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Top 100 Must-Visit Places in Korea & How to Go Guide 

Discover the Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Korea for 2021-2022 that includes famous attractions and some of the newly added places to visit across all regions of Korea from Seoul, Incheon, Busan to Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do. The top 100 must-visits list was announced by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea in January 2021.

Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots Summary​ (2021-2022)

Travel Guides to Shortlisted Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots

To assist travellers to explore these popular and recommended places of interests on your holiday in Korea, KoreaToDo has put together the shortlisted Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots that are:

  • easily accessed in Seoul

  • within 3 hours from Seoul

  • in/from Busan

 

It includes detailed guides on how to get there by public transport or join a local tour so as to get the most out of your travel time, when combined with other nearby attractions.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The largest of all five grand palaces built in the Joseon Dynasty, remaining in Seoul.

Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace

A simple and compact palace, surrounded by a forest with about 50,000 trees.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Iconic landmark of Korean design industry with LED Rose Garden.

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

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Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Once a prison, now a museum. A popular K-drama location on their out of prison scenes.

Korean Folk Village

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Korean Folk Village

A village recreated from the Joseon era with backdrop of mountains and river.

Gwangmyeong Cave

Gwangmyeong Cave

An abandoned mine for 40 years to the best Cave Theme Park in Korea.

Dumulmeori, Yangpyeong

Dumulmeori, Yangpyeong

A place of rustic nature beauty. Known for its over 400-years old Zelkova trees & filming site.

Heyri Art Valley, Paju

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Heyri Art Valley, Paju

A lovely village formed by artists with shops, cafes, galleries and quirky sculptures.

Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park

Beautiful mountain landscape, hiking courses & cable car rides to the top of the mountain.

Wondae-ri Birch Forest

Wondae-ri Birch Forest

A nature sanctuary with over 700,000 birch trees, paths & lookouts.

Yongdusan & Jagalchi Special Tourist Zone: Jagalchi Market

Yongdusan & Jagalchi Special Tourist Zone: Jagalchi Market

Korea's largest seafood market with indoor & outdoor sections, including restaurants.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village

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Huinnyeoul Culture Village

Known for its beautiful coastal cliff landscape and a popular film location.

Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond & Cheomseongdae Observatory

Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond & Cheomseongdae Observatory

Top attractions of Gyeongju, the capital of ancient Silla Dynasty.

Jeonju Hanok Village

Jeonju Hanok Village

Referred as the 'Slow City' with over 800 traditional Korean hanok houses.

Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the most well-preserved royal palaces.

Hongdae

Hongdae

A university suburb with youthful streets of shops, cafes & clubs.

Lotte World

Lotte World

Include the World's largest Indoor theme park & an outdoor Magic Island.

Incheon Chinatown

Incheon Chinatown

Best Chinese food with nearby fairy tale inspired village & Jayu Park.

Everland

Everland

Korea's largest amusement park with many fun rides, zoo & themed festivals.

Hwadam Botanic Garden

Hwadam Botanic Garden

An ecological park divided into 17 themes with forest walking path & monorail courses.

Jebudo Island

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Jebudo Island

Jebu Island, a mysterious island where sea routes open twice a day due to tides.

Nami Island

Nami Island

Well-known as the filming location of 'Winter Sonata' Korean drama.

Daegwallyeong Special Tourist Zone: Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

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Daegwallyeong Special Tourist Zone: Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

Korea’s first sheep farm, located at 850m above sea level in the Alps of Pyeongchang.

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach

The most beloved & famous beach of the country. It stretches 1.5km long & 30-50m wide.

Yongdusan & Jagalchi Special Tourist Zone: Gukje Market

Yongdusan & Jagalchi Special Tourist Zone: Gukje Market

Famous for its food street with delicious Korean food in an open-seating street dining.

Songdo Beach & Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge

Songdo Beach & Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge

A popular beach with Songdo Beach Cable Car & 365m long Skywalk over the blue ocean.

Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto

Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto

The first historical sites in Korea registered as UNESCO World Heritage.

Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace

Smallest of the five palaces and the final residence of the last King of the Joseon Dynasty.

Gyeonghuigung Palace

Gyeonghuigung Palace

Once a massive complex with 1,500 buildings and residence for kings for over 200 years.

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower

Iconic landmark of Seoul with fantastic views of Seoul city.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

UNESCO World Heritage with impressive structure from Joseon Dynasty.

Seoul Grand Park (Seoul Land)

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Seoul Grand Park (Seoul Land)

Encompass Seoul Land Theme Park, Seoul Zoo, Botanical Garden and Healing Forest.

Imjingak, Paju

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Imjingak, Paju

A famous DMZ tourist spot, built with the hope of Korean unification someday.

The Garden of Morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm

A beautiful & artistic private garden to be enjoyed in all seasons.

Gangneung Coffee Street

Gangneung Coffee Street

Anything related to coffee at the 'city of coffee', located on the eastern coast of Korea.

Daegwallyeong Special Tourist Zone: Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch

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Daegwallyeong Special Tourist Zone: Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch

A huge ranch with over 540 cows, sheep, horses and goats in the vast grassland.

Taejongdae Park

Taejongdae Park

Offer magnificent view of the sea at Yeongdo Lighthouse on the cliff.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village

'The Santorini of Korea', known for its colourful mountainside houses.

Daewangam Park

Daewangam Park

A seaside park, known for its beautiful coastlines and interestingly-shaped rocks.

Windy Hill

Windy Hill

A hill overlooking the sea & the location of many famous Korean dramas.

Travel Guides to Past Winners of Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots

Seoullo7017

Seoullo7017

2019-2020

A highway, now a beautiful sky garden walkway for pedestrians.

Wolmido Island

Wolmido Island

2019-2020

Cafes, seafood restaurants & theme park along the coast.

Paju DMZ

Paju DMZ

2019-2020

A border that divides the Korean Peninsula, a land of history & mystery.

Tongyeong Skyline Luge

Tongyeong Skyline Luge

2019-2020

Ride the Skyride to get on board the Luge cart for exhilarating ride downhill.

Itaewon

Itaewon

2019-2020

The global village in Seoul, known for its restaurants & night life.

Namhansanseong Provincial Park

Namhansanseong Provincial Park

2019-2020

A UNESCO World Heritage with 12.4km fortress & different hiking trails.

Wonju Suspension Bridge

Wonju Suspension Bridge

2019-2020

Korea's longest suspension bridge across Mt. Segeum's 2 peaks.

Oedo-Botania

Oedo-Botania

2019-2020

Famous for its European atmosphere & marine botanical garden.

Myeongdong

Myeongdong

2019-2020

Well-known shopping, dining & street food paradise.

Pocheon Art Valley

Pocheon Art Valley

2019-2020

Experience the beauty of the quarry at this famous drama filming location.

High1 Ski Resort

High1 Ski Resort

2019-2020

One of the most popular ski resorts in Korea, known for its puffy snow.

KoreaToDo TOP PICKS - Tours, Activities & Discount Tickets to TOP 100 MUST-VISIT TOURIST SPOTS

Handpicked experiences by KoreaToDo for their uniqueness, value, popularity, price competitiveness and at times, tedious to reach by public transport.

Region: SEOUL
N Seoul Tower Ticket in Seoul

N Seoul Tower Ticket in Seoul

4.6★

enjoy breathtaking views

Hanbok Experience  (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store)

Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store)

4.5★

incl. Korean hairstyling

Coex Aquarium in Seoul Admission Ticket

Coex Aquarium in Seoul Admission Ticket

4.7★

largest aquarium in Seoul

N Seoul Tower Package (Observatory & Cable Car Round Trip)

N Seoul Tower Package (Observatory & Cable Car Round Trip)

4.6★

scenic ride up Mt. Namsan

Handmade Ring Making Workshop Hongdae

Handmade Ring Making Workshop Hongdae

4.4★

Discover Seoul Pass

Discover Seoul Pass

4.7★

incl. access to 50 attractions

Lotte World 1 Day Pass

Lotte World 1 Day Pass

4.5★

located in the heart of Seoul

Nail Art & Hairstyling Experience at OLRANG, Hongdae

Nail Art & Hairstyling Experience at OLRANG, Hongdae

4.5★

onsite English translation

Seoul City Tour Bus: Downtown-Palace-Namsan Course

Seoul City Tour Bus: Downtown-Palace-Namsan Course

4.3★

15 stops to hop on & hop off

Lotte World Aquarium Admission Ticket

Lotte World Aquarium Admission Ticket

4.6★

Korea's largest ocean tank

Alive Museum & Dynamic Maze

Alive Museum & Dynamic Maze

4.5★

interactive artworks!

Seoul City Tour Bus: Night View Course (Mt. Namsan, Han River Bridges...)

Seoul City Tour Bus: Night View Course (Mt. Namsan, Han River Bridges...)

4.5★

non-stop course with photo time

⬇ Tours departing from Seoul

Region: GYEONGGI-DO
Seoul Land Theme Park, Sky Lift & Seoul Zoo Combo

Seoul Land Theme Park, Sky Lift & Seoul Zoo Combo

4.6★

cherry blossoms hot spot!

Gwangmyeong Cave, Hwadam Forest, Ranch & Ice-Cream Making Tour

Gwangmyeong Cave, Hwadam Forest, Ranch & Ice-Cream Making Tour

4.5★

2 Top 100 Must-Visits in Korea

Round Trip Everland Shuttle Bus Transfers

Round Trip Everland Shuttle Bus Transfers

4.5★

Gangnam/Sinnonhyeon Station

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour

4.6★

bird’s eye view of North Korea

Jebu Island Cable Car, Uiwang Railbike & Starlight Village Day Tour

Jebu Island Cable Car, Uiwang Railbike & Starlight Village Day Tour

5.0★

Gyeonggi-do Sightseeing Private Chartered Day Tour (1-5pax/car)

Gyeonggi-do Sightseeing Private Chartered Day Tour (1-5pax/car)

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Pick your itinerary!

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Gamaksan Suspension Bridge Day Tour

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Gamaksan Suspension Bridge Day Tour

4.9★

the only 1 tour for DMZ+bridge!

Pocheon Luge World, Pocheon Art Valley & Herb Island Day Tour

Pocheon Luge World, Pocheon Art Valley & Herb Island Day Tour

5.0★

a fun day with nature!

Yongin Korea Folk Village Half Day Tour

Yongin Korea Folk Village Half Day Tour

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flexible am/pm departures

Shuttle Bus Transfers between Seoul & Everland

Shuttle Bus Transfers between Seoul & Everland

4.7★

Myeongdong/Sinchon Station

⬇ Tours departing from Seoul

Region: GANGWON-DO
Mt. Seorak & Naksansa Temple Tour

Mt. Seorak & Naksansa Temple Tour

4.7★

explore Korea’s natural beauty

Nami Island, Petite France & Italian Village Day Tour

Nami Island, Petite France & Italian Village Day Tour

4.7★

Alpaca World, Nami Island & The Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

Alpaca World, Nami Island & The Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

4.7★

walk with adorable alpacas

Nami, Petite France, Italian V., Morning Calm & Gangchon Rail Bike Tour

Nami, Petite France, Italian V., Morning Calm & Gangchon Rail Bike Tour

4.7★

Legoland & Nami Island Day Tour

Legoland & Nami Island Day Tour

4.6★

World's 2nd largest Legoland!

Seoraksan National Park,  Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

Seoraksan National Park, Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

5.0★

spectacular landscapes of Korea

Nami Island, Petite France, Italian Village & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

Nami Island, Petite France, Italian Village & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

4.7★

Alpaca World, Nami Island & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

Alpaca World, Nami Island & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

4.7★

enjoy the best of Gangwon!

Alpaca World & Nami Island Private Tour  (1-5 pax/car)

Alpaca World & Nami Island Private Tour (1-5 pax/car)

5.0★

comfortable & safe travel

Gangchon Rail Bike

Gangchon Rail Bike

4.6★

2/4-seater bike, pick your timing

Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

4.7★

Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

4.7★

Alpaca World, Nami Island & Petite France Private Tour (1-5 pax/car)

Alpaca World, Nami Island & Petite France Private Tour (1-5 pax/car)

5.0★

travel with friends & family

Gapyeong Rail Bike Experience Ticket

Gapyeong Rail Bike Experience Ticket

4.5★

closer to Nami & return trip

Nami Island, Petite France, Italian Village & The Morning Calm Day Tour

Nami Island, Petite France, Italian Village & The Morning Calm Day Tour

4.7★

Hyvaa Finland Sheep Ranch, Nami Island & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

Hyvaa Finland Sheep Ranch, Nami Island & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

4.7★

Alpaca World, Gubongsan Mt. Observatory & Hyundai Premium Outlet Space1 Tour

Alpaca World, Gubongsan Mt. Observatory & Hyundai Premium Outlet Space1 Tour

4.6★

newly opened outlet in 2020

⬇ Tours departing from Seoul

Region: INCHEON & JEOLLABUK-DO
Ganghwa Island Day Tour (Railway Bike, Ginseng Market & Luge Racing Car)

Ganghwa Island Day Tour (Railway Bike, Ginseng Market & Luge Racing Car)

4.6★

lunch & hanbok experience

Region: BUSAN
Lotte World Adventure Busan 1 Day Pass

Lotte World Adventure Busan 1 Day Pass

4.5★

1st theme park in Busan!

Running Man Thematic Experience Center Ticket

Running Man Thematic Experience Center Ticket

4.8★

release your pressure in this fun-filled land!

Busan Sparkling Night Small Group Photography Tour

Busan Sparkling Night Small Group Photography Tour

5.0★

Hocheon Village, Dongbaek Island & Mountain

Busan SEA LIFE Aquarium Admission Ticket

Busan SEA LIFE Aquarium Admission Ticket

4.6★

Jagalchi Sightseeing Cruise

Jagalchi Sightseeing Cruise

4.5★

1.5hrs cruise, 5 departures daily

Special Places in Busan Day Tour

Special Places in Busan Day Tour

4.9★

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Cheongsapo, Huinnyeoul & Gamcheon Culture Villages

Spa Land Centum City Ticket

Spa Land Centum City Ticket

4.6★

top-notch service & facilities

East Busan Exploration Full Day Tour

East Busan Exploration Full Day Tour

4.7★

all of 1/2 day tour✚Gijang Market, Cheongsapo Skywalk, Dongbaek Island & Haeundae...

East Busan Photo Tour with Professional Photographer

East Busan Photo Tour with Professional Photographer

5.0★

Ahopsan Forest, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Cheongsapo ✚ 5 photos

Busan Air Cruise Cable Car Ticket

Busan Air Cruise Cable Car Ticket

4.8★

normal or crystal cabin options

Busan Night Tour (Western Course)

Busan Night Tour (Western Course)

4.7★

Songdo Cable Car+Skywalk, Gamcheon Culture Village & Cheonmasan Road View

Busan Must-Visit Day Tour (Sky Capsule & Beach Train)

Busan Must-Visit Day Tour (Sky Capsule & Beach Train)

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✚Cheongsapo Skywalk, Jukseong Cathedral & Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

⬇ Tours departing from Busan

Region: GYEONGSANG-DO
Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site Day Trip

Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site Day Trip

4.7★

Yangdong Village, Seokgulam, Bulguksa Temple & Anapji (sunset view). Haeundae pickup

Busan & Gyeongju Private Customized Tour

Busan & Gyeongju Private Customized Tour

4.7★

Chinese/English speaking driver, 8hrs, vehicle, parking, toll fee, insurance, hotel pick-up

Gyeongju Old Capital Day Tour

Gyeongju Old Capital Day Tour

4.9★

Daereungwon, Bulguksa Temple, Gyochon Village, Donggung Palace & Wolji. Haeundae pickup

Ulsan Small Group Day Tour

Ulsan Small Group Day Tour

5.0★

Daewangam Park, Bamboo Forest & Jangsaengpo Village with monorail ride

Oedo Island Day Tour

Oedo Island Day Tour

4.6★

Sightseeing Ferry, Oedo Island & Windy Hill

 KoreaToDo recommends Klook.com, Asia leading in-destination service provider 

🌸SPRING PICKS🌸 Handpicked Experiences from Seoul

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour (from Seoul)

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Day Tour (from Seoul)

24 Mar - 6 Apr 2023

₩75,100

Famous Cherry Blossom Festival in Korea!

Daegu E-World Cherry Blossom Day Tour

Daegu E-World Cherry Blossom Day Tour

28 Mar - 7 Apr 2023

₩91,700

E-World Cherry Blossom Festival!

Cherry Blossom Random Tour

Cherry Blossom Random Tour

27 Mar - 12 Apr 2023

₩54,000

3 best spots of the day in Seoul/Gyeonggi

Pink King Cherry Blossom Tour (Seosan Gaesimsa & Munsusa/Gakwonsa)

Pink King Cherry Blossom Tour (Seosan Gaesimsa & Munsusa/Gakwonsa)

22 Apr - 4 May 2023

₩68,900

king cherry blossoms are larger & denser

Ganghwa Island Cherry Blossom & Luge Ride Experience (1pm departure)

Ganghwa Island Cherry Blossom & Luge Ride Experience (1pm departure)

9-17 Apr 2023

₩82,300

Eden Cherry Blossom Festival, Nami Island & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

Eden Cherry Blossom Festival, Nami Island & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

4-16 Apr 2023

₩83,400

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