With a blend of Chinese influences in its Buddhist-era temples, a coastline adorned with intriguing volcanic geology, and a capital city boasting innovative modern architecture that can rival any Japanese city, South Korea is a culturally and historically diverse nation known for its warmth and friendliness.
Read on for a selection of the most interesting places to see and foods to try in South Korea.
Most Popular Dishes
In South Korea, food is an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Here, eating out is an all-night event. The result of thousands of years of taste and flavor refinement, South Korean cuisine is infused with intricate spice blends, culminating in delicacies like kimchi.
Dating back to the Shilla Dynasty over 2,000 years ago, kimchi is a combination of cabbage, pumpkin, radish, onion, and scallion infused with crushed garlic, chili powder, and salted seafood. The dish is then left to ferment for up to two weeks.
Bibimbap is another must-try Korean dish that is widely available in restaurants, street markets, and food courts. Although the dish varies from one region to the next, it generally consists of warm rice topped with chicken or beef, mixed vegetables, and a raw egg, all doused in chili pepper and soy sauce.
Other popular Korean dishes include red rice cakes; a marinated beef sirloin dish called bulgogi; and a Korean-Chinese fusion dish called jajangmyeon, which is made with thick wheat noodles, diced pork, and vegetables coated in a salty black soybean sauce.
Korean Architecture
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, offers a captivating blend of contemporary architecture, pop culture, lush parks, and dazzling promenades. One of the most vibrant cities in all of Asia, Seoul is more than a modern urban hub—it’s rich history and culture. Alongside its stylish boutiques and chic restaurants sit several impressive palaces, including Changdeokgung Palace, with its stunning Secret Garden. Built in the 15th century, the palace served as the favored royal residence during the Joseon Dynasty. It features a complex of buildings nestled within a vast 78-acre expanse of gardens.
Seoul is also home to Bukchon Hanok Village, renowned worldwide for its pagodas and timeless charm. Meanwhile, North Seoul Tower offers breathtaking panoramic vistas, and the Lotte World Adventure amusement park is a beloved destination for families.
Korea’s Climate
Few cities have climates that range as wildly as Seoul, where temperatures frequently top 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer, and as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the depths of winter. While the southern regions of South Korea are generally milder than Seoul, they can still experience chilly winters and scorching summers. The best times to visit South Korea are during the spring, from April to June, or in the fall, from September to November.
Places of Interest
Nestled within pine forests, adorned with serene temples, and crisscrossed by a network of hiking trails, Bukhansan National Park looms majestically behind Seoul, resembling a jagged rocky crown. Despite its global popularity as one of the most frequently visited national parks, visitors can easily escape the crowds and savor moments of peace, solitude, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, sits on the coast fronted by beautiful beaches and resorts. Like Seoul, it boasts an ample amount of culture and history. It is home to Gamcheon Cultural Village, a European-style village situated on cliffs overlooking the sea, popularized as Korea’s take on Santorini. Busan is also home to Korea’s largest seafood market, part of which is open to members of the public. For seafood lovers, a visit to Jagalchi Market is a must. Here, numerous restaurants are ready to prepare and serve your seafood purchases for you, ensuring the freshest possible seafood dining experience.
Located 85 kilometers off the coast of South Korea, Jeju is a stunning island regarded by many as one of the most beautiful places in the whole of South Korea. Ranking as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, Jeju Island’s pristine beauty is sure to astound any visitor, with its surreal white sandy beaches surrounded by lava caves, volcanic craters, and pine forests.
Known as the Yosemite of Korea, Seoraksan National Park’s stunning mountains boast miles of hiking trails to explore, as well as lakes, streams, and vast waterfalls. Korea’s first national park, Seoraksan is home to more than 1,500 animal species and more than 1,000 species of plants, as well as two Buddhist temples, one of which is known as the “Temple of a Hundred Pools.”
Finally, the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a top attraction in South Korea, offering tourists a chance to explore the nation’s modern history and understand the North-South Korea conflict. The DMZ features intriguing sights like the Infiltration Tunnel and Observation Post for an adventurous experience. The best way to experience DMZ is by taking a guided tour, which also includes a visit to the Joint Security Area.
David Geithner 