6 Best-Kept Secret Places in Korea

If there’s one rule of thumb in Korea, it seems to be “if it’s crowded, then it must be good”.

While that may be true for some mainstream attractions, there are just as many incredible little-known attractions that are scattered around the country, without the crazy crowds!

South Korea has far more to offer than massive shopping malls and skyscrapers. These 6 hidden gems in Korea will make you seriously consider ditching the overcrowded N Seoul Tower. 😍

🕶️ Check this out: How to Travel to South Korea in 2022

Photo credit: www.roamad.com

Gwanaksan Mountain

Spanning 632.2 metres in height, Gwanaksan Mountain is the pride and joy of the Gwanak-gu district in Seoul. At the top, you’ll find spectacular views of Seoul, a weather station that monitors all of Korea’s weather patterns, and a temple and hermitage built in 677AD perched precariously on the side of the mountain. In spring, you’ll find cherry blossoms in full bloom at the entrance.

📍1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul

Haneul Park

There are many parks scattered around Seoul, but Haneul Park is the real hidden gem with its gorgeous Japanese Pampas Grass. It’s one of five parks situated inside the World Cup Park, which was built to commemorate the 17th Fifa World Cup.

The best time to visit Haneul Park is in October for the annual Silver Grass Festival. Besides the beautiful view, you’ll also find music concerts, craft exhibitions, and a stunning view of the Han River.

📍 121-250 95, Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Photo credit: www.theculturetrip.com

Minsokchan

Gyeonggi-do is one of South Korea’s best-kept secrets, located only 1.5 hours away from Seoul. It’s brimming with plenty of cultural sights, activities, and breathtaking sceneries, like Minsokchan.

It’s a relocated Korean folk village with 270 restored houses from different parts of the country from the Joseon dynasty. Here, you can catch a glimpse of traditional life in Korea of that dynasty, wear traditional outfits, and participate in folk activities.

P.S. It’s also a famous filming location for K-Dramas, like Kingdom and Dae Jang Geum!

📍 South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Yongin-si, Giheung-gu, Minsokchon-ro, 90 KR

🕶️ Fun read: How To Save Money While Travelling

Photo credit: www.mykoreatrip.com

Jangsado Sea Park

A 40-minute ferry ride away from Tongyeong, Jangsado Sea Park is a hidden gem that you won’t want to miss. It’s famous for its gorgeous camellia flowers that bloom in the winter and hydrangea flowers that bloom in the summer.

Jangsado Sea Park is also a popular location where many K-Dramas were filmed, such as the iconic rainbow bridge from One Warm World, and the camellia tunnel in You Who Came From The Stars. Try searching for these spots for your big movie screen moment!

📍 55, Jangsado-gil, Hansan-myeon, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Photo credit: www.tripadvisor.com

Dongdaemun Secondhand Book Street

If you’re a bookworm or on the hunt for a rare book, you won’t want to miss Dongdaemun Secondhand Book Street. It’s an entire street dedicated to books and filled with rare finds and limited editions that you won’t find in mainstream bookstores.

📍 20, Jangchungdan-ro 13-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Seochon Village

This charming village is a testament to where the past meets the present. It’s lined with traditional hanok houses that are over 500 years old, quaint art galleries, and sophisticated cafes.

Seochon Village is one of Seoul’s oldest neighbourhoods and is the birthplace of King Sejong, the creator of Korean Alphabets. He’s also the face on the green Korean 10,000 won banknotes!

While you’re there, make sure you stop by Dae-oh Bookstore, which has been around since 1951!

📍 Cheongunhyoja-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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