South Korea lies in the southern part of the Korean peninsula in East Asia and is officially known as the Republic of Korea. It has a long and chequered history, a rich culture, and a dynamic and modern society. The country is popular as a high-tech giant that produces electronics, automobiles, and ships, and also for its K-pop music, dramas, movies, and cuisine. South Korea’s natural beauty, comprising mountains and islands, including temples, attracts tourists from across the world. South Korea is a democratic and prosperous nation that has overcome the challenges of war, division, and poverty.
Given its diverse offerings, the country is a traveller's paradise. Let us explore a list of the best places to visit in South Korea before you arrive in this fascinating country.
Top Places to Visit in South Korea
- Bhusan
- Seoul
- Incheon
- Daegu
- Daejeon
- Busan
Located in the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula, Busan borders the Korea Strait and the East China Sea. It is the second-largest city and the largest port in South Korea. Busan has a long history as a trading hub and a gateway to Japan and China. It was first named Pusanp'o during the Koryŏ dynasty (935–1392), meaning "kettle mountain harbour" in Korean. Busan was opened to foreign trade in the late 19th century and became a modern port under the Japanese occupation (1910–45).
Busan is now a major industrial centre, with industries such as shipbuilding, automobiles, electronics, steel, ceramics, chemicals, and paper. It is also a tourist destination and has many attractions, making it one of the best places to visit in South Korea.
Things to visit in Busan
- Visit Haedong Yonggungsa, a Buddhist temple located on the coast.
- Explore Jagalchi Market, one of the largest seafood markets in Korea and a lively place to enjoy a variety of marine products and local culture.
- Enjoy beach life at Haeundae, one of Korea's most famous and crowded beaches.
- Experience traditional Korean culture at Gamcheon Culture Village.
- Ride the Busan Air Cruise, a cable car that connects Songdo Beach and Amnam Park.
- Seoul
South Korea's capital and largest city, Seoul lies beside the Han River in the country's northwest. Seoul's history can be traced back to the 18th century BC. It became the capital of several Korean dynasties, such as Baekje, Goryeo, and Joseon, and was known by different names—Hanyang, Hansong, and Gyeongseong. Seoul was also the scene of many wars and invasions, such as the Japanese occupation (1910-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953).
At present, Seoul has many attractions to offer tourists. It has also hosted many international events. This includes the 1988 Summer Olympics, the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and the 2023 World Expo. Seoul is a global technology, innovation, education, and entertainment hub. It is the best place to visit in South Korea and ranks among the top cities in the world for quality of life, safety, and sustainability.
Things to do in Seoul
- Explore historical and cultural sites such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Namsan Tower. You can learn about Korean history, architecture, and culture while enjoying the city's views.
- Experience the modern side of Seoul, such as Gangnam District, Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Itaewon. You can shop for the latest fashion, beauty, and electronics products.
- Relax in Seoul's natural and green spaces, such as Bukhan Mountain, Hangang Park, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Seoul Forest.
- Incheon
A port city in the northwestern part of South Korea, Incheon lies near the mouth of the Han River. It is the site of South Korea's main international airport and serves as the chief seaport for Seoul. Incheon has more than 1,000 years of history as a fishing port and commercial centre. It became one of the three key Korean ports in 1883, opening to foreign trade and influence.
During the Japanese occupation (1910-1945), Incheon was renamed Jinsen and developed as an industrial city with factories, docks, and tidal basins. This city played a crucial role in the Korean War (1950-1953), when a successful United Nations force turned the tide of the war against the North Korean invasion. A statue of the UN commander MacArthur stands in Freedom Park, overlooking the port. One of the best places to visit in South Korea, Incheon is also known for its beach-lined islands, including Yeongjong and Muui-dong.
Things to do in Incheon
- Visit the Incheon Bridge, one of the longest and highest bridges in the world. It connects Incheon International Airport and Songdo International City.
- Tour the Incheon Grand Park, a large urban park with beautiful gardens, lakes, trails, and cultural facilities.
- Enjoy the traditional Korean lifestyle at Incheon Chinatown. It is a lively neighbourhood established by Chinese immigrants. Try the famous jjajangmyeon (noodles with black bean sauce) when visiting here.
- Daegu
A metropolitan city in southeast South Korea, Daegu is one of the largest urban areas in the country and has a status equal to that of a province. Daegu lies in a valley surrounded by low mountains and has a hot and humid climate. The place is also known as the city of apples; its high-quality apples are exported across Asia.
The area was inhabited by various tribes and kingdoms, such as Jinhan, Silla, Later Three Kingdoms, and Goryeo. Daegu became an important administrative and economic centre of the region during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) when it was the capital of Kyongsang province and one of Korea's three big market cities.
Daegu experienced rapid growth and modernisation in the 20th century, especially after the Korean War. Today, Daegu offers visitors countless attractions and is among the top places to visit in South Korea.
Things to do in Daegu
- Visit Daegu National Museum. It showcases the history and culture of Daegu.
- Visit 83 Tower, a landmark of Daegu that stands 202 metres tall. You can enjoy the city view from the observatory deck or visit the Sky Lounge, the revolving restaurant, or the Sky Jump attraction.
- Explore Seomun Market, the largest and oldest traditional market in Korea.
- Visit E-world and Duryu Park, a theme park with various rides, attractions, and shows.
- Daejeon
Taejon, or Daejeon, is in the west-central region of South Korea. It has the status of a metropolitan city under the direct control of the central government. North Chungcheong Province borders it to the east, South Chungcheong Province to the west, and Sejong City to the north. Daejeon was originally a poor village on the Taejon River until the 20th century, when it became a junction of rail lines connecting Seoul, Busan, and Mokpo.
Daejeon is now a major centre for science, technology, and education in South Korea. It hosts several universities, research institutes, and high-technology businesses. This city is also known for its local cuisines, such as sikhye (a sweet rice drink) and chungmu gimbap (rice rolls with radish kimchi).
Things to do in Daejeon
- Hike the Gyejoksan Mountain Red Clay Trail. It is a unique trail covered with red clay. The clay is said to have health benefits for the skin and the body.
- Pray at Gaesimsa Temple. It is an old Buddhist temple located on a hill.
- Enjoy the sea-water attractions at Daejeon Aquarium.
- Click pictures near the Tower of Great Light. It is a landmark that was built for the 1993 Daejeon Expo.
Best Time to Visit South Korea
The country has something to offer in every season.
Spring (March to May) brings mild weather and cherry blossoms. This season showcases beautiful pink flowers, green mountains, and colourful festivals. However, you may encounter yellow dust from China and Mongolia, which affects air quality.
Summer (June to August) is the time for hot and humid weather and rainfall. This is not the ideal season for sightseeing, as temperatures can soar and it rains almost every day. However, you can still visit museums, theme parks, spas, and shopping malls.
Autumn (September to November) is the time for cool, dry weather and fall foliage. You can also witness cultural events such as Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), mask dances, and lantern festivals.
Winter (December to February) is the time for cold and snowy weather and winter sports. If you love skiing and ice skating and enjoy winter festivals such as ice fishing, snow sculptures, and light shows, visit South Korea in winter.
Travel Insurance for South Korea
South Korea has much to offer, whether exploring nature, participating in adventures, or enjoying the local cuisine. However, travelling to a foreign land comes with its own set of risks. What if you lose your passport right after arriving at the airport? Or fall ill while trying new dishes? The solution for such unanticipated events is travel insurance. Insurance protects against unexpected illnesses and offers coverage for trip cancellations, loss of baggage, emergency evacuations, and extended stays from illness or flight delays. Travel insurance also gives you peace of mind as you plan the places to visit in South Korea. You need not fear being stranded or without a place to stay, even if you lose your documents. You can explore the many fascinating places in the country with gay abandon and make the most of your vacation. Always remember to compare different travel insurance plans and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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