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Written by: Emily Chen
Landmarks in South Korea
- Updated: September 30, 2023 | Published:
South Korea, a land of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, offers an incredible array of landmarks and attractions that cater to all types of travelers. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene temples and palaces, and the stunning beaches of Busan, this captivating destination is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences.
In this article, we present the top 12 landmarks in South Korea that showcase the nation’s diverse charms, providing a perfect starting point for your journey into the heart of the Korean Peninsula. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a passionate foodie, South Korea has something for everyone.
So pack your bags, and let’s embark on an adventure through the Land of the Morning Calm.
Iconic Landmarks in South Korea
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall
- What to Expect: Guided tours, traditional architecture, Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony, National Folk Museum of Korea, and National Palace Museum of Korea
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, history enthusiasts
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 2.9 million
- Geographical Location: Northern Seoul, South Korea
Gyeongbokgung Palace, constructed in 1395, is the largest and most famous of the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul. It showcases the beautiful architecture and intricate details of traditional Korean design.
Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the palace’s history and significance. The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony, which takes place daily, is a must-see event that showcases traditional costumes and performances.
The palace grounds also house the National Folk Museum of Korea, offering insights into Korean culture and history, and the National Palace Museum of Korea, displaying royal artifacts and relics.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is accessible via the Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 of the Seoul Subway.
2. Namsan Seoul Tower, Seoul
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- What to Expect: Stunning panoramic views, N Seoul Tower Observatory, Teddy Bear Museum, and the famous “Locks of Love”
- Ideal For: Couples, families, solo travelers, photography enthusiasts
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 9 million
- Geographical Location: Central Seoul, South Korea
Namsan Seoul Tower, also known as N Seoul Tower, is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul. Standing at 777 feet, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
The tower features a digital observatory, which provides an immersive multimedia experience, and the Teddy Bear Museum, showcasing teddy bears that depict the history of Seoul.
One of the most popular attractions is the “Locks of Love,” where couples attach padlocks to the tower’s fence as a symbol of their eternal love. Access to the tower is available via cable car, Namsan Shuttle Bus, or a scenic hike up Namsan Mountain.
3. Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall
- What to Expect: Serene atmosphere, stunning architecture, intricate Buddhist artwork, and Seokguram Grotto
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, history and culture enthusiasts
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 3 million
- Geographical Location: Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
Bulguksa Temple, built in 528, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prime example of Buddhist art and architecture in Korea. Visitors can admire the temple’s beautiful wooden buildings, pagodas, and intricate stone carvings, while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
The temple is also home to several national treasures, such as the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas. A short distance from Bulguksa is the Seokguram Grotto, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which houses an impressive Buddha statue carved into the granite.
To reach Bulguksa Temple, take a bus from Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal or Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal.
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4. Jeju Island
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall
- What to Expect: Lush landscapes, Hallasan Mountain, beautiful beaches, Manjanggul Cave, Seongsan Ilchulbong, and Jeju Olle Trail
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, families, solo travelers, hikers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 15 million
- Geographical Location: South coast of South Korea
Jeju Island is a popular vacation destination known for its stunning natural beauty, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches. The island offers a diverse range of attractions, from hiking Hallasan Mountain, the highest peak in South Korea, to exploring Manjanggul Cave, one of the longest lava tubes in the world.
Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers visitors a picturesque sunrise view from its volcanic crater. The Jeju Olle Trail, a series of scenic walking paths, provides an excellent way to experience the island’s charm.
Jeju Island is accessible by flights from major cities in Korea or by ferry from Busan, Mokpo, and Wando.
5. Myeongdong, Seoul
- Best Time to Visit:All year round
- What to Expect: Vibrant shopping district, street food, cosmetic stores, and Nanta Theatre
- Ideal For: Shoppers, foodies, families, solo travelers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 1 million
- Geographical Location: Central Seoul, South Korea
Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts, attracting both locals and tourists. The area features numerous international and local cosmetic brands, clothing stores, and accessory shops, as well as a lively street food scene offering a variety of Korean dishes.
Visitors can also enjoy the non-verbal Nanta Theatre performance, a mix of comedy, drama, and traditional Korean percussion. Myeongdong is accessible via the Myeongdong Station on Line 4 of the Seoul Subway.
6. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Paju
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- What to Expect: Guided tours, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and the Dorasan Station
- Ideal For: History enthusiasts, families, solo travelers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 1.2 million
- Geographical Location: Paju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 4-km wide buffer zone that separates North and South Korea. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history of the Korean War and experience the tension between the two nations.
The tour includes stops at the Third Infiltration Tunnel, discovered in 1978 and believed to have been built by North Korea for a surprise attack, the Dora Observatory, offering views of North Korea, and the Dorasan Station, the last train station before the border.
DMZ tours can be booked through various tour companies in Seoul.
7. Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall
- What to Expect: Guided tours, traditional architecture, the Secret Garden, and Huwon
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, history enthusiasts
- Yearly Visitor Count:Approximately 1.7 million
- Geographical Location: Central Seoul, South Korea
Changdeokgung Palace, built in 1405, is another one of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its harmony with the surrounding natural environment, the palace features elegant architecture and beautiful gardens.
The Secret Garden, also known as Huwon, is a must-visit, showcasing serene ponds, pavilions, and lush greenery. Guided tours are available to learn about the palace’s history and design.
Changdeokgung Palace is accessible via the Anguk Station on Line 3 of the Seoul Subway.
8. Haeundae Beach, Busan
- Best Time to Visit: Summer
- What to Expect: White sand beach, bustling nightlife, nearby attractions like Dongbaek Island and Busan Aquarium
- Ideal For: Beach lovers, families, solo travelers, partygoers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 8 million
- Geographical Location: Busan, South Korea
Haeundae Beach is one of South Korea’s most famous beaches, known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. During the summer months, the beach is bustling with locals and tourists enjoying the sun and surf.
The area surrounding Haeundae Beach offers a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. Nearby attractions include Dongbaek Island, a scenic park with walking trails, and Busan Aquarium, home to a diverse array of marine life.
Haeundae Beach is accessible via the Haeundae Station on Line 2 of the Busan Subway.
9. Insadong, Seoul
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- What to Expect: Traditional Korean crafts, art galleries, tea houses, street performances, and Ssamziegil shopping complex
- Ideal For: Art enthusiasts, shoppers, families, solo travelers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 1 million
- Geographical Location: Central Seoul, South Korea
Insadong is a vibrant cultural district in Seoul, where visitors can find a mix of traditional and modern Korean art and crafts. The area features numerous art galleries, antique shops, tea houses, and street performances.
The Ssamziegil shopping complex, a multi-level building with a spiral walkway, offers a unique shopping experience with various stores selling handcrafted items, accessories, and souvenirs. Insadong is accessible via the Anguk Station on Line 3 of the Seoul Subway.
10. Nami Island, Chuncheon
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall
- What to Expect: Scenic beauty, walking and biking trails, water sports, and zip-lining
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, families, solo travelers, couples
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 3.3 million
- Geographical Location: Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea
Nami Island is a picturesque island located in Chuncheon, popular for its tree-lined pathways, lush gardens, and serene atmosphere. The island gained fame as the filming location for the Korean drama “Winter Sonata.”
Visitors can explore the island on foot, rent bicycles, or take a leisurely ride on the electric tour bus. There are also various water sports and zip-lining activities available for adventure seekers.
Nami Island is accessible by ferry from Gapyeong Wharf or by the Nami Skyline ZipWire.
11. Lotte World, Seoul
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- What to Expect: Indoor and outdoor amusement park, shopping mall, ice rink, and folk museum
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, thrill-seekers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 8 million
- Geographical Location: Eastern Seoul, South Korea
Lotte World is a massive entertainment complex in Seoul, featuring the world’s largest indoor theme park and an outdoor amusement park called Magic Island. The indoor theme park offers a variety of thrilling rides, attractions, and shows, while the outdoor park provides a picturesque setting with its beautiful lake and more exciting rides.
Lotte World also houses a shopping mall, an ice rink, and the Lotte World Folk Museum, which showcases Korean history and culture. Lotte World is accessible via the Jamsil Station on Lines 2 and 8 of the Seoul Subway.
12. Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- What to Expect: Colorful houses, street art, art galleries, and souvenir shops
- Ideal For: Art enthusiasts, families, solo travelers, photography enthusiasts
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 1 million
- Geographical Location: Busan, South Korea
Gamcheon Culture Village, often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Korea,” is a unique hillside village in Busan known for its brightly colored houses, narrow alleys, and stunning street art.
Once a poor neighborhood, the village was revitalized in 2009 through an art project that transformed it into a vibrant cultural destination. Visitors can explore the area, discovering various murals, sculptures, and art installations, while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Gamcheon Culture Village also features art galleries, souvenir shops, and quaint cafes. To reach the village, take Bus 2 or 2-2 from Toseong Station on Line 1 of the Busan Subway.
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