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Tourist Attractions in South Korea

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in South Korea

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About South Korea

South Korea is a rapidly developing country in East Asia. Skyscrapers of business centres neighbour palaces and temples. The high level of economy allows tourists to get all kinds of benefits of civilisation, and natural riches will please with bright colours and picturesque landscapes.

Ancient history has left many historical monuments in Korea, and modernity actively adds its interesting objects. The grandiose buildings of the Olympic Park, entertainment complexes and the 250-metre high TV tower are of great interest to tourists. Shopping malls and colourful markets will diversify the programme of the visit.

The long coastline of the peninsula offers a choice of beach holidays, both on it and on many neighbouring islands. The country’s thermal springs are also very popular. Korean traditional cuisine is popular all over the world and the opportunity to taste it in the local version is offered to every guest. The best time to visit the country is spring, the time of flowering.

Top Cities to Visit in South Korea

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in South Korea

Gyeongbokgung Palace

4.6/5
39443 reviews
The palace complex in Seoul is an open-air museum. It was built in the 14th century for the ruling royal family of the Joseon Dynasty. It houses many valuable exhibits, including those from the list of national treasures. It is interesting for its quaint architecture and landscaped park.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain

4.5/5
3366 reviews
The world’s longest fountain bridge is located on the Hangang River. Fountains are arranged along its edges, forming water arches between the structure and the river. The spectacle is spectacular both day and night. At night, the water jets are illuminated and turn all the colours of the rainbow.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Myeongdong Walking Street

4.3/5
21493 reviews
The central shopping street of South Korea’s capital. Large multi-brand shops and boutiques of famous international brands are located all along the street. The best place for shopping. Small shops neighbouring the shopping giants give you the opportunity to choose souvenirs and experience the local flavour.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

War Memorial of Korea

4.6/5
16293 reviews
A whole complex of buildings dedicated to the country’s military history. It includes a museum building and an equipped area around it. Inside there are 6 thematic halls dedicated to various aspects of the country’s military past. Around the building you can see military equipment, memorials, sculptures and a park.
Open time
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

N Seoul Tower

4.5/5
56404 reviews
Located on Mount Namsam, in the centre of Seoul. The tallest building in the city. It is the symbol of modern Seoul and its number one attraction. It is an entertainment complex with several observation decks, restaurants, souvenir shops, an observatory, a teddy bear museum and even a Wishing Pond.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Changdeokgung

4.6/5
12086 reviews
One of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul – Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace was the residence of the royal family for four centuries. It is a beautiful architectural and park complex. The Huwon Palace Secret Garden is a particularly popular attraction.
Open time
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

4.6/5
8101 reviews
The majestic building on the hilltop is a unique example of defensive architecture. The fortress was built in the late 18th century, was subjected to destruction, and was restored. Nowadays it is a UNESCO protected object. It is a complex of towers, gates and long walls (their total length is 6 kilometres).
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Deoksugung

4.6/5
18551 reviews
One of Seoul’s palace complexes. It was once the official residence of the ruling dynasty. The palace and other buildings of Toksugun are surrounded by a beautiful garden. There are two major museums inside, the Imperial Museum and the Art Museum.
Open time
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Jongmyo Shrine

4.4/5
733 reviews
A historical monument in Seoul. A place where funeral rituals for royalty were performed. It is the oldest shrine of its kind and the longest building in Asia. Several generations of Korean rulers and queens have been buried here.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Beomeosa

4.6/5
3689 reviews
An ancient Buddhist temple, one of the largest in Korea. It is located on Mount Komojong, near the city of Pomosa. Some of the facilities of the complex are more than a thousand years old. There are 160 buildings in the traditional architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty on an area of 8 km².
Open time
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Bulguksa

4.6/5
15085 reviews
The most famous and ancient Buddhist temple complex in Korea, protected by UNESCO. The complex is home to seven sites listed as National Treasures. These include pagodas, bridges, statues. There is a beautiful park all around.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Cheomseongdae

4.5/5
18745 reviews
One of the country’s national treasures. It is the oldest scientific building in the world. It was built in the 7th century to observe the stars. The height of the stone tower is just under 10 metres. It is located in the city of Kenju.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Seoraksan National Park

4.4/5
1105 reviews
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It contains cliffs, waterfalls, hot thermal springs, Buddhist temples. It is large in area, divided into three parts. Many organised tourist routes (trails). There are places for overnight stays, hotels and catering outlets.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Bukhansan National Park

4.6/5
2575 reviews
A natural oasis within the city limits, a favourite recreation place for locals and tourists. It is a mountainous landscape covered with forest. It is inhabited by many birds, there are rare plants. The views are picturesque. There are also many Buddhist temples in the park.
Open time
Monday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
0/5
A special protected site is the border between South and North Korea. It is a strong concrete wall reinforced with additional protection. There is a special section for tourists, which allows them to explore the fortification and even look at the “northern neighbour” through binoculars.

Olympic Park

4.6/5
2685 reviews
A complex of sports facilities located in the park. It was built for the 1988 Olympics. Museums, a sculpture park, a musical fountain, an ancient fortress and an artificial lake are located on a large green territory. A place for active sports and recreation.
Open time
Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Saturday: 4:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Jeju-do

0/5
The largest island in South Korea, it is a separate province. It is of volcanic origin and has a peculiar landscape and nature. It has a unique microclimate – it is the southernmost part of the country, there are excellent beaches. Attractive object for tourists, very popular with honeymooners.

Jagalchi Market

4/5
23844 reviews
One of the largest fish markets not only in Korea but also in the whole of Asia. It’s located in Busan. Almost a century of history. It is a modern multi-storey building, part of which is given to traders and part to restaurants and offices. Many stalls are still on the street and give you a sense of the fish market of the past.
Open time
Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Cheonggyecheon

4.5/5
8043 reviews
A walking area in the centre of Seoul, arranged along the banks of a stream. The waterway has always been here, but it was in a poor state of repair. After the renovation, Cheonggyecheon has turned into a long cosy park in the heart of the capital. Ten kilometres of embankment are decorated with decorative elements, landscaped “oases” and fountains. The stream bed looks very spectacular at night, as the water cascades are illuminated.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Everland

4.5/5
60791 reviews
Located in the suburbs of Seoul, the largest in Korea. It is a large modern entertainment complex, including amusement rides, a zoo, and a water park. Each zone has unique characteristics and attracts a huge number of tourists. In season, a grandiose festival of flowers is held here.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM