12 Very Best Cities In South Korea
There's more to see than just Seoul!
South Korea is (still) an underrated travel destination – but incredible to explore! From stunning hiking trails, islands like Jeju and the best cities in South Korea to visit, there’s a slice of the peninsula that everyone will love.
Most people who do decide to travel to South Korea often only explore Seoul. That being said, you can actually get a deeper sense of the country’s culture when venturing outside Seoul’s city walls.
With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my favorite and best cities in South Korea I visited since I moved here in 2015. From sprawling mega-cities like Seoul to smaller hidden gems – there is something for everyone!
Almost every trip to South Korea likely starts (or ends) in Seoul. It’s no surprise that the country’s capital is also one of the best cities in South Korea to visit. Seoul seems to have it all: culture, history, shopping, food, urban hotspots… You name it – Seoul’s probably got it.
There is so much to see and do in Seoul that it’s best to check out my ultimate guide to Seoul for a comprehensive overview.
Public open space in front of Gyeongbokgung with a statue of King Sejong as the focal point
Traditional Korean village with of lots of alleys and traditional hanok houses
Communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul
The first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty in 1395
Major urban development landmark with a distinctively neofuturistic design designed by Zaha Hadid and Samoo
Entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Even though Busan is the second largest city in Korea (after Seoul), the two cities couldn’t be more different. If Seoul is the NYC of Korea, Busan would probably be the Korean Miami. It’s pretty laid-back and heavily influenced by beach vibes. However, besides fun in the sun, Busan also has some of the most interesting cultural attractions, especially the seaside temple Haedong Yonggung. Grab some of the best seafood here and don’t forget to take a dip in Korea’s most famous beach: Haeundae!
Korea's largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish
One of Korea's most famous and popular beaches
Elevated park with a seaside observatory
Buddhist temple on the coast built in 1376
Soaring tower with a viewing deck
Busan's Jagalchi Fish Market
History buffs are going to love Gyeongju. In fact, the city is often referred to as Korea’s “museum without walls” because Gyeongju has more tombs, temples, pagodas, Buddhist statuary and palace ruins than any other city in all of South Korea. It’s a lovely place to visit and should be on every Korea travel itinerary.
Relic of Buddhist culture from the Shilla kingdom built in 528
Traditional Yangban village from the Joseon dynasty
5-6th-century CE royal tomb of the ancient Shilla kingdom
Religious architectural complex of exceptional significance built in 774
Museum in Gyeongju largely devoted to relics of the Shilla kingdom
Inside Bulguksa Temple
As the birthplace of both the Joseon dynasty and Korea’s most well-known dish, bibimbap (rice, egg and vegetables with a hot sauce), Jeonju is one of the best cities in South Korea to visit. Most people visit the hanok maeul area, which is filled with traditional wooden homes. Be sure to stay overnight and sleep in a hanok – Korean style!
Traditional village with hanok houses
Historic shrine with royal portrait museum
Romanesque church with martyr
Traditional Korean food served as a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul or kimchi and gochujang, soy sauce, or doenjang
Traditional market and shopping area
View of the hanok houses in Jeonju
Jeju Island is one of Korea’s best domestic travel destinations that locals and visitors love. Besides its beautiful beaches, Jeju also offers lush countryside and some of the best seafood restaurants you can find.
Landmark mountain with hiking trails
Lighthouse, seaside resort, seafood and beach
Popular white-sand beach
Island waterfall with food & shops
Tea-related displays, café and museum
Jeju landscape
Located on the Gangwondo coast, Gangneung is a lovely seaside town with some of the finest beaches in South Korea. Gangneung also hosted several events of the 2018 Winter Olympics and is also home to various well-preserved Joseon-era buildings.
Check out this East Sea & Gangneung 1 Day Tour from Seoul.
Beach, seaside resort and lake
Picturesque farm with lots of cute sheep
Upper class residence of the Naebeon Lee (1703-1781) noble family of Gangneung
Home of the most prominent Korean Confucian scholar of the Joseon Dynasty Yi I and birthplace of his mother Shin Saimdang
Large seafood market founded in 1936 and home to a large fleet of squid boats
Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung
Love this article? Check out the remaining best cities in South Korea to visit direclty in this original article: http://lindagoeseast.com/2019/09/19/12-very-best-cities-in-south-korea-to-visit/