It’s wild to me that it’s been exactly four months since we left South Korea. I think we may actually have left a little bit of my heart there, as well because, as I’m sure many can attest, South Korea is one of those places that burrows deep into your soul. The people, the culture, the food, the views…all of it leave such a lasting impression that it’s often hard to believe that that chapter of our life is closed. Nevertheless, I find South Korea on my mind most days, and today I wanted to share 5 beautiful places in South Korea that are so stunning they almost don’t feel real.
Our Top 5 Beautiful Places in South Korea
First, let me caveat this with the fact that there are more beautiful places in South Korea than I could ever count. These five things, however, left a deep, lasting impression on us, and they’re definitely sights we won’t soon forget! If you’re military and moving to the ROK, or you’re simply visiting South Korea, here are five things you won’t want to miss.
Jangtaesan Recreational Forest (in Autumn)
First, let me caveat this with the fact that Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is always beautiful. In autumn, however, the colors are next level. The towering trees look like a wildfire, and with one of Korea’s eponymous bridges rising from the midst of it all, it’s a sight to behold. Grab a quick coffee at the base of the park, explore the playgrounds below, then either walk the bridge, climb to the top, or simply walk beneath the sea of orange. Either way, it’s sure to take your breath away.
Address: For Naver – 대전광역시 서구 장안로 461; For Waze – 461, Jangan-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon
The War Memorial of Korea in Seoul
If you know a thing or two about South Korea, you know about the brutality of the Korean war, as well as the lingering threat of our neighbors to the north. The War Memorial of Korea in Seoul is located conveniently just outside the walk-in gate of Yongsan Army Garrison and right by Dragon Hill Lodge. With aircrafts and vehicles for visitors to walk in (including a ship that was shot down), multiple memorials, and a towering hall filled with the names of thousands of servicemembers, it’s a sight to behold.
Address: For Naver – 서울특별시 용산구 이태원로 29 – For Waze – 29, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04353
The Pohang Space Walk
During our time in Korea, we quickly learned that South Korea does everything extra. And I mean extra. The Pohang Space Walk is no exception. Located in an inconspicuous area of industry, the Pohang Space Walk soars 25 meters high above the surrounding areas, including Youngil Bay and Youngildae Beach. Whilst it was definitely a one-and-done sort of adventure for us, it was one of those things that didn’t feel real and felt incredibly futuristic.
Address: For Naver: 경상북도 포항시 북구 환호공원길 30 – For Waze –Duho-dong, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress at Night
There are many fortresses in South Korea, but Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress might be my favorite of all. It’s beautiful during the day, but at night? It’s epic. There’s also a tethered balloon you can enjoy that lifts you far above the city to view the lights below. There’s something almost surreal about it, and we loved the beauty and stillness juxtaposed with the city at night.
Address: For Naver – 경기도 수원시 장안구 수성로 320
Gamcheon Culture Village
Located in Busan, is often on many a traveler’s list for South Korea, and it’s absolutely worth a visit if you’re in the area of the bustling seaport city. Just about 25 minutes from Busan’s city center, this residential community is located high above the sea and is bathed in color. Because it’s so high up, it was just far enough away to avoid the hardest hit areas of the war. Today, it’s a beautiful blend of old and new, displaying the rich heritage of South Korea through art, food, photo ops, and tradition.
Address: For Naver – 부산광역시 사하구 감내2로 203 – For Waze – 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
There are obviously far more than just 5 beautiful places in South Korea. We lived there for two years and never ran out of things to do – and probably never would. Do we hope to go back (preferably sooner than later?!) Absolutely! For now though, we bask in all the beautiful memories we have of our time on the peninsula.
Have you ever been to South Korea? Would you want to visit?
