Top 30 Things To Do In South Korea - Updated 2024

Maria Cristina
Maria Cristina 
Updated
| 15 min read

There’s more to South Korea than just Kimchi, KPOP bands, and Korean Dramas. This East Asian country on the Korean Peninsula’s south side is popular for its lush green and hilly countryside adorned with ancient Buddhist temples and cherry trees. Though it has rustic coastal villages and sunshiny islands like Jeju Island, it’s also home to the most sophisticated cities like its capital Seoul. This country ranking 11th largest economy in the world shares with North Korea the other side of the most battle-ready borders on the planet. A visit to this country lets you enjoy the best of its past and present. Ancient monuments like the royal Gyeongbukgung palace represent their history and rich culture. Luxuries like fastest internet speeds and top-notch healthcare systems make them among the most advanced countries in the world. Explore this awesome country and check our list of things to do in South Korea!

1. Witness the traditional dance at Seoul Nori Madang

things to do in korea | witness the traditional dance at seoul nori madang
Source: instagram

Go to Seoul Nori Madang (Seoul Playyard) if you want to watch various traditional Korean folk culture and plays. This outdoor stage built in 1984 used to be a historic neighborhood with a stage for playing cards. Now, on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm every April to October, concerts are performed here by major national and traditional art and cultural groups with special performances on holidays like Chuseok and New Year’s Day. Educational seminars on traditional folk games, folk plays like the mask play Songpa Sandae Nori and the Songa Baekjung Nori are offered.

Seoul Nori Madang

Address: 47 Jamsil 3(sam)-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: Seoul Nori Madang

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 3pm onwards (closed from Mon - Fri)

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2. Unwind at Seoul Grand Park (from USD 5.25)

Visit the Seoul Grand Park and it’s like you’ve seen seven major attractions in one location. The first and largest zoo built in Korea by the Japanese in 1909 was initially located in Changgyeongung palace. After World War II, the zoo and its surviving animals were moved to Makgyedong, Gwacheon in 1984. Today, the park is a huge complex in Gwacheon City in Southern Seoul with amenities like hiking trails and hills, the Children’s Zoo, Seoul Grand Park Zoo, Seoul Land amusement park, Seoul Museum of Modern Art, and a huge rose garden. See over 3,300 animal species and two wonderful rides – the Elephant Train and the Sky Lift.

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Seoul Zoo Ticket in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Duration: 1 Day(s) Duration

458 reviews

3. Check out Korean artifacts at The National Museum of Korea (from USD 40.0)

The National Museum of Korea is an important site inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s among Asia’s largest museums, the sixth-largest worldwide and has the largest attendance in the world. Korea’s leading museum and cultural organization represent the country’s art and history. It’s dedicated to the research and study of various fields of learning such as art, history, and archeology. There are various galleries for Asian Art, Calligraphy and Paintings, donations, and sculptures and crafts. Its collection has 310,000 pieces of artifacts exhibiting 15,000 pieces each time. Artifacts from Korea’s Ancient and Prehistoric History up to modern times are preserved using high-tech lighting, interiors, and air-conditioning systems.

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Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple and Folk Museum Tour

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

20 reviews

4. Enjoy sauna bath at Siloam Bulgama Sauna Spa

things to do in korea | enjoy sauna bath at siloam bulgama sauna spa
Source: instagram

The Korean’s favorite pastime is spending the day at the sauna spa. Jjimjilbang or Korean bathhouses provide therapeutic relief for your stressed-out body and serve traditional Korean food with chances for socializing. Siloam Bulgama is among the best and reasonably priced Jjimjilbangs. It is a sleep house and bath in one. They provide you the appropriate apparel to wear and offer a variety of steam and ice rooms, spa pools, and sleeping rooms. Experience the traditional way Koreans do their spa routines and have a taste of their delicious cuisine in between steaming and bathing.

Siloam Bulgama Sauna Spa

Address: 49 Jungnim-ro, Jungnim-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: Siloam Bulgama Sauna Spa

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: From 6 USD

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5. Explore Seoul Trick Eye Museum (from USD 9.55)

explore seoul trick eye museum
Source: www.klook.com

South Korea introduced to the world the very first AR Museum (Augmented Reality). The gallery is a combination of paintings and art with high-tech 2D/3D illusions and AR effects. Download a free “Trickeye” app in your phone and point your camera to the artworks around the museum. You’ll be amazed and amused to see these figures come to life on the screen of your phone. Let your creativity run wild and take unlimited AR videos and 3D photos of more than 100 interactive installations and artworks. You also have access to the Ice Museum where everything is made of ice. The museum café outside the main exhibition hall serves coffee with latte art.

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Trick Eye 3D Museum Tickets in Seoul

Duration: 1hrs - 2hrsDuration

6. Admire the beauty of Ulleungdo


Ulleung-do island is 120km off South Korea’s east and makes up a large part of the Ulleung County in North Gyeongsan Province. Though it is remote and accessible only by taking a ferry, it’s a popular tourist destination for its rustic, isolated, and natural appeal. It houses the Seonginbong Mountain Range and fog-covered Seongingbong Peak. Port of Dodong, its main city, is also the main ferry port connecting South Korea Mainland and Ulleung-do. Aside from its lush natural landscape and amicable inhabitants, the highlights of the island are the Haengnam Coastal Walk (which is the best in Korea) and Dokdo Observatory & Museum.

Ulleungdo Island

Address: 236, Taeha-gil, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Website: Ulleungdo Island

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7. Enjoy cycling through Upo Marsh

enjoy cycling through upo marsh
Source: instagram

Upo Marsh, a cluster of wetlands, is found in Changnyeong County, encompassing parts of the Daehap-myeon, Ibang-myeon, and Yueo-myeon and is the largest among the wetlands. It recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its archeological value and as an important protected site for migratory birds and rare species of animals. The rare black-faced spoonbill bird and the rare prickly lotus can only be found here. Though a protected area, the residents still engage in fishing and agricultural activities. An observation tower and a view deck were built near the wetlands to facilitate tourism and provide opportunities to educate visitors on the importance of ecological preservation and biodiversity.

Upo Wetland Ecological Park

Address: 220, Uponeup-gil, Yueo-myeon, Changryeung-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Website: Upo Marsh

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: .83 USD

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8. Explore the stunning Jeonju Hanok Village (from USD 60.69)

Escape the fast-paced city life of Seoul and visit the calming Jeonju Hanok Village, the designated International Slow City of 2010. This laid-back village houses more than 800 old-fashioned Korean homes with the traditional raised rooftops. Take a step back in historic times as you and other locals and tourists wear the Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and wander around the quiet streets and ancient houses immersed in ancient architecture. The typical Hanok house has heated floors using a unique heating system called “ondol” and has divisions separating the men from women called “anchae” and “saranchae”. Or you can take some cooking lessons and learn how to cook traditional Korean cuisine like Bibimbap.

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Jeonju Hanok Village One Day Tour

Duration: 1 Day(s) Duration

256 reviews

9. Go to Damyang Bamboo Forest


Stroll down the Damyang Juknokwon bamboo forest where the trees are green all year round. The bamboo forest has a very calming effect as you walk around the lush garden of tall trees with lots of shade and lovely lights for night strolls. It’s filled with eight major trails stretching up to 2.4km so you have a good walk through the forest until you reach the observatory. Each trail has a theme like a Philosopher’s Road, the Lover’s Road and Old Memory Bypath. Walk hand in hand with your loved ones through the trail while deep in thought and enjoy the scenery of waterfalls, pavilions, and stone stairs along the way.

Damyang Juknokwon

Address: 119 Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Website: Damyang Juknokwon

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

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10. Admire Goryeo Celadon Museum


The former Gangjin Celadon Museum, now the Goryeo Celadon Museum, was built in 1997 in Sadang-ri of Gangjin County, South Jeolla of South Korea. It has a collection of 30,000 pieces of the exquisite Goryeo Celadon pottery from the Goryeo dynasty. The museum allows visitors a look into the past, future, and present of Goryeo’s kiln sites. The museum is one of its kind in Korea and they actively present exhibits and miniatures that represent the production, consumption, changes, and distribution of Goryeo Celadon as well as programs that allow the audience to feel and fashion the clay.

Goryeo Celadon Museum

Address: 33, Cheongjachon-gil, Daegu-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea

Website: Goryeo Celadon Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm; (closed on Mon)

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11. Tour Hallyeo Maritime National Park


Hallyeo Maritime National Park is Korea’s first marine park and fourth designated national park. It encompasses six districts along its 120 km (74.56 mi) shoreline. Korea’s loveliest waterway, Hallyeosudo, has 30 inhabited islands and 71 abandoned islands scattered on the water like gemstones. Its collection of marine environments is complemented by a lovely natural landscape with a mountainous range made from sedimentary rocks of the Mesozoic era. In the surrounding scenery are big and small islands, capes, peninsulas, and islets creating its distinctive rias coast which is the sanctuary of rare plant and animal species.

Hallyeo Maritime National Park

Address: 22, Hyeoksin-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, Korea KNPS

Website: Hallyeo Maritime National Park

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12. Ride on Hallyeosudo Cable Car (from USD 79.19)

At a stretch of 1,975 miles (3,179 kilometers) all the way to Mr. Mireuksan’s summit and back, the Hallyeosudo Cable Car in Tongyeong is the longest cable-car ride in Korea. Also called the Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, it’s a nine-minute ride in a gondola which is faster than taking a two-hour hike to the top of the mountain. You are rewarded with a splendid view of several historical sites, the Hallyeo Maritime National Park, and Daemado Island of Japan when you reach the top. It’s Korea’s only automatic dual cable rotating gondola system made of a single freight unit and 47 gondolas.

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Serene Seaside Tongyeong Tour from Busan: Jungang Market, Cable Car

Duration: 1 Day(s) Duration

274 reviews

13. Pray at Yonggungsa Seaside Temple (from USD 54.45)

pray at yonggungsa seaside temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of those rare Buddhist temples built along Busan’s north-eastern coastline. It was built during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376 by Naong, a great Buddhist teacher. Overlooking the sea is a three-story pagoda guarded by statues of four lions beside a cave housing the Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum, the Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, and the Seawater Goddess Buddha. A lot of people come during New Year’s day sunrise to make a wish and during April when cherry blossoms are in season. On Buddha’s birthday, the 108 steps leading to the temple are lit up with lanterns creating a spectacular night view.

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Busan: Full-Day City Tour

Duration: 10.0 to 11.0 hour

414 reviews

14. Watch a show at Myeongdong Nanta Theatre (from USD 40.0)

watch a show at myeongdong nanta theatre

The Nanta is a platform created by Korea’s major theater company. It provides entertainment in the form of a non-verbal performance that incorporates the use of culinary skills and equipment in creating the traditional Korean Samulnori rhythm. The shows are held at the Seoul’s elegant Myeondong theater. The group has achieved world recognition since their price winning performance at the Edinburg Fringe Festival in 1997. Enjoy a musical culinary show spiced with a lot of comedy that’s uniquely Korean made. Audience participation is expected!

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Seoul: Myeongdong Nanta Theater Show Ticket

Duration: 1.5 hour

433 reviews

15. Wander in the historic Insadong (from USD 230.0)

Insadong (Insa-dong to some) is among the important and prominent streets in the city center. This main road has an array of restaurants and teahouses on each side and street alleys in between. The twisting alleyways hosts over 100 art galleries featuring a wide selection of traditional Korean sculptures, paintings, and fine art. Visit Hakgojae Gallery for the finest folk art and Gana Art Gallery that promotes talented artists. On weekends, Insadong is blocked off and transforms into a cultural space with festivities like traditional street performances, fortune telling, merchants selling Korean candy, and exhibits.

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Full-day Customizable Private Seoul Highlight Tour

Duration: 8 to 10 hours

94 reviews

16. Head to the historic Hwaseong Fortress (from USD 79.0)

head to the historic hwaseong fortress

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace was built in 1789 serving as the king’s residence located in Suwon which is outside Seoul. The palace was built inside a fortress to protect the king in times of war and to provide shelter while he was visiting the tombs. Today, the restored palace is frequented by tourists and offers an exhibition hall and theater. Join the tour and your guide will educate you on Korean history and culture. The iconic palace is the biggest in Korea and symbolizes the impeccable Korean architecture at that time.

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From Seoul: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Folk Village Tour

Duration: 4.0 to 8.0 hour

29 reviews

17. Visit the royal palace of Gyeongbukgung (from USD 60.0)

visit the royal palace of gyeongbukgung

The Gyeongbukgung (also called Gyeongbok Palace) is the largest and most beautiful among the five Joseon dynasty grand palaces. It houses the Joseon dynasty kings and their families and even serves as Joseon’s government. Built-in Northern Seoul in 1395, the main palace containing 7,700 rooms embodied ancient Korea’s architectural principles combined with the form and customs of Joseon’s royal court. Join a tour and you will see today’s restored version of the palace as well as Korea’s National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum within its grounds.

Tip from Content Creator

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

Photos of Gyeongbokgung Palace shared by content creator from Singapore, Phoebe.

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Seoul: Ancient Palaces and Scenic Points Walking Tour

Duration: 3 to 7 hour

32 reviews

18. Take a scenic hike at Seoraksan National Park (from USD 545.0)

take a scenic hike at seoraksan national park

Seoraksan (Snowy peaks mountain) is the loveliest and the third highest mountain in Korea measuring 5,604 feet (1,708 meters). It’s blessed with scenic hiking trails and beautiful natural scenery that includes cliffs and waterfalls. At its base is the iconic Seoraksan National Park which spans 63 square miles (163.6 square kilometers) and 4 counties and cities. It’s declared the first national Korean park in 1970 and UNESCO’s Biosphere Protection Site in 1982. There are 30 hills and smaller mountains, two ancient Buddhist temples, and the Ulsanbawi Rock formation waiting to be explored! Take a short cut and ride a cable car up to the Gwongeumseong Fortress.

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Seoul: Seoraksan National Park & Naksansa Temple Day Trip

Duration: 11 hour

38 reviews

19. Relax at Cheonggyecheon Stream (from USD 90.0)

relax at cheonggyecheon stream

Cheonggyecheon is a modern public recreation area in Seoul downtown built around the Cheonggyecheon stream. It’s 10.9km (6.77mi) long beginning from Cheonggye Playa to Sejong-ro Avenue. The square was designed based on the “bojagi” (traditional Korean colorful cloth) and features elegant colors and refined traditional stonework. The plaza exhibits plaques commemorating the 22 bridges crossing the stream and the beautiful fountains in the area. During holidays, vehicles are restricted from the area so pedestrians have more leisure space to relax and stroll around. The Candle Fountain and Palseokdam Wishing Wells are among the main attractions of the plaza.

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Professional Photography Shoot at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Duration: 1.5 to 3 hour

1 review

20. Shop at Dongdaemun Market (from USD 15.0)

shop at dongdaemun market

Dongdaemun Market, also called Tongdaemun, is Jongno-gu’s huge commercial district where you’ll find all sorts of fashion items like wedding goods, accessories, fabrics, and clothes. In 1905, it began as an ordinary market and transformed into the textile industry center in 1970. Affordable and diverse clothing sold here attracts local customers, fashion industry leaders, and international buyers. The market is open until late at night and is a combination of modern and traditional shops. If you want to keep up with the latest Korean fashion trends, go to Dongdaemun Market. You can join a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and do your shopping at your own pace and time.

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Seoul: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus 1 & 2 Day or Night Tour

Duration: 90 to 2 minute

30 reviews

21. Drop by the beautiful Jeju Island (from USD 91.92)

drop by the beautiful jeju island

Jeju Island (Jeju-do) the lovely, lush island of Jeju Province in the Korea Strait is often called “Hawaii of Korea”. It’s the largest island of Korea and a favorite holiday destination because of its famous beaches, Hyupjae and Gumneung, features beautiful coastlines with powder white sands and emerald waters. The dormant volcano, Hallasan Mountain, has hiking trails leading to a crater lake at its peak and near the Gwaneumsa Temple. Unique volcanic features like Geomunoreum Lava Tube System and the Manjanggul Cave were created when Hallasan was active centuries ago. The island’s distinct cuisine includes seafood caught by female free divers called haeneyo.

Tip from Content Creator

Moal Boal Cafe Moal Boal Cafe

While you're on Jeju Island, stop by Moal Boal Cafe, an adorable cafe that we stumbled upon online and wanted to have a look at. This cafe is famous for its view, especially during sunset! It also gives warm vibes and boho chic.

When is it open? 10:00 - 20:00 (Every day)

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Jeju Island: Must-See Nature Full-Day Tour

Duration: 1 day

30 reviews

22. Visit the magnificent Bulguksa Temple (from USD 60.0)

visit the magnificent bulguksa temple

Bulguksa Temple was built in 774 on the sides of Mount Toham. The temple, together with the Seokguram Grotto, play a significant role in the complexities of religious architectural design. This head temple of Korean Buddhism in the Jogye Order earned the recognition as a UNESCO Heritage Site. The temple is made of several wooden buildings built on raised stone terraces. The property is divided into three areas – Hall of Supreme Bliss (Geungnakjeon), Hall of Great Enlightenment (Daeungjeon), and Vairocana Buddha Hall (Birojeon). The entire structure was built to represent Buddha’s land. Meanwhile, the Grotto has a Buddha statue surrounded by his disciples, divine guardians, two Vajrapanis, and two Devas, and Bodhisattvas sculpted from white granite.

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UNESCO Ancient Capital Gyeongju Small Group Tour from Busan

Duration: 9 to 12 hour

44 reviews

23. Tour the unique Gyeongju Museum (from USD 60.0)

tour the unique gyeongju museum

The ancient city of Gyeongju (formerly Seorabeol) is the second largest in North Gyeongsang Province and the capital of Silla kingdom. Silla ruled two-thirds of the entire Korean Peninsula from the seventh to the ninth century. At the height of its prosperity, Gyeongju was the world’s fourth-largest city and home of the kingdom’s elite and Silla court. It has earned its stripes as a UNESCO World Heritage site for having the most well-preserved historical sites. It’s referred to as “museum without walls” for the vast number of cultural and archeological sites on its property like the Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Yangdong Folk Village, and Gyeongju Historic Areas.

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UNESCO Ancient Capital Gyeongju Small Group Tour from Busan

Duration: 9 to 12 hour

44 reviews

24. Marvel at the green spaces at Boseong Tea Fields (from USD 780.0)

This tour will take you on a trip to the Boseong Tea Fields, one of the largest green tea plantations. Though wild tea was planted way back in 300BC it was only in the 1930s that a green tea plantation was established by the Japanese. After its destruction in the Korean war, the Daehan Tea Garden was reestablished in 1957 into the massive tea plantation you see today. Boseng produces 40 percent of the tea production of Korea using a fully organic method. You can hike to the top of the plantation or sample their tea in the teahouse. They offer ice cream and food made from green tea and a small shop selling souvenirs. There are several trails and an observatory deck you should explore.

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South Korea: Multi-Day Discovery Trip

2 reviews

25. Climb up Namsan Seoul Tower (from USD 10.0)

climb up namsan seoul tower

At the height of 800 feet (243.8 meters), Namsan Seoul Tower is among East Asia’s tallest towers. Its official name is YTN Seoul Tower and more popularly called the N Seoul Tower. This high-rise building was built on the peak of Mount Namsan and serves as its observatory and communications tower. It was constructed in 1969 as the first radio wave tower in South Korea sending signals for TV and radio broadcasting networks. Climb to the top and enjoy awesome views of the Seoul cityscape. There are also art galleries, fine dining restaurants, museum, terrace, café, and one-of-a-kind shops within the tower that you can explore.

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Seoul: N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket

64 reviews

26. Cruise on the Han River (from USD 18.42)

cruise on the han river

Take a nighttime cruise down the Hangang or Han River and see its beauty from a romantic perspective. The fourth longest and among South Korea’s major rivers start from the eastern mountains as two small rivers converging near Seoul. It’s proper that this river represents Seoul because of its lovely park and amazing natural landscape. The night lights from the city’s skyscrapers make a beautiful reflection on the water and set a romantic vibe. The cool summer breeze and live guitar music as the cruise goes down the river and past Banpo Bridge fireworks and rainbow fountain show will make your trip truly unforgettable.

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Han River: Night Cruise with Live Music & Optional Fireworks

Duration: 40 minute

73 reviews

27. Savor delicious seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market (from USD 461.0)

The world-famous Jagalchi Market is Korea’s largest seafood market in Busan’s Jung-gu shoreside road accessible by taking the Jagalchi subway station. Since it’s establishment after the Korean war, it represents the Busan local lifestyle and the Jagalchi Ajummas or the majority of married or middle-aged women selling fish. All kinds of seafood, shellfish, and marine life are on display swimming in aquariums, basins, and tanks. Buy fresh seafood and take it home or have it cooked and served in the various restaurants on the ground floor of the building. Though the market is open daily, there is a festival hosted by the Jagalchi Cultural Tourism held yearly every October.

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Private Full-Day Busan Food Tour with Jagalchi Seafood Market

Duration: 7 to 8 hours

28. Plan a day at Jeju Love Land (from USD 10.0)

plan a day at jeju love land
Source: www.viator.com

Jeju Love Land is a one-of-a-kind outdoor sculpture park found on Jeju Island. It started operations in 2004 featuring 140 explicit sculptures of humans and animals in a variety of sexual positions surrounded by a lush landscaped garden. The theme of the park centered on eroticism and sexuality. It was conceptualized mostly by university students of Hongik, a top-notch art school. Aside from the amusing displays of sex and nudity, there are sex education films being shown, and in one part of the park is a small diner where they served pastries in the shape of human sex organs.

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Jeju Loveland Discount Ticket

29. Take photos in traditional Korean attire

take photos in traditional korean attire

Wear the traditional Korean attire and feel like the royals of ancient Korea. Rent the colorful garment for a few hours, walk around the palaces, and have your pictures taken (indoors or outdoors) as a remembrance. The shop allows you to select one from two sets of Hanbok designs based on your preferences in color and design. The assistants will help you put on the clothing properly. Lockers and changing rooms are available for your use. There’s an additional fee if you have your pictures taken in a studio and if you fail to return the garment on time.

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Seoul: Traditional Korean Attire Hanbok Rental

Duration: 1.5 hour

9 reviews

30. Taste the traditional Soju drink (from USD 106.0)

Soju (“burned liquor”), the Korean national drink, is a clear alcoholic beverage created from a delightful mix of distilled rice, barley, or wheat. This age-old drink was first made in 13th century Goryeo using the Levantine distilling method. Its alcohol content ranges from 17 to 53 percent classifying it as hard liquor. The drink is accessible anywhere at any eatery, grocery, or liquor store and taken neat with any food, any time of the day. It’s also used as a base in making cocktails or mixed with fruits and yogurt or placed in a shot glass dropped into a glass of beer and taken bottoms up.

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Small-Group Korean Night Food Tour

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

278 reviews

Experience excitement in South Korea

The unique sites and quirky activities that are distinctly Korean show how their people and country can create new trends yet stick to their ancient traditions. Their colorful heritage and customs and rich culture and economy are enough to gain them worldwide attention. Visit this intriguing country and experience all the exciting things to do in South Korea that we’ve listed above.

Immerse yourself in Korean culture at Namsangol Hanok Village

Contributed by Content Creator, Shella Ramos Guzman

Source: Shella Ramos Guzman

Namsangol Hanok Village has five restored hanoks (traditional Korean houses), a traditional garden, a pavilion, a time capsule plaza, and a performance art stage, making it a great spot for locals and tourists to take a break. The traditional garden with its pavilion and the old houses provide for a peaceful ambiance beside the wooded Namsan Mountain.

The village is open from April to October from 9 am to 9 pm, while from November to March, it is only open from 9 am to 8 pm. However, the traditional garden is open 24 hours. Note that the village is closed on Mondays. The best way to get to Namsangol Hanok Village is by the subway. Take lines 3 or 4 to Chungmuro station and take Exit 3 or 4. It’s only a minute’s walk from there.

Gain unique insights on Korean culture at Golgulsa Temple

Contributed by Content Creator, Dara Neo

The Golgulsa Temple program includes learning and practicing Sunmudo, which is a form of meditation that has been around for over 1,000 years.

It also includes archery, horse riding, conversing with a Buddhist monk over tea, learning about temple cuisine, etc. The itinerary for the two-day-one-night program was packed with activities that were so eye-opening and interesting, and we really enjoyed it!

If you are wondering whether there is a spiritual element to it, there isn’t. The temple stay and program are mainly for tourists who want to learn and experience Korean culture.

We had the most wonderful time at Golgulsa Temple, and Mrs. Kim who ran the temple stays and programs was absolutely amazing, hospitable and kind.

I would highly recommend this unique experience if you are in South Korea and want to do something out of the ordinary rather than just the usual shopping and feasting.

Three things you shouldn’t do:

  1. Don't bring outside food
  2. No flushing of toilet paper, else the punishment is 108 bows.
  3. No laughing or talking loudly

When we realised we had to wash our own dishes after meals, I’ll have to admit that our shockadoos had us chuckling pretty loud! May I also add that the others in the food hall broke that rule too?

Hike the Hantangang Waterway trail

Contributed by Tour Guide, 연경바람

Source: 연경바람

Hantangang Waterway is a one-of-a-kind hiking trail that lets you see the amazing columnar joints of the Hantangang River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can hike this trail from October to March each year, and it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty and fascinating geology of the area. Did you know the river was formed during the Cenozoic era? After this hike, you can visit the Peace Observatory to see North Korea across the DMZ. Visiting requires prior application and participation in a group.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Tina is a free-spirited writer and traveler. She likes to experience unfamiliar places, cuisines, and scenery. She prefers beaches to mountains though as she is afraid of heights. Visiting museums,...Read more

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