167 Best Sights in South Korea

When the 63 Square building was constructed in the 1980s, it was the tallest building in Asia. While it no longer claims that accolade (it now belongs to Dubai's Burj Khalifa), the gold-tinted, 63-story skyscraper is Seoul's seventh tallest. The former observation deck on the 60th floor has been converted into the 63 Art Gallery, which claims to be the world’s highest art space. The modern, rotating installations are made all the more striking by the floor-to-ceiling windows with birds’ eye views of the skyline, the Han River, and N Seoul Tower as a backdrop. In addition to the gallery, there’s also a cafe on the 60th floor, while the 57th through 59th floors are home to high-end restaurants.

The waters off of Tongyeong are home to scores of beautiful, sleepy islands, most of which are part of the Hallyeohaesang National Park. The crown jewel, arguably, is Bijindo, which is actually two tree-covered mountains connected by a white sand spit, which in turn makes up one of the most idyllic beaches in the country. Most Koreans come to Bijindo to hike, while others arrive for the fishing and beach action. The island has plenty of basic accommodations available in the form of pensions and mibaks, the bare-bones, sleep-on-the-floor rooms found throughout the beaches and mountains of Korea. There are also some very simple restaurants, though many people choose to bring their own food. Boats leave three times a day (6:50 am, 10:50 am, 2:30 pm) from Tongyeong's Passenger Terminal. The trip takes about 40 minutes.

Situated just north of COEX Mall, this beautiful Buddhist complex is an oasis of tranquility in the amped up concrete and steel environs of modern Gangnam. Built in 794, the temple is home to 3,479 Buddhist scriptures, making it much more than a tourist attraction in the heart of one of Seoul's most modern and hectic districts. Bongeunsa is also part of South Korea's temple stay program, so it's possible to sleep overnight and experience life from a monk's perspective. 

Just a short stroll from central Seomyeon is one of Busan's great treasures: Bujeon Market. This sprawling complex is the largest in the city, a dizzying, full-force blast to the senses that reminds you just how exciting Korea can be. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, kimchi, fresh fruit, chili powder, dried squid, veggies, or live turtles, Bujeon has it all, along with a festive, frenetic atmosphere that's sure to get your blood pumping and mouth watering. You don't even have to buy anything: the market is worth a visit just for the experience alone, though you'd be foolish not to snack at one of the many food stalls.

Ever since this massive, spaceship-like cultural center opened in 2014 it’s become a quintessential sight in Dongdaemun and is visited by an average of 30,000 people per day. The futuristic Zaha Hadid–designed structure is clad with 45,133 aluminum panels and hosts more than 100 exhibitions and events each year. There are also architectural tours, a rooftop garden, kids’ art classes, restaurants, cafes, and shops to keep you occupied for hours.

One of the largest traditional markets in the country, Gwangjang Market has become famous over the past few years for its restaurants and street food vendors. While locals go to the market more for the experience than the quality of food, the bindaetteok (fried mung bean pancakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls) and hotteok (sweet, sugar-filled pancakes) are snacks worth seeking out. Walk off the calories by browsing the hanbok vendors and vintage clothing shops on the second floor.

This section of the sprawling Gwangjang Market is a food lover’s dream. The market’s history dates back more than 100 years and the bright, buzzing atmosphere remains the go-to place to sample Korea’s famous street food. Not to be missed are the bindaetteok (savory mung bean pancakes), mandu (meat or kimchi-filled dumplings), and tteokbokki (simmered rice cake in a spicy red sauce). More adventurous eaters can try san-nakji (raw, freshly chopped live octopus), jokbal (pig feet), and dakbal (chicken feet). Prices are inexpensive, and it’s possible to fill up with two or three items for less than ₩10,000 (more for the delicacies).

One of the most prominent museums in the country, Gyeongju National Museum is dedicated to the art, history, and treasures of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC–AD 935), with weapons, armor, clothing, pottery, statues, royal crowns, and more on display.  An hour or so browsing its exhibits will give you a deeper appreciation of the civilization that once called Gyeongju its capital. If you really want to understand the Silla period, this should be your first stop in town.

Often likened to New York City’s High Line, the Gyeongui Line Forest Park is a narrow green space that stretches 6.3 km (3.9 miles) over train tracks that once led to North Korea. Train service was suspended in 1951 after the two Koreas divided and the area was mostly urbanized until 2009, when the idea to build the park was greenlit. Today, the park is divided into four main sections, with the section outside Hongdae Station Exit 3 being the most popular. In summer, buskers play guitar on one of the many benches and picnickers laze on the grass with drinks from nearby convenience stores, but the park is busy year-round as it’s surrounded by trendy restaurants and cafes. Venture outside the Hongdae Station area (further outside Exit 3 or Exit 2) for pleasant, little surprises: a row of bookshops, remnants of the old tracks, and meet-ups of neighborhood dogs.

Built in 1376, this exquisite complex sits on the rocks right above the roiling ocean waves. Seaside temples are rare in Korea, and Yonggungsa is arguably the country's finest. Perfectly combining raw nature and architectural splendor, this temple is a must-see, delivering a dose of both exhilaration and serenity to anyone lucky enough to visit. Try to visit on a weekday if possible, as weekends get crowded.

This 1.5-km (.9 mile) expanse of white sand is the most popular in the country, which means there are parasols as far as the eye can see during the busiest weeks of the summer. Still, the beach is home to events year-round, including the Polar Bear Swim and the Jeongwol Daeborum Fire Festival in the winter; it also plays partial host to the Busan International Film Festival in October. Whatever the season, this gorgeous inner-city beach is a destination unto itself and, for most Koreans, is synonymous with "Busan." Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; fee parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; swimming; walking.

This is a botanical garden, zoo, and cultural experience all wrapped up in one. At this Jeju-themed park, visitors experience the flora of Jeju while winding through a maze of greenhouses, orchards, and reptile enclosures. The walk-in bird sanctuary puts you face to face with peacocks and other native fowl. The water garden, traditional folk village, and bonsai and stone statue park represent the island's artistic heritage. There are even two small lava tubes guests can walk through. If your visit is short, Hallim Park is a great way to experience Jeju's many facets in just a few hours.

This small but unique zone straddling the inter-Korean border secured by the United Nations Command and the North Korean military is where negotiations between the two sides are ongoing. This is usually the only place in South Korea where you can often see North Korean soldiers in the flesh. Within the Joint Security Area is the Bridge of No Return, a military line between the two sides where prisoners of war were exchanged after the Korean Armistice was signed in 1953.

Dominating the Jamsil skyline, Lotte World Tower represents modern Seoul perhaps more than any other building in the city. This impressive skyscraper tops out at 555 meters (1,820 feet) and is not just the highest structure in Korea, but also currently the 5th tallest building on the planet. Its design was inspired by Korean ceramics and writing brushes, and if you're anywhere in its vicinity, its sure to capture your attention. It's one of those rare high-rises that has managed to inspire awe. The top seven floors make up the Seoul Sky Observatory, which offers easily the best views in the city. In addition to observation platforms, there is a cafe, shop, lounge, and sky bridge linking the two halves of the building.

Established in 2002 by the Hanmi Pharmaceutical's foundation for arts and culture, this museum (which was formerly known as The Museum of Photography Seoul) is dedicated to displaying the work of prominent and up-and-coming Korean photographers, as well hosting international exchanges. It also aims to encourage and inspire those who wish to pursue photography as a career by offering classes and training through its academy. It relocated to a purpose-built building in central Seoul in late 2022.

This beautifully forested island in the Bukhangang River was created in 1944 when water rose with the construction of the nearby Cheongpyeong Dam. Initially just a sand bar, the island caught the attention of financier and former Bank of Korea governor Minn Byeong-do, who bought it in 1965 and turned it into an arboretum dissected by lanes of trees. Its tranquil walking paths lined by towering metasequoia and ginkgo draw more than 3 million visitors a year, including more than 1 million international visitors. Be sure to snap photos in the rows of trees at Ginkgo Tree Lane, Metasequoia Tree Lane, and Central Korean Pine Tree Lane to capture the island in all its majesty. The island has appeared in popular Korean TV shows, most notably the 2002 hit Winter Sonata, one of the first Korean TV series to achieve international success. This further drives its popularity, particularly with visitors from Korea's Asian neighbors. Be warned that the island can become crowded, particularly in autumn when the ginkgo trees turn golden. 

Seoul's largest park once anchored the southern end of the city. As Seoul grew southward, however, it soon became the city's most central park. Encompassing Mt. Namsan and the surrounding area, Namsan Park is crisscrossed with rubberized walking trails and full of trees, wildflowers, and—in the warmer months—swarms of pedestrians. Still, it is worth a visit to see some of the greenery and sites such as the old Fortress Wall, the botanical gardens, and the science museum. The highlight is definitely N Seoul Tower, a needle-like tower with excellent night views of the entire city.

For anyone who wants to become better acquainted with Korea's unique history, culture, or arts the National Museum is the museum to visit. The sixth largest in the world, any of the 13,000 works of art permanently on display could stand impressively on its own. By following the chronologically arranged path, visitors get a sense of not only the depth and beauty of Korean culture, but also how it evolved over the centuries. In addition to the expansive permanent collection, the museum hosts impressive special exhibitions as well.  For those wanting more information about the works and periods of Korean history, the museum offers "smart curators" (digital tablets that offer audio explanations and more) and guided tours in English for groups.

Arguably Jeju's most recognized tourist sight, Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) is a dramatic tuff cone created around 5,000 years ago after an underwater volcanic explosion. Rising 600 feet out of the sea like a coastal fortress, the cone is ringed by dramatic cliffs sculpted by thousands of years of wind and waves, and capped by a grassy, bowl-shaped caldera. The peak was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2007 thanks to its "outstanding aesthetic beauty" and geological significance.

It takes about an hour to hike the well-maintained path to the lip of the crater, where you can take in views of the caldera and the sea beyond. The best views of the peak, however, are to be had at nearby Gwangchigi Beach, especially at sunrise, when the peak is silhouetted against the rising sun. If you're lucky, it will also be low-tide, exposing the moss-covered volcanic rocks along the beach.

This sprawling complex is more than just a shopping destination: it's the mothership of trendsetting fashion, food, culture, and entertainment in Seoul. The largest underground mall in Asia, COEX is home to shops carrying national and international brands, as well as restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, plus a movie theater, an aquarium, and the Starfield Library, where you can browse through thousands of books or just relax under the skylight roof. It's a great place to lose yourself for a couple of hours, and when you feel like coming up for air, make sure to stroll along the grounds outside and check out the giant golden sculpture of Psy's hands as he does the "Gangnam Style" horse dance.

The spectacular Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built in the late 18th century as part of a failed attempt to move the royal capital from Seoul. Consisting of more than three and half miles of stone and brick walls that reach 20 feet in height, the fortifications include imposing gates, watch towers, turrets, and even a detached palace. Designed by Jeong Yakyong, a renowned scholar of the so-called "practical knowledge" school of thought, the fortress incorporates scientific principles and leading fortification techniques from around the world in its construction and design. The fortress was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. With well-maintained paths lining the walls, you can circumnavigate the fortress in a couple of hours.

Both a much-welcomed swath of nature as well as one of the city's greatest historical treasures, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the burial mounds of two kings and one queen from Korea's Joseon era. King Seongjong—widely considered to be one of Korea's great leaders—is buried with his wife, Queen Jeonghyeon, in the park's west side, while the east side contains the tomb of King Jeongneung, their second son. While the history is impressive, the park also offers visitors a chance to unwind, exercise, and otherwise soak up fresh air in the midst of Gangnam's concrete jungle.

Nestled at the base of the stone-crowned Yeongchuksan, Korea's largest temple is a village unto itself. With more than 65 buildings within the temple grounds, Tongdosa is one of the country's "Three Jewel Temples" and is famous for having no outside statues of Buddha. This is because the temple contains relics of the Buddha himself, including a robe, a begging bowl, and a supposed piece of his skull. For all of its history, art, and heritage, Tongdosa shines brightest as a nature destination. The valley it calls home is a stunning piece of real estate, and the mountain that looms over the temple and surrounding town is like a gargantuan stone sentinel. You can feel the power emanating from the rock and understand at once why, centuries ago, it was decided that this was a holy place. Tongdosa also hosts temple stays, if you're in the mood to experience life from the inside.

At 1,240 meters (4,068 feet) Gajisan is the highest mountain in the Yeongnam Alps, and makes a great day trip for anyone wanting to summit the peak. The best approach is from the trailhead at Baegyeonsa Temple. While it's a challenging hike in spots, the trail is well-developed and it can be done by anyone in reasonable physical condition. And like any great trek, the view from the top makes all the hard work worth it.

A visit here serves as a reminder of Korea's recent past and the continuing state of political affairs on the peninsula. During the Korean war, almost 41,000 UN soldiers lost their lives; and approximately 2,300 people, from eleven nations, are interred here. While all of the fallen from the USA and seven other countries have been repatriated, the flags of the twenty-one nations that participated fly over the cemetery today.

The most popular park in Yeouido, and indeed perhaps all of Seoul, is Yeouido Hangang Park. Running parallel to the Han River for the full length of the island, the park is dotted with picnic areas, stages, bike paths, and convenience stores for grabbing a Hite beer on a hot summer’s day. Other highlights include a public pool with prime city skyline views and whimsical paddleboats shaped like ducks, but it's the statue of letters spelling out “I SEOUL U”  with a background of the river, the skyline, and N Seoul Tower that draw daily flocks of eager Instagrammers.

Walking up this flight of 40 stairs is a symbolic act: the climber is reminded of the struggle of refugees displaced by the Korean War. During that time, the area was a transportation hub where refugees would gather to set up camp in makeshift housing and meet up with loved ones from whom they'd been separated after fleeing their hometowns. Today, the area pays tribute to this history with several statues.

This former amethyst mine has been turned into a tourist attraction that's worth a visit if caves are your thing. The 2.5-km-long (1.55 miles) cavern can be accessed on foot and offers views to amethysts, rotating exhibitions, as well as subterranean boat rides. There are a few older carnival rides outside in case the cave itself wasn't thrilling enough for you.

Both traditional and hyper-modern art is the focus at this museum, which showcases one topic or artist at a time. Past exhibitions have highlighted abstract expressionist Mary Corse, sculptor Lee Bul, and graphic artist William Kentridge. Located in Yongsan's striking Amorepacific Headquarters designed by architect David Chipperfield, the museum first began with the private collection of the conglomerate’s CEO, Suh Sungwhan. Also on the premises is a library called apLAP containing 10,000 catalogs of exhibitions from all over the world, plus a gift shop and a number of cafes and restaurants.

While perhaps not to everyone's taste, gopchang (grilled pig or cow intestines) is a Daegu specialty, and this street is packed with more than 50 restaurants dedicated to the delicacy. On weekends the street is flooded with locals eating and, most importantly, imbibing, as gopchang is seen more as an anju (a side dish for drinking) than a main course. Even if intestines aren't your thing, the festive atmosphere is worth the visit alone, and all the restaurants also serve up more conventional cuts of meat.