South Korea Countryside: 30 Unknown Places Worth To Visit!
Looking for hidden gems and anti-mainstream spots in South Korea? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, I will share hidden gems in the South Korea countryside you never knew before!
Most people visit the mainstream capital city of Seoul, Busan and the wonderful Jeju Island. When traveling to South Korea, these three major destinations come to mind. However, surely Korea offers a lot more than that.
After a few years of staying in South Korea and surfing the internet, I found some of the best spots in the South Korean countryside to visit during your travel time! Let’s take a look at each one of them.
Table of Contents
South Korea Countryside
There are a lot of anti-mainstream and also underrated place all over South Korea countryside you can visit including.
1. Jeonju
If you’re a true Korea lovers, you might already heard about Jeonju Hanok Village. It is a village in Jeonju City that houses about 735 traditional Korean Hanok houses. Jeonju Hanok village retains its historical charms, making it a must-visit destination if you want to feel the traditional Korean village vibes.
Hanok has its unique style of roof edges that raise to the sky and is divided into two sections, Anchae and Sarangchae.
Since during that time men and women had to remain separated, so the Sarangchae serve as the place where men dwells, while anchae is the place for women, which located deep inside the house.
Since Korean love to sit down and even sleep on the floor, they need to make sure the floor remains at a good warm temperature, that’s how Ondol (unique korean heating system) was created.
If you feel bored with cultural travels in Jeonju, you can shop in Gaeksa or see more attractions in Jeonju, such as Jaman Mural Village and Deokjin Park. Make sure to add this south korea countryside to your next visit!
2. Andong
Andong is another city where you can find your quiet time out of the hustle and bustle of the capital city lifestyle.
This city is famous for its relaxing vibes and preservation of Korean traditions, making it perfect for those who want to find peace yet still want to have some folk cultural experience.
Many might not realize or know that Soju was born in Andong City. Back then, during the 13th century in South Korea, Soju was used for medical purposes.
Koreans believe Soju could help cure ailing people suffering from various diseases such as toxic insect bites and stomach aches.
Credit to Korea Times
Queen Elizabeth II even celebrated her 73rd birthday in Andong City in 1999, and Prince Andrew commemorated the Queens visit two years ago in 2019.
Credit to The Korea Times
This unknown city is also known among locals for its Mask Dance Festival, held at Hahooe Folk Village. If you love to see Korean cultural performances, you can visit here during the festival.
Credit to @8eunseo8
Besides being good at cultural preservation, this south korea countryside is also great in its cuisine. Andong is also famous for its jjimdak – a braised chicken marinated in soy sauce served with vegetables and noodles.
3. Damyang
Damyang County (Damyang-gun) is a south korea countryside that is well known for its Bamboo forest, a great and relaxing experience you can do while traveling south Korea.
You can spend the whole afternoon walking around Juknokwon among all the trees.
Ensure you also try their Bamboo Nutella ice cream while walking around Damyang’s beautiful Bamboo forest. Just lose yourself in nature and find your inner peace.
4. Suwon
I believe you might already see this gate all over instagram if you follow korean photographers. This city is the capital of Gyeonggi Province, famous for its stone wall and four pagoda-topped arched gates.
Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is one of the most visited attractions by tourists.
Besides Hwaseong Haenggung, you can also check out Gwanggyo Lake Park and Galleria Gwanggyo for some good pictures.
5. Buyeo
Buyeo is another great place for you who love traditional Korean culture. If you have watched Moon Lovers, you will easily notice the wonderful Baekje Cultural Land where they filmed.
Besides Baekje cultural land, you can also find the Royal Tombs and Seongheungsan Mountain here.
This unknown place used to be Baekje Kingdom’s capital city, which ended as the Silla Kingdom invaded during the 7th Century. To add to your explore list, you can find ancient temples, fortresses, shrines, and other monuments here.
However, there are more things to do in Buyeo than just the traditional and historical attractions. Buyeo is a nature lover heaven, filled with ponds, lotus flowers, calm rivers, fortress forests, and beautiful parks.
Don’t forget to take pictures here as you travel this south korea countryside; this is the famous ‘Sarang Namu‘ Zelkova Love tree that was featured in many various Korean dramas.
6. Yeosu
Credit to @highclass153
Yeosu is another underrated countryside city on South Korea’s East China Sea coast. Most travelers will never even consider visiting this place when traveling to South Korea.
Credit to @de_fatal
The common to-do list activity in this south korea countyside is to explore various island all over their beautiful beach, other than visiting the Yi Sun-Shin statue and World Expo 2012.
Credit to @yeosu_laterrace_official
Some of the beaches you can visit here, such as Manseongri Beach. Mosageum Beach, Ungcheon Beach and Jangdeung Beach.
Credit to KTO
Odongdo (오동도) is one of the best islands you must visit in Yeosu. It is the most accessible island, as you can walk from the port.
Credit to @honeytaeng_e
In addition, you can also try the Yeosu cable car, Angel’s Valley and Paragliding experience.
If you are an extreme sports lover, walk in the sky above a small glass floor in Yeosu Artland Culture and Resort. This place is also an exotic resort that offers insta-worthy photo zones with iconic art sculptures and facilities.
7. Jinhae
Jinhae-gu is a district in Changwon City famous for its annual spring festival. This South Korea Countryside is the most visited place when it comes to cherry blossom spots. The downside is that Jinhae is a really small city, so there’s not much to do here.
The other upside of this south korea countryside is that since it is a small city, you can easily see all the cherry blossom trees all over the city.
8. Pohang
Credit to @Sso_danim
Pohang is a city in the province of North Gyeongsang and a main seaport in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. The city is divided into two wards, Northern Ward and Southern Ward.
Credit to @Sso_danim
A new hotspot was made in late 2021 name Space Walk and is currently open to the public. You can enjoy the roller coaster walk while enjoying 360 views of the great city, yeongil bay and beach.
Credit to @lovyeun
In addition, You can stay in March Blue Pool Villa; this villa has also become a hotspot for couples to stay together, looking at the beautiful beach and clear sunrise views.
9. Dongducheon
Dongducheon is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, located north of Seoul. This city used to be a very important defense city in South Korea’s history.
In this city, you can find Nijimori Studio, a wonderful Japanese-style theme park to take some pictures with your loved ones, especially because this city is not far from Seoul.
This place was back then served as a filming set for several dramas that included Japanese scenery before transforming into a theme park for the public.
This village allows you to feel Japanese life back then during Edo Era. You can find all Japanese buildings and facilities here, with all furniture imported and shipped directly from Japan.
10. Nonsan
Credit to @clarissacindy
Nonsan is a city in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea; it originally came from a small garden, “Nolmoe,” which rises in the middle of farming fields.
While this city is not popular among tourists, this city is featured in some Korean dramas, in which one of them is Mr. Sunshine and Our Beloved Summer.
One of the most famous spots here is Nonsan Onbit Recreational Forest, famous for its beautiful metasequoia line road and a two-story isolated house featured in Our Beloved Summer.
Another must-visit spot in Nonsan is Sunshine Studio, which used to be a filming spot for many historical Korean dramas. If you want to look for vintage Korean vibes, you must visit this place.
11. Goseong County
Goseong is a county in Gangwon Province, South Korea. You can find beautiful nature, temples, and scenic sites where you can emerge yourself with the universe.
Credit to @heyhy0
A pension called ‘Ajiro Pension‘ offers a beautiful sleep experience on the side of a beautiful beach. It feels like sleeping with ASMR all the time.
Credit to @heyhy0
They also offer a bath with a full glass window for you to enjoy the beautiful waves of the sea as you bathe here, so there’s no time wasted.
Besides Ajiro Pension, you can also go to Sono Felice Village Delfino, where you can experience Swiss vibes village in Korea.
12. Seonjaedo Island
Credit to @minhee_k_
Seonjaedo is an island in Incheon that allows you to feel ‘Bali’ or ‘Jeju’ vibes near the city without the need to fly to Jeju.
Seonjae-do itself means “Fairy Island.” This island is connected to the mainland through a sandy path that only appears during the low tide.
Credit to @minhee_k_
Seonjaedo Island is also a bridged island that connects Daebudo and Yeongheungdo Islands. Perfect for a short escape to enjoy the beach with a beautiful sunset.
13. Seosan
Credit to @minwoo_park7781
Seosan is located along the west coast of South Korea. It shares Cheonsuman Bay, one of the most famous migration staging areas for birds in South Korea, with other cities.
The city government built a theme park, Seosan Birdland, where you can see models of migratory birds and learn some information about them.
Credit to @minwoo_park7781
You can also visit Ganwolam, a hidden treasure in Seosan; at low tide, it is connected to the land, but at high tide, it looks like an isolated and separated island.
Master Mu Hak built Ganwolam during the early Joseon Dynasty before being destroyed and rebuilt by Master Mangong.
14. Wonju
Wonju is another place worth visiting to travel in Gangwon-do areas in South Korea. It is located about 140 km east of Seoul’s capital city. This city was one of the most important sites during the Korean War.
Credit to @jeung_anna
Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge is one of the main attractions in Wonju. It is the longest and highest scale among mountain pedestrian bridges.
The thrill of walking on this bridge is great for those extreme sports lovers, and the skywalk next to the bridge offers an amazing view of the surroundings.
15. Gangneung
Gangneung is a coastal city boast of beautiful views of the East Sea and lush pine forests. It has a diverse cultural heritage and is well known for its cafe and coffee culture.
For BTS ARMY, you can visit this BTS Bus Stop in Gangneung while enjoying the beautiful views of jumunjin beach.
After finishing strolling around what gangneung has to offer, you can also experience this Jungdongjin Sun Cruise Resort. It is a premium cruise resort on land that perfectly captures the sunrise as you bask in elegant relaxation.
Credit to @hne._.yng
If you prefer to stay in a hotel overlooking the ocean, then @your_anmok_in_jumunjin might be for you. This hotel is also a great place to enjoy the sunrise surrounded with a beautiful sea.
16. Gurye
Gurye is a county in the province of Jeollanam-do; it is a small county with picturesque farming areas between Jirisan and the Seomjin River. You can also come here during the early spring Gurye Sansuyu festival to feel the rural nature vibes filled with yellow color trees.
17. Boseong
Boseong County is a county in South Jeolla Province famous for its green tea leaves and plantation. About 26.71 hectares of land are dedicated to producing green tea leaves. This Korean countryside has been home to tea cultivation since 300’s BC, and most of the tea process here uses traditional and organic methods.
There is a lot to do than just looking the beautiful plantation here; some of them are visit the museum and try their iconic green tea ice cream or go to the picturesque green tea cafes here.
18. Suncheon
Suncheon is a city well known for its Suncheon Bay reed field. Suncheonman Bay’s reed field covers an area of approximately 495,867 sqm, making it perfect for those who want to see real Korean nature.
The iconic reed fields in Suncheonman Bay are so beautiful, especially as it’s sway by the wind; it looks like watching the waves on the sea.
19. Paju
Credit to @rockerleego
Paju is an artistic and historical city located in the Gyeonggi region in South Korea. You can also find the famous DMZ Tour – the Third Tunnel of Aggression.
Credit to @_e.del
Heyri Art Valley, located close to DMZ areas, is an art complex with more than 50 art galleries and museums; it began as a small art community that aims to inspire, create, and educate. It was named after Paju’s local song, Heyri Sound, sung by farmers in the past.
Credit to @jean_of_life
For cafe hoppers, you can find here Dirty Trunk, the cafe that just became one of the hotspots in Paju, known for its signature coffee, American-style food, as well as spacious and industrial vibes interior style cafe.
Paju English Village was established in 2006 as the first residential camp to learn English in South Korea.
This village was built to resemble a British European town to ensure those who know English here immerse themselves in Western Vibes.
Unfortunately, it closed down in 2016 and now operates under ChangeUp Campus (CUC).
20. Geoje
Credit to @jisun_trip
This beautiful city, well known for its crystal clear oceans, is in South Gyeongsang province. Geoje offers many tourist attractions, like seafood and anything related to the oceans.
Credit to @geoje_prisoncamp
Besides beaches and waters, Geoje also contains many historical values. You can find the largest Prisoner of War Camp, a Camp during the Korean War that was used for North Korean prisoners.
Credit to @wony428
In addition, you can also find a small Maemiseong fortress here. It’s name came from the name of the Typhoon that hit this place in 2003 that caused lots of destructions especially to the crops and nearby village.
Credit to @jk_gonji
Another historic site you can find here is Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park. This historical park was built back then in 1996 as a memorial of the Okpo Battle that took place during the Im Jin War under the leadership of Admiral Yi Sun Sin.
The spot in the picture above is the hidden gem of Geoje, namely Oedo Botania. Oedo Botania is a botanical garden inspired island designed with a European theme style that houses more than a thousand kinds of plants. This view should be enough to satisfy your eyes needs of green nature scenery and endless blue oceans.
21. Daegu
Credit to @9_hyun_2
Daegu is a city amid Busan and Seoul in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. This city is also known as the fourth metropolitan city in Korea, well known by the famous E-World 83 Tower, the observatory spot similar to Seoul 63 Building.
Credit to Space in Space
Besides boasting a tower observatory, Daegu also boasts of its Opera House, a six-story building that hosts various performances with an amazing sound system.
Credit to Daegu Tourist Information Website
You can also find one of the best major markets in Korea here, namely Seomun Market.
Credit to @sabina.niftalieva
If you are a stargazer, then you can go to Apsan Park. It is the perfect spot for those who love to see the night lights of the city and the clear views of the stars in the sky.
22. Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a city you can’t visit just once in a lifetime. You need to come here at least twice; this city has a lot to see. Besides Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village, you can also visit Anapji Pond, Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae and more.
While many cities and countryside I shared previously focus on the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongju is a historical evidence of the Silla Kingdom. It was the capital of the Silla Kingdom from 57 BC to 935 AD, and you can easily recognize it from all its architecture and landmarks.
You can find one of the best cherry blossom spots in Gyeongju, namely Bomun Pavillion; it is so romantic that you don’t want to miss it as you travel to Gyeongju.
In addition, you can visit this Bomun Colosseum cafe as you travel Gyeongju with your loved ones; this is one of the most popular photo zones for couples.
Hanok Style Starbucks in Gyeongju is another great cafe for a quick coffee break and a traditional hanok experience as you travel here.
23. Uljin
Jukbyeon Coast SkyRail is a hidden gem in Uljin and is currently the latest new hotspot, created in 2022. This SkyRail offers a smooth slow 5km/hour speed and the closest view of the beautiful Uljin Sea with its surroundings.
24. Gapyeong
Credit to @emotional_photo_
Pinocchio Village in Gapyeong is the first Italian cultural theme park in Korea. The founder is Chairman Han, who also created ‘Petite France,’ a cultural village with the concept of France and the Little Prince.
You already know this garden from movies, pictures or Korean dramas, as it is often featured in many Korean series for its four seasons of beauty.
You can enjoy cherry blossoms during spring, hydrangea during summer, fall foliage in autumn, and a lighting festival in winter.
25. Asan
Blue Crystal Village is a village that is lined with buildings inspired by the architecture of Greece’s Santorini, Parthenon and South France’s Provence. If you want to feel Santorini vibes as you travel Korea, check this out.
26. Gimpo
Credit to @__anko__chil__
La Veniche March Avenue is an outdoor shopping complex inspired by Venice in Gimpo. At this popular destination, you can find cute little stores, cafes and restaurants along the serene waterway.
27. Pocheon
Herb Island is one of the great places to feel Mediterranean Sea vibes in Korea; worth to visit and taking some beautiful pictures as you travel.
It is the first herb plant museum in the world and the largest botanical garden in Korea. This island offers various experiences with herbs.
28. Namhae
This German Village is located in Namhae, built for Korean residents who returned from living in Germany. Many Korean lived in Germany during the modernization of Korea in the 1960s. The area is now a unique tourist spot related to German culture.
29. Boryeong
Sky rail biking at Daecheon Beach is one activity you don’t want to miss in the Boryeong areas. This 20-minute sky ride offers the experience of riding above the waters and fully panoramic ocean views.
30. Gwacheon
Credit to @lasunnysunshine
Gwacheon is known as a family city, packed with many attractions that will appeal to children. One is Seoul Grand Park, a representative interest in Gwacheon that houses the Seoul Zoo, Seoul Land Amusement Park, Botanical Garden, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), and more.
Sum Up
There is no end to hidden gems and unknown spots in South Korea that are worth visiting!
You all can agree; it’s mainly because South Korea is actively building this nation! So, there will be no end to new attractions and places!
Here is a list of anti-mainstream yet beautiful cities and South Korea countryside you can travel to other than Seoul, Busan and Jeju.
I will keep updating this list whenever we find new hidden gems and places to explore. Make sure you save this and put some on your travel bucket list.
Check out our another article:
