If you are planning a foreign trip soon, South Korea can be an ideal destination. It offers dazzling experiences to all kinds of travellers, thanks to its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. Whether you want to enjoy glittering nightlife or hike amidst nature, here you will find some of the best places to visit in South Korea for a memorable experience. Are you worried about the costs? You can borrow a Personal Loan from Hero FinCorp and distribute the trip’s cost into easily affordable EMIs. Read on to find the best places to visit and things to do in South Korea.
South Korea has a striking mix of attractions that can keep you coming back for more. Go through this list of South Korean tourist spots along with their highlights and approximate budget requirements:
Place | Highlights | Approximate Budget* |
Seoul | Seoul Tower, Myeongdong, Gyeongbokgung Palace | Rs 10,000 |
Busan | Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Cultural Village | Rs 8,000 |
Jeju Island | Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Hallasan Mountain | Rs 12,000 |
Gyeongju | Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple | Rs 9,000 |
Incheon | Songdo Central Park, Chinatown | Rs 8,000 |
Andong | Andong Soju Museum, Hahoe Folk Village | Rs 7,000 |
Suwon | Korean Folk Village, Hwaseong Fortress | Rs 7,000 |
Pyeongchang | Alpensia Resort, Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch | Rs 10,000 |
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) | Dorasan Station, Panmunjom | Rs 8,000 |
Daegu | Seomun Market, Apsan Park | Rs 9,000 |
Note*- Estimated budgets may vary based on flights, stay, activities, exchange rates, and seasonal price changes.
Here is a list of the top ten South Korean tourist destination options to explore:
Seoul is the capital of South Korea. It exudes a perfect blend of ancient history and modern technology, offering diverse things to do in Seoul, South Korea. While its skyline is dotted with skyscrapers, it is also rustic and tranquil, with Buddhist temples and royal palaces.
How to Reach: Fly to Incheon International Airport and reach Seoul by train, bus, or taxi
Things to Do: Nightlife, Culture, Shopping, Architecture
Places to Visit: Changdeokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Lotte World Amusement Park, Bukchon Hanok Village, Bukhansan National Park
Approximate Budget: Rs 10,000
Must-Try Food: Kimchi, Japchae, Bulgogi, Pigs' trotters, Pancakes, Cold Noodles
Time Required: 1-2 Days
Busan is a vibrant coastal city boasting a perfect mix of nightlife, culture and beaches. To enrich your experience, explore the Gamcheon Culture Village, try some mouth-watering local cuisine, and relax on Haeundae Beach.
How to Reach: Fly to Incheon International Airport, then reach Seoul by train, bus, or taxi. Take the Korea Train Express (KTX), and you will reach Busan in 2.5 hours. Other options to reach Busan from Seoul include flight and bus.
Things to Do: Beaches, Food, Culture
Places to Visit: Haeundae Beach, Beomeosa Temple, Gwangalli Beach, Diamond Bridge, Hurshimchung Spa
Approximate Budget: Rs 8,000
Must-Try Food: Dwaeji Gukbap, Milmyeon, Jagalchi Seafood, Ssiat Hotteok, Yukgaejang, Bokguk, Ganjang Gejang, Samgyeopsal, Bibim Dangmyeon, Pajeon, Busan Eomuk
Time Required: 1-2 Days
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Jeju Island is a volcanic island popular for its geological features and natural landscapes. It is home to Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea, and Manjanggul Lava Tube, the longest lava tube in the world, listed by UNESCO. You also get to enjoy beautiful beaches, local culture, and lush green tea fields in Jeju Island.
How to Reach: Reach Seoul and take a flight, car, or ferry to Jeju Island
Things to Do: Nature, Photography
Places to Visit: Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, Hallasan National Park, Hyeopjae & Hamdeok Beach, Seopjikoji Promontory
Approximate Budget: Rs 12,000
Must-Try Food: Black Pork, Abalone, Grilled Mackerel, Snow Crab Gratin, Ramyeon, Omegi Tteok, Samgyetang, Seongge Miyeokguk, Kkwong Memil Kalguksu
Time Required: 1 Day
Gyeongju is a historic city where you can explore various ancient temples, archaeological sites, and royal tombs. Once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to Reach: Reach Seoul and take a KTX high-speed train. Other options include intercity buses from Seoul, Daegu, or Busan.
Things to Do: Culture, Nature, History
Places to Visit: Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Seokguram Grotto, Tumuli Park, Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju National Museum
Approximate Budget: Rs 9,000
Must-Try Food: Bulgogi, Hwangnam-Ppang, Garlic Chicken, Chueo-Tang, Hoe, Sundubu-Jjigae, Haejang-Guk
Time Required: 1-2 Days
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Incheon is a bustling port city known for its beautiful parks, modern architecture, and cultural attractions. Browse through Chinatown to enjoy its colourful streets and savour delicious cuisine.
How to Reach: Take a direct flight to Incheon International Airport
Things to Do: Strolls, Architecture, Culture, Picnics, Food, Shopping
Places to Visit: Incheon Grand Park, Jeondeungsa Temple, Wolmido Island, Fairy Tale Village, Chinatown, Sinpo International Market, Eurwangni Beach
Approximate Budget: Rs 8,000
Must-Try Food: Korean Fried Hot Dogs, Dakgangjeong Deep-Fried Chicken, Haemul Pajeon Pancake, Kimbap Rice Rolls, Tteokbokki, Sundae Blood Sausage, Kimchi
Time Required: 2-3 Days
Andong is a traditional UNESCO-listed Korean village where you can experience local culture and traditions. Set along the Nakdong River, it is naturally beautiful, with traditional tiled-roof houses, thatched-roof houses, pine trees, and sandy beaches.
How to Reach: Take a KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Daegu, then reach Andong in a local train
Things to Do: Culture, Nature, Tranquillity
Places to Visit: Buyongdae (cliff-side viewpoint), Bongjeongsa Temple
Approximate Budget: Rs 7,000
Must-Try Food: Andong Soju, Heotjesabap, Andong Jjimdak, Andong Sikhye, Salted Mackerel, Geonjin Guksu
Time Required: 2 Days
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Suwon is located south of Seoul. It is most popular for Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also enjoy Korean cultural experiences, performances, and craft workshops. Visit the Suwon Hwaseong Museum to deeply understand the city's culture and history.
How to Reach: From Seoul, take Seoul Subway Line 1 from Seoul Station to Suwon Station. Other options include Korail train and KTX
Things to Do: History, Architecture, Hiking
Places to Visit: Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon Hwaseong Museum, Samsung Innovation Museum, Gwanggyosan Mountain
Approximate Budget: Rs 7,000
Must-Try Food: Bibimbap, Kimchi Jjigae, Japchae, Pajeon, Sundubu-Jjigae, Dakgangjeong, Ddeokbokki, Kimbap, Haemul Pajeon, Samgyetang
Time Required: 1-2 Days
Visit Pyeongchang to experience the tranquillity and scenic beauty of South Korea. Located in the Taebaek Mountains, it is 180 km away from Seoul. It is a hiker's delight, thanks to its Odaesan National Park, with several adventurous trails. Ski resorts like Alpensia and Yongpyong are famous among snowboarders and skiers. It is also home to numerous beautiful Buddhist shrines for spirituality.
How to Reach: Reach Seoul and take a KTX train on the Gyeonggang Line to reach the Pyeongchang or Jinbu Station
Things to Do: Hiking, Nature, Spirituality, Photography
Places to Visit: Woljeongsa Temple, Odaesan National Park, Woljeongsa Temple - famous for its Nine-Story Stone Pagoda
Approximate Budget: Rs 10,000
Must-Try Food: Memil Jeonbyeong, Beef, Chodang Sundubu, Naengmyeon Cold Noodles
Time Required: 3-4 Days
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Established in 1953, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 250-kilometre-long buffer zone separating North and South Korea. Despite being heavily guarded, it has no active military presence, symbolising the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The DMZ offers a unique insight into Korea's modern history and geopolitical landscape. Visitors can explore key sites such as the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dorasan Observatory, and the Joint Security Area (JSA), where North and South Korean soldiers stand face-to-face.
How to Reach: Since access to the DMZ is strictly controlled, you can enter only through an organised tour. Join a guided tour from Seoul to gain entry.
Things to Do: Historical Sites
Places to Visit: Freedom Park, Dorasan Station and Observatory, Unification Village
Approximate Budget: Rs 8,000
Must-Try Food: Hotdogs, Ramen, Snacks, Coffee, Cold Drinks
Time Required: 1 Day
Daegu is the fourth-largest city in South Korea, known for its beautiful parks, historic sites, and vibrant urban life. Home to the Daegu National Museum, it showcases the country's rich cultural heritage through its Buddhist relics and ancient pottery. The city is also an excellent destination for shopping, as it is famous for its textile industry. You can also visit the Seomun Market - one of Korea’s largest traditional markets.
How to Reach: You can fly directly to Daegu or take a high-speed KTX train from Seoul to Dongdaegu Station.
Things to Do: History, Architecture, Museums
Places to Visit: Duryu Park, Apsan Park, Suseongmot, Daegu National Museum, Donghwasa Temple, Gyesan Cathedral, Dodong Seowon Confucian Academy
Approximate Budget: Rs 9,000
Must-Try Food: Daegu Yukgaejang, Ttarogukbap, Makchang Gui, Mungtigi, Dongin-Dong Jjimgalbi, Nonmegi Maeuntang
Time Required: 1-2 Days
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Here is how a Personal Loan can help you visit the best places to go in South Korea:
Do you want to finance your South Korean trip with a Personal Loan for Travel from Hero FinCorp? Follow these simple steps to apply:
Read Also- How to Apply for a Loan to go for a Holiday?
Include these South Korean tourist attractions in your itinerary to make your trip enriching and memorable. Don't worry about finances, as a Personal Loan from Hero FinCorp can provide funds up to Rs 5 Lakh to eliminate any financial constraints. It lets you distribute the trip's cost into EMIs, allowing you to enjoy everything the country offers.
Seoul is the most visited place in South Korea. It has an attractive man-made river and provides ample opportunities to experience Korean culture.
While Rs 1 Lakh may be a little less to visit Korea, at Hero FinCorp, you can borrow a Personal Loan of up to Rs 5 Lakh to have an enriching experience.
Gyeongju is a pretty South Korean tourist destination with numerous archaeological remnants, temples, pagodas, and shrines.
Compared to India, South Korea is expensive in terms of food, transportation, and accommodation, especially in major cities like Seoul.
South Korea is famous for its vibrant pop culture, rich traditional culture, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine.
South Korea is known for its delicious cuisine, especially kimchi. Bulgogi, Samgyeopsal, Japchae, Tteokbokki, Gimbap and Galbi are other popular options.
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