Beyond its vibrant capital, Seoul, Korea holds a treasure trove of places that showcase the country’s multifaceted character. EXO shares five of our favourite places to experience Korea’s historical, natural, and cultural wonders.
From the tranquil beauty of Jeju Island’s volcanic landscapes to the historic allure of Gyeongju’s ancient sites, Korea is a paradise for both nature enthusiasts and history buffs. The vibrant port city of Busan dazzles with its scenic beaches and dynamic urban culture, while lesser-known areas like Andong unveil Korea’s deeply-rooted heritage and authentic culinary delights.
Korea’s rich tapestry of experiences extends to its warm hospitality, making it a perfect destination for travellers seeking a journey that combines serenity, adventure, and a deep dive into a culture that’s both time-honoured and constantly evolving.
Here’s a closer look at some of our suggested places to visit in Korea.
Busan
Located in Korea’s southeast, Busan boasts a dynamic mix of urban and natural attractions. Highlights include Haeundae Beach, the country’s most popular coastal destination, and Gamcheon Culture Village, where history and culture converge. Busan’s war memorials and museums offer insight into the past and the tumultuous Korean War history while the vibrant Haeundae district and Jagalchi Fish market provide a taste of Busan’s modern culture.
Suggested stay: 2 -4 days
How to get there: The best way to reach Busan is by KTX High Speed Train, taking just over 2 hours from Seoul and 2.5 hours from Andong. For travel between Gwangju and Busan, bus is the best option, a comfortable 3-hour journey. Busan’s airport also has great domestic flight connections to Jeju Island, Seoul and other popular destinations.
Jeju Island
Jeju Island, off Korea’s coast, boasts unique cultural heritage and stunning nature best explored on foot. It is renowned for its volcanic landscapes, including Hallasan Mountain and Seongsan, two sites offering hiking trails and panoramic views, and its lava tubes, like Manjanggul Cave. The island is also home to the Haenyeo divers, local women who use traditional methods and equipment to collect seafood and marine resources from the waters surrounding the island. The Haenyeo museum and diving demonstrations are highly recommended.
Suggested stay: 2-4 days
How to get there: The fastest way to reach Jeju Island is by plane, with regular flights from Seoul, Busan, Gangwon and Cheongju. A more scenic but slower option is the ferry boat, which takes 4-5 hours from Makpo or opt for a comfortable 11-hour overnight journey from Busan.
Sokcho & Seoraksan National Park
Sokcho, in Korea’s northeast, is renowned for its natural landscapes and culinary delights. Seoraksan National Park, a highlight, offers stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, and the famous Sinheungsa Temple. In addition to the wonderful adventures, the city’s East Sea beaches, like Sokcho Beach, are perfect for relaxation and the bustling Jungang Market is a food lover’s paradise, known for fresh seafood and local specialties.
Suggested stay: 1-3 days
How to get there: Sokcho is one of the rare destinations in Korea not serviced by train. However it is an easy 2-2.5 hour drive from Seoul, with regularly scheduled buses. To reach Seoraksan National Park is a further 30 minute drive from Sokcho.
Gyeongju
Often referred to as a ‘museum without walls’, Gyeongju is filled with historic sites reflecting the town’s past as a capital of the Silla Kingdom. Among the highlights are Bulgaksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the adjacent Seokguram Grotto, sites that reflect the ancient craftsmanship of Korea. Gyeongju is also home to Tumuli Park where royal Silla-era tombs are set in large, grassy mounds.
Suggested stay: 1-3 days
How to get there: Gyeongju is well connected by rail and road. From Seoul it takes 2 hours by KTX trail or 3.5 hours by bus. To Busan, the journey is 30 minutes by train or 45 minutes by bus.
Andong
Steeped in culture and tradition, Andong is a captivating destination for travellers. It is home to Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO W0rld Heritage Site, where traditional architecture and culture thrive. Guests can attend a Mask Dance performance, visit the insightful Soju Museum, walk through the historic village for a glimpse into the past and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. Although it is possible to visit Andong on a day trip from Gyeongju, EXO recommends staying overnight in one of Andong’s historic hanok houses for a deeper understanding of Korea’s rich culture.
Suggested stay: 1-2 days
How to get there: From Seoul to Andong takes around 4 hours by bus or train. From Gyeongju, it is a 2-hour train ride or similar length of journey by private car.
With our in-depth local knowledge, EXO is able to customise a Korea itinerary to suit any personal travel style and interest. Head over to our website for sample itineraries for inspiration and ideas to get started
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