Must-Go Places in South Korea: 10 Stops to Anchor Your Itinerary

If South Korea’s been hovering on your travel radar, you’re not alone. Maybe it started with BTS on your playlist, a new K-beauty routine taking over your bathroom shelf, or the thrill of sounding out an “exotic” Asian script like Hangul for the first time. However you got here, South Korea rewards the curiosity: royal palaces set against glass towers, volcanic islands and knife-edge ridgelines, green-tea terraces, sea-cliff temples, and living folk villages where daily life still hums beneath tiled eaves.

This article gathers 10 must-go places in South Korea to anchor a first (or second) itinerary, pairing blockbuster sights with a few quieter landscapes that feel wonderfully local. You’ll find easy day trips from Seoul, nature escapes that reset your pace, and heritage towns where the food alone could justify the journey. For each stop we’ll flag what not to miss, when to go, and small on-the-ground tips that make travel smoother.

Whether you’re chasing city energy and night views, sunrise craters and reed-bed sunsets, or a deeper sense of South Korea’s history, consider this your starting map. Scroll on, pick a few anchors, and let the rest of the trip fall into place.

1) Seoul: Gyeongbokgung & Bukchon Hanok Village

Seoul’s royal heart pairs perfectly with its best-preserved hanok neighborhood, underscoring why it’s one of the must-go places in South Korea. Start at Gyeongbokgung for mountain-framed courtyards, drumbeats, and the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate. Then wander uphill to Bukchon’s tiled alleys for tea houses, craft studios, and city views that skim over dark curved roofs. Loop back via Samcheong-dong for galleries and calm side streets for an easy day-one glide that balances culture with gentle walking.

Don’t miss: A hanbok rental for palace photos (wearers typically enter free); a slow tea at a hanok café, then golden-hour photos along Bukchon’s ridge lanes.

Good to know: Go early for soft light and fewer tours, check palace closure days (often Tuesdays) and be mindful that Bukchon is residential. Keep voices low and stick to marked paths.

2) Busan: Gamcheon Culture Village & Haedong Yonggungsa

Busan blends seaside drama with color-splashed creativity. Meander Gamcheon’s pastel stairways, picking up the village map for stamp stops, micro-galleries, and snack alleys. Later on, trace the coast to Haedong Yonggungsa, a rare sea-cliff temple where waves frame stone pagodas and bridges. Cap the day with seafood and skyline glimmer along Gwangalli or Haeundae.

Don’t miss: Gamcheon’s lookout terraces and small ateliers; golden-hour at the temple, when the rock and sea turn warm and the crowds thin.

Good to know: Wear real walking shoes, as Gamcheon is all steps and slopes. Taxis save time between Gamcheon and the temple; aim for Yonggungsa early morning or late afternoon on weekends.

3) Jeju Island (UNESCO)

Jeju is Korea’s nature playground: volcano-forged craters, lava tubes, waterfalls, tangerine orchards, and coastal cafés built for storm-watching. It’s one of South Korea’s must-go places for a compact two to three days: hike Hallasan if you’re keen, or stitch a lighter loop such as sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong, a lava-tube visit, then an Olle Trail section that skims black-basalt shores. Add a waterfall stop and a grill of Jeju black pork or abalone for a satisfying two to three days.

Don’t miss: A stretch of the Olle walking trails and a lava tube (e.g., Manjanggul) for otherworldly textures; café-hopping with sea views on blustery days.

Good to know: Self-drive gives you freedom, so plan east/west days to cut backtracking. Weather can close Hallasan trails and impact sea activities, so keep an eye on forecasts and have a Plan B.

4) Gyeongju: Bulguksa & Seokguram

Often called an open-air museum, Gyeongju distills Silla-era elegance into temple eaves, stone pagodas, and grassy royal tombs. Climb Bulguksa’s stairways and terraces into pine-scented courtyards, then continue uphill to Seokguram, where a granite grotto shelters a serene seated Buddha above the East Sea. Balance temples with time among tumuli, pavilion ponds, and museum galleries, making for a contemplative counterweight to the big cities.

Don’t miss: Anapji (Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond) after dusk for mirror-still reflections; a spin through Daereungwon Tomb Park to grasp the scale of Silla royalty.

Good to know: Seokguram sits several kilometers above Bulguksa, so take the shuttle or a steep trail; bring a light layer for the cool grotto interior. Buses link major sights, but short taxi hops save time between temple and grotto.

5) Seoraksan National Park

Granite peaks, razorback ridgelines, and maple forests that flare in autumn—Seoraksan delivers instant mountain drama. Ride the cable car to Gwongeumseong for wide-open views, or choose a signed trail to waterfalls and rocky lookouts. Hikers can tackle Ulsanbawi’s stairs for a lung-busting payoff. Even a half-day resets your pace with temple bells and crisp air.

Don’t miss: Sinheungsa’s quiet courtyards and the giant bronze Buddha near the entrance; the Biryong or Yukdam Falls trails for accessible payoff without committing to a summit.

Good to know: Start early, as parking and popular paths fill quickly on weekends and in peak foliage season. Weather shifts fast, so pack layers, water, and in winter consider microspikes. Base yourself in Sokcho for easy bus access to the park gate.

6) Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Encircled by a lazy river bend, Hahoe offers a living look at clan villages: tiled yangban houses, thatched cottages, and lanes where chilies and garlic dry in the sun. It’s as much about mood as architecture, with mask culture, Confucian academies, and riverbank strolls creating a deep, unhurried cultural day.

Don’t miss: A Hahoe mask dance performance if scheduled; the Buyongdae Cliff viewpoint (short hike or quick boat across the river) for the classic sweep over the village rooftops.

Good to know: Residents still live here, so make sure to keep voices low and stay on marked paths. Surfaces are uneven, so wear flat shoes; carry small cash for snack stands and local crafts.

7) Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve

Boardwalks thread through vast reed beds where crabs skitter and migratory birds settle. Time your walk so the low sun turns the grasses gold, then climb to the hilltop observatory for the famous “S-curve” panorama. Pair the reserve with Suncheonman National Garden for an easy full day of nature and landscaped calm.

Don’t miss: The observatory at late afternoon for color and silhouettes; quiet side spurs off the main boardwalk for bird spotting.

Good to know: Arrive 1–2 hours before sunset and check last entry times; bring bug repellent and binoculars. Tides and seasons shape the view, and at high tide the water turns mirror-like.

8) Boseong Green Tea Fields

Terraced tea rows ripple up forested hills in perfect emerald lines. Come early for mist and emptier paths, wander short trails above the terraces for wide-angle shots, then reward yourself with a matcha latte or green-tea ice cream at the farm café. Photographers and food lovers both win here.

Don’t miss: A short ridge path for bird’s-eye photos; a simple lunch with tea-infused dishes at a nearby eatery.

Good to know: Spring and early summer are lushest; midsummer is hot and humid. Paths can be slick after rain, so wear shoes with grip.

9) Tongyeong & Hallyeohaesang Marine National Park

An island-studded seascape tailor-made for cable-car vistas, breezy ferries, and ultra-fresh seafood. Ride the cable car to Mireuksan for big-blue panoramas (add the luge if you like), wander Tongyeong’s alley murals and old harbor lanes, then linger over sashimi as the bay lights come up.

Don’t miss: Yi Sun-sin Park for lookouts; a ferry hop to a nearby islet if seas are calm.

Good to know: Check ferry schedules, since boats don’t run late and can cancel in wind. The town is hilly with steps; plan shoes and light layers for sea breezes.

10) Jeonju Hanok Village (Food & Heritage City)

A warren of 700+ traditional hanok houses where slow travel meets comfort food. Spend the day ducking into hanji paper and calligraphy studios, sipping in alleyway cafés, and roaming wooden eaves that glow at golden hour. As dusk settles, pivot to Jeonju’s culinary calling cards—classic bibimbap, convivial makgeolli taverns with generous anju (side dishes), and Nambu Market’s easy night bites—then unwind in a hanok stay with toasty ondol floors.

Don’t miss: Sunset at Omokdae pavilion for rooftops and river views; Jeondong Cathedral for photos; a hands-on craft stop (hanji, knotting, or calligraphy); a proper Jeonju bibimbap.

Good to know: Weekends get busy, so aim for early morning or a weekday. Lanes are residential, make sure to keep voices low. Book a hanok with soundproofing if you’re a light sleeper, and bring/borrow socks for ondol floors. Hanbok rentals make for great village photos.

Where to Stay in South Korea

From sky-high city views to wave-side design hotels and tranquil hanok courtyards, South Korea’s stays can shape the feel of your trip as much as the sights. Use the picks below to pair each region with a stay that matches your pace—celebratory first nights in Seoul, coastal lights in Busan, resort downtime on Jeju, and a traditional hanok experience steps from royal palaces.

And if you need more ideas, Travelmyth’s 60 smart categories make it easy to filter by skyscrapers, beachfront, spa, family-friendly, boutique-style, and more.

1) Seoul —  Signiel Seoul (Lotte World Tower)

A showstopper for debut nights in Korea: rooms poised on the 76th–101st floors of the 123-story Lotte World Tower, with sweeping lake-and-skyline panoramas, making it one of the skyscraper hotels in South Korea. Onsite highlights include STAY, Modern Restaurant by Yannick Alléno for a polished splurge and BAR 81 (Asia’s largest champagne bar) for night views that pair perfectly with the tower’s observation deck above. Seamless service, generous baths, and cloud-level breakfasts make this a memorable touch without leaving Jamsil.

2) Busan —  Park Hyatt Busan 

Glass-and-steel elegance set over the marina in Haeundae/Marine City. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Gwangandaegyo (Gwangan) Bridge, so ask for a bridge-view room or suite for the nightly light show. Interiors are all clean lines and warm woods; a calm pool, spa, and high-floor dining round out the city-meets-sea vibe. It’s a refined base within quick reach of Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae, and coastal cafés.

3) Jeju —  The Shilla Jeju 

A classic 5-star resort in Jeju for recovery days between sunrise craters and lava tubes. Landscaped grounds wrap family and adults-only pool zones (the adult pool is heated year-round), while the Soombi Garden programs add easy, low-effort activities. Rooms lean restful and breezy, while dining covers Korean comfort favorites alongside seafood. Ideal if you want resort amenities without losing a sense of Jeju’s nature.

4) Seoul —  Bukchon Binkwan by Rakkojae (Hanok Stay)

Trade glass towers for quiet courtyards in a century-plus hanok compound tucked into Bukchon’s lanes. Expect ondol-heated floors, wooden beams, paper doors, and a pace that nudges you toward tea, slippers, and early nights. You’re walking-distance from palaces, galleries, and hanok cafés. Select rooms open onto serene inner yards, and occasional cultural touches (like tea or traditional attire experiences) deepen the stay. A perfect counterpoint to a modern high-rise night elsewhere in the trip.

Trip-smoothing notes

A few quick logistics to keep your trip smooth and unhurried:

• Best seasons: Spring (late March–April) and autumn (October–early November) are prime for walking and views.
• Crowds & timing: Weekends peak at headline sights, so arrive at opening and pre-book timed entries where possible.
• Getting around: KTX shrinks hub distances (Seoul–Busan–Gyeongju). Rent a car on Jeju and for Boseong/Suncheon to link sights efficiently.
• Smart bases: Overnight in Sokcho for Seoraksan access; on Jeju, plan east/west days (or split your stay) to cut backtracking.
• Pack light, pack right: Layers, a light rain shell, broken-in walking shoes, and a portable battery. Weather flips fast in the mountains and along the coast.

A little pre-booking and a few early starts buy you emptier paths, better light, and more energy for those delicious detours.

Final thoughts

South Korea makes good on any spark of curiosity, be it a BTS album on loop, a new K-beauty ritual, or the first time you traced the shapes of Hangul. Use the must-go places in Korea above to sketch a trip that moves with intention: 7–10 days usually fits Seoul plus one culture stop (Gyeongju or Jeonju), then either the coast (Busan/Tongyeong) or nature (Jeju/Seoraksan). Add Suncheon or Boseong if you crave quieter landscapes and easy photography wins.

If you’ve read this far, your itinerary is already forming. The last step is simple: choose a base that supports it. On Travelmyth, you can explore our 60 smart hotel categories to match your style of travel: beachfront bliss, skyline views, spa retreats, boutique charm, family stays, pet-friendly picks, eco-conscious options, and more. So, name the week, choose the bed, and let Korea fill in the pages.

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