40. 사릉/Sareung

경기도 남양주시 진건읍 사릉리

Sareung is named for a queen’s lifetime of longing for her murdered king. ​This UNESCO World Heritage site is

actually the royal tomb of Queen Jeongsun (1440-1521), the queen of the Joseon Dynasty’s sixth king, Danjong,

who ruled for three short years before being forced to abdicate the throne by a power-hungry uncle.

“This place houses one of the most beautifully kept pine tree forests in the Seoul vicinity, where the prettiest pine

trees are grown and sent to the palace gardens or other royal tombs,” says photographer Seo Heun Kang,

who took this photo.

Access to the tomb area is restricted to those with “the purpose of academic research and field investigation,

” reporters and guests with “the purpose of education and worship.”

Prior appointments must be made through the management office at +82 31 573 8124.

Sareung-ri Jingeon-eup Namyangju Gyeonggi Province

39. 삼부연 폭포/Sambuyeon Falls

강원도 갈말읍 신철원리

Here be dragons. ​Legend has it that a dragon once flew out from this 20-meter-high waterfall --

that's why the name of the nearby village Yonghwadong begins with the character for dragon.

“This is one of the eight sights of Cheorwon, and is a sight to see especially after rain when the falls swell,

” says photographer Seo.

Jeong Seon, one of the most celebrated artists from the Joseon Dynasty,

fell in love with this waterfall and painted it immediately.

Sincheorwon-si Galmal-eup, Gangwon Province

38. 남한산성/Namhansanseong Fortress

경기도 광주시 중부면 산성리

Protecting the capital.

Located on Mt. Namhan, this 12-kilometer-long earthen fortress was originally built 2,000 years ago and

reconstructed in 1621.

It was one of the four big fortresses protecting the country’s capital, then called Hanyang.

“It’s a great place for day excursions, as there are many hiking trails,” says Seo.

Sanseong-ri Jungbu-myeon Gwangju-si Gyeonggi Province

37. 선정릉/Seonjeongneung

서울시 강남구 선릉로100길

Raised stones leading to the gates are meant for the dead king, the lower stones on either side are for the living. ​

This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises royal tombs of Joseon’s ninth King Seongjong,

his queen Jeonghyeon and son King Jungjon.

Located among a “forest of skyscrapers” in Gangnam, Seoul, the tombs are open to visitors daily

(excluding Mondays) for a fee of less than $1.

Seolleung-ro 100-gil, Gangnam-gu

36. 고분군,창녕/Gobungun, Changyeong

경상남도 창녕군 창녕읍 교리 가야시대 고분군

Call us morbid, but these are beautiful tombs. ​These ancient tombs date to the Gaya confederacy of the 5th

and 6th centuries.

There are approximately 180 tombs in the area, which are close to main roads and easy to access.

Changnyeong-eup, South Gyeongsang Province

35. 안압지/Anapji Pond

경남 경주시 인왕동

L ighting at night makes it even more stunning than it is during the day. ​Built in the year 674 during

the Silla Dynasty,this beautiful circular pond was originally constructed inside a fortress that was later destroyed.

State celebrations were held here and it's also where Silla's most important guests were received.

Inwangdong, Gyeongju-si, North Gyeongsang Province

34. 근정전,경복궁/Geunjeongjeon, Gyeongbokgung

서울시 종로구 세종로1가

Built in 1395, Throne Hall is perhaps the most iconic building of the Joseon Dynasty,

which lasted from 1392 to 1897. ​Important state affairs were once conducted in the Geunjeongjeon,

the Throne Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The palace hosts a changing of the guard ceremony every day, and occasionally hosts ceremonies

for major events of national importance.

The welcome ceremony depicted in this photo was held in honor of the historic return of Korean royal books

that were looted by the French military 145 years before.

Gyeongbokgung, Seojong-ro 1, Jongno-gu, Seoul

33. 창경궁/Changgyeonggung

서울 종로구 창경궁로 185

The queens’ palace. ​Typically used as the residential palace for queens and concubines of the Joseon dynasty,

Changyeonggung was built in 1483 by King Sejong, who invented the Korean alphabet, for his father King Taejong.

“The most important buildings in the palace face east, so it is best to visit in the morning,” says Seo.

Admission is ₩ 10,000 ($9) and the same ticket can be used at Seoul’s four palaces, Deoksugung,

Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, as well as the Jongmyo shrine, within one month.

185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

32. 인왕산/Inwangsan

서울 종로구 무학동

The view from Inwangsan includes the palaces, N Seoul tower and the Blue House, residence

of the Korean president. This 338-meter-high mountain on the outskirts of Seoul offers probably

the best view of the city.

Known for its hiking trails, the mountain has a number of castles that were built to protect

the city from foreign invasions.

San 3-1, Muak-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

31. 종묘/Jongmyo Shrine

서울시 종로구 종로157

Yet another UNESCO Heritage Site in Seoul. Built by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty Lee Seong Gye,

the Jongmyo Shrine is where kings came to worship and conduct memorial services.

Jongmyo Jaerye memorial service is reenacted the first Sunday each May and incorporates music and

dance from five centuries ago.

157 Jongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul

30. 고창 고인돌/Gochang Dolmen site

전라북도 고창군 아산면

The Stonehendge of Korea. ​More than 400 dolmen (stone graves built during the prehistoric era)

can be found at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most concentrated dolmen sites in Korea

(there are approximately 30,000 such stone graves throughout the country).

There's a dolmen museum on site and a train tour departs from the museum every hour from 10:30 a.m.

Asan-myeon, Gochang-gun, North Jeolla Province

29. 왕궁리/Wanggungri

Wanggungmyeon, Iksan-si, North Jeolla Province

28. 서울 성곽/Seoul Seonggwak Fortress Wall

서울 종로구 이화동

Seoul just wanted to be left alone. ​The 18.2-kilometer-long stone wall was erected during the Joseon Dynasty

to protect the capital.

A scenic walking tour goes from Dongdaemun (home of late-night trendy shopping centers) to Naksan Mountain,

stopping by the Seoul Seonggwak Fortress Wall then Naksan’s park and museum, and comes to an end

at Ehwajang, where Korea’s first president, Syngman Rhee, once lived.

1 Ewha-dong Jongno-gu Seoul

27. 강릉,안반댁길/Gangneung Anbandeok-gil

​​​​ 

강원도 강릉시 왕산면

Korea’s east coast destination. Thanks to its close proximity to Seoul (approximately three hours by express bus), Gangneung is one of the most popular year-round destinations in the country for domestic tourists.

The city is known for its mountains and beaches, and also has a wealth of cultural sites including a Confucian

school, museums and centuries-old hanok (traditional Korean architecture) estates.

Daegiri, Wangsangmyeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province

26. 광안리/Gwangalli

부산시 수연구 광안2동

Gwangan Bridge, Korea's longest suspension bridge, is one of Busan's iconic sights. ​Along with Haeundae,

Gwangalli is one of Busan’s iconic beaches. It can get ridiculously crowded during summer,

but has a laid-back vibe during off seasons.

Younger crowds like to come and drink in small groups on the beach.

192-20 Gwangan-2-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan

25. 소양호수/Soyang Lake

 ​

강원도 춘천시 북산면

Massive Soyang Lake’s nickname among locals is is “sea on land.” ​Soyang Lake owes its existence to Soyang

Dam, Asia’s largest rock-fill dam.

A hotspot for ice-fishing, the lake is known for its tranquility and picture-postcard scenery. Cheongpyeongsa

Temple, which dates to the Goryeo Dynasty, is nearby, and hiking trails to Obongsan Mountain are popular with

locals on weekends.

Buksan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon Province

24. 우포늪/Upo Wetlands

경상남도 창녕군 유어면 우포늪길

It’s best to visit in the morning or early evening to catch the prettiest views of rain, fog and fireflies.

​As the largest natural swamps in Korea, these wetlands are home to more than 1,000 species and span

5,550 square kilometers.

The wetlands have been protected since 1998, when they became part of the Ramsar List of Wetlands

of International Importance.

220, Uponeup-gil, Yueo-myeon, Changryeung-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

23.합천 다락논/Hapcheon daraknon

경상남도 합천군 합천면

In the autumn, the terraced rice paddies turn golden brown. ​While Hapcheon is known for its beautiful mountains

and temples (Haeinsa is one of Korea’s three “jewel temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site),

the terraced rice paddy fields of the area are also a wonderful sight.

"The rice paddies are the most striking on August afternoons, when they glow bright green,

" says photographer Im Jay-cheon.

Thin and long terraced rice paddy fields like these are called “daraknon,

” a North Korean term still used in the South.

Hapcheon-eup, Hapcheon-gun, South Gyeongsang Province

22. 부석사/Buseoksa

경상북도 영주시 부석면 부석사로

The calligraphy on the temple's signboard was written by Korea's first president. ​

The 108 steps between Cheonwang gate and Anyang gate at Buseoksa Temple represent the number

of cycles it takes for redemption from agony and evil.

Built in 676 during the Silla Dynasty, Buseoksa Temple is the oldest wooden building still standing in Korea.

"Every evening at 6 p.m. they ring the bell 33 times," says photographer Im.

"It's a sound that touches your heart and soaks into the land."

345, Buseoksa-ro, Buseok-myeon, Yeongju-si, North Gyeongsang Province

21. 금산, 보리암/Geumsan Boriam Temple

경상남도 남해군 상주면 상주리

A temple on "treasure island." ​If you pray at Geumsan Boriam Temple,

your prayers will be answered -- so people say, anyway.

Like most temples in Korea, Geumsan Boriam Temple offers a temple stay program

where visitors can spend the night and immerse themselves in the Buddhist way of eating,

sleeping and meditation.

48 Bukji-ri, Buseok-myeon, Yeongju-si, North Gyeongsang Province

20. 돌산대교/Dolsan Bridge

전라남도 여수시 돌산읍

Perfect for an evening walk. The longest cable-stayed bridge in Korea has become a local tourist attraction

in itself due to the dramatic way it's lit up at night.

Nearby attractions include a temple, a replica of Korea’s most famous attack ship, “Geobukseon,

” and a raw fish town.

Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, South Jeolla Province

19. 안동, 화회마을/Andong Hahoe Village

경상북도 안동시 풍천면 종가길

Queen Elizabeth paid a visit in 1999. ​Korea’s most iconic folk village has long been a birthplace for scholars and

nobles of the Ryu family.

Visitors can do a hanok stay, sleeping in a traditional Korean house and experiencing how

Korean nobles lived for hundreds of years.

40, Jongga-gil, Puncheon-myeon, Andong-si, North Gyeongsang Province

18. 오작교/Ojakgyo

전라북도 남원시 천거동

Setting for an epic love story. ​Meaning “crow and magpie bridge,” Ojakgyo is the setting for Korea’s most famous

love story, in which a couple is forced to live on either side of the Milky Way,

only to be reunited when magpies form a bridge.

Legend has it that real-life couples who cross this bridge together will love each other for eternity and

have healthy children.

Cheongeo-dong Namwon-si North Jeolla Province

17. 비량도/Biyangdo

제주도 제주시 한림읍

The legend of the flying island. ​This tiny island 15 minutes by boat from Jeju Island's Hallim Port is known

for its summer fishing.

Legend has it that this tiny island flew to its current spot from China 1,000 years ago.

Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Island

16. 삼화사/Samhwasa

강원도 동해시 무릉로

Where poems come from. Poets and painters have sought out Samhwasa Temple for centuries

for its incredible scenery.

The west peak of Dutasan Mountain, where the temple is located, is said to look like a phoenix and

a crane, while the east peak has the shape of a tiger and a dragon.

584 Mureung-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Province

15. 함덕/Hamdeok

제주도 제주시 조천읍 삼덕리

Fields of rapeseed flowers cover the landscape in summer. ​Hamdeok is a small seaside village located

30 minutes east of Jeju Airport.

As beautiful as they are, the fields of rapeseed flowers play second fiddle to Hamdeok’s sapphire beach,

a popular kayaking destination with calm waters.

Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-do, Jeju-si, Jeju Island

14. 협재 해변/Hyeupjae Beach

제주도 제주시 한림읍 협재리

A perfect day at a perfect beach. ​Ask any Korean travel writer about which beach they think is the most beautiful

in the country and nine times out of 10, their response will be Hyeupjae Beach.

OK, we lied. It’s 10 times out of 10.

2497-1 Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Island

13. 마라도/Marado

제주도 서귀포시 대정읍 마라리

It takes about three hours to see the whole island. ​While this island is relatively difficult to reach --

there’s a ferry that leaves only a handful of times each day from the south coast, at Moseulpo Harbor --

the trip is worth it for the views.

Tiny sculptures of famous lighthouses around the world stand in front of the island’s lighthouse.

There’s a jajangmyeon (black noodles) shop that delivers to anywhere on the island.

Mara-ri, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si

12. 용화 해변/Yonghwa Beach

강원도 삼척시 근덕면 용화해변길

This Gangwon Province city is known for its seafood.

This Samcheok city beach has a fragrant pine forest and a stream running alongside it,

making for a shaded happy holiday with the choice of playing in seawater or freshwater.

Camping sites cost only ₩ 10,000 ($9) per night.

Yonghwahaebyeon-gil, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon

11. 세화해변/Sehwa-ri

제주도 제주시 구좌읍 해화리

Seagulls flock to this small white beach, especially in the winter. ​“The road from Sehwa-ri to Seongsaneup,

home of fabulous sunsets, is beloved by the locals for its pretty scenery,” says photographer Kim Bong-sun.

The nearby Sehwajang market sells fresh seafood.

Gujwa-eup Jeju-si Jeju Island

10. 송악산/Songaksan

제주도 서귀포시 대정읍 산모리

Heaven for geologists. Not bad for the rest of us, either. ​Known for its 99 peaks,

this Jeju volcanic mountain has a crater spanning 500 meters in diameter that’s a sight to see,

apart from all the beautiful islands in the distance.

It takes only an hour to walk to the highest peak, which is 104 meters above sea level.

Sangmo-ri, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island

9. 우도/Udo 

제주시 우도면

The cow-shaped island, not the German metal band. ​Another satellite island off Jeju,

Udo has a wicked black pork barbecue that’s worth the journey.

The island is a 15-minute boat ride from Seongsan Harbor, about an hour’s drive from Jeju Airport.

Udo-myeon, Jeju-si

8. 용두암/Yongduam

제주도 제주시 용담1동

"Dragon head rock." See it? ​Yongduam, meaning “dragon head rock,

” is a must-visit spot for Jeju Island tourists.

Rough weather makes for a dramatic shot of waves crashing against the rock.

“The best spot to see it from is about 50 meters away, rather than actually climbing the spot itself,

” says Kim.

Yongdam-1-dong Jeju-si Jeju Island

7. 천지연 폭포/Cheonjiyeon Falls

제주도 서귀포시 천지동

Fairies' bathtub. ​The beautiful waterfall takes its name, which means “the pond of the gods,

” from a legend about seven heavenly attendants coming down to earth to bathe in the pond.

To honor the legend, a Seven Fairies Festival is held each May.

666-7 Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island

6. 토끼섬/Tokkiseom

제주도 제주시 구좌읍 하도리

Rabbit Island. ​When covered in white flowers in summer (this is the only place in Korea where crinum grows),

this small island off Jeju is said to look like a white rabbit from a distance.

Hence its name, which means “rabbit island.”

Hadori, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si

5. 영암/Yeongam

전라남도 영암군 영암읍

Yeongam's latest endeavors include hosting Korea's first Grand Prix, with mixed results.

Although the county of Yeongam in the South Jeolla province has been in the local headlines

in the past few years for its controversial hosting of Korea’s first Grand Prix, the county is a pleasant,

leisurely place to visit.

Local attractions include temples, ancient tombs and traditional estates.

Yeongam-gun Yeongam-eup South Jeolla Province

4. 밀량 만어사/Miryang Maneosa

경상남도 밀량시 만어산

Cultural immersion experience. ​

The thousands of floatstones around this ancient temple are supposedly fishes that were turned into stone.

According to more legends, the five-meter-long rock on the temple site is the son of the dragon king

who was also turned into stone.

Wishing on the rock is said to grant sons to women who could not conceive them before.

Maneosan, Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province

3. 성산 일출봉/Seongsan Ilchungbong

제주도 제주시 성산읍 성산리

Good morning.

Korea’s most famous “sunrise peak” is a 5,000-year-old volcanic crater.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with views like this every morning, it’s a magnet for photographers from

all over the country.

1 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwip, Jeju-si

2. 창덕궁/Changdeokgung

서울 종로구 율곡로

It's not just our favorite palace, it was the favorite of many a prince throughout the Joseon Dynasty. ​

The second oldest of the five grand palaces in the country, Changdeokgung

(not to be confused with Changgyeonggung) is home to a number of exceptionally beautiful spots,

even for a palace.

The most treasured of these is Biwon, the palace's back garden, a veritable lover's lane on any given evening.

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

​ 1. 한라산/Halla Mountain

제주도 제주시

Hiking is allowed only during the day. ​

The highest mountain in Korea is also Jeju Island’s most iconic landmark and

home to approximately 4,000 different animal species.

The hiking trails are exquisitely developed, but the fickle weather can be daunting.

Haean-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju Island

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