Top 20 Things to Do in South Korea

South Korea is a country where ancient traditions and modern life blend seamlessly. Centuries-old palaces rise beside shimmering glass towers, and peaceful temples coexist with bustling shopping streets and the rhythm of K-pop echoing through every corner. Each region tells a different story, from the lively neighborhoods of Seoul to the serene beauty of Jeju Island and the cultural charm of Gyeongju.

After exploring South Korea’s many contrasts, I gathered the 20 experiences that best capture its unique spirit — a mix of history, creativity, flavor, and innovation. Whether you love food, culture, nature, or just discovering new places, this guide offers detailed insights, practical tips, and cost estimates to help you plan your perfect Korean adventure.

Let’s discover the energy and elegance of South Korea together.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Step into Korea’s royal past at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five grand palaces. Built in 1395, this iconic landmark offers breathtaking traditional architecture, ornate gates, tranquil gardens, and daily changing-of-the-guard ceremonies. The National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum are also located on the grounds, offering deeper historical insights. Renting a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) allows free entry and elevates the experience with amazing photo opportunities. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and first-time travelers alike.

2. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The DMZ is a stark and poignant reminder of the Korean War and the country’s ongoing division. This strip of land separating North and South Korea is paradoxically one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world, and also a pristine nature reserve. A guided tour is the only way to visit. It typically includes stops at the Dora Observatory for a supervised peek into North Korea, one of the infiltration tunnels dug by the North, and the Freedom Bridge.

3. Myeongdong Shopping Street, Seoul

For lovers of shopping, food, and electric urban energy, Myeongdong is paradise. This bustling district is Seoul’s premier hub for all things beauty, fashion, and street food. By day, the streets are lined with flagship stores of famous Korean cosmetic brands, international fashion labels, and department stores. By night, Myeongdong transforms into a vibrant open-air food market. Follow your nose to stalls selling everything from Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and tornado potatoes to grilled cheese, lobster, and sweet Hotteok (pancakes).

4. Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan

Often called the “Machu Picchu of Busan,” Gamcheon Culture Village is a kaleidoscope of color and art built on a steep coastal hillside. Once a humble slum for refugees, the village was revitalized through an art project, transforming it into a vibrant community. Its narrow, winding alleyways are a joy to explore, with colorful murals, quirky sculptures, and tiny art galleries hidden around every corner.

5. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Jeju Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Seongsan Ilchulbong is a dramatic volcanic crater that rose from the sea in a hydrovolcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Its name translates to “Sunrise Peak,” and for good reason. The 20-30 minute hike up the well-maintained trail to the crater’s rim is a pilgrimage for travelers seeking to witness one of Korea’s most spectacular sunrises. From the top, you’re rewarded with a stunning view of the lush, bowl-shaped crater and a panoramic vista of the surrounding coastline of Jeju Island. It’s an iconic and unforgettable natural wonder.

6. Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeonju

Home to over 800 traditional Korean ‘Hanok’ houses, Jeonju’s village is one of the largest and best-preserved in the country. It’s a living museum where you can experience traditional culture firsthand. Many Hanoks have been converted into guesthouses, restaurants, tea houses, and craft workshops. Spend your time wandering the charming cobblestone streets, visiting the Gyeonggijeon Shrine, and learning to make traditional paper or brew rice wine. Jeonju is also famously the birthplace of Bibimbap, so indulging in an authentic bowl of this iconic Korean dish is an absolute must-do while you’re here.

7. Seoraksan National Park, Gangwon Province

Wuzhen is one of China’s most picturesque ancient water towns, often called the “Venice of the East.” Located near Hangzhou and Shanghai, Wuzhen features stone bridges, narrow canals, and traditional wooden homes that line the waterways. The town’s rich history dates back over 1,300 years, and wandering its cobblestone alleys feels like a journey back in time. You can ride gondola-style boats, sample local snacks, and visit museums showcasing traditional crafts like wood carving and indigo dyeing. At night, the lantern-lit canals create a magical, tranquil atmosphere.

8. Gyeongju Historic Area, Gyeongju

Known as “the museum without walls,” Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for nearly 1,000 years. The entire city is a treasure trove of Korean history and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. You can explore the serene Tumuli Park, where grassy burial mounds hold the tombs of Silla kings and nobles. Visit the Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and be mesmerized by the beauty of Anapji Pond, especially when it is illuminated at night.

9. Jagalchi Fish Market, Busan

As Korea’s most famous seafood market, Jagalchi is a loud, chaotic, and fascinating experience for the senses. The market is located right by the port, and you can see an incredible variety of live and dried seafood, much of which you may have never seen before. The market is famous for the “Jagalchi Ajummas,” the powerhouse middle-aged female vendors who run the stalls. The best part of the experience is picking your own live seafood from a tank on the first floor and then taking it upstairs to one of the restaurants to have it prepared for you fresh, raw, steamed, or grilled.

10. Hongdae Area, Seoul

Centered around Hongik University, one of Korea’s top art schools, Hongdae is the epicenter of youth culture, indie music, and urban art in Seoul. The streets are a vibrant stage for aspiring K-pop dancers, musicians, and performers who busk for crowds every evening. The area is filled with quirky themed cafes, independent fashion boutiques, vintage clothing stores, and lively clubs. Explore the murals and graffiti art on Hongdae Mural Street (near the university’s main gate) and dive into the energetic nightlife.

11. Boseong Green Tea Fields (Daehan Dawon), Boseong

Escape the bustling cities and immerse yourself in the serene, rolling hills of the Boseong Green Tea Fields. This is the largest and oldest tea plantation in South Korea, and its perfectly manicured terraces of green tea are a stunning sight to behold. You can walk along picturesque trails that wind through the fields, leading up to a viewpoint that offers a panoramic vista of the entire plantation. After your walk, be sure to visit the cafe and sample various green tea-infused products, from fresh green tea ice cream to lattes and the classic brewed tea itself.

12. Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon

Just a short trip from Seoul, the city of Suwon is home to the magnificent Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the late 18th century during the Joseon Dynasty, the fortress wall stretches for nearly 6 kilometers, enclosing the center of the old city. You can walk along the entire wall, passing by guard posts, command posts, observation towers, and four majestic main gates. The fortress seamlessly blends function with architectural beauty.

13. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan

Description: While most Korean temples are found nestled peacefully in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa offers a breathtakingly different experience as one of the few temples built directly on the coastline. Founded in 1376, its motto is “At least one of your wishes will be answered here through heartfelt prayers.” Visitors descend 108 stone steps, symbolizing the 108 agonies of earthly life, to reach the main sanctuary where the sound of crashing waves accompanies prayers. The temple grounds feature intricate golden statues, a three-story pagoda, and stunning views of the East Sea, creating a powerful and dramatic fusion of nature and spirituality.

14. Hallasan National Park, Jeju Island

Dominating the center of Jeju Island is Hallasan, a shield volcano and the highest mountain in South Korea. The mountain and its surrounding national park are a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting incredible biodiversity and stunning, varied landscapes. There are several trails of varying difficulty leading up the mountain. Reaching the summit rewards you with a view of the beautiful Baengnokdam crater lake. Even if you don’t hike to the top, the lower trails offer beautiful walks through lush forests and unique volcanic parasitic cones called “oreum.”

15. N Seoul Tower, Seoul

Perched atop Namsan Mountain in the heart of Seoul, the N Seoul Tower is an iconic landmark offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the sprawling metropolis. Take a scenic cable car ride up the mountain and then ascend the tower to its digital observatory. The views are spectacular both day and night, but seeing the city lights twinkle on after sunset is truly special. The tower’s base is famous for its “locks of love,” where couples from all over the world leave padlocks as a symbol of their everlasting affection, creating a colorful and romantic art installation.

16. Lotte World, Seoul

Lotte World is a massive recreation complex that holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest indoor theme park. But it’s more than that; it also features an outdoor theme park called “Magic Island,” an artificial island inside a lake. The park offers everything from thrilling roller coasters and gyro drops to gentle carousels and elaborate parades. It’s connected to a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, a movie theater, and the massive Lotte Department Store. It’s the perfect all-weather destination for a day of fun, especially for families or those looking for a dose of adrenaline.

17. Haeundae Beach, Busan

Haeundae is South Korea’s most famous and popular beach, a beautiful 1.5-kilometer stretch of white sand that attracts visitors year-round. In the summer, it’s packed with locals and tourists soaking up the sun, swimming, and enjoying water sports. The beachfront is lined with luxury hotels, trendy restaurants, and lively bars. But Haeundae is more than just a summer spot; it hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the famous Sand Festival and the Polar Bear Swim in winter.

18. Andong Hahoe Folk Village

China’s southernmost province, is an unexpected island paradise boasting white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, resembling Southeast Asian destinations. This island is a popular retreat, particularly for Chinese and Russian visitors, featuring picturesque beaches, with Yalong Bay being the most famous. Besides sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, Hainan offers a range of amenities including resorts, spas, and even floating restaurants. It’s an excellent choice for either a family getaway or a high-end experience, providing a luxurious coastal escape.

19. Gangnam District, Seoul

The Yellow Mountains, one of China’s five sacred mountains, is a region defined by towering stone spires, twisted pines, and stunning sunrises. Arguably China’s most famous mountain, it draws visitors from across the globe to witness its bizarrely shaped rocks. Described as “truly one of China’s most surreal and beautiful locations,” it provides a perfect escape from modern cities. Nearby, Hongcun Village offers a journey back in time with its amazing Qing and Ming era architecture, providing a “breath of fresh air” from contemporary China.

20. Manjanggul Cave, Jeju Island

Step deep into the earth at Manjanggul Cave, one of the finest and longest lava tube caves in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Formed by cooling lava, this cave system stretches over 7.4 kilometers, though only a 1-kilometer section is open to the public. As you walk through the dimly lit, cavernous tunnel, you can observe a variety of fascinating lava formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the cave’s highlight: the world’s largest known lava column, standing at an impressive 7.6 meters high.