Must-visit places in South Korea recommended by Koreans.

I want to recommend some must-visit places recommended by Koreans.

Many tourists are flocking to South Korea these days, as the weather becomes cooler.

According to recent data from the Korea Tourism Organization, in the first half of this year, approximately 4.43 million foreign tourists visited Korea, which is a staggering 447% increase compared to the previous year. In particular, in July, about 1.03 million foreign tourists visited Korea, marking the start of the era of “1 million tourists per month” from around the world. Let’s find out which cities in Korea these many foreign tourists are visiting!

Fisrt of must-visit places is Seoul, naturally the most visited city by foreigners.

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and also the largest city in the country. It plays a crucial role as the political, economic, cultural, educational, and entertainment center of South Korea.

Here are some of Seoul’s prominent attractions:

Gyeongbokgung Palace: Gyeongbokgung is one of the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and is one of the most iconic palaces in Seoul. You can experience beautiful buildings, gardens, and the culture of the palace.
Changdeokgung Palace: Changdeokgung is another important palace of the Joseon Dynasty, and it is famous for its rear garden called the “Biwon,” also known as the Secret Garden.
Jongno: The Jongno area is where you can experience the history and culture of Seoul. It features landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, Insa-dong, and Bukchon Hanok Village.
Myeongdong: Myeongdong is a vibrant shopping and entertainment district with a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and department stores.
Itaewon: Itaewon is known for its international atmosphere and diverse array of restaurants, bars, and pubs, making it a great place to enjoy foreign cultures and cuisine.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): DDP is known for its modern architecture and frequently hosts fashion and design-related events.
Hongdae (Hongik University Street): The Hongdae area is rich in entertainment and culture for young people, with street performances, food, and shopping opportunities scattered throughout.
Han River: The Han River is an important place for citizens to relax and engage in recreation, with activities like biking, picnicking, and enjoying the scenery.
Namsan: Namsan is a place in the heart of Seoul where you can hike up to Seoul Tower and enjoy beautiful city views.
National Museum of Korea: This museum is a place to explore Korean history and culture, featuring a diverse collection of artworks and artifacts.

In addition to these, Seoul offers many art galleries, museums, parks, shopping districts, food streets, entertainment facilities, and more to provide visitors with a diverse range of experiences.

https://english.visitseoul.net/index : visit of seoul, official website

Other city of must-visit places, Busan, on the other hand, is the second-largest city in South Korea and one of the country’s major port cities.

It is located in the southeastern part of South Korea and is a city within the Gyeongsangnam-do province. This city is renowned for its beautiful coastline, mountainous terrain, and various cultural and historical attractions.

Here are some of the prominent attractions and features of Busan:

Coastal Roads: Busan boasts beautiful coastal roads and beaches, allowing for seaside strolls and ocean views. Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach, in particular, are famous tourist attractions.
Port of Busan: The Port of Busan is one of South Korea’s largest ports, bustling with trade and fishing activities. It serves as an economic hub for the city.
Busan Tower: Busan Tower is a landmark in Busan with an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of the city.
Busan’s Culture and Cuisine: Busan hosts various cultural events and festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival and the Busan International Rock Festival. The city is also renowned for its seafood cuisine, with dishes like seafood stew, raw fish (hoe), fresh sashimi, and makgeolli (Korean rice wine) being popular choices.
Historical Attractions: Busan has historical landmarks such as Beomeosa Temple, Yonggungsa Temple, the Busan History and Culture Museum, and Jagalchi Fish Market.

Busan is a significant hub for South Korea’s culture and economy, attracting many tourists with its beautiful natural environment and diverse tourist attractions.

https://www.visitbusan.net/en/index.do : visit of busan, official website

3rd city of must-visit places, Incheon is a crucial transportation hub in South Korea, with various tourist attractions and cultural offerings.

Here are some of the attractions in Incheon:

Jung-gu, Incheon: Jung-gu, the central area of Incheon, is a blend of historical landmarks and modern shops and restaurants. It features attractions like Jung-gu Market, Da-dong Shinsegae Department Store, and the Jung-gu Art Museum.
Chinatown: Incheon’s Chinatown is the largest in South Korea and offers an opportunity to experience Chinese culture and cuisine. It features vibrant culture, architecture, and Chinese restaurants.
Wolmido: Wolmido is an island known for its beach and amusement park, making it a great place for spending time with family and friends. You can enjoy various activities such as rides, food streets, and observation decks.
Incheon Bridge: Incheon Bridge is a bridge connecting Incheon to the West Sea, offering beautiful views from its structure.
Incheon Grand Park: Incheon Grand Park is a spacious park with a natural environment, lakes, a zoo, botanical gardens, and walking trails, making it a suitable destination for family outings.
Incheon Culture & Arts Center: This cultural and arts center serves as a hub for performances, exhibitions, and artistic events.
Songdo The Central Park Hotel & Ocean Spa: Situated in the Songdo area, this hotel offers spa facilities, restaurants, bars, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Incheon’s convenient proximity to Seoul makes it easily accessible for visitors, and its array of tourist attractions and activities welcomes tourists with open arms.