South Korea is a place that is multifaceted in all the right ways, a glorious coming together of all the things that a traveller would ever want in a destination. Thoroughly modern but with easily discoverable roots in ancient culture, extraordinary, explorable landscapes, a friendly people full of spirit, and a seriously delicious cuisine, 2025 is the year to visit South Korea. That invitation to explore is made even better by the fact that, for another year, visits are visa free, thanks to the K-ETA exemption scheme – what better way to discover South Korea’s best places to visit?
For many visitors though, South Korea is Seoul, its glittering capital. Seoul is exciting, full of many of the things that make this country such a delight to explore – ancient temples and neighbourhoods of traditional wooden houses watched over by towering, ultramodern skyscrapers, leafy parks beside streets bustling with cafes, boutiques and street food markets and access to the nature provided by the mountains that surround the city, to name just a few. But there is so much more to visit in South Korea outside of Seoul, so much more history to unravel, romantic legends to discover, countryside to explore, many other places that are worth your time, that will give you an authentic, immersive experience of all that is on offer.
Read on to learn more about our other best places to visit in South Korea.
1. Gyeongju
With its wealth of historical and cultural relics, Gyeongju more than earns its moniker ‘the museum without walls’ and is the place to come to explore the very best of South Korea’s epic history. The city itself is set in a serene surrounding of forest and mountains, the ancient capital of Silla, a powerful kingdom between 57BC and 935AD. Much of the country’s culture is rooted in Silla, holding a special place in the hearts of the population, and an essential on any list of best places to visit in South Korea. Pop just outside of the city to wander among the tombs of ancient monarchs in Tumuli Park, venture further up the mountainside to visit magnificent temples, like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 8th-century Bulguksa Temple, and stroll around the Anapji Pond, the former Silla pleasure garden that, when drained in 1975, revealed a treasure trove of artefacts that can be seen in the Gyeongju National Museum.
2. Seoraksan National Park
Next on our list of top places to visit in South Korea is the natural spectacular that is Seoraksan National Park. Mount Seorak (Seoraksan) is one of the country’s most beautiful mountains, the heart of a national park packed with dramatic craggy bluffs and fragrant pine forests. Beloved for its excellent and accessible hiking trails that lead hikers past clear mountain streams, rock formations, waterfalls and even a couple of historical temples, Seoraksan is also a UNESCO Biosphere Protection site and a nature reserve that shelters over a thousand species of plant, and more than 1,500 animal species, including Korean musk deer, otters, and Siberian flying squirrels. A highlight of a visit here is soaring up into the mountain peaks on the park’s cable car, from where you’ll get spectacular panoramas of the undulating landscapes.
3. Gwangju
The city of Gwangju appears in our list of top places to visit in South Korea because it offers a glimpse at contemporary South Korean history as well as a vibrant arts and festivals scene. Considered the birthplace of Korean democracy after, in 1980, the populous revolted against the then authoritarian military government, Gwangju is seen as a more free-spirited and rebellious city, something complimented by its thriving community of artists. With plenty of museums and galleries to explore, it is a destination with a different vibe to most of South Korea’s other cities and one that is worth your time. While here, pop to close by Boseong to admire the terraces of green tea bushes carved into the hilly terrain.
4. The DMZ
Arguably South Korea’s most fascinating sight, the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is the strip of land that splits the Korean Peninsula in two. A buffer zone between the north and the south established at the end of the Korean War in 1953, it is a heavily militarised border and it’s perhaps this fact that makes visiting it such a thrill. Of course, access to the DMZ is strictly controlled, with only limited tickets available each day, with a set list of attractions that include the Theatre and Exhibition Hall, and the Third Infiltration Tunnel.
5. Jeju Island
Long established as South Korea’s holiday and honeymoon island, the volcanic Jeju is one of the best places to enjoy a bit of all out relaxation. An island of rugged peaks, lush forest, white coral sand beaches with the obligatory swaying palms, there is also plenty of unique ancient traditions still alive here, which will give you a taste of the Korea of times gone by. The most famous of these old ways are the ‘haenyo’ (sea-women), who free dive up to 30 metres down to hunt and gather octopus, squid, clams, and seaweed. Fringed with numerous beaches ranging from lively to hidden gem perfect for lying on, to lava caves and green tea fields, waterfalls, museums, and a lively city full of excellent bars, restaurants and shopping, a visit to Jeju Island is whatever you want to make it.
6. Busan
South Korea’s port extraordinaire, Busan is an excellent urban alternative to Seoul, so rich is its character. More deeply traditional in most respects than the capital, the fact that the city was untouched during the Korean War only adds to its atmosphere, offering some of the country’s loveliest temples, heritage architecture and a lively bravado that you only ever find in bustling port cities. Set by the sea, on a coastline lined with beaches, parks and quaint villages, Busan offers a wonderfully easy-going vibe which makes exploring it all the better. Unmissable Busan experiences include the Jagalchi Fish Market where you can see the impressive variety of catch, browsing the wares of Gukje Market, ascending the Busan Tower, to view the city from above and feeling the sand between your toes on Haeundae Beach.
Sound good? Join us and explore the wonders of South Korea, seeing the best sights, tasting the food and being immersed in the rich culture. Don’t forget to add on an extension to Jeju Island, the perfect place to relax after your explorations and number 5 on our last of top places to visit in South Korea outside Seoul.
Scenic South Korea
13 days from £6190pp
Fully Inclusive of Tour & Flights
Bustling Seoul - Picturesque Busan - Gyeongju - 'the museum without walls' - Scenic Mt Seorak National Park
