A vibrant destination known for rich culture, modern attractions, and natural landscapes, South Korea offers a diverse range of experiences with plenty of hidden gems to satisfy the wanderlust of even the most seasoned traveller.

While frequently visited for Seoul and Jeju Island, South Korea has a lot more to offer travellers. Here is a look at 10 lesser-known destinations in the one of the most-visited destinations in Asia and the Pacific.

Gyeongju

Travellers can take in the rich history of South Korea in Gyeongju. Also known as the ‘museum without walls’, the city is rich in temples, tombs, and historical attractions. It also served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Silla, making it a historically important city for South Korea.

One of its most popular attractions is Tumuli Gongwon, or the Daereungwon Tomb Park, which was used as the cemetery for royals during the Silla dynasty. The grassy hills provide a calm contrast to what they actually contain. Travellers can enjoy the natural scenery while also taking in part of South Korea’s history and seeing the extravagance of the buried royals.

Other must-see places in Gyeongju include the 1,000-year-old Buddha of Seokguram Grotto, a granite sculpture showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship. The Seokguram Grotto is part of the Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features traditional Korean architecture.

The Cheomseongdae Observatory is another part of Korea’s history as it dates back to the 7th century and is one of the oldest surviving observatories in Asia. Finally, travellers in Gyeongju must also visit the Woljeonggyo Bridge, the largest wooden bridge in Korea offering a truly unique photo opportunity, for free!

Tongyeong

Another city rich in natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and exciting activities, Tongyeong is located four hours from Seoul by bus or train. Travellers can take in the scenery by riding the Tongyeong Cable Car, the longest in Korea at 18.8km. It takes travellers up Mireuksan Mountain and offers views of the city, harbour, and natural landscapes.  Once at the top, they can explore the Mireuksan Mountain Observatory with its high-powered telescopes and 360-degree view of the area.

Nature lovers can head out to Jeodo Island, just off the coast of Tongyeong, known for its rugged coastline and natural beauty. Activities here include hiking the many trails to enjoy the breathtaking views and enjoying the many beaches by swimming, scuba diving, or even fishing.

On the culinary side, foodies can enjoy local delicacies all over Tongyeong. As a coastal city, there are plenty of restaurants that offer fresh and delicious dishes that can satisfy that palate of every traveller. A must-try dish is ‘sannakji’, or live octopus cut into pieces and served immediately.

Other attractions include the Tongyeong Art Center, a cultural melting pot for local artists; Daraengi Village, a small fishing village where travellers can enjoy seafood; Nammangsan Sculpture Park, an outdoor park offering views of the nearby mountains and ocean which is home to sculptures from Korean and International artists; and Dongpirang Wall Painting Village, home to local galleries and studios showcasing various artworks.

Suncheon

Suncheon, a Korean UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve, is known for its ecological beauty, historical temples, and vibrant street markets. Travellers can take in its natural beauty at the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, which features brackish water zones, salt marshes, reed beds, and home to hundreds of species of birds. Depending on the season, travellers can enjoy the reserve differently.

Naganeupseong Folk Village provides travellers a look into Korea’s history as it dates back to the Baekjae period. Houses in the village feature chogaijip – rice straw thatched roof, which are influenced by Joseon-era architecture.

Songgwangsa Temple, a key Buddhist temple in Korea, is a historic site with a wooder altar featuring a triad of Buddhas. A unique experience offered at the temple are templestay programs, where travellers can participate in morning and evening chanting services with the monastic community.

Another temple, Seonamsa Temple, offers travellers a look into Korea’s natural beauty and escape from city life. It is located just a short walk from a car park, where along the way travellers can see two bridges. The Seung-seon Bridge is the National Treasure No. 400 of South Korea and is a popular filming spot for Korean television shows and movies.

Travellers can also enjoy hiking in Bonghwasan Mountain, relaxing in Jorye Lake Park, and enjoying the sun in Hwapo Beach.

Damyang

Damyang is a tourism hub that international travellers probably have never heard of. It is known for lush natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature-lovers, hikers, and the like. The Damnyang Metasequoia-lined Road is a perfect example of this, with its Metasequoia tree-line roads ideal for leisurely strolls and instagram-worthy posts. The region is also home to the Korea Bamboo Museum with a nearby bamboo park and greenhouse to appreciate Korea’s great bamboo.

Travellers can also immerse themselves in local cultures by joining the Damyang Bamboo Festival during spring. This annual event celebrates the natural bamboo forests with various festivities, attractions, and local food and music that travellers can enjoy.

Other nature adventures include the Gwanbangjerim Forest, perfect for an eco-friendly stroll; Geumjeongsan Mountain, home to the Geumjeongsan Fortress built from natureal stones; and the Soswaewon Garden, a perfect destination to unplug and unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Art lovers can visit the Moonlight Art Warehouse to view works made by local artists before enjoying a beverage at the underground cafe.

There are also several temples in Damyang which offer a templestay program where travellers (religious or not) can participate in traditional activities with the local monks. Temples to visit include the Geumseonsa Temple, Soswaewon Temple, Muwisa Temple, and Jungnogwon Shrine.

Jeonju

Jeonju is a city in the heart of South Korea that is best known for its well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean homes) village. The village is the best place to start exploring as travellers can walk the streets and see hundreds of traditional homes. For a complete experience, travellers can rent and wear a traditional hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) while strolling the streets before enjoying a night’s stay in a hanok for a completely immersive experience.

The city is also filled with street vendors to enjoy local cuisines. Jeonju is also where one of Korea’s most popular dishes, Bibimbap, originated from. Foodies looking to taste authentic cuisine can enjoy this mixed rice dish at many local restaurants and even street food stalls.

Travellers looking to learn more about Korean history and culture can head to the nearby Gyeonggijeon Shrine with its many historical artifacts. Guided tours are available and recommended to get the most out of the visit. The Royal Portrait Museum, located right beside Gyeonggijeon Shrine offers a look into the country’s past with portraits of previous Korean royals. Other attractions in Jeonju include the Traditional Wine Museum, Jeonju Crafts Exhibition Hall, and the Korea Traditional Culture Center.

Chuncheon

Chuncheon is frequently visited for Nami Island, a half-moon-shaped island the made popular by many Korean dramas to locals and tourists. However, there are many other sights and activities in Chuncheon to meet the needs of all travellers.

The Gangchon Rail Park (converted from the Gangchon Station in 2012) provides families a fun activity with rail bikes to ride along the rail lines. They can also rent regular bikes to ride along the bike paths or take a slow-paced stroll with the Bukhan River in view. Travellers can also enjoy canoeing Jungdo Mullegil Trail, another location made popular by Korean dramas. The Hajungdo Eco Park on Hajungdo Island is a good place to have a family picnic and enjoy slow-paced nature activities such as hiking around the island.

Winter activities are also available in Chuncheon with the Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort. The resort offers slopes and ski trails suitable for even beginners and children to let the entire family have fun in the snow.

Also, Chuncheon is home to Korea’s own Legoland, an excellent family vacation destination with a massive playground, rides, shows, and other attractions.

Namwon

Namwon, a small town just less than an hour from Jeonju, hosts many historical and cultural sites to visit. The city, known as Korea’s city of love, got its name from the story Chunhyang – one of Korea’s most famous love stories. The Chunhyang Theme Park commemorates this story with five distinct areas, each dedicated to a part of the story to make it the perfect date place for couples.

Nature lovers can head out to Jirisan National Park in Jirisan Mountain, which offers various trails to explore suitable for more seasoned hikers.

From the 15km Cheonwangbong Peak Trail with steep rocks and spectacular views to the Baemsagol Valley Trail that offers serene walks through forested paths. Cultural sites nearby Jirisan National Park include the Samseonggung Shrine, Jirisan History Museum, and a traditional Korean jjimjilbang (hot spring).

Namwon is also filled with various establishments to enjoy local cuisine from bibimbap, galbi tang, and bindaetteok. Must try restaurants include Bongga Myeonok with its cold noodles, Namwon Chunhyang-gol Saejip known for its loach, and Busanjib with its array of seafood items.

Gwangju

Gwangju is a city filled with art and culture. Travellers can visit the Gwangju National Museum with its collection of artifacts and items dating back to the Bronze Age. The museum also features separate spaces for Buddhist art, calligraphy, and ceramics as well as five prehistoric monuments out in the museum grounds.

Nearby, the Gwangju Museum of Art is home to a large collection of pieces of Korean and international paintings, calligraphy, illustrations, photography, and other artworks. The museum also has activities for families with a children’s museum with an experience space for hands-on fun. Travellers can also take in more Korean culture at the Asia Culture Center (ACC), Gwangju National Science Museum, and Mudeungsan Jeungsimsa Temple.

In the Deain Market travellers can purchase various fresh produce, crafts, homewares, and other local good. While at Chungjang-ro, the city’s main shopping and entertainment street, is home to a wide selection of clothing stores, restaurants, and karaoke rooms to enjoy modern Korean culture, cuisine, and activities.

Suwon

Suwon, located just a 40min drive or 50min train from Seoul, is known for being enclosed in by the walls of the Hwaseong Fortress. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortress was built in the 18th century with around 5km of walls still standing today. Travellers can ride a trolly that takes them through the main gates, the royal palace, and the museum or ride a balloon 150m in the air at the Flying Suwon experience, located next to Hwaseong Fortress, to get a bird’s eye view of the area.

The Suwon Art Village is a perfect location for an afternoon walk to enjoy the local architecture, cafes, and see houses decorated with murals.

Those looking to learn more about Suwon’s history can head to the Suwon Hwaseong Museum. It houses many artifacts and records dating back to the 18th century to satisfy history aficionados.

Foodies can enjoy the popular samgyeopsal (known internationally as Korean barbecue) at Suwon is popular for gui, or traditional Korean food cooked on a grill in the middle of the table. The most popular dish being galbi, barbecued beef short rib marinated in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and onions.

Other attractions in Suwon include the Toilet Museum, built to celebrate the foundation of the World Toilet Association; the Suwon World Cup Stadium, built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup; and Everland, the largest theme park in South Korea with numerous rides, attractions, and activities.

Changwon

The coastal city of Changwon was South Korea’s first planned city and modeled after the Australian capital, Canberra. It offers a more modern atmosphere with tall buildings and modernised areas while still giving a taste of local culture. During spring, travellers can enjoy walking along a cherry-blossom-filled path in the Jinhae district with the Yeojwacheon Starlight Festival taking place at night.

Changwon is also home to Yongji Lake, a famous man-made lake that offers water shows and live music. The Jinhae Inland Water Eco Park lets travellers escape the busy city to take in Korea’s natural beauty. There are various hiking paths, goldfish fishing, and nearby cafes to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Travellers can also choose to enjoy a local hot spring to release stress and tension from a long day of walking and other activities.

What is a vacation without taking something home for family and friends? Changwon is home to the LOTTE Mart, the go-to shopping place for Korean treats. There are also other stores to purchase clothing, food, and other goods to help travellers bring a piece of Korea with them home.

I’m a little late on posting this (and by a little late, I mean very late… specifically over 2 weeks after starting my thru-hike), but I’m excited to announce that I’ll be thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail southbound in 2025, starting 7/3/25! This has been a dream of mine for many years, ever since I caught the hiking bug in graduate school, specifically at McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, and Tinker Cliffs. After many years of finding excuses not to take on the trail, I finally decided it was now or never. This decision was made easier by my wonderful family, friends, and coworkers, who could not have been more supportive of me.

To prep for the gargantuan task of walking 2,650 miles from Canada to Mexico, I took on a local challenge known as the SHEN 500. This involves hiking all of the official trails in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, as well as trails in some adjacent areas (e.g., Rapidan Wildlife Management Area). As the name suggests, there are roughly 500 miles of unique trails that one must hike for the challenge, all of which are detailed in the official spreadsheet available on the “Shenandoah National Park Hikers” Facebook page. The SHEN 500 challenge was started in 2014 by long-distance hiker Lauralee Bliss, and since then over 100 people (and at least 3 dogs) have completed the challenge (as of May 2025).

I was already well familiarized with the SHEN 500, having completed it once before on April 11, 2023 (my 30th birthday!). The trails range vastly in scenery and difficulty, from the scenic and famous Old Rag loop, to the heinously steep Leading Ridge Trail (seriously, who designed this trail??), to the overgrown and unmaintained Onemile Run Trail (which is misleadingly 4.3 miles). Approximately 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail also run through the park and straddle Skyline Drive, and while this ridge walk is typically viewed as one of the easier sections of the AT, most of the trails required for the SHEN 500 descend from the ridges into the foothills, making them a lot steeper.

I’ve found that each and every trail in the challenge has something unique to offer, whether that be beautiful scenery, stories of inhabitants from prior to park establishment, record of the distant geologic past, or personal discovery. I’m deeply grateful for Shenandoah National Park, my home (not so far) away from home, and cherish the times I’ve spent there and the memories made with loved ones.

I began my second SHEN 500 in April 2023 and finished it on 5/17/25, just a few weeks before starting the trail. I’ve included some statistics below that describe my journey:

• Days elapsed since map #1 completion: 767
• Cumulative miles hiked in SNP since map #1 completion: 817.6 mi.
• Cumulative feet of ascent hiked in SNP since map #1 completion: 157,000’
• Number of days hiked in SNP since map #1 completion: 76 days
• Favorite day on trail: Bear Church Rock & Staunton River lollipop hike, 11/25/23, 15.4 mi., +/- 3200′
• Least favorite day on trail: Doyles River & Browns Gap Rd, 7/14/24, 5.5 mi., +/- 1100′
• Highest observed temperature on a hike: 84 degrees F, Whiteoak Canyon, 8/10/24
• Lowest observed temperature on a hike: 14 degrees F, Leading Ridge, 12/22/24
• Highest mileage for a single day: Mount Marshall area, 11/29/24, 27.1 mi., +/- 5000′
• Highest elevation gain for a single day: Area between Sams Ridge, Buck Hollow, & the AT, 12/7/24, 24 mi, +/- 5800′
• Favorite trail: Brown Mountain
• Least favorite trail: Stull Run
• Hardest trail: Leading Ridge
• Easiest trail: Stull Run
• Favorite district: Southern
• Least favorite district: Northern
• Number of black bear sightings: 0 (where were they??)
• Number of bobcat sightings: 0, though I did see one on the AT during map 1
• Number of coyote sightings: 0
• Number of deer sightings: ∞
• Best post-hike (and sometimes pre-hike) meal: Spelunker’s in Front Royal… seriously, check this place out

I’ve also included some of my favorite photos from my second lap around the park:

Leaving for the PCT, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to pursue this lifelong dream of mine. I’m so grateful for the people who have made this trip possible, and I intend to embrace each day on trail with open arms.

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The Alpaca farm alternate has been by and large the best alternate to date (and I’m writing this after completing the whole Big Sky alternate). Despite the long road walks necessary to get there, it was an oasis worthy of walking hundreds of miles of roads.

Very early in the day, Burgs, Dustin, and I stumbled into a whole train of people at a trickle of a water source – The Brits SAS and Jugular, Numbers, Rocket, Weatherman, Matcha, and Freighter. We Congo-lined down the trail until it met with the dirt road and from there we began to disperse. For the remainder of the morning and afternoon until reaching the Alpaca farm, Dustin, Hamburglar, Freighter, Matcha, and I suffered the hot gravel and dirt together.

We sang and danced down the road, anything to break up the monotony. It felt long and all at once short when we finally saw the first glimpse of the farm. Despite the rush to get there, the last mile or so was slow going. The tree lined road opened up to bald rolling hills reminiscent of an elementary school computer screen saver.

There were horses along the fence line that walked over as if asking to be petted and so we obliged. There was also a half sunken wooden shed lying lopsided in a shallow pond. Whether it was in my head or out loud, I repeated, Get out of my swamp! And when we saw a long row of old bicycles lined up against barbed wire, it was apparent that we had indeed finally reached the Alpaca farm.

We splayed out on the front porch of the farmhouse with a sandwich in one hand and a cold drink in the other- I chose a Pepsi. That was the magic of the Alpaca farm, hikers and bikers were pampered at no cost and with simple directions to respect the property, the Alpacas, and to pay it forward.

I laid on the bottom front step on my back, feet propped up on the top step. It seemed that the flatter the path, the more painful the walk and my feet were swollen and thriving from the heat. We rested for a while attempting to decide to hike on or stay for the evening. The pull of full stomachs and an indoor abode was strong and soon after, we met the hosts of the farm and were certain we would stay for the night.

After placing my backpack inside the little cabin marked with our names written in dry erase marker, I retreated once more to the shade at the front of the house and splayed across the bench swing. I typed out trail journals until Dustin joined me and one of the hosts stopped by to talk with us. He introduced himself as John. “Think of us like John Mayer and Barbara Straysand”, he said , since apparently the famous John and Barbara names they used to use didn’t quite register with the young people anymore. He began his monologue about farm rules and the purpose of the farm. I listened with intent because I’d do anything to support and preserve this little slice of heaven.

Once he finished speaking, I thanked him profusely for everything we’d been afforded there over the last hour or so and asked if there was a way to donate. Using a no bull tone, he said they didn’t take any donations. He continued on with a bit more humor saying something along the lines of, “If you give me 20$, I’ll go buy beer. If you give the person or hiker behind you 20$ you may have just turned their day around. If you’re stupid enough to still leave money after this speech then it goes towards helping bikers or hikers get bike gear fixed or new shoes. Bottom line, don’t leave money. Pay it forward.” And with that we all nodded in agreement and went about the rest of our relaxing evening.

I filled my time by laying in the grass beneath a frigid sprinkler with Dustin. Though neither of us lasted very long because each time to water showered over us, my muscles tightened in response and it was not quite the relaxation I was looking for. So we retired to the chairs beneath a small gazebo amidst the shed to cabin converts. Cyclists and other hikers filtered in throughout the afternoon and well into the evening. The small crew behind us finally trampled in along with Super Noodz and much later that evening, Plan B, who’d been hiking hard from Augusta to catch up to everyone since he had to stay extra days waiting for new shoes.

Before it got too crazy though, I took my turn in the shower silo. I pumped lukewarm water over my body and methodically placed my dirty clothes beneath my feet to absorb my soapy water run off. It wasn’t fancy but it was better than nothing. When I was finished, I felt so much cleaner without dust covered legs and sweat slicked hair. I felt human again.

The remainder of the evening was spent sitting amongst other hikers and bike packers again, sharing stories and a bottle of wine graciously provided by the hosts. Dustin was kind enough to make a whole family sized box of spaghetti for a few of us, who topped it off with remaining packets of tuna and crackers from our own food bags.

Eventually we all retired to our little sheds or tents. Plan B came running into the grassy area as the sun set behind the mountains and I offered him our 4th bunk. Not too long after, we were all tucked quietly into our 2’x6’ bunks trying not to shift too loudly in the stifling heat of the windowless shed.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.