The 11 most beautiful places to visit in South Korea

Are you dreaming of the distant East and in particular of this land that is surnamed "The Land of the Calm Matin"? We have selected for you the 10 most beautiful places to visit in South Korea.

Located in the northeast of Asia, at the same latitude as South Japan, South Korea is located on a peninsula, which it shares with its neighbour, North Korea. The partition between the two countries took place in 1953, following the Korean War, which opposed the South, supported by the United Nations, and the North, supported by China and the USSR. However, the two halves have not concluded a peace treaty and are still officially at war, even if the conflict is latent. As a result, we can only access the Pays du Matin Calme by the sea or the air.

We invite you to follow us to discover the most beautiful places to visit in South Korea.

1. The DMZ

demilitarized zone which separates the two countries on 235 km has become a tourist attraction, especially since this No Man’s Land has been colonized by a fauna and flora of great interest. However, it is only possible to get there by an organized excursion, which will take you to visit the key points along the area, without entering it.

From the observatories, you may have the chance to observe deer, which take advantage of this natural environment. There is also a more complete visit, which includes the JSA (Joint Security Area), managed by the UN and takes you inside the area.

2. Gyeongju

When we visit South Korea, it is important to know the main lines of its history. The charming town of Gyeongju , not far from the coast, in the southeast, is perfect to immerse yourself in Korean culture.

The one that was the capital of the Silla kingdom for 1,000 years, between 57 BC and 935 after, has preserved many vestiges of its glorious period. They are discovered on the occasion of a walk in a green park, with nearly 200 tumulus, one of which was cut off, to house a small museum. A little further, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world, dating from the seventh century, and then the Donggung Palace, on the edge of the Anapji pond. Go there instead at the end of the day to enjoy the lights at the falling night.

3. Andong and Hahoe

Another charming place to visit in South Korea, the city of Andong is located in the centre-east.

First go to the top of the Buyongdae cliff, to have a panoramic view of the village, then continue towards Hahoe a historic village dating from the 14th century and remained as it was at the time. What a spectacle that this village, nestled inside a river meander, surrounded by fields and mountains! In the spring and autumn, it illuminates the colours of the flowers or those of the leaves. Walk through the narrow streets, enter traditional houses always inhabited and enjoy very colorful folk parades.

4. Busan

Difficult to visit South Korea by making the impasse on Busan, the second largest city and important port. If the city is not globally attractive, it has at least two places that deserve the detour: Gamcheon , the cultural village, with narrow alleys, which sit among houses with bright colours. The construction of this neighborhood dates back to the 1950s and everything was thought to make every house enjoy a clear view. Street art is very present, including a statue of the Little Prince that contemplates the city.

At about 1 hour from Busan, it is absolutely necessary to hike on the coastal path managed to Igidae , between forest and decoupled coast. The walk begins on an observatory of the seabed of the tiny Oryukdo Islands, then crosses a landscaped park, superbly landscaped on a former military site and then winds up in the forest to finish on a breathtaking view of the Gwangan Bridge.

5. Suncheon

On the south coast, Suncheon radiates through its botanical garden and ecological bay. After the international exhibition of the 2013 gardens, the immense botanical park has preserved many of the floral and landscape designs designed by the invited countries. This space was designed to represent the configuration of the city and, from the top of one of the hills, we discover the general view. The water plan represents the urban area. By the way, admire the work of the gardeners, who remove the weeds by hand...

At the end of the afternoon, take the monorail that leads to the bay, erected as a protected natural park. A long walk in the largest reed in the country will make you enjoy the calm of the place and enjoy the singing of the birds. At the end of the journey, it is the spectacle of the sun lying on the Yellow Sea, which rewards you for having walked so far.

6. Boseong

It is impossible to visit South Korea, without getting to know one of Asia’s iconic cultures! Let's go to the discovery of tea fields Boseong About 1 hour from Suncheon. Here it is not only your view that will be awake, but also the smell, with the delicious smell of tea leaves, gently cradled by the breeze. You will be blown away by these green hilly landscapes, sometimes highlighted with light fogs. It’s not without reason if this region often serves as a decor for Korean films.

Many plantations are open to the visit and are thus the object of a walk among fields and hills. You will also have the opportunity to visit a tea museum and taste local specialties, based on green tea, of course.

7. Jeonju

200 km southwest of the capital, Jeonju is an essential step. Provide traditional accommodation (hanok) in the old town, you will feel transported in time. Your sleeping will be made of the traditional futon, placed on the floor. You may need explanations to be able to install it properly, because you will find it folded, so as to free space. This will be the occasion for a pleasant moment of sharing with your host.

In this unspoiled area, cars are forbidden during the day, you will wander between small traditional houses, historic buildings, museums – including the art of calligraphy, and even a Catholic cathedral, founded by an Aveyronnais. Everywhere in the streets, you will be accompanied by young, and younger, wearing traditional outfits. You can also try it, they are for rent and it will allow you to enter museums for free. The city is famous for its gastronomy (this is from here the famous bibimbap) everything here is gathered for the pleasure of the senses.

8. Seoraksan Park

In the northeast, in the mountains that served as a frame for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, is the Seoraksan Park , considered the most beautiful in the country. Here nature reigns as a master, because this park is protected. Choose one of the 15 hiking trails to your point to discover the forest, the rocks cut, the waterfalls or the temples that jealousize it. Climb the Ulsanbawi, a rock composed of six summits, the highest of which is 950 m.

The ride is a little demanding, but you will be rewarded by the magnificent views of the surrounding valley. You can finish the day at Sokcho Beach, not far from there.

9. Seonyudo or Sunyudo

This lovely island rosary at 2 o’clock in the capital is an authentic and refreshing stop after the city’s hue. Accessible within an hour of ferry from the port of Gunsan, the small islands of Seonyudo , Munyeodo, Janjado and other Daejangdo travel quickly on foot, and are the opportunity to observe the fishermen at work, natural coves, as well as a curious endemic tree: the rain tree. The perfect opportunity to taste raw fish, prepared in front of you and admire a beautiful sunset. The best thing is to arrive by the afternoon ferry, to arrive when the excursionists have just left! Be careful not to confuse with Seonyudo Park in Seoul when you prepare your itinerary...

10. Jeju

Paradise destination among the must-see places to visit in South Korea, the island of Jeju is 85 km south of the peninsula. Formed by several volcanic eruptions, it offers beautiful landscapes, many hiking opportunities and the benefits of a subtropical climate. However, by climbing Mount Hallasan, which peaks at 1950 m, you can also face a subantarctic climate!

Another unusual experience on Jeju: the Manjanggul Cave, which is part of the UNESCO world heritage. This is the longest lava cave in the world.

11. Seoul

It is of course no question of visiting South Korea without discovering the charms of the capital, Seoul. Certainly, the megalopolis may seem difficult to apprehend at first, as long as it is extended, but its center is easily visited and includes many attractive neighborhoods. Royal Palaces cohabit without complex with futuristic buildings and every corner of the street reveals new surprises.

The most popular and relaxing ride is on the banks of the Cheonggyecheon, a river that was cleared from its concrete carcan to offer a bowl of pure air to the Seoulites. Not far from there, the pedestrian street in the traditional district of Insadong allows you to admire the small shops and art galleries.