10 Must-Visit Places in South Korea for Every Traveller

Saumya Jain, Delhi

When you think about South Korea, there are a million musings and fleeting glances in your head flooded with concerts, K-pop, K-dramas, Ramyeon, Kimchi, Lotte World, hanbok, cherry blossoms, aesthetic cafes, and whatnot. I am sure visiting South Korea has been a part of your wish list; you wish to tick it one day. I know there might be a dauntingly long list of places to visit and things to do in South Korea but rest assured that you can still have an unforgettable experience even if you can’t cover everything in just one trip. To help you relish the most of your visit, I have compiled a list of the top 10 places to visit in South Korea that implicitly will make your trip an unforgettable one.

N Seoul Tower

(105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea)

Those who enjoy K-dramas are familiar with this location. N Seoul Tower is one of the most popular spots in South Korea which I believe has become even more popular and eye-catching because of its appearance in so many K-dramas. From Love Locks to snowy and romantic respite, the tower offers a breathtaking night view thanks to the lighting. On Namsan Mountain in central Seoul, this communication and observation tower is located.

The National Museum of Korea 

(137 Seobinggo-ro, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu, 서울특별시(Seoul Special City, South Korea)

The National Museum of Korea holds a significant collection of about 220,000 objects ranging from ancient ages to the current era on a variety of subjects, including art and culture. There are also many national and international artworks and art pieces on display for travellers to explore. The museum also provides space for various cultural activities and events such as research, social training, concerts, etc. Travellers can capture amazing photographs with ease against the stunning backdrop of the museum’s exterior. And not to forget that BTS also filmed an inspiring speech to the class of 2020 graduates during YouTube’s “Dear Class Of 2020” special in that museum.

_{Picture Credits: The National Museum of Korea}

Lotte World

(240 Olympic-ro, Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea)

Lotte World, run by the Lotte Group, is the ideal destination for amusement and sightseeing for both Koreans and international visitors. The indoor Lotte World Adventure and the outdoor lakeside Magic Island theme parks are separated by a retail mall, folk museum, ice rink, hotel, and other attractions. This one is perfect to add to your list if you are a family or a couple or a solo traveller.

_{Picture Credits: VISITKOREA}

Gyeongbokgung Palace

(161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea)

This Palace, which was built in 1395, is known as the Northern Palace because of its location, which is further north than the adjacent palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is considered the most magnificent of the five palaces, and also the largest. It is a historical place and should be visited at least once to get a broader perspective of South Korean ancient culture and stories.

Bukchon Hanok Village

(Gahoe-dong, 계동길 37, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea)

This village shows the historical side unveiling the beautiful buildings of old and traditional South Korea. A lot of Korean dramas have been shot in this area. This location draws in a significant number of visitors due to its remarkably picturesque backdrop that is perfect for Instagram. Tourists rent out the hanboks to click aesthetic pictures while wearing those with a background of this beautiful village. It is a popular tourist spot as tourists seem to have their best pictures as memories of South Korea from this place. You can find exquisite cultural shops where handcrafted items and souvenirs are available for purchase.

Everland Theme Park

(199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea)

I already mentioned Lotte World, now you must be wondering why I mentioned another theme park, well I would say both have their own charms. Both parks are worthwhile, and picking a winner is nearly impossible! Everland is undoubtedly your winner if you enjoy animals and want to get up close and personal with some exotic wildlife. Lotte World, on the other hand, may be your best bet if you’re searching for more family-friendly rides.

_{Picture Credits: VISITKOREA}

Starfield CEOX Mall

(513 Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea)

Starfield COEX Mall (previously known as COEX Mall) is an underground shopping mall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, with convention centres, exhibition halls, and several stores. The mall also has two food courts, a MegaBox (cinema), a COEX Aquarium, and a big bookstore in addition to hundreds of stores. In 2016, the COEX Mall Central Plaza Atrium was renovated and was made Starfield Library in 2017. Some famous Korean dramas have been shot here as well, one of them being “Record of Youth”, covering the Starfield Library. 

_{Picture Credits: VISITKOREA}

Seoul Land

(181 Gwangmyeong-ro, Makgye-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea)

Seoul Land, which first opened in 1988, is Korea’s first complete theme park, with five themed areas: World Plaza, Samcheoli Land, Future Land, Fantasy Land, and Adventure Land. Seoul Land is home to more than 40 roller coasters, as well as a spectacular laser show on the nights and seasonal events. The location is appropriate for both youngsters and adults. All family members can participate in a variety of activities. The space is large enough for everyone to spend the entire day there.

_{Picture Credits: VISITKOREA}

Lotte World Tower

(300 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 6(yuk)-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea)

Lotte World Tower is a 123-story skyscraper in Sincheon-dong, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea, with a height of 555.7 metres. It is now the highest skyscraper in South Korea and the fifth tallest in the world, being opened to the public on April 3, 2017. Lotte World Tower is also home to the Lotte World Mall, a worldwide fashion centre, and tourists will be able to shop at Lotte Duty-Free, Korea’s largest urban duty-free store.

Jeju Island

In the Korea Strait, the province of Jeju comprises the South Korean Island of Jeju. It’s famous for its beach resorts and volcanic landscape, which includes craters and cave-like lava tubes. Jeju Island, commonly known as the “Island of the Gods”, is a famous tourist destination for Koreans and international visitors alike. Hiking up Halla-san (South Korea’s tallest peak) or Olle-Gil (routes), watching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, riding horses, exploring all of the locations, or simply resting on the sandy beaches are just a few of the activities available on the island.

_{Picture Credits: Visit Jeju}

We have a small request for you all to close your eyes for just a minute and observe what comes to your mind when we say, ‘Your trip to South Korea’. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.