Thinking of planning a trip to South Korea? You’re in for an amazing journey. Beyond the vibrant capital city of Seoul, South Korea is home to a range of fascinating destinations—each with its own culture, landscape, and charm.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the Top 5 travel cities in Korea that should be on your itinerary. Whether you’re into traditional culture, coastal scenery, nightlife, or natural beauty, these cities offer the best of Korea travel in 2025.
🌍 Keyword Focus: Korea travel
🇰🇷 1. Seoul – The Heartbeat of South Korea
- Why Visit: Seoul is a perfect blend of past and future—where royal palaces and ancient temples coexist with high-tech infrastructure and K-pop billboards.
- Top Attractions:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Myeongdong Shopping Street
- Hongdae & Gangnam nightlife
- N Seoul Tower
- Must-Do: Rent a hanbok for a cultural photo shoot, try Korean BBQ in Mapo, or cruise the Han River at sunset.
- Best For: First-time visitors, foodies, history buffs, and K-pop fans
📍Pro Tip: Use a T-Money card for public transport and download Naver Map.
🌊 2. Busan – Korea’s Coastal Gem
- Why Visit: South Korea’s second-largest city is known for its beaches, seafood, and mix of modern skyscrapers and old neighborhoods.
- Top Attractions:
- Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach
- Jagalchi Fish Market
- Gamcheon Culture Village
- Beomeosa Temple
- Busan X the Sky observatory
- Must-Do: Eat live octopus at Jagalchi, take a night stroll along Gwangalli Beach, and sip coffee with a view at a beachfront café.
- Best For: Beach lovers, seafood enthusiasts, Instagrammers
📍Pro Tip: Visit in October for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
🏞️ 3. Jeju Island – Korea’s Natural Wonderland
- Why Visit: Often dubbed the “Hawaii of Korea,” Jeju is a volcanic island offering unique geological wonders, waterfalls, and relaxed island vibes.
- Top Attractions:
- Hallasan Mountain (highest in Korea)
- Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
- Manjanggul Lava Tube
- Jeongbang and Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls
- Jeju Folk Village
- Must-Do: Hike up Hallasan, watch sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong, bike along the coastal roads, and try Jeju black pork.
- Best For: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, honeymooners
📍Pro Tip: Rent a car for easy exploration—Jeju is best seen by road.
🧧 4. Gyeongju – Korea’s Ancient Capital
- Why Visit: Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historical landmarks and Buddhist art.
- Top Attractions:
- Bulguksa Temple
- Seokguram Grotto
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex
- Cheomseongdae Observatory (Asia’s oldest)
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Must-Do: Rent a bike and explore the tombs and ancient ruins, visit at night to see Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond lit up beautifully.
- Best For: History enthusiasts, cultural travelers, architecture fans
📍Pro Tip: Gyeongju is a short KTX ride from Busan or Seoul.
🌸 5. Andong – The Soul of Korean Tradition
- Why Visit: If you’re curious about Korea’s Confucian heritage and want to experience traditional life, Andong is a hidden gem.
- Top Attractions:
- Hahoe Folk Village (UNESCO site)
- Andong Soju Museum
- Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy
- Mask Dance Festival (every fall)
- Must-Do: Watch traditional mask dance performances, stay in a hanok house, and try jjimdak (braised chicken) – a regional specialty.
- Best For: Cultural immersion, slow travelers, photography lovers
📍Pro Tip: The best time to visit is during the Andong Mask Dance Festival in early October.
✨ Bonus Mentions
- Incheon: For modern architecture, Chinatown, and airport convenience
- Suwon: For the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress
- Chuncheon: For dakgalbi, Nami Island, and winter landscapes
- Gangneung: For east coast beaches and the annual coffee festival
📌 Travel Tips for Exploring Korea
- Transportation: Use Korea’s KTX bullet trains to travel between cities quickly.
- SIM Card or eSIM: Stay connected for maps and translation apps.
- Cultural Etiquette: Bow when greeting, remove shoes indoors, and speak quietly on public transport.
- Language Help: Apps like Papago or Google Translate are helpful for non-Korean speakers.
🌏 Final Thoughts
South Korea is far more than just Seoul. With mountains, islands, palaces, beaches, and historic villages, every city in this country tells a different story. These five cities offer the best of Korea travel—a journey through time, taste, and tradition.
So pack your bags and get ready to discover the soul of Korea, one city at a time!
🧳 For more Korea travel guides and cultural tips, visit koreanmario.com
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