The Top 50 · 50

Attractions in South Korea

The finest attractions in South Korea at a glance: castles, natural wonders, historic old towns and more. Each place links to a detailed page with map, tips and photos.

🗺️ See all on the mapCulture & History (20)Nature (17)More highlights (13)

Culture & History

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Landmark

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in Seoul, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and is an iconic symbol of Korean history and architecture.

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Jeonju Hanok Village
Landmark

Jeonju Hanok Village

Located in the city of Jeonju, it has over 800 traditional Korean hanok houses.

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Bulguksa Temple
Landmark

Bulguksa Temple

A head Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order in Gyeongju, considered a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom.

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Gongju
Landmark

Gongju

A historical city on the Geumgang River, serving as the ancient capital of the Baekje Kingdom, famous for its fortresses and royal tombs.

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Naganeupseong Folk Village
Landmark

Naganeupseong Folk Village

A fortress town from the Joseon Dynasty, remarkably well-preserved, where residents still live in thatched-roof houses.

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Gunsan
Landmark

Gunsan

A historic port city that preserves architecture from the early 20th century, offering a unique glimpse into Korea's modern history.

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Tongdosa Area (Yangsan)
Landmark

Tongdosa Area (Yangsan)

One of Korea's most significant temples, known for the absence of Buddha statues and its location at the foot of Mt.

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Haenam
Landmark

Haenam

The southernmost point of the Korean Peninsula, known for its "End of the Land" village, majestic mountains, and historical temples.

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Namwon
Landmark

Namwon

Known as the "City of Love," Namwon is the setting of the famous Chunhyang legend and a major gateway to Jirisan National Park.

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Boseong
Landmark

Boseong

Boseong is famous for its terraced green tea fields, offering some of the most spectacular and serene landscapes in South Korea.

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Seoraksan National Park
Landmark

Seoraksan National Park

Home to the third-highest mountain in South Korea, Seoraksan.

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Jeju Island
Landmark

Jeju Island

South Korea's largest island, known for its volcanic landscape of craters and lava tubes.

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Yeongwol
Landmark

Yeongwol

A historical county where King Danjong’s tragic story meets the winding beauty of the Donggang River.

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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Landmark

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

A rare Buddhist temple in Busan built by the sea, unlike most which are located in the mountains.

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Hapcheon
Landmark

Hapcheon

Home to the famous Haeinsa Temple and Gayasan National Park, a place of spiritual depth and natural beauty.

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Jinju
Landmark

Jinju

A historic city on the Nam River, famous for its impressive fortress and the annual lantern festival.

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Bukchon Hanok Village
Landmark

Bukchon Hanok Village

A traditional Korean village in the heart of Seoul, preserving hundreds of traditional houses called hanoks.

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Turtle Ship (Geobukseon) Replica
Monument

Turtle Ship (Geobukseon) Replica

A replica of the famous warship used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin Wars in the 16th century.

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Independence Hall of Korea
Monument

Independence Hall of Korea

A huge complex dedicated to the Korean independence movement against Japanese rule.

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War Memorial of Korea
Monument

War Memorial of Korea

A massive museum and memorial in Seoul, documenting Korea's military history and commemorating those who fought in the nation's wars.

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Nature

Olympic Park, Seoul
Park

Olympic Park, Seoul

A huge park built for the 1988 Summer Olympics, now home to sports facilities, forests, and sculpture parks.

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Gwangju Lake Eco-Park
Lake

Gwangju Lake Eco-Park

An ecological park by Gwangju Lake that highlights the importance of wetlands and water resources, providing a peaceful retreat.

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Seonyudo Island Coast
coast

Seonyudo Island Coast

One of the main islands in the Gogunsan Archipelago, known for its beautiful beaches, scenic landscape, and the bridges connecting it to neighboring …

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Upo Wetland
Lake

Upo Wetland

The largest natural inland wetland in South Korea.

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Homigot Cape
coast

Homigot Cape

The easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula, famous for its 'Hands of Harmony' sculpture and as the best place to see the first sunrise of the year.

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Bukhansan National Park
Park

Bukhansan National Park

A popular national park on the border of Seoul, known for its granite peaks and numerous hiking trails.

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Daecheong Lake
Lake

Daecheong Lake

A large man-made lake on the border of Daejeon and Chungcheongbuk-do, serving as a major water source for the region.

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Hantaan River Geopark
Park

Hantaan River Geopark

A geopark formed by volcanic activity, featuring unique basalt canyons and cliffs.

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Byeonsan Peninsula Coast
coast

Byeonsan Peninsula Coast

The coast of Byeonsanbando National Park features a unique landscape of sea cliffs, unusual rock formations, and wide tidal flats.

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Danyang Dodam Sambong Peaks
coast

Danyang Dodam Sambong Peaks

Three scenic rock peaks rising out of the Namhan River in Danyang.

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Sinduri Coastal Dune
coast

Sinduri Coastal Dune

The largest sand dune in South Korea, located in Taean.

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Sobaek Mountains
Mountain

Sobaek Mountains

A major mountain range branching from the Taebaek mountains and extending to Jirisan, encompassing several national parks and high peaks.

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Yudalsan Mountain
Mountain

Yudalsan Mountain

A mountain in the port city of Mokpo.

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Songnisan Mountain
Mountain

Songnisan Mountain

A mountain in Songnisan National Park, its name meaning 'mountain that leaves the secular world'.

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Gyeryongsan Mountain
Mountain

Gyeryongsan Mountain

A mountain considered a spiritual center, located on the border of several cities.

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Palgongsan Mountain
Mountain

Palgongsan Mountain

A sacred mountain near Daegu, home to many Buddhist temples and statues, including the famous Gatbawi Buddha.

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Nami Island
island

Nami Island

A half-moon shaped isle in the North Han River, famous for its romantic tree-lined paths, especially after the drama 'Winter Sonata'.

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More highlights

Hansan Island
battlefield

Hansan Island

The site of the famous Battle of Hansan Island in 1592, where Admiral Yi Sun-sin's fleet used a 'crane wing' formation to decisively defeat the Japan…

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Geumgang Pine Forest
forest

Geumgang Pine Forest

An ancient forest near Uljin, known for its 'Geumgangsong' pine trees, which are prized for their superior quality and were historically used to buil…

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Daegwallyeong Plateau
plateau

Daegwallyeong Plateau

A high plateau in Gangwon province, renowned for its sheep farms, wind farms, and heavy winter snowfall, earning it the nickname 'Alps of Korea'.

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Gamcheon Culture Village
tourist-attraction

Gamcheon Culture Village

A colorful and artistic village in Busan, known for its steep streets, twisting alleys, and brightly painted houses.

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Pangyo Techno Valley
trade-hub

Pangyo Techno Valley

A modern technology hub serving as a center for IT, biotechnology, and other high-tech industries, often referred to as Korea's 'Silicon Valley'.

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Jongmyo Shrine
historical-site

Jongmyo Shrine

The supreme Confucian shrine dedicated to the memorial tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty.

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Goryeo Celadon Museum
historical-site

Goryeo Celadon Museum

Located in Gangjin, this museum is dedicated to the exquisite celadon ceramics of the Goryeo Dynasty.

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Jirisan National Park
national-park

Jirisan National Park

The largest and oldest national park in South Korea, spanning three provinces.

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Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) / Panmunjom
historical-site

Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) / Panmunjom

A buffer zone that divides the Korean Peninsula.

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Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
historical-site

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

A collection of over 40 tombs spread across 18 locations, dedicated to the kings, queens, and honored members of the Joseon Dynasty.

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Hallasan National Park
national-park

Hallasan National Park

Centered around Hallasan, a shield volcano and the highest mountain in South Korea.

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Lotte World Adventure
kid-friendly

Lotte World Adventure

A major recreation complex in Seoul, holding the world's largest indoor theme park and an outdoor amusement park called 'Magic Island'.

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Battle of Myeongnyang Site
battlefield

Battle of Myeongnyang Site

The strait where Admiral Yi Sun-sin achieved a miraculous victory with just 13 ships against a Japanese fleet of over 130 in 1597.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the top attractions in South Korea?

Among the most popular are Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jeonju Hanok Village, Bulguksa Temple, Gongju, Naganeupseong Folk Village and many more – the full top 50 list is on this page.

When is the best time to visit South Korea?

May to October offers the most pleasant weather; July and August are warmest and busiest.