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Beyond Seoul: The Top 10 Must-Visit Cities in South Korea

· 4 min read
Elena Vance
Elena Vance
Editor-in-Chief & Logistics Expert

Most first-time visitors spend 90% of their time in Seoul. While Seoul is incredible, the real magic of Korea lies in its diversity. Thanks to the high-speed KTX network, you can cross the entire country in under 3 hours. This means you can wake up in a skyscraper hotel and have lunch in a 1,000-year-old traditional village.

If you are planning your itinerary, here are the Top 10 cities that offer the best mix of culture, nature, and modern vibes.

Beyond Seoul: The Top 10 Must-Visit Cities in South Korea

1. Seoul (The Heart of Korea)​

Best For: Everyone. The perfect mix of 600 years of history and futuristic tech. Travel Time: N/A (Start here). Must Eat: Everything.

You will land here, and you might never want to leave. Seoul has it all: Five Grand Palaces (like Gyeongbokgung), the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and endless nightlife in Hongdae and Itaewon.

  • Don't Miss: A sunset view from N Seoul Tower.

2. Busan (The Coastal Metropolis)​

Best For: Beach lovers, seafood fans, photo-takers. Travel Time: 2.5 hours (KTX from Seoul). Must Eat: Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Soup), Hotteok (Seed pancake).

The "Miami of Korea." Busan is looser, louder, and more colorful than Seoul. Visit Haeundae Beach for skyscrapers-meet-ocean views, and wander the pastel-colored alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village.

  • Don't Miss: Jagalchi Fish Market.

3. Jeju Island (The Nature Wonder)​

Best For: Nature lovers, relaxation, honeymoons. Travel Time: 1 hour (Flight from Gimpo). Must Eat: Hallabong tangerines, Black Pork BBQ.

A volcanic island with its own unique culture. Jeju is UNESCO-listed for a reason. Hike up Hallasan Mountain (the highest in Korea) or explore the dramatic cliffs of Seongsan Ilchulbong.

  • Note: You usually need to rent a car here.

4. Gyeongju (The Museum Without Walls)​

Best For: History buffs. Travel Time: 2 hours (KTX from Seoul). Must Eat: Hwangnam Bread (Red bean pastry).

For 1,000 years, this was the capital of the Silla Kingdom. The city is dotted with giant grass mounds (Royal Tombs). It feels ancient and spiritual.

  • Don't Miss: Bulguksa Temple and Cheomseongdae Observatory at night.

5. Jeonju (The Food Capital)​

Best For: Foodies. Travel Time: 1.5 hours (KTX from Seoul). Must Eat: Jeonju Bibimbap.

The spiritual home of Korean food. The Jeonju Hanok Village is the largest cluster of traditional houses in the country. It's touristic, but renting a Hanbok (traditional dress) and eating your way through the street food stalls is a rite of passage.

6. Andong (The Spirit of Tradition)​

Best For: Cultural purists. Travel Time: 2 hours (KTX-Eum from Cheongnyangni). Must Eat: Andong Jjimdak (Braised Chicken).

If Jeonju is "tourist tradition," Andong is "real tradition." It is the center of Korean Confucianism. Visit the Hahoe Folk Village, where people still live in centuries-old houses.

  • Don't Miss: The Mask Dance Festival (if visiting in Autumn).

7. Suwon (The Day Trip)​

Best For: A quick escape from Seoul. Travel Time: 30-60 mins (Subway/Train). Must Eat: Suwon Galbi (Marinated Ribs).

Famous for the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site with massive walls you can hike around. It’s also the home of Samsung.

8. Gangneung (Coffee & Coast)​

Best For: Cafe hopping, romantic vibes. Travel Time: 2 hours (KTX from Seoul). Must Eat: Chodang Soft Tofu.

Located on the East Coast, Gangneung has deep blue waters different from the west. The Anmok Coffee Street is lined with massive coffee shops facing the ocean. K-Pop fans visit for the "BTS Bus Stop" at Jumunjin Beach.

9. Sokcho (Mountain Meets Sea)​

Best For: Hikers. Travel Time: 2.5 hours (Bus from Seoul). Must Eat: Dakgangjeong (Sweet Crispy Chicken).

The gateway to Seoraksan National Park, Korea's most beautiful mountain. You can hike the Ulsanbawi Rock in the morning and eat fresh sashimi by the port in the evening.

10. Incheon (Past & Future)​

Best For: Layover travelers, architecture fans. Travel Time: 1 hour (Subway from Seoul). Must Eat: Jajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles) in Chinatown.

Most people only see the airport, but Incheon has Korea's only official Chinatown and the futuristic smart city of Songdo, which looks like it's from 2050.

Itinerary Tip: A classic 10-day route is Seoul (4 days) -> Gyeongju (2 days) -> Busan (2 days) -> Return to Seoul. Add Jeju if you have 3-4 extra days.