5 Best Cities to Visit in Korea

Most of you already know Seoul as the heart of Korea, but what about the hidden gems beyond the capital? Korea is full of exciting and beautiful cities, each offering a unique mix of culture, fun, and unforgettable experiences. From trendy exhibitions to food markets, K-drama filming locations, and water parks, we’ve rounded up five must-visit cities that deserve a spot on your travel list. Let’s explore! 👀

Explore the world of sound

Seoul <Audeum>

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An audio museum designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma and designer Kenya Hara. Audeum is specially designed to optimize speaker sound. It houses a lifetime collection of speakers curated by a famous Korean entrepreneur known for his vintage audio collection. You can explore 150 years of speakers dating back to the invention of the phonograph in 1877. Admission is free, but visits are by reservation only. The museum is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and a Korean phone number is required to complete the booking. Even locals find it extremely difficult to secure a visit, so if you're keen on visiting Audeum, make sure to have a Korean friend and constantly check the website! ✨

👀 Insider Tips

You can buy 1 ticket per person via online, and both the reservation opening date and viewing date are announced on the website. Note that guided tours are only available in Korean and runs for 2 hours.

Audeum
Attraction · Seoul

📍 Places to visit

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Daily Teum
A cultural complex space hosting pop-ups and exhibitions for the MZ generation. Just a 2-minute walk from Gangnam Station Exit 11, the venue features a surfing-themed café, a rooftop, a bookstore, and a photo studio.
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Adererror (Sinsa)
This is a trendy showroom for the brand ADERERROR, offering exhibition spaces, karaoke (singing room), and cafes. It's a great spot for shopping and entertainment, especially if you're into fashion and art.
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Starfield Library
This is a library and bookstore stacked with books from floor to ceiling. The highlight is the large central bookshelf, a famous photo spot for locals, so make sure to snap some great pictures when you stop by!

Ocean View Night Market

Busan <Millac The Market>

A multi-cultural space with a view of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge. There're three sections: a busking zone, an F&B zone, and steps overlooking the ocean. Open from 10 AM to midnight, and the waterfront night market operates from 8 PM to 3 AM except on Wednesday. Enjoy a variety of foods like Mulhoe (raw fish in cold broth), chicken, Pat-bingsu (shaved ice with red beans), Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and roasted corn with a DJ! 🎶 It's a popular hangout in Busan!

👀 Insider Tips

You're bound to wait in line when you swing by. There's less crowd on weekdays after 10 PM, and after midnight on weekends.

Millac The Market
Attraction · Busan

📍 Places to visit

Domoheon
A former mayor's residence has been converted into a multi-cultural space. It's a filming location for the K-drama Reborn Rich. The Sosofung Lounge and Momo's Coffee make it an excellent tourist spot!
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Museum 1
This art museum, reopened in 2022 as Museum 1, features trendy exhibitions. It has 8,000 LED displays in a 700 Pyeong (2,314㎡) duplex space, so make sure to stop by if you're traveling to Busan.
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Gwangalli Beach
One of Busan's iconic beaches, surrounded by ocean-view cafes and restaurants. The illuminated Gwangandaegyo Bridge is particularly stunning, making it one of the best places to see Busan at night.

Located near Seoul

Icheon <TERMEDEN>

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If you're looking to unwind in a warm outdoor bath during winter, or have fun at a grand water park, this is the place to go. It is modeled after Germany's Badehaus and features hot spring pools, indoor and outdoor spas, and saunas. You can also enjoy a forest bath filled with phytoncides if you stay in the luxury caravans or Hanok (traditional Korean houses) in the forest.

TERMEDEN
Attraction · Seoul

📍 Places to visit

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COYU
A cafe with views of the Ascending Kiln, a nationally designated cultural heritage. You can view and purchase Icheon ceramics, and its delicious coffee is popular too. Pets are welcome, so keep that in mind when visiting.
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Starlight Garden Ooozooo
A large garden themed after a fantastic universe. There are photo zones scattered throughout the area where you can take stunning pictures. It's also known for its illuminations, so swing by in the evening!
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Simmons Terrace
A multi-cultural space operated by the famous bed brand Simmons. It features a bed showroom, cafe, exhibition space, and photo zones, making it a great place to relax and take stylish photos.

Outstanding Architectural Beauty

Daegu <mrnw>

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A multi-cultural space where you can enjoy art, shopping, and gourmet dining. Known for its impressive architecture and interior design, as well as hosting a variety of exhibitions. You can visit a restaurant called Stalk for delicious Western cuisine, or their famous dessert cafe called Piper, a sunglasses showroom, or an outdoor garden, so there's never a dull moment!

mrnw
Attraction · 대구 북구

📍 Places to visit

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Cheongna Hill
A symbolic place where Daegu's modern culture blossomed, with exotic buildings. Explore missionary houses and the Jeil Church to learn about Daegu's modern history and the early history of Korean Christianity.
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Apsan Cafe Street
It was once a wealthy neighborhood with luxury homes, but now it is teeming with restaurants and cafes. There's a wide variety of styles to choose from, including cozy cafes, hand-drip specialty cafes, and dessert-centric cafes.
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Seomun Market
A long-established traditional market in Daegu. It sells everything from K-food to clothing and household goods. On weekends, don't miss out on their large night market that offers plenty of things to do and eat!

Reborn through Upcycling

Jeju <Jeju Holic Museum>

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Once a sanatorium built 50 years ago, this space has transformed into a vibrant exhibition hall. The venue is divided into five sections, including Jeju: Speaking with Light, an artistic showcase using light to capture the beauty of Jeju, and Experience Jeju, an interactive exhibit where visitors can engage in activities and uncover Jeju’s unique stories in an entertaining way.

Jeju Holic Museum
Attraction · Jeju(Aewol/Hallim)

📍 Places to visit

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St. Isidore Farm
Enjoy Jeju's natural beauty and pastoral scenery! This farm is well-known for its arch-shaped building Ctesiphon and milk carton-shaped sculptures. Don't forget to try the ice cream at the cafe, Uyubudan.
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Sing Sing Sing
A roller skating rink for both kids and adults. You can skate under colorful lights. The second floor houses a cafe where you can get coffee and desserts before or after your skating session.
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Sumokwon Night Market
A night market located in Jeju's oldest and largest pine forest. It features a variety of food trucks and small business booths, with illuminated sculptures installed all over the market.

2025.02.12