In addition to the megacity of Seoul, you can also visit lesser-known cities.
South Korea attracts many tourists with its unique culture, which combines deep traditions and advanced technologies, as well as stunning nature and the K-pop industry.
Predictably, most tourists flock to the South Korean capital, Seoul, unjustly overlooking other interesting places.
Experienced traveler Justin Lee, who visits South Korea almost every year, mentioned four alternative cities that can replace the expensive and crowded Seoul in a conversation with Business Insider.
"I was born in South Korea and moved to the United States when I was 5 years old. Since then, I return there almost every year. Usually, when people ask me for travel recommendations in South Korea, they actually want ideas on what to do in Seoul. I understand why tourists flock to the capital of South Korea: Seoul is the center of incredible culture, technology, entertainment, fashion, and cuisine. However, in my opinion, you miss out on a lot if you don’t visit some other, lesser-known cities that contribute to the life of South Korea," she noted. Here are four wonderful cities in South Korea worth visiting.
Busan – The Maritime Capital of South Korea
According to Justin, this huge trading port and seaside resort, located about four hours south of Seoul, is a popular summer vacation spot where you can also enjoy delicious fresh seafood.
"However, you don’t have to think of Busan solely as a summer getaway: my favorite time to visit Busan is in the fall when the days are sunny and the nights are cool and filled with salty sea air," the girl notes.
She names the Gamcheon Cultural Village as her favorite spot in Busan – a steep slope dotted with hundreds of brightly painted houses. During the Korean War, this area was created as a settlement for refugees. Later, Gamcheon was restored and adorned with bright colors to attract tourists.
Justin also recommends visiting Haeundae Beach in Busan to enjoy the incredible sunrise, Jagalchi Market, where excellent fish is sold, and the food lane of Nampo-dong, where you can try the best street food.
Suwon – An Ideal Escape from the Capital's Noise
This small town is a great getaway for those planning to spend most of their trip to South Korea in Seoul but dreaming of an easy day trip in a relaxed atmosphere – you can reach Suwon from the capital by bus in just an hour.
As Justin notes, the main attraction of this very quiet city is the towering Hwaseong Fortress, which runs through its center. It was built in the 18th century to protect the city and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
"I love walking along the fortress – due to the absence of high-rise buildings, it’s a great way to enjoy the urban landscapes that combine traditional houses, cozy little cottages, and low industrial buildings. Along the entire historical fortress, there are many unassuming, cute cafes where you can enjoy delicious coffee and desserts," she notes.
Gyeongju – For Immersion in Ancient History
This city was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, which dominated the territory of modern South Korea around the turn of our era, and it is full of attractions that bring the country’s rich history to life.
From the majestic Bulguksa Temple and the mystical Seokguram Grotto to the ancient royal tombs scattered throughout Tumuli Park, the city offers a rare opportunity to glimpse Korea's royal past and its Buddhist roots, Justin notes.
She also strongly recommends trying hwan-nam-ppan in Gyeongju – a small soft pastry with a sweet red bean filling.
Incheon – More than Seoul's Aviation Hub
"Anyone arriving in South Korea will instantly recognize Incheon, at least by name. It is home to the country’s largest international airport. However, long before the airport was established in 2001, the Incheon port existed, through which goods from China arrived and were sold. The port also paved the way for the creation of Incheon’s Chinatown, where the combination of Chinese and Korean cuisine has been preserved in a small number of outstanding restaurants in the area," the girl said.
She recommended strolling through the streets and alleys of this area while snacking on street food.
"Personally, I particularly enjoy the giant fried dumplings and tteokbokki, or fruit skewers in sugar glaze, that I tried there. If you have the chance, enjoy a meal of jajangmyeon, a Chinese-Korean dish of noodles with black beans, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of this vibrant area," Justin added.
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