Jeonju
See sheets of hanji (handmade paper) being manufactured in this institute, housed in a gloriously atmospheric hanok (traditional wooden home) down an…
Must-see attractions in South Korea
Hwangnyong-sa History and Culture Museum
Gyeongju
At the Hwangnyong-sa site, this excellent museum contains a model of the huge temple pagoda as it once looked, a vast illuminated Buddha head, other…
Seogwipo
This exhibition hall is dedicated to Seobok, who was an envoy of the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and chronicles his visits to Halla-san in…
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Built upon a square base and tapering in stages to its top, this very attractive and unique pagoda dates to the 9th century and is located on the left…
Jeju-si
‘Dragon Head Rock’ (so called because the volcanic rocks are supposed to resemble a dragon) attracts coachloads of tourists. Besides rock-watching, plane…
Gangneung
This fine beach strewn with golden sand and shells is framed between the blue, blue sea and a long line of cafes; it's a lovely place for a stroll, to…
Seoul
On this hillside park, there are walking trails lined with wildflowers, as well as basketball and badminton courts and other fitness facilities, all well…
Jeju-do
The highlight of Hado-ri, this museum does an excellent job explaining the history and culture of the amazing haenyeo women divers through models of their…
Gwangju
This arts complex houses galleries, performance spaces, a library and plazas – all designed to boost Gwangju's capital in the art world. It's located on…
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
This small exhibition with some English explanations will clue you into the various types of Korean alcohol, such as makgeolli, soju and yakju. If you…
The DMZ
This park is dedicated to the 10 million South Koreans separated from their families when the peninsula was divided postwar. Also here is the Freedom…
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
Near the summit of Namsan you can see the Bongsudae, a smoke-signal communications system used for 500 years to notify the central government of urgent…
Gangwon-do
Below Naksan-sa is this beach, one of the best on the east coast and of course, busy in summer, when accommodation prices can triple. At other times it’s…
Busan
Close to the shopping in Nampo-dong, this humble park is home to the 118m-high Busan Tower. If the haze is not too thick, daytime views of container-ship…
Gyeongju
Sangsabawi resembles a mere rock but is permeated with a morbid legend telling of an older man who, suffering from unrequited love for a village girl,…
Seogwipo
Densely wooded Saeseom (Sod Island) is ringed by a shady 1.1km trail that is a favourite spot to stroll at sunset. There is also a central public square…
Jeju-do
The long stretch of beach between Seongsan-ri and Phoenix Island is a unique contrast of colours – mossy green rocks, black sand and blue waters, all…
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Sunset Point Pavilion is a steep 15-minute walk above Dodong-ri, commanding great views of the ocean and the sunset. To get there, follow the western…
Mokpo
This museum is aimed at children, with large dinosaur skeletons, live lizards and fish, and thousands of colourful-but-dead butterflies.
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
Seoul Plaza, fronting City Hall, is the scene for events and free performances most nights during summer, as well as an outdoor ice-skating rink for a…
Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village
Incheon
As if a princess had waved a magic wand over its streets, this once gritty neighbourhood has been transformed into a children's wonderland of brightly…
Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum
Jeju-si
Wide-ranging eco-museum with exhibits on Jeju-do’s varied geological features, including volcanic bombs, lava tubes and trace fossils. Other highlights…
Busan
Built on a former US army base, this pleasant city park features nearly one million trees and shrubs of 97 different species. Its paths stretch past…
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
The Daehan Empire History Museum, with its opulent lobby, dining rooms and bedrooms, is in the neoclassical-style Seokjojeon. Visiting is only possible by…
Jeju-do
Gorgeous Hongjodangoe Haebin (sometimes called Coral Sand Beach) has brilliant white coral sand stretching out in a crescent-moon-shaped beach. Located on…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Give your Korean-language skills a brush up with this museum dedicated to hangeul, the much-lauded Korean alphabet and writing system created in the 15th…
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
Formerly part of Seoul Station, this grand 1925 building with a domed roof has been beautifully restored inside and out and made into a cultural-arts…
Gyeongju National Park – Namsan District
Gyeongju
Gyeongju National Park is South Korea's sole historical national park and is divided into several sections in and around the city of Gyeongju. This…
Gangwon-do
In a building that resembles a wedding cake dripping with various colours of icing on the south side of the river, exhibits here (some in English) contain…
Jeollanam-do
Here you can learn more than you ever thought you needed to know about tea, both in Korea and around the world, and also take part in a traditional tea…
Jeju-do
A short drive from Cheonjin Port, expect grassy hills overlooking rugged rock formations, steep steps up to the lighthouse, spectacular views of rural Udo…
Suwon
Consider popping in to this well-frequented, laid-back Buddhist temple lost amidst shops a short stroll south-east of Paldalmun, the iconic South Gate of…
Jeju-do
Hallim Park offers a botanical and bonsai garden, a mini folk village and walks through a lava-tube cave. The caves are part of a 17km-long lava-tube…
Daegu
These superb botanical gardens in the south of town offer shade from the sun and a huge range of trees and plants, as well as several large greenhouses…
Seoul
To the left of the university entrance, the exhibits spread over three floors here conjure up the extinct world of the yangban (aristocratic) elite with…
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Closed when visited last, this rebuilt Confucian academy originally dates to the late 18th century. Look for the signs to the academy, indicated in hanja…
Gyeongju
At Noseo-dong Tombs, the tomb of Seobongchong was erected between the 4th and 5th centuries. Excavation of the mound yielded a gold crown of Silla origin…
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
Much more interesting than it sounds, this museum has imaginative displays that relate to the history and practice of farming on the Korean peninsula…
Mokpo
A grand four-floor atrium building that displays the work of local artists who work in all genres – from traditional ink to colourful modern splodges,…
Incheon
This large fish and seafood market has row upon row of vendors hawking every kind of edible sea beast, which can be consumed right here at several small…
