100 Reasons to visit Korea

South Korea is not only rich in history, breathtaking sceneries and unique landscape - it's also one of the most dynamic and exciting places on earth. . Here are 100 reasons why you should visit South Korea.

  1. 1

    Get years ahead in Technology

    Source: randomwire.com

    The readily available and utterly fast Wi-Fi speeds are perhaps the most impressive of Korea’s tech-driven economy. South Korea is renowned for being the most connected country in the world. South Korea's speed is almost six times faster than the world average.

  2. 2

    Korean Culture is Fascinating

    People live by a “work hard, play hard” mentality. Koreans put every last effort into accomplishing success.

  3. 3

    The People

    They are very open minded, friendly, and welcoming.

  4. 4

    Amazing Public Transportation

    Source: seoulsublet.com

    Seoul metro system carries almost 7 million passengers per day on nine lines. In addition to being one of the only metro systems in the world with cell phone service and Wi-Fi, many of the Seoul subway trains are outfitted with TVs and are climate controlled.

  5. 5

    Amazing Coffee shops everywhere

  6. 6

    English

    Korea is one of the better places in Asia when it comes to English. Most high school students will understand basic English. Most road signs are also in English.

  7. 7

    Safety

    South Korea has a lower crime rate than other countries of comparable economic status. You will feel safe anywhere, anytime in Seoul.

  8. 8

    Traditional and Modern

    Not too many cities in the world have royal palaces that are hundreds of years old sitting next to huge modern urban skyscrapers, but Seoul has an interesting balance with its ancient history and ultra modern development.

  9. 9

    Design

    Seoul is part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Seoul is on the cutting edge when it comes to design on both the government and individual levels.

  10. 10

    Attend a Concert

    You get to see amazing crowd

  11. 11

    Go to the Kimchi museum

    Source: wikimedia.org

    The Kimchi Field Museum in Seoul, Korea is a museum whose mission is to inform the world about one of the major items of Korean cuisine, kimchi. Exhibitions focus exclusively on kimchi’s history, its varieties, and its importance to Korean culture and cuisine. It is open to anyone who is willing to learn about kimchi, the most famous Korean dish.

  12. 12

    The 63 Building

    The 63-story building was the tallest skyscraper in Asia when it was built in 1985.

  13. 13

    See a K-Pop Idol

    Source: www.gokpop.com

    In the past few years, K-pop has shown a creeping global influence ever since Korean films, soap operas and "K-pop" music idols took Asia by storm over the past decade. Korean Wave is now spreading to continental Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom

  14. 14

    Try Bibimbap in Jeonju

    Jeonju is the home of famed Korean food Bibimbap, a rice dish topped with numerous colourful ingredients that you mix together right before eating. While bibimbap can be found all around Korea, the ones in Jeonju are said to be fresher and more delicious. At Jeonju, it is not uncommon to get up to 30 ingredients in a Jeonju Bibimbap.

  15. 15

    Eat authentic Korean BBQ

    Korean BBQ is the most traditional meal around and it’s always prepared in top-notch quality.

  16. 16

    Have fun on a budget

    Source: asiabizz.com

    South Korea doesn’t come high on too many ‘cheapest places to visit’ lists. You can always have fun on a budget. There is something for everyone. Food is very affordable. Street vendors, which are stationed throughout the city, are the cheapest option.

  17. 17

    Hike incredible mountains

    The landscape of Korea is filled with mountain ranges

  18. 18

    Buddhist temples

    Develop a positive mental state of mind

  19. 19

    The Korean Temple Stay

    Source: 10mag.com

    Temple Stay is a cultural experience program designed to enhance the public’s understanding of Korean Buddhism. Therefore, it is open to everyone regardless of religious belief. A typical temple stay program entails an overnight stay at a Buddhist temple, and participation in such Buddhist rituals.

  20. 20

    Sprawling Cityscape

    Source: algoos.com
  21. 21

    Everland

    Everland Resort opened in 1976 as the first family amusement park in Korea. The park is home to over 40 heart-pounding rides and attractions. In addition to ‘Safari World’ featuring white tigers, tigers, lions and bears, ‘Lost Valley’ opened in April 2013, letting visitors get up close and personal with the wild safari’s giraffes, elephants and white lions riding on unique amphibious vehicles.

  22. 22

    Lotte World

    Located in the heart of the city, Lotte World is the perfect spot for entertainment and sightseeing. It is a theme park filled with thrilling rides, an ice rink, different kinds of parades as well as a folk museum, a lake, and much more. About 6,000,000 visitors are welcomed every year, and about 10% of the visitors are foreigners.

  23. 23

    Korean Cosmetics

    Shop for Korean cosmetics. BB-Cream, snail secretions, sleeping masks, and so on.. Korean skin-care lines have the reputation of possessing the secret to having great skin.

  24. 24

    Cycling in Korea

    Korean cycling tours are a great way to see the country.

  25. 25

    Coex Mall

    COEX Mall is the largest underground shopping center in Asia. It is located in the basement of the Korea World Trade Center, located in Samseong-dong in the Gangnam-gu area of Seoul. The colossal shopping center stretches from Samseong station (subway line 2) in the south all the way to Bongeunsa temple in the north, and is considered to be the best shopping and entertainment complex in the area.

  26. 26

    Patbingsu

    Patbingsu is a Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings such as chopped fruit, condensed milk, fruit syrup, and Azuki beans. The snack is highly popular in Korea.

  27. 27

    Noryangjin Fish Market

    The Noryangjin Fish Market is a great experience. This 24-hour, 7 days a week wholesale fish market is not just a cultural attraction, but both a sight for the eyes and a sensation for the taste-buds.

  28. 28

    The Korean city of Kyongju

    Kyongju is an old city, basically an open-air museum with a high concentration of the best-preserved Korean Buddhist art . If you are interested in Asian architecture Kyongju is worth a visit.

  29. 29

    Korean Traditional Medicine

    Traditional Korean medicine is popular in Korea and among Korean communities elsewhere. Traditional Korean medicine emphasizes perceived interactions within the body rather than functional mechanisms.

  30. 30

    Korean Ginseng and Green tea

    Drinking green tea with ginseng provides many benefits to the body, primarily involving energy boosting and fat burning. Green tea has many health-promoting properties that are good for the body, including causing thermogenic effects. Thermogenic effects produce heat and slightly increase body temperature, which is what occurs when metabolism is stimulated.

  31. 31

    Korean Sauna - Jjimjilbang

    A jjimjilbang is a large, gender-segregated public bathhouse in Korea, furnished with hot tubs, showers, Korean traditional kiln saunas and massage tables. You can watch tv, grab some food and drink, and just overall relax. People get so relaxed that jjimjilbangs offer sleep over rates, which typically stay under 10,000 won.

  32. 32

    Noraebang

    Source: higoodday.com

    Noraebang is the Korean version of the Japanese Karaoke. If you love singing with some background music and the songs lyrics, in Korea you can go to a nore-bang with your friends or on your own.

  33. 33

    Boryeong's Mud Festival

    The Boryeong Mud Festival is an annual festival which takes place during the summer in Boryeong, a town around 200 km south of Seoul, South Korea. The first Mud Festival was staged in 1998 and, by 2007, the festival attracted 2.2 million visitors to Boryeong.

  34. 34

    KTX - Korean High Speed Train (With KR Pass)

    Source: www.nhigia.vn

    The KORAIL PASS provides foreigners visiting Korea with an unlimited access to the Standard Class seats of the KTX, KTX-Sancheon, Saemaeul, Mugunghwa and Nuriro trains for a fixed period of time. To get a KORAIL PASS, you can purchase a voucher from an overseas travel agency, KORAIL website.

  35. 35

    Teddy Bear Museum

    The Teddy Bear Museum lives up to its name, boasting quite an impressive variety that have been loved for more than a hundred years the world over. Inside the two galleries you can view the teddy bears from various countries. You can also enjoy yourself at the museum shop, café, restaurant or the outdoor park where you can view the spectacular Jungmun Sea.

  36. 36

    Top-Notch Ski Resorts

    Source: pds.joins.com

    Many of the ski resorts in Korea are scattered throughout Gangwon-do, the region that receives the most annual snowfall. These facilities, despite their location outside the popular city of Seoul, attract thousands of tourists each year who come to enjoy the winter season hitting the slopes.

  37. 37

    Jindo-Modo Landbridge

    Landbridge created by the South Korean version of Moses

  38. 38

    Gangnam

    Thanks to Gangnam Style, Gangnam is currently the most popular place in Korea. It's jam packed with countless things to see and do.

  39. 39

    Explore the Bukchon Hanok Village

    Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty.

  40. 40

    Go to Busan’s beautiful beaches

    Source: aqis-conf.org

    Out of all of Korea’s fine beaches, it is perhaps the beaches located along the southern coast that are the most famous: beach where clean, blue ocean waters run alongside stretches of pristine sandy beaches. The beaches in Busan are world-famous for its pristine beauty and a lively atmosphere.

  41. 41

    Experience Seoul’s nightlife

    The nightlife in Seoul feels like a nonstop party, and drinking alcohol is a frequent social event among friends. Whether you like to kick back and enjoy a beer with some friends, or dance at a nightclub, Seoul has something for you.

  42. 42

    Shop till you drop - Dongdaemun Market

    Ever since its opening in 1905, Dongdaemun Market has been one of the major markets in Korea. Specializing in wholesale clothing, the market has grown large, having more than 20 shopping malls. A full range of fashion items that cover head to toe, are found in Dongdaemun Market at inexpensive prices. Just name it and you shall find it!

  43. 43

    Free Stuff - Seobiseu

    Korea is famous for exemplary 'service' and freebies. Money is great, but free things are even better.

  44. 44

    Incheon Airport - #1 in the world

    Korea sits between Japan and China and just a short hop from South East Asia. If you’re planning a trip to any other Asian destination, Australia or New Zealand, it’s well worth seeing if you can include Korea as a convenient stop over or as part of a multi-stop trip.

  45. 45

    70 international airlines operate their flights to Korea

    Source: wikimedia.org

    Korea is easily accessible from most major cities, providing convenience. More than 70 international airlines operate their flights to Korea from over 170 cities and there are several international and airports throughout the regions.

  46. 46

    Connectivity

    Cellular signals dropping and slow wifi speeds are rarities in Seoul, and you’ll most likely be connected with full bars and high speeds at pretty much all times.

  47. 47

    Deoksugung Palace

    Located at the corner of Seoul's busiest downtown intersection, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone-wall road. It is also the only palace that sits alongside a series of western style buildings that add to the uniqueness of the surrounding scenery.

  48. 48

    Suwon

    Tradition is preserved in the city of Suwon, where artisans create goods the same way they were made centuries ago. -

  49. 49

    Gyeongbokgung Palace

    Source: lexiskorea.com

    Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace) Palace.

  50. 50

    Gyeongnidan

    Gyeongnidan remains relatively quiet, not nearly as crowded as areas like Hongdae or Itaewon. For many of the new business owners, this remoteness and agreeable lack of chaotic street traffic is a point of attraction in itself, and their businesses are run with the same idea in mind.

  51. 51

    The DMZ

    Source: telegraph.co.uk

    Head north to the DMZ, where you’ll get to peer at the secretive nation of North Korea. The DMZ is a de facto border barrier that cuts the Korean Peninsula roughly in half, crossing the 38th parallel north on an angle, with the west end of the DMZ lying south of the parallel and the east end lying north of it.

  52. 52

    History in Insadong

    Insadong is also the locale for enjoying traditional tea shops.

  53. 53

    Taepyeong Salt Farm

    Taepyeong Salt Farm, which was registered as a Modern Cultural Heritage in 1997, and Sinan mudflat have been designated as Biosphere Reserves by the UNESCO.

  54. 54

    Korean food is Seriously good

  55. 55

    Learn Hangul

    Korean alphabet is one of the 'most scientific alphabets' in the world. It's very easy to learn, as there are only 40 characters and each character has a specific sound attached.

  56. 56

    Theme Hotels

    Source: seoulistic.com

    South Korea is becoming increasingly more well-known for its cute antics and artistic style, but recently an assortment of amazing themed hotels have emerged. South Korea goes the entire way and creates a memorable experience.

  57. 57

    Pretty University Campuses

  58. 58

    Adorable Street Art

  59. 59

    Traditional architecture

    Spend hours taking pictures of Korea’s palaces and temples and never ged tired of their beauty.

  60. 60

    Visit a Quirky Museum

    Source: api.ning.com

    Korea has many great museums containing historical artefacts from its past through to internationally acclaimed contemporary works of art. These include the National Museum of Korea or the National Folk Museum of Korea.

  61. 61

    Ggotji Beach

    The ideal beach that could be your trip destination is Ggotji Beach, especially if you really love to take picture for sunset in the evening. It is located in 4 km southwest of Anmyeon.

  62. 62

    Darangee Village

    The Darangee Village is located in Namhae Island in the south province of Gyeongsangnam-do. The whole area around the village was endless coastlines with terraced rice fields and beautiful seaside mountains.

  63. 63

    Bomun Pavilion

    Source: daum.net

    Bomun Pavilion, a small wooden gazebo standing over a quiet duck pond, is a great spot to experience Korea’s spring; the cherry blossoms fluttering over the pond provide an exquisite sight. I

  64. 64

    Boseong Green Tea Field

    Boseong has been a tea plantation area since the days of the Japanese occupation, and with its long history comes large plantations, their traditions, and highly skilled workers.

  65. 65

    Bulguksa Temple

    Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world.

  66. 66

    Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival

    The Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival celebrates the long tradition of bullfighting in the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Drawing over half a million visitors annually since its inception in 1999, the festival is the largest bullfighting championship in the country.

  67. 67

    Hyeopjae Beach, Jeju Island

    Hyeopjae Beach is located on the west side of Hanrim-eup, and is part of Hanrim Park. The beautiful white color of the sand comes from the large amounts of crushed seashells that have been mixed in with the sand.

  68. 68

    Anapji Pond

    Source: jasonteale.com

    Anapji Pond was built during the 14th year of King Munmu (in power 661-681 AD) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-935 AD).

  69. 69

    Kwanghan Pavilion

    he building was burnt down during the Jonggyu Disaster, but restored to its present shape in 1638. It has a lotus pond near the front and its floor is set off the ground and surrounded with a railing.

  70. 70

    Udo

    Udo is one of the most visited spots in Jeju-do. About a million people visit Udo every year. Thanks to the beautiful scenery, it became the location for a few Korean films.

  71. 71

    Korea has got Yogurt-flavored sodas

  72. 72

    International Auto Shows

  73. 73

    Namsan Cable Car

    The Namsan Cable car runs from the base of Namsan Mountain (located in central Seoul) up to the Namsan Tower, one of the most representative tourist attractions in Seoul, loved by tourists and residents alike.

  74. 74

    Giant Ice Cream Cones

    Koreans love their ice cream… And Korean ice cream is really really good.

  75. 75

    Seokbulsa Temple

    Seokbulsa Temple is said to be one of the most beautiful temples in South Korea, known for its massive mountainside stone Buddha carvings.

  76. 76

    NANTA

    With performances in two dedicated theatres in Seoul, NANTA is one of Korea’s biggest theatrical successes. Be prepared to have balls hurled your way, dodge carrot shavings and cabbage chunks, and possibly be hauled on to the stage to participate.

  77. 77

    Hallasan

    Source: san-shin.org

    Hallasan is a shield volcano on Jeju Island of South Korea. Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea.

  78. 78

    Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

    Established in 1988, the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm raises sheep on an area of 195 k㎡, and is privately owned. There are many small to large animal farms in Pyeongchang, but the Sheep Farm is the only farm that raises sheep.

  79. 79

    Try the quintessential Korean tipple

    Makgeolli is a traditional Korean drink, made from processed rice and other grains, and usually boasting an alcoholic content of five to seven per cent. Many claim it has special medicinal properties.

  80. 80

    Open Till Late

    In Seoul, it’s not just convenience stores. There are plenty of restaurants, gyms, bars, cafes, entertainment options that are open till late.

  81. 81

    Gamcheon Culture Village

    Gamcheon Culture Villiage lead to the village's cultural center houses a wide alleys formed by the cascade foothills area of London called to Machu Picchu, a theme that house projects and alleyways of tours throughout the formative work experience, recreated by local residents a place where you can enjoy the sights.

  82. 82

    Declare everlasting love from Seoul’s most scenic point

  83. 83

    Try Hanbok

    Hanbok is the traditional Korean dress. It is often characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets. Traditional women's hanbok consists of jeogori, a blouse shirt or a jacket and chima, a wrap-around skirt, which is usually worn full. Men's hanbok consists of jeogori and baji which means pants in Korea.

  84. 84

    Naganeupseong Folk Village

    Naganeupseong Folk Village is located in Jeollanam-do Province, and contains a town castle that is over 18,000 Pyeong (1 pyeong = 3.3 sq m) in size. Within the east, south and west of the castle, about 100 families still reside, and the castle area has been very well preserved.

  85. 85

    Terraced Fields, Hamyang

    This small village at the foot of Jiri Mountain displays a curious sight of terraced rice paddies. In spring the water in the paddies reflects the sky, while in autumn the paddies glow with golden grains.

  86. 86

    Seryang-Je

    Seryang-Je is located in the south west region of South Korea. It’s labeled as a reservoir, but due to the quality of the water there’s a more than good chance that it’s not used for drinking water, so it’s more of a pond.

  87. 87

    Cheongsando

    Cheongsando Island is a small island located 19.2km from Wando in Jeollanam-do, featuring beautiful scenery and is the southernmost island in Dadohae.

  88. 88

    Nuri Peace Park

    Nuri Park is a peace theme park famous for "Windy Hill", where thousands of colorful pinwheels spin. The park is also loved by photographers as it has beautiful small and large ponds, interesting installation artworks under the theme of peace, cafés and candle shops.

  89. 89

    Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival

    Source: www.korea.net

    Frolic in the fantastic world of white snow at Taebaesan Mountain! Danggol Square of Taebaeksan Provincial Park, the festival’s main venue, will hold a snow sculpture exhibition for visitors to enjoy ice sculptures and a range of other winter-themed artwork from home and abroad.

  90. 90

    Royal Azalea Festival

    The Hwangmaesan Royal Azalea Festival is held every year in May at Hwangmaesan County Park. The festival started in 1997 as an effort by local and overseas residents to preserve the azalea fields through hosting local cultural events.

  91. 91

    Juknokwon Bamboo Garden

    Damyang’s Bamboo Park is also known as the Juknokwon Bamboo Garden and Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. Established in May 2003, this 16,000 square meter park features artificial waterfalls, pavilions, an ecological exhibition hall, and of course, bamboo trees

  92. 92

    Haeinsa Temple, Hapcheon

  93. 93

    Seopjikoji, Jeju Island

    Seopjikoji is located at the end of the eastern shore of Jeju-do Island. "Seopji" is the old name for the area, and "Koji" is Jeju dialect meaning a sudden bump on land.

  94. 94

    Gongryong Ridge

    Physical wellness and mountain climbing background are essentials to survey these inquisitive crests in the Seorak mountain range.

  95. 95

    Upo Marsh

    Upo Wetland is a primitive low bed wetland, which was created about 140 million years ago. When soft ground collapsed, water started to come to a low basin, and this was a lake where dinosaurs lived 100 million years ago.

  96. 96

    Kyeong-Wha Station

    This small whistle-stop bustles with tourists and amateur photographers every spring. Cherry blossoms rain down on the train track and countless shutters click madly away as the train approaches the station under the cherry blossom tunnel.

  97. 97

    Seongsan Sunrise Peak

    Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high.

  98. 98

    The Garden of Morning Calm

    The inspiration for the garden stemmed from a poem written by Sir Tagore, a great Indian poet, who described Korea during the Joseon Dynasty as "The Land of the Morning Calm."

  99. 99

    Nami Island

    Winter Sonata Trip from Seoul

  100. 100

    Busan International Film Festival

    Movies at the beach, celebrity sightings and another excuse to visit Busan.

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