5 Unique Places to Visit in South Korea

If you’re planning on visiting South Korea, chances are you’ve got Seoul on your itinerary — and we don’t blame you! Just thinking about the street food at Gwangjang Market, the love locks at N Seoul Tower and the Kimchi Museum make us want to pack our bags and go.

That said, we also know that no South Korean bucket list would be complete without venturing outside the capital. So, take this as the inspiration you need to go off the beaten path and explore the country’s lesser-known provinces, from tranquil Jeollanam-do to beachy Busan and beyond.

• Gangwon-do
• Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Jeollabuk-do
• Jeollanam-do
• Busan

Seoul’s Bukhansan National Park (aka “mountains north of the Han River”) and Namsan Park are certainly beautiful — especially during cherry blossom season — but neither hold a candle to the peaks in Gangwon-do. This province is home to some of South Korea’s most stunning natural attractions, from lively surf beaches and serene walking trails to Olympic-level ski resorts. Put simply, it’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Not only that, but Gangwon-do has a reputation for dishing up some incredible cuisine. And it’s a good thing, too! After several hours of physical activity, local foods like dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and ojingeo sundae (stuffed squid) really hit the spot. Not sure where to find the best bites? We recommend strolling through the many food stalls at the Gangneung Jungang, Sokcho Jungang and Bongpyeong markets.

Since Gangwon-do is located in the northeast, this is also a top spot for Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tours, which invite travellers to learn about the Korean War and the ongoing conflict between North Korea and South Korea.

No matter where you travel in South Korea, chances are you’ll spend a good chunk of your time marveling at its ancient architecture. And while Seoul may get the glory of being the city with the most royal residences (Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, to name a couple), the Gyeongsangbuk province is where you’ll find the highest concentration of Buddhist temples in the country.

In fact, the city of Gyeongju boasts so many historical and cultural structures that it’s been nicknamed “the museum without walls”. From the Donggung Palace to the granite-carved Seokguram Grotto, each site offers a look back at the Silla Dynasty — or you can pop by the Gyeongju National Museum for a more in-depth lesson.

Since you’ll be surrounded by so many sanctuaries, why not sign up for a temple stay? The programs at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju and Jikjisa Temple in Gimcheon give you the opportunity to experience Korean Buddhism first-hand through daily rituals such as 108 prostrations, meditations and more. 

If you’re planning to visit Korea with the whole family in tow, set your sights on Jeollabuk-do. This province offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions that will delight travellers of all ages.

Those who want to want to do a deep dive into South Korean culture should make their way to the Jeonju Hanok Village. You’ll find more than 800 beautifully preserved hanok houses in this traditional neighbourhood, providing a unique look at the country’s heritage.

The theme parks spread throughout the province will also teach you and your family something. Add the Imsil Cheese Theme Park to your itinerary so that you can learn about the history of cheese making in South Korea (yes, there are cheese-themed rides and cooking classes!). Animal lovers and K-pop fans, on the other hand, will love the Jeonju Zoo — its Jeonju Dreamland amusement park appears in BTS’s “Fake Love” music video.

Of all the provinces in South Korea, Jeollanam-do is one of the least developed. That means, instead of shining skyscrapers, you’ll find yourself surrounded by peaceful farmlands and quiet seaside towns full of hidden-gem sights, activities and experiences.

Immerse yourself in traditional Korean tea culture at the Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation in Boseong (the terraces are a stunning green year-round!), take in the coastal wetland scenery at Suncheonman Bay and shop for handmade goods on the Suncheon Cultural Street. The province is well known for its ceramic, Chilbo (decorative metalwork) and silver handicrafts.

Can’t resist the draw of the Jeju Olle Trail, Hallim Park or Manjanggul Lava Tube? There are several ferry terminals in Jeollanam-do that will transport you to “the Hawai‘i of South Korea”, Jeju Island.

Seoul and Busan are among South Korea’s largest and most popular cities, but the similarities basically end there. While the former pulsates with energy and excitement, the latter is characterized by its relaxed, coastal charm. In other words, this is a metropolitan city that is best enjoyed slowly… so take your time!

Spend a day at one of its top beaches (Haeundae for calm, shallow waters; Gwangalli for dazzling drone light shows) or sip coffee while dipping your toes into the swimming pool at Sea & Tree café. And don’t forget to take in the views from the Busan Air Cruise — an 86m-tall cable car that soars over Songdo Beach.

Busan is also an ideal place to tick some art galleries and cultural experiences off your South Korea bucket list. If you’re a big fan of movies, try planning your visit around the Busan International Film Festival. Art lovers, meanwhile, should make their way to the Gamcheon Culture Village to discover colourful houses and vibrant street art — grab a map of the village from the Haneul Maru Tourist Information Centre and Observatory so that you can collect stamps at various landmarks along the way.

Now that you know where to travel in South Korea (besides Seoul!), it’s time to start planning your trip. Check out our latest deals or contact a Travel Expert in store or by phone today!

This sponsored story was written by Flight Centre Canada on behalf of Korea Tourism Organization.