Things to do in South Korea

More about South Korea

About South Korea

South Korea is one of the countries in East Asia that many tourists have visited recently. Not only because of its worldwide entertainment world (Korean pop or K-pop, Korean drama, and Korean variety show), this country also has various unique things worth trying. The country, nicknamed the Land of Ginseng, has food signatures such as kimchi, gimbap, and instant noodles, or what they usually call ramyeon.

As one of the countries with a large population of about 50 million people, South Korea is also famous for its many tourist destinations. The well-known Jeju Island and Nami Island are suitable places to visit if you want a refreshing tour. If you are seeking entertainment and places to have fun, you can stop by Gangnam or Itaewon, both located in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea.

The three sides of South Korea are surrounded by the sea, making it many beautiful natural tourist destinations worth visiting. Haeundae Beach in Busan City is one of the beaches that attracts around 1 million tourists every day, especially during the holiday season. As a four-season country, South Korea will offer you different places to go by each season.

Top 15 Things to Do in South Korea

With so many tourist destinations and places to go, surely there are interesting things to do in South Korea that you can do with your friends, family, or even lovers.

1. Jeju Island

Jeju Island is also known as Samdado, "The Island Abundant with Three Things", namely, rocks, women, and wind. Due to its natural beauty and unique culture, Jeju Island is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea. Nowadays, there are many direct flights to Jeju Island from all over the world. Places like Hallasan Mountain and Manjanggul Cave are worth visiting as they offer you the beauty of nature and refreshing activities.

2. Namsan Tower

Namsan Tower commonly referred to as N Seoul Tower is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Seoul. The height of about 237 meters, makes Namsan Tower the most striking landmark in Seoul. One of the best activities that Namsan Tower offers for couples is to put a padlock on the fenced area around the plaza. Also, you can try to ride a cable car to reach Namsan Tower which offers you a view of the city of Seoul.

3. Famous Library in COEX

A famous library that is a source of pride in South Korea is the Starfield Library. Uniquely, this library opened in the middle of a shopping centre. Starfield Library is located in Seoul, inside a shopping center called COEX Mall, precisely on the B1-1F floor in Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam. In addition to the stunning interiors, and a sizable collection of books, various events are also held here, such as poetry readings, book discussions, and several other events.

4. Myeongdong Market

Myeongdong is a street area in South Korea, famous for its night market. The street stretches from Lotte to Shinsagae in Seoul, and it is always crowded with visitors almost every night. Local and foreign tourists who visit, usually look for street food. This area sells clothes, shoes, and other accessories and is the second destination for tourists to buy souvenirs in Seoul.

5. Gyeongbokgung Palace

It is the largest of the Five Palaces built in Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. Also, there is Changdeokgung Palace near Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known as one of the most beautiful examples of Korean palace architecture. You can witness the use of traditional clothing and participate in an immersive experience of Korean culture.

6. Cheonggyecheon River

Cheonggyecheon River is one of the natural locations favoured by many people in the city of Seoul. The location itself is in Cheonggyecheon-ro, Yongsin-dong, Jongno-gu District. With its natural, clean, and cool atmosphere, visitors can just sit on the banks, jump over river rocks, play water, and take pictures around it. The clarity of the river's water allows you to watch the fish swimming at the bottom. 

7. Lotte World

Lotte World is a unique playground that has both indoor and outdoor areas, making it the perfect place to enjoy the day in any weather. It also has a giant aquarium, several museums, and an observatory deck atop the 6th tallest building in the world. Like many other tourist attractions in South Korea, it is usually crowded during weekends and summer vacation (which usually runs from mid-July to mid-August).

8. Yeouido Park

Yeouido Park is a large park in Seoul that is famous as an ecological, cultural, financial, and political center. The park is fun to visit during spring when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom. If you visit during spring, make sure to join the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival and enjoy the beautiful blooms while cycling through the area. 

9. Everland

Everland is the largest theme park in South Korea and one of the destination options you should not miss. The theme park is very crowded during the holiday season and weekends. Play areas such as Rotating House, Space Tour, Alpine Carnival, and VR Adventure will offer you an unbeatable sense of adventure.

10. Korean Folk Village

Korean Folk Village is located at 90 Minsokchon-ro, Sanggal-dong, Giheung District, Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province. Apart from watching and joining in various traditional activities, you can also join workshops or handicraft training that will hone your creativity here. 

11. Gangnam District

Known as the most affluent area in all of Seoul, Gangnam is almost synonymous with words like fashion, trendy, and sophisticated. There are tons of things to see at Gangnam Station, from modern skyscrapers above ground to the vast Underground Shopping Center. Here you can find many shops selling trendy clothes and fashionable hats and shoes; buy an item or two to take home as souvenirs. 

12. Nami Island

Nami Island is a charming tourist destination that harmonizes with natural ecosystems and culture & art. The island provides beautiful walking trails and cultural and artistic spaces. As the first UNICEF Child-Friendly Park in Korea, there are plenty of spaces for children, including a playground and library. It also offers a variety of amusement rides, such as electric cars and family bikes.

13. Haeundae Blueline Park

The city of Busan rebuilt the closed Donghae Nambu Trail and turned it into Haeundae Blueline Park. The park was built to reuse the abandoned line while preserving nature and minimising the construction of industrial sites. The area then became a beach tourist attraction with Beach Train and Sky Capsule facilities.

14. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) means Dream, Design, and Play. It often hosts various exhibitions, fashion shows, forums, conferences, and other domestic and international events. Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the exterior of the building attracts the attention of many photographers with its smooth curves and bold shapes.

15. Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)

The DMZ Zone is a border area between North and South Korea that is famous for its history and unique culture. Here, you'll be able to experience the unique atmosphere and see first-hand the well-preserved scars of war. During your visit, don't miss the opportunity to see the Dorasan Gate, which is the last gate before reaching North Korea.

Best Restaurants in South Korea

Stop by some of the best restaurants to have a meal before going on with your exploration in South Korea.

1. Mingles

Mingles is a Michelin two-star restaurant characterized by combining traditional and modern Korean elements on its menu. The menu is written in both English and Korean, which is helpful for both local and foreign travellers. It is located in Gangnam-gu, Chungdam-dong 94-6, Seoul. The average price for each person to enjoy their food is about $75.

2. Seoul Dining

Seoul Dining is a restaurant that provides a menu that represents 'Seoul style food' based on French and Italian. The restaurant is located at Designhouse, 272, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul. It is closed every Sunday and Monday. The average price for each person to enjoy their food starts from $75.

3. Braai Republic

This restaurant is a barbecue place that was established in 2011. It is declared as a meat lover's favourite and is known for its South African hospitality background. It is located at 19 Itaewon-ro 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The average price per person starts from $15.

4. Yun Seoul

Yun Seoul is a Michelin one-star fine dining restaurant. This restaurant is famous for serving food with dry-aged ingredients. The processing and use of various quality spices also make this restaurant unique and top-rated. It is located at 805 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The average price per person starts from $50.

5. Hangong-Gan

This restaurant focuses on Asian cuisine (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean). They offer a variety of menus that are constantly changing. The place has a nice, cosy atmosphere. It is located at 561-4 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The average price per person starts from $8.

Best Hotel Recommendations in South Korea

You might need some options for recommended hotels for your body to rest in and a place to enjoy the rest of the day.

1. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul offers city views and features on-site dining, advanced fitness facilities, and a traditional Korean sauna. This luxurious 5-star hotel is a 40-minute drive from Gimpo Airport and a 70-minute drive from Incheon International Airport.

• Address: 97, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Gwanghwamun, Jongno, Seoul, South Korea, 03183
• Room rate: Starts from USD 387 per night/room.

2. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul

Banyan Tree offers spacious rooms with modern interiors overlooking views of Mount Namsan. The 5-star facilities include a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and fitness facilities. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul is an 11-minute drive from Seoul Tower and the historic Dongdaemun shopping district. The hotel is a 1-hour drive from Incheon International Airport.

• Address: 60, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Jung, Seoul, South Korea, 04605.
• Room rate: Starts from USD 326 per night/room.

3. Josun Palace

Josun Palace is located in Seoul, a 19-minute walk from Gangnam Station, offering city views. Featuring a bar, this 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The hotel provides room service, a 24-hour front desk, and a currency exchange for you.

• Address: 231, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea, 06142.
• Room rate: Starts from USD 374 per night/room.

4. Grand Hyatt Jeju

Grand Hyatt Jeju Hotel is located in the Jeju City district and has city views. The hotel is steps away from Paradise Casino Jeju Grand and 5 km from the city centre. You can also enjoy Jeju Stadium which is a stone's throw away. Grand Hyatt Jeju Hotel is located 5 km from Jeju International Airport airport.

• Address: 12 Noyeon-ro, Jeju City, Jeju Island, South Korea, 63082.
• Room rate: Starts from USD 214 per night/room.

5. Cheonggong Hanok Stay

The hotel provides free self-parking and offers beautiful garden views. Each room at this hotel is equipped with wifi. Facilities such as microwave, electric kettle, and fridges are also provided. The hotel is 25 km away from Ulsan Airport. 

• Address: 5-6, Igu 2-gil, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, South Korea, 780-420.
• Room rate: Starts from USD 66 per night/room.

Tips When Visiting South Korea

Before visiting South Korea, make sure you know what season it is in. By doing so, you will know what items to bring and what clothes you will need there. After that, determine which destinations you plan to visit. Also, do some research on transport while you're there and how much it will cost.

Another tip is to learn a bit of Korean language that might be helpful, such as greetings and some phrases when you need to ask something. 

If all is good and the plan of things to do in South Korea has been determined, be sure to book your flights, accommodations, and attraction tickets through Traveloka! Download the app for the best deals and seamless travel experience!