Don’t Leave Korea Without Ticking These 12 Unforgettable Experiences Off Your List
South Korea may not be a “typical” tourist destination, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. From ancient palaces and bustling street markets to volcanic hikes and peaceful temple stays, the country offers an incredible mix of tradition and modern life.
If you’re planning your first trip and wondering about the best things to do in Korea, this list covers unforgettable experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in South Korea and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Seoul. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, it served as the main royal palace and remains an important symbol of Korean history and architecture.
The palace grounds are expansive, with multiple gates, courtyards, and beautifully restored halls surrounded by mountains and modern cityscapes. Walking through the complex offers a glimpse into Korea’s royal past and provides countless photo opportunities, especially during the changing seasons.
For an even more memorable experience, time your visit to see the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place several times a day and is free to watch.
Tip: Wearing traditional Korean hanbok will spare you from the palace’s admission fee. You can rent hanbok at OneDay Hanbok very close to the palace.
Eat Your Way Through Korea’s Street Food Scene
Korean cuisine goes far beyond BBQ, and the best way to experience it is through street food. Markets and pedestrian streets across the country are packed with affordable, flavorful snacks that are deeply rooted in everyday Korean life.
Traditional markets like Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market, and Tongin Market are excellent places to sample authentic dishes, while areas such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Insadong offer a more modern take on classic street foods. Prices may be slightly higher in tourist areas, but the variety is hard to beat.
From spicy rice cakes and fish cakes to sweet hotteok pancakes, sampling street food is one of the most delicious ways to explore Korea’s culture. Join a food tour in Seoul and let a local guide take you to all the best places!
Some foods you absolutely need to try include:- Spicy Rice Cakes/ Ddeokbokki (떡볶이)
- Fish Cakes/ Odeng/Uhmook (오뎅/어묵)
- Fried Rice Cake Skewers/ Ddeokggochi (떡꼬치)
- Sweet Korean Pancake/ Hotteok (호떡)
- Tornado Potato/ Hweori Gamja (회오리 감자)
Experience a Traditional Korean Temple Stay
A temple stay is one of the most meaningful cultural experiences you can have in South Korea. These programs allow visitors to spend time living in a Buddhist temple, following a routine similar to that of resident monks.
Depending on the temple, activities may include meditation, prayer ceremonies, communal meals, and quiet reflection. Some programs last overnight, while others are designed as half-day or one-day experiences, making them accessible even on short trips.
Temple stays are offered throughout the country and provide a rare opportunity to slow down, disconnect, and gain insight into Korea’s spiritual traditions.
Check out their Website to book your experience.
Wear Traditional Korean Hanbok for Free Palace Entry
Hanbok is Korea’s traditional clothing and is still worn for special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and cultural celebrations. Today, many visitors choose to rent hanbok as a fun and immersive way to explore historic areas.
Cities like Seoul and Jeonju offer countless rental shops near palaces and old towns, making it easy to dress up and take photos while sightseeing. Wearing hanbok also comes with a practical perk: free admission to many historic sites, including major palaces and shrines. You can rent hanbok at OneDay Hanbok very close to the palace.
Whether you choose a traditional or modern-style hanbok, this experience adds a unique and colorful element to your trip.
Elegant woman in hanbok standing in historic Korean palace corridor, showcasing traditional Korean culture.
Hike Seoraksan Mountain
Seoraksan National Park is one of South Korea’s most stunning natural destinations and a paradise for outdoor lovers. Designated as the country’s first national park, it features dramatic mountain peaks, dense forests, and scenic hiking trails.
The park is especially famous for its autumn foliage, but it’s worth visiting year-round thanks to its diverse landscapes and well-maintained paths. Trails range from easy walks to challenging summit hikes, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
A visit to Seoraksan offers a refreshing contrast to Korea’s bustling cities and showcases the country’s natural beauty at its best.
Check out various tours and day trips to Seoraksan here.
© Pixabay
Walk Across Tea Fields
Despite Korea’s strong coffee culture, the country is also known for producing high-quality green tea. The town of Boseong, located in the southwest, is considered the heart of Korea’s tea industry.
Rolling hills covered in neatly lined tea bushes create a peaceful and picturesque landscape, especially in spring and early summer. Visitors can walk through the plantations, learn about tea production, and sample locally grown green tea.
Exploring the tea fields is a calming experience and a great way to see a quieter, rural side of South Korea. You can book a day trip to Boseong here.
tea fields in Boseong
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Shopping is one of the main reasons many travelers visit South Korea. From skincare and cosmetics to fashion and pop culture merchandise, the country offers endless options for every budget.
Neighborhoods like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Insadong, and Gangnam are especially popular, each offering a different shopping atmosphere. Even if you’re not a K-pop fan, Korean beauty products are well worth trying—and make excellent souvenirs.
Whether you’re browsing small boutiques or large department stores, shopping in Korea is an experience in itself.
Relax at a Korean Spa or Jjimjilbang
South Korea takes self-care seriously, and visiting a Korean spa—known locally as a jjimjilbang—is an experience you shouldn’t miss. These large bathhouse complexes are an important part of everyday life in Korea and offer a unique way to relax, recharge, and experience local culture.
A typical jjimjilbang features gender-separated bathing areas with hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, and scrubbing stations, as well as shared relaxation zones where visitors can lounge, nap, or enjoy snacks. Many places also offer professional body scrubs, facials, massages, and skin treatments, making them perfect for travelers looking to unwind after long days of sightseeing.
In cities like Seoul and Busan, you’ll also find modern wellness spas and beauty clinics catering specifically to international visitors. From luxury spas and traditional Korean scrubs to advanced skincare treatments inspired by K-beauty trends, there’s something for every comfort level and budget.
Whether you opt for a classic jjimjilbang experience or book a pampering spa treatment, visiting a Korean spa is a relaxing and culturally immersive way to slow down and take care of yourself while traveling.
Visit A Local Teahouse
Korean teahouses offer a calm escape from busy city streets and a chance to experience traditional flavors. Many are located in historic neighborhoods and hanok-style buildings, creating a peaceful atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down.
Popular teas include omija (five-flavor berry), jujube, buckwheat, and ginseng tea, often served alongside small Korean sweets. Teahouses can be found throughout the country, with particularly charming options in places like Ikseon-dong and Insadong.
Spending time in a teahouse is a simple yet memorable way to connect with Korea’s tea culture. You can also join a Korean tea ceremony class to learn even more about Korea’s tea culture! Book your Korean tea ceremony class here.
Tteuran Teahouse
Sleep in A Hanok
Hanok are traditional Korean houses designed with natural materials and a unique underfloor heating system called ondol. Staying in one offers insight into how Koreans lived for centuries—and many still do today.
Guests sleep on floor bedding rather than beds, enjoying the warmth of the heated floors in winter and cool interiors in summer. While hanok stays are available in Seoul, Jeonju Hanok Village is the most famous place to experience them.
Spending a night in a hanok combines comfort, history, and cultural immersion. Book your hanok stay here.
Hanok in Jeonju
Swim in Haeundae
Haeundae Beach is South Korea’s most famous beach and a highlight of any visit to Busan. Located along the southeastern coast, it attracts locals and tourists alike, especially during the summer months.
The beach is lined with hotels, cafés, and restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire day in the area. While it can get crowded, the lively atmosphere is part of its charm.
Haeundae offers a refreshing coastal experience and shows a different side of urban life in Korea.
Planning a stay in Haeundae? Check out the best hotel rates here.
Haeundae Beach
Hike Hallasan Volcano on Jeju Island
Jeju Island is entirely volcanic in origin and home to Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea. Rising nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, Hallasan offers several hiking trails suited to different experience levels.
Although the volcano last erupted thousands of years ago, it’s still considered active and remains a defining feature of the island’s landscape. Hiking its trails rewards visitors with crater views, diverse plant life, and panoramic scenery.
A visit to Jeju and a hike on Hallasan is an unforgettable way to experience Korea’s natural diversity. Find the best places to stay in Jeju island here.
© Wikimedia
Recommended Hotels in Seoul
Choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference when visiting South Korea, especially in a city as large and fast-paced as Seoul. The hotels listed below are centrally located, well connected by public transport, and ideal bases for sightseeing, shopping, and food exploration. These are great options whether it’s your first time in Korea or a return visit.
L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE
Best for: First-time visitors & shopping lovers
Located right in the heart of Myeongdong, L7 Myeongdong is an excellent choice if you want to be close to shopping streets, street food stalls, and major attractions. The hotel sits directly above Myeongdong Station, making it incredibly easy to get around the city.
Rooms are modern, clean, and surprisingly spacious for such a central location. Some rooms offer stunning city views, and the rooftop bar is a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Book your stay at L7 Myeongdong by Lotte here.
Why stay here:
-
Steps away from Myeongdong shopping street
-
Direct subway access
-
Walking distance to Namsan Tower and palaces
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong
Best for: Culture lovers & traditional neighborhoods
If you want to stay somewhere that blends modern comfort with traditional charm, Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong is a fantastic option. Located near Insadong, Ikseon-dong, and Jongmyo Shrine, this area is perfect for travelers interested in tea houses, hanok streets, and cultural sights.
The hotel offers larger-than-average rooms, making it ideal for couples or travelers with luggage. Despite the central location, the area feels calmer compared to Myeongdong.
Book your stay at Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong here.
Why stay here:
-
Close to palaces and traditional neighborhoods
-
Easy access to multiple subway lines
-
Great value for money
GLAD Mapo
Best for: Mid-range travelers & easy airport access
GLAD Mapo is a stylish and affordable hotel located near Gongdeok Station, one of Seoul’s best transportation hubs. From here, you can easily reach Hongdae, Itaewon, and even Incheon Airport via the AREX train.
The hotel has a modern, minimalist design and is popular with both business travelers and tourists. It’s a great choice if you want a quieter neighborhood without sacrificing convenience.
Book your stay at GLAD Mapo here.
Why stay here:
-
Excellent public transport connections
-
Modern, comfortable rooms
-
Great balance between price and quality
Hotel PJ Myeongdong
Best for: Comfortable stays without luxury pricing
Hotel PJ Myeongdong is a solid choice for travelers looking for comfort, space, and value. Rooms are larger than average for Seoul, and the hotel offers a free shuttle service to popular areas like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.
This hotel works particularly well for longer stays or travelers who prefer a bit more breathing room after busy sightseeing days.
Check the best room rates at Hotel PJ Myeongdong here.
Why stay here:
-
Spacious rooms
-
Free shuttle to major tourist areas
-
Good option for longer stays
Tip for Booking Hotels in Seoul
Seoul’s public transportation system is extremely efficient, so you don’t need to stay directly in tourist hotspots to have a great experience. Look for hotels within 5 minutes walking distance of a subway station, and you’ll be able to reach most attractions quickly and affordably.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling in Korea
Q: What are the best things to do in Korea for first-time visitors?
A: First-time visitors should explore Seoul’s palaces, try street food, wear hanbok, experience a temple stay, and visit Jeju Island.
Q: Is Korea expensive to travel?
A: Korea can be affordable, especially with cheap street food, efficient public transport, and budget accommodations.
Q: When is the best time to visit South Korea?
A: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best weather and scenery.
✈️ Want a Trip That’s Truly Yours?
Planning your first visit to Korea and not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered. Let me design a personalized Korea travel itinerary based entirely on your preferences. For just $49 USD, you’ll receive a custom day-by-day travel plan with handpicked activities, hotel and transportation recommendations, and insider tips that help you explore Korea like a local. Plus, one free revision is included to make sure everything is perfect. 👉 Ready to plan your dream Korea trip? Get your customized Korea travel itinerary here.
Customized Korea Travel Itinerary – Designed Just For You!
Embark on a journey crafted exclusively for you – your way, your pace. Uncover the beauty of Korea with my Customized Korea Travel Itinerary Package.
Are you ready to explore South Korea? Pin it and save it for later!
Happy to have you here!
Explore Korea through my eyes as I share a decade of Korean adventures.
Enjoy the journey and visit often!
Linda Goes East Shop
Shop Korea-inspired home decor prints. Unique. Affordable. Korea.
