What part of South Korea should I visit?

Each region used to be part of a different kingdom and maintain their traditions well, so see all if you can. However, if you don't have enough time, starting with Seoul and the surrounding area is a good way to go.

Is South Korea cheap or expensive?

South Korea is becoming more expensive, comparable to mid-range states in the US. Eating out would cost between $11-$25 per person, depending on the restaurant.

Is 7 days in South Korea enough?

7 days in Seoul alone is the sweet spot! So the simple answer is no, one week is not nearly enough for all of South Korea. The best you can do with 7 days is rush through Seoul and Busan, and maybe one other city of choice.

Unmissable Places To Visit In South Korea: In Photos And Tips

To be honest, you’re not about to read a super helpful travel guide or anything.

I wasn’t in the mood to write a guide for those who are planning a visit, but I was in the mood to convince someone that South Korea is more than its K-Pop scene.

So if you found this somewhere on Google and you’re not quite sure if you should visit, even though you have zero interest in Korean pop culture, I have something for you.

What you’re about to see are some of my favorite photos of places to visit in South Korea, taken from my 17 visits between 2006 and 2025.

Of course, there is the main palace, Gyeongbokgung. The Garden of Morning Calm just outside of Seoul is another serene spot I love. Pocheon Art Valley, Jeju’s Seongsan Ilchulbong, and Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village are wonderful as well.

By the end, you’ll see why I think South Korea is totally worth visiting… 17 times and still counting.

Table of Contents

Why Did I Put Together This Photo Essay?

Good question. It recently hit me that I keep writing guides about what people should do when they go, but I’ve never tried convincing anyone to visit.

And there are so many places in South Korea that photos can’t really capture. Like Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju… I’d seen photos of it, but the first time I saw it in person was insane.

So I’ve curated a well-rounded collection to convince you to spend that money and book the plane tickets (terrible influence, I know).

You’ll see all my favorite places, from the most famous, most popular spots like Gyeongbokgung, Nami Island, and Starfield Library, to hidden gems like the Naksan hiking trail.

The cute pastry selections inside Happy Bear Day Café in Seoul, one of the cool places to visit in South Korea, with plates of croissants in the forefront.

About South Korea: A Brief Cultural Background

Although the Republic of Korea is fairly new, established in 1948, the Korean Peninsula and its culture have been around for at least 2,000 years.

Today, there are 16 UNESCO Heritage Sites in South Korea, with 12 more on the pending list.

Not only will you experience the rich history and traditions when you visit, but also the modern aesthetics that has blended into the Korean way of life. Watching the two coexist is quite something.

South Korea Travel Inspiration (In Photos)

Here are some of my favorite travel photos from my multiple visits to South Korea. Some are of places, and some are of food, so that you can go and find those foodie spots! 😉

Starfield Library (Seoul)

A brown, massive floor-to-ceiling bookshelf filled with neatly-arranged books at the Starfield Library, one of the most popular places among visitors to Seoul.

Starting with the most provocative shot I’ll ever take in a while: the Starfield Library in Gangnam.

The Garden of Morning Calm (Gapyeong)

A wooden suspension bridge surrounded by lush green against a cloudy blue sky backdrop inside the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong.

The mystical Juniper tree, with ornately twisty branches, standing alone against the blue sky inside the Garden of Morning Calm.

From Gapyeong: The hanging bridge and the Millennium Juniper Tree inside the Garden of Morning Calm.

Traditional Teahouse Insadong (Seoul)

A cup of smoking hot traditional Korean tea, served in a brown porcelain cup, with a white teacup and traditional snacks in the background. This photo showcases the cultural experience one could enjoy inside the Insadong Chatjib, one of the top cultural places to visit in Seoul.

A set of traditional tea and snacks at Insadong Chatjib.

Banpo Bridge Rainbow Water Show

Water, lit up in rainbow colors, shoot out from the side of the Banpo Bridge on the Han River, colorful against the night sky. This is one of the most magical night experiences in South Korea's capital city.

The Banpo Bridge water show, one of the must-see things in Seoul at night.

Seongsan Sunrise Peak (Jeju Island)

The majestic sea cliffs at the Seongsan Sunrise Peak on Jeju Island, one of the most magical places one can visit in South Korea.

Petra, the blogger, in a black t-shirt and jeans shorts, on the stairs of Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju, South Korea.

From a UNESCO Natural Heritage, Jeju Island: Waves hitting the side cliff of Seongsan Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong), and yours truly, soaked in the rain but still enjoying the hike.

Namsan Tower View From Noksapyeong Bridge (Seoul)

Traffic coming and going on the street that leads to Namsan Mountain in the Itaewon neighborhood of Seoul. Headlights and nightlights sparkles against the night sky.

The night view of the Namsan Tower from the Noksapyeong Bridge. In my opinion, this is one of the most representative views of Seoul.

Metasequoia Lane (Nami Island, Gapyeong)

Petra, the blogger, stands in the middle of a lane framed by sequoia trees on Nami Island in Gapyeong, South Korea.

The majestic Sequoia Lane on Nami Island.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul)

Joseon guards in red traditional attire lined up in front of the Gwanghwamun gate inside Gyeongbokgung, another one of the must-see cultural landmarks in Seoul.

Two golden dragon aligned in an ornate pattern on the ceiling of the throne hall inside Gyeongbokgung, surrounded by red pillars.

Changing of the Guards at Gyeongbokgung, the biggest of Seoul’s five palaces, and the ornate interior of the main throne hall, Geunjeongjeon.

Dakgalbi with Cheese (Seoul or Chuncheon)

A close-up of a pan full of Dakgalbi, Korean spicy stir-fried chicken, topped with cheese sauce. This is one of the typical dishes from Chuncheon.

Did you know that the younger generation of Koreans loves putting cheese in their food? Here’s a sizzling pan of Dakgalbi topped with cheese and cheese sauce.

Hanbok Rental Accessories (Seoul)

Traditional Korean hair ribbons in red and different shades of pink neatly lined on a dresser table, with pearl hair pins in a woven accessory basket.

A selection of Daenggi (the Korean ribbons) and other hair accessories at a Hanbok rental shop in Samcheongdong, Seoul.

Having your photos taken in a Hanbok is one of the most popular experiences in South Korea!

Naksan Seoul City Wall Night Hike (Seoul)

A night view of the Seoul City Wall Naksan section, lit up in golden light against the night sky and the modern buildings of Seoul.

Hiking the Naksan Seoul City Wall Trail at night is one of the most incredible experiences that has completely rewired my brain.

You could even pair the night visit with a late afternoon in Ihwa Mural Village, which is right on the trail.

Cheonggyecheon Stream (Seoul)

The lush green on the popular Cheonggyecheon stream trail with skyscrapers in the background.

The Cheonggyecheon Stream, your chance to hear and feel some nature in the middle of the bustling city.

A Hanok Stay in Samcheongdong (Seoul)

A tray of blue traditional Korean tea set inside a Hanok living room. Staying in a Hanok guesthouse is one of the best ways to culturally experience South Korea.

This beautiful traditional tea set was in the living room area of the Hanok house I stayed in.

Gamcheon Culture Village (Busan)

Colorful homes of Gamcheon Culture Village stacked on the side of a hill in Busan, another must-visit city in South Korea.

Against the nightsky, pnk and purple drones arranged mid-air into a flower bouquet above Gwangalli Beach in Busan.

Above are two impressive photos from Busan. The first is the Gamcheon Culture Village, colorful and packed with cute street art. The second is a drone show on Gwangalli Beach.

Foot-Long Ice Cream

A hand holding a cone of a foot-tall soft-serve ice cream on the streets of Hongdae, Seoul.

Seoul’s famous “Foot-long ice cream.” As the sellers will always say as they hand you the cone, “Keep it straight or it will tip!”

Angel-In-Us Cafe (Hongdae, Seoul)

Empty seating zone of a pale pink coffee shop with round ottomans and decorative plants in Seoul, showcasing the city's aesthetic-forward cafe culture.

Angel-In-Us Café, Hongdae Branch: One of the most aesthetically Korean cafés I went to in Seoul.

Bonus: Photo-Worthy Spots Not to Miss

Below are some more of the top attractions around the city. Their photos didn’t make the list, but it doesn’t mean they’re not worth visiting!

Seokjojeon, the main imperial palace building of Deoksugung Palace, standing majestic against the rain.

The main iconic view of Cheonsuho Lake against granite cliffs at Pocheon Art Valley in Pocheon, South Korea.

Are you convinced yet?

Did I successfully give you the Korea travel bug? If I did, let’s get you started down that rabbit hole with my favorite things to do in Seoul.

Here’s a guide to the best neighborhoods you should consider staying in.

Before you plan land, don’t forget to memorize some easy local phrases to help in case of emergency, and learn the cultural dos and don’ts to avoid offending the locals!

Find more travel resources in my South Korea Cultural Travel hub!

FAQ About Visiting South Korea

What part of South Korea should I visit?

Each region used to be part of a different kingdom and maintain their traditions well, so see all if you can. However, if you don’t have enough time, starting with Seoul and the surrounding area is a good way to go.
Is South Korea cheap or expensive?

South Korea is becoming more expensive, comparable to mid-range states in the US. Eating out would cost between $11-$25 per person, depending on the restaurant.
Is 7 days in South Korea enough?

7 days in Seoul alone is the sweet spot! So the simple answer is no, one week is not nearly enough for all of South Korea. The best you can do with 7 days is rush through Seoul and Busan, and maybe one other city of choice.

Unmissable Places to Visit in South Korea: In Photos and Tips

Why Did I Put Together This Photo Essay?

About South Korea: A Brief Cultural Background