Spread the love!

Excitedly Exploring South Korea: Top Things to Do in the Land of the Morning Calm

South Korea is small and the trains are fast, which is the whole logistics story. Seoul to Busan takes a morning. The Seoul Metro runs over 300 stations across 18 lines and costs almost nothing to use. Jeju needs a flight and Hallasan needs a day on foot. Nothing else on this page asks much of you, which frees the trip up for the part that matters, which is working out how the country fits together.

If you want a trip that will genuinely reorganize how you think about a country, South Korea belongs on the list. This small peninsula holds a great deal, from the pace of Seoul through to the quiet of Jeju Island. History, culture, food or entertainment, South Korea covers all four without stretching.

One of the places to start your South Korean trip is the capital city of Seoul. Here you can work through ancient palaces, shop for whatever is current, and eat properly, because Korean cuisine is a large part of why people come. From the nightlife in Hongdae to the quiet on Namsan Mountain, Seoul covers a genuine range. And there is a great deal more to see and do in South Korea beyond it.

If you want a beach, head to Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea. This coastal city is known for its beaches, its fresh seafood and its nightlife. Or for history, travel to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, where the temples, tombs and ruins explain where the rest of the country came from.

Key Takeaways

• South Korea offers a diverse range of experiences, from bustling cities to serene islands.
• Seoul is a great place to start your South Korean adventure, with ancient palaces, shopping, and delicious cuisine.
• Busan and Gyeongju offer unique experiences, from stunning beaches to ancient history.

Exploring Seoul

Seoul holds a serious range of things to do. From historic sites through to modern technology, this city covers most interests. Here are the things to do in Seoul that will make the visit worth it:

Historic Sites in Seoul

Seoul is layered with history and there are many historic sites to work through. The best known is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in the 14th century. This was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and now draws visitors from everywhere. The War Memorial of Korea is the other stop, commemorating the Korean War and the soldiers who fought in it.

Nightlife in Seoul

Seoul is known for its nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants to work through. Hongdae is the busiest, filled with live music venues, street performers and small bars. Gangnam is the other option, holding the more exclusive end of the city’s clubs and bars.

Shopping in Seoul

Seoul is a serious shopping city, running from high-end designer boutiques through to street markets. Myeong-dong is where to start, with a wide spread of shops and street vendors selling everything from clothes to cosmetics. For the upscale version, head to Gangnam and its shopping malls.

Cafes in Seoul

Seoul is known for its cafe culture, with plenty of comfortable and well-designed rooms to sit in. Cafe Onion is the one people name, known for its minimalist decor and its coffee. Cafe Mula is the other, set in a traditional Korean house and serving Korean snacks and drinks.

Seoul Metro

Getting around Seoul is straightforward thanks to the Seoul Metro. With over 300 stations and 18 lines, it is the practical way to cover the city. It is also cheap and easy to use, which makes it the obvious choice for a visitor.

Seoul covers a genuine range. History, nightlife, shopping or cafes, there is plenty here to work through and none of it requires much planning.

Discovering Busan

If you want a city that runs traditional and modern at the same time, Busan is the answer. As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan sits in Seoul’s shadow and holds a great deal on its own. Here are the attractions in Busan worth the time:

Visit Jagalchi Fish Market

Jagalchi Fish Market is unmissable in Busan, particularly if you eat seafood. As one of the largest fish markets in Korea, it is a busy place full of vendors selling every kind of seafood. You will find everything from live octopus to fish cakes and most things between.

If you are feeling brave, you can try some of the seafood raw. And if that is not for you, there are plenty of restaurants nearby that will cook it properly for you instead.

Explore Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple sits on the coast of Busan. Unlike most temples in Korea, which stand in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa looks straight out over the ocean.

The temple is also unusual in its history. It was built in 1376 by the Buddhist teacher Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and rebuilt in 1930.

When you visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, walk the grounds properly and take the quiet. The ocean views from there are the reason people stay longer than they planned to.

Busan holds more than its reputation suggests and mixes traditional and modern without either one winning. If you are planning a trip to South Korea, put Busan on the itinerary.

Jeju Island Adventure

Ready for Jeju Island? This South Korean island holds a genuine range of landscape, from quiet beaches through to a volcanic mountain. Here are the activities on Jeju Island worth the day:

Hallasan Mountain Hiking

Hallasan Mountain is the highest peak in South Korea and sits in the center of Jeju Island. The mountain is a dormant volcano that last erupted over 5,000 years ago. It is now a popular hiking destination and the views from it cover the whole island.

There are several trails to choose from, running from easy through to difficult. The Eorimok Trail is the one most people take and it runs 4-5 hours. The trailhead sits at the Eorimok Visitor Center and there is a small fee to enter the park.

Bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen. The weather up there is unpredictable, so check the forecast before you set off. And bring a camera, because the views from the top are what people talk about afterwards.

Beaches of Jeju Island

Jeju Island is home to some of the better beaches in South Korea. From white sand through to black volcanic rock, there is a beach for every taste. Here are the ones we go back to:

• Hyeopjae Beach: This white sand beach is located on the northwest coast of the island. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Jungmun Beach: This black sand beach is located in the Jungmun Tourist Complex. It’s a great spot for surfing, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.
• Seongsan Ilchulbong Beach: This beach is located near the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beach is known for its unique black volcanic rock formations.

Whichever beach you take, bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat. And eat the local seafood while you are there, because it is as fresh as it gets anywhere.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get out to Jeju Island for an adventure that will stay with you.

Historical Journey in Gyeongju

If history and culture are why you travel, Gyeongju is unmissable in South Korea. This ancient city was the capital of the Silla Dynasty, which ruled Korea for nearly a millennium until 935 CE. Gyeongju now holds a run of historical sites that explain the cultural heritage of Korea properly.

Bulguksa Temple

The best-known historical site in Gyeongju is the Bulguksa Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is regarded as one of the strongest examples of Buddhist art and architecture in East Asia. The temple was built in the 8th century during the reign of King Gyeongdeok and has been restored and renovated several times since.

The temple complex holds several buildings and pagodas, each with its own design and meaning. The main hall, called Daeungjeon, houses statues of Buddha and his disciples. The Seokgatap Pagoda at Bulguksa Temple is the other highlight, believed to hold relics of Buddha.

Visit Ancient Tombs

The other way into the history of Gyeongju is the ancient tombs across the city. The Silla Dynasty was known for elaborate burial practices, and many of those tombs have survived to the present day.

The tomb worth the visit is Cheonmachong, which means “Heavenly Horse Tomb.” This tomb is believed to hold the remains of a Silla king or nobleman and was opened in 1973. Visitors can go inside and see what was found there, including gold crowns, pottery and weapons.

The other tombs in Gyeongju include Hwangnam Daechong, which is the largest tomb in Korea, and the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, which holds the tombs of many Silla kings and queens.

Gyeongju is a serious destination for anyone interested in history and culture. From the architecture of Bulguksa Temple to the tombs that carry the story of the Silla Dynasty, there is a great deal to work through in this city.

The country reads clearly from north to south. Seoul is the present tense, with the palaces of the Joseon dynasty standing inside a working modern city. Gyeongju is the deep past, the Silla capital that ruled Korea until 935 CE. Busan is the coast, the seafood and the beaches. Jeju is the volcano, offshore and separate from all of it. Take them in that order and the country explains itself, because each one answers a question the last one raised.

Experiencing Traditional Korea

If you want the history and culture of South Korea properly rather than at a distance, the traditional side is where to go. Here are the activities that will put you inside what life looked like during the Joseon Dynasty:

Hanok Stay

The direct way into traditional Korea is staying in a hanok, a traditional Korean house. Hanoks are recognizable by their sloping tiled roofs, wooden beams and paper-covered windows. They were designed to be energy-efficient and to stay comfortable through every season.

Staying in a hanok gives you a genuine look at traditional Korean life. You sleep on a heated floor, eat traditional Korean food, and can try on a hanbok, the traditional Korean outfit.

Traditional Dance Show

The other way in is a traditional dance show. Traditional Korean dance is known for its controlled movements and its costumes. The dances tell stories or represent parts of Korean culture, including the changing seasons and the harvest.

Attending a traditional dance show teaches you a great deal about Korean culture and history. The skill and precision of the dancers is the part that stays with people, and most leave with a real respect for the form.

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

No trip to South Korea is complete without Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace in Seoul. Built in 1395, it served as the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty.

During the visit you can work through the palace’s halls, pavilions and gardens. The changing of the guard ceremony runs regularly through the day and is worth timing your walk around.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is unmissable for anyone interested in Korean history and culture. You come out of it understanding the country a good deal better than you went in.

Experiencing traditional Korea is the direct way to understand Korean history and culture. A hanok stay, a dance show or Gyeongbokgung Palace, and any of the three will do the work.

South Korean Cuisine

South Korean cuisine is unmissable for anyone who takes food seriously. From street food through to high-end restaurants, the country runs a genuine range of flavors. Here is what South Korean cuisine actually offers:

Street Food

South Korea is known for its street food. You find vendors almost everywhere, from busy shopping streets through to quiet alleys. The street foods people go for include:

• Tteokbokki: Spicy stir-fried rice cakes
• Pajeon: A savory pancake made with green onions and other ingredients
• Hotteok: A sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts
• Bungeoppang: Fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste

Traditional Korean Barbecue

If you eat meat, you cannot leave South Korea without traditional Korean barbecue. Korean barbecue means grilling beef, pork or chicken at your own table. The meat is usually marinated and comes with a spread of side dishes. The Korean barbecue restaurants people name include:

Restaurant Name	Location	Specialty
Hanwoo Bonga	Seoul	Hanu (Korean beef)
Gogung	Jeonju	Bibimbap
Seorae Galmaegi	Busan	Pork belly

Makgeolli Tasting

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine that has been drunk for centuries. It runs slightly sweet and tangy and is usually paired with Korean pancakes or spicy dishes. You can find makgeolli in most Korean restaurants and bars, and some places specialize in it. Here are the places to try:

Name	Location	Specialty
Makgeolli Mamas & Papas	Seoul	Over 100 types of makgeolli
Jeonju Makgeolli Alley	Jeonju	Makgeolli tasting in a traditional Korean setting
Makgeolli Academy	Busan	Makgeolli-making classes

South Korean cuisine is varied and genuinely flavorful. Whether food is why you travel or you simply want to try something new, South Korea will hold you.

Korean Festivals

South Korea is a country of festivals and there are events running right through the year. Music, food or cultural celebrations, the calendar covers all three.

Boryeong Mud Festival

One of the festivals people plan around in South Korea is the Boryeong Mud Festival. It is held every July and draws visitors from around the world. The festival is built on the therapeutic properties of mud, and the activities all involve getting covered in it.

The centerpiece is the mud pit, where you get covered from head to toe. There are also mud slides, mud wrestling competitions and a mud prison where you can lock up your friends.

If getting dirty is not your idea of a day out, the festival also runs live music performances, food stalls and a fireworks display to finish the night.

The Boryeong Mud Festival is unmissable if you are in South Korea over the summer. Bring clothes you do not care about and commit to it.

K-Pop and Entertainment

South Korea is known for its entertainment industry, and as a visitor you can get inside it rather than watching from outside. Here are the activities that will put you into the world of K-Pop and entertainment:

Attend a K-Pop Concert

If you follow K-Pop, a live concert is unmissable. Groups including BTS, EXO and Blackpink perform regularly in South Korea. Check the concert schedules online and book tickets well in advance.

A K-Pop concert is a genuinely different experience. The energy of the crowd, the costumes and the music carry the whole evening. Bring your lightstick and join the fan chants to back your group properly.

Karaoke Night

Karaoke, or noraebang as it is called in South Korea, is a local institution. You find noraebang rooms in almost every neighborhood in Seoul. These private rooms come with microphones, speakers and a vast selection of Korean and international songs.

Gather whoever you came with and take a noraebang for the evening. You can order snacks and drinks while you sing. And do not worry about being any good, because noraebang is about the doing rather than the result.

Baseball Game

Baseball is a serious sport in South Korea, and going to a game is a direct way into the local culture. The Korean Baseball Organization runs a league that competes from March to November. You can catch a game at one of the stadiums in Seoul or in the other major cities.

A baseball game here is genuinely good fun. The fans are committed and loud and the atmosphere carries the whole match. Try the stadium food while you are there, particularly the fried chicken and beer.

South Korea’s entertainment industry gives a visitor a real range of things to do. K-Pop, karaoke or baseball, and all three put you into the world of Korean entertainment rather than beside it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some unique activities to do in Seoul?

Seoul is a city with real culture and history behind it. The Bukchon Hanok Village is worth the time in Seoul, a traditional Korean village holding over 900 traditional houses. The Namsan Tower is the other, with a panoramic view over the whole city. For something more hands-on, try a Korean cooking class or a K-pop dance class.

What are some adventurous activities to do in South Korea?

South Korea runs a real range of adventurous activities. Hiking in Seoraksan National Park is the popular one, covering the mountains and the sea in the same walk. Surfing in the coastal city of Busan is the other. And for something harder, there is bungee jumping at the Cheongpung Land Extreme Park.

What are some fun things to do in South Korea with friends?

South Korea has plenty to do with friends. A Korean spa is the popular one, where you work through hot tubs, saunas and a range of treatments. A karaoke room, or noraebang, is the other, where you sing whatever you like with the people you came with. And for something stranger, the Trick Eye Museum runs optical illusions and 3D art.

What are some must-see cities to visit in South Korea?

South Korea has many cities worth the time, and the ones to prioritize are Seoul, Busan, Jeju City and Gyeongju. Seoul, the capital, carries the history and the landmarks. Busan is known for its beaches and its seafood. Jeju City draws people for the landscape, and Gyeongju holds the historical sites and the ancient temples.

What are some famous landmarks to see in South Korea?

South Korea holds a run of well-known landmarks, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, which carries a serious history, and Namsan Tower, with its panoramic view over Seoul. The Jeju Island lava tubes are the other, a UNESCO World Heritage site, alongside the Seokguram Grotto, a Buddhist temple.

What are some tips for traveling to South Korea with kids?

When travelling to South Korea with children, plan ahead and pick activities that suit them. A theme park is the obvious one, such as Lotte World or Everland. The Seoul Children’s Museum or the National Museum of Korea are the other options. And get them eating Korean food, particularly Korean BBQ or bibimbap, which children take to more readily than parents expect.

Frequently asked questions about Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In South Korea

How hard is the Eorimok Trail on Hallasan Mountain?

It takes 4-5 hours and is the route most people take. Hallasan is the highest peak in South Korea and a dormant volcano, and the trailhead sits at the Eorimok Visitor Center with a small entry fee. Bring water, snacks and sunscreen. Check the forecast, because the weather up there changes fast.

Is the Boryeong Mud Festival worth planning a trip around?

If you are in South Korea in July, yes. The festival runs on the therapeutic properties of mud and the activities all involve getting covered in it, from the mud pit through to the slides. There is live music, food stalls and fireworks for anybody who would rather stay clean. Bring clothes you do not care about.

Which Seoul museum or palace should come first on a visit?

Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395 as the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty. It is the largest palace in Seoul and the changing of the guard runs through the day. The War Memorial of Korea is the other one, covering the Korean War and the people who fought in it. Do the palace first for the older frame.

Spread the love!