{"id":885862,"date":"2026-01-21T16:16:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T15:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=885862"},"modified":"2026-01-21T16:16:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T15:16:17","slug":"places-in-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/places-in-south-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Best Places to Visit in South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

South Korea<\/a> is a country that rewards the curious with its energetic blend of old and new. One minute you\u2019re weaving through neon-lit streets past sizzling street food stalls, and the next you\u2019re standing in front of a centuries-old Buddhist temple in the forest. Modern cities rise fast and loud, while islands, mountains and historic towns move to a quieter beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to discover our list of the best places to visit in South Korea. Many of these highlights feature on Trafalgar\u2019s Best of South Korea trip<\/a>, making it easy to experience ancient capitals, coastal cities and natural landscapes in one well-paced 10-day journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Seoul<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most flights land in this capital of contrasts<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Palaces and pop culture collide in South Korea\u2019s modern capital. You can\u2019t skip the ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace<\/a>, a historic anchor for the city where guards still march in Joseon-era dress. The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony is a photogenic ritual that brings a past dynasty to life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A short walk away, Bukchon Hanok Village climbs the hillside in narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden homes (some are more than 600 years old!). For perspective, head up to N Seoul Tower<\/a> and take in the scale of it all, or slow things down with an evening walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream, a calm ribbon cutting through downtown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides the sights, Seoul is a fantastic place to eat. For a street food feast, step into Gwangjang Market for mung-bean pancakes, kimbap and bowls of hand-cut noodles. On Trafalgar\u2019s Best of South Korea<\/a> itinerary lucky guests join a guided market tour to explore bold Korean flavors and see how history and cuisine intersect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ NEXT: <\/em><\/strong>South Korean food: top traditional dishes you need to try<\/em><\/strong><\/a> <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Gyeongju<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ancient capital is still quietly impressive<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once the capital of the Silla Kingdom for nearly a thousand years, this small Korean city is a must for history lovers. Royal tombs scatter the centre at Tumuli Park, rising from the grass as smooth, grassy mounds best explored by bike or on an unhurried walk at golden hour, when the city slows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gyeongju\u2019s spiritual heart is Bulguksa<\/a>, a finely balanced Buddhist temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site with stone bridges, pagodas and courtyards. A short drive away, Seokguram Grotto shelters a serene granite Buddha gazing toward the East Sea. Finish your sightseeing with the elegant Woljeonggyo Bridge, a faithfully restored Silla-era covered crossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For further context, the Gyeongju National Museum brings the era into focus with gold crowns, delicate jewellery and sculpted Buddhas. These artifacts are a chance to see the city\u2019s remarkable craftsmanship of past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best of South Korea<\/p>\n\t\t\t
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