Tourist Spots in Korea

The tourist spots in Korea range from marvels created by nature to wonders crafted by man. The following are some of the most popular tourist attractions in South Korea.
Shopping
The biggest market and one of the most popular in the country is Dongdaemun Market, right in Seoul. Myeongdong is also frequented for its fashion boutiques. Another trendy spot is Sinchon, whose main patrons are the young people.
Visiting Historical Landmarks
One of the most historical sites is the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site, where Neolithic artifacts have been unearthed. The districts of Jung-gu and Jongno-gu are the home of the ancient Five Grand Palaces. These are Gyeonghuigung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung.
Parks
One of the most popular tourist spots in Korea is Namsan Park. From here one can hike and catch lovely views of the capital city’s skyline. Another well known site is Seoul Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, which hosted the 1988 Olympics. Tapgol Park is the home of the Wongaksa Pagoda. In addition to these, areas along streams are considered public places for relaxing.
Museums
Seoul is the home of more than 100 museums, showcasing the country’s culture and heritage. One of the most important is the National Museum of Korea, custodian of over 150,000 artifacts.
At Gyeongbokgung Palace is the National Folk Museum. Its main thrust is depicting the folk history of the country. The War Memorial, the Seoul Museum of Art and Tteok & Kitchen Utensil Museum are other major tourist spots in Korea.
Modern Architecture
Seoul is one of the most technologically advanced cities on the planet and it is apparent in the various skyscrapers in the city. Among them are the N Seoul Tower, the 6 skyscraper Tower Palace and the Jongno Tower. Other magnificent edifices in the country are the COEX Mall and the Korea Finance Building.
The Baekdudaegan Mountain Range
Running from the Baekdu Mountain to the Jirisan southwards, the Baekdudaegan is known as the spine of the entire peninsula. In 2006 it was declared a preservation park.
Seorak-san
The tallest mountain in the Taebek Mountains, Seoraksan is the third highest peak in the country. The mountain and forest are at their most stunning during the fall, as myriad colors emerge.
Jirisan
Included among the best tourist spots in Korea is Jirisan. It is a mountain in the northern part of the country. It is situated in the Jirisan National Park. Jirisan is also home to seven Buddhist temples.
The Hwanseongul Cave
Found in Gangwon province, the Hwanseongul is the largest in Korea with over 6 km of passages. It is visited by a million people every year.
Haeundae Beach
Situated to the southeast of Busan, it is one of the most well known beaches in South Korea. It has white sand, palm trees and has several fine resorts nearby. The night view from the beach is another one of its main attractions.
The tourist spots in Korea showcase the culture, history and savvy of the country and its people. It is hardly a wonder that it is regarded as one of the tourist hotspots in Asia.
Related Destinations:
  1. Jirisan – Korea Jirisan is one of Korea’s more important tourist destinations. It offers not just a stunning view of natural wonders but also a glimpse to the nation’s strong faith....
  2. Parks – Korea There are numerous parks in Korea that are worth checking out. You should include as much as you can explore in your travel itinerary to see the best of Korea’s...
  3. Museums – Korea There are a handful of museums in Korea that are all worth checking out. Among all those, the National Museum and the War Museum are two destinations you should not...
  4. The Baekdudaegan Mountain Range – Korea The Baekdudaegan Mountain Range is one of the most interesting tourist spots in Korea. It is not only beautiful but also has an interesting cultural landscape – something worth exploring....
  5. Modern Architecture – Korea Korea is one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world. Apart from its infrastructure, the city is also known for its architecture. Get insights intro Korean modern architecture...
Recommended Summer Tourist Spots in Busan

It’s like summer all year long in Busan. This is because all the vacation spots such as Haeundae Beach, Songjeong Beach, Taejongdae, and more are all closely gathered together.
But for first-time tourists to Busan, they are likely to be overwhelmed by all the people.

People often come to Busan for vacation or for sightseeing, but more than anything, they come to see what Busan's all about. This is why we have prepared this article about Summer Tourist Spots in Busan to give a better and more comprehensive idea of other beaches there are in Busan besides Haeundae Beach.

Let’s try to find some more secluded, quieter beaches located also in Busan. When people are headed for the ocean, they can also visit the mountains, and when people are enjoying the beaches, let’s enjoy the cool summer’s evening breeze while taking in the ocean air on a cruise.
Avoid the Surging Crowds, Visit Songdo Beach and Ilgwang Beach!
Songdo Beach Ilgwang Beach

Busan’s Haeundae Beach and Gwangali Beach are among Korea’s most popular, congested beaches. However, if Haeundae Beach is too crowded for you, try Songdo Beach, located just a little to the south. Since this beach is smaller in size compared to Haeundae, that is also the reason why it is less crowded. This is a beach where more Busan natives often visit to enjoy its tranquility.

If you listen to the area’s guides, or the taxi drivers, they will tell you that Gijang-gun’s Ilgwang Beach or Ulsan’s Jinha Beach are also worth visiting if you want a relaxing, quiet time. The water’s temperatures aren’t that low, and this beach differs from the other beaches that are popular spots, as it still possesses the original charm of its past.

→ Haeundae Beach Details
→ Gwangali Beach Details
→ Songjeong Beach Details
→ Busan Aquarium Details

Not only does Busan have great views of the Ocean but Mountains too. Why not try going to a Buddhist Temple in the Mountains!
Yongungsa Temple, Where One of Your Wishes Comes True
Yonggungsa Temple

There are many people from Korea and abroad that come to visit Yonggungsa Temple, a place where a visitor’s wish always comes true. If there is one place in Busan you must visit, it’s Yonggungsa Temple. Yonggungsa Temple is unusually located along the ocean. To be more precise, the temple is situated on top of a large rock along the ocean. Its visitors can enjoy the melodic tunes of the East Sea’s ocean waves and sutra chanting together at one place. The “picturesque” Yonggungsa Temple is a sight that one will not want to miss.

Hakeupbul (a Buddha statue granting successful studies), Deuknambul (a Buddha statue granting the birth of an offspring), and other statues are placed here and there welcoming its visitors and allowing them to make wishes. Yonggungsa Temple is a place where nature is largely prominent and outstanding rather than religion. Since each visitor is granted one wish, be sure to make a wish before you go.

→ Yonggungsa Temple Details
Making Faint Memories at Jagalchi Market
Jagalchi Market

Jagalchi Market is Korea’s largest fish market, and the salty smell can be noticed from the subway station. The Busan National Market resembles the atmosphere of Namdaemun Market. Jagalchi Market also offers special quality fish that is inferior to no other.

→ Jagalchi Market Details
The Excitement of an Ocean Cruise in Busan
A cruise offering lodging and an option of meals along with the remedying cure-all of the summer ocean waters is what most people fantasize about!

“Wherever you look, Busan is surrounded mostly by water.  Taking a boat around Haeundae, Gwangan Bridge, and Oryukdo Islets gives a great sensation.”  Taking a cruise in Busan’s ocean is another great way to brush away the heat rather than swimming at the beaches.
Busan Cruise Tours

The cruise that tours the summer’s evening waters around the glimmering lights of Gwangan Bridge offers rates that differ depending on meal and lodging options. The course that is widely chosen makes its rounds around Haeundae (Nurimaru), Gwangali, Taejongdae, Oryookdo, Haeundae, and Gwangan Bridge. Although these are all popular tourism spots, touring them from the oceans give a refreshing sense of openness to the cruise guests.

At night, there is a special spectacle that is presented that cannot be seen in the daytime.
The beautiful lights of Gwangan Bridge light up, and the ambience of the summer night gives a different feeling than in the day. Guests may choose to depart from either Haeundae Terminal or Yeonan Passenger Terminal. The rate for the shortest course is 10,000 won, a 1-hour course. If you choose to have a meal on the cruise, rates will be from 50,000 won to 100,000 won, and the course length is from 2 to 3 hours. If you plan to sleep on the cruise, accommodation rates will cost from 100,000 won to 300,000 won.