The land of early freshness: Top 20 attractions in South Korea

Gyeongbokgung Palace Complex

Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, was the first and largest of the royal palaces erected during the Joseon State period. Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace and was the independence of the dynasty, located in the heart of South Korea's capital city of Hanyang (the old name of Seoul).

In its time, Gyeongbokgung was one of the most opulent palace complexes in Asia, and in its heyday there were some 330 buildings and nearly 5,800 rooms. Unfortunately, not all of the buildings have survived. However, there are enough architectural landmarks preserved on the territory of Kenbokkun that deserve your attention. The most notable are the Kinjongjeon Throne Hall and the Kenghwera Pavilion. The latter is located in the middle of the lake and is supported by 48 granite columns.

Today, Gyeongbokgung Palace remains the largest of the capital's five palaces. The palace's exterior and interior decoration is breathtaking in its beauty and diversity. In addition to the beauty of Kenbokkun, visitors can also visit the National Palace Museum and the National Folklore Museum located on the palace grounds.

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the few palaces that has managed to retain its original appearance. The palace had to be constantly rebuilt and restored, but the craftsmen tried to preserve the real appearance of the structure. Thanks to this, this landmark of South Korea still manages to convey the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty.

Emperor Sunjong, remembered by history as the last monarch of the country, lived in the palace until his death. In 1955, the architectural landmark became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of tourists come to admire the beauty of Changdeokgung.

Soraksan National Park

Soraksan National Park is a cozy corner of nature. It is world famous for its waterfalls and geysers. Buddhist temples, which are more than one century old, have not been neglected. It is interesting that for this monument of South Korea, the territory of four neighboring cities was allocated at once.

The national park successfully combines jagged peaks, magnificent waterfalls, deep caves and dense forests, which, by the way, look most advantageous in the autumn period, when the leaves of trees begin to change color. On the mountain slopes you can see many rare representatives of the world of flora, which you will not find anywhere else. Walking around Soraksan, tourists can also come across Shinhingsa Temple, which belongs to the oldest Buddhist buildings of religious importance.

National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea is the most visited museum in all of Asia. It was founded in 1945 and has been housed in its current building, constructed of fireproof materials in the form of an ancient Korean fortress, since 2005.

The museum is dedicated to Korean history and art. Its collection includes over 220,000 artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, metals and ceramics, and much more.

Lotte World Amusement Park

Lotte World Amusement Park is located in the southeast of the city. It is the world's largest indoor amusement park with a total area of 128 thousand square meters. The park was opened in 1989.

Everyone who comes here discovers a real fairy tale. Lotte World abounds with exciting attractions, and in the center of the room is a huge skating rink. The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Korean Demilitarized Zone

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is one of the most famous places to visit in South Korea. It is a zone that divides the Korean peninsula into two parts, North Korea and South Korea. Since North Korea is considered one of the most closed countries, you can only get a glimpse of its territory at the Observation Post. This place amazes, excites the imagination and scares you at the same time.

Also at this area you can see the main attractions: the Freedom Park, Doranas Train Station and the Observatory. This small but fascinating tour will take about 3 hours.

Seoul TV Tower

Built in the 1970s on Mount Namsan, the Seoul TV Tower became one of the main symbols of revitalization and rapid economic growth in South Korea. After a few more years, the tower opened to tourists and became instantly popular with locals and foreigners alike.

Today, inside the Seoul TV Tower, or "Tower N", are stores, museums, bars, restaurants and observation decks. The latter are particularly popular as they provide a bird's-eye view of the Korean capital.

Republic of Korea War Memorial in Seoul

The Republic of Korea War Memorial, despite its name, was created not only as a tribute to those who died in wars for the country. It features a huge museum complex with a collection of weapons, tanks, airplanes and other military equipment, as well as historical displays telling the tumultuous history of the state.

Bukcheon Village

Palaces are a great way to learn how Korea's high society lived centuries ago, but what about the simpler people? You can see their housing in Bukcheon Village, located in Seoul's Jeonno district. Many traditional Korean houses, called hanokami, have been preserved here. They first appeared in the fourteenth century and have been transformed several times during their existence, with each region of the country having its own features.

The hanoks in Bukcheon Village, like the narrow streets, have largely remained intact and are still owned by ordinary Seoulites. This attraction is a favorite of thousands of tourists because it allows them to take a short trip back in time in the midst of the big city.

Hwaseong Fortress

The flowering Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon is a synthesis of Eastern and Western fortification art from the 18th century.

King Jeongjo erected it in memory of his father, who was starved to death by his grandfather for attempting a coup d'état. The following battles proved the effectiveness of the engineering solutions, but many structures were destroyed by enemies and earthquakes. UNESCO.

Namdemun Market

Well, what's a trip to Asia without a visit to its colorful, ubiquitous bazaars?

Namdaemun Market, Seoul's central market, is one of them. Founded back in the 15th century, Namdaemun is well known far beyond the city's borders. Prices here are much lower than in the stores of the city, besides shopping, you should come here for bright impressions and immersion in the local color.

Rainbow Fountain Bridge

The Panpo Bridge would have remained an ordinary bridge, but enterprising and creative Koreans decided to turn it into one of Seoul's most famous landmarks. The bridge itself was built in 1982, and in 2009 both sides of the bridge were equipped with a fountain, the jets of which beat 20 meters ahead and form an arc.

In addition, a backlight was installed, which gave the water arc all the colors of the rainbow, for which the bridge and nicknamed "Rainbow Fountain". Seoul residents have long been accustomed to this sight, but tourists gather on the Hangang River embankment every evening to see the rainbow pouring out of the bridge.

Pukhansan National Park

South Korea can boast not only ancient palaces and tall skyscrapers, but also picturesque nature.

Not far from Seoul is the Pukhansan National Park, spread on the territory of the mountain range of the same name. This place is famous for its incredibly diverse flora and fauna, among which there are many red-listed animals and plants. The main feature of Pukhansan is its mountain peaks, which create such picturesque landscapes that it is sometimes difficult to tear oneself away from their contemplation.

Mendon Cathedral

It may be a revelation to some, but South Korea is a predominantly Christian country.

Mendon Cathedral, the capital's main Catholic church, appeared in Seoul in 1898, becoming by then the tallest house in the city.

Hahoe Village

Hahoe Village is an integral and valuable part of Korean culture as it preserves the architecture of Joseon Dynasty houses, legends, folk customs of the time, books and traditions of the so-called clan villages.

Hahoe village is still known for its unique masks, which were used for dances, theatrical performances, and rituals. Since 1980, the Hahoe masks have been a national treasure of South Korea.

Jeju Island

Located 85 kilometers from the southernmost point of Korea, Jeju Island is known as Korea's Hawaii. Being recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature, the island delights all visitors with its pristine beauty.

Surreal white sand beaches surrounded by pine forests, volcanic craters and lava caves, beautiful botanical gardens and lovely waterfalls are some of the main gems of this natural paradise.

Hedong Yongunsa Temple

Most temples in Korea are located in the mountains, but the builders of Hedong Yongunsa Temple had a better idea - it is spread right on the seashore.

Hedong Yongunsa Temple was first built in 1376 by a great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Kore Dynasty. The walls of the temple are painted with unique designs, decorated with frescoes and lavish moldings, and the entrance to the grounds is crowned by a giant Buddha statue.

Namisom Island

Namisom Island is located 63 kilometers from Seoul towards Chuncheon and is famous for its beautiful tree-lined roads.

Another feature of Namisom Island is the complete absence of telephone poles. This is because all electrical wires have been laid underground to preserve the natural feel of the landscape.

The island is shaped like a crescent moon, and here it houses the tomb of General Nami, who won a great victory over the rebels in the 13th year of the reign of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo.