Must-see attractions in South Korea
Jeollabuk-do
Compared to many temples in Jeollabuk-do, Naeso-sa is a bit underwhelming. Originally built in AD 633 and last renovated in the 19th century, its…
Chungcheongnam-do
The tomb of King Muryeong, the 25th Baekje king, was discovered – miraculously intact and completely by accident – in 1971. The tomb and the six others in…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
Security is so tight around the Blue House (so called because of its blue tiled roof) at the base of Bukaksan that even innocently walking past the…
Jeonju
The easiest landmark to find around the hanok village is a tall, red-brick church built by French missionary Xavier Baudounet where Korean Catholics were…
Chungcheongnam-do
Buyeo has seven royal tombs, dating from AD 538 to 660. They're sealed for protection, but there's a re-creation of the most impressive one, which is…
Chungcheongnam-do
This modest shrine inside Busosan-seong commemorates three Baekje officials. Seong Chun, a royal adviser, died in prison after angering the king. Heung Su…
Gyeongsangnam-do
Here's a destination people visit because it's popular, not because it's interesting. Local marketing bumf calls it one of the island's best sites, but…
Jeonju
Adjacent to a modern-day paper factory, this museum covers the history and processes involved in making hanji (traditional Korean paper) and also shows…
Chungcheongnam-do
This tiny temple at the bottom of a cliff is reached via stone stairs from Busosan-seong. Behind it is a spring that provided the favourite drinking water…
Jeollabuk-do
Originally built in 1227, Anguk-sa housed a secret Joseon dynasty archive known as Sagak; later, monk soldiers lived at the temple to protect these…
Jeollabuk-do
This small beach easily fills up with inflatable tubes and tents on warm weekends. Aside from swimming, the main attraction is the nearby Chaeseokgang…
Jeonju
On a hill overlooking the entire village is a pavilion where General Yi Seong-gye celebrated a victory over Japanese pirates in 1380, prior to his…
Jeju-do
Gama Oreum is a parasitic volcano that hides an underground fortress created by the Japanese army in the final stages of WWII. Explore some of the 2km of…
Jeonju
Hyanggyo were neighbourhood schools established by yangban (aristocrats) in the 1500s to prepare their sons for the seowon (Confucian academies), where…
Gyeongsangnam-do
The journey to the Undersea Tunnel is more interesting than the sight itself. Constructed in the early 1930s, the 483m-long tunnel connects both sides of…
Jeonju
See sheets of hanji (handmade paper) being manufactured in this institute, housed in a gloriously atmospheric hanok (traditional wooden home) down an…
Chungcheongnam-do
This 'historical theme park' imagines what the Baekje palace and attendant village might have looked like, with structures you can enter (and plenty of…
Jeollabuk-do
One of the most popular beaches on the west coast, the big draws here are the 2km stretch of white sand backed by a fir-tree forest, shellfish hunting…
Gyeonggi-do & Incheon
The nothernmost of the two main beaches on Muuido's west coast, Silmi is 2km south-west from the ferry terminal. Quieter than Hanagae Beach, at low tide…
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…
Chungcheongnam-do
Despite being outnumbered 10 to one, General Gyebaek led his army of 5000 in a last stand against the final Silla and Chinese onslaught in AD 660…
Jeollabuk-do
This temple has a Dangun shrine, a centuries-old pear tree and attractive gardens, and you can even bang the big drum. Coming from the southern gate of…
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…
Chungcheongnam-do
A good place to get nice views of the area, it's also part of Buyeo's historical narrative. Nakhwa-am means 'falling flowers rock' and is thought to…
Jeonju
The final resting place of Korean Catholics who were executed in 1781 and 1801. There are 13 crosses on the hillside marking the burial location and a…
Jeonju
Housed in a beautiful hanok (traditional wooden home), this museum has a gosori (traditional still), displays (in Korean) explaining the process of making…
