Regions & Islands

Jeju Island (제주도) is South Korea's tropical jewel — a volcanic island 80 km south of the coast, designated as a UNESCO Triple World Heritage Site (World Natural Heritage, Biosphere Reserve, and Geopark). The island is Korea's most popular travel destination, honeymoon island No. 1, and a world of its own with its own language, culture, and mythology.

Hallasan — Korea's highest peak

The Hallasan (한라산, 1,950 m) is an extinct shield volcano and South Korea's highest mountain. The hike to the summit with the Baengnokdam Crater Lake takes 4–5 hours (one way) and leads through five vegetation zones — from subtropical forest through bamboo and azaleas to alpine grassland. There are four routes; the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa routes reach the summit. On clear days: View over the entire island to the sea.

Haenyeo — The female divers of Jeju

The Haenyeo (해녀, "women of the sea") are Jeju's most famous residents — female divers who have been diving up to 20 meters deep without oxygen tanks for centuries to harvest abalone, sea urchins, seaweed, and shells. Most are over 60, some over 80 years old — a dying tradition declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. Best observed at live performances on the coasts (Seongsan, Udo Island) or in the Haenyeo Museum.

Lava tubes & volcanic landscape

Jeju's volcanic past has created an underground wonder: The Manjanggul Lava Tube is one of the longest in the world at 7.4 km — 1 km of it is accessible to visitors. Huge stalactites, a 7.6-meter-high lava column, and the silence underground are impressive (₩4,000). Above ground: Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a dramatic volcanic crater right by the sea, rising like a castle from the water. The hike to the crater rim (30 min.) offers one of the best sunrises in Korea.

Udo Island & beaches

Udo (우도) is a small island off Jeju's east coast — reachable by ferry in 15 minutes. Turquoise water, white coral sand (Sanho Beach), Haenyeo performances, and the famous peanut ice cream (Ttangkong Ice Cream). Perfect half-day trip. The beaches on Jeju itself: Hyeopjae Beach (white sand, turquoise water) and Jungmun Saekdal Beach (black volcanic sand).

Gyeongju (경주) was the capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD) for almost 1,000 years — a dynasty that unified the Korean Peninsula and produced one of East Asia's most splendid cultures. Today, the city is an open-air museum: Wherever you dig, you find gold, ceramics, or Buddhist artifacts. The entire city area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bulguksa Temple

The Bulguksa (불국사) is the masterpiece of Buddhist architecture in Korea — built in 751 AD on a mountain terrace. The stone pagodas Dabotap and Seokgatap are national treasures (Dabotap adorns the 10-won coin). The bridges, stairs, and halls possess a harmony that no photo can capture. The adjacent Seokguram Grotto (석굴암) houses a 3.5-meter-high granite Buddha with a sea view — one of Asia's most significant Buddhist artworks. ₩6,000 admission (Bulguksa), ₩6,000 (Seokguram).

Tumuli Park & Royal Tombs

In the middle of Gyeongju rise 23 giant burial mounds (Tumuli) — the tombs of Silla kings. The green mounds look like giant molehills and are one of Korea's surreal images. The Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb) is walkable — inside, you see the burial chamber with replicas of the gold crowns and the famous birch bark painting of the heavenly horse. ₩3,000 admission for the park.

Anapji Pond (Donggung & Wolji)

This reconstructed palace pond from the 7th century is most beautiful at night — the pavilions reflect in the calm water, illuminated by warm light. One of the most romantic scenes in all of Korea. ₩3,000 admission.

Tips for Gyeongju

Gyeongju is best explored by bicycle — the city is flat, and the attractions are spread across the area. Bicycle rental at the station from ₩5,000/day. Plan at least 2 full days: Day 1 for city attractions (Tumuli, Anapji, Gyeongju National Museum), Day 2 for Bulguksa and Seokguram.

The Seoraksan (설악산, 1,708 m) is South Korea's third-largest mountain and the most spectacular — a dramatic landscape of granite cliffs, waterfalls, gorges, and ancient temples, making it the country's most popular national park. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1982.

The best hikes

• Ulsanbawi (울산바위): The most famous hike — 808 metal steps lead to the summit of a massive granite rock with a 360° panorama. 3.8 km one way, 3–4 hours round trip. Best in clear weather. The last 100 steps are steep, but the view over the valley and to the Sea of Japan is breathtaking.
• Biseondae (비선대): Easy hike along a mountain stream to a natural pool with turquoise water, framed by rock walls. 3 km, 1.5 hours round trip. Perfect for families.
• Daecheongbong (대청봉): The summit of Seoraksan — a challenging day tour (about 8 hours). Overnight stay in mountain huts possible (book in advance!).

Sinheungsa Temple & Bronze Buddha

At the foot of Seoraksan stands the Sinheungsa Temple (신흥사), one of Korea's oldest Zen temples (652 AD). In front of it sits a 14.6-meter-high bronze Buddha — the Tongil Daebul (Reunification Buddha), praying for Korea's reunification. The combination of the golden Buddha, the temple, and the granite peaks behind is one of Korea's most beautiful scenes.

Seoraksan Cable Car

For the less sporty: The cable car (₩11,000 round trip) takes you to the Gwongeumseong summit (about 700 m) in 5 minutes — with a fantastic view over the park, without sweat. At the top, there are short hiking trails between the rock formations.

Jeonju (전주) is Korea's culinary capital and the birthplace of Bibimbap — the most famous Korean dish. But the city offers far more than good food: The Jeonju Hanok Village is the largest and best-preserved traditional district in Korea, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and a place where old Korea is alive.

Jeonju Hanok Village

Over 700 traditional Hanok houses form a compact district in the middle of the city — larger and more vibrant than Seoul's Bukchon. Here you will find tea houses, calligraphy workshops, Hanbok rentals, paper manufactories (Hanji — Korean paper), Makgeolli bars, and, of course, dozens of restaurants. At its heart stands the Gyeonggijeon Hall (₩3,000), which houses the portrait of Joseon founder King Taejo.

Bibimbap in Jeonju

Jeonju Bibimbap is the royal version: A bowl of rice topped with over 30 different freshly prepared ingredients — vegetables, sprouts, mushrooms, beef tartare, a raw egg yolk, and the indispensable Gochujang paste. Mix everything and enjoy. The two most famous restaurants: Hankuk-jip and Gajok Hoegwan — both in operation for decades. ₩10,000–15,000 for a menu with up to 20 side dishes.

Other Highlights

• Makgeolli (막걸리) — Korea's traditional rice wine is especially good in Jeonju. In the Makgeolli bars of the Hanok Village, you get a surprising amount of free Anju (snacks) with every order — often more food than drink.
• Choco-Pie Museum — Jeonju is the birthplace of the iconic Choco Pie (1974). The small museum is kitschy but fun.
• Jeonju International Film Festival — One of Asia's most important independent film festivals (May).

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is the most heavily fortified border in the world — a 250 km long, 4 km wide strip that has separated South and North Korea since the armistice of 1953. Technically, the war is still ongoing — the Korean War never ended with a peace treaty.

The DMZ is not only a place of tension but also an unintended natural paradise: Since no human has entered the zone for 70 years, one of Asia's most biodiverse ecozones has developed here — with Manchurian cranes, black bears, and rare wildflowers.

What you see on a DMZ tour

• Joint Security Area (JSA/Panmunjom): The blue UN barracks where you can step into North Korea. Surreal and unforgettable.
• 3rd Infiltration Tunnel: Dug by North Korea, discovered in 1978. 265 meters walkable, 73 meters underground.
• Dora Observatory: Distant view into North Korea — propaganda city, fields, mountains.
• Dorasan Station: The ghost station towards Pyongyang.
• Imjingak Park: Freely accessible (without a tour), "Bridge of Freedom," prayer ribbons of divided families.

The DMZ is only accessible from Seoul via organized tours (half-day: ₩50,000–70,000, full-day with JSA: ₩80,000–120,000). Passport required. Book at least 3–5 days in advance.