Introduction
Some 25 million South Koreans -- about half the population -- travel abroad at least once a year, but it's safe to assume that most haven't seen all the beautiful sights within their own country.
As a nation ripe with cultural, historical, and natural tourist attractions, South Korea has a plethora of interesting sights. Aside from the obvious attractions, including mega-city Seoul, which only taking up a mere 0.6% of South Korea's territory. The country offers wide open spaces boasting incredible natural beauty characterized by rock formations, green pastures, and dense forest.
Photo from @nextravelph @Hand Luggage Only
On the whole, the country has had a rich history, where various rulers and kingdoms have dominated throughout the ages. Their reigns are still visible in the ruins and restored palaces scattered throughout the country. South Korea has an interesting cultural landscape to boot; the nation is rich with festivals, cultural events and tasty food.
Here are 5 beautiful places that are all worth a visit, including the flowery spring landscapes, sandy beaches, rocky mountains and quietly stunning historic sites on your new travel bucket list for South Korea.
List of Attractions
1. Seongsan Sunrise Peak
A UNESCO world heritage site, the peak is famous for many things, including numerous rare plant species, but is best known for the magnificent sight of the sun rising over it (hence the name).
The climb up the peak's northwest side ridge (its other sides are steep cliffs) to the 180-meter highest point takes 30 minutes.
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Located in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of South Korea’s most iconic buildings. The incredible palace finished construction in 1395. However, over the years, various other rooms and structures were added to this incredible building. The two museums that reside within the palace walls include the Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea. There are still a number of ongoing restoration efforts aimed at restoring this fabulous building back to the epitome of its former glory.
3. Gamcheon Culture Village
Colorful, terraced houses that look seaward characterize Gamcheon Cultural Village in Busan. Before 2009, Gamcheon was a slum; home to refugees from the Korean War. However, various government agencies undertook an initiative to redevelop the area as a tourist attraction and artistic hub. As such, the city received funding to beautify their town. Artists flocked to the area and now art lives around every corner, whether it's outdoor statues or street art. Today, the best way to experience the city is simply to lose yourself in the colorful alleyways of this unique town.
4. Boseong Green Tea Field
Approximately 40% of Korea's tea is produced in the rolling fields of Boseong, which has also provided the backdrop of many Korean dramas and films.
Yes, green tea-related specialties (fresh green tea ice cream and green tea pork belly) are tasty treats, but the spectacular view of the seemingly endless tea fields is the real reason so many visitors stop by Boseong. A green tea festival is held every May while in the winter, the fields are decorated with tiny light bulbs.
The beautiful, rolling green hills of Boseong Tea Fields are the only fields of their kind open in Korea, and are just begging for a photo. There are many walking trails and viewing points where you can take in the beauty of the verdant gardens and watch the skilled workers selecting the best tea leaves. Tea is an integral part of Korean culture and you can experience a traditional Korean tea ceremony while you are here. It is a great way to dive into learning about Korean culture and get a chance to sample some fresh tea too. Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the beautiful bamboo forest on the outskirts of the fields.
Photo from @CNNTravel @Northeastern GEO
5. Hyeopjae Beach, Jeju Island
This white sandy beach is perfect for families with its shallow water (average depth of 1.2 meters), nearby amenities, and camping in the pine forest surrounding the beach. Hyeopjae is also particularly known for its delicious abalones and conches, served fresh in the seafood restaurants dotting the beach.
Vote for your favourite👇💖💖
Which attractions in South Korea do you consider to be the most interesting?
Write down your favourite places (no matter whether it is on the list or not).
Look forward to your answers!!!
Thanks
To complete the list of beautiful places, we need to express our gratitude to veteran travel photographers and other photo providers-- their name will show below each photo -- who know the country from tip to spine to tail to share images of their favorite spots around South Korea. And particularly thanks CNN Travel and Touropia for listing so many beautiful attractions in South Korea for us.
More Information
Know more about Travel in South Korea:
@Lost LeBlanc
@Lost LeBlanc
2 Comments
I really like Korean culture! Do you know where I can borrow hanbok for photo-taking? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIf you will visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, there are many famous traditional hanbok stores around there. Wish you a good time in South Korea!
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