the best places to visit in: 
south korea

seoul

When it comes to the best places to go in South Korea, Seoul is the obvious starting point. One moment, you’re walking through a royal palace where kings once ruled; the next, you’re sipping iced coffee in a café that looks like a comic book.

Gyeongbokgung Palace anchors the city’s historical heart, with daily changing-of-the-guard ceremonies that bring its past to life. Wander north to Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional houses line quiet alleyways or head south to Gangnam for high fashion and high-rise luxury. And if you’re chasing the latest trends, head underground — Seoul’s subway stations are their own miniature shopping malls.

gyeongju

Nicknamed “the museum without walls”, Gyeongju is where Korea’s ancient soul lives on. This former capital of the Silla Kingdom is dotted with temples, tombs and relics that pre-date most European cities.

Bulguksa Temple and the nearby Seokguram Grotto are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites — serene, spiritual and surrounded by forested hills. The royal burial mounds in Tumuli Park look like grassy hills at first glance, but they hold centuries-old secrets beneath their surface.​​​​​​ It’s one of the best places to go in South Korea if you want to slow down, wander quietly and connect with the country’s early history in a way that feels both personal and powerful.

busan

If Seoul is the city that runs on speed, Busan runs on salt air and street food. Take a trip to Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest in the country. It’s a maze of tanks, fresh catches and fast-talking fishmongers. From there, take in the views from Gamcheon Culture Village, where pastel-painted houses climb the hillside like a maze of crayons.

When the sun’s out, Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches fill with swimmers, sunbathers and seafood lovers. When it rains, Busan’s cafés and sashimi spots keep things warm and buzzing. It’s easily one of the best places to go in South Korea if you want coastal energy, fresh seafood and a side of urban cool.

jeju-do

A UNESCO-designated natural wonder, Jeju is famous for its volcanic landscapes, including Hallasan — South Korea’s tallest mountain — and the dramatic Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), which lives up to its name. You’ll find lava tubes, waterfalls, black sand beaches and emerald coastlines, all within a short drive. But the island’s real charm lies in its rhythm — slower, simpler and deeply tied to the land.

Local haenyeo (female free divers) still harvest seafood the old way, and the island’s cuisine is worth the trip alone. For travellers after nature, culture and space to breathe, Jeju-do is one of the best places to go in South Korea.

gangwon-do

For mountain lovers, Gangwon-do is one of the best places to go in South Korea. This northeastern province is home to Seoraksan National Park, where jagged peaks, Buddhist temples and dramatic autumn leaves draw hikers from across Asia.

In winter, Gangwon-do transforms. Ski resorts like Yongpyong and Alpensia hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics and still attract skiers and snowboarders every season. But even off the slopes, the hot springs, pine forests and peaceful trails offer a fresh escape from the city.

andong

Andong isn’t flashy — and that’s the point. This riverside city is one of the best places to go in South Korea to understand traditional life and Confucian culture.

Hahoe Folk Village feels like stepping into the Joseon era, with preserved hanok homes and wood-fired kitchens still in use. Andong is also home to Confucian academies, mask dances and some of the most beloved regional dishes — like Andong jjimdak, a soy-braised chicken stew that hits every note of sweet, savoury and spicy.

Time moves a little slower here. And if you’re looking to understand how modern Korea holds onto its past, Andong offers quiet, powerful answers.

plan your trip to south korea

The best places to go in South Korea offer a rich mix of culture, nature and energy. It’s a country that rewards curiosity and welcomes every kind of traveller. But before you go, make sure your plans are protected. At 1Cover, we offer Asia travel insurance that includes the essentials — medical cover, cancellations and disruptions. Get a quote now and keep your focus on the South Korean experience, not the unexpected.

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