Sights of South Korea. Nature, traditions and history: the most beautiful places Korean monuments

Which attractions and tourist spots in Korea were the most popular among foreign tourists in 2018? You will learn about this from our article, where we have prepared a chart of the 10 most popular tourist places in Korea, which were most often searched for on the website of the National Tourism Organization of Korea by foreign tourists during 2018! We invite you to familiarize yourself with the list of attractions included in the hit parade and create a travel itinerary for South Korea to suit your individual taste. If you only want to visit a few of these places, you can break them up into themed itineraries, but if you decide to see almost all of them, we recommend a 2-night, 3-day trip. In addition, as a note to tourists, we have prepared useful information for travelers. Let's start our hit parade!

    Thematic tour for 1 day

    Traditional tour

    Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Garden → Insadong Street → Folk Village of Traditional Korean Hanok Houses in Bukchon

    Modern tour

    Lotte World amusement park and Lotte World Mall → Seoul Tower on Mount Namsan

    Shopping tour

    Myeongdong → Hongdae street

    Wellness tour

    Gyeongbokgung Palace → Insadong Street → Folk Village of Traditional Korean Hanok Houses in Bukcheon → Myeongdong → Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain

    Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Garden → Lotte World Amusement Park and Lotte World Mall → Hongdae Street

    Namisom Island or Garden of Morning Calm

Most Popular Tourist Spots in Korea (1-5 places)

1st place Gyeongbokgung Palace



2nd place Seoul Tower on Mount Namsan



3rd place Lotte World amusement park


Lotte World Amusement Park and Lotte World Mall

If you're looking for a place in Seoul where you can spend a whole day of fun and excitement, visit . Guests of the Lotte World theme park will enjoy exciting adventures, bright and colorful parades and performances, as well as a lot of joy and good mood for 365 days a year! The entire territory of the Lotte World park is divided into 2 thematic zones inside and outside the building: Adventure and Magic Island. The most popular attractions include: "Balloons" with a view of inner part park, “World Monorail” overlooking the Adventure and Magic Island zones, a carousel with horses, where you will feel like the main character of a romantic fairy tale, the Atlantis roller coaster, the breathtaking “Jyro Drop”, “Jyro Swing”, “Jyro” Spin" in the Magic Island area. The park is located in the vicinity of the highest in Seoul, which is also definitely worth a look.

    Seoul, Songpa-gu District, st. Olympic-ro 240

    How to get there

    approximately 5 minutes walk from Exit 4 of Jamsil Station (잠실역, Jamsil Station) subway lines 2 and 8

    Opening hours

    Mon.~Thu. 09:30~22:00 / Fri.~Sun. 09:30~23:00
    during the “season”, opening hours on weekdays are also extended until 23:00

    Cost (free subscription)

    • 1 day: Adults 54,000 won / Teenagers 48,000 won / Children 45,000 won / Young children 14,000 won
    • After 4: Adults 43,000 won / Teenagers 38,000 / Children 34,000 won / Young children 14,000 won

  • On a note! Take advantage of the rides special service Magic Pass bookings!

    This service will reduce waiting time if you have a free ticket valid for all entertainment attractions. So, you can make a reservation by checking the available attractions at a specific time at the Magic Pass kiosk. The service can be used up to 3 times a day, for 40,000 won you can purchase a Magic Pass Premium, which can be used 5 times, for 100,000 won - an unlimited number of times during the day.

4th place Bukchon Folk Village



5th place Namisom Island



Most Popular Tourist Spots in Korea (6-10 places)

6th place Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Garden



8th place Hongdae (Honik University area)



9th place Myeongdong



On a note!

Enjoy the romance of the night at ! This bright, magical holiday takes place every year from the beginning of winter until spring. In 2018, it began on December 5 and will last until March 31, 2019. If you have dreamed of being in a fairy tale, be sure to visit this festival!

Rich in history and culture, authentic cuisine and beautiful scenery, South Korea is definitely worth a visit, but where to start?

Jeju

Jeju is the largest island in South Korea and one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It is located in the south of the country, far from the capital, but Jeju is easily accessible by plane. The most picturesque place on the island is the volcano and Hallasan National Park. At the top of the volcano there is a beautiful crater, and the area around is filled with lava tubes - rock formations that remain from eruptions. Don't miss Cheongjieon Falls, another local attraction.

Damyang

Tamyan County is located in the south of the country. Tourists are attracted here, no matter how strange it may sound, by local bamboo: there is a theme park and a bamboo museum, local shops sell cutlery and souvenirs made from it, and in a cafe you can try bamboo wine or ice cream. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the local mountains of Byeongungsan and Chuwolsan.

Deokjeok

This small island is a couple of hours' sail from the northwestern coast of South Korea (ferries leave from Incheon). It is notable for its beaches and hiking routes. Despite the distance from the mainland, Dokchok has an excellent selection of hotels, bungalows and restaurants. In general, there are many picturesque islands scattered around South Korea; this is a popular weekend getaway for residents of Seoul.

Jinhae-gu

This city is most popular during the spring cherry blossom season, which lasts approximately 10 days. The best place to observe this phenomenon in Jinhaegu is Gyeonghwa Station, where the sakura park stretches for about 1.5 kilometers. The bloom festival features performances, exhibitions and parades; this event attracts more than two million guests annually.

Gyeongju

Gyeongju is located on the east coast of South Korea. This is one of the best cities to get an idea of ​​the traditional architecture of the East. During the era of the Silla dynasty (57 BC - 935), the entire political, cultural and scientific elite of the state lived in this city. Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's attractions include Bulguksa Temple, royal tombs, and the Gyeongju National Museum, which contains more than 16,000 artifacts.

Boseong

Boseong is a small but picturesque county that is considered the tea capital of South Korea. Here you can see traditional tea farms where local women collect tea leaves. Green tea, which is grown here, has a 1600-year history and is known for its quality. The Boseong tea fields are surrounded by an impressive mountainous landscape with cedar forests.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok is a city within a city: a 600-year-old village from the Joseon Dynasty located within Seoul. It's worth going here to see the narrow streets with traditional one-story houses and roofs like pagodas. Now few people live here: the houses are occupied by restaurants, teahouses, cultural centers and small hotels - an ideal setting to feel the atmosphere of historical Korea.

Busan

Busan is popular among tourists for its stunning beaches and historical buildings with a metropolitan atmosphere. It is the second largest city in South Korea and is located in the southeast of the country. Haeundae Beach is loved by both locals and tourists, although it can sometimes get crowded. There are also quieter beaches - Songdo or Tadepo.

Yeongam Gurim Village

Yeonam Village, famous for its historical buildings and pottery, is located close to national park Wolchulsan. This park is one of the smallest and least known in the country; it is very beautiful, but quiet and there are almost no crowds of tourists. We recommend visiting both the park and the village.

There are two states that bear the same name, but are irreconcilable enemies. Countries with different political, cultural and economic conditions have viewed each other as occupiers of their ancestral territory for more than 70 years. Korea is united only by people of the same nationality and a common historical past.

DPRK

Located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, it is considered one of the most closed and mysterious in the world. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea lives by its own rules, which are strikingly different from the usual standards. It is possible to take a trip that will take you back to the distant Soviet past as part of a tour, but independent trips are prohibited.

Features of tourism in North Korea

There are travel restrictions that allow you to bring a laptop and a camera, but mobile phone You will have to return it at the airport (it will be returned before departure). You won't be able to leave the hotel to go for a walk on your own in search of local attractions. The entire route is drawn up in advance, and you cannot deviate from it. The receiving party is very concerned about what impression the foreigner will have after the trip, so everything that the tourist sees is carefully thought out.

The Republic of Korea

South Korea, the attractions of which are varied and very interesting, appeared after the division of the state and at one time came under the jurisdiction of the United States. The chosen course towards a democratic system and a thriving economy attract numerous travelers from the farthest corners of our planet. In recent decades, this destination has become incredibly popular among tourists. In fairness, it must be admitted that the name South Korea is colloquial, and it does not appear in any official document.

Colorful Seoul

The attractions of which are of particular interest to European guests are an ultra-modern paradise with entertainment for every taste. One of the ancient cultures left its traces on architectural monuments, most of which are concentrated in the capital - Seoul. The colorful metropolis that connects the incongruous makes an indelible impression on all tourists. The city, home to about 10 million people, is recognized as the most high-tech in the world, but the traditional culture remains as intact as it was several centuries ago.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

So, what should a tourist visiting the bustling city for the first time see in Seoul? The main palace complex, which is the pride of local residents, consists of open pavilions that communicate with each other. Built for the ruling Joseon dynasty in 1395, the historical and architectural monument was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Three hundred and thirty buildings originally made up Gyeongbokgung Palace, and now local architects have restored almost half of the majestic structures.

The pentagonal building houses two national museums that welcome visitors. Tourists admired by the beauty of the complex will find luxurious apartments, picturesque gardens and incredibly elegant ponds, which are so pleasant to walk near in the heat. Korea is rightfully proud of the open-air museum, called the pearl among the historical palaces of Seoul. The attractions occupying an area of ​​432 thousand hectares will surprise even travelers who have seen a lot.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Eleven years ago, local authorities restored the river canal, for a long time hidden underground. Flowing in the historical part of the city, today it is visible to all vacationers. Local residents and surprised tourists walk along the banks of the Cheonggyecheon stream. Here original fountains gush out, creating a comfortable microclimate, and couples in love freeze on bridges colored with lights in the evenings. Therefore, when guests of the metropolis have a question about what else to see in Seoul, we recommend going to the recreation area open to everyone in the very center of the city.

Entertainment center

Forty years ago, a theme park appeared, owned by the famous company Samsung. Divided into five zones, it is on the list of must-see tourist routes. Located in the city of Yongin, Everland is visited by more than six million people annually.

The entertainment complex includes not only spectacular attractions, but also a huge water park; in addition, in the summer, laser shows, colorful festivals, and costume processions are held that will be remembered by guests of South Korea. And in winter, visitors can expect no less interesting snow performances.

Castles of South Korea

Not far from Seoul is the Namhansanseong fortress, which appeared in 672. Once upon a time, monks who protected the king took refuge in it from the enemy, but over time it lost its significance and began to collapse. More than 50 years ago, it and the surrounding area were declared a national park.

Korea, whose sights remind of military actions that took place over many centuries, did not destroy the objects built by the invaders. One of these buildings is the castle, which is located in the metropolitan city of Ulsan. Built by the Japanese during the invasion of Korea, the stone structure of Sosenpo Vaesong will surprise you with its architectural style, which is unusual for the country.

Lesser-known Korean cities with their own flavor

Of course, Seoul with unusual sights, impressive shopping centers, superfast metro, and ideal roads are adored by foreign guests, but there are also lesser-known cities in Korea that are definitely worth a visit. For example, ancient Incheon attracts with its picturesque coastline, thermal springs and numerous Buddhist temples.

One cannot ignore the so-called summer capital of the state - Busan. This is where the most famous beaches and equipped embankments are located. The city that hosts hundreds of thousands of tourists will find something to do for everyone. You can go to a huge fish market offering a variety of delicacies, stroll through the famous natural park, and visit the national marine reserve. Therefore, try to build your route so as not to pass by this Korean city, which has a developed infrastructure.

UNESCO-protected museum villages are located in Andong, a major cultural center of the country. Considered the birthplace of philosophers, it was completely destroyed during the war, but has been rebuilt, and if tourists want to immerse themselves in ancient history, then you can't find a better place.

In our article we talked about the sights of South Korea - a hospitable state that boasts an abundance of interesting places for tourists. A variety of ancient and modern monuments, unique nature, and excellent shopping attract Russians who want to relax in an exotic country.

Tempting and mysterious South Korea attracts tourists not only with its rich cultural and historical heritage, but also a special atmosphere. Buddhism, who has lived here for many years, undoubtedly played a significant role in this.

What so interesting can this ancient country tell us? Let's try to figure out which attractions are worth visiting in South Korea first, and also admire beautiful photos these places with their detailed descriptions.

Religious buildings

South Korea is home to many ancient temples and shrines, mostly Buddhist. Sinheungsa Temple, located on the slopes of Seoraksan, is now considered the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in the world.
The temple was built in 653 AD, however, it soon completely burned down in a fire, and it was restored in 710. Later, in 1645, the temple suffered another fire, three years after which it was completely restored again.
On the way to the temple you will be greeted by a huge Buddha sculpture, made of gilded bronze, weighing up to 108 tons!

It is very unusual Temple of 1000 Buddhas, located in the middle of the mountain forests of South Korea. It consists of several hundred tall Buddha statues gathered in a circle, in the center of which there is a beautiful multi-meter statue of a bronze Bodhisattva sitting on a lotus.


The oldest Buddhist temple, located in Seoul on the slope of Sudo, is Boneungsa Temple. It was built back in 794, but, unfortunately, at the end of the 20th century it was almost completely destroyed.

Today the temple has been restored again and is open to tourists. Moreover, this place is unique in that anyone can transform into a monk for 1 day, trying to live the life they live.


Surprisingly, on the streets of Seoul you will also find a Catholic church - Myeongdong Cathedral. Built not so long ago, in 1898 The cathedral is beautifully designed in the neo-Gothic style. The height of the temple reaches 45 meters! At first XX centuries, the relics of Korean martyrs were buried here.


Here are some more interesting temples South Korea:

  • Seokguram Cave Temple (top of Thokhamsan);
  • Dong-hak-sa Monastery (Garyongsan);
  • Haedong Yongungungsa Temple;
  • Bongwonsa Palace (Ahn);
  • Jongmyo Shrine;
  • Temple of Pomos;
  • Bulguksa Buddhist Monastery.

Architecture

Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the capital of South Korea, is one of the most important architectural landmarks of Seoul. For many years, it served as the residence of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, which is why it is called “royal”. Unfortunately, in the middle of the last century, most of the palace was destroyed during the occupation of South Korea, but in 1990 its restoration began.


Now you can see it here:

  • Imperial Throne Room;
  • Gyeonghoeru Pavilion;
  • Hexagonal Pavilion Hyangwonjeong;
  • Gwanghwamun Gate.

Imperial Throne Room

Gwanghwamun Gate

One of the most famous palaces in South Korea is also Changdeokgung Palace, which translated means “Castle of Prosperous Virtue.” It is also located in the capital of the Republic, in one of the largest parks in the city - Jongno-gu. This palace also did not escape partial destruction during the period Japanese occupation, but even now it attracts with its beauty and grandeur.

On its territory there is also a beautiful Huwon Garden, where the royal family once often vacationed.

Changdeokgung Palace

Huwon Garden

Deoksugung Palace, located in Seoul, was also at one time the residence of the rulers of the Joseon Dynasty. Translated, its name means “palace of virtuous longevity.” This is an entire architectural ensemble that amazes with its beauty. On its territory there is a beautiful garden with graceful paths. And here you can get acquainted with Royal Museum, which displays a collection of objects from the Joseon Dynasty and a collection of works by contemporary artists.

There are also modern buildings in Seoul that are striking in their grandeur. This is Seoul Tower, located in the city of Namsan. Its height reaches 237 meters, and due to the fact that it is located on a hill, its overall observation deck You can look at the city from a height of 480 meters!


In addition to the observation deck, in the tower you can visit many restaurants and cafes, souvenir shops, a cinema, an observatory and exhibition centers.
We also recommend watching:

  • Unhyeonggung Palace(Seoul);
  • Changdeokgung Palace(Seoul);
  • Bell tower "Posingak"(Jongno Ave., Seoul);
  • Dongdaemun Gate(Seoul);
  • Namdaemun Gate(Sunnyemun, Seoul);
  • Incheon Bridge(Seoul);
  • Banpodaegyo Bridge(Rainbow Fountain, Seoul);
  • Gwanghwamun Square(Seoul);
  • Jinju Fortress(Jinju city);
  • Baekje Dynasty Cultural Complex(Buyeo city);
  • Hwaseong Fortress;
  • Cheomseongdae Observatory.

Monuments

One of the most important monuments in South Korea is the Republic of Korea War Memorial, located in Seoul. It is both a monument and a grand museum.

It contains objects and documents relating to all military actions in which South Korea has ever taken part. And military equipment was located in the open air.

Gate of Independence- also one of the important attractions of Seoul.

Made of granite, the memorial reaches 14 meters in height and 11 meters in width.

One of the most unusual attractions in South Korea is perhaps Erotic sculpture park. It is located on Jeju Island, which is traditionally a destination for newlyweds, and was created for educational purposes.

There are about 140 sculptures of people in various erotic poses on display here. Educational films for young people are also shown in the park.

In South Korea you can also visit:

  • Monument “38th Parallel” (Seoul);
  • Statue of Admiral Lee Sun-sin (Seoul);
  • Statue of King Sejong (Seoul);
  • Kobukson Ship Monument (Yeosu);
  • Monument to Lee Sun-sin (Yeosu);
  • Monument to Kim Si Min (Jinju);
  • Monument to King Sejong the Great (Dejong).

Museums

National Museum of Korea- the main museum of the country, which displays the entire history of its development. The museum is now located in Yongsan Family Park. On the ground floor you can see a large exhibition of archaeological finds from the Paleolithic to the present day. The second and third floors feature fine art galleries.

National Folk Museum of Korea, located in Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, is a rich art and history museum. It contains more than 4 thousand exhibits showing daily life ordinary Koreans at different times.

National Folk Museum of Korea

National Museum of Korea

The exhibition is divided into 3 parts:

  1. History of the Korean people from the Paleolithic to the Bronze Age;
  2. Folk crafts and art;
  3. Rituals and traditions of Korea.

Those interested in the traditional way of life of the Korean people may be interested in visiting a number of “traditional folk villages”:

  • Hahoe Folk Village;
  • Traditional Korean village Namsangol Hanok;
  • Korean folk village near Suwon.

Also in South Korea you can visit:

  • "Seoul Cultural Station 284" (old building of Seoul Station);
  • Wax Museum “63” (Seoul);
  • Kansong Art Museum (Seoul);
  • Gallery of drawings on hanji paper by Cho Su-jeong (Seoul);
  • Seodaemun Prison Historical Museum (Seoul);
  • Trick Eye Museum (Seoul);
  • Automotive Museum (Jeju Island);
  • Huam Historical Park (at the foot of the city of Kejoksan);
  • Independence Museum (Cheonan);
  • Beautiful Tea Museum;
  • Science Museum (Daejeon).

Natural attractions

National Park Bukhansan- one of the largest and most beautiful in South Korea. It is located near Seoul.

Most of the park is occupied by beautiful forests, and in some places you can see granite rocks that reach 1 km in height!


The park is also famous for the fact that ancient Buddhist temples and medieval fortresses have been preserved on its vast territory.

No less popular among tourists Seoraksan National Park, located in Gangwon Province. This amazingly picturesque place is a combination of granite peaks, high waterfalls, mysterious caves, rich forests and ancient Buddhist temples.

And the special pride of the park are the wonderful mountains Seorakasan. The park is also home to many rare species of animals and plants.

An amazing holiday destination in the center of Seoul that has no analogues in the world is Cheonggyecheon Park.


The walking area, located along the stream of the same name, is paved with paving slabs and is 8 km long. Throughout the park, graceful bridges rise above the stream, and there are also many beautiful fountains. If you want to visit other countries where Buddhism reigns, then this will help you. India is the birthplace of religions such as Buddhism and Jainism. This country has thousands of ancient attractions that will be of interest to any traveler. There a large number of attractions, spa resorts, as well as ski and beach resorts, such as Goa:

Where to go in South Korea with children?

In South Korea there are plenty interesting places and entertainment for children. We recommend visiting:

  • COEX Aquarium (Seoul);
  • Entertainment complex "Lotte World" (Seoul);
  • Everland Amusement Park (Seoul);
  • Seoul Great Park (Seoul);
    • We hope your trip to South Korea will bring you many pleasant impressions and useful knowledge. And if you have already been to this ancient country and want to share your thoughts about its attractions, we will be glad to hear your comments.

There are many more reasons to visit South Korea than just the cancellation of visas.

  1. Firstly, this is a very distinctive country with a rich history and unique cultural monuments.
  2. Secondly, stunning nature and many options for recreation - hot springs, beaches, ski resorts.
  1. Thirdly, South Korea keeps up with the times, and sometimes gets ahead of it. A rare fusion of tradition and innovation awaits you, so there are activities and entertainment to suit every taste.

In addition, South Korea is still not the most popular or even exotic destination, so if you are looking for off-the-beaten-path routes, urgently book a ticket for a Moscow-Seoul flight.

When to go:

You can go to South Korea all year round, but remember that the country is located in a temperate climate zone, so the seasons there are very clearly expressed. Winter is a time for skiers, but not only. Koreans brighten up the cold with a variety of winter-themed festivals. For example, the Tebaksan Natural Park hosts the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival. Want to bask in the sun? Then you need to plan your trip for the summer and choose seaside resorts. At this time the temperature rises to +35C.

Sightseeing lovers should go to South Korea in the spring, from mid-March to June. At this time it is already warm, there are many sunny days, and the monsoon rainy season has not yet arrived. Spring is the time of cherry blossoms. But autumn is also good in South Korea - bright, colorful, without precipitation until the end of September.

How to get there:

Aeroflot and Korean Air fly direct from Moscow to Seoul. The flight will take about 10 hours. The cost of a round-trip ticket is from 30,700 rubles. It will be cheaper (from 26,242 rubles) to fly with a transfer in Dubai with Emirates airlines or in Helsinki with Finnair airlines. From international airport Incheon, located 52 km from Seoul, can be reached by express bus or taxi.

How to get around:

South Korea is a small country, so it’s worth taking advantage of this and traveling outside the capital. Getting around is very convenient: the main cities are connected by rail, and traveling to the sound of wheels in South Korea, which values ​​​​advanced technology, is very pleasant. Trains are divided into 4 types according to speed and level of comfort. The very best are the super-fast KTX. Then there are the Saemaeul express trains, the Mugunghwa high-speed train and the Thongil passenger train.

For foreigners, there are special general KR Pass tickets, which can be purchased online. This is a kind of pass for all types of trains, except the metro, with no restrictions on the number of trips. In addition, for tourists, the Haeran train runs with compartments similar to hotel rooms, a restaurant and an observation deck.

Suburban buses are also very convenient. They run frequently, are equipped with air conditioning, and sometimes even have free wireless Internet. Do you want complete freedom? Rent a car. Well-known rental agencies operate in South Korea, for example, AVIS. However, keep in mind that traffic in the country is on the right and in large cities it is very heavy. Road signs written in Korean and duplicated in English in small print.

Where to go and what to see:

The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, Seoul. The capital and the most Big City South Korea. This is where acquaintance with the country usually begins. Are you planning a cultural program? Seoul is perfect for you. There are four royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and the oldest royal palace of the Gyeongbokgung era. The spirit of the past is still felt in the palaces, and magnificent ceremonies are still held today.

You can travel back in time by walking along Insadong Street, a piece of old Seoul. There you will find many cozy cafes and tea houses, restaurants with local cuisine and traditional souvenirs.

In addition to antiquities, one of the most popular attractions among tourists is a trip to the Demilitarized Zone on the border of South and North Korea. Foreigners are allowed to climb through a secret tunnel dug 70 meters below the border. You can only enter the Demilitarized Zone with an organized tour.

But you can safely go to 4DX, a 4D cinema. It was in South Korea that the first such cinemas appeared. They are strikingly different from the 3D to which we are already accustomed: in addition to visual effects, in 4DX you can feel movement and smells, feel the wind and splashes of water.

You can easily spend a week or even more in Seoul, but the impression of South Korea will not be complete, so go to other cities, and on the way, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting small villages.

By the way, two historical Korean villages, founded back in the 13th-14th centuries, are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as important monuments of Confucian culture. This is the village of Hahoe in the city of Andong (Gyeongsangnam-do province) and Yangdong in the city of Gyeongju (Gyeongsangbuk-do province). Andong is known not only as the cradle of Confucianism, but also as the home of the yangban, the Korean nobles. Some of them traditional dwellings have survived to this day and operate as hotels.

The entire historical center of Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, is a UNESCO site. The ancient Buddhist temple of Bulguksa and Cheomseongdae, the oldest observatory that has survived to this day, have survived.

Busan, the country's second largest city and also the sea capital of South Korea, is famous for its skyscrapers, and the world's largest department store located there Shinsegae Centum City will delight shopaholics.

Tired of big cities? Busan has many beautiful parks: Taejeongdae, Hale National Marine Park, Haeundae and Gwanalli Beaches, Geumgang Park and Monnae Hot Springs. In search of peace, quiet and perhaps the meaning of life, go to Thondos Monastery, where Buddhist relics are kept.

Daegu is beautifully located in a valley surrounded by low mountains and is a major Buddhist center with numerous temples. The main attraction and pride of Daegu is the highly revered Haeinsa Temple, which houses the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist canons in East Asia. Don't miss the Chikchisa Monastery with its ancient columns and thousands of small Buddha statues.

The city of Suwon is also interesting. Hwaseong Fortress, although not very ancient (only the end of the 18th century), is very beautiful, and the Korean Folk Village is located nearby. Suwon itself enchants with its harmonious combination of new and old, this is especially noticeable on the street of restaurants, where the aroma of kalbi, grilled ribs, simply drives you crazy.

The islands deserve special attention. In the Yellow Sea lies the island of Ganghwado, and on it there are as many as 120 dolmens, ancient burial structures. There is also an altar to Tangun, the legendary founder of the nation, and other younger landmarks.

Jeju Island is a popular seaside resort with a mild tropical climate. If you are into golf, then Jeju is a must. It is home to 16 golf clubs and is known as the Island of Golf, one of South Korea's most popular sports.

Are you dreaming of a winter fairy tale? For snow, skiers need to go to Yeonpyeong, Phoenix Park and Hyundai Songgu.

But the most important thing you cannot leave South Korea without are natural hot springs. An hour and a half drive from Seoul is “Asan Spavis”, thermal springs outdoors - you can swim in them even in cold weather. Pamper yourself with unusual treatments such as a pool with jasmine extract or a yellow clay sauna.

Koreans themselves love to soak in hot water, but they won’t refuse to go down the water slide with the breeze. One of the most popular water parks, Seorak Wotopia, is located near the Seoraksan Mountains on the coast of the East Sea. Even if you don't really like water activities, it's worth a visit: Seoraksan is part of the Kumgangsan mountain range, which means “Diamond Mountains,” and is considered one of the most picturesque places in the world.

What to do:

In addition to hot springs and golf, there are other entertainments in Korea that, at the mention of which, the heart of every Korean begins to beat faster. Oddly enough, this is baseball. The favorite American pastime was so loved in the East that it became practically a national sport. If you have never been to the USA and have not seen this game, be sure to go, just study the rules in advance, otherwise it may be a bit boring.

The second is walking in the mountains. This is probably one of the secrets of Korean longevity: fresh air, physical activity and contemplation of picturesque views greatly contribute to increasing life expectancy.

What to try:

Koreans eat a lot of rice, but they also really like soups and seafood dishes. An obligatory component of the meal is kimchi, that is, pickled vegetables. Fruit is usually served for dessert, and liqueurs and makkori rice wine are popular drinks.

Koreans love to eat and take food very seriously, but fat people are rarely seen. Probably the whole point is that all dishes, according to the Koreans themselves, are extremely healthy.

What to buy:

South Korea has a lot of things that are an everyday item for locals, but exotic and a good gift for foreigners. Here you can find very beautiful pearl products, boxes inlaid with mother-of-pearl, fans, embroidery, masks, wooden and ceramic products.

The special pride of South Korea is ginseng. It is sold in different types- tea, tinctures, extracts, dried and cured ginseng, in honey, in alcohol, in syrup. There are even chocolates and candies with ginseng. Original and, as they say, useful.

  • (Busan): Don't be put off by the word "motel" in the name. Here you will find excellent value for money and modern comfort with a touch of Asian flavor.