City: South Korea
Top Things to do in South Korea
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Things to do in South Korea, South Korea: The Best Historic Sites
Coordinates: 36°N 128°E / 36°N 128°E / 36; 128
Restaurants in South Korea
1. Changdeokgung Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,612 reviews
This 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the city's jewel. It's as famous for its outstanding architectural details as for its verdant and expansive gardens.
Reviewed By Inspire818731 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Interesting Palace to learn about ancient Korea and its architecture.The English tour guide to the hills and valleys of the Secret Garden was a superb insight to the life and times of the early dynasties. The Palace is spread over a wide area, which is mainly flat, but there are some steep areas, so allow plenty time to visit.Crowds,queues,heat not a problem in September.
2. Bulguksa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,275 reviews
An impressive complex of stone pagodas and wooden shrines.
Reviewed By ssbelltx - New York City, United States
Worth your time to see. Peace to walk around Beautiful grounds and worshiping areas. Don't miss if you are in Gyeongju
3. Jangneung
4. Haeinsa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
The depository of Tripitaka Koreana, the famous collection of Buddhist texts on woodblocks.
Reviewed By KevanEastYorkshire - Hessle, United Kingdom
We visited on a Saturday from Daegu using public transport and having read up in advance thought the buses would be very busy. We wer pleasantly surprised how easy the trip from Daegu was although at the time we left the temple it was getting very crowded. We left from the bus station at around 10:00 *cant remember the exact time and the bus was nothing like full. we had to pay for the tickets in won as no cards were accepted (not sure if this was aglitch or usual) again had to pay for the return journey from the temple back to Daegu in cash. Tickets back were bought in the shop near where the bus terminates not at the little kiosk near the start of the walkway up to the temple. Kioask was unmanned. The bus teminus is by shops/cafes about 5 minutes walk further up the road By getting to the temple early although not having it to ourselves by any means.meant there were fewer toursits. Its a short up hill walk to the temple, through woods on a made up pathway so its not too hard. We spent about an hour wandering around, listing to the chanting and the drums and bells. Very relaxing place. You really cannot see the wooden printing blocks however we kindof knew this before we came. As we departed so many people started to arrive, they were quite noisy and the sheer numbers did spoil the tranquility of the temple. Its worth going to but get there early.
5. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,654 reviews
The National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum are located on the grounds of this palace, built six centuries ago by the founder of the Chosun dynasty.
Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore
At the heart of Seoul lies this ancient yet historically significant center of the Joseon dynasty - the Eternal, Grand, Beautiful and Enchanting Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and grandest of the 5 palaces built during the Joseon dynasty in 1395 by King Taejo, the first King of Joseon.. It is the seat of the King, His household and the government. To date it is one of the most famous attractions in Seoul and South Korea. Millions of tourist visit this Palace and it is a must visit. You could take the Seoul metro and could alight at Gyeongbokgung station which is connected via Heungnyemun Gate or outside via Gwanghwamun station and you need to walk via North direction passing by the statue of King Sejong the Great. The National Palace Museum of Korea is located via Heungnyemun gate. The entrance fee to this palace is around 3K Won for adults. As you enter the main gate of Gwanghwamun in the south you will be greeted by several other gates as you walk north into the Geunjeongjeon (Throne hall). The cobbled stones floor indicates that you are entering history. Other significant buildings include the beautiful Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (Banquet hall) with a lake surrounding it, Gangnyeongjeon (King's residential quarter), Gyotaejeon (Queen's quarter), Hyangwonjeong (2 story Hexagonal shape pavillion on lake connected by Chwihyanggyo bridge), and many more. We went here during Fall season and it's magical we were surrounded by trees of red, yellow and orange. The wind blowing adds to the beauty of the falling leaves. Despite the plenty of tourists we have space to take beautiful photos and videos. There are even Korean cultural dance shows with photo opts afterwards. Behind this massive complex stands the mighty Mt. Baegaksan (a 342 m high granite mountain) a perfect background for your beautiful photos and videos. Some tourists rent traditional Hanbok dress, a traditional Korean clothes. Rental prices vary depending on the time starting at around 13K to 15K Won for about 4 hrs. It adds to the total experience you could get while walking around this historical palace not to mention it adds beauty to your photos and videos. Between 10 to 3 PM the traditional changing of the guards occur every hour which is a spectacle of Korean culture and tradition. We left at 5 PM which is also the closing time at this Eternal Grand Palace. It is my 2nd time to visit this but it still amazes me every time.
6. Korean Folk Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 756 reviews
Reviewed By x96lee26 - Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Had the privilege to cost the Korean Folks Village and witness how the Joseon live during their dynasty. They are simply amazing and amusing. Truly blessed to understand how they live and the older days. The Korean Folk Village located on a large 245 acres of land with backdrop of mountains and a river running through it. Korean Folk Village introduces traditional culture from the late Joseon period to both local and international visitors through cultural classes experience, shaman faith, seasonal customs and others. The Korean Folk Village has been a popular film site for many well-known historical dramas including My Love from the Star (2013), Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), Dong Yi (2010), Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010), The Great Queen Seondeok (2009) and of course, the hugely popular Dae Jang Geum (2003).
7. Gyeongpodae
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By gunnchoi - Gangneung, South Korea
Just stay keep calm. I like the moment. You can see the beautiful lake and much inspiration would come to u! Having relax. 쉼을 생각하며 머물길 추천, 호수를 보며 시간대마다 각각 다른 엉감이 나에게 다가왔다. 마치 시도 예술도 나에게서 나올것만 같은 정취적인 장소
8. Donghwasa
9. DMZ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,040 reviews
Reviewed By Granules2013 - Darwin, Australia
Very lucky to have been able to visit the DMZ on a trip to South Korea. Would probably say this is an absolute must see thing to do when visiting Korea. Managed to do a full day tour, an eerie experience and can still see the tension. Coming here helps you understand a lot about the history though.
