With so many places to visit, planning a trip to Korea can be overwhelming. To help you decide where to go, Korea Tourism Organization has created a list of the top 10 most searched attractions in Korea as of 2017. These attractions are perfect for adding to your tour schedule! If you only have a short amount of time, you can select a themed course of similar attractions. If your schedule allows, you can follow our three-day tour of all 10 attractions. No matter which option you choose, keep reading to find our travel tips for each attraction to make your visit much more enjoyable.

TIP) Recommended Tour Courses
☞ 1-day Theme Trip
• Traditional: Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon → Insa-dong → Bukchon Hanok Village
• Modern: Lotte World & Lotte World Mall → N Seoul Tower
• Shopping: Myeong-dong → Hongdae
• Nature: Namiseom Island or The Garden of Morning Calm
☞ 3-day Trip
• Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace → Insa-dong → Bukchon Hanok Village → Myeong-dong → N Seoul Tower
• Day 2: Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon → Lotte World & Lotte World Mall → Hongdae
• Day 3: Namiseom Island or The Garden of Morning Calm

 

 Korea’s TOP Attractions (No. 1-5)

No.1 – Gyeongbokgung Palace

 

 

 

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the major legal residence of the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty. Carrying a meaning of “a place where the new king can enjoy prosperity of great blessings,” this was the first palace built during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is unique for its vast area and harmony of buildings, and is the only palace to have all four major gates still remaining to this day.

Within the palace grounds, you can see a multitude of restored buildings. Visitors will enjoy looking at the variations among buildings, each serving a unique purpose. Of course, even before entering the palace, tourists enjoy gathering at Gwanghwamun Gate to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony; be sure to time your visit to include this cultural performance in your tour. Gyeongbokgung Palace also offers special evening admissions once a year, so don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the evening atmosphere at the palace grounds if your schedule allows.

☞ Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5.
☞ Operating hours: November-February 09:00-17:00 / March-May, September-October 09:00-18:00 / June-August 09:00-18:30 (Last admission: 1 hr before closing)
※ Closed Tuesdays
☞ Admission: Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers & Children 1,500 won
☞ TIP) Gyeonghoeru Pavilion Admission (Reservation required)
- Open period: April-October (7 months)
- Admission hours: 10:00, 14:00, 16:00 (and 11:00 on weekends)
- Reservation method: Online reservation via palace website during open period 1~6 days in advance
☞ Website: www.royalpalace.go.kr (Korean, English)

 

No. 2 – N Seoul Tower

 

 

 

 

 

Seoul’s landmark attraction is none other than N Seoul Tower, located atop Namsan Mountain in the center of the city. The tower draws in visitors year-round, and is most famous for the view it offers of the cityscape at night. For hallyu fans, the tower is a must-visit attraction, having been featured in dramas like “My Love From the Star (2013)” and “Legend of the Blue Sea (2016).”

The tower features not only an observation deck, but also atmospheric cafés and restaurants among other facilities. N Seoul Tower is a great place to spend an enjoyable evening with friends or loved ones, taking in the beautiful nightscape over a cup of coffee.

☞ Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions
• Public transportation: Chungmuro Station (Seoul Subway Line 3, 4), Exit 2 → From Chungmuro Station Exit 2•Daehan Theater Bus Stop, take Namsan Circulation Bus No. 02 to N Seoul Tower Bus Stop
• Namsan Cable Car (Ticket booth): Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 3. Walk approx. 10min. (Address: 83, Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul)
☞ Operating hours (Observatory): Sunday-Friday 10:00-23:00, Saturday 10:00-24:00
☞ Admission (Observatory): Adults 10,000 won / Children 8,000 won
※ Adult fare applies from age 13, and child fare applies to ages 3-12. Children under 3 years of age enter free of charge
☞ TIP) The secret of N Seoul Tower’s color: The light on the pillar of N Seoul Tower is not random; the light changes to reflect the concentration of micro dust in the air. A blue light indicates clear air with little dust, green indicates an average amount of dust, while a red light signals an extreme amount of micro dust in the atmosphere.
☞ Website: www.nseoultower.com (Korean, English)

 

No. 3 – Namiseom Island

 

 

 

 

南怡島（ナミソム）は一世を風靡した韓流ドラマ「冬のソナタ」のロケ地として一躍有名になった場所です。

下流に清平（チョンピョン）ダムが完成したことで水位が上昇し中洲のように取り残された場所がこの南怡島で、島の大きさは半日あればぐるっと見学できるほどです。

この島の一番の魅力は人間と自然が共存できるよう自然をできるだけ保護するよう配慮しているところ。ガラス瓶やペットボトルなどリサイクル品を活用して南怡島全体を飾り付けているのもそんな考え方からです。

☞ 所在地：江原道 加平郡 加平邑 北漢江路1024 南怡島入場券売り場
☞ 最寄駅（南怡島総合休養地船着場まで）：KORAIL京春線加平駅からタクシーで約5～10分
※南怡島総合休養地船着場（加平）から船で南怡島へ移動
☞ 利用時間（島への船運航時間）： 7:30~21:40
☞ 利用料金：大人 10,000ウォン、青少年（中高生） 8,000ウォン、 子ども（生後36ヶ月～小学生）4,000ウォン
※外国人観光客の方は優待料金（8,000ウォン）適用になりますので料金支払い時に必ず旅券をご提示ください）。
※利用料金には南怡島への往復船賃、入島料（入場料）が含まれています。
☞ TIP! フォトスポット：南怡島内のメタセコイアの道やソウル松坡区から寄贈された銀杏の並木道は韓国のドラマや映画によく登場するロケ地として有名で、記念撮影するには絶好の場所です。
☞ 公式ホームページ： http://namisum.com/ja/ （日本語）


Namiseom Island became a popular tourist attraction after appearing in the Korean drama “Winter Sonata (2002).” Originally just a hilltop, Namiseom Island became an island with the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam, which elevated the surrounding water level. The island is rather small, allowing visitors to complete a full tour within half a day. The island’s effort to preserve nature and reuse recyclable items is quite noteworthy.

☞ Address: Namiseom Ticket booth, 1024, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gangwon-do
☞ Directions (Namiseom Dock): Take a taxi for approx. 5-10 min. from Gapyeong Station 
※ Namiseom Island is accessible via ferry from Namiseom Dock
☞ Operating hours (Namiseom Ferry): 07:30-21:40
☞ Admission: Adults 10,000 won / Teenagers (Middle∙High school) 8,000 won / Children (Age 3 – Elementary school) 4,000 won
※ International tourists can receive discounted fee of 8,000 won.
※ Admission includes round-trip ferry ticket.
☞ TIP) Souvenir photo spots: The best places to visit on Namiseom Island are Metasequoia Lane and Ginkgo Tree Lane. Frequently featured in dramas and movies, these two walking paths are at the top of the list for visiting Namiseom Island.
☞ Website: namisum.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

No. 4 – Lotte World

 

 

 

If you are looking for a fun place to spend a whole day, check out Lotte World! This amusement park is open all year round, filled with dynamic events and performances. Even better, the park is located in downtown Seoul and is easily accessible via public transportation. The park is largely divided into two areas: Adventure located indoors, and the outdoor section of Magic Island. Adventure includes a plethora of attractions, including a carousel, Spanish pirate ship, flume ride and more, while Magic Island has big thrill rides like the Gyro Drop and Gyro Spin. Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky and Lotte World Shopping Mall are located nearby so make sure to take a look around while you’re here.

☞ Address: Lotte World, 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 8), Exit 4. Walk approx. 5min.
☞ Operating hours: Monday-Thursday 09:30-22:00 / Friday-Sunday 09:30-23:00
※ Extended operations until 23:00 on weekdays during peak season
☞ Admission:
- One-day Pass: Adults 55,000 / Teenagers 48,000 won / Children 44,000 won / Infants 14,000 won
- After 16:00: Adults 44,000 / Teenagers 38,000 won / Children 34,000 won / Infants 14,000 won
☞ TIP) Enjoy more with the Magic Pass! The Magic Pass allows for ride reservation, cutting down on the wait-time for attractions, and is available to one-day ride pass holders. To use the Magic Pass, look for a “Magic Pass” kiosk at the park. After checking available rides on the kiosk, make your reservation! Note that Magic Pass can only be used up to three times per day so make your selection carefully!
☞ Website : www.lotteworld.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Russian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Mongolian)

 

No. 5 – Bukchon Hanok Village

 

 

A representative attraction of Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village shows the charm of Korea’s traditional buildings. The neighborhood where relatives of the royal family lived, the hanoks here are grand, providing beautiful scenes down every lane. To make the most of your visit, we recommend finding the “Eight Scenic Spots of Bukchon.” These eight locations are each unique but share the similarity of being breathtaking. Your souvenir photos will turn out great with these spots in the background!

☞ Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2. Walk approx. 7-10min.
☞ TIP) Respectful touring of Bukchon Hanok Village: Unlike Namsangol Hanok Village, Bukchon is a private neighborhood where people actually live. Therefore, it is important to respect the villagers by not shouting or making loud noises.
☞ Website: hanok.seoul.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
 

 Korea’s TOP Attractions (No. 6-10)

No. 6 – Myeong-dong

 

 

 

 

 

The area of Myeong-dong is filled with unique street foods and plenty of things to see! A district of fashion and shopping, many young Koreans and international tourists seek out great deals and the latest trends. Myeong-dong stretches approximately 1km from Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) to Eulji-ro Avenue and Lotte Department Store. The streets are lined with department stores, duty free stores, and various brand shops. Even if shopping isn’t really your thing, you can still enjoy Myeong-dong by trying the street foods and many famous restaurants in the area!

☞ Address: Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 7 or Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 6. Walk approx. 3min.
☞ TIP) Cosmetics are a Myeong-dong must!
Myeong-dong has been called “Beauty Road” due to the many cosmetic shops gathered in one area. Not only can you find all the major brands here, you will also find several shops offering sales, discounts, and plenty of freebies with every purchase!

 

No. 7 – Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon

 

 

 

Changdeokgung Palace was built in the early Joseon period and of all the palaces, served as the royal residence the most. The palace boasts a majestic harmony with the surrounding nature as each building was built with careful consideration of geographical and environmental features within the area. In particular, the matching beauty of the palace pavilions, ponds, and rock formations is quite a scene to behold. Changdeokgung Palace’s magnificence was recognized internationally and became designated as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1997. If you’re looking for a charming and nature-friendly palace, head on to Chandeokgung Palace!

☞ Address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 3. Walk for approx. 5 min.
☞ Operating hours
- Palace: February-May∙September-October 09:00-18:00 / June-August 09:00-18:30 / November-January 09:00-17:30 (Tickets available until 1 hour before closing)
- Huwon (Secret garden): March-May∙September-October 10:00-17:30 / June-August 10:00-8:00 / February∙November 10:00-17:00 / December∙January 10:00-16:30 (Tickets available until 1 hour before closing; online reservation advised)>
☞ Admission: 3,000 won
☞ TIP! Make advanced reservations for Huwon: An advanced reservation is required to tour the Huwon. Online reservation is available in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
☞ Website: eng.cdg.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
* Reservation can be made at the website above.

 

No 8 – Insa-dong

 

 

 

Insa-dong is often referred to as the “Street of Traditional Korean Culture.” The main thoroughfare is lined in shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs, while the many side-streets off the main road feature restaurants and cafés serving traditional foods and teas in hanok buildings. There are an endless number of things to see here, but Ssamzigil tops the list. The structure of the building itself is unique, built in a square shape symbolic of the Korean letter ‘ㅁ’ with a single continuing pathway slowly winding up the building from the basement level to the fourth floor. Along the path, you can see art galleries, shops selling traditional handicrafts, furniture, and more. The fourth floor opens up into a sky garden which offers a bird’s-eye-view of the streets of Insa-dong.

☞ Address: 62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions (Ssamzigil): Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6. Walk approx. 2min.
☞ TIP) Experience Korean culture in Insa-dong: In addition to things to see, Insa-dong offers enjoyable experiences in Korean culture. Visitors wanting to try on hanbok can visit Insa-dong PR Center, and we recommend visiting Museum Kimchikan for tourists interested in Korea’s food culture.

 

No. 9 - Hongdae

 

 

 

 

 

A cultural hub of youthful energy, Hongdae refers to the area near Hongik Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 2). Streets lined with cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops are filled with youth and the region is full of exciting vibes given off by live cafés and clubs clustered within. Its influence has recently expanded to include Yeongnam-dong’s Gyeongui Line Forest Park, providing visitors with a relaxing walking path and unique shops inside the urban neighborhood. Many tourist attractions including Trick Eye Museum and KT&G Sangsangmadang are also located here.

☞ Directions: Hongik Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 2∙Gyeongui-Jungang Line∙Airport Railroad)
☞ TIP! Related columns
- Top 10 Must-visit Restaurants in Hongdae
- Alleyway Tour of Yeonnam-dong, Seoul’s Hippest Neighborhood

 

No. 10 – The Garden of Morning Calm

 

 

 

The Garden of Morning Calm is a botanical garden that presents Korea’s authentic beauty through nature. A variety of uniquely themed gardens, including a lush pine nut forest, offer excellent opportunities to take a relaxing walk or forest bathing. Each garden is connected to flowerbeds and green pastures, or other walkways. The Garden of Morning Calm is a popular attraction, especially among hallyu fans, as it served as a filming spot for several Korean dramas, films, and variety programs.

☞ Address: 432, Sumokwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
☞ Directions: Use the Gapyeong City Tour Bus from Cheongpyeong Station (Gyeongchun Line) or Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal.
☞ TIP! Lighting Festival at The Garden of Morning Calm: A lighting festival takes place at The Garden of Morning Calm every end of the year until springtime. This year’s festival is taking place from December 8, 2017 to March 25, 2018. Consider taking a romantic winter trip to The Garden of Morning Calm if you’re planning to visit Korea this winter.
☞ Website: www.morningcalm.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

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