Things to Do in South Korea

This half-moon-shaped island in the southwest of Chuncheon served as a setting in the popular Korean TV dramaWinter Sonata. Namiseom (Nami) offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of Seoul with facilities for bike riding, ziplining, camping, and boating. The island’s redwoods, ginkgos, and pines offer a habitat for roaming deer and waterfowl.

Located at the top of Mt Dora on the South Korean side of the 38th parallel, the Dora Observatory sits as close to North Korea as one can get from the south. Looking out over the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the observatory is close to the huge Third Tunnel, which was originally created by the North Koreans with the intention to use it as a secret pathway to invade South Korea if war ever broke out again.

Because the area is restricted, the Dora Observatory can only be visited via the DMZ Peace and Security Tourist Program. Once at the observatory, binoculars can be rented, but photography is restricted and banned beyond a certain point.

Head to the top of Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) in hilly Namsan Park, the largest in Seoul, for some of the best panoramic views over the South Korean capital. The 777-foot (237-meter) tower offers three observation decks and half a dozen restaurants where you can soak in the views, day or night.

As the name suggests, Jeju Glass Castle in west Jeju is devoted to the art of glass. Hundreds of sculptures by artists from around the world span three zones. Highlights at this glass-themed, indoor-outdoor park include the Magic Forest walking trail and a stunning mirrored room. You can take short classes in glassblowing, glass painting, and a technique called lampworking.

Busan’s proximity to the sea is one of its charms, and Haeundae Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in South Korea. Nearly a mile long (1.5 kilometers), this stretch of coastline is lined with some of Busan’s top international hotels, as well as an assortment of restaurants, shops, and the Sea Life Busan Aquarium.

The 35-acre (14-hectare) UN Memorial Cemetery is one of Busan’s most peaceful spots. Established in 1951, the quiet park and cemetery honors a total of 2,300 United Nations soldiers representing 16 countries who were killed during the Korean War. Manicured hedges and flower bushes add to the beautiful and somber sight.

The rocky seaside cliffs of Taejongdae Resort Park are situated on the southernmost tip of Yeongdo Island. The area, named after King Taejong of the Silla Dynasty, offers access to a rock beach, a lighthouse, a few temples, an observatory, and plenty of nature trails.

Flanked by Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace—two of Seoul’s Joseon Dynasty palaces—Bukchon Hanok Village comprises hundreds of traditionalhanok houses that today are home to restaurants, teahouses, cultural centers, art galleries, and B&Bs. It’s one of the best places to experience a taste of old Seoul.

Insadong is Seoul’s cultural and artistic hub, as well as the place to shop for local crafts, visit a traditional Korean tea shop, or catch an impromptu street performance. The neighborhood, located in the Jongno-gu district, offers one of the largest antiques and craft markets in the country, with many shops and cafés housed in historic buildings.

Located at a bend in the Nakdong River, Andong Hahoe Folk Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by pine forests, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs and offers a glimpse of bygone Korea. Wander the village to learn about South Korean architecture and traditions that date back to the 10th century.

The Teddy Bear Museum in Seogwipo features several galleries and an extensive gift shop dedicated to stuffed bears from around the world. The museum also contains the world’s smallest teddy bear, which measures just 4.5 millimeters.

Within the museum, you’ll find the History Hall, the Art Hall and the Project Exhibition Hall. The History Hall explores the 100­year history of teddy bears, with various bears from different eras, antique bears, and famous scenes and artwork recreated with teddy bears. The latter includes the Mona Lisa bear and the teddy bears of The Last Supper. The Art Hall features modern artwork by international designers, as well as a number of bear animations. In the Project Exhibit Hall, the collection extends to teddy bears grouped into a number of different themes.

The museum also has a cafe, plus a bar for adults that’s only open in the summer months. Outside in the museum garden, which is adorned with teddy bear sculptures, there are some fantastic views of the coastal landscape of Jeju Island.

Imjingak park is located within the demilitarized zone (DMZ) of North Korea and South Korea. The park is dedicated to the 10 million South Koreans who were separated from their families when the peninsula was divided, with various monuments, statues, and other points of interest throughout.

Imjingak park is located on the banks of the Imjin River and is the furthest point north that South Koreans can freely travel. There’s a three-story observation deck that provides an aerial view of the Imjin River and beyond towards North Korea. The Freedom Bridge, connecting North and South, was where 13,000 POWs were exchanged in the 1950s and is located where the former railroad bridge once stood.

Mangbaedan Alter is where Koreans separated from their families in the North visit to perform ancestral rites by bowing their heads towards their hometowns on certain days of the year. The park also features a wall of commemorative ribbons, a number of souvenir shops, and a restaurant.

Just outside Gyeongju, South Korea’s Bulguksa temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for its beautiful gardens and pagodas. Completed in 774, during the golden age of Silla architecture, the huge temple complex is said to have been commissioned by chief minister Kim Daeseong as a way of pacifying the spirits of his parents.

Bulguksa is home to seven national treasures, including the original Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas and bronze Buddhas.

Korean for Temple of the Buddha Land, Bulguksa still acts as a working temple for the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and you’re likely to see monks performing ceremonies on your visit. Look out for the patio covered with stone stacks, too. It’s said that if you can add a stone to the top of a stack without it toppling over, your wish will come true. Keep a lookout for the local chipmunks who hang out on the patio, too.

The temple’s ornamental gardens are especially beautiful in spring, when the cherry blossoms peak. And as you walk through the gardens from Bulguksa’s parking lot to the temple, you’ll see vendors offering all sorts of foods, from silkworm larvae to candyfloss.

The Gangchon Rail Park gives visitors the opportunity to cycle along a disused, double-tracked railway line to view the scenery along Nami Island, an easy day trip from South Korea’s capital of Seoul. The cycle is not strenuous, and the route features themed tunnels, rest stops, and a ride on a vintage-style train at the end.