I was born in South Korea and moved to the United States when I was 5 years old. I’ve traveled back almost every year since.
Usually, when people ask me for South Korean travel recommendations, what they really want are ideas for things to do in Seoul.
I can understand why tourists flock to the capital city of South Korea: Seoul is a hub for incredible culture, technology, entertainment, fashion, and cuisine.
However, if you ask me, you would be missing out if you didn’t pay a visit to some of the other, lesser-known cities that contribute to the heartbeat of South Korea.
Here are five of my favorite cities to visit in South Korea that aren’t Seoul.
I always go the distance for Busan
About four hours south of Seoul lies Busan. Growing up, my family visited this city over the summer to swim in the sea, soak up the sun, and eat incredibly fresh seafood.
You don’t have to treat Busan exclusively as a warm-weather getaway, though: My favorite season to visit Busan is actually in the fall, when the days are sunny and the nights are breezy with sea-salt air.
My favorite destination in Busan is Gamcheon Culture Village, a steep slope dotted with hundreds of colorfully painted homes.
During the Korean War, this area was created as a settlement for refugees. Gamcheon was later restored and enhanced with brightly colored exterior paint to attract tourism.
Today, Gamcheon Village stands as a beloved landmark in Busan, where visitors can get lost in the twisted alleyways and enjoy stunning views overlooking the hilly scenery.
I strongly recommend that anyone who visits Busan dedicate one morning to waking up early and watching the sunrise over Haeundae Beach.
In my opinion, the view alone can wash away any negative feelings, even for a brief moment.
When you’re in Busan, don’t forget to check out the Jagalchi Market for excellent fish and the Nampo-dong Food Alley for the best street food.
Suwon is a chill day trip from Seoul
If you want to stay in Seoul for most of your trip but crave an easy day trip with a laid-back vibe, Suwon is your answer. Whenever I take the hourlong bus trip, excitement brews in my stomach.
The main attraction of this very chill city is the Hwaseong Fortress, a towering stone-and-brick fortress that passes through the center city of Suwon. It was built in the 18th century to protect the city and, in 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
I love to walk the length of the fortress — because of the lack of high-rise buildings, this is an excellent way to take in the scenery of the city, which has a mix of traditional houses, cozy little cottages, and low-rise industrial buildings.
Running along the length of the historical site, the city has many unassuming, cute cafés where you can get delicious coffee drinks and desserts.
It’s nice to sit down outside one of them and lose track of time, soaking up the beautiful street art that paints the alleyways of Suwon.
Gyeongju is rich with history
Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju is filled with landmarks that bring the country’s deep history to life.
From the grand Bulguksa Temple and the mystical Seokguram Grotto to the ancient royal tombs scattered throughout Tumuli Park, the city offers a rare glimpse into Korea’s royal past and Buddhist origins.
Strolling through Gyeongju, especially during the later hours of the day, immerses you in a peaceful blend of quiet ponds and lantern-lit walkways.
You can’t leave Gyeongju without Hwangnam-ppang, a small soft pastry filled with sweet red-bean filling. This treat is a local specialty of Gyeongju — so much so that locals and visitors refer to it as Gyeongju bread.
You can find this treat at various food shops and vendors throughout the city.
Incheon is more than just an airport hub
Anyone who flies into South Korea will instantly recognize Incheon, at least by name. It is home to the country’s largest international airport.
Long before the creation of the airport in 2001, though, there was the Incheon port through which goods from China arrived and were sold.
The port also paved the way for the establishment of Incheon’s Chinatown, where the blend of Chinese and Korean flavors endures in the neighborhood’s small slew of standout restaurants.
I recommend taking a walk through the streets and alleyways of the neighborhood while munching on street food. I’m personally partial to the giant fried dumplings and tanghulu, or skewers of sugar-coated fruit, that I’ve enjoyed there.
If you have a chance, enjoy a sit-down meal of jjajangmyeon, a Chinese-Korean black bean noodle dish, and soak up some of the bustling area’s history and culture.
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