50 beautiful places to visit in KoreaAs these spectacularly photographic spots show , if you ' ve only been to Seoul , you ' re missing out big time 13 January , 2012 Some 25 million South Koreans -- about half the population -- travel abroad at least once a year , but it ’ s safe to assume that most haven ' t seen all the beautiful sights within the country . Seoul only takes up a mere 0 . 6 percent of South Korea ' s territory : here are 50 stunning photographs from the other 99 . 4 percent of the country that are all worth a visit . Here are the flowery spring landscapes , sandy beaches , rocky mountains and quietly stunning historic sites on your new Korean travel bucket list . And just in case you were wondering , they are in no particular order . Feel free to add some suggestions of your own in the comment box at the end of the article . 1 . Seongsan Sunrise Peak ( 성산 일출봉 ) Cue the cinematic music . Hydrovolcanic eruptions formed this majestic volcanic crater 5 , 000 years ago on Jeju Island . A UNESCO world heritage site , the peak is famous for many things , including numerous rare plant species , but is best known for the magnificent sight of the sun rising over it ( hence the name ) . The climb up the peak ’ s northwest side ridge ( its other sides are steep cliffs ) to the 180 - meter highest point takes 30 minutes . 1 Seongsan - ri , Seongsan - eup , Seogwipo , Jeju Special Self - Governing Province ( 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 성산리 1 번지 ) More on CNNGo : How to visit Jeju Island on a dime 2 . Ggotji Beach ( 꽃 지 해수욕장 ) Time to visit the grandparents . Located four kilometers southwest from Anmyeon - eup , this cream - colored beach is the ideal place to go for a drive and watch the sun sink into the ocean between two large rock formations known as the Granny Rock and the Grandpa Rock . Legend has it that the wife of a base commanding officer in the Shilla Dynasty became the Granny Rock when she died after waiting faithfully for her husband . Seungeon 4 ri , Anmyeon - eup , Taean - gun , Chungcheongnam - do ( 충남 태안군 안면읍 승언 4 리 ) 3 . Darangee Village ( 경상남도 남 해 가천 다랭이 마을 ) What Korean kids did before video games . Darangee Village , a small well - preserved village in the southernmost area of west Namhae - gun , features an extraordinary sight of countless tiny fields ( over 100 levels ) on a steep mountain slope against the open sea . Honghyeon - ri , Nam - myeon , Namhae - gun , Gyeongsangnam - do ( 경남 남해군 남 면 홍현리 ) 4 . Gwang - An Bridge ( 부산 광안 대교 ) Korea loves its stunning , futuristic bridges . Also known as the Diamond Bridge , this two - story bridge connects Suyeong - gu and Haeundae - gu and offers an astonishing view of mountains , sandy beaches , hills and city lights . Kwang - An Bridge is not for pedestrians , but anyone can enjoy the spectacular night view of the bridge from afar ; its state - of - the - art lighting system allows an exterior lighting of over 100 , 000 colors . Suyeong - gu , Busan ( 부산광역시 수영구 ) 5 . Kyeong - Wha Station , Jinhae ( 진해 경화역 ) All this scene needs is a soldier and a beautiful girl waiting for him at the station . This small whistle - stop bustles with tourists and amateur photographers every spring . Cherry blossoms rain down on the train track and countless shutters click madly away as the train approaches the station under the cherry blossom tunnel . The cherry blossom road at Yeojwa stream , ( number 17 on this list ) is also nearby for those who want more photo - ops . Kyeongwha - dong , Jinhae - gu , Gyeongsangnam - do ( 경남 창원시 진해구 경화동 ) 6 . Upo Marsh ( 우포늪 ) Swimming is probably not recommended . At 2 , 314 kilometers squared , Upo Marsh is the largest inland wetland in Korea and thrice the size of Yeouido . Formed over 140 million years ago , the marsh is home to 1 , 500 plants and animals , some of which are endangered species . Visitors can bike or walk around this beautiful natural swamp , where migratory birds are known for flying low . Daedae - ri , Yueo - myeon , Changnyeong - gun , Gyeongsangnam - do ( 경남 창녕군 유어면 대대리 ) 7 . Jeungdo Salt Farm ( 전남 신안 증도 염전 ) Salt farming in a slow city . This treasure island ( artifacts from the Song Dynasty have actually been found at the bottom of the sea ) is famous for its clear seawater , soft beach , and salt farms . The magical sight of huge salt farms is not the only spectacle that can be found here ; the mud flat leisure town allows tourists to experience and observe the marine life of the mud flat . Jeungdo - myeon , Sinan - gun , Jeollanam - do ( 전남 신안군 증도면 ) 8 . Gongryong Ridge , Seorak Mountain ( 설악산 신선대 공룡능선 ) From this distance , it looks like a Stegosaurus , but we can ' t be sure . Physical fitness and mountain climbing experience are prerequisites to viewing these curious peaks in the Seorak mountain range . Thought to be shaped like the spine of a dinosaur ( hence the name , " Dinosaur Ridge "), this rocky ridge offers spectacular views of both inner and outer Seorak . The climb is no picnic : the peak elevation of Gongryong Ridge , the most popular ridge route in the range , is approximately 1 , 200 meters . Goseong - gun / Yangyang - gun / Inje - gun , Sokcho - si , Gangwon - do ( 강원도 속초시 고성군 , 양양군 , 인제군 ) 9 . Uleung Island Seaside Road ( 울릉도 해안 도로 ) Uleung Island was known as Dagelet to Europeans . Uleung Island , nicknamed " Mysterious Island ", is a popular weekend getaway spot for Seoulites . Curious rock formations , shore cliffs and numerous waterfalls adorn the island ’ s Seaside Road . Anyone planning to walk or bike their way around Uleung Island should make sure they set aside enough time , as they will inevitably stop countless times to admire the glorious view . Uleung - eup , Uleung - gun , Gyeongsangbuk - do ( 경북 울릉군 울릉읍 ) 10 . Seopjikoji , Jeju Island ( 제주도 섭지코지 ) A music video just waiting to be shot . First - time visitors to Jeju island need to plan their trip wisely , as the Jeju bucket list is long and varied . one of the musts on the list is Seopjikoji , a promontory on the coast famous for its serenity and romance . Yellow rape blossoms fill the field in the spring , creating a colorful contrast with the red soil and cerulean sky . The best photographs of Sungsan Sunrise Peak ( the first item on this list ) can be taken here at Seopjikoji . The scenery of Seopjikoji has also been captured by several Korean films and dramas , including " All In , " one of the first Hallyu dramas starring Lee Byung - hun and Song Hye - kyo . 261 Seopjikoji - ro , Sungsan - eup , Seogwipo - si , Jeju Special Self - Governing Province ( 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 섭지코지 로 261 ) 11 . Bomun Pavilion , Gyeongju ( 경주 보문 정 ) A pavilion for all seasons . Gyeongju , an ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty , boasts the nickname " a museum with no walls . " Bomun Pavilion , a small wooden gazebo standing over a quiet duck pond , is a great spot to experience Korea ’ s spring ; the cherry blossoms fluttering over the pond provide an exquisite sight . In fact , it ' s the perfect place to view all of Korea ' s markedly different seasons : summer ' s lush green leaves , fall ' s scarlet and mustard foliage , and winter ' s blankets of snow . Bodeok - dong , Gyeongju - si , Gyeongsangbuk - do ( 경북 경주시 보덕동 ) 12 . Udo ( 우도 ) The Korean way of making a wish . Just 15 minutes away from Jeju Island , Udo is another addition to Jeju ' s bucket list . Visitors can hike on Olle road , or opt for a scooter ride along the shore , a submarine excursion or sea fishing . Just don ' t forget the sunblock . Udo - myeon , Jeju - si , Jeju Special Self - Governing Province ( 제주특별자치도 제주시 우도면 ) 13 . Haeinsa Temple , Hapcheon ( 합천 해인사 ) Haeinsa is one of the three Jewel Temples in Korea . The world ' s oldest intact Buddhist canon , the Tripitaka Koreana , is carefully housed in the 1 , 200 - year - old Haeinsa Temple . The temple ' s other landmarks include the oldest wooden Buddha statue in Korea ( the Haeinsa Vairocana ) and a UNESCO world heritage Janggyeong Panjeon ( a " storage hall of Buddhist Sutras "). 10 Chiin - ri , Gaya - myeon , Hapcheon - gun , Gyeongsangnam - do ( 경남 합천군 가야면 치인리 10 번지 ) 14 . Chunwang Peak , Jiri Mountain ( 지리산 천왕봉 ) Where to look down on clouds . At 1 , 915 meters , Chunwang Peak on Jiri Mountain is the second highest peak in South Korea and the beloved conquest of many a Korean mountain climber . The national park on Jiri Mountain stretches over five cities and three provinces , and is home to quietly dazzling flora and fauna as well as seven national treasures and 26 treasures . Many tread the trail to Chunwang Peak to watch the sun rise , some simply to enjoy the view from the top , and others for the pleasure of breathing in the crisp , clean mountain air and drinking the brain freeze - inducing spring water of Chunwang Spring , which is located just 300 meters below Chunwang Peak . Samjang - myeon / Sicheon - myeon , Sancheong - gun , Gyeongsangnam - do ( 경남 산청군 시천면 , 삼 장면 ) 15 . Juknokwon , Damyang ( 담양 죽 녹원 ) Unfortunately Korea ' s all out of pandas . This dense bamboo thicket is located in Damyang , another " slow city " that welcomes all who are tired of hectic city life . Eight trails around the thicket offer eight different themes to saunter through . If you look carefully between the bamboo plants , you can spot the green tea shoots that grow from the dew that drips off the bamboo leaves , known as Jukro tea . The Juknokwon observatory in the middle of the thicket occasionally hosts Jukro tea tasting events . Hyanggyo - ri , Damyang - eup , Damyang - gun , Jeollanam - do ( 전남 담양군 담양읍 향교리 ) 16 . Naganeupseong Folk Village , Suncheon ( 순천 낙안 읍성 민속마을 ) We wonder how many people it took to color a single roof . Straw - roofed houses , government offices , guesthouses and a castle , all from the Chosun Dynasty , remain perfectly preserved in their original forms in this 22 . 6 kilometer - squared historical site . No , it ’ s not an exterior set of a historical drama , people actually live in those houses and better yet , they offer overnight homestays . Choongmin - gil , Nagan - myeon , Suncheon - si , Jeollanam - do ( 전라남도 순천시 낙안면 충민 길 30 ) 17 . Yeojwa Stream ( 경상남도 진해 여좌 천 벚꽃 길 ) This spot is the spring equivalent of mistletoe . The fifth item on this list already touched on the festival of cherry blossoms in Jinhae , but the cherry blossom road at Yeojwa Stream is so strikingly beautiful that it deserves another mention ( and another photo ) . Lovers visit this site to cross the " Romance Bridge ", which has been used as a shooting location for " Romance , " a drama starring Kim Ha - nul and Kim Jae - won . Bloggers say that these romantic blossoms can be most appreciated at night , when there are fewer tourists and the pale pink flowers glow against the dark sky . Yeojwa - dong , Jinhae - gu , Changwon - si , Gyeongsangnam - do ( 경상남도 창원시 진해구 여좌동 ) 18 . Boseong Green Tea Field ( 보성 녹차 밭 ) The most caffeinated field in the country . Approximately 40 percent of Korea ' s tea is produced in the rolling fields of Boseong , which has also provided the backdrop of many Korean dramas and films . Yes , green tea - related specialties ( fresh green tea ice cream and green tea pork belly ) are tasty treats , but the spectacular view of the seemingly endless tea fields is the real reason so many visitors stop by Boseong . A green tea festival is held every May while in the winter , the fields are decorated with tiny light bulbs . Bongsan - ri , Boseong - eup , Boseong - gun , Jeollanam - do ( 전라남도 보성군 보성읍 봉산리 ) 19 . Bulguksa Temple ( 경주 불국사 ) Where to bookmark your history books . This UNESCO - listed site is perhaps the most famous historic site in Korea . Two granite pagodas on either sides of the temple , Dabotap and Seokgatap , as well as Seokguram , a man - made grotto just above the temple , add to the splendid grandeur of this 1 , 500 - year - old home of many important relics . 15 - 1 Jinhyeon - dong , Gyeongju - si , Gyeongsangbuk - do ( 경상북도 경주시 진현동 15 - 1 ) 20 . Daegwallyeong Ranch ( 대관령 양 떼 목장 ) The lamb are there , you ' re just not looking closely . This only sheep ranch in Korea doubles as a natural sledge park in winter . The dreaminess of the view is as heady as the mountain air . Meat - lovers should stop by the restaurants in the ranch village for a taste of the highest grade lamb . 14 - 104 Hoenggye 3 ri , Doam - myeon ( Daegwallyeong - myeon ) , Pyeongchang - gun , Gangwon - do ( 강원 평창군 도암면 횡계 3 리 ( 대관령면 횡계 3 리 ) 14 - 104 번지 ) 21 . Cheongdo Bull Fighting Festival ( 청도 소싸움 축제 ) Just don ' t wear red . As the biggest bull fighting festival in Korea , Cheongdo Bull Fighting Festival attracts around half a million people every year . In addition to the big matches of 130 fighting bulls , there are art contests , cow - play exorcisms , rodeo experience , and even magic shows to entertain the crowd . If the sights are a bit too violent for your taste , check out other Cheongdo attractions such as the Nakdae Waterfall and Unmun Temple . Cheongdo - gun , Gyeongsangbuk - do ( 경상북도 청도군 ) 22 . Hyeopjae Beach , Jeju Island ( 제주도 협재 해수욕장 ) We think this beach is one of the main reasons Jeju Island made it unto the seven new wonders list . This white sandy beach is perfect for families with its shallow water ( average depth of 1 . 2 meters ) , nearby amenities , and camping in the pine forest surrounding the beach . Hyeopjae is also particularly known for its delicious abalones and conches , served fresh in the seafood restaurants dotting the beach . 2497 - 1 Hyeopjae - ri , Hallim - eup , Jeji - si , Jeju Speicial Self - Governing Province ( 제주특별자치도 제주시 한림읍 협재리 2497 - 1 번지 ) 23 . Anapji ( Anap Pond ) ( 경주 안압지 ) There are lotus flowers under there somewhere . This man - made pond was created during the Shilla Dynasty approximately 1 , 500 years ago . Three buildings stand on three artificial islands while patches of lotus flowers frame the pond . Gorgeous exterior lighting that go on after sunset create a magical night view . 26 Inwang - dong , Gyeongju - si , Gyeongsangbuk - do ( 경상북도 경주시 인왕동 26 ) 24 . Seryang - Je ( 세량 제 ) All this scene is missing is a fairy . Seryang - Je , a reservoir built in 1969 in Hwasun , is another famous spot for both professional and amateur photographers for its ethereal mist and reflections of colorful blossoms and leaves . Seryang - ri , Hwasun - eup , Hwasun - gun , Jeollanam - do ( 전라남도 화순군 화순읍 세량리 ) 25 . Kwanghan Pavilion ( 광한루 ) This picture probably would work upside - down as well . Kwanghan Pavilion is the setting of Chunhyangjeon , one of Korea ' s most famous folk tales . Chunhyang , the young , beautiful daughter of a gisaeng ( Korean geisha ) , and Mongryong , the handsome son of the local governor , first met and fell in love in this beautifully designed pavilion , which was designated a treasure in 1963 . 77 - 1 Cheongeo - dong , Namwon - si , Jeollabuk - do ( 전북 남원시 천거동 77 - 1 ) 26 . Seomjin River Train Village ( 섬진강 기차마을 ) Where it ' s safe to walk along the tracks . Kudos to the Gokseong district office , which has managed to create a lovely tourist attraction out of abandoned railroads . A brief steam train ride ( they don ’ t make ’ em like this anymore , literally ) is available for tourists , who can also enjoy a bike hike on a trail bike or a romantic walk beside the train track . 770 - 5 Oji - ri , Ogok - myeon , Gokseong - gun , Jeollanam - do ( 전라남도 곡성군 오곡면 오지리 770 - 5 ) 27 . Cheongsando ( 청산도 ) We prefer the word " leisurely . " For a small country road , Cheongsando marks a lot of " firsts " -- it is the world ’ s first " Slow Road " in Asia ’ s first " Slow City ". It doesn ’ t take long to realize why it is called " Slow Road " -- one ’ s pace naturally slackens to fall in with the pace of the rest of the island . Rape blossoms ( in spring ) and Mexican Asters ( in fall ) in full bloom are bordered by simple stone walls . Cheongsan - myeon , Wando - gun , Jeollanam - do ( 전라남도 완도군 청산면 ) 28 . Halla Mountain ( 한라산 ) What Narnian skies must have looked like under the grip of the White Witch . This fairy - tale sight of snowflakes and icicles covering tree branches on Halla Mountain were the inspiration for the Halla Snow Festival that was held late January / early February every year . Unfortunately , the festival was halted a few years ago because whenever they set a date it would rain and people would get mad . But the snow - covered trees are still there , and you are welcome to go sledding , snow rafting and ice sliding on your own . Halla Mountain , Jeju Special Self - Governing Province ( 제주특별자치도 한라산 ) 29 . Terraced Fields , Hamyang ( 함양 다락 논 ) Who knew there were so many shades of green ? This small village at the foot of Jiri Mountain displays a curious sight of terraced rice paddies . In spring the water in the paddies reflects the sky , while in autumn the paddies glow with golden grains . Macheon - myeon , Hamyang - gun , Gyeongsangnam - do ( 경남 함양군 마천면 ) 30 . Nuri Peace Park ( 임진 각 평화 누리 공원 ) Primary colors in full bloom . This artistic park located in Paju embodies South Koreans ’ yearning and longing for peace in the Korean peninsula . Yes , it ’ s a rather heavy subject , but even those who couldn ’ t care less about the death of Kim Jong Il can still enjoy the beauty of this park , which is well - known for its colorful display of pinwheels and the giant bamboo colossi . 618 - 13 Majeong - ri , Munsan - eup , Paju - si , Gyeonggi - do ( 경기도 파주시 문산읍 마정리 618 - 13 )