Discover South Korea: Culture, Nature and Trails

You can discover South Korea through a wide range of themes: palaces and temples, hiking trails, or food culture. The places and experiences below offer specific ideas for planning your trip—from historical heritage to trails through volcanic landscapes.

Palaces, Temples and Cultural Heritage

At Haeinsa Temple, Janggyeong Panjeon houses the Tripitaka Koreana. This collection was engraved on approximately 80,000 wooden blocks between 1237 and 1248. The depositories are designed for natural ventilation and for regulating temperature and humidity; the wooden blocks were preserved there for about 500 years. The temple complex is a pilgrimage destination for Korean Buddhists, as well as for Buddhists and scholars from around the world.

The Changdeokgung Palace complex shaped Korean architecture, garden design, landscape planning and related arts over many centuries. Its garden contains more than 56,000 specimens of various trees and plants. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, history leads back to the Joseon dynasty: it was built in 1395 as the dynasty’s official palace and preserves the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. The changing-of-the-guard ceremony takes place at set times and includes a Chwitadae court orchestra. International tourists can take free tours in English, Japanese and Chinese; check the current times and language options in advance.

At Bulguksa, the areas and stone terraces of the Buddhist temple complex are intended to represent Buddha’s land. Stone terraces, bridges, and the Seokgatap and Dabotap pagodas attest to the stonework of the Silla period. Andong Hahoe Village offers another way to experience cultural heritage; it was designated a National Folklore Cultural Heritage site in 1984. The Hahoe masks are a National Treasure and an important feature of the village.

Hiking Trails and Volcanic Landscapes

On Jeju, the eco-friendly Jeju Olle Trail loops around the island. It is 437 kilometers long and divided into 27 stages, passing through village streets, coastal roads and forest trails. The length and number of stages may be adjusted, so it is worth checking the latest route overview when planning your trip. There are seven hiking trails for summit hikes on Hallasan, but only Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa lead to Baengnokdam Lake at the summit. Check conditions and reservation rules before planning your hike.

Hallasan National Park encompasses Hallasan and is designated a national park, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and Global Geopark. Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone also tells the story of Jeju’s volcanic origins: it formed about 5,000 years ago during an underwater eruption in a shallow sea and has a crater about 600 meters wide.

On the mainland, Seoraksan National Park offers another hiking destination. It is South Korea’s second-largest national park and was declared Korea’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. The Ulsanbawi Trail is 7.6 kilometers long and takes about four hours. As trail conditions and access may change seasonally, check local information before setting out. The entrances to the hiking trails in Bukhansan National Park are also connected to an extensive public transport network; up-to-date local information can help you plan your journey.

If you are looking for a longer-distance perspective, consider the Korea Dulle Trail: it is about 4,500 kilometers long and circles the country. It comprises the Haeparang Trail in the east, the Namparang Trail in the south, the Seohaerang Trail in the west and the DMZ Peace Trail in the north. The route thus brings together four named trails in a nationwide network; sections may change.

Kimchi, Food and Temple Traditions

Kimchikan Museum in Seoul was founded in 1986 and is dedicated to kimchi. Its programs allow visitors to make kimchi themselves and learn about the dish’s history and culture. Dates and reservation rules may change. On Jeju, Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market is known for its gourmet tour aimed at international tourists and its nighttime offerings; programs and operating arrangements may also change.

At the Korea Food Grand Master Center, you can buy or sample a variety of traditional Korean foods made by Korea Food Grand Masters. The center also offers an experience program where participants can prepare food together with a Korea Food Grand Master. Check reservations and availability in advance. The Korean Temple Food Center complements these culinary insights as a cultural center with exhibitions, experience programs and lectures; program details may change.

Templestay also offers insight into Buddhist temple traditions. In general, such a program includes a stay at a temple and participation in daily monastic life. Depending on the temple, activities may include a Buddhist service, Seon meditation, the 108 prostrations and communal work. The specific program varies from temple to temple.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Gyeonggi-Do, Gyeongsangnam-Do, Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Jeju-Do, Gyeongsangbuk-Do, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Ulsan, Gangwon-Do, Jeollabuk-Do, Kwangju, Jeollanam-Do, Chungcheongnam-Do.

For the main travel overview: Asia.