11 Tourist Attractions You Must Visit When Visiting South Korea for the First Time

South Korea is a country that has become very famous in recent years, both for Indonesians and the world, due to its cultural advancements, such as music, films, and food. It is not uncommon for many tourist spots in South Korea to be sought after by travelers to visit because of its popularity.

Well, if you are one of the South Korea lovers, the following list of tourist attractions in South Korea can be a reference for your vacation. Not only offering beautiful views, some also provide education about South Korea's history.

There are several tourist spots that even evoke nostalgia because they are often used for scenes in popular Korean dramas. Let's take a look!

1. Namsan Tower

Namsan Tower is certainly not a stranger to you, right? As the name suggests, this place is a 237-meter tall tower that was once used as a radio transmitter. Namsan Tower is also known as N Seoul Tower because it is located in the heart of Seoul, the capital city of South Korea.

This tower is a tourist attraction in South Korea that is always crowded with visitors, both local and international. Namsan Tower is often the setting for films and even Korean dramas because it has the nickname of a romantic place to visit with a partner.

If you come here, you can try going up to the top of the tower just like when visiting Monas. However, if you are afraid of heights, you can just take a stroll in the park near Namsan Tower. It's equally romantic.

2. Gwongeumseong Fortress

Gwongeumseong Fortress is a tourist spot in South Korea that is located at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level. Being at such a height certainly offers beautiful views. From Gwongeumseong Fortress, you can see a stretch of cliffs, forests, and beautiful wide hills.

The hallmark of Gwongeumseong Fortress is its cable car. Yes, that's right, you can ride the cable car to experience a fun yet thrilling memory. However, for those who are traumatized by heights, don't try it.

3. Sinheungsa Temple

South Korea is certainly famous for its culture, from music, dance, to history. It feels incomplete to visit South Korea without visiting historical tourist attractions.

One of the historical tourist spots you can visit is Shinheungsa Temple. This temple area, which is over 1,000 years old, is located on Mount Sorak. You can take photos with the Buddha statue that is so tall and large, measuring 14.6 meters, which is usually referred to as Tongil Daebul or The Great Bronze Buddha.

4. Everland Theme Park

If Indonesia has Ancol as one of the most famous theme parks to visit, South Korea has one too. It's called Everland Theme Park. This amusement park is the largest in the Land of Ginseng, making it a valuable moment to visit.

Everland Theme Park first opened to the public in 1976, quite a long time ago. In 2007, it earned the title of one of the best amusement parks in the world among 10 amusement parks worldwide. Wow, can you imagine the fun of playing here with friends, partners, and family?

5. Seongsan Sunrise Peak

Let's take a peek at the most famous island in South Korea, often mentioned and used as a backdrop in several drama scenes. Yes, what else but Jeju Island!

If you decide to make Jeju Island one of your tourist destinations when visiting South Korea, don't forget to visit Seongsan Sunrise Peak.

This open area has been designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site that must be protected.

6. Starfield Coex Mall

Do you know what else is intriguing and a must-visit when you go to South Korea? For book lovers, the answer is a library! That's right! South Korea is indeed one of the countries that focuses on high literacy development.

One of the most famous libraries in South Korea, often listed among the most beautiful and large libraries in the world, is Starfield Coex Mall. This library, located in the largest underground mall in South Korea, has thousands of book collections arranged beautifully and neatly with an Instagrammable appearance.

7. Arc & Book, Seoul

In addition to Starfield Coex Mall as a paradise destination for book lovers, you must also visit Arc & Book. It's not a library, but a bookstore.

Arc & Book, located in the center of Seoul, is certainly a tourist destination that should not be missed if you haven't had enough of Starfield. Its vantage style makes this bookstore in the basement of Buyong Eulji Building very cool and worth a visit.

8. Bukchon Hanok Village

Due to the popularity of South Korean culture through K-Pop music and drama shows, the traditional clothing of South Korea, known as hanbok, is also loved by many people to wear. If you want to stroll around while wearing a hanbok, try visiting Bukchon Hanok Village.

You can rent a hanbok and wear it while walking around the traditionally designed houses. How fun is that?

9. Myeongdong Street

Indonesia has Malioboro Street in Yogyakarta, and Japan has Shibuya Street in Tokyo, which are very famous to visit even though they are just streets. In South Korea, there is also a famous street that has become a tourist destination over time.

The street is called Myeongdong. Here, you can shop for famous Korean accessories and cosmetics at prices cheaper than in Indonesia. Besides cosmetics, there are also many vendors selling typical South Korean snacks along Myeongdong Street.

10. Gwanghwamun Square

Want to visit a historical tourist spot with an Instagrammable appearance to beautify your social media posts? The answer is Gwanghwamun Square! It won't break the bank as there is no entrance fee.

In addition to taking selfies with friends, partners, or family, Gwanghwamun Square often hosts art performances. There is also a museum called The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall located under the statue of King Sejong to commemorate one of South Korea's kings.

11. Gyeongbok Palace

The Joseon Dynasty. You must be familiar with the name of one of the dynasties that once ruled South Korea, as it is often mentioned in films and Korean dramas. To understand this dynasty better, you can visit Gyeongbok Palace located in the northern part of Seoul.

You can also rent a hanbok to walk around while wearing traditional clothing. Wow, it feels like you are a local. Fun!

Those are 11 tourist attractions in South Korea that you must visit when you first go to the Land of Ginseng. However, you still need to be careful! While South Korea is currently on the rise, it cannot be denied that the country also has a relatively high crime rate.

Most importantly, don't force yourself to vacation in South Korea, especially since the situation regarding the pandemic has not improved. Always adhere to safe health protocols!

Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa