Attractions & Hot Places

Gamcheon Culture Village

Busan · A village terraced up a hillside. Walking is the whole of it.

Travel highlight: No admission fee. There are many steps, so wear comfortable shoes.

6 views

Haeundae Beach

Busan · The sand is always open; only swimming has set hours.

Travel highlight: Swimming is 09:00–18:00 during the summer season only. All parking is paid.

13 views

Seoul Sky (Lotte World Tower)

Seoul · Floors 117 to 123 are the observatory. Sunset slots fill first.

Travel highlight: Sunset slots sell out early, and booking ahead costs less.

14 views

N Seoul Tower

Seoul · An observatory at the summit of Namsan, reached several ways.

Travel highlight: There is no parking at the tower — take the cable car or the circular bus.

15 views

Changdeokgung Palace

Seoul · A palace built around the hillside, not over it. The rear garden is booked separately.

Travel highlight: The rear garden needs a timed booking and a separate fee. Hours change by season.

12 views

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul · The main palace of the Joseon dynasty. In spring and autumn it also opens at night.

Travel highlight: Free entry in hanbok. Night openings run for limited periods and are online-booking only.

14 views

Gwanbangjerim

Gwangju & Jeonnam · An embankment planted against floods, grown into forest three centuries on.

Travel highlight: Free with no set hours, and the public car park is free too.

5 views

Daerim Changgo

Seoul · A 1970s rice warehouse, left as it was. Where Seongsu's big cafés began.

Travel highlight: 78 Seongsui-ro. Pop-ups and exhibitions run often next door.

10 views

Dongpirang Village

Gyeongnam · Murals repainted every few years, on the hill behind the market.

Travel highlight: No admission. People live in these lanes, so walk quietly.

10 views

Gyeokpo Beach

Jeonbuk · Sand immediately beside the Chaeseokgang cliffs.

Travel highlight: Chaeseokgang is a few paces away, and being the west coast, the sun sets over the water.

11 views

Jangsado Sea Park

Gyeongnam · An island garden reached only by boat, and camellias are the point.

Travel highlight: Accessible only by sightseeing boat, with fare and admission charged separately.

9 views

Geoje Botanic Garden

Gyeongnam · A glass dome with the tropics inside. Somewhere for a wet day.

Travel highlight: Entirely indoors — a good substitute when it rains.

4 views

Yeonnam Bangagan Seoul Station

Seoul · Come for the sesame latte. Right by Seoul Station Exit 2.

Travel highlight: The sesame latte is the signature. There is no decaf.

9 views

Angle 340

Seoul · Cheonggyecheon runs past the glass. Third floor.

Travel highlight: Window seats look down on Cheonggyecheon. Third floor.

5 views

Susanna's Apron

Seoul · A large bakery café in Chungmuro, with an unusual range of bread.

Travel highlight: Open 8am to 10pm, with parking next door.

6 views

Hyemindang

Seoul · Made by the same people as Coffee Hanyakbang, in an old building on the same lane.

Travel highlight: On the same lane as Coffee Hanyakbang — most people see both.

5 views

Onion Seongsu

Seoul · A factory left exactly as it was found — the template for Seongsu's cafés.

Travel highlight: The bread selection is at its widest in the morning.

5 views

HiKR Ground

Seoul · Shoot your own K-pop music video, and it costs nothing.

Travel highlight: Mostly free. The popular installations take bookings.

4 views

Ganjeolgot

Ulsan · Where the sun reaches the Korean peninsula first. Free.

Travel highlight: No admission or parking fees. Postcards left in the box really are delivered.

12 views

Sangdangsanseong Fortress

Chungbuk · A circuit of the walls takes about two hours.

Travel highlight: Free with no set hours. A full circuit takes about two hours.

7 views

News Museum Euljiro

Seoul · An Euljiro pop-up space that hosts official fan stores.

Travel highlight: Popular pop-ups run on advance booking and can sell out early.

20 views

Ground Seesaw Hannam

Seoul · A basement space running one curated show after another.

Travel highlight: Each show has its own run — check what is on before you go.

6 views

Musinsa Space Hannam

Seoul · A room kept empty for pop-ups. It is different every time.

Travel highlight: The contents change completely by run — check before you go.

5 views

Musinsa Megastore Seongsu

Seoul · Where brands you have only seen online are in front of you.

Travel highlight: Pop-ups run frequently, and the popular ones need booking ahead.

3 views

Fwee Agit Yeonnam

Seoul · A room built for trying colour on, and no booking needed.

Travel highlight: Walk in without booking, and swatch the colours yourself.

5 views

Espoir Yeonnam

Seoul · A store where you leave having learned something. Sessions are by booking.

Travel highlight: Personal consultations are by booking and fill up quickly.

6 views

Medicube Seongsu

Seoul · A flagship where the beauty devices are there to be used.

Travel highlight: The beauty devices are there for you to try.

5 views

Jung Saem Mool 101 Seongsu

Seoul · A makeup artist's flagship, spread over three floors.

Travel highlight: Programmes such as personal colour diagnosis need booking.

5 views

Amore Seongsu

Seoul · A beauty space inside a converted car workshop, free to try everything.

Travel highlight: Programmes run by reservation, and the second-floor pop-up changes by season.

5 views

Olive Young N Seongsu

Seoul · The ground floor keeps changing — brands rotate through it as pop-ups.

Travel highlight: The ground-floor pop-up changes by season. Open until 10pm.

4 views

Yeongnamnu Pavilion

Gyeongnam · A national treasure pavilion on the cliff above the Miryang River.

Travel highlight: Lit at night, and it looks quite different seen from across the river.

8 views

Gueom Port

Jeju · Where salt was made on the basalt itself.

Travel highlight: Free with no set hours. Sunset is the time to come.

5 views

Jeju Swiss Village

Jeju · Every building a different colour. Half an hour covers it.

Travel highlight: Free, and thirty minutes to an hour covers it.

5 views

Achim Miso Ranch

Jeju · See the dairy cows up close. Entry costs nothing.

Travel highlight: Free to enter; only the hands-on activities are charged.

6 views

Gangcheonsa Temple

Jeonbuk · A walk up the valley to the temple, with a suspension bridge above it.

Travel highlight: Part of the admission comes back as local vouchers. There is a barefoot walking path.

3 views

Sarabong

Jeju · An oreum climbed from downtown Jeju, for the sunset.

Travel highlight: Free, and fifteen minutes to the summit.

7 views

Royal Tomb of King Muryeong

Chungnam · The only Baekje royal tomb whose occupant is known.

Travel highlight: The chamber is sealed; the exhibition hall reproduces the interior.

9 views

Jumadeung 2

Seoul · The second room opened by a chef who appeared on television.

Travel highlight: Second floor, open from five in the evening.

5 views

Mario Chef Yangnim

Gwangju & Jeonnam · A Yangnim-dong pasta house now in its second generation.

Travel highlight: On the same lane as the Yangnim heritage buildings.

8 views

Yusoba Yangnim

Gwangju & Jeonnam · A soba house where cold noodles meet a strong dipping broth.

Travel highlight: On the same route as the Yangnim heritage walk.

7 views

Mentaru

Gwangju & Jeonnam · Thick iekei ramen in Gwangju's Yangnim-dong.

Travel highlight: Closes at five and shuts on Mondays — lunch is the window.

4 views

Meolmeol Pangyo

Gyeonggi · A brunch room on the Baekhyeon-dong café street.

Travel highlight: Weekend brunch hours bring a wait.

6 views

Moai Café

Gyeonggi · A large garden café by the Bukhan River, and dogs come too.

Travel highlight: Dogs are welcome. On the way to the Garden of Morning Calm.

4 views

Jung Ji Young Coffee Roasters

Gyeonggi · The reference point when Haenggung-dong talks about coffee.

Travel highlight: Right by Hwaseong Haenggung and the wall trail.

3 views

Sanggari Palm Forest

Jeju · A private wood of palms planted on Jeju's mid-slopes.

Travel highlight: Private land, so admission is charged. A circuit takes 30–40 minutes.

6 views

Poset Jeonpo

Busan · A shop of postcards that makes you want to write one.

Travel highlight: You can write and post a card on the spot.

6 views

Kori Kori Vintage

Busan · A basement vintage clothing shop in Jeonpo-dong.

Travel highlight: Vintage shops cluster here — worth walking between them.

4 views

Sin Seok-jeong House

Jeonbuk · A thatched house the poet built and lived in. A quiet yard.

Travel highlight: Come for the quiet yard rather than for any large sight.

5 views

Things of Note Gwangan

Busan · A shop of chosen stationery and objects, a block back from Gwangalli.

Travel highlight: Open from noon until seven in the evening.

7 views

Windy Hill, Maebongsan

Gangwon · A cabbage field at 1,300 metres. Closed at some points in summer.

Travel highlight: No admission fee. Access is sometimes closed during the cabbage season.

3 views

Momotaro

Busan · A Japanese character goods shop tucked into a Kkangtong Market arcade.

Travel highlight: Inside a market building — use a map to find the way in.

4 views

Subok Center

Busan · Seventy years in Nampo-dong, serving beef tendon and fish cake soup.

Travel highlight: There is outdoor seating in the alley — it fills first in the evening.

5 views

Hwadam Yeontan

Busan · Boneless chicken feet over coal briquettes, until four in the morning.

Travel highlight: Opens at 7pm and runs until dawn.

4 views

Waikiki Pocha

Busan · A large basement bar on Haeundae's Gunam-ro, opening at six.

Travel highlight: Open from 6pm until the early hours, walkable from Haeundae Station.

7 views

Maenggu Pocha Gwangan

Busan · A block back from Gwangalli, with glasses moving late.

Travel highlight: Follows naturally from the Gwangan Bridge night view.

7 views

Sagye Beach

Jeju · Sanbangsan behind, the Brother Islands in front. Free.

Travel highlight: Free with no set hours — a beach for walking and photographs.

4 views

Muwol Hannam

Seoul · A Korean drinking house made from a converted detached home.

Travel highlight: Tables are divided by room, which makes it easy to talk.

7 views

Seongsu Odeng

Seoul · An oden bar where the skewers come with warmed sake.

Travel highlight: Opens at four in the afternoon and runs to 1am.

7 views

Biyangdo

Jeju · The small island off Hyeopjae. A circuit takes an hour.

Travel highlight: Only a few sailings a day — check the timetable first.

3 views

Yukhoegwan Pocha Euljiro

Seoul · Korean beef served raw, from that day's slaughter.

Travel highlight: It comes as a platter by cut — good for a table sharing.

8 views

Jeongseon Arirang Market

Gangwon · A five-day market, held on dates ending in 2 and 7.

Travel highlight: Market days fall on dates ending in 2 and 7. The riverside lot is free.

8 views

Yeonjubang Yeonnam

Seoul · A Yeonnam seafood tavern built on raw sweet shrimp.

Travel highlight: Semi-basement, so the entrance takes finding. Evenings only.

7 views

Tomare Jemyeonso

Jeonbuk · Noodles made on the premises — the name says noodle works.

Travel highlight: It breaks in the afternoon — plan around the gap.

8 views

Chakhan Makchang Iksan

Jeonbuk · Grilled makchang and soju, with terrace seating.

Travel highlight: Evenings only, and best suited to a table sharing.

5 views

Jeonju-neun-Jeonju

Jeonbuk · Jeon pancakes and traditional liquor, on Taejo-ro in the Hanok Village.

Travel highlight: Open daily 11:00–23:00 — it suits dinner after walking the Hanok Village.

6 views

396 Coffee Company

Gyeongbuk · The name Andong gives when coffee comes up.

Travel highlight: In town, easy before or after Hahoe Village or Dosan Seowon.

3 views

Farm Table Yeongildae

Gyeongbuk · Soufflé pancakes, cut with the sea in front of you.

Travel highlight: Soufflé pancakes take time to cook — order with that in mind.

4 views

Gabae Hyangju

Gyeongbuk · Hand-poured coffee inside a hanok.

Travel highlight: Hand-drip only. Closed Tuesdays.

2 views

Ichinisando

Gyeongbuk · Fruit sandos with the fruit left whole — and they can sell out by noon.

Travel highlight: They can sell out in the morning — ask about the afternoon batch.

7 views

Aewol The Sunset

Jeju · Built facing the direction the sun drops into the sea.

Travel highlight: Arrive half an hour before sunset if you want a window seat.

6 views

Seogwi Pian Bakery

Jeju · Glass on all three floors — the sea is there wherever you sit.

Travel highlight: The higher the floor, the wider the sea.

4 views

Godokan Aewol Black Pork

Jeju · Seared in the block, then finished with smoke.

Travel highlight: The pork comes seared in the block. Most people add the kimchi stew.

6 views

Jeju Gwanghae Aewol

Jeju · Braised cutlassfish, with the sea in front of you.

Travel highlight: Served as sets for sharing. Worth checking parking before you go.

5 views

Unidam

Jeju · A restaurant built around sea urchin rice bowls.

Travel highlight: Sea urchin is at its best in summer. Window seats look over the water.

4 views

Mungae Eomeong

Jeju · Seafood ramen with a whole octopus on top, on the Aewol shore.

Travel highlight: A whole octopus tops the clay-pot ramen. Valet parking is available.

5 views

Mont Bell Shelter Gwangbok

Busan · A newer bakery in Gwangbok-dong, built around the croissant.

Travel highlight: On the route up to and down from Yongdusan Park.

5 views

Abraham Coffee Nampo

Busan · The Nampo branch of a roastery from Yeongdo, pouring geisha by the cup.

Travel highlight: Specialty coffee is served by the cup — ask about the beans.

5 views

Yeongyeongjae

Busan · A large café in Jungang-dong, Busan's old downtown.

Travel highlight: Between Busan Station and Nampo-dong — a natural stop on the walk.

4 views

Baohaus

Busan · Taiwanese food rebuilt to its own recipe, and a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide.

Travel highlight: It breaks in the afternoon, and weekends bring a long queue.

4 views

Doldak

Busan · Braised chicken finished on a heated stone plate.

Travel highlight: There is a queue even at weekday lunch. Most people add the potato pancake.

5 views

Baksu Sikdang

Busan · Anju built from whatever the sea sent that day. Evenings only.

Travel highlight: Evenings only, and the wait is long — book ahead.

5 views

Anjjokjip

Busan · Pork and kimchi grilled together on one plate — a Nampo-dong way of doing it.

Travel highlight: Order the kimchi fried rice after the meat — that is the full meal.

7 views

Wondae-ri Birch Forest

Gangwon · Three kilometres on foot from the visitor centre.

Travel highlight: Closed to entry on Mondays and Tuesdays. Allow 2–3 hours round trip.

9 views

Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest

Gangwon · Open one month a year, in October. Free.

Travel highlight: Open only during October. No admission or parking fees.

5 views

Namsa Yedam Village

Gyeongnam · A hanok village of long stone walls, and quiet.

Travel highlight: Few visitors, so it stays quiet. Hanok stays are available.

6 views

Darangee Village

Gyeongnam · Rice terraces stepping down to the sea, with rape flowers in April.

Travel highlight: No admission. There is a lot of up and down — wear decent shoes.

5 views

Yangdong Folk Village

Gyeongbuk · A five-hundred-year-old yangban village, still lived in.

Travel highlight: Residents still live here, and many houses cannot be entered.

9 views

Chaeseokgang Cliffs

Jeonbuk · Cliffs layered like stacked books. You need to check the tide.

Travel highlight: The cliff base is walkable only at low tide — check the tide table.

4 views

Naganeupseong Folk Village

Gwangju & Jeonnam · People live inside the walls, under the original thatch.

Travel highlight: People live here. The wall can be walked all the way round.

5 views

Yeosu Maritime Cable Car

Gwangju & Jeonnam · Across the water between Dolsan and Jasan Park, running until 9:30pm.

Travel highlight: Runs until 21:30. Glass-floored cabins are priced differently.

5 views

Juknokwon Bamboo Forest

Gwangju & Jeonnam · 310,000 square metres of nothing but bamboo, on eight paths.

Travel highlight: Eight paths through the grove. Parking at both gates is free.

4 views

Damyang Metasequoia Road

Gwangju & Jeonnam · A kilometre of road where the trees close over the sky.

Travel highlight: The admission fee comes back as local vouchers spendable in Damyang.

4 views

Jeonju Hanok Village

Jeonbuk · Seven hundred hanok in one neighbourhood, to walk and eat through.

Travel highlight: Traffic inside is restricted at certain hours — use the public car parks.

9 views

Mireuksa Temple Site

Jeonbuk · An empty field where the temple is gone and one stone pagoda remains. Free.

Travel highlight: Free to enter. Park at the Iksan National Museum and walk over.

11 views

Sinduri Coastal Dunes

Chungnam · Korea's largest sand dunes. Closed on Mondays.

Travel highlight: Closed every Monday. Stay on the marked boardwalk.

4 views

Haemi Fortress

Chungnam · A fortress built on flat ground, not a hill. No admission, no parking fee.

Travel highlight: No admission or parking fees. Summer hours are 05:00–21:00.

4 views

Beopjusa Temple

Chungbuk · A temple keeping a five-storey wooden pagoda, open from before dawn.

Travel highlight: No admission, only parking. Open from before dawn until 20:00.

12 views

Gongsanseong Fortress

Chungnam · A Baekje hill fortress above the Geum River, walked along its walls.

Travel highlight: You walk on top of the walls — there are slopes, so wear decent shoes.

9 views

Kottbatt

Seoul · Not a place to buy flowers but to learn them. By reservation only.

Travel highlight: Reservation only — arrange your visit in advance.

4 views

Monoha Hannam

Seoul · The brand's own showroom, where you can try the season's collection.

Travel highlight: A showroom carrying the season's collection — fitting is possible.

4 views

Kind of Summer

Seoul · A small goods shop on the third floor of an Euljiro building.

Travel highlight: Opening days vary — check before you go.

5 views

Poset Seongsu

Seoul · A shop of nothing but postcards — they call it a postcard library.

Travel highlight: Closed Mondays. You can write and post a card on the spot.

4 views

Sounds Hannam

Seoul · Low buildings arranged like a lane, run together as one complex.

Travel highlight: Built to be walked. Easy to combine with Ground Seesaw.

5 views

Hannam Hanbang Tongdak

Seoul · Whole chicken roasted over a wood fire.

Travel highlight: There is a wait even on weekdays — early evening is easier.

8 views

Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang

Seoul · A pork spine stew house that opens at six in the morning.

Travel highlight: One dish only. On your own, ask for the single earthenware bowl.

7 views

Yeongyo

Seoul · A Yeonnam dim sum house whose xiaolongbao run with soup.

Travel highlight: It closes between lunch and dinner — plan around the break.

4 views

Tak Hannam

Seoul · New York-style tacos, served from a basement room.

Travel highlight: Queues form even on weekdays — arriving at opening helps.

6 views

Nanpo Hannam

Seoul · A dining room serving noodles and ssambap built from Korean ingredients.

Travel highlight: Noodles and ssambap lead the menu. Evenings bring a wait.

8 views

Sancheong Sutbul Garden

Seoul · Black pork over charcoal, and the longest queue for meat in Euljiro.

Travel highlight: The queue is long — set a remote place in line through CatchTable.

8 views

Soi Yeonnam

Seoul · Thai noodles that started in Yeonnam and now run branches across the country.

Travel highlight: Easy to combine with a walk on the Gyeongui Line park.

6 views

Archivist Hannam

Seoul · A café people come to for one cup: the einspänner.

Travel highlight: Weekends mean a wait — try opening time or late afternoon.

7 views

Tutti Hannam

Seoul · A small European-style café in a Hannam lane, and dogs are welcome.

Travel highlight: Dogs are welcome. There are not many seats.

7 views

Dotori Oven

Seoul · Greek yoghurt and baked pastries, made to go together.

Travel highlight: Most people order a baked pastry and the yoghurt together.

5 views

George Seoul

Seoul · Third floor of an ageing Euljiro building — you take the lift up.

Travel highlight: Third floor, and no parking — come by public transport.

5 views

Aubeurre Bakery

Seoul · A large bakery café in the middle of Euljiro, with an outdoor terrace.

Travel highlight: Open from 8am — early is the easiest time to get a seat.

5 views

Hannam Jakupsil

Seoul · A second-floor terrace café you reach by climbing the stairs.

Travel highlight: Walkable from the Leeum Museum — try for a terrace seat.

6 views

Coffee Hanyakbang

Seoul · A café on the ground where Hyeminseo, the office of the physician Heo Jun, once stood.

Travel highlight: The sign is small — go into the alley with a map open.

6 views

Passion 5

Seoul · A bakery built by a hotel, and you will stand a while at the case.

Travel highlight: Open every day of the year, from half past seven in the morning.

6 views

Jirinseong

Jeonbuk · Chillies go into the black bean sauce — a Gunsan idea you will not find elsewhere.

Travel highlight: Chilli jjajang is the house dish — order the plain one if heat is not for you.

6 views

Fritz Coffee Seongsan

Jeju · Climb to the roof and Seongsan Ilchulbong stands directly in front of you.

Travel highlight: Opens at 8am — an easy stop before climbing Ilchulbong.

4 views

Mango Day

Jeju · Shaved ice buried under whole apple mango, at the foot of Seongsan Ilchulbong.

Travel highlight: Well placed for after the climb up Seongsan Ilchulbong.

5 views

Heian

Gyeongbuk · A large bakery café that takes the sea in through its glass, baking fresh each day.

Travel highlight: Open late — good for sitting with the night view.

4 views

Skunk Works

Gyeongbuk · A Gyeongju hanok left as it was, with a café placed inside it.

Travel highlight: Pushchairs and dogs are both welcome.

7 views

Tarteudang

Gyeongbuk · A mochi too big for one hand, with whole fruit inside.

Travel highlight: It closes early when the fruit runs out; late afternoon leaves little choice.

5 views

Wolyeongdang

Gyeongbuk · A hanok café looking down on Wolyeong Bridge, named for the moon that rises over it.

Travel highlight: When the bridge lights come on at night the view changes completely.

5 views

Of Bremen

Gyeongbuk · A large bakery café facing the sea, with a carousel inside.

Travel highlight: It opens directly onto the Yeongildae beach promenade.

7 views

Jamae Galbi Jeongol

Jeonbuk · Mul-galbi — ribs that Jeonju cooks in broth rather than over fire.

Travel highlight: Order the chive fried rice after the meat — that is how the meal ends.

6 views

Jungdong Hotteok

Jeonbuk · Griddled without oil, which is why it tastes clean.

Travel highlight: Sundays it opens only in the afternoon. Takeaway from a street stall.

7 views

Binhaewon

Jeonbuk · A hall open to the second floor, hung with red lanterns, unchanged since the 1950s.

Travel highlight: Closed Mondays, with a break in the afternoon.

6 views

Bokseongru

Jeonbuk · Open six hours a day, and closed the moment the food runs out.

Travel highlight: Closed Sundays. Go before lunch or risk a wasted trip.

7 views

Mongtan Aewol

Jeju · One long rib, cut with the bone left whole.

Travel highlight: Without a booking the wait is long — reserve through CatchTable.

7 views

Suksungdo Aewol

Jeju · Black pork aged twice, then cut thick.

Travel highlight: The Aewol café street is close by for a walk afterwards.

6 views

Woojin Haejangguk

Jeju · A bracken stew thick enough to stand a spoon in.

Travel highlight: Close to Jeju Airport — good on an arrival morning or a departure day.

13 views

Tonshow Nampo

Busan · Fried twice, then smoked once over charcoal.

Travel highlight: The Berkshire K hirekatsu is Nampo-only. Queue through CatchTable.

4 views

Subyeon Choego Dwaeji Gukbap

Busan · A bowl of gukbap at three in the morning, if that is when you need it.

Travel highlight: Season it yourself with chives and salted shrimp — that is the local way.

6 views

Haeundae Amso Galbi

Busan · Sixty years on ribs alone, and now in the Michelin Guide.

Travel highlight: It closes between lunch and dinner for an afternoon break.

6 views

Lee Jae Mo Pizza

Busan · Where people in Busan queue instead of ordering a chain pizza.

Travel highlight: Closed Sundays, no car park. Join the queue through CatchTable.

5 views

Momos Coffee Marine City

Busan · To drink coffee from a World Barista Champion, you have to come to Busan.

Travel highlight: No car park of its own — use a paid lot nearby.

4 views

Songdo Marine Cable Car

Busan · A crossing over open water, with glass-floored cabins available.

Travel highlight: Closed Mondays. Glass-floored cabins cost more.

6 views

Beomeosa Temple

Busan · A large temple on Geumjeongsan. There is no admission charge.

Travel highlight: No admission, only parking. Open 08:00–17:00.

4 views

Jagalchi Market

Busan · Choose downstairs, eat upstairs. Busan's largest fish market.

Travel highlight: Choose on the ground floor, eat on the floor above. It has regular closing days.

5 views

Gwangalli Beach

Busan · This beach belongs to the hour the bridge lights up.

Travel highlight: Free drone shows run on weekend evenings. Walk from the subway.

4 views

Jinjuseong Fortress

Gyeongnam · Walls above the Nam River, with a museum inside.

Travel highlight: The fortress is ticketed; the national museum inside is free.

5 views

Daereungwon Tomb Complex

Gyeongbuk · Royal tombs rising like grass hills in the middle of the city.

Travel highlight: Daereungwon is free; only the interior of Cheonmachong is ticketed.

3 views

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

Gyeongbuk · Come at night, for the buildings doubled in the water. Open until ten.

Travel highlight: Open until 22:00, ticketing closes 21:30. The night view is the point.

6 views

Cheomseongdae

Gyeongbuk · An observatory raised fourteen centuries ago, lit after dark.

Travel highlight: Free with no set hours, and lit after dark.

4 views

Seokguram Grotto

Gyeongbuk · A grotto built of stacked stone, where no photographs are taken inside.

Travel highlight: No admission charge. Photography inside the grotto is not permitted.

5 views

Bulguksa Temple

Gyeongbuk · Seokgatap and Dabotap stand in the same courtyard. Admission is free.

Travel highlight: No admission charge, only parking. Pets are not admitted.

6 views

Yongduam Rock

Jeju · A basalt outcrop shaped like a dragon's head, five minutes from the airport.

Travel highlight: Free with no set hours, five minutes by car from Jeju Airport.

5 views

Saryeoni Forest Path

Jeju · A dirt track under straight cedars, free to walk.

Travel highlight: No admission or parking fees. The Bulgeun Oreum entrance is the easiest start.

5 views

Soesokkak

Jeju · A pool where fresh water meets the sea. Looking costs nothing.

Travel highlight: Walking round is free. Kayaks and rafts are booked and charged separately.

4 views

Camellia Hill

Jeju · A garden of five hundred camellia varieties — and hydrangeas in summer.

Travel highlight: Last entry 17:30. Booking online costs less.

6 views

Bijarim Forest

Jeju · More than two thousand nutmeg yews, some over five hundred years old.

Travel highlight: A circuit takes about an hour, and it is better in the rain.

7 views

Cheonjiyeon Falls

Jeju · Walkable from downtown Seogwipo, and lit until ten at night.

Travel highlight: Open until 22:00 with the falls lit. The path is level throughout.

6 views

Osulloc Tea Museum

Jeju · A tea house and gallery in the middle of a tea field. Entry is free.

Travel highlight: Entry is free, and Innisfree Jeju House next door is seen with it.

7 views

Hyeopjae Beach

Jeju · Shallow, clear water, with Biyangdo island offshore.

Travel highlight: Parking is generous, and Geumneung Beach next door is a little quieter.

7 views

Udo Island

Jeju · A small island off Jeju. You cross by ferry and spend the day.

Travel highlight: Ferries leave from Seongsan port — check the time of the last one back.

6 views

Manjanggul Cave

Jeju · A tube left where lava drained away. It is cool inside.

Travel highlight: Closed the first Wednesday of each month. It is cool inside — bring a layer.

5 views

Abai Village

Gangwon · A village built by war refugees, reached by pulling a boat across.

Travel highlight: Passengers pull the ferry across themselves. The lanes sell northern refugee cooking.

6 views

Ojukheon

Gangwon · The house where Shin Saimdang and Yi I were born.

Travel highlight: Open 09:00–18:00, last entry 17:00. The ticket includes the municipal museum.

6 views

Jeongdongjin

Gangwon · The railway station closest to the sea, where people come for sunrise.

Travel highlight: Rail bikes are by booking. The Badabuchaegil trailhead is nearby.

6 views

Jeongdongsimgok Badabuchaegil

Gangwon · A military patrol path along the cliffs, opened up to walk.

Travel highlight: Three kilometres one way — plan how you will get back.

4 views

Seongyojang House

Gangwon · A three-hundred-year-old gentry estate, still whole.

Travel highlight: Open 09:00–18:00 with an admission fee. Overnight hanok stays are offered.

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Seoraksan

Gangwon · Granite peaks stacked one behind another. There is no park entrance fee.

Travel highlight: No park admission, only parking. Car parks fill early in foliage season.

5 views

Everland

Gyeonggi · Korea's largest amusement park, with a different flower each season.

Travel highlight: Online booking is cheaper. Evening-only tickets are sold in summer.

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Soraepogu

Incheon · What the boats bring in is sold where they dock. The market is the port.

Travel highlight: Three minutes on foot from Soraepogu Station. The autumn festival gets very busy.

4 views

Incheon Chinatown

Incheon · The neighbourhood where jajangmyeon was invented. Expect a hill.

Travel highlight: Right by Incheon Station. Parking is tight, so it is better walked.

5 views

Imjingak

Gyeonggi · Where the division stands as physical fact, and entry is free.

Travel highlight: Free to enter, paid parking. DMZ tours require separate arrangements.

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Korean Folk Village

Gyeonggi · A Joseon village built full-size, with actors living in it.

Travel highlight: Buying online in advance is cheaper. It opens late through the summer.

5 views

Dream Forest

Seoul · An amusement park's land given back to woodland. Free to enter.

Travel highlight: The park is free; only museum exhibitions and performances are ticketed.

6 views

Seonyudo Park

Seoul · A water treatment plant turned into a park without being torn down.

Travel highlight: Open 06:00–24:00 and free. There is no parking on the island.

5 views

Naksan Park

Seoul · A hill walked along the old city wall, open at night too.

Travel highlight: Free and open 24 hours; the shortest climb is from Hyehwa Station.

8 views

Namsangol Hanok Village

Seoul · Hanok from across Seoul, moved and gathered in one place. Free to enter.

Travel highlight: Free to enter. Parking is tight — better to walk from Chungmuro Station.

7 views

Cheonggyecheon

Seoul · A stream that lay buried under a road, brought back through the city centre.

Travel highlight: Free and open 24 hours. A lantern festival runs in winter.

5 views

Seoul Forest

Seoul · A park made on a racecourse and a waterworks. Open around the clock.

Travel highlight: Free and open 24 hours, right beside the Seongsu café district.

4 views

National Museum of Korea

Seoul · The permanent galleries are free, and the subway connects straight in.

Travel highlight: Permanent galleries are free; the Children's Museum needs a booking.

5 views

Jongmyo Shrine

Seoul · The shrine holding the Joseon kings' tablets, usually seen with a guide.

Travel highlight: Weekdays are timed guided entry; Saturdays are free-roaming.

5 views

Changgyeonggung Palace

Seoul · A glass conservatory inside a palace, open until nine at night.

Travel highlight: Open until 21:00, last entry 20:00. Closed on Mondays.

3 views

Hwaseong Haenggung

Gyeonggi · King Jeongjo's travelling palace, which opens at night for part of the year.

Travel highlight: Night openings run for a set period. Nearby public parking is free for the first hour.

5 views

Taejongdae

Busan · A headland of cliffs falling into the sea, with a train that circles it.

Travel highlight: A circular train runs the route — walking it takes over an hour.

5 views

Cheongnamdae

Chungbuk · A presidential retreat, entered by booking.

Travel highlight: Visits are booked online, with separate admission and parking fees.

6 views

Wolmido

Incheon · An Incheon waterfront with fairground rides and a sea train.

Travel highlight: The sea train, the cruises and an indoor museum are all within walking distance.

7 views

Independence Hall of Korea

Chungnam · Admission is free. The grounds are wide enough to need the shuttle bus.

Travel highlight: Free to enter, paid parking. Take the shuttle bus around the grounds.

5 views

Suncheon Bay National Garden

Gwangju & Jeonnam · Too large to see entirely on foot. There is transport inside.

Travel highlight: It is large enough to need half a day — use the transport inside.

5 views

Gyeonggijeon Shrine

Jeonbuk · Home to the portrait of King Taejo, in the middle of the Hanok Village.

Travel highlight: Open 09:00–18:00, tickets close 30 minutes earlier. No parking of its own.

4 views

Nami Island

Gangwon · You arrive by boat. The whole island is tree-lined path.

Travel highlight: Ferries leave from Gapyeong wharf, 08:00–21:00. Leashed dogs are welcome.

6 views

Hahoe Folk Village

Gyeongbuk · A living village that is itself a UNESCO site.

Travel highlight: Admission is charged, parking is free, and a shuttle runs from the ticket office.

4 views

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Jeju · A stairway up to a crater. Only the summit section is ticketed.

Travel highlight: Only the summit climb is ticketed. Closed the first Monday of every month.

5 views

Polv Yeonnam

Seoul · Open the door and the smell of baking pastry arrives first.

Travel highlight: No car park of its own — walking or public transport is easier.

5 views

Paper Crane Euljiro

Seoul · A red-brick building, all three floors of it a bakery. Open until ten.

Travel highlight: Open 08:30–22:00, to 21:00 on Sundays. The bread selection is widest in the morning.

7 views

Turtlehip Yeonnam

Seoul · Lettering cakes ordered today and collected today — the shop you remember when time is short.

Travel highlight: A lettering cake can be ordered and collected the same day.

6 views

GRAZ COFFEE LAB Seongsu

Seoul · A shot of espresso under a layer of cream. People come for this one cup.

Travel highlight: Drink it unstirred so the cream and espresso arrive in layers.

6 views

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Seoul · The building itself, sheathed in curved aluminium, is the sight.

Travel highlight: Free exhibitions run alongside ticketed shows, and it is worth seeing again at night.

5 views

Seoullo 7017

Seoul · An overpass that carried cars, remade as a walkway. Open around the clock.

Travel highlight: Open 24 hours and free. There is no parking of its own.

8 views

Ikseon-dong Hanok Street

Seoul · Shops built inside old hanok, packed into narrow lanes.

Travel highlight: No cars can enter the lanes — walk in from Jongno 3-ga Station.

6 views

Gwangjang Market

Seoul · A market over a century old, where the aisle is the dining room.

Travel highlight: Hours vary from stall to stall, and early evening is busiest.

5 views

Bukchon Hanok Village

Seoul · A hanok neighbourhood where people actually live. Walk quietly.

Travel highlight: People live here. Please keep the noise down in the lanes.

6 views

Hanbat Arboretum

Daejeon · A forest planted into the middle of the city, and free to enter.

Travel highlight: Free to enter, with free parking up to a set number of hours.

5 views

Asia Culture Center (ACC)

Gwangju & Jeonnam · Most of the building is underground; the roof is a lawn.

Travel highlight: Much of the exhibition programme is free; performances are ticketed separately.

4 views

Apsan Observatory

Daegu · All of Daegu in one view, and the deck itself is free.

Travel highlight: The observatory is free; the cable car charges a return fare.

3 views

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Busan · A temple set on sea cliffs, open from half past four in the morning.

Travel highlight: Entry is free; parking is charged. It opens from 4:30 in the morning.

12 views