<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSouth Korea has a long Buddhist heritage, with countless temples that show how important this religion was for centuries. Some of the most famous ones are near the ancient capital of Gyeongju, such as Bulguksa<\/strong>, but many others like Haeinsa<\/strong> house the most important collections of Buddhist texts on the Korean Peninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Must-see places in South Korea<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Seoul<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSeoul is South Korea\u2019s main attraction for visitors\u2014a vibrant city where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly. It\u2019s a perfect example of the country\u2019s transformation from one of the world\u2019s poorest nations in the 1950s to an economic powerhouse. Seoul has been Korea\u2019s capital since the 14th century, when the Joseon dynasty established it as their seat of power, which gives it a rich historical heritage. You could spend several days exploring its main landmarks and museums, strolling through its many neighborhoods, admiring contemporary architecture, or simply enjoying shopping and, of course, indulging in delicious Korean cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/span>The Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe royal palaces are a must-see in Korea. There are five in total, but the most recommended are Gyeongbokgung<\/strong> and Changdeokgung<\/strong>. Gyeongbokgung is the largest and served as the main residence of Korean kings. It bears some resemblance to Beijing\u2019s Forbidden City. Parts of the palace were destroyed during the Japanese occupation in the early 20th century but have been carefully restored in recent years. The grounds are massive and require several hours to explore. It\u2019s highly recommended to visit during the changing of the guard ceremony, which reenacts rituals from the Joseon dynasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChangdeokgung<\/strong>, on the other hand, is the best-preserved palace from the Joseon era and was used as a residence until the early 20th century. It\u2019s even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don\u2019t miss the Secret Garden<\/strong>, the palace\u2019s most enchanting area.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother major historical site in Seoul is the Jongmyo Confucian Shrine<\/strong>, used by Joseon dynasty kings to honor their ancestors. Since Confucian philosophy shaped Korean culture for centuries, this was the country\u2019s most important shrine. It\u2019s a great place to understand the influence Confucianism had throughout Korean history. Joining one of the English guided tours offered during the day is highly recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Traditional neighborhoods and food markets in Seoul<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAlthough many of Seoul\u2019s traditional neighborhoods were lost\u2014first to the Korean War (1950\u20131953), then to speculation and development from the 1970s onward\u2014some corners of the city still allow you to glimpse the Seoul of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good starting point is Insadong<\/strong>, historically known as the city\u2019s artistic center. The main street and its surrounding alleys are perfect for aimless wandering, discovering small shops, and cozy hanok<\/strong> (traditional Korean houses). Just a ten-minute walk from the main street is the quaint Ikseodong hanok area<\/strong>, a labyrinth of narrow streets where many traditional houses have been turned into stylish, Instagram-worthy cafes and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmong the traditional neighborhoods, Bukchon<\/strong> stands out. Here you\u2019ll find many well-preserved hanok, some of which have been converted into art galleries, restaurants, and cafes that offer a peek inside. It\u2019s true that the area has been affected by gentrification due to a surge in tourism, but a short walk here is still highly recommended\u2014especially if you take the less crowded side streets to escape the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seoul is also famous for its markets, where you can sample Korean cuisine alongside thousands of locals enjoying freshly made home-style dishes. The most famous is Gwangjang Market<\/strong>\u2014a festival of colors, flavors, and sounds where you can follow the crowd and choose from a huge variety of food options. But there are many others worth visiting, like Namdaemun<\/strong>, Tongin<\/strong>, or Mangwon<\/strong> markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>And modern neighborhoods<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Dongdaemun<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\nNear Gwangjang Market lies Dongdaemun<\/strong>. Although located in Seoul\u2019s historic district, next to one of the city\u2019s ancient wall gates, the area is dominated by one of the country\u2019s most iconic modern buildings: the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)<\/strong>. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid, the building is just as spectacular inside as it is outside. A sequence of perfectly traced geometric lines makes it look like something straight out of a futuristic movie set. The DDP is a multifunctional center with exhibition halls, conference spaces, design labs, and more\u2014and you\u2019re free to wander through its interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile Dongdaemun is famous for its clothing market, Myeongdong<\/strong> is the ultimate shopping district. Here you’ll find stores for every taste\u2014fashion, sports, electronics, and of course, Korean cosmetics. At night, the area becomes even livelier when hundreds of food stalls are set up, giving it a completely different personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Itaewon<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\nJust south of Mount Namsan is Itaewon<\/strong>. For years, it had a reputation as a seedy area where American soldiers stationed nearby would come to blow off steam, often leading to fights and disturbances. But since the soldiers stopped coming, Itaewon has undergone a complete transformation and is now full of charming cafes and restaurants. It\u2019s also home to some of the best museums in the city, such as the Samsung Museum of Art<\/strong>, the Korean War Memorial<\/strong>, and what many consider the most worthwhile museum in the country: the National Museum of Korea<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Gangnam<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\nAcross the Han River lies the neighborhood that draws everyone’s attention: the luxurious Gangnam<\/strong>, which gave its name to PSY\u2019s international hit, \u201cGangnam Style.\u201d This is the most expensive district in all of Korea and a place to see the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me of Korean society. It\u2019s the perfect area to dive into modern 21st-century Korean culture. And, of course, it\u2019s a must for K-pop fans, since K-Star Road<\/strong> is fully dedicated to the genre\u2019s biggest stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>The best views of Seoul<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nOne of the city\u2019s most iconic landmarks is N Seoul Tower<\/strong>, perched atop Mount Namsan. While you can go up the communication tower, the views from the mountain summit itself are already spectacular. And for those not keen on hiking, there\u2019s also a funicular option.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHiking enthusiasts might prefer to lace up their sneakers and climb Mount Inwangsan<\/strong>, located to the north of the city, just behind the palace area. Following the old city wall to the summit, you\u2019ll be rewarded with some of the best panoramic views of Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinally, Seoul boasts the sixth-tallest skyscraper in the world<\/strong>: the Lotte World Tower<\/strong>. At 555 meters and 123 floors, it offers breathtaking views from the Seoul Sky<\/strong> observation deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Jeju Island<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s one place in South Korea that locals flock to, it\u2019s Jeju Island<\/strong>. Located 100 kilometers south of the mainland, Koreans often refer to it as their own version of Hawaii\u2014a vacation island with a semi-tropical climate and volcanic origins. Jeju has even been named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World<\/strong>. The island is dominated by the majestic Hallasan volcano<\/strong>, which at 1,950 meters is the tallest mountain in South Korea. If you\u2019re in decent shape, it can be hiked in a day, and the views from the summit are truly unmatched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>What to see in Jeju<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nFor those looking to explore the island at a more relaxed pace, the Olle Trail network<\/strong> is perfect. This circular route lets you visit small villages, farmlands, and ancient dormant craters known as oreum<\/strong>. One of the most spectacular is Seongsan Ilchulbong<\/strong>, which juts out of the sea like a stranded ship. You don\u2019t have to complete the entire trail\u2014since that would take several days\u2014but it\u2019s best to choose a few segments like Trail No. 1 or the last part of Trail No. 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe island also features some of the world\u2019s best-preserved lava tube systems<\/strong>\u2014underground tunnels formed by flowing lava. The most impressive is the Manjanggul Cave<\/strong>, which stretches over 13 kilometers, though only one kilometer is open to visitors. Along the way, you\u2019ll see solidified lava columns that resemble black stalagmites, giving the cave an even more eerie appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe best-preserved traditional village is Seongeup<\/strong>, where many homes are made of volcanic stone. It offers a glimpse of what much of the island looked like not too many decades ago. In this village, you\u2019ll also find numerous curious statues called dol hareubang<\/strong>, believed to bring fertility and protect against evil spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJeju is one of the few places in South Korea where renting a car is the best way to get around. While public transportation exists, connections can be slow and time-consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Busan<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBusan is South Korea\u2019s second-largest city\u2014a port city where skyscrapers blend with cliffs and beaches<\/strong> along the sea. It\u2019s also the film capital of South Korea<\/strong> and home to Asia\u2019s most important international film festival. Even if you’re not visiting during the event, it\u2019s worth stopping by to admire the cutting-edge architecture of the Busan Cinema Center<\/strong>, especially at night when it’s beautifully illuminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>What to see in Busan<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nEach neighborhood in Busan has its own unique character. The city\u2019s commercial center is Seomyeon<\/strong>, near the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market<\/strong>. One of the most famous spots is the Gamcheon Culture Village<\/strong>, a former shantytown transformed by its residents. The homes were painted in bright colors and adorned with vibrant murals, quickly becoming the setting for many Korean dramas and films\u2014and turning it into one of Korea\u2019s most iconic neighborhoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOther notable districts include Gwangalli<\/strong>, with spectacular views of the Gwangan Bridge<\/strong>, and Haeundae<\/strong>, home to the city\u2019s most famous beach. A special mention goes to Haedong Yonggungsa<\/strong>, the most photographed Buddhist temple in Busan. Its location on a cliff overlooking the ocean makes it truly one-of-a-kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Gyeongju<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLocated in the country\u2019s southeast, Gyeongju<\/strong> was the capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. \u2013 935 A.D.)<\/strong> for a millennium\u2014one of the ancient kingdoms that shaped Korea\u2019s history. It\u2019s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> thanks to the wide range of archaeological remains from that era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Burial Mounds and City Center<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe first thing you\u2019ll notice in Gyeongju is the large number of burial mounds<\/strong> that rise up throughout the city center. These are the ancient tombs of Silla kings and queens. The only one open to visitors is Cheonmachong<\/strong>, or the Heavenly Horse Tomb, which offers insight into royal burial customs of the time. Artifacts found here\u2014and in other tombs throughout the city\u2014are housed in the Gyeongju National Museum<\/strong>, one of the best in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the heart of the city, beyond the mounds, stands a small, seemingly fragile