Haeundae is one of Pusan's most important and popular beach areas. Haeundae consists of several kilometres of white stretches of sand with turquoise sea. Moreover, there are quite a few good hotels and restaurants in the area, as well as a few hot springs, which are said to have curative properties.
Hallyo Haesang National Park stretches over a large area of both land and water. You can experience the crystal clear water around the numerous little islands and the incredibly beautiful coast line. In the park you'll also find a large variety of endangered species of animals and plants - all of which can be experienced on a tour round the park.
This little village is a splendid place to visit if you want to acquaint yourself with the rural way of life. In the village you'll see farmers and workers, see traditional houses from all regions, experience workshops, a Buddhist temple and a lively market place. Korean Folk Village is a real village, not just a tourist show, the people you'll see in the village actually live here all the time. It is possible to get to the village by bus from Seoul.
Seoul has a lot of palaces but the most famous is the Kyongbokkung Palace. It was built during the Yi dynasty but most of the 500 impressive buildings in the area were destroyed during the Japanese invasion. They were then restored in the 19th century, but destroyed yet again during the Korean War. Today all buildings have been restored once more. The buildings are architectural and aesthetic wonders and a splendid place to explore.
When you're at Kyongju you should also visit the National Museum, situated at the ancient temples. The museum houses a remarkable collection of relics from the Silla period. For instance, you can see golden crowns, weapons and jewels from the dynasty and simultaneously listen to the history of Kyongju at the museum.
Namdaemun is the main gate to Seoul - it's not an attraction, which you can spend several days on, but people are proud of this gate, which was built in the 14th century. The gate is very elegant and well worth a visit.
Pulguksa Temple is situated right outside Kyongju and is one of South Korea's most significant Buddhist temples. With its striking architecture it is a very impressive building which you ought to see if you visit Kyongju.
Puyo, once the capital of the Paekche kingdom, now a quiet, charming town where you can absorb everyday Korea. Outside town there are still burial grounds with graves from the Paekche period, just as the town also has a splendid museum with Paekche artefacts.
Sogwip'o is the largest town on the south coast of the island. It is a friendly town with a charming atmosphere. Here you'll get a good opportunity to visit museums and the surrounding villages and get acquainted with the traditional cultures, which have only changed a little through time. Furthermore, the area offers some fantastic hunting, diving and fishing.
Songnisan National Park is the place for those who want to go hiking. There are lots of mountains in the park and obviously just as many hiking trails. Moreover, the park houses one of the largest and most magnificent temples in the country, Popchusa. The temples are quite amazing and one is more beautiful than the other
This is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. The park is situated on the east coast and is covered in thick forest, giant waterfalls, mountains, roaring rivers, and white stretches of sand and ancient temples. The park's scenery is quite spectacular and it can be enjoyed on a day excursion to the park, or you can bring your tent and camp in the park for a few days.
Off the south-western coast lies this marine national park which comprises 1700 islands. Hongdo and Huksando, in particular, are well frequented. Hongdo is especially famed for its many impressive rock formations, hilly, wooded landscapes and a quite spectacular sunset. Huksando is flatter and easier to walk around when you are going to explore the beautiful landscape
If you feel like a walk in the open air and a chat with some of the locals, T'apkol Park is a good place to go. Here you'll find crowds of friendly elderly people who sit and talk about the weather. Thr Park also was the place where the country's declaration of independence was read in 1919.
Palmandaejanggyong is one of South Korea's greatest historic attractions. Palman means 80,000 and from this derives the name of the almost eight million carved wood blocks. The Tripitaka Koreana was carved during a period of 16 years from 1236 to 1252 as a prayer for protection against the Mongolians who had invaded Korea in this period.
Changgyongpanjon is the construction which houses the Tripitaka Koreana and which is supposed to protect them. Changgyongpanjon has survived several centuries of war and seven fires at the temple site. Changgyongpanjon is a striking edifice, just like the other 75 temples in the park. Several temples hold treasures and it is said that there are more than 200 private treasures in the park.
The beaches on the north-east coast near Samch´ok are incredibly beautiful. Some of the beaches are pebbly with many rock formations while others are made of white sand. In the areas around the beaches there are a lot of exciting caves to explore and if you get hungry there are excellent seafood restaurants in the area.
Tongnae is an area near Kumgang Park, which is full of hot springs. The area also contains a range of quite special rock formations as well as numerous ancient temples.
Cheju-do Island offers a quite amazing landscape with impressive rock formations, caves and grottos and vulcano craters. There are good trekking areas, and a lot of fantastic experiences are waiting for you in the grottos and old volcanoes. For instance, you can trek the world's longest lava chimney.
Tumili Park is the most frequented spot in the area. It contains 20 different sacred monuments and no less than five temples. It is possible to see everything and it is even allowed to crawl between temples and sacred monuments to get an impression of the ancient culture.
This magnificent island is situated about 135 kilometres east of the mainland. In the middle of the island rises a great extinct volcano, while the rest of the island primarily consists of mountains covered in thick woodland scenery and rocks. There are no beach on the island but diving off shore is quite spectacular and not for beginners.