10 Best Things to Do in South Korea

Gyeongbokgung Palace lies in northern Seoul and it’s a spectacular building which originally dates back to the end of the 14th century. It was once the main royal residence of the Joseon dynasty and you can visit the palace itself, as well as the National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum, in this impressive complex.

The regal architecture is extremely beautiful and even the main entrance at Gwanghwamun Gate is imposing, with its double roof and arched openings. The English guided tours here are highly recommended and don’t miss the changing of the guards at the palace (it’s one of the highlights of this historic building) or the enchanting ceremonial routine and its vivid colours.

Namsan Seoul Tower is one of South Korea’s most iconic landmarks. Both a transmission tower and a popular tourist destination, it’s an imposing structure. Ride the cable car up Namsan Mountain to N Seoul Tower, as it’s often known, and take in the stunning views over the city. You’ll get more spectacular scenery as you go up the tower, with 3 observation decks and breathtaking, panoramic views across the whole region.

In the evening, the bright lights of N Seoul Tower are visible throughout the city, and locals and visitors flock here for a fine dining experience. With a choice of Korean, French and Italian restaurants inside the tower, you can indulge in delicious food whilst watching the world below.

The DMZ is the demilitarised zone stretching along 250 km of no-man’s land between North Korea and South Korea, effectively splitting the Korean Peninsula in 2. You can visit this politically tense and historic zone, but only on an official guided tour. You’ll get to see Panmunjom, the truce area with its bright blue conference room, as well as the infiltration tunnels, which are said to have been built by North Korea.

This is a fascinating tour showing the divide between the 2 countries, but it can be a sobering experience, so it’s not suitable for younger children. You’ll be able to take photos at the DMZ but be sure to check with your tour guide first in sensitive areas.

Seoraksan National Park is known for its outstanding beauty. Located in the north-east corner of the country, it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and locals come here for its magnificent sunrises and sunsets. You’ll gaze in wonder at the mountain peaks which retain their snowy caps for up to 6 months a year, and there are hundreds of flower and plant species to spot too.

The park is ideal for hiking, with numerous trails of varying levels. One of the most popular trails passes by Biryong Falls, where you’ll get a great view of this stunning waterfall. Breathe in the heady scent of pine trees and keep your eyes open for kestrels and Korean musk deer in this spectacular park.

Myeongdong is the place to go in Seoul for Korean BBQ. From Myeongdong underground station, head towards the stunning cathedral and you’ll find tempting restaurants dotted in almost every street. A popular choice with locals is So Hanmari Mongttang Mongbeulli with its distinctive, bright red design and wooden benches. You’ll see a younger crowd here, chattering over huge meat platters and shared dishes.

If you prefer a quieter restaurant, try Jungdongzip, located next to the cathedral. The beautiful décor and dazzling chandeliers give this eatery a more high-end feel, and it’s a great choice for a date night. Enjoy succulent beef and pork dishes, all fresh off the grill, along with spicy noodles and sweet pumpkin mash.

Bukchon Hanok Village lies in the district of Seoul bordered by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine and Changdeokgung Palace. You’ll find some lovely examples of hanok (traditional Korean houses) in this area. They date back to the 14th century and the Joseon period, but they have been beautifully restored in recent times.

Stroll through the narrow streets and take in the magnificent architecture of these charming hanok with their low roofs and double eaves. The Bukchon Traditional Culture Centre is also well worth a visit. You can learn the history of this district and participate in workshops, such as producing gold leaf print or learning how to cook traditional Korean food.

Gamcheon Culture Village will delight you with its brightly coloured houses, most with blue or green roofs. The Busan region became home to more than 100,000 refugees during the Korean War and many settled in the mountain village of Gamcheon. In 2009, local artists and residents decorated the alleys with colourful murals, street art and sculptures and it’s now a bustling tourist destination.

It’s free to enter the village, but it’s a good idea to take a tour with a local guide for information on the history and artwork. You’ll love the delicious aromas from the snack bars, and the shops which sell gifts produced by the village artists, including jigsaw puzzles and seaweed snacks.

One of the best things to do in South Korea is relax in a jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse). Traditionally, these buildings were used for basic spa treatments. Nowadays, you’ll find a range of services at a jjimjilbang, including beauty treatments, saunas, exercise rooms and a communal games area, and they play in important role in South Korean culture.

For the ultimate jjimjilbang experience, try Centum Spaland in Busan with its luxury massage chairs or Dragon Hill Spa in Seoul with its ice room and small cinema. Most jjimjilbang operate 24 hours a day and have sleeping rooms, so if you’re travelling through South Korea and need a cheap, overnight stay, these can be a great option.

Seokguram Grotto & Bulguksa Temple form a magnificent architectural site in Gyeongju. Hidden in the forests on Mount Tohamsan, Bulguksa is a beautiful Buddhist temple complex of traditional buildings. You’ll love the rich history and artwork, as well as the serenity of the site, surrounded by old trees and lush foliage.

Seokguram Grotto is around 3 km away from the temple and there’s a beautiful hiking trail through nature to get there, if you’re feeling energetic. Inside the cave, you’ll stand in awe at the immense Buddha statue, which faces the sea and measures over 3 metres high. Dating back to the 8th century, the site has been designated as “a masterpiece of Buddhist art” by UNESCO.

Gwangjang Market is a shopper’s bonanza of colourful signs, noisy banter and amazing aromas of freshly cooked food. You’ll see locals bustling through the crowds, buying clothes and textiles, whilst tourists take their time, browsing through homeware and souvenir stalls. Located in northern Seoul, this was the first permanent market to be established in the country and it’s now one of the biggest and busiest.

Foodies will love seeing over 100 vendors offering a mix of snacks and street food. You can stroll from stall to stall trying the delicious local cuisine, such as dumplings, mung bean pancakes and sticky rice sausages. Relax on a bench whilst your food’s being cooked and soak up the atmosphere at this amazing market.