Wondering where to begin your adventure in ROK during your stay? Here is a list of the top must-explore cities boasting all the beauty Korea has to offer. Also, check out the four host cities of U.S. military bases and their top attractions. Go explore and make the best out of your time here!    

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Andong

Andong is often called the capital of Korean spiritual culture as it’s known as the home of Seonbi (traditional noble scholar). The city proudly preserves many traditions and history from the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can experience being a traditional scholar through Seowon (Confucian Academy) stay programs.

Top Attractions

• Hahoe Folk Village

• Dosan Seowon and Byeongsan Seowon (Confucian Academy)

• Bongjeongsa Temple

• Jjimdak (braised chicken) Street

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Busan

One essential experience you must have in Korea is visiting Busan. Busan promises a heavenly getaway with its stunning beaches and diverse marine activities. The city’s charm extends beyond its coastlines, with outdoor markets, mountains, hot springs, temples and more.

Top Attractions

• Haeundae Beach

• Gwangalli Beach

• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

• Jagalchi & Gukje market

• Huinnyeoul Culture Village

• Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge

• UN Memorial Cemetery

- Haeundae Beach vs Gwangalli Beach

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Chuncheon

The city is home to Dak-galbi (Spicy stir-fried chicken), and a popular destination for leisure trips with a variety theme parks and natural attractions. Enjoy Chuncheon year-round as it has water activities to cool off in the summer and great skiing in the winter. Nearby, smaller counties like Gapyeong also have great water sports sites to check out.

Top Attractions

• Nami Island

• Gangchon Rail Park

• Soyang-gang River Skywalk

• Elysian Ski Resort

• LEGOLAND Korea

• Garden of Morning Calm (Gapyeong)

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Daegu (Host city of U.S. military bases)

As the fourth most populous city in the ROK, the city offers diverse shopping, entertainment and recreational opportunities. Daegu has a large presence of both U.S. and ROK military bases.

U.S. bases: Camp Walker, Camp Henry, Camp George, Camp Carroll

Attractions nearby

• Dongseong-ro Street (Downtown) & Sparkland

• Seomun Market (traditional market)

• Suseong Lake Resort

• E-World & 83 Tower

• Spa Valley

• Daegu Arboretum

• Mt.Palgongsan

• Daegu National Science Museum

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Dongducheon (Host city of U.S. military bases)

Located on the frontline, the city was once home to a significant U.S. military population due to its importance in national defense and security. However, the numbers have greatly decreased after relocation. From Bosan Station, you can easily access Seoul by subway, but make sure to check the schedule in advance as trains arrive at intervals of 10 to 30 minutes.

U.S. bases: Camp Casey, Camp Hovey

Attractions nearby

• Jihaeng Station (Downtown)

• Mt.Soyosan

• Freedom Protection Peace Museum

• Pocheon Herb Island

• Pocheon Art Valley

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Gangneung

Gangneung features more than 40 beaches with clean blue water and white sand of the East Coast, making it a perfect spot for seaside adventures. Additionally, many travelers extend their trip to Sokcho and Yangyang after visiting Gangneung. Yangyang’s Surfyy Beach is a summer hotspot among young enthusiasts while Sokcho is renowned for Seoraksan National Park and hot springs.

Top Attractions

• Jeongdongjin Beach (Famous for sunrise viewing)

• Gangmun and Geumjin Beach (Surfing)

• Anmok beach (Coffee street)

• Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest

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Geoje Island - Tongyeong

These two cities along the South Sea boast the breathtaking scenery of Hallyeo Maritime National Park with numerous stunning attractions such as cable car rides and cruise tours. Being just 40 minutes apart, many explore both cities together.

Top Attractions

• The Hill of Wind

• Oedo-do Botania

• Hakdong Black Pearl Pebble Beach

• Geoje POW camp

• Geoje Sea World

• Mt. Mireuksan (Cable car, luge ride)

• Hansando Island

- Geoje

- Gyeongsang-do

- Tongyeong

​​​​​​​- Activities Fun

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Gunsan (Host city of U.S. military bases)

Gunsan’s various transportation options, including the airport, trains, and intercity buses, make traveling to other cities effortless. Travelers are drawn to the “Time Travel Village,” offering a number of attractions from the late Joseon Era to modern times. The city’s unique feature is its numerous historical sites from the Japanese occupation era, reflecting its past role as a hub for transporting rice to Japan.

U.S. base: Kunsan AB

Attractions nearby

• Eunpa Lake Park (trendy neighborhood)

• Bieung Mapaji-gil Road (Coastal trail near the base)

• Geumgang Wetland Ecological Park

• Sinheung-dong Japanese House (Time Travel Village)

• Gunsan Modern History Museum (Time Travel Village)

• Jinpo Maritine Theme Park (Time Travel Village)

• Teddy Bear Museum Gunsan

• Gyeongam-dong Railroad Town.

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Gyeongju

This coastal city is the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, one of the oldest cities of Korea with one thousand years of history. The whole city is surrounded by numerous cultural heritage sites. Spring or fall is the best time to visit the city to see the beautiful assets surrounded by colorful flowers and leaves.

Top Attractions

• Woljeonggyo Bridge

• Cheomseongdae Observatory

• Daereungwon (park of royal tombs)

• Donggung palace and Wolji Pond

• Bulguksa Temple

• Seokguram Grotto

- Tips on traveling in Gyeongju

- Three cool activities in Gyeongju

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Incheon

With Incheon International Airport and Incheon Port, the city functions as an international hub for industry, logistics, and tourism. The city is renowned for its 168 islands, numerous beaches, historical landmarks, and a wide array of leisure activities.

Top Attractions

• The Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing Operation

• Paradise City Cimer Spa

• Songdo Central Park

• Incheon Chinatown

•Wolmido Island & Wolmi Theme Park

• Eulwangri Beach

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Jeju Island

Korea’s largest island, Jeju is the only tropical area in Korea. The island is a popular domestic holiday vacation spot due to its breathtaking landscapes, untamed nature and many attractions.

Top Attractions

• Hallasan National Park

• Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls

• Jeju Olle Trail

• Bijarim Forest

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Jeonju

Jeonju stands as a beautiful historical city surrounded by picturesque traditional houses (hanok), and is also home to tasty local foods such as bibimbap. It’s a perfect destination for backpackers traveling by rail since three major trains (Mugunghwa, ITX, KTX) stop at Jeonju Station. Many of the city’s attractions are in small districts, making it a good place for a walking trip.

Top Attractions

• Jeonju Hanok Village

• Gyeonggijeon Shrine (Bamboo forest)

• Jeonju Hyanggyo (Confucian school)

• Jaman Mural Village

• Deokjin park (Famous for lotus flowers)

• Nambu Outdoor Market

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Paju

Though this border city of the two Koreas is popular for the Demilitarized Zone tour, Paju is also known as a city of art and culture surrounded by beautiful nature. It’s a famous destination for a day trip among families and lovebirds.

Top Attractions

• DMZ attractions (Panmunjeom, The third tunnel, Dora observatory, more)

• Imjingak Pyeonghwa (Peace) Nuri Park

• Majang Lake Suspension Bridge

• Gamaksan Suspension Bridge

• Heyri Art Village & Provence Village

• First Garden (theme park)

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Pyeongtaek (Host city of U.S. military bases)

With its rich flatlands, proximity to Seoul, and Pyeongtaek Port, it has become a hub for U.S. military base installations after the nationwide relocations from places like Yongsan and Dongducheon. Industrial complexes also attract a significant foreign population to the city.

U.S. bases: Camp Humphreys, Osan AB

Attractions nearby

• Songtan Special Tourist District

• Tongbok Market

• Sosabeol District (trendy neighborhood)

• Sopung Garden & Baramsae Village

• Jinwicheon Recreation Area

• Pyeongtaek Agro-Ecological Park

• Pyeongtaek Port (Marine Center, Main Street cafe)

• Starfield Anseong

• Anseong Farmland

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Suncheon

Renowned as the “Ecological City,” Suncheon boasts nature preserves and captivating landscapes. Also, it showcases a number of unique and exciting sights, such as a 600-year-old folk village and beautiful mountain temples, making the city a blend of culture, nature, and history.

Top Attractions

• Suncheonman Bay Nature Reserve

• Sunchoenman Bay National Garden

• Nagan Eupseong Folk Village

• Suncheon Open Film Set

• Songgwangsa Temple

• Seonamsa Temple

- Explore Suncheon City!

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SEOUL

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Bukchon Hanok Village

Home to hundreds of traditional houses dating back to Joseon Dynasty.

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COEX Mall

 This shopping center contains many popular attractions such as Starfield Library, exhibition halls, and the COEX Aquarium.

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Dongdaemun Market

Home to the largest shopping district, wholesale markets, outdoor markets, Toy Street, and more.

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Gangnam

This upscale district is a hot spot for luxury shopping, eating, drinking, medical tours and fancy spa treatments.

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Hongdae Street

At the center of the latest trends and local youth culture, neighborhood is home to unique cafés, local shops, restaurants, bars and clubs.

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Ikseon-dong

This neighborhood features trendy cafés and restaurants in photogenic narrow alleys lined with traditional houses (hanok).

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Itaewon

This multicultural hub offers diverse options of foreign cuisine, shopping, and nightlife.

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Lotte World Tower & Mall

This towering building is one of the largest on the Peninsula and is one of Seoul’s landmarks. The huge skyscraper has an observation deck, an aquarium, lots of shopping and restaurants.

Lotte World

This is a major recreation complex in Seoul with an indoor and outdoor amusement park, Folk Museum, and ice-skating rink.

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Myeongdong

A busy shopping district for cosmetics, clothing, fashion items and great street food.

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Namdaemun Market

Large traditional market offering a variety of specialized items. Great for souvenirs and unique Korean products.

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Noryangjin Fishmarket

This is a seafood heaven filled with fresh sea creatures for sale.

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The Five Royal Palaces   

The Palaces of Joseon Dynasty are where kings and royal families used to dwell. Renting and wearing the traditional Hanbok clothing is a must-try activity in the areas.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace

• Changdeokgung Palace

• Changgyeonggung Palace

• Deoksugung Palace

• Gyeonghuigung Palace

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The N Seoul Tower

An iconic landmark of Korea, sightseeing observatory, popular date spot.

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The War Memorial of Korea

This museum preserves many historical records related to the Korean War and the country’s military.

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Yeouido Han River Park

The Han River, flowing through the heart of Seoul, is beloved by Seoulites for picnics, outdoor activities, water sports, cruise tours, festivals and more.

Camp Casey

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu

Camp Humphreys

USAG Yongsan

Osan Air Base

Kunsan Air Base

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