South Korea’s capital city Seoul is a sprawling metropolis of 20 million people and with one of the most massive subway systems in the world. It’s a fascinating mix of old and new, with ultra-modern apartment complexes mixed in with 1000 year old temples and palaces. Koreans love to eat and drink, and tucked away in every corner are delicious, cheap restaurants and Hofs (beer and chicken pubs) that stay open to the wee hours of the morning. People here love to sing and to finish a night, they’ll often head to a Norae-bang (singing room). After a few nights out in Korea, you’ll understand why it’s called the “Land of the Morning Calm” because the streets will be eerily silent until mid-morning.
1. Seoul TowerSeoul tower / Namsan Tower |
Love Lockers |
Recommended stay near Seoul Tower
The Street of Art, Hongdae, Seoul |
HongDae Clubs, Seoul |
Recommended stay near Hongdae
3. Gyeongbok Palace
GyeongBok Palace, Seoul, Korea |
Hexagonal Pavilion, Gyeongbok palace, Seoul |
Recommended stay near Gyeongbok Palace
4. Gwang-An Bridge
Also known as the Diamond Bridge, this two-story bridge connects Suyeong-gu and Haeundae-gu and offers an astonishing view of mountains, sandy beaches, hills and city lights.
Kwang-An Bridge is not for pedestrians, but anyone can enjoy the spectacular night view of the bridge from afar; its state-of-the-art lighting system allows an exterior lighting of over 100,000 colors.
Suyeong-gu, Busan
5. Kyeong-Wha Station, Jinhae
This small whistle-stop bustles with tourists and amateur photographers every spring.
Cherry blossoms rain down on the train track and countless shutters click madly away as the train approaches the station under the cherry blossom tunnel.
The cherry blossom road at Yeojwa stream, (number 17 on this list) is also nearby for those who want more photo-ops.
Kyeongwha-dong, Jinhae-gu, Gyeongsangnam-do
6. Upo MarshAt 2,314 kilometers squared, Upo Marsh is the largest inland wetland in Korea and thrice the size of Yeouido. Formed over 140 million years ago, the marsh is home to 1,500 plants and animals, some of which are endangered species.
Visitors can bike or walk around this beautiful natural swamp, where migratory birds are known for flying low.
Daedae-ri, Yueo-myeon, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
7. Jeungdo Salt Farm This treasure island (artifacts from the Song Dynasty have actually been found at the bottom of the sea) is famous for its clear seawater, soft beach, and salt farms.
The magical sight of huge salt farms is not the only spectacle that can be found here; the mud flat leisure town allows tourists to experience and observe the marine life of the mud flat.
Jeungdo-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do
8. Gongryong Ridge, Seorak Mountain Physical fitness and mountain climbing experience are prerequisites to viewing these curious peaks in the Seorak mountain range.
Thought to be shaped like the spine of a dinosaur (hence the name, "Dinosaur Ridge"), this rocky ridge offers spectacular views of both inner and outer Seorak.
The climb is no picnic: the peak elevation of Gongryong Ridge, the most popular ridge route in the range, is approximately 1,200 meters.
Goseong-gun/Yangyang-gun/Inje-gun, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
9. Uleung Island Seaside RoadUleung Island, nicknamed "Mysterious Island", is a popular weekend getaway spot for Seoulites.
Curious rock formations, shore cliffs and numerous waterfalls adorn the island’s Seaside Road.
Anyone planning to walk or bike their way around Uleung Island should make sure they set aside enough time, as they will inevitably stop countless times to admire the glorious view.
Uleung-eup, Uleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
10. Seopjikoji, Jeju IslandFirst-time visitors to Jeju island need to plan their trip wisely, as the Jeju bucket list is long and varied. One of the musts on the list is Seopjikoji, a promontory on the coast famous for its serenity and romance.
Yellow rape blossoms fill the field in the spring, creating a colorful contrast with the red soil and cerulean sky.
The best photographs of Sungsan Sunrise Peak (the first item on this list) can be taken here at Seopjikoji.
The scenery of Seopjikoji has also been captured by several Korean films and dramas, including "All In," one of the first Hallyu dramas starring Lee Byung-hun and Song Hye-kyo.
261 Seopjikoji-ro, Sungsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province