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.