Are you planning to visit Korea for the first time? You’ll need some expert travel guidelines to get the best out of your trip. Korea is a beautiful country with a rich culture, ancient architecture, historic landmarks, and amusing experiences for the visitors. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene countryside of Jeju Island, Korea has numerous attractions to offer to its visitors.
Top Places to Visit in Korea
1. Seoul
Seoul, the capital city of Korea, is one of the spots that immediately comes to mind when you think of Korea. Seoul is a modern city with skyscrapers, shopping malls, and a bustling downtown area. You can visit the Seoul Tower for a panoramic view of the city, go on a shopping spree in Myeongdong or Gangnam, or experience the vibrant nightlife of Itaewon.
While it’s great to visit the famous tourist spots mentioned above, it’s also great to visit places with a Korean flavor. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can experience walking through a medieval palace while wearing traditional Korean clothing (hanbok).
If you’re visiting Korea between May and September, when the weather is warmer, I recommend visiting the Han River, where you’ll find people picnicking on the riverside lawns. There are food trucks, a variety of food options, and most importantly, lots of happy people.
Visit VisitSeoul.net for more information.
2. Busan
Busan, the second-largest city in Korea, is an ideal place for people who love seafood and the ocean. You can visit the Jagalchi Fish Market to enjoy fresh seafood or enjoy downtown shopping at the PIFF Square. The Haeundae Beach is also one of the most popular beaches in Korea.
When Korea was at war, all the evacuees came to Busan. Many places in Busan were settled by refugees from that time. Of course, there are also many places that were built during the Japanese occupation. As a port city, Busan has been heavily influenced by Japanese, Chinese, and other foreign cultures.
You can see a variety of goods from Japan and other countries in places like Can Market and Kokusai Market. These days, you can also enjoy a variety of gourmet foods. If you’re traveling to Busan by KTX, I’d recommend visiting Kukje Market and Can Market, which are located near Busan Station.
The night view of Busan at night is very beautiful. If you visit Gamcheon Cultural Village, you can see a cute village. If you go to Busan, I recommend trying foods such as pork soup and wheat noodles. They are not spicy and are very soft. However, for pork soup, it is recommended to visit a famous restaurant (if it is made incorrectly, it can be smelly).
Haeundae Beach is the most famous beach in Busan, but nowadays, Gwangalli Beach, which is right next to Haeundae Beach, is also famous. Gwangalli Beach has a bridge called Gwangan Bridge, and the night view is very impressive. Hotels in the area aren’t too expensive, so if you book an affordable accommodation, you can enjoy both the fireworks and the night view.
Next to Haeundae Beach, there is a new tourist product that is becoming popular these days. This is the beach train. It is a tourist product that uses a monorail and a promenade on the same route as the train. You just need to book a ticket in advance and wait. There are six stops and you can experience the train while looking at the beach through the glass.
You can get off at the right station and enjoy the scenery and walk around. I visited this year and it was one of the most impressive places I visited during my trip to Busan.
Recommended tourist spots in Busan
3. Gyeongju
Gyeongju is also known as the “Museum Without Walls” and is a city full of ancient artifacts and architecture. You can visit the Bulguksa Temple, one of the historic landmarks in UNESCO’s World Heritage list, or stroll through the Anapji Pond, one of the most beautiful spots in Gyeongju.
Gyeongju was the capital of an ancient kingdom called Silla for 1000 years. As a result, there are many traditional houses, temples, and Buddhist statues. Another name for Gyeongju is ‘Thousand Year Old City’.
Gyeongju has a beautiful night view and a variety of cultural assets. There is an astronomical observation tower called ‘Cheomseongdae’ and various pagodas and Buddhist statues. There are also many tombs of kings. If you’re visiting Gyeongju and you see a hill rising from a residential area, that’s a royal tomb.
In Gyeongju, there is a street called ‘Hwanglidang-gil’. There are many cafes, places to eat, and things to see. You can have dinner with friends at a rooftop cafe while enjoying the night view.
There is a place called Woljeong Bridge that is famous for its night view. If you visit at dusk, you can see the traditional architecture illuminated in colorful lights. For more information on where to go for a nighttime stroll by moonlight, check out this article.
A Night of Shining Race, Owl Walking Downtown
4. Jeju Island
Located off the southern coast of Korea, Jeju Island is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Jeju is home to several unique natural formations like the Manjanggul Cave and Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcanic crater site. You can also enjoy water sports on the beaches or explore the rural countryside of Jeju Island.
Jeju Island is a very warm island. As the southernmost island in Korea, it also has the best weather. Jeju Island is one of the most visited tourist destinations by Koreans. Did you know that the most flights in the world are between Gimpo and Jeju Island? That’s a lot of flights.
Jeju Island has a mountain in the center called Hallasan. There is a crater called Baekrokdam on the top of Hallasan, a volcanic island. You can also visit Seongsan Ilchulbong (which is no longer active).
Jeju Island is an oval-shaped island, so you need to organize your trip by going east, west, south, and north. The north and west are famous for their beaches and cafes. Near Hallasan Mountain and in the interior of the island are various botanical gardens and tourist spots. On the east side of the island, Seopjikoji and Seongsan Ilchulbong are representative tourist spots. Seopjikoji was featured in the drama All In.
In the south of the island, near the city of Seogwipo, there are various tourist attractions. In the south, there are many cafes, especially those overlooking the sea. If you want to enjoy a lazy afternoon overlooking the Pacific Ocean, visit a cafe. There are many hotels in the Jungmun Complex near Seogwipo City. There are beach walks and various attractions.
On the west side of the island, there are beaches and cafes to enjoy while watching the sunset. A representative cafe street is ‘Aewol-eup Café Street’. If you visit around sunset, you can see a really nice sunset. There are many restaurants where you can watch the sunset while walking along the cafe street and having dinner.
Recommended tourist spots in Jeju
Tips for First-timers
For first-timers, it’s important to prepare yourself before visiting Korea. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Get a T-Money card for convenient transportation.
- Download the Visit Korea app for easy access to tourist information.
- Learn some basic Korean phrases for communication.
- Do a bit of research on food etiquette and table manners in Korea.
- Carry a comfortable pair of shoes for exploring the beautiful spots.
Conclusion
Korea is a fascinating country and a great destination for first-timers. By following the above guidelines and exploring the top spots, you’ll undoubtedly have a memorable experience. Don’t hesitate to dive into the Korean food, culture, and history to get the best out of your trip. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
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