Most Amazing Places to Visit in South Korea: Itinerary & Travel tips(2025)

Discover South Korea's perfect blend of futuristic cities, traditional culture, scenic nature, and hidden gems. Whether you're into history, K-pop, hiking, or food adventures — South Korea has something unforgettable for you.

1. Seoul – The Dynamic Capital

Why Go:
A perfect mix of tradition and tech — ancient palaces stand tall beside mega malls and K-drama hotspots.

Highlights:

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village

  • Myeongdong for shopping

  • N Seoul Tower for panoramic views

  • Hongdae nightlife & K-pop street performers

  • DMZ Tour (half-day trip)

📌 Travel Tip: Use the T-Money card for convenient subway/bus rides.

🔗 Book Hotels in Seoul


2. Jeju Island – The Hawaii of Korea

Seopjikoji (섭지코지)

Cheonjiyeon waterfall in Seogwipo

Why Go:
Volcanic beauty, waterfalls, lava tubes, and pristine beaches — ideal for couples or nature lovers.

Highlights:

  • Hallasan Mountain (South Korea’s highest peak)

  • Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak

  • Jeongbang Waterfall

  • Manjanggul Cave

  • Green tea fields at O’Sulloc

📌 Travel Tip: Rent a car to explore the island fully.

🔗 Book Resorts in Jeju


3. Gyeongju – The Museum Without Walls

A collage of six photographs of Gyeongju landmarks.

Why Go:
An ancient capital full of UNESCO sites, tombs, and temples from the Silla Dynasty.

Highlights:

  • Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto

  • Cheomseongdae Observatory

  • Tumuli Park

  • Anapji Pond by night

📌 Travel Tip: Rent a bike to explore the historical sites easily.

🔗 Stay in Gyeongju’s Guesthouses


4. Busan – Beaches, Temples, and Street Food

Haedong Yonggungsa

Gwangan Bridge

Why Go:
A vibrant port city with beach culture, seafood, and colorful attractions.

Highlights:

  • Haeundae & Gwangalli Beaches

  • Gamcheon Culture Village (Instagram spot!)

  • Jagalchi Fish Market

  • Haedong Yonggungsa Temple by the sea

📌 Travel Tip: Visit during Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) if you love cinema.

🔗 Book Hotels in Busan


5. Seoraksan National Park – Nature & Hiking Paradise

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Why Go:
Best place for hikers and nature lovers — famous for autumn foliage and jagged mountain peaks.

Highlights:

  • Ulsanbawi Rock Trail

  • Cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress

  • Sinheungsa Temple

  • Waterfalls & wildlife spotting

📌 Travel Tip: Autumn (late Oct) is the best time to visit.

🔗 Book a Stay Near Seoraksan


6. Incheon – Where Tradition Meets the Sky

Why Go:
Often just seen as the airport city, Incheon has beaches, parks, and Korea’s largest Chinatown.

Peking Opera wall Chinatown, Incheon, South Korea

Incheon Grand Park

Highlights:

  • Songdo Central Park

  • Incheon Chinatown

  • Eurwangni Beach

  • Tri-Bowl architecture

📌 Travel Tip: Great for a short day trip from Seoul.

🔗 Stay Near Incheon Airport or Songdo


7. Andong – Cultural Heritage Capital

Andong Gu Market, food market in downtown Andong

Woryeonggyo [ko], Bridge in Sang-a dong, Andong

Why Go:
Get immersed in authentic Korean traditions, masks, and preserved folk villages.

Highlights:

  • Hahoe Folk Village (UNESCO)

  • Andong Mask Dance Festival

  • Traditional food like jjimdak

📌 Travel Tip: Stay in a hanok (traditional house) for a deeper experience.

🔗 Book Stays in Andong


8. Boseong – Tea Heaven of Korea

Green tea field in Boseong

Why Go:
Dreamy green tea plantations with rolling hills — a visual treat and a peaceful retreat.

Highlights:

  • Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation

  • Green tea ice cream & snacks

  • Light festivals (seasonal)

📌 Travel Tip: Visit in spring or early summer for vibrant greens.

🔗 Book Stays in Boseong


9. Suwon – Fortress City

Why Go:
Home to the grand Hwaseong Fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich Joseon history.

Highlights:

  • Hwaseong Fortress

  • Korean Folk Village nearby

  • Fortress night lights

📌 Travel Tip: Only 1 hr by train from Seoul – perfect day trip!

🔗 Stay in Suwon


10. Tongyeong – Coastal Escape & Island Hopping

A clear bright ocean sparkling with light, dotted with several small forested islands.

Dongpirang Village

Why Go:
Often called “Naples of the East,” this underrated town has delicious seafood and scenic islands.

Highlights:

  • Mireuksan Cable Car

  • Dongpirang Mural Village

  • Ferry to Bijindo or Somaemuldo

📌 Travel Tip: Ideal for offbeat travelers avoiding the touristy spots.

🔗 Tongyeong Guesthouses & Hotels

🗓️ 10-Day South Korea Itinerary (Quick Guide)

Day 1 – Seoul:
Palaces, Bukchon Village, Myeongdong street food.

Day 2 – Seoul:
N Seoul Tower, Gangnam, shopping & nightlife.

Day 3 – DMZ or Suwon Day Trip:
Choose between Korea’s border tour or fortress history.

Day 4 – Busan:
Gamcheon Culture Village, fish market, beach sunset.

Day 5 – Busan:
Haeundae Beach, seaside temple, street food.

Day 6 – Gyeongju:
Ancient tombs, temples, stay in a hanok.

Day 7 – Fly to Jeju:
Sunrise Peak, tea fields, island vibes.

Day 8 – Jeju:
Waterfalls, caves, Hallasan or chill at the beach.

Day 9 – Back to Seoul:
Insadong, traditional tea, temple visit.

Day 10 – Seoul & Departure:
Last-minute shopping & fly out.


🍜 Must-Try Korean Dishes – Including Vegetarian Options

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korean food

🥢 Top Traditional Dishes (Non-Vegetarian)
DishDescriptionWhere to Try
BibimbapMixed rice with veggies, egg, optional meatJeonju, Seoul
Kimchi JjigaeSpicy kimchi stew (usually with pork)Local diners
SamgyeopsalGrilled pork belly BBQKorean BBQ joints
TteokbokkiSpicy rice cakes in gochujang sauceStreet stalls
JjimdakSoy-braised chicken & glass noodlesAndong
Haemul PajeonSeafood pancakeBusan, coastal areas
Black Pork BBQGrilled pork slicesJeju Island
Sundubu-jjigaeSoft tofu stew (often seafood-based)Traditional restaurants

🥬 Vegetarian-Friendly Korean Dishes
DishDescriptionNotes
Vegetarian BibimbapRice, sautéed veggies, fried eggAsk for no meat/gochujang on the side
Kimchi (vegan-friendly)Fermented cabbageLook for non-fish sauce versions
Doenjang JjigaeSoybean paste stew with tofu, mushrooms, veggiesConfirm no anchovy broth
Gimbap (Veg)Seaweed rice rolls with pickled veggies, eggFound in convenience stores or custom-made
JapchaeSweet potato noodles stir-fried with veggiesOften veg, but ask for no beef
BuchimgaeSavory pancakes (like zucchini or mung bean)No meat or seafood needed
Lotus Leaf Rice (Yeonnipbap)Steamed rice in lotus leaf with chestnuts, beansBuddhist temples or temple cuisine restaurants
Temple Food (Balwoo Gongyang)Fully vegan meals from Korean Buddhist traditionsFound in temple restaurants like in Insadong (Seoul)

📌 Pro Tip: Search for “chaesik” (채식) restaurants on Naver/Google Maps – it means “vegetarian” in Korean. Also try Loving Hut or Oh Se Gae Hyang in Seoul for reliable veg meals.


🥗 Vegetarian Itinerary Tip:

Add a temple stay experience (like at Jogyesa or Golgulsa) to enjoy traditional Korean vegetarian temple meals—nutritious, spiritual, and entirely meat-free.

🛂 Visa Information for South Korea
  • Indians & many nationalities can apply via K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization).
    Apply online at: https://www.k-eta.go.kr

  • Visa-Free Entry is available for select travelers transiting via Jeju or specific tour groups.

  • Tourist Visa (C-3): For stays over 90 days or for nationalities not eligible for K-ETA.
    Details: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-en/index.do

📌 Tip: Always apply at least 72 hours before travel. Carry return ticket & accommodation proof.

🌐 Travel Tips for South Korea:
  • 🚇 Transport: Korea has one of the best subway & intercity train systems.

  • 💳 Cards: Use T-Money or Korea Tour Card for hassle-free travel.

  • 📱 Connectivity: Rent a WiFi egg or Korean SIM at the airport.

  • 🕙 Best Time to Visit:

    • Spring (April–May): Cherry blossoms

    • Autumn (Oct–Nov): Foliage

    • Winter: Skiing & snow festivals

    • Summer: Beach season (Busan/Jeju)

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