Top 10 Most Visited Cities in South Korea 2024

Are you ready to dive into South Korea's vibrant culture and stunning nature? Our guide will take you to the top 10 cities you must visit in 2024. From Seoul's busy streets to Jeju's peaceful, South Korea has it all. Get ready to explore the best spots in these amazing cities¹.

Key Takeaways

• South Korea's top 10 cities in 2024 are full of diverse attractions, from busy cities to quiet nature spots.
• Seoul, the capital, is the top spot for visitors, with a mix of old and new sights.
• Jeju Island is a close second, famous for its beautiful volcanoes and unique culture.
• The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) lets visitors experience modern history up close.
• Busan, Gyeongju, and other cities highlight South Korea's efforts to keep its culture and nature alive.

10. Geoje

Geoje is a beautiful city off South Korea's southern coast. It's known for its stunning nature, history, and modern spots². Being the second biggest island in Korea, Geoje is famous for its many English speakers².

Historical Highlights

The Geoje POW Camp Museum is a key historical spot. It was a prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War². Now, it lets visitors explore the island's past. Geoje also has many Buddhist temples, like the Tongdosa Temple, considered one of South Korea's three jewels.

The 'Haegeumgang + Oedo' tour is a favorite on Geoje Island². It shows off the island's beauty. Oedo Island, a private island, is filled with a 44,000-pyeong camellia forest and subtropical plants².

Outdoor lovers will enjoy Geoje's hiking, kayaking, and the Oedo Botania garden². Windy Hill is also a hit for its views and activities like jet boating and parasailing².

The Homigot Sunrise Plaza has the Hands of Harmony and the Sacred Fire Altar². The Millennium Eye turns the sun's infrared rays into heat, adding to its charm².

Geoje's beauty and history make it a top spot for travelers. It's perfect for those interested in ulsan tourist hotspots, jeju island travel, daegu sightseeing, gwangju tourist destinations, daejeon city guide, ulsan visitor hotspots, changwon points of interest, and incheon city tour³²⁴.

9. Daegu

Daegu is a city in South Korea that is full of life and history. It's known as the fourth-largest city and is famous for its textile industry, earning it the nickname "the City of Textiles."⁵ The city has a long history that goes back to prehistoric times. This makes it a great place for those who love to explore Korea's history.

Historical Highlights

The Seomun Market is a key spot in Daegu with roots in the Joseon dynasty⁶. Here, visitors can walk through narrow alleys and see stalls with traditional textiles, clothes, and food. It's a lively place that shows off the city's cultural side.

The Donghwasa Temple is another important site. It's a Buddhist temple in the mountains above Daegu. The temple's design and peaceful setting offer a break from the city's noise. It lets visitors feel connected to the area's spiritual and cultural roots.

Daegu also has traditional hanok villages that show off its old architecture. These areas have unique roofs and wooden buildings. They give visitors a peek into the past and the beauty of Korean culture.

But Daegu is more than just history. It's also a place of innovation and care for the environment. It won a prize for its work on urban streams and the Nakdonggang River in 2006⁷. Since 2016, it's been working on becoming a Smart City with AI robots and better bus systems⁷.

If you like history, culture, or new ideas, Daegu is a great place to visit⁷⁶⁵.

8. Gyeongju

Gyeongju is known as the "museum without walls." It's a city deeply tied to Korean history and culture. It was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, one of the three ancient kingdoms of Korea. Today, it's filled with historical sites that take visitors back in time⁸.

Historical Highlights

The Gyeongju National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's full of royal tombs, temples, and pagodas from the Silla era⁸. The Cheomseongdae Observatory is a highlight, believed to be one of the oldest in the world⁸. Don't miss the Bulguksa Temple, a beautiful eighth-century Buddhist temple known for its stunning architecture and peaceful gardens⁸.

The Gyeongju National Museum has a vast collection of artifacts from the Silla era. This includes the Cheonmachong Tomb, found in 1973 with over 11,500 artifacts⁸. Another spot is the Anapji Pond, a man-made pond from the 7th century made by King Munmu to celebrate the unification of Korea⁸.

Gyeongju is a top spot for those wanting to dive into Korean history and culture. It's perfect for exploring daegu sights, gwangju destinations, and busan travel⁹. Spring and late autumn are the best times to visit, offering fewer crowds and pleasant weather to enjoy the city's daejeon points of interest and suwon local culture⁸.

Whether you're into incheon city guide, ulsan visitor spots, or gwangju art and culture, Gyeongju offers a unique look into Korea's past⁹. It's a city full of historical sites, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Gyeongju is a must-see for anyone exploring the daegu culinary scene and the rich incheon airport transit experience in South Korea⁹⁸¹⁰.

7. Jeonju