4 Best Places to Visit in South Korea

4 Best Places to Visit in South Korea

Known for its incredible scenery, fabulous food, and immaculately-dressed people, South Korea’s patchwork of modern and traditional landscape makes it one of the top travel destinations in the world.

As we wait with bated breath for the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) to commence on 15 November 2021, here are a few ideas to add to your itinerary.

Haeundae Beach train and Spirit Garden - Busan

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Known for its gorgeous beaches, the port city of Busan is home to an array of cultural attractions. City folks looking to unwind and immerse in the serenity of Busan, spend an afternoon in the seven gardens located within the Spirited Garden. Once a deserted wasteland, the Spirited Garden was given new life in 1968. Determined to preserve Korea’s bonsai culture for future generations, Director Sung poured his efforts into the project. The result is a gorgeous garden that’s unique to Busan.

Fancy a scenic ride? Hop on the Haeundae Beach train as it takes you along the coast of Busan’s Eastern Shores. Stretching 4.8km, the ride takes you from Haeundae to Songjeong, with several stops where you can drop off and explore the parks and beaches in the area. For an elevated view, opt for a ride on the Sky Capsule which runs on a separate track above the train.

Spirited Garden

Price:  $12.80/adult; $7/child

Address: 675 Nokchabunjae-ro, Hangyeong-myeon, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea 

 

Haeundae Beach Train

Price: $8.60/pax (Beach Train); $37/two pax (Sky Capsule)

Address: Dalmaji-gil 62 Beon-gil, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

Coex Mall Starfield Library - Seoul

Photo credit: Josip Ivankovic

Dominating our Instagram feed in recent years, the towering bookshelves of Starfield Library have drawn visitors from all over the world. Located in the Gangnam district, the COEX Mall boasts many attractions such as the Starfield Library, a large-scale aquarium, and the Kimchikan (formerly Kimchi) museum.

If you’re in the mood for some shopping, COEX mall is home to a diverse range of national and international brands. As the largest underground mall in Asia, COEX mall is definitely worth a visit.

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Arte Museum - Jeju Island

Photo Credit: Arte Museum

While we might not be able to travel to space and play among the stars (unless you’re Jeff Bezo), a trip to Jeju’s Arte Museum might be the next best thing. Stepping through its doors, impactful visuals and sensuous sounds submerge the senses with an almost ethereal quality. Visitors can experience the raw power of untameable waves, snap a few photos with soft light sculptures of the lonely Moon Rabbit, and enjoy a view of the enchanting Night Safari splashed across a wide screen. 

Address: Arte Museum, 478 Eorimbi-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju Island, South Korea

 

Imjingak Resort & Dora Observatory (DMZ)

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Heard plenty about the Korean War and want to see it for yourself? Sign up for a DMZ tour and visit popular attractions such as the Imjingak Resort and the Dora Observatory. Situated around 7km away from the Korean Peninsula’s Military Demarcation Line, the Imjingak Resort was constructed to serve as a remembrance for divided families after the Korean war. Unlike what it’s name suggests, Imjingak Resort is not a resort, but a park that comprises several sections. From the famous Unification Park, to the Freedom Bridge that repatriated POWs used to return to the South, the Imjingak Resort offers visitors a window into the past. 

While you may not be able to set foot in North Korea, Dora Observatory offers visitors a glimpse into the enigmatic North. From the observatory, you will be able to see the famous Kijong-dong Propaganda Village and the outskirts of the North Korean city of Kaesong.

Imjingak Resort

Address: 148-53 Imjingak-ro, Paju, South Korea

Dora Observatory

Address: 310 Je3(sam) ttanggul-ro, Jangdan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

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