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Top Places to Visit in Korea

Korea's must-see places, from Seoul palaces to Busan's hillside villages, with 5 useful Korean phrases for each, with audio and a quick quiz.

  • Nami Island (남이섬)
    Data: Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사)
    Chuncheon, Gangwon-do

    Nami Island

    남이섬

    A small, tree-lined island in the Bukhangang River, reached by a short ferry ride or a zip wire. The drama Winter Sonata made it famous. Its tall ginkgo and metasequoia lanes turn gold in late October and November.

    Ferries leave from Gapyeong Wharf. ITX trains run from Seoul to Gapyeong Station.

  • Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원)
    Data: Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사)
    Sokcho, Gangwon-do

    Seoraksan National Park

    설악산국립공원

    Granite peaks, waterfalls and temples near Korea's east coast. Daecheongbong (1,708 m) is the country's third-highest peak, and Seoraksan was Korea's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. For an easy visit, take the cable car from Seorak-dong up to Gwongeumseong Fortress, or walk the gentle trail to Biseondae.

    Autumn colors peak around mid to late October. Higher trails can be icy from November.

  • Ojukheon House (강릉 오죽헌)
    Data: Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사)
    Gangneung, Gangwon-do

    Ojukheon House

    강릉 오죽헌

    The birthplace of Yi I (pen name Yulgok), a scholar and statesman of the Joseon period. The house was built in the early Joseon dynasty and was named a Treasure in 1963. You can see Mongryongsil, the room where he was born, along with the family shrine, the men's quarters, Yulgok Memorial Hall and the Gangneung Municipal Museum.

    Open 09:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00), all year.

  • Gyeongpo Beach (강릉 경포해수욕장)
    Data: Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사)
    Gangneung, Gangwon-do

    Gyeongpo Beach

    강릉 경포해수욕장

    Gangneung's best-known beach, a 1.8 km strip of soft sand between Gyeongpoho Lake and the East Sea, about 6 km from downtown. The water is shallow, a pine forest behind the beach is good for a shady walk, and you can cycle around the lake. Gyeongpodae Pavilion is about 1 km away.

    Open 24 hours. Parking is available.

  • Sogeumsan Grand Valley (소금산그랜드밸리)
    Data: Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사)
    Wonju, Gangwon-do

    Sogeumsan Grand Valley

    소금산그랜드밸리

    A riverside valley of cliffs and old trees with three thrilling walks: the 200 m Sogeumsan suspension bridge, the 404 m Wonju Ulleong Bridge and a 360 m Cliff Walk hanging 200 m above the ground between them. A mountain escalator (2024) and a cable car (2025) now make the climb easier.

    Open 09:00-18:00 (Apr-Oct, tickets 08:30-16:30) and 09:00-17:00 (Nov-Mar, tickets 08:30-15:30). Closed Mondays (the next working day if Monday is a holiday). Parking is available.

Data: Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사), via TourAPI. Photos are shown as provided, uncropped. Facts are checked against VisitKorea and official festival sites, and the descriptions are our own. Dates can change, so check the official site before you travel.