It is not an exaggeration to say that the “K” craze has been the trend around the world recently. Some even say, “I think it will be popular even if you drink red pepper paste in water.” The K-wave, which has increased interest in culture, food, and beauty, is an atmosphere that leads to travel to Korea.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea from January to May this year is 7.2 million, which is expected to exceed at least 8.6 million tentatively by June. With this atmosphere, it is predicted that up to 20 million people can be seen this year. The largest number of foreign tourists ever was 17.5 million in 2019.
Most foreign tourists visiting Korea arrive through Incheon International Airport and travel to Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or northern Gyeonggi Province, where Panmunjom is located. Is this really the best. Recently, Travel Weekly, an Australian travel industry magazine, published an interesting article about Korea, drawing attention.
Travel Weekly said Korea is a place where you can experience a variety of travel experiences, including rich culture, attractions that harmonize the old with the present, and natural scenery, and especially in addition to Seoul and Jeju, there are many hidden gems. At the same time, he introduced 10 lesser-known destinations in Korea (Top 10 Lesser-known destinations in South Korea), one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. Find out 10 hidden gem-like travel destinations in Korea that foreigners have seen.
Suwon, Gyeonggi Province
Located 40 minutes by car and 50 minutes by subway from Seoul, Suwon is a city surrounded by Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 18th century. The wall, which is about 5 km long, remains to this day. You can take a tram passing through the main gate, palace, and museum, or go up 150m in a hot air balloon called Flying Suwon located next to Hwaseong to see all parts of Suwon at a glance.
If you go to Suwon, you must taste Wanggalbi. Especially, the most popular menu is beef ribs marinated in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and onion. In addition, Suwon has a toilet museum Haeuso, which was built to commemorate the founding of the World Toilet Association, and Suwon World Cup Stadium, which was built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Chuncheon, Gangwon Province
Chuncheon is a city that has appeared as the background of many Korean dramas. Nami Island, a half-moon-shaped island, is a representative, but there are many other things to see and enjoy. Gangchon Rail Park is a family outing spot where you can ride a rail bike along the railroad track.
You can rent a regular bicycle and run along the bike path or enjoy a leisurely walk while looking at the Bukhangang River. You can enjoy canoeing at Jungdo Mulle-gil, which is also famous as a filming location for dramas. The Hajudo Ecological Park in Hajudo Island is perfect for enjoying leisurely natural activities such as family outings or hiking around the island.
Jeonju, North Jeolla Province
Jeonju is a city located in the heart of Korea. Walking through the streets, you can see hundreds of well-preserved traditional houses. To enjoy this place more properly, you can rent a traditional hanbok and walk on the street or spend a night in a hanok to immerse yourself in Jeonju.
Jeonju is full of street vendors where you can taste local specialty foods. It is also the birthplace of bibimbap, one of the representative foods in Korea. If you want to know more about Korean history and culture, you should visit the Gyeonggi-do. Various historical relics are displayed here. The Eojin Museum, located right next to Gyeonggijeon Hall, is unique as it provides a glimpse of Korea’s history through portraits of successive royalty.
Namwon, North Jeolla Province
Namwon, less than an hour’s drive from Jeonju, boasts various historical and cultural sites. It is also known as the city of love. This is because of Chunhyangjeon, one of the most famous love stories in Korea. To commemorate this story, Chunhyang Theme Park has created five theme zones with the theme of a part of Chunhyangjeon, making it perfect as a dating place for lovers.
Jirisan National Park is also worth visiting. From the 15km Cheonwangbong course, which boasts steep rocks and wonderful scenery, to the Bamsagol Valley course, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the forest path, it is good to enjoy a variety of hikes. Near Jirisan National Park, there are various cultural sites such as Jirisan Historical Museum, Korean traditional jjimjilbang, and Samsung Palace in Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do.
Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province
Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, commonly called the “Roofless Museum,” is a good place to feel Korea’s long history. Gyeongju, the capital of ancient Silla, is one of the important cities in Korean history, rich in temples, tombs, and historical sites.
One of the most popular attractions is Daerungwon, the tomb of the Silla royal family. The green hill-shaped round tomb offers a beautiful natural scenery and a royal splendor. Another must-see attraction in Gyeongju is Seokguram Rock with a thousand years of history. Seokguram Rock, a granite sculpture that shows excellent craftsmanship, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, you must visit Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest observatory in Asia, and Woljeonggyo Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Korea, which was built in the 7th century.
Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province
Tongyeong, a city full of abundant natural scenery, cultural experiences, and exciting activities, takes four hours by bus or train from Seoul. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery on the 18.8km Tongyeong Cable Car, the longest distance in Korea. The cable car runs to the top of Mireuksan Mountain. When you reach the top, there is the Mireuksan Observatory, where you can enjoy high-performance telescopes and 360-degree panoramic views.
If you want to feel more nature, me too in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, located off the coast of Tongyeong, is a good option. The rugged coastline and beautiful natural scenery are worth seeing. Here, you can enjoy a hiking course where you can enjoy breathtaking beautiful scenery, and various activities such as swimming, scuba diving, and fishing.
Tongyeong is the perfect city for a gourmet. You can taste local specialty foods throughout the city. As a coastal city, Tongyeong has many restaurants that offer fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Raw octopus, which is sliced live octopus and served on the spot, is a delicacy.
Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province
The coastal city of Changwon is Korea’s first planned city, modeled after the Australian capital of Canberra. You can feel the scent of local culture while creating a modern atmosphere with tall buildings. In spring, you can enjoy a beautiful night while walking along the cherry blossom road in Jinhae, and at this time, the Yeojwacheon Starlight Festival is also held.
You should also visit Yongji Lake, a famous artificial lake where you can enjoy water play and live music. Jinhae Inland Water Ecology Park is a place where you can get out of a busy city and enjoy Korea’s beautiful nature. It is good to enjoy hiking, goldfish fishing, and a leisurely afternoon at a nearby cafe.
Gwangju Metropolitan City
Gwangju is a city full of art and culture. The National Museum of Gwangju, which houses Bronze Age artifacts, also has a separate exhibition hall for Buddhist art, calligraphy, and ceramics, and five prehistoric artifacts within the museum’s site.
The nearby Gwangju Museum of Art houses a variety of artworks, including domestic and foreign paintings, calligraphy, illustrations, and photography. There are also programs for family visitors, such as an experience space for children and a children’s museum. You can also experience Korean culture in more depth at the National Asian Cultural Center (ACC), the Gwangju National Science Museum, and the Mudeungsan Mountain Exhibition Center.
Suncheon, South Jeolla Province
Suncheon Bay, designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, is famous for its beautiful ecological landscapes, historic temples, and vibrant traditional markets. Travelers can enjoy the beauty of nature at Suncheon Bay Wetland. Suncheon Bay Wetland is home to brackish waters where rivers and seas meet, mudflats and salt marshes, reed fields, and hundreds of species of birds. Depending on the season, you can experience the unique charm of Suncheon Bay Wetland.
Nakanupseong Folk Village is a place where you can get a glimpse of Korea’s history dating back to the Baekje period. Houses in the village were thatched houses and were influenced by the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty. Songgwangsa Temple and Seonamsa Temple are also indispensable. Songgwangsa Temple is a historic temple with a wooden altar dedicated to the three Buddhas. Here, through the Temple Stay program, travelers can participate in the morning and evening worship service with the monks.
Seonamsa offers travelers the opportunity to appreciate Korea’s beautiful nature and relax from city life. You can arrive a short walk from the parking lot, and you can see two bridges along the road. The boarding bridge is designated as National Treasure No. 400 and is also a popular filming location for dramas and movies.
Damyang, South Jeolla Province
Damyang is an unfamiliar place for international tourists. It is famous for its lush natural scenery. Damyang Metasequoia Garosu-gil is a representative example. Metasequoia Garosu-gil is perfect for leisurely walks and Instagram photos. In addition to the Korean Bamboo Museum, you can enjoy beautiful bamboo in nearby bamboo parks and greenhouses.
In spring, you can also fall in love with local culture through Damyang Bamboo Festival. Held annually, the event offers a variety of events, attractions, entertainment, and local food and music to be enjoyed. In addition, there are Gwanbangjerim, which is good for eco-friendly walks, Geumjeongsan, which has a fortress built of natural stone, and Soswaewon, which is the perfect destination to relax from the bustle of city life.
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