The top 10 things to do in South Korea

There are activities and adventures for all ages and tastes in South Korea, making it an ideal destination for tourists. UNESCO World Heritage sites like Changdeokgung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace regularly make it onto South Korea must-see lists.

You can also visit the vibrant markets of Gwangjang, Insadong and Namdaemun, where people buy anything from fresh vegetables to priceless antiques. Here are ten of our favourite South Korea experiences to make your trip even more unforgettable.

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Yongdusan Park

One of Busan's most popular green spots is Yongdusan Park, a mountainous park in the city's heart. Because it resembles a dragon's head poking out of the water, the name "dragon's head mountain" has become popular with both locals and visitors.

The octagonal Palgakjeong pavilion and Busan Tower are two of the park's most notable features.

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Gamcheon Culture Village

Just outside of Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village overflows downhill in a rainbow of colours. In this little settlement, which has been called "Santorini on the South Sea" and "the Machu Picchu of Busan”, refugees from the Taegeukdo religious organisation fled persecution and created their own ad-hoc town.

Now, the tiny houses and workshops have been renovated and repurposed as cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions.

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Third Tunnel of Aggression

In the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) dividing North Korea and South Korea, there are four tunnels, and one is known as the Third Tunnel of Aggression built 70m underground.

As soon as North Korea learned that their underground passageway had been discovered by the South, they denied the existence of the tunnel for years. The North initially claimed it was a coal mine but later admitted to digging the tunnel to surprise Seoul with an attack.

Now, the Third Tunnel is a popular tourist attraction but it is still well guarded and photography is prohibited inside the tunnel. Book a tour to see multiple Korean War and DMZ sites in one day.

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Bukchon Hanok Village

Along with the nearby palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village offers an excellent glimpse into life during the Song dynasty. The area is home to numerous restaurants, teahouses, cultural centres, art galleries and bed-and-breakfasts.

It's a great spot to get a feel for Seoul's history and try out some Korean staples like noodle soup and fried chicken. You can even hire a traditional Korean outfit to make those selfies even more impressive!

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Jagalchi Fish Market

Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan is a must-visit for seafood lovers from all over the world. Jagalchi Seafood Market is still run almost entirely by women, a practice that dates back to the Korean War.

While many of Busan’s men were away fighting, their wives took over the family business and it’s kind of stuck.

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Jeju Island

Jeju Island, off the coast of South Korea, is a popular destination for couples on their honeymoon, mainly because it’s so beautiful. It's easy to travel here with frequent direct flights from major international hubs like Tokyo, Osaka, Beijing, and Shanghai, as well as local airports in South Korea. Jeju is home to the world's longest lava tube and a 224-kilometre semi-tropical forest park.

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Bukhansan National Park

Bukhansan National Park is Seoul's green escaoe. Over half a million people visit the park each year to enjoy the hiking paths, panoramic views from the mountaintops and streams trickling between gorges and granite peaks.

As well as the impressive Bukhansanseong Fortress, the area is home to numerous Buddhist temples. Head into the park first thing for some impressive sunrise vistas.

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N Seoul Tower

If you’re looking for the best views in Seoul, then climb to the top of Namsan Tower (also known as N Seoul Tower) in Namsan Park.

You can enjoy the views from the 237-meter-high tower's three observation decks day or night. You can make the experience even more memorable with a romantic meal in one of the restaurants located at the top of N Seoul Tower.

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Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung (also known as the Northern Palace) is a must-see sight in South Korea. It's the largest of Seoul's five main palaces and is packed with artefacts and amazing architecture.

What is the oldest Joseon Dynasty palace in Korea, it was built in the 14th century and is located in Seoul's culturally vibrant Jongno-Gu district home to a number of other important historical buildings.

Leave plenty of time for a visit and consider a Gyeongbokgung guided tour so you don’t miss out on the amazing stories – most of the signage is in Korean.

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Korean DMZ

North and South Korea's hostility is felt nowhere more than in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a sliver of territory between the two countries.

Only 2.5 miles (4 km) separate the North and South of this divided country, making it the most heavily armed border in the world. Since the 1953 UN-North Korea cease-fire agreement that halted the Korean War, the 150-mile (241-km) buffer zone has operated as a safety net.

Today, visitors can travel to the ‘border’, a small blue house in an area known as Panmunjom. Here, you can ‘officially’ enter North Korea and get your passport stamped. However, you’ll need to join an official Korean DMZ tour and, thanks to the frosty situation, tours can be cancelled at short notice.