Korea. Here, you can easily lose track of time as you make your way throughout the country to taste its delicious cuisine, explore its rich history, and try out a variety of unique experiences.
But with so many options to choose from, creating an itinerary can get tough, especially for a shorter trip. To make planning your itinerary easier, we’ve listed down the 5 best tourist sites in South Korea that you just can’t miss during your visit. Read on below to know more:
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul)
See brightly painted traditional architecture at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The former royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace, is one of the most famous sites in South Korea due to its stunning traditional architecture. Set against the surrounding mountains, the vibrantly painted wooden structures in the palace complex make for a picture-perfect view.
Klook tip: Exploring the palace on your own is possible, but it can quickly become overwhelming due to its size and the crowds. We recommend going on a guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace to know more about its history and get tips about the best photo spots!
Must-see buildings include the majestic Geunjeongjeon (Throne Hall) for the intricate carvings of dragons on the ceiling and the picturesque Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a banquet hall that appears to float on a lotus pond.
2. Everland (Seoul)
See various deadly animals up close at Everland‘s Safari World: The Wild.
The largest theme park in the country, Everland in South Korea, is definitely a must-visit during your trip! With 5 different zones filled with rides and attractions for visitors of all ages, it’s one of the best tourist sites in South Korea to visit if you’re traveling in a large group.
Make sure to hop on these rides:
- T-Express: One of the fastest wooden roller coasters in the world, perfect for thrillseekers.
- Lost Valley: See up to 20 animal species up close, such as giraffes and elephants.
- Snow Buster: Available only in winter, it’s an ideal location for snow tubing
3. Nami Island (Chuncheon)
Escape Seoul’s crowded city streets with a day out at Nami Island.
Offering stunning natural landscapes year-round, Nami Island is one of the best tourist sites in South Korea to get away from the crowded city. For a relaxing day out, we recommend biking or walking along the famous ginkgo trees, which turn a vivid yellow in autumn. If you're up for some adventure, take the zipline for a spectacular view of the island from above.
Klook tip: As there are no direct transport methods between Seoul and Nami Island (travel typically requires a combination of a train and bus ride), we recommend taking guided Nami Island tours with round-trip transfers instead. However, if you prefer to travel by yourself, then try to stay at least overnight at Hotel Jeonggwanru or other hotels in the area so you don’t rush.
4. Haeundae Blueline Park (Busan)
Take in the stunning coastal views at Busan’s Haeundae Blueline Park.
Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in South Korea, a trip to Busan should definitely be on your itinerary, especially if you’re visiting in the summertime. For a unique view of the city, stop by the Haeundae Blueline Park and hop on either the Sky Capsule or the coastal train, where you can take in the ocean views and sandy beaches from above.
5. Seoraksan National Park (Sokcho)
Enjoy a day of hiking at one of the many trails at Seoraksan National Park.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love a trip to Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Gangwon-do. Here, you’ll be treated to picturesque views of rocky mountain peaks, tranquil streams, and tumbling waterfalls as you take on one of the hiking trails in the area. If you’d rather skip the workout, you can also take the cable car directly to Gwongeumseong Peak.
Klook tip: For a hassle-free visit, take a tour of Seoraksan National Park, which includes round-trip transfers and an experienced guide who’ll show you the best of the area. This way, you can focus less on planning and more on actually exploring.
Experience the best of South Korea with Klook!
Now that you have plenty of new ideas on what to do during your trip, all that’s left to do is to finalize your itinerary, pack your bags, and book travel essentials like a South Korea eSIM. Have a nice trip!
FAQs about the best tourist sites in South Korea
1. Which is the most visited place in South Korea?
Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul is the most visited landmark in South Korea due to its accessibility and famed architecture. Other popular attractions include Nami Island, N Seoul Tower, Everland, and Jeju Island.
2. What should you not miss in South Korea?
Some of the best tourist sites in South Korea include:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: For its rich history and traditional architecture.
- Nami Island and Seoraksan National Park: For stunning nature views year-round.
- Busan and Jeju: For picturesque coastal views, perfect for the summertime.
- Insadong Shopping Street: For unique souvenirs like pottery and antiques.
3. What is the prettiest place in South Korea?
Jeju Island, particularly Hallasan National Park and the beaches, is considered to be the prettiest place in South Korea because of its volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs. Other beautiful places in South Korea include Gyeongbokgung Palace for its traditional architecture, Nami Island and Seoraksan National Park for nature, and Busan for ocean views.
4. What are the top 5 cities to visit in Korea?
The top 5 must-visit cities in South Korea are:
- Seoul: The capital of South Korea, perfect for shopping, culture, and everything else.
- Busan: For Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and fresh seafood.
- Jeju: Best known for nature views at Hallasan Mountain and volcanic landscapes
- Gyeongju: Famous for its history, particularly Bulguksa Temple and Tumuli Park tombs.
- Suwon: For delicious local food like Suwon Galbi (beef ribs) and Korean fried chicken.
5. What to do as a tourist in Korea?
There’s plenty to do as a tourist in South Korea. If you’re looking for a laid-back holiday, we recommend strolling through Nami Island, admiring the architecture at Gyeongbokgung Palace, and visiting beaches at Busan. For adventure-seekers, try exploring the volcanic landscapes at Jeju Island, going on thrill rides at Everland, and hiking at Seoraksan National Park.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
